Park.

The best part about our park is that Max can go on everything. There isn't one bit that he isn't able to climb on. After picking leaves we headed over there to kick off some steam. Singing songs at the top of his lungs and pulling silly faces makes everything better!






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A Trip To The Park To Collect Some Leaves

We live next to a gorgeous park and when we woke up we decided we would head over and collect some twigs and leaves to make a picture with. Of course I took my camera with me. Max was fascinated with everything from worms to colourful leaves and flowers. 





We are yet to make the pictures. But spending that time with Max. Away from technology and showing him nature was so much better than I thought it would be!



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Andrex Washlets Word Challenge

So the lovely people over at Tots 100 have teamed up with Andrex Washlets to challenge bloggers to a game of Taboo. Taboo is a game where you have to describe a word to another person without using certain trigger words. For example you may have to describe Peppa Pig but you can't use the words pig, tv, muddy puddles and oink. Get the idea? It seems easy but it's a lot harder than it sounds. Especially when you have only a minute to get as many words in as you can!

Luckily me and Scott were actually quite good at it, in fact we got 3 each! Quite good for a minute of quick talking and second guessing. If you want a laugh at us then you can watch our video here.



Andrex Washlets surveyed 2,000 British adults to analyse their conversation and found that nearly half of Brits (47%) shy away from having conversations about difficult subjects – more of us shy away from talking about bathroom habits than mental health and sex! The survey also found that women are generally much better at broaching difficult or embarrassing topics.

I think that me and Scott are pretty good about explaining things and talking about things. Being media types we can chat for England when we want to. Having said that I feel like I am the more open one and can talk about more things, but Scott is better at getting to the point and asking the right things. So I think that the survey was pretty spot on. Though since having a baby we are far more open with talking about the difficult subjects like bathroom habits!


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Instagram Recently

Max loves a serious rock face. I keep on taking Instax photos. I'm creating a massive album of them from our year. 
Max picked a flower for his god mother Jess. He was a bit concerned that she wasn't going to look after it so he took it home!
We've spent a lot of time at the local parks since the weather has started to get better. Even 10 minutes gives us a boost of energy. 
Max has been more confident in dressing himself and picking his own clothes. He thought he looked 'really dapper' in this shirt!
After our Thomas trip we were given a gift card for West Quay so we let Max pick a toy from John Lewis. He's chuffed with this remote control train. 


Boy leggings are cool right? He loves wearing his and feels so comfy in them!


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Thomas At West Quay


On Wednesday we were given the opportunity to head down to West Quay and meet one of Max's favourite tv heros, Thomas the Tank Engine! Being in a busy shopping centre in half term is normally my idea of hell, but West Quay did an amazing job of handling a queue, handing out tickets and keeping all the kids occupied!

We popped into a really short queue (tickets were assigned to different time slots) and Max got so excited when he saw that Thomas was just ahead he could hardly contain himself. Millie's Cookies were on hand to give out free samples while we were waiting and we got to try some exciting flavours. 


When Max finally got to meet Thomas, he gave the Fat Controller a high five and the big blue machine a big cuddle. Standing with daddy he was so proud to have his photo taken. They even gave him his own Thomas book to take away with him that was filled with short stories. After doing a quick dance he jumped onto the back of Thomas and pretended to drive the trusty engine. 



There were many activities being held in the bottom court of West Quay. Face painting and donut decorating were amongst the fun things to do. Of course Max decided to decorate a donut as they are one of his favourite treats! Covered in writing icing and sprinkles he was so happy to make things himself!




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Fri-Dad

Hello folks, it’s Friday and thank goodness for the weekend.
After a love-filled post previously I’m sort of switching it on its head this time. I haven’t ever really written a sad piece and believe me, I’m not trying to make history here. It’s just the way things have been lately.
For the past couple of weeks, we’ve had financial struggles, weather issues and lack of success floating over our heads. By no means am I stating we’ve had it the worst, just the build-up of tough luck has been overwhelming.

Rather than sit here and go on about how I wish we had it better and speculate what if, I realise there are people possibly reading these posts that have is worse off. Maybe they don’t have a job at all, a loving partner or even an iPad (like that’s a minimum requirement). What I want to do is try to give a little bit of confidence and muster in everyone.

I realise now that things are tough, being a young parent in a town where I can count the people I know on my hands. Friends and family are tough to see regularly and job opportunities have come and gone. The one thing I’m grateful about my position is I don’t feel like things will get worse. They can, but I’m sure this isn’t what is set for me and my family.

Life is still in front of me for me to have to look back speculate. I still have a will to proceed and move forward and the confidence to make the strides to work this family into a shape where we own our own place again.
If you are in a similar predicament to me, I want to wish you all the will to roll with the punches. There is a reason stories like The Shawshank Redemption and The Natural and even the true story of Kurt Warner exist, there is always something to look forward to. If you’re the good person you know you are, you don’t have to blame anything or anyone that times are tough, the fact you have an urge to turn things around are great.
Don’t let anyone tell you that the path you want in life isn’t right. If there is anything that is most probable in life, it’s that the greatest factor of success starts from belief in yourself. If you have ambitions to do something, go somewhere, get something you believe that you can do it and will strive to get it.

When you feel you’ve hit bottom, not got the dream start you wanted to get off on, things feel hopeless and you start to lose belief. It’s easy to give up, giving up is the easiest thing to do in the human body…unless the human body is in a fight for survival. You have a natural instinct to keep going regardless, so why not be the person that doesn’t give up on what they wish to achieve.

Hey, maybe the road you travel isn’t the right one after all, maybe a new turning pops up and progress can be found. There’s no reason to redefine success (I read this in a fortune cookie and it’s stuck with me since I was 16). Whatever is going to make you and your family happiest at the end or even during, go for it. Leave no doubt.
So to sign off, I want to say I too am feeling a little unfortunate right now. I’m not successful and things aren’t comfortable, but I’ve got a good feeling with the right amount of determination and effort I can alter my course in life. If you’re striving to do so too, I wish you all the best to you. I’ve just recently seen a friend do it and I truly believe it’s doable. We’re all going to get there somehow.

Anyway, that’s all from me for today. Go have a big family cuddle, keep those chins up and as always, have a great weekend.
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Where Do Broken Heart's Go?

All of us have suffered heartache at some point in our lives. Whether that be from getting dumped or losing something or someone you love. But did you know that heartache is actually a real condition that can affect us? Benenden Health have put together a great infographic explaining all about the broken hearted blues.

Where do broken hearts go? infographic

For more information please visit the Benenden Healthy Hearts Hub. 
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Wish list: Fitness Edition

So one of my resolutions was to try and get fit. It's not going amazingly because of the horrendous weather we are having but I've dropped about 10lbs and on the right track. To help that I've put together a bit of a wish list, a mix of fitness clothes and sporty related attire that will get me in the mood for squats, jogging and thinking about putting down the cake. 



Adidas Flower Shirt - Okay, I have to have something girly to begin with. This floral but practical top is gorgeous and to be frank, those workout marks don't look so bad on black haha. But this top is one that i may have to purchase when I get paid anyway.

Adidas Originals Native Hoodie - I love this simple hoodie. It's something that I would be able to throw on over anything and get away with it. Stylish yet simple! I'm always on the lookout for new hoodies as mine always seem to mysteriously disappear (cough Scott).

Nike Rally Track Pants - I have a bit of a thing for grey clothes. I think it's me trying to steer away from black whilst trying to be safe. But grey works great with any colour and these track pants look so comfy that I would be hesitant to even go workout in them!

Polar Ft4 Watch - Everyone and their blogging mum seems to have this watch. And I'm no exception! I may have purchased this with some sneaky vouchers that I had so I can track everything from power walks around the park, to the dreaded 30 day shred at home.

All Star Ox Mono Converse - I love these classic looking Converse. I'm not one for pushing the boat out and trying new colours so black is something that will go with anything else that I try and wear. Also who doesn't own a pair of Chucks. They're always my go to shoes when I can't find anything else.
Nike Pegasus Trainers - I've secretly fallen in love with these. A bit steep for my price range but something I can class as an investment right.
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Let The Wild Rumpus Start!







Max is a typical boy. He loves to run in the mud and live up to his namesake of the king of all the wild things.

Headphones: JVC Kid Headphones
Shirt: F&F *
Top: Popupshop clothing
Jeans: Tu
Shoes: Toms


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Charlie's naming Ceremony


So this weekend, in that small glimmer of sunshine amongst the horrid rain we celebrated our little friend Charlie's naming ceremony. It was based in Upton Country Park and Loti and Esteban did such an amazing job of organising it (I'm going to give Loti most of the credit though, let's face it women do the majority of the jobs) that everything went so smoothly!

The day was filled with sunshine (a bit of mud), bubbles, memories, photos, laughter, smiling and cuddles with the little man himself. Max was really well behaved and sat listening to music throughout the ceremony as he doesn't do too good with sitting down for long periods of time! It was all finished off with a gorgeous lunch at Days (the best all you can eat in Bournemouth!)

Charlie is such a gorgeous 7 month old, and he's such a credit to the amazing parents. Unfortunately they are moving to Peterbrough this week which means no more nipping round for a drink and no more lunches at Treehouse. We all met when Loti and Scott did some work together on university projects and we all realised that Carphone Warehouse is the odd place that links people together. (I worked there, so did Loti and Esteban!) Loti managed to survive her final year of uni pregnant, which I think is harder than having a toddler. At least with Max we could pop him in nursery when we needed to do some work!

I'm going to miss our friends. I honestly can't wait for a day trip to see them when they are happy and settled. And what a spectacular day for a naming ceremony. 





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Fri-Dad

Happy Valentines you guys. It is Friday, but it’s also that time of year where men try to either go above and beyond for attention or rushing last moment for minimal effort.
I really wanted to do something other than Valentines today, but it would be almost ridiculous if I didn’t.
When I wasn’t a parent, Valentine’s was such a foul thing to me. I made it out to be this communistic turd that found its way onto my face like a deceitful slug as the day crept forward (that’s right, I just called Valentine’s a turd slug).
I hated it, because frankly, I wasn’t too good at it. Yes, I was great friends with girls, my best of friends is in fact a woman. The big issue I had was I was not trying to be promiscuous or adventurous…or just fun for that matter. I was all about good company.

Reflecting on the way I was to how I am now, I have a slightly different outlook on Valentine’s. I’ve been with Laura for nearly four years now (that might not seem like a lot, but it’s the only thing besides some items of clothing I’ve had with me the longest). To say I’m grateful for having this woman in my life is an unacceptable understatement.

Upon meeting Laura I still had no idea about having a sense of adventure, being in awe of someone and having someone that took to me differently. The truth is, we never nearly got together at all.
Let me fill you in:

I found her on this website that we shall refer to as FryPlace whilst at University getting bored of drinking over and over. I was intrigued as to how she knew so many people that I knew so I added her and got in touch with her.
We met for the first time November 10th at a concert, I wasn’t particularly into the band, but I was enjoying our time together. Things got weird as she had an ex pretty much circling her, in no mood for a fight I joined the mosh pit that was going on…what’s the difference though, right?
I talked to her a little more after the gig and we went to hang out. We started talking a little more and I started to realise, that she was really fun to listen to. All her adventurous stories, how we’d been to the same places at the same time and what her ambitions were. At the end of the night, she asked to see me again.
Over time, we talked more, hung out more and asked what each of us were doing. It was clear to everyone around us that there were some sparks. But, for some foolish reason we’d spent so long hanging out and not talking about getting together, simply because I was scared I thought we were only going to be friends. So I stupidly told her.

Clearly that put a silencer on our chats. I met with her one night and she told me she was talking with someone else. I realised I’d blown it, I’d been so standoffish that I’d pushed her away from being with me, even though I was crazy about her.

I had a performance two days later, I had spoken with a friend about how I felt I made the wrong decision and how I messed up.
That day after I performed I received a text asking me to go see her. I arrived at her place and she explained herself. She was talking with someone, but suddenly she had told him that she had made a mistake, she wanted to see me instead.  After dwelling a little on what had happened I knew I had to ask her and I knew I was seeing her very soon. The rest my friends, is our history to where we are today.

Laura has taught me so much about who I want to be, how to love, how to respect someone and incredible thing is, I’m still so very much in awe of her. Words could not culminate or justify what love and respect I have for her. And that’s why every Valentine’s, just like the last, I intend to express it.

There it is, it’s not exactly a romantic story for the ages, but it’s one I wouldn’t change a bit. I hope whoever your valentine is: wife, husband, partner, parent or child (I’ve seen it happen). Make sure it’s someone you can truly express your admiration.

Happy Valentine’s and have a great weekend!
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A Canvas, A Case and Camera things.

I've received this gorgeous phone case from Mr Nutcase*. I've found it really difficult to find a nice affordable case for the Iphone 5C. So when Mr Nutcase offered me a case to review I couldn't say no! I spent ages deciding what to have printed on the case. I love Max but didn't really want his face on there as Max is constantly growing that I have too many photos to choose from. I decided to ask my friend Neil Slorance who is an amazing illustrator (you may have seen his work floating around the internet. It's hard to miss!) if I could use an image of his. When he said yes I knew it had to be one that fitted me perfectly!

I love my instax so I had to buy some more film. I've found an amazing ebay site that allows you to buy normal film and coloured and patterned film. So I will have hundreds of them by the end of the year!

Canvas Design have sent me a gorgeous canvas of Max. Its beautiful and by far the best canvas I have seen by online canvas creators. I wanted a photo of Max so that I could give it to my mum for her birthday at the end of the month. The print is such high quality and mounted well so that the whole print is on the canvas rather than being stretched round the sides. Rolled in bubble wrap and corrugated cardboard it was delivered safely and came with the tools to wall mount it. 
They are offering all my readers 15% off their canvases by using the discount code BLOG15. Even better is that they offered free delivery as standard. I even got the canvas 2 days after I ordered which is amazing!



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10 Confessions Of A Sleep Deprived Mother.

We've all been there. The bleary eyes, the coffee and the wishing for just five more minutes when your little one is jumping up and down on your head at 4am. SLeeping like a baby is a seriously contradictory term. Who even came up with that?! I can raise my hand and confirm about being a sleep deprived mother. I can also raise my hand to doing a few things to try and get a few more minutes sleep or ended up doing something that you later regretted. How many of these can you tick off the list?

  • Passing your child some form of technology so they can sit next to you in bed while you catch some zzz's. Just make sure that you apologise to the people that get jumbled texts!
  • Setting your child's Gro clock to an hour later and convincing them that despite the sun shining outside it's still bed time. Mr Sun's just going for an early run.
  • Want to use the bottom of the bed as a fort? Go ahead, just make sure that you don't use mummy's head as the walkway.
  • Falling asleep at work. I've been known to fall asleep on a break every so often. We've all been there. Also bringing your child's toy to work instead of your lunch.
  • Getting yourself dressed either inside out, covered in stains or trying to put on your child's clothes. Note. Kid's socks do not fit my feet.
  • Losing something you thought was really important. Running around for 10 minutes in a state of panic but then finding you had it in your hands the whole time.
  • Rifling through your bag for your purse to pay for something? Oh is a nappy an acceptable form of payment?
  • Pretending to be deep asleep. So much so that your partner will surely have to wake up with said child this time and play with that noisy toy at 5am!
  • Turning the TV off before Cbeebies bedtime hour and convincing them that it has already gone to bed. How many of you have a photo capture of the see you in the morning screen or have recorded the bedtime song for those moments of madness?

  • Lets play a game. It's called put your head on a pillow and pretend to sleep.
So don't feel ashamed that you want  need those extra few moments of sleep. I'm pretty sure that perky mum at baby club must use some of them too!


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I Promise To Review

I'm always on the lookout for a new gift idea for people. I hate buying tonnes of things that never get used or that people don't really like. So when an email from I Promise came into my mailbox I jumped at the chance to review. 

I Promise cards are a great alternative to cliche'd gifts.  I Promise cards are a series of personalised cards that you can tailor to the recipient. As the packet says, a collection of thoughts rather than things. 

The website was really easy to use. You select the amount of cards you want to send (3, 5 or  10) and then write your promises and pick small icons to go along with them. You also have the option to choose pre-made cards if you haven't got many ideas. I chose 5 cards for Scott and wanted to create something funny but meaningful for him. 




I picked some promises such as letting Scott pick the music in the car and promising to make memories in our future. Things that he would appreciate. The cards come on thick stock which fit perfectly in your hand. Packaged in a cute envelope the order itself is small and discreet so your partner has no idea of knowing what it is! Unless they are cheeky enough to rifle through your post. 

For the people that want to give thoughts rather than things this year as a birthday or anniversary gift then this is perfect. I can't wait for Scott to open his on Valentines day!

*Note I was sent these cards for review purposes. All opinions are my own. 

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The Mum Tag

I was tagged by the wonderful Bex over at Futures to take part in the mum tag. I always forget to do these but thought I might as well jump on the blogging bandwagon as I am actually a mum!



1. Are you a Stay at Home Mum, or a Working Mum?
I work, not full time but at Waterstones part time. I am looking for a full time job. If Scott get's one first then I will be a stay at home mum. 

2. Would you have it any other way?
Apart from the fact I would love to get a better wage coming into the home? Nope. I feel like me and Max spend loads of quality time together and although things are strained not having our own place we are slowly getting there

3. Do you co-sleep?
Nope, whenever we have tried it I end up sleeping on the sofa. More because Max decides to have the whole of the bed!

4. What is your one must-have item for your baby?
Probably a comfort blanket. Nothing beats a kid having a cuddly blanket. Having said that buy about six of them so you don't have a panic when one gets lost.


5. How many kids do you plan on having?
We would love two but financially I don't think it will happen. If so then we are more than happy with just the one. Max will cost us enough in music lessons!

6. Date night? How many nights per month?
Once every few months. We rarely get time off and even then one of us is working an evening. I would love a date night though. 

7. Your childs favourite show?
Probably the Aquabats super show. He's obsessed with superheros and this has super hero musicians! Best of both worlds. 

8. Name one thing you bought before you had your baby and never ended up using?
Nothing! We actually didn't have much time to prepare for Max so bought things as we went along. 

9. Your child’s favourite food?
Probably pears and chocolate. Not together though. He also loves noodles and my pasta bakes. 

10. How many cars does your family have?
Just the one, it's beaten and bashed and barely alive but it get's us from A to B

11. Weight gain before pregnancy, during and after and now?
Yep and still losing it now. 
12. Dream holiday with your kids?
Disneyland Paris

13. Dream holiday without your kids?
Probably a spa weekend or a boozy weekend in America or something. Something where we can take off our parent hats. 


14. How has your life changed since your baby has been born?
I lost friends, gained new ones, gained weight, lost weight, got a new job, graduated, got engaged and am now struggling to find a future for our family!

15. Finish the sentence: ‘It makes my heart melt to see … ‘
The boys playing american football together or performing songs together. Knowing they are sharing passions is amazing (even though it scares me shitless to watch them throw a ball in the house).
16. Where do you shop for your kids?
Tesco, Asda, Next and independent retailers. 

17. Favourite makeup and skincare products?
Lush dream cream, Clinique under eye cream and Benefit Fake Up.

18. Huggies or Pampers?
Neither! I am so lucky that Max is potty trained in the day. We still have a night pant on him at night but that's either Tesco or Sainsburys. The branded ones never worked for us. 
19. Have you always wanted kids?
Honestly, No. I never imagined I would be a young mum. Heck I never saw myself past university really. I wouldn't have it any other way now though. 


20. Best part about being a mum?
The moment when he comes up to you, sits in your lap, gives you a cuddle and a kiss and tells you he loves you. For no reason whatsoever. 

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Pitter Patter Furniture

I'm always looking for something unique for Max's room. Something that feels special and personal to him. Somewhere that I can hide all the toys away at the end of a long day that doesn't look ugly, something that can store his hundreds of books. That's where Pitter Patter comes into the picture.


Pitter Patter furniture are a great company that offer personalised furniture for children's bedrooms such as toy boxes and bookshelves. The personalised touch allows you to design everything from the name to a small plaque hidden with a gorgeous message for your little one. With a range of designs there is sure to be something for all children in their fantastic selection. Here are a few of my favourites:


Classic Wooden Toy Chest

This large toy chest is perfectly designed with rounded corners, soft closing hinges and gorgeous personalisation. The white paint is perfect with fitting in with Max's white furniture and could easily accommodate all of his smaller toys. This is also available in a variety of colours incase you were worried that grubby mitts would make it dirty! 

Children's Low Bookcase

I know that Max has about 600 books. I also know that this wouldn't hold half of them but I love low bookshelves. Having a low shelf will allow me to place some of his special toys and mementos on the top of it. You can add decorations such as stars and hearts in the top corners of the bookcase. I love that the style is exactly the same of the toy box so the furniture would all match together no matter what pieces you picked. 

Children's Personalised Chair

I always find children's chairs hit and miss. Without arms I find Max tries to fall off but sometimes a more sturdy chair isn't the best either. I love this chair. It looks like a wonderful personal chair that has the soft edges of the Pitter Patter brand and the gorgeous engraved name of their personalised furniture. I love that you can pick a variety of colour combinations to create something truly unique, something that you will treasure forever. 

All of Pitter Patter's furniture comes ready made so you don't need to spend hours slaving away trying to fit things together. The furniture is made of sturdy wood so you know it will last for years to come. The products fit into the higher price bracket but as always you pay for the quality and customer service you receive and this is definitely worth it!

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London Designer Outlet - Wembley

We all love a bargain! I love to hunt down the best deal but normally the indulgences that I love are way too expensive for me, even when the shops have money off. Thats why I love visiting outlet shops. The best way to get value for your money and still get cheap designer clothes. 


The London Designer Outlet is based in the heart of Wembley. Situated right near Wembley arena and stadium it's the perfect place to go shopping before you catch a show or match. Scott and his friend Liam are heading to watch the NFL live later in the year and I was looking for the perfect place to go whilst they were watching the match. 





Featuring a great selection of shops that are both high street and designer you are sure to find something for everyone. Some of my highlights are H&M, Superdry and the Body Shop. I love the fact that there is literally something that I want in each shop. Yes I know I don't have the money but a girl can dream of running shoes in Adidas can't she?


And after all that shopping of course I'm going to need something to eat. There is an amazing selection of cafes and restaurants at London Designer Outlet including Caffe Nero, Nando's and Wagamamas. They've really had all bases covered with the food here and people will be spoilt for choice.


And finally when the boys are still watching their game I can settle down to watch a film. With so many amazing ones being released this year it will be a tough choice not to just hop from screen to screen to catch all the best bits! Of course I know thats naughty. 

With so many great things under one roof I'm quite looking forward to the boys heading off to the NFL now. Especially when I know I have a bank card and a load of lovely shops to visit!




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