“I’ve only been back for two days after being away filming for a new TV show.
“It was so nice to just get back home and chill. My kids made me jam tarts and a chocolate cake so when I got back there was that and a cup of tea waiting for me – which was really cute!
“Over the last week I’ve visited the most exquisite places – Barcelona, Corsica, Gibraltar, Alicante – here, there any everywhere.
“I’m the worst when it comes to trying new foods, I think I’ve actually got a bit of phobia, so I really surprised myself by eating lots of different fish.
“It was difficult, but it inspired me – so much so that I’ve just ordered a KitchenAid Mixer. My (early) New Year’s resolution is to learn how to properly bake with my kids.
“In fact, while I was away I got taught how to make the perfect cake mix for a great sponge. You weigh your eggs, before cracking them, and however much they weigh, you match with caster sugar and self-raising flour – that will give you the perfect sponge every time.
“Try it and let me know how you get on!
“I’ve been catching up on The X Factor this week, and I have got to talk about the six chair challenge!
“There’s a few who got through that I’m a bit surprised at, but Simon Cowell really impressed me. When he swapped Joseph McCaul for Vicky Ann Ash, that was a really good move in my opinion.
“Obviously he didn’t think, because he swapped her out again later! Despite that, I think it’s clear now that Simon is serious about the voices. That part of the competition is harsh but it’s what you sign up for!
“Speaking of Simon, I read something he said this week about his son Eric. Apparently Simon was worried Eric hated him when he was first born because he wasn’t responding to him – I have to say I know what that feels like!
“While I was away my husband was here with the kids and, when I got back, my youngest Miley, she only wanted to be with daddy, she didn’t want to see mummy. It took a day for her to all of a sudden be like, ‘Oh yeah, I know who you are now!’
“If I was Simon, I’d want to make as much time for Eric as possible because they grow so quickly. You don’t get them at that age for long – Miley, who’s a similar age to Eric, has grown so much in the last year alone, but thankfully I’m in a position to be able to take her with me.
“I saw some stuff in the press this week about Peter Andre, and some labelling him ‘vain’ and ‘arrogant’ – I don’t think that’s true. I’ve met him a few times and, on those occasions, he’s been an absolutely lovely guy, he really has.
“What goes on behind the scenes, of course, I don’t know. He might be horrible behind closed doors – we’ve all got a horrible streak! I don’t think there’s anything arrogant about him, but he does look after himself!
“However I will say being on a show like that you are open to being judged on everything, not just your dancing.
“I’ve just got to finish on Kerry Katona this week. I love that Brian McFadden is standing by her while she goes through her split from George Kay. I’m not surprised though: I’ve met Brian on numerous occasions and he is a lovely guy who absolutely dotes on his kids.
“Kerry’s very lucky – not many ex-husband’s would offer to take on all of your kids while you get your head together. When you’re going through something like that you’re vulnerable and for Brian to be there for her like that is just lovely.
“After being away from my kids for a couple of weeks I’m off now for a while! It might be half term but we’re off to the Black Country Museum in Birmingham this week – I just love to educate my kids!
“I’ve got Jay James coming for dinner on Friday, with Victoria and their little girl Nova, and on Sunday I’m going to Jamie Vardy’s little girl’s first birthday party.
“I’m also organising a house warming for my new extension/Halloween Party and we’re decorating the house all scary and everyone’s got to dress up! So if you’ve got any ideas for child-friendly costumes, let me know because I’m struggling! And, before you say it, I’ve already thought about going as myself!
“Love, Sam xxx”