tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90669744043198235742024-03-04T21:21:20.948-08:00Across This Pageacrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-51769976871410974292018-12-21T08:55:00.003-08:002018-12-21T08:55:51.120-08:00Jack and the Beanstalk at The Mercury Theatre <div style="text-align: center;">
On Monday we was very lucky to be invited to visit The Mercury Theatre for this year's pantomime, Jack and The Beanstalk. Lylie is only just two so perhaps a little young to fully appreciate the story of Jack and The Beanstalk, however she was captivated for the entire performance which lasted two and a half hours with a twenty minute interval. Although pantomime is generally aimed at family friendly fun there was definitely some references thrown in just for the adults benefit which had myself and my husband giggling away. Dame Trott, Jack's mum was comedy gold for the duration and as a big finale even gave the man sitting next to me a very welcomed birthday lap dance he will never forget.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhYw-QV3-WVBqInlsianf4fcq8bi1-6Up_shaztyIgPCTDRo_MB4YDHYI5JvNsSic-UYbHVVgesjwnTIJMAoBNWlK_68G5cgPVvkO1-0Th1UT50Mn5OzzUo1F-DfNYYcojewazr-m6h9W/s1600/48376981_326439751531632_1630832286683365376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhYw-QV3-WVBqInlsianf4fcq8bi1-6Up_shaztyIgPCTDRo_MB4YDHYI5JvNsSic-UYbHVVgesjwnTIJMAoBNWlK_68G5cgPVvkO1-0Th1UT50Mn5OzzUo1F-DfNYYcojewazr-m6h9W/s640/48376981_326439751531632_1630832286683365376_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Yes there is a boy called Jack, a giant (sort of) and a beanstalk but this is not a story you have previously heard... you will understand when I tell you the key 'he's behind you' moment cam curtsy of Darth Vader... I'm serious!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpdvssQBGCSRQTdskVCCE_Z3QtTY2o3NMWZjuorKDfVoBjoJ0sUAf8o6rYf6woduYTmRfl9zIMGUabI8Y3V__xhc0qHg4D1ai9ueXoJB1A5taK3wgG4Fg9MbqBNonGzsrgVGYhPvGaa65/s1600/48380713_2323506824350546_4804886016907280384_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpdvssQBGCSRQTdskVCCE_Z3QtTY2o3NMWZjuorKDfVoBjoJ0sUAf8o6rYf6woduYTmRfl9zIMGUabI8Y3V__xhc0qHg4D1ai9ueXoJB1A5taK3wgG4Fg9MbqBNonGzsrgVGYhPvGaa65/s320/48380713_2323506824350546_4804886016907280384_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyL19gQUwyFjr6t8e8QCtNbrA6atHFX5GKl8GKJ1pfF8eBapd8-yIUkiqpin78dVqV-IxqoIuxIgJQwuB66ciOIALzT3C3EtM-7E6E1VE4sYkwB1P7S-R-sNAbcM9ZpydIdTzMXn1f-1c/s1600/48383401_371620880259546_9175973799978336256_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1166" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyL19gQUwyFjr6t8e8QCtNbrA6atHFX5GKl8GKJ1pfF8eBapd8-yIUkiqpin78dVqV-IxqoIuxIgJQwuB66ciOIALzT3C3EtM-7E6E1VE4sYkwB1P7S-R-sNAbcM9ZpydIdTzMXn1f-1c/s320/48383401_371620880259546_9175973799978336256_n.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The man who completely stole the show for us was Day-Z the rapping Cow, Lylie hasn't stopped talking about him since. And she sobbed uncontrollably when Jack sold him for magic beans 'Oh no mummy poor Day-Z, poor Day-Z' I had to calm her down with chocolate buttons until she knew he was safe. The show was full of audience participation, lots of booing at the bad guy and to Lylie's complete delight the chance to have a boogie to her favourite ever song, baby shark! The music was a mix up of lots of well known songs, including Queen classics and That Greatest Showman song the world is going crazy for. The Mercury Theatre were able to keep the show current, even managing to include flossing and dabbing sending the school children at our showing into excited applause throughout the performance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8obHrTA2PDaaFU-iGRAruDmIuITXEE0D3h4D96dyRjWmVLEhbXlvNECYggRvIy_jGxmdwdoIXVExNjcKFNRubLLIjW2IVMLBtQFnsAOnA_DAt0GjzoXDYInp0-tGJu4B94AqUWWhq7Cx/s1600/day.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="751" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8obHrTA2PDaaFU-iGRAruDmIuITXEE0D3h4D96dyRjWmVLEhbXlvNECYggRvIy_jGxmdwdoIXVExNjcKFNRubLLIjW2IVMLBtQFnsAOnA_DAt0GjzoXDYInp0-tGJu4B94AqUWWhq7Cx/s640/day.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you are looking for some good family fun that you will all enjoy I 100% recommend this pantomime. And as always the mercury theatre is a pleasure to visit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_96432969"></span><span id="goog_96432970"></span><br /></div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-59670692397159303502018-08-05T13:04:00.001-07:002018-08-05T13:04:17.515-07:00Babe, the Sheep Pig at the Mercury Theatre <div style="text-align: center;">
On Thursday we was very fortunate to be invited to this years summer family show Babe, the Sheep Pig at The Mercury Theatre in Colchester. I was instantly excited, and then a little nervous. You are promised 90 minutes of fun although trying to keep a 22 month old toddler still for that long is nothing short of a miracle... well they do say miracles happen! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_fsrxciR4suHBTVLNGE7pAqL0o0Zz9yswaf2zAB6S88oQn_qW85Zu6QY2z9kXzxstCDK8ew2rDd7JizLCAlKZAe1W0TfSYVqqzogDsMzQwdihyZCPgHRl-gEC914OhwHoAopfYDXH9EY/s1600/38600118_2223726701190722_3872161579986321408_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_fsrxciR4suHBTVLNGE7pAqL0o0Zz9yswaf2zAB6S88oQn_qW85Zu6QY2z9kXzxstCDK8ew2rDd7JizLCAlKZAe1W0TfSYVqqzogDsMzQwdihyZCPgHRl-gEC914OhwHoAopfYDXH9EY/s640/38600118_2223726701190722_3872161579986321408_n.jpg" width="556" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
From the very first 'Baaaa' the whole audience was hooked, in fact for an auditorium of mostly very young children I think you would have been able to hear a pin drop in the stalls up until the interval. I instantly warmed to Jessica Dyas, Fly the sheep dog. Jessica narrated the play, she played the part wonderfully as warm and reassuring a pleasure to get to know, the perfect mum figure. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The show was lively and energetic throughout, moving on quickly from one scene to the next as to not loose the attention of the young audience. Although it is clear that this show is aimed at children I would say it is just as enjoyable for their adult chaperons, with lots of humor. The cast is relatively small, and both myself and my friend commented on the unbelievably quick costume changes (as someone who attended stage school from the age of two I can vouch that this is not a task to be scoffed at) these fabulous actors even played instruments live on stage which was very impressive indeed. Jonathan Cobb acted as puppeteer for Babe, at first I thought this would be distracting and confusing for the children as the rest of the animals are played by actors but he did such a great job you really didn't end up looking at him at all, which sounds a little bit mean, but I think that was the aim! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWWh0-v-2bRUZcWhQPIEWn5Tr2WBGEY5IKrQ_7BpN0Lg-7SEUoa2tcAnZStE8hh5JqfiuCWER0PtSd0ghEk1vyaFXuSQxzeCc_zcSgit9B8ZHSjI0EPr2fA7yzRaBYa0uo-o4Q_uv6GFk/s1600/38507726_1850070501741335_2088481191173816320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWWh0-v-2bRUZcWhQPIEWn5Tr2WBGEY5IKrQ_7BpN0Lg-7SEUoa2tcAnZStE8hh5JqfiuCWER0PtSd0ghEk1vyaFXuSQxzeCc_zcSgit9B8ZHSjI0EPr2fA7yzRaBYa0uo-o4Q_uv6GFk/s640/38507726_1850070501741335_2088481191173816320_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnc56XWxHAmVFB3O4iNO3PLraDqAWysJH8vyGg7YbTMOpR9Medb6sN0SQ0HJlKeDaUWV-lKXZynBNkcf6xSfyelsQg7hCthsrxJ-b3IrB0KswprM82AeuAVF_Eimy0ru0KLAiD5sqzc1_/s1600/38702073_1354566261340177_1511630073587826688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnc56XWxHAmVFB3O4iNO3PLraDqAWysJH8vyGg7YbTMOpR9Medb6sN0SQ0HJlKeDaUWV-lKXZynBNkcf6xSfyelsQg7hCthsrxJ-b3IrB0KswprM82AeuAVF_Eimy0ru0KLAiD5sqzc1_/s640/38702073_1354566261340177_1511630073587826688_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lylie was amazed for the entire first half, I had snacks at the ready and hardly needed them at all. At the end of the first half there was a sad scene with one of the sheep meeting a fate which can be common in live stock this could be scary for some smaller or particularly sensitive children and although Lylie did fidget as she sensed the tension in the room, as children often do, the part which really scared her was the complete black out at the end of the first half. Although the lights did come up relatively quickly this did bother her for the rest of the show, we had lots of 'oh no, the lights have gone' 'come back lights' There is a short nightmare scene during the second half which she found a bit upsetting although as it was dark I think she was actually more worried about the lights potentially going out again rather than what was actually happening on stage. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the end of the show all of the children were invited onto the farm to meet the characters, which was a wonderful opportunity and something both Lylie and I enjoyed. The cast were only to happy to make animal noises for the children and give out high five's. Lylie was the last kid on stage and I think she would have happily stayed up there with the actor's if I had let her. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lsxbPh_h8tT0gR6m8IPcTil4uAXzl7Q3t40OJCs76Jp0JQkr9hL8PNCV1C-xaei_JZjWhicHoWJg1nhp_xywxSGKZVy1YL_-bXJxKspBl3P6Ey4MgSsi-aKdZBqPwgPH9oozMA1nCrnB/s1600/38471067_693429894339702_7492208803035742208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lsxbPh_h8tT0gR6m8IPcTil4uAXzl7Q3t40OJCs76Jp0JQkr9hL8PNCV1C-xaei_JZjWhicHoWJg1nhp_xywxSGKZVy1YL_-bXJxKspBl3P6Ey4MgSsi-aKdZBqPwgPH9oozMA1nCrnB/s640/38471067_693429894339702_7492208803035742208_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpAegDwV6oBrFCaylbhmzb88FQa3NRnqF3-goL_HfIgX_IPNDqpTIcIEjyIky-0GYG96jRJf-a9TXe2FefjF9vPJqcHhIqS7yOjw7J_OVk20JoY-x1RD_QNQpC5IuP_qoSoLt-SXhyphenhyphen17I/s1600/38612535_1089934284487435_3404423522439659520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpAegDwV6oBrFCaylbhmzb88FQa3NRnqF3-goL_HfIgX_IPNDqpTIcIEjyIky-0GYG96jRJf-a9TXe2FefjF9vPJqcHhIqS7yOjw7J_OVk20JoY-x1RD_QNQpC5IuP_qoSoLt-SXhyphenhyphen17I/s640/38612535_1089934284487435_3404423522439659520_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mercury Theater itself was wonderful, very clean and beautifully kept and right in the heart of Colchester town center the perfect location to grab a bite to eat before or after the show and really make a day of it. I also noticed the theatre had booster seats available so if you are worried about where you will be seated and little ones view being obstructed this is something to make note of before being seated. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are on the look out for Summer Holiday fun, Babe, the Sheep pig is being shown until the 26th August and you can get your tickets <a href="https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/babe/" target="_blank">HERE </a>. Although there was two very short 'scarier' parts I would absolutely recommend this show for your little one's first trip to the theatre. Lylie has been telling everyone about the piggy all weekend. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-39620517398210455352018-07-04T08:25:00.001-07:002018-07-04T08:25:20.101-07:00We love a Tipsy Tea Party <div style="text-align: center;">
The sun was shining over the bank holiday weekend and the only place to be on Saturday afternoon was at the Rayleigh club where the beautiful Amy Langmead hosted her first tipsy tea party. Luckily for me hair of the dog was exactly what I needed, as soon as I walked through the door naked men were handing me glasses of bubbles.... OK they weren't exactly naked ... but still. There didn't seem to be any holding back on the bubble's, Amy knows how much us Essex ladies love them, they kept flowing all day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDf-CF3zfloTFWsG_z7nIyYODe67UDNwxg8NLbrT2VbtVoXLpGGmjKx5_fAbfoh_nu45uFSYIqqCPnGZbtheqajV-L-3MXZjLlT84EL8WSxfJBTB8G4VQ6Q0SC4fbG1TR1qzTkckPbV3P/s1600/36566662_10155815075377842_4078039896722243584_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDf-CF3zfloTFWsG_z7nIyYODe67UDNwxg8NLbrT2VbtVoXLpGGmjKx5_fAbfoh_nu45uFSYIqqCPnGZbtheqajV-L-3MXZjLlT84EL8WSxfJBTB8G4VQ6Q0SC4fbG1TR1qzTkckPbV3P/s640/36566662_10155815075377842_4078039896722243584_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsCCiu6TFVZ-AYK-Ei39ErEh-wBtDfotDUVrvgK4Nyxq2tvN0wxyuFnc6MQupwsUG9rmwnu3-ETcGIeBWVxwPGArSncOrm2kq88Q836DQ4gbbLm_moKnUnjlFCVfidqNSq0qsZ6J2DIws/s1600/36566664_10155815075007842_7527973584120053760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsCCiu6TFVZ-AYK-Ei39ErEh-wBtDfotDUVrvgK4Nyxq2tvN0wxyuFnc6MQupwsUG9rmwnu3-ETcGIeBWVxwPGArSncOrm2kq88Q836DQ4gbbLm_moKnUnjlFCVfidqNSq0qsZ6J2DIws/s640/36566664_10155815075007842_7527973584120053760_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The food was delicious and plentiful however the focus was definitely more on the entertainment, there was so much going on that I almost forgot to fill my belly with the delicious sandwiches and cakes available. The cakes were just a glitzy as the party decor, sparkle on everything - the red velvet cake was as yummy as it was gorgeous! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIP-IPAYHvYZXdgfQbtsDWJvFmpELD4orH218gMo76y_txy0YcYxiBecBiHjBEOh1_AtcZvXTyeOwGYsvbjmVTC7Qg5mpvzdg7-NHcLK2AGTPBM9hFj8q0PLIPB5o4klXCVhNw15PqM4n/s1600/36603036_10155815075022842_2176617987421765632_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIP-IPAYHvYZXdgfQbtsDWJvFmpELD4orH218gMo76y_txy0YcYxiBecBiHjBEOh1_AtcZvXTyeOwGYsvbjmVTC7Qg5mpvzdg7-NHcLK2AGTPBM9hFj8q0PLIPB5o4klXCVhNw15PqM4n/s640/36603036_10155815075022842_2176617987421765632_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wSonYtXuHqoksanF7uydl3QlI21hQCRPX882F0A15Fjc53mCQl-FvbssRzH0hWABuBegjeJIDVTxm30mCinGV-zfriloRej9_G5kqEkJ0lzOTmmukticHiJ_h3oBO-D0Tw-RjlZLODsY/s1600/36666672_10155815075857842_1321493606560694272_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1598" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wSonYtXuHqoksanF7uydl3QlI21hQCRPX882F0A15Fjc53mCQl-FvbssRzH0hWABuBegjeJIDVTxm30mCinGV-zfriloRej9_G5kqEkJ0lzOTmmukticHiJ_h3oBO-D0Tw-RjlZLODsY/s640/36666672_10155815075857842_1321493606560694272_n.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Singing waiters took the lime light of the day, there wasn't a dry eye in the house everyone was in hysterics. We were all calling for an encore when they finished and I was even given a rose. Lucky Me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By the middle of the event everyone was feeling a little bit tipsy, there was lots of singing and dancing like a big friendly party. The lovely Amy even treated us to some vocal styling she has such a wonderful voice it was a real highlight of the day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was very kindly invited for free however at only £35pp it was such good value for money, everyone was commenting on how the event was able to fun and be so amazing as such an affordable price. The only negative thing to say was that we needed at least another four hours to party!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqw3C4lhiDLPqf3-lneSHUC9U0pAFFZLVJz3y3c-9570Q1fMc_3dBjtyItSY7VlTyDvKXVvSIbtMTPoZ23AVyYru2ie__T9r-t5Ne31tMKFlZRwwqyFMpcdO1Sq2J5bTEsvGMN7HZ1yqAa/s1600/36640196_10155815075752842_3756168484849975296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqw3C4lhiDLPqf3-lneSHUC9U0pAFFZLVJz3y3c-9570Q1fMc_3dBjtyItSY7VlTyDvKXVvSIbtMTPoZ23AVyYru2ie__T9r-t5Ne31tMKFlZRwwqyFMpcdO1Sq2J5bTEsvGMN7HZ1yqAa/s640/36640196_10155815075752842_3756168484849975296_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLzvMddxUJHVQ71btOzhfP4e4UlXn4g0FChTO779siIpYTf6s4zews8cud6ceHZlPkXbTQ1MlfywL154cfZ9A-P7YkgFrBhi3PyhVdHx6faeXT_-ooHAK2TnIw_gIP1fpQ2SDCBe-w36N/s1600/36640266_10155815075507842_8273677080340725760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLzvMddxUJHVQ71btOzhfP4e4UlXn4g0FChTO779siIpYTf6s4zews8cud6ceHZlPkXbTQ1MlfywL154cfZ9A-P7YkgFrBhi3PyhVdHx6faeXT_-ooHAK2TnIw_gIP1fpQ2SDCBe-w36N/s640/36640266_10155815075507842_8273677080340725760_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfiHbslGpvhiZ00ypDOawcI0VGJn72_VPrhjL8S3Jcm644t1KhLhet7GccVienv_SX-H-rXexJmfI0mMVqZsWSvVDlH0yy0hBIRMw0roX8D7_l9TxkmmWHKOYcEOEw7QRbUKaPl9dTBd9/s1600/36630732_10155815090222842_7434051960845631488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="644" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfiHbslGpvhiZ00ypDOawcI0VGJn72_VPrhjL8S3Jcm644t1KhLhet7GccVienv_SX-H-rXexJmfI0mMVqZsWSvVDlH0yy0hBIRMw0roX8D7_l9TxkmmWHKOYcEOEw7QRbUKaPl9dTBd9/s640/36630732_10155815090222842_7434051960845631488_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit<a href="https://www.naomimillbanksmith.co.uk/single-post/2018/05/16/Tipsy-Tea-Party" target="_blank"> Naomi Millbank-Smith</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was very lucky to meet some wonderful local blogging ladies, sometimes at events when you are sitting down with bloggers you do not know it can feel quite awkward but this event was so relaxed it made everyone in the room feel like old friends. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I will definitely be booking onto another Pink Vanilla event soon! If you are looking for something extra special for your birthday, a hen doo or even just a night with the girls <a href="https://www.pinkvanillaevents.com/" target="_blank">Pink Vanilla Events</a> have you covered! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-91265653563724375892018-06-24T15:09:00.000-07:002018-06-24T15:09:06.077-07:00Toddlers on Planes<div style="text-align: center;">
We recently took the plunge and went for it... we took the toddler abroad. When ever anyone asked if I was excited for my holiday only one thing entered my mind, sheer panic about the flight! Even though I like to think as a mother I have now gotten over the caring what other people think about... well anything anymore really, it still panicked me that I wouldn't be able to escape if she did kick off. And my kid is a particularly head strong little thing. I thought I would share with you a couple of things that got me through the travelling aspect of our holibobs! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSfp2TMkoR1haMBCdRJ-0JCR4X5hIXPl0s8jsUgg8uzd1V_ODJC_Do87FGs6BtqWm7JURgEWz-JJ0rDSwLi3PvREv0ZyBTRrlvGmTmrdeMGyPTRpCvQ-vp9dLbTcwAbgZnaUD3CC4Vwg0/s1600/36188007_10155795196522842_3240680256511672320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1598" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSfp2TMkoR1haMBCdRJ-0JCR4X5hIXPl0s8jsUgg8uzd1V_ODJC_Do87FGs6BtqWm7JURgEWz-JJ0rDSwLi3PvREv0ZyBTRrlvGmTmrdeMGyPTRpCvQ-vp9dLbTcwAbgZnaUD3CC4Vwg0/s640/36188007_10155795196522842_3240680256511672320_n.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>1. Consider the time of the flight - </b>I know this is not always possible, however if you do have a choice pick the time of your flight wisely. Our outward flight was perfect timing, just after a nap and before food. Lylie was loving all the snacks they kept her amused for the majority of the time. However the inward flight was past bedtime, Lylie would not sleep and got herself so over tired we had a few tears.<br />
<br />
<b>2. When you think you have packed enough snacks pack more snacks - </b>Pack things that will take them a while to eat, little packets of raisins, bread sticks and dip (my girl loves to dip) and white chocolate buttons are all winners.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Do NOT underestimate the power of stickers - </b>Why is it that all kids love stickers? Lylie lives for them, there isn't a day that goes past that I do not get stuck with at least one. As annoying as they are (because she puts them all on top of each other and completely defeats the object) stickers always keep her amused for a while.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Let them entertain the crowd - </b>Apart from the lady sitting next to us who decided an Easy Jet flight to Marbella would be the perfect place for a conference call (no idea how she had wifi but something wizardly was going on there) everyone on the plane spent the entire journey gushing over Lylie, she loves the attention so lapped it up, waving and blowing kissing and generally doing her thing.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Go with the flow - </b>It's really hard to stick to a plan when travelling with toddlers, something unexpected always happens. So just do what ever you can to keep the atmosphere calm and make sure those chocolate buttons are within reach AT ALL TIMES!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcWr3P0FQ3T1QwZs7kY5Jb46yPlrByqhlsifimcfRq3PQHJOy1Qbf-3RFRyGiz3wqSSmYrw0wDutSx_-Ttn8aTorlt14kStxFDi2RRDmNh2XgyK76T6FcEuCzNdJhsfXBeI25uBnqYBTF/s1600/36087415_10155795196552842_9222958590417960960_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcWr3P0FQ3T1QwZs7kY5Jb46yPlrByqhlsifimcfRq3PQHJOy1Qbf-3RFRyGiz3wqSSmYrw0wDutSx_-Ttn8aTorlt14kStxFDi2RRDmNh2XgyK76T6FcEuCzNdJhsfXBeI25uBnqYBTF/s640/36087415_10155795196552842_9222958590417960960_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Are you going away this year? I'd love to know! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-62267653239148400062018-05-30T07:27:00.000-07:002018-05-30T07:27:08.323-07:00Do you believe in fairies? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On bank holiday Monday we spent the day with the fairies at Nevendon Manor. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wasn't sure what I was walking into and it is fair to say this place was an instagrammer's dream come true, I was completely in my element.... and Lylie loved it too! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PEZeO8k9jpGu_xpKzRBcB-QvrJ4PhOjwQI_bNxtqf8vCnaEmOn7Ay0L9gk5Wq4If0tOC7_cvHEdqfBAmxa4W51XYsOoBo_NY3uBQvevMjipVydiTrtP9OFntlkezw1O-pckCH-3pzeHO/s1600/33688182_10155735998357842_4401418799165734912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PEZeO8k9jpGu_xpKzRBcB-QvrJ4PhOjwQI_bNxtqf8vCnaEmOn7Ay0L9gk5Wq4If0tOC7_cvHEdqfBAmxa4W51XYsOoBo_NY3uBQvevMjipVydiTrtP9OFntlkezw1O-pckCH-3pzeHO/s640/33688182_10155735998357842_4401418799165734912_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We embarked on a journey around an enchanted wood led by Lilly a little girl who truly wanted to believe. I can not fault Lilly's acting, for such a young lady she captivated the attention of both adults and children making the experience truly magical. Actually everyone involved was fantastic and truly made the magic of the fairies come alive. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCtLrrG8R79-ggrDzVcIKKPq2dWjMvtA2dypCGUopOVG_5PdDT8xkjAk8FNS_nK-iIxauoNwJN2OJ29aDiCDDmOoLfVUkATO3qkYZEGVQ0HlmPzxMcBx8MLib-1hT9Ac9wQJseBkDPSDg/s1600/33693115_10155735998322842_8253359157726412800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="960" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCtLrrG8R79-ggrDzVcIKKPq2dWjMvtA2dypCGUopOVG_5PdDT8xkjAk8FNS_nK-iIxauoNwJN2OJ29aDiCDDmOoLfVUkATO3qkYZEGVQ0HlmPzxMcBx8MLib-1hT9Ac9wQJseBkDPSDg/s640/33693115_10155735998322842_8253359157726412800_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DvOJlcYN6eL81YGSWgQdDXhpNKu_-wfKSw-olltc0bTATrdA5izGZjfezKPWkzQi1V6a-7Eqkp1F2MSukyu9F-s3BzSGqEhdIq0bn9SB6LvBBLsgDC5OI04lz9bVSFshJCaDLFpX3ee6/s1600/33711474_10155735999642842_5168018853174706176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="960" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DvOJlcYN6eL81YGSWgQdDXhpNKu_-wfKSw-olltc0bTATrdA5izGZjfezKPWkzQi1V6a-7Eqkp1F2MSukyu9F-s3BzSGqEhdIq0bn9SB6LvBBLsgDC5OI04lz9bVSFshJCaDLFpX3ee6/s640/33711474_10155735999642842_5168018853174706176_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
All of the children were made to feel like an important part in the journey to help Lilly believe, not one of the actors broke character even the fairies were gracefully on point throughout the duration. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The attention to deal in the props was so impressive with sparkly butterflies embedded into the tree's and magical looking toad stalls everywhere. I know this post is photo heavy but there was too much to take in everything was a photo opportunity. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesGb-7W9c-_mkxf8SWrEIRa4jxqowieMpyT91Mzicu-I32G1U3epXWMKaU_2ED_wk-U4UCy2uphbLPTm4DyFrPHltNHsCPdTXSu8ezCdXraGM5iuaeFurspqFCTFUjeBDSQaCwbpqgZPH/s1600/33744759_10155735999542842_4392959873961164800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesGb-7W9c-_mkxf8SWrEIRa4jxqowieMpyT91Mzicu-I32G1U3epXWMKaU_2ED_wk-U4UCy2uphbLPTm4DyFrPHltNHsCPdTXSu8ezCdXraGM5iuaeFurspqFCTFUjeBDSQaCwbpqgZPH/s640/33744759_10155735999542842_4392959873961164800_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6UvCzMi5DWzM9JW3B5hR13LR7SrkFQKMjqFZufGNBM2aPbCwfpyzSgx1uvCIMpa9X0ftGWra3bx5kcBgSQMxXozWtemkUlzLG8jfsXbL0q9eKU1hbo0Wl9ZPtbry3q9diFSudWA5qq8A/s1600/33745850_10155735999167842_4352158221520076800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="624" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6UvCzMi5DWzM9JW3B5hR13LR7SrkFQKMjqFZufGNBM2aPbCwfpyzSgx1uvCIMpa9X0ftGWra3bx5kcBgSQMxXozWtemkUlzLG8jfsXbL0q9eKU1hbo0Wl9ZPtbry3q9diFSudWA5qq8A/s640/33745850_10155735999167842_4352158221520076800_n.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lylie chose some fairy dust, the one she went for was Imagination, perfectly fitting for the morning we had. She held onto it tightly the whole morning as if her life depended on it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The fairy dust was an extra £2 and there were also stalls available if you wanted face painting or to pick up some fairy themed crafts. The tickets for the walk were just under £13 per person which when you see the effort that had gone into making the set so realistic and magical I think is probably fairly reasonable, although it is so engaging it feels like it's over before it's even begun. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hWOp9ihItheBM76mCltCk_9ZqxMh-_v82-L5lU3ZiR09XL06_jreeNjaape2VUknEkzNFBGEAT_fvsuDwle0-s1umOR-uJ8TzgoZ_XZPIuIYoLOBnPr4vIxj8UU5u2AIcvjmcQI51dcL/s1600/33757412_10155735998977842_4252284873085026304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hWOp9ihItheBM76mCltCk_9ZqxMh-_v82-L5lU3ZiR09XL06_jreeNjaape2VUknEkzNFBGEAT_fvsuDwle0-s1umOR-uJ8TzgoZ_XZPIuIYoLOBnPr4vIxj8UU5u2AIcvjmcQI51dcL/s640/33757412_10155735998977842_4252284873085026304_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgdizPNtkwXb8bjQvSiF57n8RLhW22YrJxeKujQXsK9T-WrLL1DOrcdz0vFpD8564hI0FctgfYhGqgwOqNdd9_z9mmT2LMsTYh8_oJlzt9PbM0XpbY-uMzttJmpO1XqVy3bDAurxeYEzm/s1600/33853801_10155735999612842_4120350448483827712_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgdizPNtkwXb8bjQvSiF57n8RLhW22YrJxeKujQXsK9T-WrLL1DOrcdz0vFpD8564hI0FctgfYhGqgwOqNdd9_z9mmT2LMsTYh8_oJlzt9PbM0XpbY-uMzttJmpO1XqVy3bDAurxeYEzm/s640/33853801_10155735999612842_4120350448483827712_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLpjCq9ySuq8xuILZztJcW1JbMV58ufR-J15fU4d-w02aqZb_gaErKESD2hBMf2U7xw1scbMfVBlEjEp059Kj51Amuhcn7MXEgl0FNEu6d3AyxuNUe4j7Rf7HnVWvSADybH6P1_HZUmSw/s1600/33869819_10155735998932842_53193663882199040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="958" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLpjCq9ySuq8xuILZztJcW1JbMV58ufR-J15fU4d-w02aqZb_gaErKESD2hBMf2U7xw1scbMfVBlEjEp059Kj51Amuhcn7MXEgl0FNEu6d3AyxuNUe4j7Rf7HnVWvSADybH6P1_HZUmSw/s640/33869819_10155735998932842_53193663882199040_n.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the end we met Ivy, the fairy who we had been searching for through the duration and she was dressed beautifully in white and greeted all of the children, they were all so captivated by her. Everyone got the opportunity to have a professional photo taken with Ivy which was an additional cost, obviously I had to get one, although Lylie does look less than impressed bless her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I must say I was a bit disappointed with the photo backdrop, the whole way round there was beautiful floral displays, magical mushrooms and fairy dust sparkling and then the photo set up was just tree's and a metal beam. A one point there was even a chair entwined by wood and woven with roses, so I feel like more people would have invested in the photo if they had spent a bit more time making that more impressive. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHx8Ahbw9dSHjNXjoJ-1TRnayHra45Toxz_TeG_2TYgsAmMZztvpCbm_iS1aD6mVSkUsFJRB3T1864N1tUO1zP-xM7nFrkHvuSM9hpQvSZaq9Ov6ZuE9uJ-hGv68S0ks4U5xN5YWmtsuG/s1600/33644946_10155735998337842_5642403213698138112_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="960" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHx8Ahbw9dSHjNXjoJ-1TRnayHra45Toxz_TeG_2TYgsAmMZztvpCbm_iS1aD6mVSkUsFJRB3T1864N1tUO1zP-xM7nFrkHvuSM9hpQvSZaq9Ov6ZuE9uJ-hGv68S0ks4U5xN5YWmtsuG/s640/33644946_10155735998337842_5642403213698138112_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Saying that I would definitely go to a Nevendon Manor event again. Unfortunately the fairy walk was only for the bank holiday weekend however tickets are on sale now for the <a href="https://www.tickettailor.com/all-tickets/35662/f908/" target="_blank">Santa walk </a>so I am sure we will be giving that one a try come December. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you believe in fairies?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-32201445475149703882018-05-02T13:34:00.003-07:002018-05-02T13:58:42.560-07:00How to take 'Instagrammable' photos of Toddlers<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Instagram is my favourite social platform (even with the stupid
algorithm) I love seeing how people express themselves through images. I would
say I am quite a visual person even though I am not very artistic, Instagram is
available for everyone to be creative in their own little way. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've always struggled with being in the photos for my blog, difficult
when you are writing lifestyle piece I know, so when my daughter was born and I
made the easy transition into parenting blogger I finally had my subject. Although
I am in some of the photos, mostly I am behind the camera snapping away, which
is my preferred location. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q0XEe1xbaPi5mpOOTt5qJc1c80cVihb1QHzLBzag7cKY31UlMXXYhAzzVBd_BJb0kJx788vodJ9YRXnIH5KrCdjRk3rTLK-kEOmZWZj_hklAJKvDefq7bUOkZ-kPwLzEMpoLaEe_Ys7c/s1600/31841512_10155682683467842_2580104609825554432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q0XEe1xbaPi5mpOOTt5qJc1c80cVihb1QHzLBzag7cKY31UlMXXYhAzzVBd_BJb0kJx788vodJ9YRXnIH5KrCdjRk3rTLK-kEOmZWZj_hklAJKvDefq7bUOkZ-kPwLzEMpoLaEe_Ys7c/s640/31841512_10155682683467842_2580104609825554432_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've had lots of new followers on Instagram (<a href="http://instagram.com/acrossthispage" target="_blank">FOLLOW ME HERE</a>) since I've
been styling photos of Lylie, and lots of lovely comments from friends saying
they really enjoy the images I've taken of her which is extremely flattering.
However, the phrase 'don't work with children and animals' still very much
stands. When your model is only 18 months old photo shoots can be a challenge,
it can be so frustrating when you have this angelic vision of how a photo is
supposed to look and your kid won't stop sticking their hands in their
mouth!! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O4yu-zcZZOS3F8M7d8CzwpWactISUUag5aP4eCjH3L4NIbC8D-EZ780HN4X21BtZRien0Rx4fajR22QK9IJ_xjNdDRCN0EWm9DyrVQqoXnZr8PXLlY62Hdsh06NU4hTvstLg7geXK70F/s1600/31732566_10155682683622842_4296798781724164096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O4yu-zcZZOS3F8M7d8CzwpWactISUUag5aP4eCjH3L4NIbC8D-EZ780HN4X21BtZRien0Rx4fajR22QK9IJ_xjNdDRCN0EWm9DyrVQqoXnZr8PXLlY62Hdsh06NU4hTvstLg7geXK70F/s640/31732566_10155682683622842_4296798781724164096_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16MOnRaSRXAL0OlyhgNbk2ZzxoAlKZ9NI9zJTA4dIz4mz1HzOWIT-WlJgFCjIHnvjgxK-kgt8p79zYvmKAieI4s0rGeG4SyP9Ozg6R39gwNukO88g0reNFbxwrC-623p_Xr86k5f1F-87/s1600/31822258_10155682683397842_509372014520172544_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16MOnRaSRXAL0OlyhgNbk2ZzxoAlKZ9NI9zJTA4dIz4mz1HzOWIT-WlJgFCjIHnvjgxK-kgt8p79zYvmKAieI4s0rGeG4SyP9Ozg6R39gwNukO88g0reNFbxwrC-623p_Xr86k5f1F-87/s640/31822258_10155682683397842_509372014520172544_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So here are some tips I've picked up on how to get great Instagrammable
photos of the toddlers, while hopefully having fun!! </span></div>
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Have a Vision Then Forget It</b>
- You will get so frustrated if you are so set on capturing a certain
image because it is unlikely that your toddler is going to pose exactly
how you want them to. Have an idea of what you want the finished image to
look like but be open to their interpretation. Nine times out of ten even
if I do get the shot I was hoping for I end up posting a completely
different one that looks more natural and candid.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Have Props</b> – It is always a
good idea to have props on hand. A tambourine you can shake above your
head so they will look in your direction or a doll they can hold so they
don’t do a runner.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Be REALLY REALLY Excited</b> –
It can be difficult when they are just not co-operating but if you are
having a great time they will feed off of your energy and also really
enjoy it. I always try to make photo shoots a bit game with lots of
laughing and running and playing in the meantime while I try to get my
desired image. If we are not both enjoying the process I always call it a
day and try again another time.</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7ujlSx6UVQfxacjF6MA7ipe_JhS6QVmkbOTfguFQfaVJr8j-oU86bmNmPfZm-Tk74X9JJw_WDWtH8HPBqVUgPiJxKYSY799Ec8qUQiPpRDU_iEKLcJML8TmH2IXVfhY6eklrfSxzIJJ6/s1600/31822831_10155682683647842_2392740780411191296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1600" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7ujlSx6UVQfxacjF6MA7ipe_JhS6QVmkbOTfguFQfaVJr8j-oU86bmNmPfZm-Tk74X9JJw_WDWtH8HPBqVUgPiJxKYSY799Ec8qUQiPpRDU_iEKLcJML8TmH2IXVfhY6eklrfSxzIJJ6/s640/31822831_10155682683647842_2392740780411191296_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
</span><br />
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Use Multi-Shot </b>– Although
you will end up with 800000000 of the same image. When you go through
everything you took you are sure to find some secret smiles you didn’t
even know you had managed to capture.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Be Ready</b> - As soon as your
toddler walks into the photo set up start snapping. You will probably only
get around 5 - 10 minutes before you have lost their attention and the
whole ordeal becomes boring. Usually the best shot is in the first couple
of shots.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Teach Them a Trick</b> - OK I
know this sounds a little mean. But recently Lylie has learnt that 'bum
against the wall' means to stand in front of the wall, she is always so
pleased with herself when she does it and it's the perfect pose for an
outfit shot.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Don't Be Afraid To Edit</b> -
Sometimes when I look through what I've taken I will think oh I wish I had
put something else in the shot. So instead of completely restarting I will
just take a photo without the toddler and then merge the two images.</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjr2CGJQJavfb01roM1kSZ6lI6Ebg1TapfC8n-Dlc5vuwmEzMAqZGUHjz4rLKp80x50YfufHm9yt3CFiDBeZ_tlGbN4LLKcd2yE4lQBM20gGqtZxqSoKWfC_TpJog3vCdawhFrEzQfD1ea/s1600/31705055_10155682683712842_6531322368634126336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjr2CGJQJavfb01roM1kSZ6lI6Ebg1TapfC8n-Dlc5vuwmEzMAqZGUHjz4rLKp80x50YfufHm9yt3CFiDBeZ_tlGbN4LLKcd2yE4lQBM20gGqtZxqSoKWfC_TpJog3vCdawhFrEzQfD1ea/s640/31705055_10155682683712842_6531322368634126336_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAFgWChyYzZwYs-h_kjjaleo3m-FGHotT_gCEeZdTlk2TtNWUiH93RepMYtRWq54fJ2F1Y2jN09CV6IMWzDEt5EupkbE679_oQIFReZ_J3CiV_NimRD3XRJhDObZrm8IKx63ZMDsthn_a/s1600/31732327_10155682683812842_7101097656448974848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAFgWChyYzZwYs-h_kjjaleo3m-FGHotT_gCEeZdTlk2TtNWUiH93RepMYtRWq54fJ2F1Y2jN09CV6IMWzDEt5EupkbE679_oQIFReZ_J3CiV_NimRD3XRJhDObZrm8IKx63ZMDsthn_a/s640/31732327_10155682683812842_7101097656448974848_n.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeox9qP1Wk8e0Nbg1vLNs4zG2PbOfsJU4FBuTWYG8NHV29BjpHGIJarY9kD5EB8zLjbWpG2csyO0JN2Gakkj6si6BiiLrgefwRbP02TL277CbaK0Rr28pHhzfVyug4mKquhEPECTYNmAp5/s1600/31769511_10155682685727842_6138988603771977728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="947" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeox9qP1Wk8e0Nbg1vLNs4zG2PbOfsJU4FBuTWYG8NHV29BjpHGIJarY9kD5EB8zLjbWpG2csyO0JN2Gakkj6si6BiiLrgefwRbP02TL277CbaK0Rr28pHhzfVyug4mKquhEPECTYNmAp5/s640/31769511_10155682685727842_6138988603771977728_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Smoke and Mirrors see!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hopefully some of these tips might have been of interest to you. Make sure you leave your Instagram handles below so we can connect! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></span></a></div>
</div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-50982765647293754192018-04-06T05:06:00.000-07:002018-04-06T05:06:53.682-07:00Lylie's best toddler tantrums<div style="text-align: center;">
With my daughter at 18 months old I thought I had a little while until the terrible twos started in my house, but apparently not. It seems that as soon as they can walk they start the whole 'strop flop' to the floor. This behavior is an expression of frustration, they are unable to use their words to explain to you what the problem is and you are unable to reason with them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLpXUIJb0jvWL120GjKuvT0grTVylMWS4r7EsfejlLOOV1O2W5bDEz-5S_2sG5stAsP_x7PhePGloCiw5aOuk8881CetUNJIQ-8YONZ3nSR6hT5IpLwKRLN4u4lM1EG-xJYE_sHx6-iaJ/s1600/Saturdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLpXUIJb0jvWL120GjKuvT0grTVylMWS4r7EsfejlLOOV1O2W5bDEz-5S_2sG5stAsP_x7PhePGloCiw5aOuk8881CetUNJIQ-8YONZ3nSR6hT5IpLwKRLN4u4lM1EG-xJYE_sHx6-iaJ/s640/Saturdays.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are many idea's on how to prevent tantrums or what to do during a tantrum. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Laughing is definitely not advisable. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, when your toddler is throwing a tantrum for some of the most random reasons you are a better human than me if you manage not to crack a smile. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just for some Friday fun here are a few of Lylie's that I have particularly enjoyed... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>I wouldn't let her eat DOG FOOD<br /></b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>I wouldn't let her use my dad's Catheter pot as a horn.<br /></b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>I wouldn't let her sit on my lap while I did a poo.<br /></b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>I wouldn't let her climb inside the washing machine.<br /></b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>She had to have her nappy changed</b> .... but this one is a bit more serious because it happens continuously throughout the day. Please let me know how I stop her from fighting me, she's so strong. </li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If your baby is at that tantrum throwing stage then let me know in the comments what are some of your best ones to date! Share the love :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-1453294358423691482018-03-16T07:04:00.004-07:002018-03-16T07:04:59.589-07:00Toys my one year old actually plays with!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Toys are everywhere in my house, it's like a sea of coloured plastic wherever I turn. If you happen to watch my <a href="http://instagram.com/acrossthispage" target="_blank">Instagram stories</a> you will know this is not an exaggeration. But what toys does my one year old actually play with? In a recent post I talked about <a href="http://acrossthispage.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/the-toy-rotation-realisation-you-need.html" target="_blank">the toy rotation realisation</a> and I still stand by this concept, however there are definitely some toys my little girl enjoys lots more than others. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVVS5naVR4GGQL9JkKJbhWPSevl7UqWfz1xP9-X5j-EjrQ_vP22YmH-rk_GwhUc1HvNALTXitwLGi9naLGb3YCw0jOvK4WhJMsFZXOQ5q96bYAxvA2S1eKQ897ni00mo4AxSKHEmZdFO6/s1600/32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tea Set, Toy Kitchen" border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1600" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVVS5naVR4GGQL9JkKJbhWPSevl7UqWfz1xP9-X5j-EjrQ_vP22YmH-rk_GwhUc1HvNALTXitwLGi9naLGb3YCw0jOvK4WhJMsFZXOQ5q96bYAxvA2S1eKQ897ni00mo4AxSKHEmZdFO6/s640/32.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1. Tea set - </b>Her obsession with tea cups is at an all time high, its particularly the stirring of the tea cup that she enjoys, although a close second is force feeding whoever is in touching distance what ever make believe beverage she has just been stirring. I actually went as far as to purchase some <a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/redberryapple/product/traditional-wooden-biscuit-gift-set?istCompanyId=aa76f5e6-d733-4e56-8409-574cea196cc9&istItemId=xmxmtpiaqi&istBid=t&gclid=CjwKCAiA_ojVBRAlEiwAOLRxI5lT2URSyLGQf7tLs5eGu8oUM0ijEV7nONRQbzJm0zhKex-9wz1dDxoC9g0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CMnmneWT39kCFaQR0wodoxUBBA" target="_blank">pretend biscuits</a> for her to dip in her imaginary tea which she really enjoys, although we do have tears if she isn't allowed to dunk said plastic biscuit in your real 'very hot' tea. We love this <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/product/9153934?cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59156|cid:189942085|agid:18091973005|tid:aud-144400486596:pla-96720113605|crid:77627773405|nw:g|rnd:6396498002650072570|dvc:c|adp:1o1|mt:|loc:1007008&gclid=CjwKCAiA_ojVBRAlEiwAOLRxI-sLl3JcnDIMOJtUYunOzeH50IGHctBbbhu1zXTiyX-IgVqS2B1pLBoCrrgQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Kettle from Leapfrog</a> which makes pouring sounds and also sings. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2. Kitchen - </b>I would suggest that the main appeal with the kitchen is the opening and closing of the doors and draws. It seems to be a universal hit with all toddlers, a toy kitchen is a worthy investment. To go along with the kitchen some baskets of <a href="http://www.melissaanddoug.com/" target="_blank">pretend food</a> are great, she can put them in and out and pretend to munch on them - a great time waster. At this age they are really enjoying copying what you are doing so these type of play pretend toys are bound to be a hit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl-wxe4_sy1a0SU9ctSQJFVpw0FNu-ZnNfhvmNTOHNQTRrUml75M7Nm1KeG8AI9U6eRtvERAPM9UNABMpaRs0fmG-ts5J5iy8KfJnZE6SeJEMz3supDPuJqlSV905eAQqeVtXIAHpp3NN/s1600/29258140_10155568535002842_7590075598584676352_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Toot Toot, Toot Toot Friends" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl-wxe4_sy1a0SU9ctSQJFVpw0FNu-ZnNfhvmNTOHNQTRrUml75M7Nm1KeG8AI9U6eRtvERAPM9UNABMpaRs0fmG-ts5J5iy8KfJnZE6SeJEMz3supDPuJqlSV905eAQqeVtXIAHpp3NN/s640/29258140_10155568535002842_7590075598584676352_o.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>3. Toot Toot/<a href="https://www.elc.co.uk/happyland-RBP.html?&cm_mmc=Google-_-Baby%20Toddler-_-ELC-UK-G-Exa-Happyland//Happyland-_-happyland+-+e&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&gclid=CjwKCAiA_ojVBRAlEiwAOLRxI9KdloNhQ5mBq6LzO8qhf2F83lmC3ZbsGN0cdoaNt7XNn_Z8hZreDBoCuVgQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Happy Land</a> - </b>This is a relatively new one for us but these type of play sets have become a staple game in our house. I am very excited that she is enjoying it as for me I can see it paving the way for Barbies (YAY!) Out of the two I personally enjoy <a href="https://www.vtech.co.uk/brands/brand_page/toottootfriends" target="_blank">Toot Toot</a> more, the people interact with each other which is very engaging. Lylie will spend ages putting the people on and off of different activity stations. She also really enjoys sets that have slides, she will send the characters down them while saying "weeeeeee". To buy these things new it can be quite costly, I would suggest checking in your local charity shops first or trying Facebook market place. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>4. Ball Pit - </b><a href="http://www.my-velinda.com/" target="_blank">Velinda</a><b> </b>very kindly sent me a ball pit to review last year and it is still one of the top toys in our house. Lylie enjoys climbing in and out of it (burning off some energy) she also likes throwing the balls and watching you try to catch them or running after them. I would definitely invest in a ball pit, it is a toy that I know will be fun for years to come.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7RSucpvY2WMlYHiokiTlYKNLFsHjDvWJuSaAnRKzkR7WmC-V_s63GXcgtpav3DYwgR3V09jgZeOJNYo1GhDLYEPfvNwCg_MKUlqlhS7pm1K2rhUpMhOXSsFT6mQLrdiGrVVYeL8bbgO0/s1600/28958342_10155549438372842_3114377925604933632_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Play House" border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="1600" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7RSucpvY2WMlYHiokiTlYKNLFsHjDvWJuSaAnRKzkR7WmC-V_s63GXcgtpav3DYwgR3V09jgZeOJNYo1GhDLYEPfvNwCg_MKUlqlhS7pm1K2rhUpMhOXSsFT6mQLrdiGrVVYeL8bbgO0/s640/28958342_10155549438372842_3114377925604933632_o.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>5. Play Door </b>- This product has actually been discontinued however there are other variations available on the market (or you may find this one second hand) It's a <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fisher-Price-G2809-Laugh-Learn-Home/dp/B0006H3CB6" target="_blank">Fisher Price interactive door</a> and again, same as the kitchen, the main appeal is closing the door and slamming the window shut. This one has little letters you can post through the letterbox which always gets a few giggles.<br />
<br />
6. <b><a href="https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/creativity-music-and-partyware/desk-easels-and-storage/my-new-colour-doodle-board/p/144338" target="_blank">Doodle Board</a></b> - Drawing is definitely one of the favourite things to do in our house, if my daughter sees a pen and isn't allowed to use it we will have a full blown break down, real life tears and everything. (so obviously all pens are hidden) to stop the chances of my child drawing on my walls I recently invested in a doodle board, and it has been such a hit, more than I expected. The big bonus being there is no mess and she is able to wipe the board clean easily and draw again and again. Only issue I have with this particular one is that the little stamps that accompany it do keep finding their way into her mouth, however the age suggestion is older than one so just make sure you supervise playtime with this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFmfe2p-Fg7lF3VE41i7SqLFmLRHRJpdIqZmPVMMIZ2sRamkzXScvr0L9dPSMgGDROHZnq-mGbsnI-mpYTEM3iGkcu5LUdcEO2df8mlXBFX2hUBXzmrZRejIiRem0F6BW0mCDqRaPmqEw/s1600/29249958_10155568535057842_1885253934411415552_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Doodle Board" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1147" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFmfe2p-Fg7lF3VE41i7SqLFmLRHRJpdIqZmPVMMIZ2sRamkzXScvr0L9dPSMgGDROHZnq-mGbsnI-mpYTEM3iGkcu5LUdcEO2df8mlXBFX2hUBXzmrZRejIiRem0F6BW0mCDqRaPmqEw/s640/29249958_10155568535057842_1885253934411415552_o.jpg" title="" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
If you are looking to update your child's toy selection I hope this post has given you some inspiration on what type of toys you could invest your money in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
</div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-59968320001294707282018-02-21T05:42:00.000-08:002018-02-21T05:42:32.656-08:00Tips to sooth or prevent nappy rash<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't realise the sheer quantity of drama's teething would bring. You hear whispers about it being hard work, but for me and the majority of my mum friends it has been a nightmare. Runny nose? Teeth. Cough? Teeth. Won't sleep? Teeth. Won't eat? Teeth. But so far the worst thing for us to come from the dreaded teething is extra poop's and a VERY sore bum!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsb_UDEmdZEXPCQRmyIkfZ-_drxxyzXhAMKasV1xcZdTIGIE4vMOAhPnOG4aT6tZOUczOBBBANoRh34E7gw41_dtNEN1QiXqLAipD-nUlKpOhMztYffU3eWjow1TVN7K-Y3vHuAdPT_t_3/s1600/26871053_359258271208173_4197682670383136768_n%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsb_UDEmdZEXPCQRmyIkfZ-_drxxyzXhAMKasV1xcZdTIGIE4vMOAhPnOG4aT6tZOUczOBBBANoRh34E7gw41_dtNEN1QiXqLAipD-nUlKpOhMztYffU3eWjow1TVN7K-Y3vHuAdPT_t_3/s640/26871053_359258271208173_4197682670383136768_n%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And when I say extra poop's I mean EXTRA AF, I'm talking up to the record number of 18 poops in 24 hours, throughout the night as well. It was a dark time for the entire household. During this week of excessive pooing when the top two beaver teeth, as my husband has named them, popped into vision Lylie's bum was red raw. I will be quick to point out that this wasn't through negligence on our part, all the common sense bum care was still in place but these 'battery acid poo's' can be lethal. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Here are my five tips to sooth nappy rash </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Switch to water - As soon as that little bum starts look just a tiny bit red I go back to the old school. I am talking no wipes, just cotton wool pads and warm water. It definitely makes a nappy change take that little bit longer but will certainly help that little soreness from turning into full blown nappy rash. Water wipes can be good, although they are quite costly, and I found they stick together easily and are not as quick to use as cotton wool and warm water. However if Lylie's bum is particularly bad I will pick up water wipes for the changing bag to use on the go. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nappy off time - Letting the air get to the area is so important, although perhaps not practical if your whole house is carpeted. I try to pen Lylie into a small area and pop down some sponge play mats that are easily wipe-able. This task is a lot easier in the summer when you don't have to worry about your baby getting cold, however it is doable in the winter with the help of a portable heater and lots of fuzzy socks (you need lots as they are likely to get pee'd on) If you need to put a nappy on make sure you change it very frequently. This probably seems like a no brainer however when you have a toddler that acts like having a nappy change is a form of Russian torture it is easy to let them go that little bit longer without a change. Changing your babies nappy every couple of hours massively cuts down on any irritation that the soiled nappy can cause. Pin that kid down and get it changed! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.metanium.co.uk/nappy-rash-treatment" target="_blank">Metanium</a> - Specifically the ointment is the best treatment I have found for treating nappy rash. It is a really thick yellow paste (and it does stain the carpet) You can pick this up pretty easily in places such as boots. When Lylie hasn't got any soreness I use this cream over night and I use the Metanium every day barrier cream each change. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Oat Baths - This is not only good for nappy rash, oat baths are also super effect for helping to sooth eczema and can also be used if your baby has the dreaded chicken pox. Make sure you use non flavoured oats (although a golden syrup flavoured baby would smell divine) I pop the oats into a clean pop sock and let the warm water run through it as I fill up the bath. It's really that simple. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Egg Whites - Probably the less common remedy for nappy rash is egg whites. Egg whites work well to treat redness and provide a natural barrier for the skin to begin to heal. Separate the egg whites into a clean bowl and then paint them onto the affected area, I used a clean make up brush to do this. Leave them to dry before putting on a fresh nappy or even better leave your baby nappy free.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-64493693971766710972018-02-01T14:06:00.001-08:002018-02-01T14:06:51.644-08:00Themed Days at Marsh Farm - Unicorn Day <div style="text-align: center;">
January is such a miserable month we decided to book in a treat day of fun to beat the gloom. Typically as our magical unicorn day came around the heavens opened and tried to rain on our parade. We decided to wrap up warm and make the best out of the day as our tickets were non refundable. Having a 15 month old who isn't yet steady on her feet outside in the pouring rain does raise one or two challenges however luckily Marsh Farm does have both indoor and outdoor activities available, and the older kids were loving channeling their inner Peppa and jumping in all of the muddy puddles. (side note not everyone loves jumping in puddles Peppa, you liar!) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP01cCQnxaI7hdslAswaOLTOa7ivWa4XojT-fWtHYQyezXoqlD3oxbtfqBDtJuCCdt14Hz3JRKJnNA1BoZu21PBeaUFPAHaccFH-_qqO1lun6QWsSgp0QhMgeEJ4Sd6JgI1pNb0Yqz-kC4/s1600/27652967_10155459112337842_1740099986_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1181" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP01cCQnxaI7hdslAswaOLTOa7ivWa4XojT-fWtHYQyezXoqlD3oxbtfqBDtJuCCdt14Hz3JRKJnNA1BoZu21PBeaUFPAHaccFH-_qqO1lun6QWsSgp0QhMgeEJ4Sd6JgI1pNb0Yqz-kC4/s640/27652967_10155459112337842_1740099986_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We headed to the toy factory first to make our very own unicorn, who we named Eunice and dressed in a sparkly dress that even Elsa would be envious of. Lylie was able to stuff her unicorn and choose a colour heart to pop in, we choose yellow! There was a choice of toys to stuff although all the children seemed to be going for the multi coloured unicorns and I have to agree that one was the best choice. If unicorns weren't your bag but you had been dragged along anyway, there were also monkeys and bears available to stuff and dress.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRp94QjtESShlwh_z_MxQwjraVe4KbOgG9Tb9j9Nobd2vXWXOTiRckMl0J19HrgzxobWznPi5-QOeX_mwsf-iDPD7LZoCMdYoSVqFPT5XIwcbhI_MrxiUSYqvdOhthkC6ZElqNMYXu_z0/s1600/27605790_10155459111772842_430019283_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRp94QjtESShlwh_z_MxQwjraVe4KbOgG9Tb9j9Nobd2vXWXOTiRckMl0J19HrgzxobWznPi5-QOeX_mwsf-iDPD7LZoCMdYoSVqFPT5XIwcbhI_MrxiUSYqvdOhthkC6ZElqNMYXu_z0/s640/27605790_10155459111772842_430019283_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFcrTC_cFXp8wf9i2x8IpDD1V5sRdptXcb_BlXG1hnwKc61FJx4HNrsnnFlAfyPVEfNZSXPwRHP097zcCJVhBpowSFSNngc4kzQF0nEPxTkq70-5fZGuyz0d-kbDs0Jf7HZTvHfZ7IASt/s1600/27653644_10155459112387842_580504511_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFcrTC_cFXp8wf9i2x8IpDD1V5sRdptXcb_BlXG1hnwKc61FJx4HNrsnnFlAfyPVEfNZSXPwRHP097zcCJVhBpowSFSNngc4kzQF0nEPxTkq70-5fZGuyz0d-kbDs0Jf7HZTvHfZ7IASt/s640/27653644_10155459112387842_580504511_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVXXdj8vlIPlFMn1XUJImc3fxHiiGJvKRrXuJEi1KKS25poKJTUjtEE5TOYdTqXKYNS8F5DpnQqBkQUeUGtMz0whYj0_Z8435Ue25FRnnqy0o0V-8shWWQxPqf4MC1t4GpfImLKhrgAuy/s1600/27653661_10155459112422842_1029030232_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVXXdj8vlIPlFMn1XUJImc3fxHiiGJvKRrXuJEi1KKS25poKJTUjtEE5TOYdTqXKYNS8F5DpnQqBkQUeUGtMz0whYj0_Z8435Ue25FRnnqy0o0V-8shWWQxPqf4MC1t4GpfImLKhrgAuy/s640/27653661_10155459112422842_1029030232_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The usual Marsh Farm activities were all available to participate in throughout the day, the soft play area, jumpy pillows, and tractor rides. The new addition to the farm is a mini golf course, Lylie is obviously too young for this right now (someone would have been likely to be wacked with the golf club) but I think this is a brilliant activity for older children and it is within the entry fee. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lylie loves looking at the animals, I feel that at this stage she is destined for life as a vet. So we spent a good amount of time looking at Llama's, goat's and pig's. One of the pigs had just given birth to piglets so we spent a while watching them all feeding with their mummy and getting to know the world. Very adorable. Then a real life unicorn walked past us .....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
OK it was a pony covered in glitter but for all intents and purpose's it was glitter the unicorn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYd_2y-RB9IaWuaeWit6LWjqkEDMFpsa8rgHSDeD3C-Cxmy0FmVF_PH2KNG-hz_-BmhjRAl8yP5yY27U021KcgxhJDATasSIpBx5_rD5gL4SypyWTvAwhgNUbsrSOZQML_6y7WQQ-XRXX/s1600/27710592_10155459112327842_1475233353_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1090" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYd_2y-RB9IaWuaeWit6LWjqkEDMFpsa8rgHSDeD3C-Cxmy0FmVF_PH2KNG-hz_-BmhjRAl8yP5yY27U021KcgxhJDATasSIpBx5_rD5gL4SypyWTvAwhgNUbsrSOZQML_6y7WQQ-XRXX/s640/27710592_10155459112327842_1475233353_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoS8F3Qnov6s9KTg2dV-E0PkT01gxEOlUpEfcX9li8oDGy4l3RPYCjMnBB4wt8DQQhyphenhyphenV7emQHQW8t6u3BGao-xHun8BXeNlYSnhYgNtdL63x_NbZ_fcwHIYspqhQbM4vj_fL86v7UJM5R/s1600/27711393_10155459111762842_958518750_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoS8F3Qnov6s9KTg2dV-E0PkT01gxEOlUpEfcX9li8oDGy4l3RPYCjMnBB4wt8DQQhyphenhyphenV7emQHQW8t6u3BGao-xHun8BXeNlYSnhYgNtdL63x_NbZ_fcwHIYspqhQbM4vj_fL86v7UJM5R/s640/27711393_10155459111762842_958518750_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We headed to the unicorn stables and was able to stroke and groom the unicorns. Lylie was slightly overwhelmed by the amount of magic in the room. All of the older girls were squealing in delight, their little faces a picture of real life dreams come true. The staff were all going above and beyond to make the experience extra special.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrSvsBDnMFDv6_rvVt_iH4gBH8Yoo9Xawm5Jc-2QAib-T_n4Q20kzX9bqgHnjevT7uBYuqgMT8looZpG-aqXpx8dkBnyYXXUQk2fUNmvonU4cyLjLpo5NXIB4u__u4cZYc87V8_7HQ6KD/s1600/27707915_10155459112317842_1414589687_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrSvsBDnMFDv6_rvVt_iH4gBH8Yoo9Xawm5Jc-2QAib-T_n4Q20kzX9bqgHnjevT7uBYuqgMT8looZpG-aqXpx8dkBnyYXXUQk2fUNmvonU4cyLjLpo5NXIB4u__u4cZYc87V8_7HQ6KD/s640/27707915_10155459112317842_1414589687_o.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi8yvk_Bh1LBbrE4GDYjPb8CyoACtCyelEgtUk6GmCYjcotbBqB-NkC7C_1XxPREUsx3zTrDifQAZq9P9TLfnrtwjg5HyMVqujq_VCmwGHOZOBwhgKMm8RS0ZD9eh0fE9XAzzToUjeqag/s1600/27707179_10155459111732842_2105352972_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi8yvk_Bh1LBbrE4GDYjPb8CyoACtCyelEgtUk6GmCYjcotbBqB-NkC7C_1XxPREUsx3zTrDifQAZq9P9TLfnrtwjg5HyMVqujq_VCmwGHOZOBwhgKMm8RS0ZD9eh0fE9XAzzToUjeqag/s640/27707179_10155459111732842_2105352972_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpVh_lDKJt_3jgbmrafMB7xCizN8GY9DVu0RlrOkk0c7_1msjog9ZKplYK024EuBgUBcmXPtZd45QyaThEwA0Xy4Cvi9V_nk-Wq6phnJW0LAk37VOXAGCRkJfckTpsHaGSvSynUmO5Huu/s1600/27744510_10155459111727842_493437802_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpVh_lDKJt_3jgbmrafMB7xCizN8GY9DVu0RlrOkk0c7_1msjog9ZKplYK024EuBgUBcmXPtZd45QyaThEwA0Xy4Cvi9V_nk-Wq6phnJW0LAk37VOXAGCRkJfckTpsHaGSvSynUmO5Huu/s640/27744510_10155459111727842_493437802_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghD7eKPTNIIvDF1V_CSF-u2iUt8c2hqUcQMWh6R5dqXln8onTF2EOuvZh371Cf2Jct8gf1J9RHjQlnlZK0aNZ0caEMMtFsg0AVCMMhTQmE0cDWZZBD5_Z7gXidv5k6s-YfqGwHB2mlBkDj/s1600/27744381_10155459111767842_776783882_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghD7eKPTNIIvDF1V_CSF-u2iUt8c2hqUcQMWh6R5dqXln8onTF2EOuvZh371Cf2Jct8gf1J9RHjQlnlZK0aNZ0caEMMtFsg0AVCMMhTQmE0cDWZZBD5_Z7gXidv5k6s-YfqGwHB2mlBkDj/s640/27744381_10155459111767842_776783882_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the unicorn stables we headed to the glitter disco hosted by the unicorn wizard. (who is also the man who dresses as a wizard for Halloween) He was super sweet and got all of the kids dancing away with flashing lights and magic tricks, by far our favourite part of the day. At the end we did some 'unicorn magic' and made it snow (potentially left over from Christmas) but the kids loved it none the less. We was going to try and make something unicorn related in the craft room however as it was raining the room was packed out so we decided to call it a day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPXRZsVTWvZ4LD7wfLxQTaGWslI35-7YoSrF9aQu7OfKceRdVGGw0FdhjXw-qG_qNeRILXPY6YtWouwkKpbYq-8mcjUDI3J7cqEOkxIuBpBmczItKvBH-uPTjFi1x30TUaFtugPkfGxm6/s1600/27650832_10155459112382842_1634592911_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPXRZsVTWvZ4LD7wfLxQTaGWslI35-7YoSrF9aQu7OfKceRdVGGw0FdhjXw-qG_qNeRILXPY6YtWouwkKpbYq-8mcjUDI3J7cqEOkxIuBpBmczItKvBH-uPTjFi1x30TUaFtugPkfGxm6/s640/27650832_10155459112382842_1634592911_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnjVv8MfEUmMFEGYxRJ3rh3hIAu5V2_nZaG2dJRzugmkZGBAUZoK8KaT4G19dwF_o_FxOjtPe2RxjJ5BG825T19hW1RwLcN-ybZyd12NcFRzWsGvcyZK_hFCxepX8E0RNDTHL8QSvDedm/s1600/27651260_10155459112312842_1290157293_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnjVv8MfEUmMFEGYxRJ3rh3hIAu5V2_nZaG2dJRzugmkZGBAUZoK8KaT4G19dwF_o_FxOjtPe2RxjJ5BG825T19hW1RwLcN-ybZyd12NcFRzWsGvcyZK_hFCxepX8E0RNDTHL8QSvDedm/s640/27651260_10155459112312842_1290157293_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It would have definitely been a more enjoyable experience in dry weather and we would have spent more time at the farm, however if you have purchased your tickets in advance and it does happen to rain I would recommend you still go along and make use of all of the indoor facilities.<br />
<br />
Also the chicken nuggets were amazing... just saying :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
</div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-18139051939363845022018-01-19T05:06:00.000-08:002018-01-19T05:06:39.024-08:00The toy rotation realisation - you need to do this!! <div style="text-align: center;">
In the back of your mind you sort of realise that a baby is bound to take over your house a bit, but in reality it ends up being more that you could imagine, at least that's how it is in our house. At this stage Lylie doesn't have a set playroom, this may change when she reaches an age where she is likely to have independent play. However at the moment our whole house is her play room. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It drives my husband up the wall, it actually bothers him a whole lot more than it bothers me (I am so used to being in the middle of a pile of brightly coloured toys at this stage) He is always asking me when we can 'get rid' of this or that, she doesn't play with half of it anyway. Although I have purchased the majority of Lylie's toys from charity shops and therefore have no emotional attachment to them it is still difficult for me to give them up. What if she decides to play with them later?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbwlA21Qx743XYgMhjB6o6U53-PckMgNIhR_bGT6N1zP6Jp5YAn2w68OsOMBHL03ekVyYpEuzOfY1hmCe64_EjquzJZs6uZdvMxoceePcN7wh9n4z0pKg9niOC0vYHNsoAl3cDrq3Aot7/s1600/26332053_161158947839553_2441525071953526784_n%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbwlA21Qx743XYgMhjB6o6U53-PckMgNIhR_bGT6N1zP6Jp5YAn2w68OsOMBHL03ekVyYpEuzOfY1hmCe64_EjquzJZs6uZdvMxoceePcN7wh9n4z0pKg9niOC0vYHNsoAl3cDrq3Aot7/s640/26332053_161158947839553_2441525071953526784_n%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The other evening I was watching back to back mum videos on YouTube (my new fave) while attempting to make the house look slightly less like an exploded Argos catalog when I realised why Lylie only plays with a few things. She was just so overwhelmed, I had everything out and readily available, it's too much choice.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>BAM realisation of the toy rotation. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyone is so much happier now the toy rotation has been put into place. My husband because there is less clutter in our lounge, me because he isn't whining as much and Lylie because once a week it feels like Christmas. Here is the deal, once a week usually on a Tuesday night, because my mum looks after her on a Wednesday, I put away the majority of Lylie's toys and get out a whole bunch of new ones. I currently have three rounds of rotations. One lot hidden within boxes in my hallway and one lot in a cupboard in her room. There are always squeals of delight on the morning of toy rotation day, things she had forgotten she had, different variations of things that can be played with together. I can't believe it's taken me a year to do this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrl5xqbt8u6hDrJZikS7OJBcr4KKPVPpZc0qWxbknUBN2vQ51kgKajZ1fq3vPQcP5XQAVbmaPKlNk8jfL8esVkCBTZpUDxdngoFvgP6v52D_-GBAVEahVjJcNo_pt4jSxZJwUKWq2chpc/s1600/26071958_180526582544723_1679325680090742784_n%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrl5xqbt8u6hDrJZikS7OJBcr4KKPVPpZc0qWxbknUBN2vQ51kgKajZ1fq3vPQcP5XQAVbmaPKlNk8jfL8esVkCBTZpUDxdngoFvgP6v52D_-GBAVEahVjJcNo_pt4jSxZJwUKWq2chpc/s640/26071958_180526582544723_1679325680090742784_n%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are certain toys that she has out all the time, these are her favourites and I know are needed each day. But the rest are put on their weekly rotation. Perhaps it might even be beneficial to do this more than once a week, and maybe as I get more organised it could be an option. I realise this seems like such a simple thing and honestly once it had clicked in my mind I was kicking myself, obviously this is the answer. So I really hope if you are struggling with toy storage, or your little one is getting bored of their toys super quickly this post has given you that light bulb moment that I needed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-37959232522414519022018-01-12T06:06:00.000-08:002018-01-13T00:43:00.361-08:00Survival Tips - Getting through a wedding with a baby<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know about you but now Christmas is well and truly over I am about ready for spring. Today I saw daffodils in the shops and it made me so happy... soon the shelves will be full of egg shape chocolate (my favourite type) The thought of impending warmer weather coincided with a bunch of save the date cards hitting my door mat, that's right wedding season is on the way. Lylie is only just one and she has already attended THREE weddings, so I thought I would share my survival tips for making it through the wedding day with a baby in tow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsCtXaMRsPTnZ5LbvydiRWDq8CjVjy6El-Jot0a2Qew7xq1oXCKnMLQOkAe0Fa9XsP-aThyphenhyphen1ZNewoTkgPeDKl7j6UqtBHKoWnVThg7l0T2ikrN-rumeAEQNWX7e0qe4fBlzufWxCoskow/s1600/26853959_10214575541603738_257598990_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsCtXaMRsPTnZ5LbvydiRWDq8CjVjy6El-Jot0a2Qew7xq1oXCKnMLQOkAe0Fa9XsP-aThyphenhyphen1ZNewoTkgPeDKl7j6UqtBHKoWnVThg7l0T2ikrN-rumeAEQNWX7e0qe4fBlzufWxCoskow/s640/26853959_10214575541603738_257598990_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUhyNY5gK1En2dlJEhU7dNpdblMDvCZ_L42ehP0Be88un93ZbtR181eTDmH0HhkFl6dM80eriqxVXXOkl_GnJccJJtHjT8rmhG5lpsUCnk4LqitRwp8JCxEp84vqv3QZyjdQzvCRlj-4N/s1600/21463152_10155119373367842_3573873624402558363_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="960" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUhyNY5gK1En2dlJEhU7dNpdblMDvCZ_L42ehP0Be88un93ZbtR181eTDmH0HhkFl6dM80eriqxVXXOkl_GnJccJJtHjT8rmhG5lpsUCnk4LqitRwp8JCxEp84vqv3QZyjdQzvCRlj-4N/s640/21463152_10155119373367842_3573873624402558363_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">1. TAKE SNACKS - I know this seems a bit obvious but it is so important not to forget the snacks, but also to make sure the snacks are not going to ruin the baby's outfit, at least before the photos have happened. Yoghurt coated rice cakes, raisins, grapes, are all good stain proof choices. Maybe a little bit of white chocolate for during the speeches, milky buttons that you can slip in if the groom has seven best men and you know you are in for a long ride. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhLgbnG5fRIeouJTvzpQ7Ygd70cIhCgQV7P9W1IfedepLBdPaud0EjK9ui4rFEOyjhnyAr2yeN6tz58Ti4tmePjM5g95Mp3S711iQSpQ5Sl8yoCHpLkgx_jWBkf3W9z76q35OMc8g6-6O/s1600/21557699_10155119373817842_1386303979991326502_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="960" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhLgbnG5fRIeouJTvzpQ7Ygd70cIhCgQV7P9W1IfedepLBdPaud0EjK9ui4rFEOyjhnyAr2yeN6tz58Ti4tmePjM5g95Mp3S711iQSpQ5Sl8yoCHpLkgx_jWBkf3W9z76q35OMc8g6-6O/s640/21557699_10155119373817842_1386303979991326502_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. LOCATE A BEDROOM - If the wedding venue has bedrooms available it is definitely a good option to consider booking a room. Weddings are loud, and next to the bride your baby is likely to be center of attention, its amazing to have somewhere for your little one to have some quiet time. It is very likely that your baby will be up way past their bed time so if you can slip away for them to have a little afternoon nap it will keep a smile on their face for longer. If you aren't staying over don't feel bad to ask around and see if someone would let you borrow their room for your baby to have some down time, I am sure lots of people would be very accommodating. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. BRING PJS - If staying over isn't an option bringing along a baby grow or some comfy clothes for your baby to change into once they start to get tired and irritable could be a god send. As gorgeous as the little dresses/suits are they can't be the most comfortable. Something cosy and warm to change into could make all the difference, also one less thing to do once you finally make it home. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0gJ4e-TiFaPzK17piigzBiLDqVkrsNVTAskJwXv5s9KhJ1YKVlpIxOmLTB01XllQsffFWPzfwoiy21_VF0RacGpDKUyAMX1qCE3GV7sz-UupofQIt9kLBhrucrvEzSIFF2xM7CccLnDk/s1600/19095384_10155360345490353_2226146393384543914_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1249" data-original-width="1600" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0gJ4e-TiFaPzK17piigzBiLDqVkrsNVTAskJwXv5s9KhJ1YKVlpIxOmLTB01XllQsffFWPzfwoiy21_VF0RacGpDKUyAMX1qCE3GV7sz-UupofQIt9kLBhrucrvEzSIFF2xM7CccLnDk/s640/19095384_10155360345490353_2226146393384543914_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
4. LET THE RELOS TAKE A TURN - (Relos = relatives, yep I am obsessed with Home & Away I admit it.) If you are attending a family wedding make sure you let everyone take a turn of amusing the baby. Everyone is probably itching to get a cuddle, so don't be overly polite if they want to play with the little ones for a while have a boogie and enjoy yourself. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuJcG6QZnLZs7b_6x45gtBlz8fGGSkcrrJ5dicyxDOQKKs5Ed5C31EWJO7phbvJihOe9jo6nu1D3ywbk04iZ9Ub9Nr2BsI7MFxOEOr6eI8-3AsInnRgb8j68JYrwweKKY4Ao-dsv8XRR9/s1600/20621013_10155799454591015_598065524013457146_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuJcG6QZnLZs7b_6x45gtBlz8fGGSkcrrJ5dicyxDOQKKs5Ed5C31EWJO7phbvJihOe9jo6nu1D3ywbk04iZ9Ub9Nr2BsI7MFxOEOr6eI8-3AsInnRgb8j68JYrwweKKY4Ao-dsv8XRR9/s640/20621013_10155799454591015_598065524013457146_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yd_enyNR1LNJQdjgwjfRjcfMhFgBEkeI-jGdwpcbko_Rja0EllL-PG3josttK1R81y11IwMJS3yJH-5Exy2W7EtoZ5dHSopI8uSX7zWxiafmnnlueddSYiPb7TRDozwUvE0_jVJHYdQT/s1600/19238218_10155360340575353_1800464750540596957_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1600" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yd_enyNR1LNJQdjgwjfRjcfMhFgBEkeI-jGdwpcbko_Rja0EllL-PG3josttK1R81y11IwMJS3yJH-5Exy2W7EtoZ5dHSopI8uSX7zWxiafmnnlueddSYiPb7TRDozwUvE0_jVJHYdQT/s640/19238218_10155360340575353_1800464750540596957_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
5. DRESS FOR THE OCCASION - Gone are the days of elaborate wedding guest outfits that you can't breathe or walk in... thank God. You have to consider how often you are going to be bending down attending to your little one. Make sure your skirt is mid length to avoid any Britney moments, that is definitely not how you want to steal the brides thunder. I would also avoid a plunging neckline, you all know how these children cling to us like koalas. <a href="https://www.coast-stores.com/c/occasion-dresses" target="_blank">Coast</a> is always my first point of call when choosing the perfect wedding attire which is both stylish and practical. The pieces are generally timeless which means the investment will be worth it when next years weddings start rolling round. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlUd8Km-pd3vRcz8vnhXbe5aJsQF_iDcA0vZXcInDSsUO2szleG0B7t9jvMHLVqbEJd96vpUka2azFX9VlpfAnhoOf_NF29-z_zdDT2Wo5kuN4lTzHcOL55r0m0BpV2DpXBRrFvtXbjpk/s1600/26828205_10155406631297842_1211458527_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1334" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlUd8Km-pd3vRcz8vnhXbe5aJsQF_iDcA0vZXcInDSsUO2szleG0B7t9jvMHLVqbEJd96vpUka2azFX9VlpfAnhoOf_NF29-z_zdDT2Wo5kuN4lTzHcOL55r0m0BpV2DpXBRrFvtXbjpk/s640/26828205_10155406631297842_1211458527_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.coast-stores.com/p/imi-lace-dress/1775520" target="_blank">Imi Lace Dress £148 </a><br />
<a href="https://www.coast-stores.com/p/ali-bardot-jumpsuit/1917165" target="_blank">Ali Bardot Jumpsuit £129</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last year I loved the smart trouser trend and I am over the moon that it seems to be holding on for 2018. This trouser outfit looks flattering and will surely be comfortable if you are having to bend down to nappy change or hold your baby for naps, anything like that. I know off the shoulder isn't for everyone and there is a risk of this being pulled down but if you make sure everything is securely in place showing off your yummy mummy shoulders, while hiding those upper arms (does anyone else hate their arms since giving birth?) is a super flattering option. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are attending a wedding with your baby in 2018, GOOD LUCK!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I bet it won't be as stressful as you are expecting :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">* This post is in collaboration with Coast </span></div>
</div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-61770462983873068142018-01-05T03:59:00.002-08:002018-01-05T06:43:10.351-08:00Going into 2018 Confidently <div style="text-align: center;">
Last year was consumed by my newly found motherhood, remembering back to this time last year I was a bit of a mess - mentally and physically. I have learnt so much in the last 365 days about babies and my daughter.. and surprisingly also about myself. Looking back over the past year I can barely recognise myself as the mother I am now. I was terrified to leave the house with this new human I was suddenly in charge of, what if she did a poo? what if she made a noise? Now I feel quite confident in my role, even if I made decisions that I know would receive eye rolls on the mama forums. I own my mistakes. These day's I could even pass as a normal functional human being.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpenyxuy0j81QYnorqXwkg15HGsE9cvuiSLQc_ugZiqtfBiW96VDnbSs5rdPgp9vSrgslt8ZRRDl2r-Hj46YNRjUMaEp0XyOli8PmCMrTnW8I4uudmqS3PCpoAnI24SqM5X7AUuccVR-9X/s1600/26655538_10155390400397842_70505330_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1334" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpenyxuy0j81QYnorqXwkg15HGsE9cvuiSLQc_ugZiqtfBiW96VDnbSs5rdPgp9vSrgslt8ZRRDl2r-Hj46YNRjUMaEp0XyOli8PmCMrTnW8I4uudmqS3PCpoAnI24SqM5X7AUuccVR-9X/s640/26655538_10155390400397842_70505330_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now maternity leave is well and truly over (did that even happen?) I feel like it's time to finally get my shit together. My role as mummy is now second nature but who am I when Lylie isn't around? When I was pregnant I promised myself I wouldn't be 'that mum' you know the one that can't talk about anything but their kids. Seeing as 99% of my day is consumed fully by this little person I can honestly say I am finding my non-pg conversation running a little dry. I apologise to my non-mum friends every time I feel myself talking in too much detail about the woe's of weaning or teething, the time to talk to them about all of that will come, when they will actually be interested. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not like I don't have mum friends to talk to, I have been blessed with fabulous mum friends. We even socialise together without the rugrats, or at least we try. Getting together with four other mums all with children born within a month or so of each other without one of us or one of the babies being sick is challenging. And when we actually do all sit round the table you will not shut us up, although our favourite topic of conversation... you guessed it our children. We talk the night up and in our minds its going to be this blurry pre-childrenesq night of properly going OUT OUT but by 11.30 the thought of the 6am wake up call with a hang over or the eight texts from at least one of the husbands 'just letting us know' that the baby isn't sleeping great always makes us end our evening there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhley5pDICP6UUB_WaPqNIoSDshR-aBHuVkkkPWmoGCy8Z4vjSP_6Az6TlT7oKP5z_17vO6Fl6v9GIaWFeH_TR9lVKzzJwVn08jqN_feDp3ELHI0ZgXQNMMw7wNedJ6Jz6fqpOBeIqomWVT/s1600/26653567_10155390400407842_620884466_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1332" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhley5pDICP6UUB_WaPqNIoSDshR-aBHuVkkkPWmoGCy8Z4vjSP_6Az6TlT7oKP5z_17vO6Fl6v9GIaWFeH_TR9lVKzzJwVn08jqN_feDp3ELHI0ZgXQNMMw7wNedJ6Jz6fqpOBeIqomWVT/s640/26653567_10155390400407842_620884466_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One thing I can honestly say I have enjoyed again recently is fashion. I can't really take any credit for getting my old body back it's just sort of happened. I have been quite stressed for non child related reasons and I've hardly stopped, the weight just sort of fell off. (silver lining moment) When <a href="http://www.radley.co.uk/handbags/" target="_blank">Radley</a> asked me if I wanted to choose a bag from their new collection my first instinct was to choose something big enough to fit in snacks, nappies and all my other baby essentials.<br />
But I stopped myself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3HOYuHRQ9EfeNiu7_Jhyphenhyphenn2kCIXVo3qTYv35ph_0dHjHUFEmEnfQ9_QBqlrjHopesOQwECdP-4ug-jB4LEUf86-PMzRQ6HYPfuySiS4IEZK5jQKRrkQyNOKUWGYNiypLkFCOroVlWNKyY/s1600/26653407_10155390400402842_507330720_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1334" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3HOYuHRQ9EfeNiu7_Jhyphenhyphenn2kCIXVo3qTYv35ph_0dHjHUFEmEnfQ9_QBqlrjHopesOQwECdP-4ug-jB4LEUf86-PMzRQ6HYPfuySiS4IEZK5jQKRrkQyNOKUWGYNiypLkFCOroVlWNKyY/s640/26653407_10155390400402842_507330720_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I choose the <a href="http://www.radley.co.uk/bliss-crescent-chevron-large-zip-top-grab-bag-ss18-b3e991/" target="_blank">Bliss Crescent large grab bag</a>, which is far from practical on a day out with a toddler. This bag will remain safely tucked away in it's dust bag ready for lone moments. Although it is actually such a good size I probably could fit a fair few baby essentials within it, any mother of a toddler knows you need two hands at all times so a grab bag is definitely something you hold on reserve for those special days when you want to look glamorous, elegant and child free. This bag is the catalyst for organising some well deserved me time for 2018 without feeling guilty (ok only a little bit guilty)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
</div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-19668991581680131092017-12-15T12:50:00.000-08:002017-12-15T12:50:11.359-08:00My thoughts on the Christmas Craze <div style="text-align: center;">
This year it's Fingerlings, a little interactive monkey that comfortably wraps around your finger and blows you kisses. Last year, hatchimals. When I was a kid it was Furby's that the mama's were lining up outside Hamley's hoping to grab. Every year there is a certain colour that is the most desirable, I remember it was the pure white Furby we all wanted and this year of course it is the unicorn Fingerling. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6OQ4u6Ri3kwjwI8qrgoehdISxYnAoAx4lfKR8GGKySlc8pozas3DMDjCm0UQ8yvYUZ5vBB-nogdnISkdk-cTw_GLL8SDXU4XOC3q1txYDy6ASw_6y8-gYJWL85sIZmRE8Sysx7jzGImH/s1600/25445337_10155340703087842_2133589126_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6OQ4u6Ri3kwjwI8qrgoehdISxYnAoAx4lfKR8GGKySlc8pozas3DMDjCm0UQ8yvYUZ5vBB-nogdnISkdk-cTw_GLL8SDXU4XOC3q1txYDy6ASw_6y8-gYJWL85sIZmRE8Sysx7jzGImH/s640/25445337_10155340703087842_2133589126_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes my one year old is the proud own of a Bella Fingerling, however merely by chance. Lylie's BFF Sienna happened to have one and thought it was great so I purchased one of these funny little monkeys a while ago before I started to see the posts on the mum Facebook groups with urgent appeals for certain coloured Fingerlings. Although mum Facebook groups can be great with anything everyone has their own opinion's and things can sometimes get tense. One post in-particular grabbed my attention while I was having a middle of the night scroll (teething baby means broken sleep again hoorah) a mother was desperately seeking a Fingerling for her child, it was the only thing her little girl had asked Father Christmas for and she didn't know what she could do. One comment said "What you can do is you can teach your kid she won't always get what she wants..." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Absolutely your child will need to learn that they can not have everything they want, however I don't feel like Christmas is the right time for this lesson. While my daughter believes I will do everything in my power to keep that magic alive and if that means standing in a line at midnight to get my hands on an overpriced piece of plastic so be it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9HFaFqF_hzvtKvDnnD-dQtFrXfLtZH9BihhoFcth8v5dJahbrsn9_zU_5-n38YRGTgV6ebs9lWXlLljopCRPXo9BuBPjVtnLNGEm70lR4WmswdThmoR32Tiq-FGcBAoSQLD8RcbAiJpW/s1600/25440670_10155340703092842_1585438581_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9HFaFqF_hzvtKvDnnD-dQtFrXfLtZH9BihhoFcth8v5dJahbrsn9_zU_5-n38YRGTgV6ebs9lWXlLljopCRPXo9BuBPjVtnLNGEm70lR4WmswdThmoR32Tiq-FGcBAoSQLD8RcbAiJpW/s640/25440670_10155340703092842_1585438581_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What do you think? Will you be scrambling past other mama's to get your hands on the next Christmas craze? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-36094021529649919392017-11-19T10:26:00.002-08:002017-11-19T10:26:33.609-08:00Fuss Free Gifting with Fragrance Direct<div style="text-align: center;">
This is not a drill, I repeat this is not a drill. Christmas is only six weeks away and the panic is about to set in any day now! Lets face it if you could have a stress free way to ensure all of your loved ones received something they really want this year you would take it right? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enter Fragrance Direct!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavNINKE3PeyE9Owir5eqCOR7GG4mpEzC1icLoPONj921k24SXVCBxq64jEPfvwRA07re2YJ3_fRZwbLSZfcaUzlWgRMky9igwu-C0B0RAtLUdgIecYtYgTeNVJU6Tgk5emZB_Xux-Rafh/s1600/23760164_10155276940632842_741739041_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1334" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavNINKE3PeyE9Owir5eqCOR7GG4mpEzC1icLoPONj921k24SXVCBxq64jEPfvwRA07re2YJ3_fRZwbLSZfcaUzlWgRMky9igwu-C0B0RAtLUdgIecYtYgTeNVJU6Tgk5emZB_Xux-Rafh/s640/23760164_10155276940632842_741739041_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perfume is always the first thing I look to when gifting and Fragrance Direct will hit all the right notes this Christmas. Fragrance Direct stock both high end products, such as Tom Ford and also affordable high street favorites so no matter your budget they have you covered.<br />
<br />
Fragrance Direct asked me to choose two fragrances to share with you, one that I would like to receive as a gift and one that I would choose gift others with. My pick was the <a href="http://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk/marc-jacobs-decadence-eau-de-parfum-spray-50ml-0064518.html" target="_blank">Marc Jacobs Divine Decadence Eau de Parfum spray</a>. The packaging really speaks for itself, you couldn't choose a more indulgent bottle to stand proudly on your vanity. Although the undertones of this fragrance are floral is it definitely not a super feminine fragrance. I would choose this one for an evening scent, the stay power is amazing you wouldn't need to top it up throughout the evening.<br />
<a href="http://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk/marc-jacobs-decadence-eau-de-parfum-spray-50ml-0064518.html" target="_blank">You can purchase this fragrance for only £39.95 from Fragrance Direct, usually RRP £69</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujmMXy0fm4uc__i2dxReW0Xlpb6iUeoHzG0jV6omDvB6F_mA8rtecN7YoF2ICG8RBWxo8QKtI-v6yJ8oeN2cbYPhQZa5j2miGsRAVv1lkT_NA_BMHCQGTQesEpz3ldhd3_4oIZm01Ppns/s1600/23798285_10155276940617842_419966514_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1334" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujmMXy0fm4uc__i2dxReW0Xlpb6iUeoHzG0jV6omDvB6F_mA8rtecN7YoF2ICG8RBWxo8QKtI-v6yJ8oeN2cbYPhQZa5j2miGsRAVv1lkT_NA_BMHCQGTQesEpz3ldhd3_4oIZm01Ppns/s640/23798285_10155276940617842_419966514_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As a fragrance I would choose to gift others I opted for the iconic <a href="http://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk/chloe-signature-eau-de-parfum-spray-50ml-0013046.html?cgid=chloe-signature#searchPath=searchpEnd" target="_blank">Chloe Signature Eau de Parfum</a> spray. This might seem like a safe choice but this is known to be a fragrance that suits everyone and when it comes to the perfect gifting scenario you don't always want to take risks. The floral notes are much bolder in this fragrance, you can especially pick out the recognizable scent of peony. Although I would probably recommend this as a day time fragrance as it is that bit lighter and more flirtatious honestly it would be gorgeous to wear in any situation.<br />
<a href="http://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk/chloe-signature-eau-de-parfum-spray-50ml-0013046.html?cgid=chloe-signature#searchPath=searchpEnd" target="_blank">You can pick this up from fragrance Direct for £56.95 usual RRP £65</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQhaJs8aCZxdQQc0fFtYXeOoR7N-QSU11gpR12nFi2fdNxr31MGBcWEITnm7ZwgElK9VqPstf56HInJaYaGaM_GCI-scEAH0D1XFOem3AIfLlIuEFYScfJ5kcQzfe9b8y4WvM7FnxB_2r/s1600/23798299_10155276940612842_997532012_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1334" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQhaJs8aCZxdQQc0fFtYXeOoR7N-QSU11gpR12nFi2fdNxr31MGBcWEITnm7ZwgElK9VqPstf56HInJaYaGaM_GCI-scEAH0D1XFOem3AIfLlIuEFYScfJ5kcQzfe9b8y4WvM7FnxB_2r/s640/23798299_10155276940612842_997532012_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZtFJzrwMy3v5IO9dKgfAsSEZW49rZfLlfjAD7sUxznZJg_ddJVafN3cwKxGx8ZhgCvSncIwX9Hadv3rQAySZLHCCRxhVHXmvds_fQf8hpiUM1st8fYlqvbUQ1VD_ke3UuEHbcv3r-gw-/s1600/23798140_10155276940657842_659029851_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZtFJzrwMy3v5IO9dKgfAsSEZW49rZfLlfjAD7sUxznZJg_ddJVafN3cwKxGx8ZhgCvSncIwX9Hadv3rQAySZLHCCRxhVHXmvds_fQf8hpiUM1st8fYlqvbUQ1VD_ke3UuEHbcv3r-gw-/s640/23798140_10155276940657842_659029851_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
Fragrance Direct has so many idea's for Christmas, if you are looking to complete your shopping list fuss free simply <a href="http://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk/our-thoughtful-gift-edit/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 108px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 108px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 108px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 108px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-75691157646764702062017-11-08T04:15:00.000-08:002017-11-08T04:15:56.320-08:00The Baby Loaf - A cheat lunch you can both enjoy! <div style="text-align: center;">
I have spoken before about how BLW terrifies me, although even with STILL not one tooth I will admit Lylie is getting much more confident eating on her own. Now the main task when it comes to feeding the baby is what to give her. Everywhere will tell you that variety is key to raising a child who is not a fussy eater so I am always on the look out for new baby friendly meal idea's. If you are in the same position you might want to try baking a baby loaf and saving yourself some valuable time while doing it!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3UUbNY2ZnR4lv1NH1PNXagSnnX2oZKkUIxtuSU7qkBfRBVTQ8wHjEL-LN4nEA5UfRfPUeqK2WE5iU1EQhOy8hnRiLhWb7_zrLduKp8bRIEGjDrsajKzEUYqEyuKPa72OgK3Lum80i0h8/s1600/22472020_10155180362402842_1009159162_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1334" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3UUbNY2ZnR4lv1NH1PNXagSnnX2oZKkUIxtuSU7qkBfRBVTQ8wHjEL-LN4nEA5UfRfPUeqK2WE5iU1EQhOy8hnRiLhWb7_zrLduKp8bRIEGjDrsajKzEUYqEyuKPa72OgK3Lum80i0h8/s640/22472020_10155180362402842_1009159162_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The main selling point for this type of lunch is the ability to freeze slices for later. You will never see me as calm as I am with a freezer full of baby food ready to defrost to my hearts content. Need a last minute on the go lunch? Easy! Grab a slice out of the freezer, defrost over night ... you will trick everyone into thinking you have got your parenting shit together. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have provided you with my two favorite recipes, but you could pretty much adjust these to suit your taste as long as you are using baby friendly ingredients such as full fat yogurt. Buy yourself a loaf tin lets get our bake on! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Recipe 1: Banana & Cinnamon Loaf </b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Heat oven to 180c </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Combine a table spoon of vegetable oil, 2 medium eggs, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 cup of think natural full fat vanilla yogurt together in a bowl. Mix well. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Sift 2 cups of wholemeal flour, 2 heaped tea spoons of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of baking powder into the mixture. Whisk together. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Gently add 1 grated pear, 2 mashed medium sized bananas and 1/2 a cup of plain oats and fold into the mixture. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Pour into a loaf tin which you have lined with baking paper and bake for 45 minutes - 1 hour. Check your loaf often. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Recipe 2: Strawberry & Coconut Loaf </b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Heat oven to 180c</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Sift together 1/2 cup of coconut flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 cup brown sugar into a bowl. Mix Well. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Add 1 cup of full fat natural yogurt, 2 medium eggs, 1 table spoon of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla paste. Combine. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Stir in 1 cup of diced strawberries and 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Pour the mix into a loaf tin lined with baking paper. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bake for 30 - 40 minutes. Check your loaf often. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I usually serve a few savory crisps and some yogurt with this type of lunch and it goes down a treat, I particularly enjoy it when it is warmed through! They taste so good you wouldn't believe they were baby friendly! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-35596870893726544192017-10-27T08:38:00.003-07:002017-10-27T08:43:21.525-07:00Skin as smooth as silk with Simply Scrub<div style="text-align: center;">
As a new mum (can I still call myself that with a one year old?) I am mainly running on empty. My skin is looking a little grey these days and needs much more help than it used to. Ahh my poor body who has been left shook after birthing my bundle... I have to treat the old girl from time to time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmSj6Tp7EbQKUTgB40LXobZa61krlR6v2TjF0CIL_AuVfbzgyR0xWdvw3EbOvSgplat5UWrx-eFPjg-1ZV-h_7yrjPZB6Zp0BFa4IlSWwMPXhmKQnTyEYit5H_h8cdP71sto1Y7grn8qr/s1600/22906572_10155219739427842_26119953_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1334" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmSj6Tp7EbQKUTgB40LXobZa61krlR6v2TjF0CIL_AuVfbzgyR0xWdvw3EbOvSgplat5UWrx-eFPjg-1ZV-h_7yrjPZB6Zp0BFa4IlSWwMPXhmKQnTyEYit5H_h8cdP71sto1Y7grn8qr/s640/22906572_10155219739427842_26119953_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a> My time is limited but something I do try to remember is a good exfoliation as well as making your skin feel amazing it is also important for anti ageing and working on improving your circulation.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I especially like to concentrate on my problem area's such as my knee's, if you have ever crawled around after a toddler for 12 hours a day you will know the impact this activity has on your knees and it is not good. Fake tanning without prior exfoliation these days is a criminal offence. <a href="https://simplyscrub.com/" target="_blank">Simply Scrub</a> reached out to me and kindly sent me over some samples of all four of their luxurious organic body scrub's to try. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The scrubs come in <a href="https://simplyscrub.com/collections/coffee-body-scrub" target="_blank">Coffee</a>, <a href="https://simplyscrub.com/collections/chocolate-body-scrub" target="_blank">Chocolate</a>, <a href="https://simplyscrub.com/collections/rose-body-scrub" target="_blank">Rose</a> and <a href="https://simplyscrub.com/collections/soursop-body-scrub" target="_blank">Soursop</a>. I had never heard of soursop before but this one is easily my favourite of the four. The fragrance transported me to a spa style experience with notes of refreshing tea tree beaming through. After a little research I found out that Soursop is a tropical plant which works wonders for skin conditions such as Eczema. Eczema is a big thing in my house, I am lucky not to suffer however my husband and daughter both endure it quite badly. Along with the Eczema my husband also is the proud owner of hyper sensitive skin, after a little patch test we discovered the Simply Scrub products were gentle enough for him try and a fortnight later we did see some difference in his more problematic areas. I will hold my hands up and say I am not sure exactly how many times in that fortnight he actually used the product and if you was to use it more frequently you may see more of a difference to your skin. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq_BRKZlOTyL-Wihs8hgJH18CVWC0XmWfjzC5pjn_VF7z_2UMC3-bozKhyphenhyphenfuVmT55ETFhWK-pCtKmhxofmk15ys2B9w9WLWqwh0xjC52ordsnMq8wTMgRuyQWxXFVLTzyP5REQz1OSrOO/s1600/22882299_10155219732822842_1425250177_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq_BRKZlOTyL-Wihs8hgJH18CVWC0XmWfjzC5pjn_VF7z_2UMC3-bozKhyphenhyphenfuVmT55ETFhWK-pCtKmhxofmk15ys2B9w9WLWqwh0xjC52ordsnMq8wTMgRuyQWxXFVLTzyP5REQz1OSrOO/s640/22882299_10155219732822842_1425250177_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkVRzHMzX_tqb86fT8Iqms0b-stzquLPl6x3h7_vGtk2IP3RVP7LWPMIRP-wuffKHYWXl8WWMFUZ-9NyYA2xIaexq8zK8a0hVkL7I0kze3PyN67GsKm9zlMa4g_76Hnkj-URuNbe0RpH-/s1600/22883816_10155219732992842_2034776854_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkVRzHMzX_tqb86fT8Iqms0b-stzquLPl6x3h7_vGtk2IP3RVP7LWPMIRP-wuffKHYWXl8WWMFUZ-9NyYA2xIaexq8zK8a0hVkL7I0kze3PyN67GsKm9zlMa4g_76Hnkj-URuNbe0RpH-/s640/22883816_10155219732992842_2034776854_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The second on my love list was the coffee scrub, I am sure coffee runs through my veins at this point so why not rub it all over myself too? On first usage I thought the product seemed a little dry and hard to maneuver on the skin which I knew couldn't be right so after a little stir I awakened the oils and got things flowing nicely. There is a cocktail of oils used in the scrub to benefit your skin, coconut oil for hydration, grape seed to benefit your skins natural collagen which is where the anti ageing comes in and jojoba oil to dissolve acne causing sebum so if you are someone with acne prone back concerns this is going to be a big hit with you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every ingredient is 100% Organic, natural and chemical free. Which is a big selling point in my house of sensitive souls. Simply Scrub is based in the US however they do have a huge UK following so make sure you pop a gift set on your Christmas list you will not regret it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-33385484208186874142017-10-18T08:30:00.002-07:002017-10-27T06:57:40.195-07:00Creating sensory play at home with Velinda<div style="text-align: center;">
When venturing to soft play is suggested by my mum friends it sparks many emotions, and the majority of them are negative. It's funny how these places are always named things such as 'The Fun Factory' when there is basically nothing fun about it. Children crying all over the place. Mums ignoring them as best as they possibly can. Me trying to remain calm. It's a mess.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBWKSqHeto2H6vXauJ44HpQGpy7Cc_kyrTlOV8t9MVwT5pfgbpVZWIEtHqD4z7D71yzX6zdqkeC-hBC5H8X_md5MY-niKLqUYzw_aehtFxQ-83WQXeYqrmEOzvriDwnwiwK38ADfGzNkp/s1600/IMG_5863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1600" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBWKSqHeto2H6vXauJ44HpQGpy7Cc_kyrTlOV8t9MVwT5pfgbpVZWIEtHqD4z7D71yzX6zdqkeC-hBC5H8X_md5MY-niKLqUYzw_aehtFxQ-83WQXeYqrmEOzvriDwnwiwK38ADfGzNkp/s640/IMG_5863.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thankfully you are now able to create a sensory play area affordably in your very own home, and what is the first thing you will need? A BALL PIT!! Yep I have a ball pit in my house... and I love it, possible more than Lylie. (Adult ball pits so need to be a thing because that stuff is comfy!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA3lDx1NSZvog_id4Jq5S1eF1NoV0w7dCbWJAqHEmDidZSlBQ7LB3ha6IjSBoaxLl87JDJrhmWGzLzaFEsDf1Xl8wfxkHYmtzPrfLbQygVU6FEadaRFXYIQIxVc8JnLW5a6zHREBdq5Zi/s1600/IMG_5895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA3lDx1NSZvog_id4Jq5S1eF1NoV0w7dCbWJAqHEmDidZSlBQ7LB3ha6IjSBoaxLl87JDJrhmWGzLzaFEsDf1Xl8wfxkHYmtzPrfLbQygVU6FEadaRFXYIQIxVc8JnLW5a6zHREBdq5Zi/s640/IMG_5895.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4999zbhkyZLK155NelsBUn7ch794Hpna3jNj46oGjeRozAqNLyefa8BL1duNIbOnzuD9Ra36wD9P4wLebnpUKMZJRQG0Gg3ShLIaAYJB32Us45MbxHqud6GiJlC0BBiJxZFGCkWIfQ27v/s1600/IMG_5897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4999zbhkyZLK155NelsBUn7ch794Hpna3jNj46oGjeRozAqNLyefa8BL1duNIbOnzuD9Ra36wD9P4wLebnpUKMZJRQG0Gg3ShLIaAYJB32Us45MbxHqud6GiJlC0BBiJxZFGCkWIfQ27v/s640/IMG_5897.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/526037628/soft-jersey-baby-kids-children-ball-pit?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=ball%20pit&ref=sr_gallery_2" target="_blank">Velinda Soft Jersey Ball Pit</a> is available via etsy for only £68.99. You will receive 300 balls in your choice of colours. I chose grey, white and pink. The colour of the balls really set these ball pits apart from the standard in your face bright colour selections you might have seen in the past. These ball pits are perfectly instagrammable in every way!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnvyWOXHMXqX6xuB7LGvI5lT0KKFGmHwlojaZSRl_J4WbJ0moowj5W5nrVxLwusjadxbnqIMlKdsKQPdHLLZnTso8NeZQrKxvyGEHcKPqzpm4rfmLhHMcKT_lVCtvG2PsklC-bDI-IKNz/s1600/IMG_5879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1600" height="507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnvyWOXHMXqX6xuB7LGvI5lT0KKFGmHwlojaZSRl_J4WbJ0moowj5W5nrVxLwusjadxbnqIMlKdsKQPdHLLZnTso8NeZQrKxvyGEHcKPqzpm4rfmLhHMcKT_lVCtvG2PsklC-bDI-IKNz/s640/IMG_5879.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We spend at least a hour each day emptying all the balls out and then putting them back in, but hey whatever keeps her happy is a winner!!<br />
<br />
You can pick up your own Velinda ball pit right <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/526037628/soft-jersey-baby-kids-children-ball-pit?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=ball%20pit&ref=sr_gallery_2" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
I can see them being added to Christmas lists as we speak!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
</div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-17016673396047128442017-10-06T06:52:00.000-07:002017-10-06T06:52:37.352-07:00Why 'you dress like a mum' is no longer an insult <div style="text-align: center;">
I remember when someone mentioning that you dress 'like a mum' would insinuate that you looked frumpy, or boring even. I suppose when you are younger mum's always seem old, and honestly at thirty years of age and now a mother myself I still feel like an eighteen year old (only my hangovers last several days) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfE3F4vsN4Z_Xatb5CfecYNKxjLVW4HarVPOJK8KbJTQvb0LuQY_lqaKN9-HsqJK35MsObTFfEB5CDXxawoKx1XJBwM06TfHXI6YybDXx44n5EpbA9KyU0fISYLWBsXUT1ZSJ8UhaTwfO/s1600/22292191_10155168827217842_1994095716_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1334" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfE3F4vsN4Z_Xatb5CfecYNKxjLVW4HarVPOJK8KbJTQvb0LuQY_lqaKN9-HsqJK35MsObTFfEB5CDXxawoKx1XJBwM06TfHXI6YybDXx44n5EpbA9KyU0fISYLWBsXUT1ZSJ8UhaTwfO/s640/22292191_10155168827217842_1994095716_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I am a mum the way I dress has changed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I dress with confidence and at times with much more purpose. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk0_ZMJt-r7LHn7ETxdCHKARaWdauo-s0D4sVAmFVXmFRSceVeE3Mp_qmtoSmqgImw-psO2rB4ztZhyrLSTPsVz77H-QetnVxSRb7qsAlx00SO6oKvym0L9SdnWtLCfJ4hjsJEl3ACOCb/s1600/22291922_10155168831677842_1031672847_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="750" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk0_ZMJt-r7LHn7ETxdCHKARaWdauo-s0D4sVAmFVXmFRSceVeE3Mp_qmtoSmqgImw-psO2rB4ztZhyrLSTPsVz77H-QetnVxSRb7qsAlx00SO6oKvym0L9SdnWtLCfJ4hjsJEl3ACOCb/s640/22291922_10155168831677842_1031672847_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During the week I spend my time running.... running in and out of sensory classes, running away (quickly) from soft play centers and running errands. What I wear is the last thing on my mind, whatever I manage to pull on will be comfortable and perfectly suited to my day of mumming. I am 100% confident wearing slogan T Shirts telling the whole world how bloody tired I am, or unashamedly matching my 11 month old (because I think it's funny and no one can stop me) this week I have been rocking sparkly pumpkin socks so hard. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoG8dStzZDaaPdhhbwFQvnzotdzLpQXvzZH5ZiK4HlEYFgrOv-tFGOcOnr-EE4BJmSjlHaeIfr7K_tWga7IrqZJuFfLeO9yXJMtyCDsqhlapbE-TRidBklCQlU6XRTe2Ccq5PaQYOHIZ_t/s1600/22290647_10155168827207842_2045376739_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1122" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoG8dStzZDaaPdhhbwFQvnzotdzLpQXvzZH5ZiK4HlEYFgrOv-tFGOcOnr-EE4BJmSjlHaeIfr7K_tWga7IrqZJuFfLeO9yXJMtyCDsqhlapbE-TRidBklCQlU6XRTe2Ccq5PaQYOHIZ_t/s640/22290647_10155168827207842_2045376739_o.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7DNHuF8nmn2Q1zp7uZakokPIb78_vSLSCUjia7ygp7fpcOjevqTLURqKZBfI0LadDwVAV8YZyAY8bOVUJlkIiHvcKodESGEkAqV_UvwvOzRw7TtesgkF2zizEJkOO5E71W-afdFWIZNQ/s1600/22290711_10155168828737842_757295548_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1334" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7DNHuF8nmn2Q1zp7uZakokPIb78_vSLSCUjia7ygp7fpcOjevqTLURqKZBfI0LadDwVAV8YZyAY8bOVUJlkIiHvcKodESGEkAqV_UvwvOzRw7TtesgkF2zizEJkOO5E71W-afdFWIZNQ/s640/22290711_10155168828737842_757295548_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I go on nights out a lot less frequently than I used to and therefore dressing for them is part of the fun. I am no longer worried if I don't fit in or look the part. Who knows when the next opportunity to wear leather trousers will arise! I actually try to pull outfits together that resemble what I've seen on fashion bloggers, how bold is that! I even wear COLOUR, something prechild me would never have had the confidence to do. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wish I dressed 'like a mum' before I was one, because clothes are more fun now. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am a brand ambassador for Lauren Dwyer, you can get 10% off with the code PAGE10 I am always getting complimented on my slogan tops, and I have so much fun with the mum fashion. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did the way you dress change after becoming a mum? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-55955376444799799862017-09-30T12:57:00.002-07:002017-09-30T12:57:32.291-07:00Collecting those first memories with CHEERZ <div style="text-align: center;">
Since having a baby one of the questions I often get asked is what shall I buy my friend for a baby shower gift? Lets face it everyone is so bored of nappy cakes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBR1KK9o-x5MIUIK_cTGrZ4GHjfuAEtC0KCOWlvbYIZ7jo3PA_0PXdcaUy38k30xMAVazIz4HWqT9IefmZGxVmLpCq7a6Otpb9oqKkRBj9Rm-gmhip79w-aIIVELO14bxzob3OLKSouVa/s1600/22140153_10155154982272842_774631413_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBR1KK9o-x5MIUIK_cTGrZ4GHjfuAEtC0KCOWlvbYIZ7jo3PA_0PXdcaUy38k30xMAVazIz4HWqT9IefmZGxVmLpCq7a6Otpb9oqKkRBj9Rm-gmhip79w-aIIVELO14bxzob3OLKSouVa/s640/22140153_10155154982272842_774631413_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Before you are up to your elbows in poop you have (or at least I had) idealistic ideas of creating scrap books and collages of your baby's first year on plant earth all pretty and creative and documenting beautifully their every moment. And I did start all of these things and the key word here is START because it seems like these days I never finish anything.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1tA7tLQToxCdGMxGX59r8wI83xTQmkTew8MvZlb1boV3p9BvGIoxMovkdwTfx3p9qaDtDhU9GdqoP9wE40EMhh0xvOfSJ3MXiksDxUEPHbQMF9Vj5kI4L2CE2Vqyhfi1N9uuOkDMrVv6/s1600/22199000_10155154982242842_1660954664_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1334" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1tA7tLQToxCdGMxGX59r8wI83xTQmkTew8MvZlb1boV3p9BvGIoxMovkdwTfx3p9qaDtDhU9GdqoP9wE40EMhh0xvOfSJ3MXiksDxUEPHbQMF9Vj5kI4L2CE2Vqyhfi1N9uuOkDMrVv6/s640/22199000_10155154982242842_1660954664_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When Cheerz asked if I wanted to collaborate on a post I made a bee line for the <a href="https://www.cheerz.com/en/products/memory-box-baby" target="_blank">Baby Memory Box</a>, apart from wanting one for myself this is probably the best gift you could ever give to new parents. Starting from £42 you can gift 'parents-to-be' with a beautiful keep sake which can be easily filled with the special first memories from those wonderful first twelve months. If babies aren't your thing there are memory boxes available for various occasions including a <a href="https://www.cheerz.com/en/products/wedding-box-zank-you" target="_blank">wedding box!!</a><br />
<br />
Cheerz now offers free app you are able to easily download to your phone making ordering your prints even easier! During your boring night feeds you can simply select the best photo (out of the 20 identical photos in your camera roll... mums and I right?) make a quick order and effortlessly slip them in correct divider to indicate which month you are on. This is revolutionary.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5E9YsCpgTf8K4c0leTproREXGSwD7urJXLDGzdGYL91HsJYIMfvmueymRMB4hFUgAZHSDJfUtLHWgzYwzzS46cTVhxYE2-BlSqtja2selQPzAzRi5xeLP1Jb44Vx4mtwNLJ0RkRri7eW/s1600/22140487_10155154982257842_1993633162_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1334" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5E9YsCpgTf8K4c0leTproREXGSwD7urJXLDGzdGYL91HsJYIMfvmueymRMB4hFUgAZHSDJfUtLHWgzYwzzS46cTVhxYE2-BlSqtja2selQPzAzRi5xeLP1Jb44Vx4mtwNLJ0RkRri7eW/s640/22140487_10155154982257842_1993633162_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSt5-uBbNrrarCp2xH5xTjQ7ycno4qaO0KX2geSGuoNa5D5_0U9i5Ktxzzf0YgsB1DjMGazE5oZIiQWEpB6zv_rkt175AzovFFXMHOae9qeisVPjAlai8AJbTTWEX00izxzzFnKe0xxhJ/s1600/22184762_10155154981037842_538621818_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="750" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSt5-uBbNrrarCp2xH5xTjQ7ycno4qaO0KX2geSGuoNa5D5_0U9i5Ktxzzf0YgsB1DjMGazE5oZIiQWEpB6zv_rkt175AzovFFXMHOae9qeisVPjAlai8AJbTTWEX00izxzzFnKe0xxhJ/s640/22184762_10155154981037842_538621818_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When purchasing the Baby Memory Box you are able to select a number of prints, an activation code will be included with the gift which will be valid for 12 months.<br />
<br />
<b>You can get 10% off of your purchase when you spend £20 with the code <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">083R87</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b>
Happy Capturing<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-5670208718390467942017-09-17T12:50:00.007-07:002017-09-17T12:50:56.166-07:00The Andi Walker Pop Up Experience <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you are a fan of TV's Master Chef you will already know the name Andi Walker. Andi fought his way to the semi-finals in the 2015 rounds of the popular show and now you can experience his food first hand by enjoying a six course tasting menu inspired by local Essex produce. I was lucky enough to be invited down to the Riverside Inn in Chelmsford for a foodie adventure of my own and I can tell you I was not disappointed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVID70WxqmMDgBNBd1hKHTBJ8PaZs6mukBUEjnII4CZjzfFnZvGps9bsCrpnlAFDq-u5Z21im6twXb9FLj2OUnHqIF4lfyBnXRc5qK1LOTwcgCkIl5QtE4wkYLlPcN4W6UrwEC57RKpqPA/s1600/IMG_5938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVID70WxqmMDgBNBd1hKHTBJ8PaZs6mukBUEjnII4CZjzfFnZvGps9bsCrpnlAFDq-u5Z21im6twXb9FLj2OUnHqIF4lfyBnXRc5qK1LOTwcgCkIl5QtE4wkYLlPcN4W6UrwEC57RKpqPA/s640/IMG_5938.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Andi is now showcasing his wealth of experience within the food industry at his pop up restaurant with an ever changing six course menu buzzing with creativity, which will keep you interested for the duration. </div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7gdLG4JqZCeHAVekMbxpPj4r-dr37mwqw_CjqougH7kDC7mIjPVgbjwJ-Pt3yX4ZrqbPJMSW4S_7NvVAUEhDmfRoJ0XjMTdPMkNBaHD5GrmaVLfVtqQu6wb_3NoHYVvZqo70uwtfeAWK/s1600/IMG_5941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7gdLG4JqZCeHAVekMbxpPj4r-dr37mwqw_CjqougH7kDC7mIjPVgbjwJ-Pt3yX4ZrqbPJMSW4S_7NvVAUEhDmfRoJ0XjMTdPMkNBaHD5GrmaVLfVtqQu6wb_3NoHYVvZqo70uwtfeAWK/s640/IMG_5941.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every Monday a new menu is created completely dependant on what ingredients Andi is able to source fresh and locally. Andi mentioned that one week all he had for starter was carrots... that really was a chance to get creative! When it comes to the idea's behind each menu Andi mainly takes inspiration from his travels, he picked up a lot of new and exciting idea's when he had the chance to travel the world. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have respect for anywhere that serves me snacks before my starter, you instantly know you are in the right place. We was treated to leek bhajis, dehydrated roasted artichokes which were deep fried and filled with mushroom ketchup. The mushroom ketchup was nothing like anything I had tried before, it was such a welcome addition to the dish. Everything was served alongside pork cracking with thyme salt. I am already a crackling fan and this was 'gourmet' pork cracking.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUEWlORCS8zg0zE62-AbhhaWUDYYqGO1K8S7q1zSxodQRDps-fTGFuJwC6O2rN0iC_KVQI4j8AgVEbi1W44iPskkg-1H5FA1Aagug4gDiLMIELAXEy4zg6H9zj5_o4v31xqOj4HeR7lsv/s1600/IMG_5943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUEWlORCS8zg0zE62-AbhhaWUDYYqGO1K8S7q1zSxodQRDps-fTGFuJwC6O2rN0iC_KVQI4j8AgVEbi1W44iPskkg-1H5FA1Aagug4gDiLMIELAXEy4zg6H9zj5_o4v31xqOj4HeR7lsv/s640/IMG_5943.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
To follow Andi served fresh sour dough bread accompanied by his signature Marmite butter. Marmite is known for its love or hate reactions and our table was no exception, which left more for me to <strike>scoff </strike>sample. I could have handled the marmite flavour stronger, but I am someone who eats it off a spoon... stop judging me! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZa5u2tDReDYeYtrxXVBhLmeuIsitjgJ-fEbYSThnwC2OtNVcU_zLyCXPLhOBLN_DDC3CZfmBnIC6OaYuO1xBRXucFmoyxT70UsgVAAOOEisRdAjad1DLX8ObQena2ESda6Pzx1CPD5TjU/s1600/IMG_5945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZa5u2tDReDYeYtrxXVBhLmeuIsitjgJ-fEbYSThnwC2OtNVcU_zLyCXPLhOBLN_DDC3CZfmBnIC6OaYuO1xBRXucFmoyxT70UsgVAAOOEisRdAjad1DLX8ObQena2ESda6Pzx1CPD5TjU/s640/IMG_5945.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm_ZRYVE2kJU5rw-gsoMcOfNjPPN-HhqSZBsPF-xQK79P7epHGMLeKa_pXSCdFLzVWLkVe8IYq2jVvmJ2395rScRLtZ2zlTNaBv3sDr0p8s6mRnfvnb7QN6U6oRs4hcayFQdy0eEa84M4/s1600/IMG_5946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm_ZRYVE2kJU5rw-gsoMcOfNjPPN-HhqSZBsPF-xQK79P7epHGMLeKa_pXSCdFLzVWLkVe8IYq2jVvmJ2395rScRLtZ2zlTNaBv3sDr0p8s6mRnfvnb7QN6U6oRs4hcayFQdy0eEa84M4/s640/IMG_5946.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">The flavours of the third course were probably my favourite of the night. Salt-baked celeriac, seved with mustard, pickled onions, fresh bramley and granny smith apple, celery cress and truffle oil. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I had never tried celeriac before and was pleasantly surprised, the heat of the mustard really came through enriching all of the flavours. </span></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVY1BOtDdp0qfRE4N0SXeUw10croqIhc4VApcVvoZ_Q6JE4jIreEvS_DMFV1Br70W0KPeWksIm0w1n7ZngFJOLnCAzWM4xsvN-vypVMcu7LN7jQon3e_l7ISsGNWGEB6IJjwIktP4Fvla/s1600/IMG_5948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVY1BOtDdp0qfRE4N0SXeUw10croqIhc4VApcVvoZ_Q6JE4jIreEvS_DMFV1Br70W0KPeWksIm0w1n7ZngFJOLnCAzWM4xsvN-vypVMcu7LN7jQon3e_l7ISsGNWGEB6IJjwIktP4Fvla/s640/IMG_5948.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The main was free range chicken breast, which was dried overnight and brined in salt and sugar water, it was then blow torched and roasted. The kiev alongside it was braised leg meat wrapped in smoked garlic butter and cover in breadcrumbs. The chicken was served with mushroom puree, which I loved. I am such a fan of a the flavour of mushroom I would happily replace all future condiments with this new found delight. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKumgsg1a61err5KypvWPYaCV2DkwpI242AQf_QwHCMzf7vBMe9sYGSuF4YnVzrjVrdWFvqsSpK2CS-QqQ_L-JJ0MzZrAnsmTDZ0uD_Ab_8CAwOs82BYQgY-TTnO0cxKBqiCj5W5S2DGf/s1600/IMG_5951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKumgsg1a61err5KypvWPYaCV2DkwpI242AQf_QwHCMzf7vBMe9sYGSuF4YnVzrjVrdWFvqsSpK2CS-QqQ_L-JJ0MzZrAnsmTDZ0uD_Ab_8CAwOs82BYQgY-TTnO0cxKBqiCj5W5S2DGf/s640/IMG_5951.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZgDQH6vVYcIMZ-_qavA0OyUWva5W-0hrlEOsuYjwGQLxfuSF2gPqpc4zCoxjAxWppdeFGyrjCH32Qs6JmMacnecv7fT8JTKNmJl-RgeehiirMvup8yV4ycDADUD282D36XwKVx-DIiAC/s1600/IMG_5952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZgDQH6vVYcIMZ-_qavA0OyUWva5W-0hrlEOsuYjwGQLxfuSF2gPqpc4zCoxjAxWppdeFGyrjCH32Qs6JmMacnecv7fT8JTKNmJl-RgeehiirMvup8yV4ycDADUD282D36XwKVx-DIiAC/s640/IMG_5952.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To finish peanut butter ice cream served beside chocolate delice and caramelised peanuts. This was as delicious as it sounds. We was served just enough to not make you feel like you had over done it, as the desert was quite rich. Honestly I probably could have eaten at least one more though. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everyone who attended the event were served in one sitting which was quite a big ask of Andi, who had only an assistant to help him plate up on this night. Usually Andi works alone, with serving staff to help him deliver each dish. Andi did mention that he would have liked more time to make sure each dish was presented just right, he definitely comes across as a perfectionist in not only his food but also in the passionate way he talks about his on going projects. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOae_N-rK-2niDmwwvWuZqoJTuEz96rCmKDqdSbNjPrAiRdD3jVUO7qtPRw22fAKGF1jLuWeJ3FPc0t7Qxv4-KcM8rhgS3uE-k1s-QSOHIRWuEKHp8xUL0YR63JlzzfVPCahzX0dihS-W/s1600/IMG_5954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOae_N-rK-2niDmwwvWuZqoJTuEz96rCmKDqdSbNjPrAiRdD3jVUO7qtPRw22fAKGF1jLuWeJ3FPc0t7Qxv4-KcM8rhgS3uE-k1s-QSOHIRWuEKHp8xUL0YR63JlzzfVPCahzX0dihS-W/s640/IMG_5954.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgrV6O_SMbZYmKJLXYxjHcgC-JIx4eCsM3gk2F2SfkeCVtxRpPDTLQKfqc9Fuk7-BJwgYl587_769z3kJAuOTJuzePvu_gmblKUIkZ9lMbMQuB9Vh3a1itBBlg7Bpqt7IbiH1z-1u4PZf/s1600/IMG_5959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgrV6O_SMbZYmKJLXYxjHcgC-JIx4eCsM3gk2F2SfkeCVtxRpPDTLQKfqc9Fuk7-BJwgYl587_769z3kJAuOTJuzePvu_gmblKUIkZ9lMbMQuB9Vh3a1itBBlg7Bpqt7IbiH1z-1u4PZf/s640/IMG_5959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you consider yourself a foodie and would relish in a surprise menu you are able to join Andi now at the Riverside Inn. The restaurant only seats 30 therefore the atmosphere is guaranteed to be cosy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuf7aaIgqNg10PuirAV3KruoOiZzbFfKBsYCWBrnaOv7U_P-oYnEZXLGKSoaCxsZDbAPc4VadfAujDzEiw8tlf5SAX0W75-OOjxukX87CZ6Ux6i9AxHuYVPxkDelSk3k8wGKMpMV0oqMe/s1600/IMG_7827-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuf7aaIgqNg10PuirAV3KruoOiZzbFfKBsYCWBrnaOv7U_P-oYnEZXLGKSoaCxsZDbAPc4VadfAujDzEiw8tlf5SAX0W75-OOjxukX87CZ6Ux6i9AxHuYVPxkDelSk3k8wGKMpMV0oqMe/s640/IMG_7827-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bookings can be made by calling the Riverside Inn on 01245 266881. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-66396040004744421492017-09-09T04:50:00.001-07:002017-09-09T04:50:17.086-07:00Today I'm Nanny's Problem....!<div style="text-align: center;">
TGIF!! THANK GOD ITS FRIDAY .... because on Friday's I go to work!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASjhfhFnQVu4O12g0cE3aFaaOT9bwLjXWKPSCsMdweV30UT8jq9DceuR64dG7EFElFolF46adsRnUm3nWTrkmh18aiXiOvlgYAapjMEXGFvnVIsK6LKPePD5ia9iWy-wzUxaS1VyWtL5j/s1600/IMG_5760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1521" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASjhfhFnQVu4O12g0cE3aFaaOT9bwLjXWKPSCsMdweV30UT8jq9DceuR64dG7EFElFolF46adsRnUm3nWTrkmh18aiXiOvlgYAapjMEXGFvnVIsK6LKPePD5ia9iWy-wzUxaS1VyWtL5j/s640/IMG_5760.jpg" width="608" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When maternity leave started I felt like my time to return to work would never come, but alas Lylie is ten whole months old and I've been back to work for three weeks already. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nearing the start back date my husband approached me to say that we had done OK with money during my time away from work and it would be fine for me not to return. I nearly spat my tea out... of course his intentions were sweet and I know that I am in a privileged position not to have to work but honestly I had been looking forward to getting back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu3xh_z6iW4IHKH4Z-0y7XQvLIfyNVmBoJ-T_Qi021pfpO39SK-jOSG10jinU9MSXG__inQWiQB_wuihQupXtkkgLyZvcoj8_LkqRV45juYVYLjbcbegUMdxTTvtUuisAlbT2rOatHXfa/s1600/IMG_5750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu3xh_z6iW4IHKH4Z-0y7XQvLIfyNVmBoJ-T_Qi021pfpO39SK-jOSG10jinU9MSXG__inQWiQB_wuihQupXtkkgLyZvcoj8_LkqRV45juYVYLjbcbegUMdxTTvtUuisAlbT2rOatHXfa/s640/IMG_5750.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lylie is so much fun, especially when we can go on adventurous days out but realistically we can't be out and about every day and in the house she gets bored so quickly - it is NOT easy to amuse a pre toddler. Especially one that wakes up at five, refuses to nap, and I wrestle to sleep at seven.<br />
It's a long day.<br />
Work now has a completely different meaning, it's basically a day off. Obviously I am not sat twiddling my thumbs all day but the tasks I used to find monotonous are now a breath of fresh air. Give me something to alphabeticalise I will make myself a nice HOT cuppa and sit relishing the task.<br />
<br />
There is a lot of controversy around parents, especially mothers returning to the work place part time and their colleagues having to 'carry' them. In my experience so far I feel like I am achieving so much in my eighteen hours. While at work I am completely focused on getting all of my tasks completed, I have even been relieving colleagues of jobs they have been putting off doing. Before maternity leave I always had at least one eye on the clock now five o'clock comes around sometimes a little too quickly. It is a shame that not all employers are on board to help their employees benefit from flexible working hours, out of the six mothers in my NCT group three have had to leave the jobs they were in when they fell pregnant.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbSraauXSwXOmUrwCo9ba8oNXQMz-ACkHe5k8p98yB-cozsoZaU0rpx3UFnGCYoWRJfXVCuGpySZa0LgXp3QX2cUtNpYRpyc7gF35gZ6tR1XUeI8PY8GHHRDIBefH54QrauGbcJWH5vfp/s1600/IMG_5744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbSraauXSwXOmUrwCo9ba8oNXQMz-ACkHe5k8p98yB-cozsoZaU0rpx3UFnGCYoWRJfXVCuGpySZa0LgXp3QX2cUtNpYRpyc7gF35gZ6tR1XUeI8PY8GHHRDIBefH54QrauGbcJWH5vfp/s640/IMG_5744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I think it is understandable that mothers with babies or small children do not want to return to the workplace five days a week. But it is important for us to have some sort of outlet, some grown up time where we can feel how we used to pre nappy days and do not have a tiny extension clinging to us fifteen hours a day. I was one of the lucky ones who had their flexible working request approved, but what are the not so fortunate mothers to do when being responsible for tiny lives is one of the biggest turn off's for lots of potential employers?<br />
<br />
I'd love to hear how you feel about returning to work? Or maybe your colleague is a part time working mother, do you feel like you are carrying their weight?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-77044214505346136512017-08-30T13:02:00.002-07:002017-08-30T13:02:55.695-07:00#FriendswithBenefit <div style="text-align: center;">
Which brand screams out to you as the most instagrammable cosmetic gang on the block? For me it's got to be Benefit. So when I was invited down to the Benetowers on Tuesday night I wasn't at all surprised that I had stepped into pink heaven.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNFo83ENyiE58eQiogn3n0HKSa8p4z0cGEixkIuPLQTTtSrWgjs4tWDqzuQIctoUcve8L9L5os8G1xHufT8H1l8d-RSNS0t9-XjsJXPw8gAaITU0Wxl2JaNQDBEgte-MjH1cQIBVDBQiJ/s1600/21247915_10155072075767842_938051017_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1334" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNFo83ENyiE58eQiogn3n0HKSa8p4z0cGEixkIuPLQTTtSrWgjs4tWDqzuQIctoUcve8L9L5os8G1xHufT8H1l8d-RSNS0t9-XjsJXPw8gAaITU0Wxl2JaNQDBEgte-MjH1cQIBVDBQiJ/s640/21247915_10155072075767842_938051017_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVkM7z8fIOHNmbgFC8hmJPXfTYaMdZtTlEQg1jxAT6rlQvZE9ejJuyPqRWyGXZRm-zoWGYrHiJFnmt9SXjt53teaL4N8SOpjwdjl4XcNguEQxYQSz7r_3gkcu2Nt55ePSEpjaI4u8TYCZ/s1600/21268286_10155072098862842_1886865305_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="1190" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVkM7z8fIOHNmbgFC8hmJPXfTYaMdZtTlEQg1jxAT6rlQvZE9ejJuyPqRWyGXZRm-zoWGYrHiJFnmt9SXjt53teaL4N8SOpjwdjl4XcNguEQxYQSz7r_3gkcu2Nt55ePSEpjaI4u8TYCZ/s640/21268286_10155072098862842_1886865305_o.jpg" width="579" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJJrCnvxxEK3YEOSeFDbAvIqFT0hnLPliz44dVBuxwzEOnMaRJzit03_qCzRoScdNVkn82KN5fSlbxKTMVLaBpqzEXq9M-mySFc-3Wf7brBNpzIKuuvv2-Va4NTSq8am10CGHQd1mCJDX/s1600/21267584_10155072098947842_2022762507_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJJrCnvxxEK3YEOSeFDbAvIqFT0hnLPliz44dVBuxwzEOnMaRJzit03_qCzRoScdNVkn82KN5fSlbxKTMVLaBpqzEXq9M-mySFc-3Wf7brBNpzIKuuvv2-Va4NTSq8am10CGHQd1mCJDX/s640/21267584_10155072098947842_2022762507_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeHddfK4TlrHV30rh9Dk0kemz298XrhniZGg45iYrYMAOGkRfiIP8ETxSxeMCAmofZgKWv2-TF8S1Fc2pmhbtlKXgtIhRSC02NL7KfJjzO-oCTBpSTiDyOaBL59d1cQ9cJliKur7jZA40/s1600/21268120_10155072099322842_1271467912_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeHddfK4TlrHV30rh9Dk0kemz298XrhniZGg45iYrYMAOGkRfiIP8ETxSxeMCAmofZgKWv2-TF8S1Fc2pmhbtlKXgtIhRSC02NL7KfJjzO-oCTBpSTiDyOaBL59d1cQ9cJliKur7jZA40/s640/21268120_10155072099322842_1271467912_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Benefit had teamed up with blogger's fave Olympus for the fantastic #FriendswithBenefit event showcasing the brand spanking new addition to the Benefit brow family the Foolproof Brow Powder. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Foolproof Brow Powder promises to provide you with at least 12 hours wear, perfect for the busy gal who has little to no time to stop and reapply throughout the day. The two tone shade creates a soft and natural looking brow, the powder is very build-able so perfect for beginners as you won't have the worry of sharp lines that can be difficult to blend. I was lucky enough to be gifted the product so I will be adding it to my makeup bag ASAP.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHylQDPKXAk4ZWQZtTcaiEnHFtWn0VJeA54KAcWVhmsFy31Swbibr8zbjQX4TYiiN_hhRSiPrANw1Nu51jhlrSZDwGYiGl-krcYWmLHuPBigeTFAkVRd_In7zBUfpLL-K-ARhRXnIO36Fn/s1600/21245864_10155072098962842_125853654_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHylQDPKXAk4ZWQZtTcaiEnHFtWn0VJeA54KAcWVhmsFy31Swbibr8zbjQX4TYiiN_hhRSiPrANw1Nu51jhlrSZDwGYiGl-krcYWmLHuPBigeTFAkVRd_In7zBUfpLL-K-ARhRXnIO36Fn/s640/21245864_10155072098962842_125853654_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not sure how any works gets down in this magical Benefit land there is just far too many things to get distracted by! The whole place reminded me of the Gallery room at Sketch which is definitely another one of the most instagrammable places on earth! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKnsHwdpwd4uRbwBOdVGYE-icWI2xA47r9Dp8rjKukYUsXGtg1S1sKqkuIyb1FkLfzX4ER1v5pgqMu-yDg15vYQKRzv9bXXXYEV9GXDvKlobNztMWi4t7JbXPk7a31-q34icYzvO-x0df/s1600/21245747_10155072133867842_1408740039_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="1319" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKnsHwdpwd4uRbwBOdVGYE-icWI2xA47r9Dp8rjKukYUsXGtg1S1sKqkuIyb1FkLfzX4ER1v5pgqMu-yDg15vYQKRzv9bXXXYEV9GXDvKlobNztMWi4t7JbXPk7a31-q34icYzvO-x0df/s640/21245747_10155072133867842_1408740039_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While sipping on PINK champagne (of course, everything at benetowers is pink) we had the opportunity to play with the new Olympus Pen E-PL8. I have been wanting to get my hands on one of these beauties for a long time and instantly the brown one stole my heart! This surprised me as I thought I would gravitate towards the white. I am so used to my trusted canon that it felt strange shooting with a new camera, I wanted to hog one all night and just practice however I of course had to share with the other ladies. I would be lying if I said I wasn't completely tempted to let Olympus take all my money!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDQsqCOznGEJcarotMrl2tdGLL26rFqY2wOlB5gUomIG5L9DWzpsepMkcUw3Lp4xXQqMGawFo8FDT7vcA3yP3Lg2ThHJi2lH4WGaet0YltqSrCXtMV6yKwKvPjpC4ZcQNLKIY9Egk8j_k/s1600/21208934_10155072140017842_571270544_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDQsqCOznGEJcarotMrl2tdGLL26rFqY2wOlB5gUomIG5L9DWzpsepMkcUw3Lp4xXQqMGawFo8FDT7vcA3yP3Lg2ThHJi2lH4WGaet0YltqSrCXtMV6yKwKvPjpC4ZcQNLKIY9Egk8j_k/s640/21208934_10155072140017842_571270544_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Of course there was a selfie station ready for us all to enjoy, we probably spent a bit more time playing there than they expected! The ring light did leave us momentarily blind but you know all's fair in love and the quest for the perfect selfie... right?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclZzXbEzI78TMXQv5vwlzYlBh0HfDobj0ZNGDc1kWVVB8tIYKNsVXsUKNJAC_beh8jHuRasKEy3gu0gXLNEQ8NWE5pnlRS8O9pyAgR5GK01onMYTFs6Y1HcUVMU8mc1B7-Jk6M9nH45hv/s1600/21245659_10155072133697842_1933548284_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1334" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclZzXbEzI78TMXQv5vwlzYlBh0HfDobj0ZNGDc1kWVVB8tIYKNsVXsUKNJAC_beh8jHuRasKEy3gu0gXLNEQ8NWE5pnlRS8O9pyAgR5GK01onMYTFs6Y1HcUVMU8mc1B7-Jk6M9nH45hv/s640/21245659_10155072133697842_1933548284_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8pKHWjRTZyw6rY2ieevYGYbsuSTlShDpls190AifIfhR596pCL3KRwDvaxMgNnzpitAt8mEw2Qivp93SPVI5_T6Z5rGCesGKWyp75Zb3zFatH99qW1x68vGtuijqRgvp15DtEvbXok5D/s1600/21245842_10155072133492842_766707305_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1334" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8pKHWjRTZyw6rY2ieevYGYbsuSTlShDpls190AifIfhR596pCL3KRwDvaxMgNnzpitAt8mEw2Qivp93SPVI5_T6Z5rGCesGKWyp75Zb3zFatH99qW1x68vGtuijqRgvp15DtEvbXok5D/s640/21245842_10155072133492842_766707305_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jay McLaughlin, Fashion Photographer extraordinaire was on hand to answer all of our photography based questions. From what lens is best to create that blur we are all striving for to what locations we should head to for that perfect insta OOTD shot (news flash ladies the white houses of Kensington have had their day apparently) It was really interesting hearing everyone's questions, its great to know that lots of bloggers are in the same boat. Jay had a great point about having more fun and forgetting about having to create content all the time, letting the content almost create itself and therefore feel more authentic should engage more people. I am definitely going to try and stop being so uptight trying to get that too perfect to be true shot, watch this space for some bloopers that I had the best time creating. I'm excited!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNk4nBs3Q8yH80hNCym-HHNKKctPTjr9gdrZ_w6Vq9Vr7_Mytal712iprHH7JXKnyTCGsJOb1l9tzd5bcFnjSEDMihDb8ZiWSuBBcqSrzF4rpsBOBw7xuhlhnqOOVooE5jtpuc15lHpB8o/s1600/21248151_10155072115887842_1252444066_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1334" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNk4nBs3Q8yH80hNCym-HHNKKctPTjr9gdrZ_w6Vq9Vr7_Mytal712iprHH7JXKnyTCGsJOb1l9tzd5bcFnjSEDMihDb8ZiWSuBBcqSrzF4rpsBOBw7xuhlhnqOOVooE5jtpuc15lHpB8o/s640/21248151_10155072115887842_1252444066_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuMIQo5O8gWGE-8T-392WwcT6ydl-Bk_scg7ty7IOJZt8-QsGALoq1wJIgf2TQ1tbwHk9KyLfMechYbHTAk2_HFPbqRoxgHBYeQqr16yh0pveP-Crvu6JhRr1IBLZS0BzH1ZBRF3mEgZs/s1600/21247987_10155072140052842_414454528_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuMIQo5O8gWGE-8T-392WwcT6ydl-Bk_scg7ty7IOJZt8-QsGALoq1wJIgf2TQ1tbwHk9KyLfMechYbHTAk2_HFPbqRoxgHBYeQqr16yh0pveP-Crvu6JhRr1IBLZS0BzH1ZBRF3mEgZs/s640/21247987_10155072140052842_414454528_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn5Xj6y_78b2bHIQYXRcx54Tea-Oe07tXTiTHcjjEdhwHK9Q6ZbsIUdEpHdDCtKZPo0nCDABxdosg21R0_-bWiyb_1rXw4WYYve-DcBQpTIiTyiMix6wCAwbEmAyUg_1QGQas4N5XfNDy/s1600/21277865_10155072099012842_744787597_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn5Xj6y_78b2bHIQYXRcx54Tea-Oe07tXTiTHcjjEdhwHK9Q6ZbsIUdEpHdDCtKZPo0nCDABxdosg21R0_-bWiyb_1rXw4WYYve-DcBQpTIiTyiMix6wCAwbEmAyUg_1QGQas4N5XfNDy/s640/21277865_10155072099012842_744787597_o.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
I had a fabulous evening and am so thankful to the Benefit team for inviting me, and especially to Ruth for being just about the loveliest girl in the whole world.<br />
<br />
Which brand would you climb a mountain to attend an event with?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOciRLxI89Kiyakr5mnVEEaQBMEtODuZTffLShA5UUxrPBrqhBL4RzSiKyIOhIkoRkrC5_KkJBYAkMBg0PFGe3a_U-4ydGEJroSs210R1uEXQfxnCC_7uVkuQJ-fkLv_LXj-0EvYbVm9O/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
</div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-6233577439843657252017-08-13T13:04:00.006-07:002017-08-13T13:04:59.407-07:00Cosatto Noodle Supa Highchair Review<div style="text-align: center;">
When our favourite baby brand cosatto asked if we would like to review the <a href="https://www.cosatto.com/shop/highchairs/noodle-supa" target="_blank">Noodle Supa highchair</a> my head literally hit the ceiling whilst jumping for joy! We have, up until now, been happily using 'that' famous IKEA high chair which is a firm favourite on the mum sites. Although as Lylie fast approaches the big 12 months, at lightening speed, I am aware her chunky little legs are due an upgrade.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipU0IcI3H45JXbLVzsW-WNJPf9-00eWHDfJ4DdWdWEYUwmHeIatpGkSIiG9JHufE_PetJnuO_vvAwo-sCtm80lhyphenhyphenPir4yddRwnjsIVYwQZsO3HUeu92L_kgrBaFU_H1M69hj-6rxZMOs6v/s1600/20465033_344033036034206_1859998312_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipU0IcI3H45JXbLVzsW-WNJPf9-00eWHDfJ4DdWdWEYUwmHeIatpGkSIiG9JHufE_PetJnuO_vvAwo-sCtm80lhyphenhyphenPir4yddRwnjsIVYwQZsO3HUeu92L_kgrBaFU_H1M69hj-6rxZMOs6v/s640/20465033_344033036034206_1859998312_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As standard practice with Cosatto you are spoilt for choice with patterns and designs. It will be little surprise that I instantly gravitated towards the unicorns, we always get so many compliments on our amazing unicorn encrusted pram I decided to stick with the theme...although my head was nearly turned by the egg cups. One of the key features of the <a href="https://www.cosatto.com/shop/highchairs/noodle-supa" target="_blank">Noodle Supa Highchair</a> is the removable easy clean extra comfy cushion, you could definitely forgive your bambino for taking a nap during dinner as it's so squishy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNp5XC4kpwypQXAg8LB-Pu7BHusi4h2wUF_hKbNzg1BcLsA7ka8ZA_sNdqbKUX_F9Ul-6iDZnZnUQwisQhDk3GM2r4TrrRwQnn2f3ox14W7jOJ8NhUll9ZFFUvZXcGrhOE991SydfyJsr/s1600/IMG_5666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNp5XC4kpwypQXAg8LB-Pu7BHusi4h2wUF_hKbNzg1BcLsA7ka8ZA_sNdqbKUX_F9Ul-6iDZnZnUQwisQhDk3GM2r4TrrRwQnn2f3ox14W7jOJ8NhUll9ZFFUvZXcGrhOE991SydfyJsr/s640/IMG_5666.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtS6vmL4dNjqzKQv1YrBrnaLJ0sk9IuZY_puIGKt6NEUBxrwBl7uNmsQM-035-VDkYCz5hVbhWFWQzLwzSNK_C2aCWFSmv9VwebxFedwPE1Wkrq41HJy0Cja-VT-9a6xlPs4K3EQCq2KF7/s1600/IMG_5663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtS6vmL4dNjqzKQv1YrBrnaLJ0sk9IuZY_puIGKt6NEUBxrwBl7uNmsQM-035-VDkYCz5hVbhWFWQzLwzSNK_C2aCWFSmv9VwebxFedwPE1Wkrq41HJy0Cja-VT-9a6xlPs4K3EQCq2KF7/s640/IMG_5663.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel like I am spending my whole day either feeding Lylie or cleaning up the mess so this being removable is a instant time saver when it comes to wipe down time. I didn't realise when selecting my unicorn print that the tray was glittery GLITTERY. I am such a magpie and this was such a wonderful surprise when I opened the box I squealed with excitement. Apart from the tray being the most beautiful thing ever it's easy pop off design makes clearing up a much simpler process. Although if a wet wipe goes anywhere near Lylie you would think it was Armageddon, anyone else's little one think a wet wipe will kill them? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_BL87Lna5Os-G9dFko0MHN-aOu2tOeDtNKycNndh8rD4ZrvS_J1VViLhMoydciOJpN90TNsVWHSeU673YZe1l28WQ_-qCvuj8Bgz5g5onr7096SL-IEamsL2SvhejcBE4YcVO0iATvnR/s1600/IMG_5681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_BL87Lna5Os-G9dFko0MHN-aOu2tOeDtNKycNndh8rD4ZrvS_J1VViLhMoydciOJpN90TNsVWHSeU673YZe1l28WQ_-qCvuj8Bgz5g5onr7096SL-IEamsL2SvhejcBE4YcVO0iATvnR/s640/IMG_5681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
During the weaning process everyone will tell you how important it is for you to eat with your baby. It isn't always possible, especially at dinner time, but at lunch time I always try to have a meal with Lylie. The six point chair height adjustment and removable tray means we are able to easily sit up the table together without Lylie feeling like she is an add on. She does seem happier when we are sat together eating the same food, like a big girl. I hadn't even thought to do this until I received the Noodle Supa Magic highchair so that has been a huge benefit for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjRlJMHT8voYgV7oLw7O3Ov5i8rUzcgRdg-fd2tjI750_5l3or5YhTdIVSyShzjFeuGW8oDIm50mSYwUyJRU60y-zAJjqAwmtFfT1u4uGzcuThAyUyDSbLCLolPNknoExRMyI8iNjrtEB/s1600/IMG_5682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjRlJMHT8voYgV7oLw7O3Ov5i8rUzcgRdg-fd2tjI750_5l3or5YhTdIVSyShzjFeuGW8oDIm50mSYwUyJRU60y-zAJjqAwmtFfT1u4uGzcuThAyUyDSbLCLolPNknoExRMyI8iNjrtEB/s400/IMG_5682.JPG" width="265" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WhcF9Ip09CMdqXJoY2v_u76v1MaNzzd3qFOBpA844bGyQfNQH7RAju82mWCyC0mjH2vSXupG2ZSLscPj6qCYYga2Jq4V4fe57HyWH2VoxsnERogqSbtoILNuAuruwpql9JWrbiKrTVHQ/s1600/IMG_5683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WhcF9Ip09CMdqXJoY2v_u76v1MaNzzd3qFOBpA844bGyQfNQH7RAju82mWCyC0mjH2vSXupG2ZSLscPj6qCYYga2Jq4V4fe57HyWH2VoxsnERogqSbtoILNuAuruwpql9JWrbiKrTVHQ/s400/IMG_5683.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
As beautiful as this highchair is I don't always want it to be set up, the easy collapsable function ensures that it is easy to store away. If you have a fairly small space to work with the Noodle Supa will still suit you, it really is both practical and stylish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQq004AXDuIlLdWUOqP2VizTxxDIqPO1NsVAnVct3IIMzMqDdHcFRL9SS5YQ_QB7CGKbCeEG2-9r9bAaPHAYQ-cuWu0v31m5A6VLRh0AiianHOPXxD7IHN0IOVUZhXOfarxX2cDxC2jpiG/s1600/IMG_5674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQq004AXDuIlLdWUOqP2VizTxxDIqPO1NsVAnVct3IIMzMqDdHcFRL9SS5YQ_QB7CGKbCeEG2-9r9bAaPHAYQ-cuWu0v31m5A6VLRh0AiianHOPXxD7IHN0IOVUZhXOfarxX2cDxC2jpiG/s640/IMG_5674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h1jPQBCTQKJPDK0msekRTglHyCf-TTZIIhUTej-hwe56QKyZgJafraj1MwoZOTvAL1cdWWgiDEgJMjDZpod0GbAqTrhc7LQF9ob0kZ6y0pBHInF4VQrzk4Eb3l_H2YEflPBV5WtMECsB/s1600/IMG_5680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h1jPQBCTQKJPDK0msekRTglHyCf-TTZIIhUTej-hwe56QKyZgJafraj1MwoZOTvAL1cdWWgiDEgJMjDZpod0GbAqTrhc7LQF9ob0kZ6y0pBHInF4VQrzk4Eb3l_H2YEflPBV5WtMECsB/s640/IMG_5680.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.cosatto.com/shop/highchairs/noodle-supa" target="_blank">We couldn't be happier with our newest Cosatto product... easy clean, comfortable and supportive what move could you want? </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
</div>
acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066974404319823574.post-14316326753116798562017-08-06T13:19:00.002-07:002017-08-06T13:19:31.538-07:00Why is it so hard to shift the baby weight? <div style="text-align: center;">
While pregnant I thought by the time my baby was six months old I would have the figure a Love Island contestant would be envious of (let me add I have NEVER had a figure that anyone would be envious of) but I would have all this free time during maternity leave to work out while the baby was sleeping ..... right? WRONG!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieENaKXXRyq6sh5mp4Z903RqAHpgfVUTaU-_CQjwXLmkrTUzHCeBGaY2jbtMKhfs5ywyndIC1Syy_f3MNjyWTiaYqOKhou6nqeQZIjEBE7r0CAjWPCnY3N0WoCG2Qv8dCOQNTRKckzVYsw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-08-06+at+21.07.20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1186" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieENaKXXRyq6sh5mp4Z903RqAHpgfVUTaU-_CQjwXLmkrTUzHCeBGaY2jbtMKhfs5ywyndIC1Syy_f3MNjyWTiaYqOKhou6nqeQZIjEBE7r0CAjWPCnY3N0WoCG2Qv8dCOQNTRKckzVYsw/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-08-06+at+21.07.20.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lylie is now nine months old and I still look roughly four months pregnant and here is why...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am exhausted - </b>According to new research being a mum is the equivalent of two and a half full time jobs, so no wonder I am falling on the bed in a tired heap at the end of the day. It is a scientific fact that as sleep decreases cortisol levels increase, which basically means you are unable to metabolise calories efficiently. Sleep deprivation is unavoidable and not helpful at all when trying to shift that extra cushion. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Coffee & Cake is LIFE - </b>As a mother Caffeine and sugar rushes are your new fuel source. You used to want these but now you need these to make it through a day of crawling pre toddlers and signing at sensory play. However much faith you have in your will power an ability to say no you WILL be offered these so many times a day any human is bound to break. Don't beat yourself up. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I have no time to eat - </b>I realise that is such an oxymoron but stay with me a second it does make sense. Coffee and cake seems to be all that is offered to a mum, not once during my maternity leave has someone made me a salad and I certainly haven't had the time or energy to meal prep. In the rare moments that my child is not climbing me like a tree I find my hand grabbing for the biscuit tin, my stomach thinks my throats been cut and this is all I have time for right now! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Spare time is so precious - </b>By force I am now a early riser, sometimes as early as four sometimes rising all through the night on and off, you never know what each bedtime will bring. My pre-Lylie bed time of 11pm has now been moved to the rock and roll hour of 8.30pm, yes you heard me right. I can not function if I do not catch at least a few Z's. That means I have roughly an hour after Lylie has gone down to make and eat dinner, clean away the mess, shower and be in bed. Not much time for squats amougust that lot. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I deserve a treat - </b>You know when you have had a hard old week at work and you just know that Friday night you are going to 'treat yo self' to that glass of wine. As rewarding as it is (and it is the best job in the world) mumming all bloody day and night is hard and that entitles me to a treat when ever the feck I want one. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Are you currently trying to slim down after your new arrival? Is coffee your new life line? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="89" data-original-width="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpQYITgaoeafwh5K5ELPA9UHrITp2KqBEsPrev96zuJdUFmFRmns9EBvSv7ZhtR-FAT8WLhUUfKmSCDBCD66mBDdB-7cfdzPkopICc_nhl2VdkqszduRgxswbjezEmStLVCEoQWiZlRhW/s1600/Gemma+-+Sig.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />acrossthispagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781757099655062441noreply@blogger.com1