We're back!!

Hello Lovelies, 

It has been well over a month since I last blogged, I have missed it so much!! We have been so busy over the last month I don't even know where to start. As it's bank holiday and Edward is a bit under the weather we are having a stay at home chill out day whilst Anthony and his friend do some decorating. 

Edward is nearly 5 months old! I can't believe how much he has changed, since our last update he has started to roll from his front onto his back, he's started babbling away which is so cute. We have mini conversations which obviously make no sense but I love it. He has also started weaning which I will be posting about in the future, so far I have loved weaning and it has been going smoothly finger crossed we carry on like this. 

If you follow me on instagram you will know that we have finally moved into our new house. We finally got our keys on the 24th of April, it seemed to take forever and after having one house fall through (which was a blessing really) it felt like it was never going to happen for us. 

When we moved in the house was painted pink throughout and needed gutting, we ripped everything up and decorated throughout. Two weeks later we moved in and we can finally say we own a family home!! This week we are having the kitchen fitted and I am so excited as this will be the last room done and I can start to finish all the rooms off with a few bits and bobs. 

Before we moved in we had a family holiday to Cornwall, it was Edwards first holiday we went with my Mum, Dad and sisters. It was so nice to be back at my second home, we are planning on going again in September as we loved it that much.    

I'm so glad to finally be back blogging and sharing our family life with you. 

What have I missed whilst I have been gone? Leave a comment with your blog link to let me know. 

xx

Forever Living | Product Review

Hello Lovelies, 

In February I very kindly gifted some Forever Living products for myself and Edward to try out. I had heard about the products and had looked into the benefits of Aloe Vera before and I have to admit that I was a little sceptical, I had read that the products had many health benefits and could be used for many different things. 

So when I was offered the chance to try out some products I couldn't turn it down. I have to say that I have been really impressed by the products and there many uses, especially for Edward. A big thank you to Olivia who gave me the opportunity to try the products!!

These are the products that I was given to use: Eye cream, Face and Hand soap, Heat Lotion, Aloe Vera Gelly, Aloe Propolis Creme and the Relaxation Bath Salts. 

The Heat Lotion, Bath Salts and Eye Creme are for adult use only, the heat lotion is brilliant and has been passed around the rest of my family as well. It has been used for aching shoulders, aching backs and period pains (tmi for some sorry). You only need to use the smallest amount of lotion, it soon heats up the area and relieves the pain from the muscles. Apparently it's brilliant for a gym bag (I can't vouch for this my self as I am not a big gym fan).

I tend to use the eye creme on days when I am leaving the house with a full face of make up. It is to brighten and relieve puffiness under the eyes. As soon as I apply the creme I can feel it tightening the skin, I usually then apply concealer and foundation on top. It definitely makes me feel less conscious about the broken sleep eye bags I have developed.  

I have used the bath salts a couple of times, they have a very spa like smell to them which in a nice deep bath after a long day of changing nappies and entertaining a baby is amazing. 

The only downfall I personally found is that as they are salts there are no bubbles (nit picking I know but I do love bubbles) so I added a few pumps of the hand and face soap to create my bubbles. I definitely felt the difference on my skin it was so soft and smooth.  

The Aloe Gelly can be used for anything and everything, Olivia mentioned that it can even be swallowed if you have a sore throat!!! 

The three products which are suitable for baby's are the Face & Hand Soap, Aloe Gelly and the Propolis Creme. I have to admit that these three products have been my favourite to use both on my self and Edward. 

I used the Propolis and Aloe Gelly on Edwards cradle cap. I had previously used olive oil and special shampoos but nothing had been moving it. The propolis can be used to soothe irritation as well as the Aloe Gelly, I remebered that Olivia had told me the both work together really well. 

I applied the propolis first and then the gelly, left it on in the day (if we weren't heading out anywhere) or overnight if we had been busy. I then washed it off in the bath as usual. It worked really well and with a couple of days application the cradle cap had cleared up. I've also used the proplis and gelly on my skin when it has been going through a dry phase and it really helped to re hydrate my skin.  

The Hand and Face soap can be used from as early as 3 days, it is gentle on the skin as well as moisturising, it has a really subtle scent. I use this religiously for Edwards bath time and have found that after using this his skin is so soft and looks a lot clearer. 

All in all I have been loving the products and have already placed my order for some more! They can be ordered online through Olivia's page here there are so many other products as well. 

If you have any questions about the products leave them in the comments and I'll try my best to answer them. 

I hope you enjoyed reading something a little different from me. 

xx

p.s. I was gifted the products to try but all opinions are my own.

     

Weekly update

Hello lovelies, 
I thought I would just post a really quick catch up from last week seen as though I haven't posted for a few days. We're currently on holiday so you have a holiday post to come as well as a product review. 

   

What have you been up to this week?

Xx

Easy Easter Nests

Hello Lovelies, 

It's been a while since I posted, I've been busy doing mummy things and enjoying family days out. Finding time to sit and write posts is really hard but I love doing it so need to find some more time and maybe become a bit more organised. 

Anyway today I thought I would share a really quick Easter recipe that I enjoy making my self and also enjoyed sharing with children when I was teaching. 

You will need: 

Any brand of shredded wheat 

400g of chocolate (200g for a small batch) 

Mini eggs 

Fluffy chicks (optional) I picked mine up from hobby craft but you can get them just about anywhere 

Hoppy bunny cadburys chocolate 

Bun cases 

Bun tray or plate

Prep: place bun cases into the bun tray so they are ready to go. 

1. Break up the shredded wheat until you are left with small nest like bits. 

2. Melt the chocolate, either over hot water or in the microwave. I started with water and then didn't have the patience so blasted it in the microwave. I did this for about 20 seconds a time so it didn't burn or go grainy. 

3. Pour the shredded wheat into the chocolate a little at a time and stir. Continue doing this until most of the chocolate has covered the shredded wheat. 

4. Spoon the mix into bun cases until they are full. 

5. Whilst the choc is still melted pop an egg, square of hoppy bunny choc or a combination on the top. 

6.  Pop in the fridge to set the chocolate. 

7. Enjoy!! 

 

I know not everyone reading this will have children or make these with children. But if you are I thought I would include  a quick side note on why I used this within my teaching. 

When making these nest buns there were a lot of things that I could discuss with the children. These include melting and setting (science), eggs and chickens (science) and the story of Easter and why some people celebrate. 

Let me know if you have any other Easter bakes. I have another chocolate treat coming up soon. 

xx

Life through my iPhone

Hello lovelies, 

I thought I would share a few pictures from my phone with you as a quick update.

These are just a few photos from my camera roll from the past few weeks. My favourite has to be Anthony and Edward cuddles, it just melts my heart.  

 I used the project life app to put together the photos and journal card. The app was free yesterday from the apple App store, I'm not sure if it still is or if it is available for other devices but I definitely recommend it. 

What have I missed since I last posted. Let me know what you have been up to in the comments. 

xx

Liebster Award

Hello Lovelies, 

A while ago I had a lovely nomination on twitter for the Liebster Award from Jess over at Mums the new name. 

The award is for bloggers with under 200 followers, it's a great way of finding new blogs to follow and connect with.  

There are some rules for this Award, for anyone who isn't familiar with them:

1. Post the award on your blog

2. Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog

3. Write 11 random facts about yourself

4. Nominate 11 bloggers who you feel deserve this award and have less than 200 followers

5. Answer 11 questions posted by the presenter and ask your nominees a set of new 11 questions

So here are my 11 random facts:

1. I am a fully qualified early years teacher

2. I lived in Scotland for around four months

3. I hate getting my socks wet 

4. I always have to have the tap running on full when I'm cleaning my teeth (sorry planet earth for the waste of water)

5. I would rather have a film night with pizza and pj's than get dolled up and go clubbing

6. I prefer Autumn and Winter to Spring and Summer

7. I once died my hair black and I am reminded of this mistake every time I look at my driving licence 

8. I like going to bed early 

9. I get hayfever

10. I faint if I see blood

11. I had a Lizzie McGuire (makes me feel so old hehe) / Hilary Duff obsession when I was younger 

  

The Questions I was asked

1. Why did you start blogging? 

I had just left my first teaching job after four months as I had a not very nice time. I wasn't feeling to good and needed something to do with my time between jobs. It was a distraction for a while.  

2. How long have you been blogging?

I think just over one year.

3. Any other hobbies you have?

I enjoy crocheting, it's a bit of a secret hobby of mine. (not anymore though ha)

4. What is your guilty pleasure?

Crisps is my guilty pleasure. I once banned myself from eating them for over a year as I just ate too many. I also hardly ever buy them in anymore.

5. If you had 1 day to yourself, what would you do?

Shop!! 

6. Favourite food?

Oh I sort of already answered this one. My favourite meal is sausage and mash. 

7. Favourite drink?

Costa's latte 

8. Do you prefer to text or call?

Text, I don't really ever call it makes me feel awkward.

9. Are you a working or SAHM?

I'm currently on maternity leave but plan on returning to work after.

10. Where in the world do you live?

Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England.

11. Would you choose to live somewhere different? Where?

I don't think so, I love Sheffield. I would maybe like to live n Cornwall. 

My questions are...

1. Why did you start blogging?
2. Which blog is your current favourite to read?
3. What is your favourite holiday destination?
4. How long have you been blogging?
5. Do you friends and family know that you have a blog?
6. Which post of yours did you enjoy doing the most?
7. Are you city or countryside person?
8. What beauty product do you recommend the most?
9. Have you ever completed a post and never published it? 
10. Your favourite scent?
11. Favourite high street store?

I nominate:

1. UmmBaby

2. Mummybexem

3. Steps With Sarah

4. Jennifer Cooper

5. emfranced

6. Mum's Days

7. Mummyandmonkeys

8. The Knott Bump & Us

9. Lovedbymummy

10. Love of Living

11. and You!!! 

Thanks again to Jess and apologies that it took so long. 

xx

Catch Up

Hello Lovelies, 

I haven't blogged in a while *hangs head in shame*. So I thought I would share with you a few moments from that past few days. 

  If you follow me on instagram you may have seen most of these pictures. Over the past few days I've had some lazy pyjama days I have been feeling a little under the weather. 

Myself and Anthony have been doing some top secret hopefully soon to be revealed stuff and it has had it's ups and downs. It's been full on which is probably why I have been MIA. 

On Valentines day Anthony surprised me with a beautiful bunch of roses and a card. The top right collage is a few photos of myself and Anthony from the past few years. I can't wait for many more to come. Also once I have lost the baby weight I can finally get my ring resized and share with you how beautiful it is.   (I think there's a sneak peek on my engagement post).

Edward has changed so much over the past few days/weeks, he has started to smile and coo. It's so amazing to watch him change, it's hard though to put him back in his moses basket at 2am when he's cooing and smiling.

The Johnson's baby bedtime bath is a bit of a random photo but I have been loving this stuff and not just for Edward, it's so relxing. I asked my mum to watch Edward the other day so I could go for a long(ish) soak in the bath. This could possibly be making it's way into my February favourites.

 The Pret tea is from a caffeine filled day in Leeds, I met up with my friend from Uni whilst Anthony was working in the city. It was an early start setting off at half past 7, not easy with a baby so a lot of coffee and tea was needed. 

What have you all been up to whilst I have been away? 

xx

Quick Twists Recipe

Hello Lovelies, 

It's a quick impromptu post this evening. Although I am trying to shift the baby weight I couldn't help but have a go at a spot of baking. I had seen the recipe for Cinnamon Twists on a few blogs, I also had a quick look on pinterest as well. I have become slightly obsessed with pinterest my user name is Missbeth90 if you want to follow me (cheeky I know ). 

So I thought I would do my own quick twist on the recipes that I had seen (see what I did there hehe). To make it quicker I didn't make my own puff pastry I bought some in, didn't think that I would have the time to make it with having a new born. 

Here's a quick step by step for each recipe.

Preheat the oven at 200 degrees C for both recipes.

The ingredients that I used are:

• Jus-Rol low fat puff pastry 
• Nutella 
• Butter (around 100g)
• Cinnamon (2 tablespoons ish)
• Granulated Sugar (3 tablespoons ish) 

Nutella twists: 

• Cut off around 1/4 of the pastry which is already rolled
• Spread as much nutella as you want on 1/2 of the pastry leaving the other half plain 
• Fold pasty over so the nutella is sandwiched 
• Cut into 1" (ish) thick stripes 
• Then twist holding both the top and bottom of each strip   
• Bake in the oven for 10-15 mins or until golden brown 

Cinnamon Twists:

• Melt the butter either in a pan or a microwavable bowl in the microwave
• Brush the butter (leave a little for the top) over the remaining pastry
• Mix sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl
• Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over the butter (again leaving some for the top)
• Cut pastry into strips and twist. I didn't fold it this time to make them longer. 
• Brush the tops of the twists with butter and sprinkle the remaining sugar and cinnamon.
• Bake in the oven for 15-20 mins or until golden brown   

Let me know if you have a go or have any other ideas for fillings. 

Enjoy!! :D

xx

Quick Make Up | Mummy Face

Hello Lovelies, 

I have had this post half finished since Sunday and have only just found time to finish it off. I have been nominated by Jess over on mums the new name for the Liebster Award which I have half finished as well so that will be up in the next couple of days. 

Getting ready for a day out now takes at least a hour. So I rarely have time to apply a full face of make up. I have managed to whittle my daily make up down to just the essentials which I shove in a make up bag just in case I have to apply on the go.

Left to right: 
Soap and Glory you wont believe your eyes has been featured previously here. I definitely need this now to reflect light from the lovely bags under my eyes. I find this really cooling and love the three ball applicator. 

Rimmel Wake me up foundation again another go to of mine, I always seem to come back to this foundation. It has a good coverage and can be built up on the skin, at the moment I have fairly dry dull skin. So the dewy look of this foundation really helps to brighten my complexion. As you can see I am desperately in need of a new foundation, I'm scraping the edges of this one.

Body Shop all in one BB cream, I've not had this for very long but it's great for days when I can't be bothered to put foundation on and just need a quick fix. I did notice a difference to my skin though it definitely felt more quenched. 
  
Real techniques brushes, I use the contouring brush for my blusher and the expert face brush for blending my foundation. They're the perfect size for this make up bag. 

Soap and Glory sexy mother pucker gloss stick in the shade Nudist, I have wanted this for so long and every time I went to my local Boots they were sold out. I finally found one and it was the last one on the shelf, it was fate. I love this it gives such a natural shade and stays glossy for ages. It's so easy to apply as well so good for on the go or a quick slick before rushing out. 

Collection lasting perfection concealer, not a lot needs to be said about this one it's that well known. But it has to be the BEST concealer I have used. 

Lancome Hypnose mascara, I used to use this way back when I was a teenager (feeling old sigh) my sister bought me this one for Christmas and I have rekindled my love for it. it just gives the best curl and length. 

Vaseline is an essential item at the moment. Ever since I have been in hospital I've had ridiculously dry lips, it could just be the cold weather. This is one of their vintage tins, i love how they have gone back to the older designs.

Lancome blush, hands up I don't know what shade of blush this is (and it may be my sisters oopsie) but this is my go to blush as it is matte. A lot of the blushers that I own have shimmer in which I do like but for an everyday look I prefer a matte and this one is perfect it gives a light flushed look. 

Last but not least is the Ted Baker make up bag/ pencil case. I was looking for a small make up bag as I recently purchased a Ted Baker hand bag that I didn't want to just throw my make up in in case it leaked. I picked this one up in Boots and it is just the perfect size for my bag.      

What make up essentials do you have in your make up bag?

xx

    

10 Tips For New Mums/Mums To Be

Hello Lovelies, 

Having only been a Mummy for nearly five weeks I am most definitely not an expert I have however learnt a lot! I thought I would just take a few minutes to share 10 useful (hopefully) tips that got me through my pregnancy and the first few weeks of motherhood.

WARNING: this post turned into a big mamma.  

1. Accept help - I am very lucky to have such a supportive family and fiancé who are willing to help me in any way that they can. In the last few months of my pregnancy it became so hard to do so many things like bending down and walking around shops, this wasn't helped by sciatica pain. 

I remember getting so frustrated because I couldn't even put on my own shoes or socks, I would try and do this myself but would just end up making things worse. So as hard as it may seem at the time or as frustrating as it can be it is better most of the time to just say yes and accept the help. 


2. Feeding your baby how you feel comfortable - this is a bit of a taboo subject but hey ho. The big breastfeeding debate has been going on for years and everyone has their own opinion on what is best. I felt so pressured by some specialists to breastfeed, I remember coming away from one meeting with a spinning head thinking  that formula feeding was not even an option. 

I did eventually decide to breastfeed because of my birth circumstances and breast feeding difficulties in hospital I ended up formula feeding whilst we were there. Then once we came home I expressed breast milk and topped up with formula if we needed to. I found that this worked really well for me. I am now feeding fully with formula and things are running smoothly. 

So in a nutshell; everyone is different, everyone has their own opinion and you need to do what is right for you and your baby.   

3. Have a back up plan - This links to above as I said I had decided to breastfeed but a week before Edward was born I was reading up on techniques etc and I realized that it does not always work for everyone. 

I decided to buy just one box of formula just in case and thank god I did. So even if you are planning on breastfeeding I would really consider getting a box in even if you don't use it.

4. Clothes rotation - Oh my goodness, I can't believe how quickly you go through vests and baby grows. Edward has already outgrown some of his. At least once a week I have tried to rotate his little outfits so that he wears everything he has, putting the smaller outfits at the top of the piles so that he gets a few more wears out of them before they are boxed away. 

5. Ready Meals - Again I have been lucky as we are living with my family there are more than enough people to cook tea. On the rare occasion that I have been at home alone I have been so grateful for a stock of tinned soup and cuppa soups (even if they do go cold because I've been distracted). 

6. To Do Lists - Keep them short, sweet and simple. 

I like to give myself a short mental list of things to do in a day, usually of about 3 things. Just to keep on top of things, I usually get these done whilst Edward is asleep. 

7. Don't be hard on yourself - This is something that I have to keep reminding myself. I'm new to this, there's no guidebook on how to be a perfect mum, I'm still learning. 

So if I don't get all of my list done in that day, I do go for a nap whilst someone watches Edward or I don't manage to get dressed until late afternoon. IT DOESN'T MATTER! IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD!

8. More than enough - Make sure you have more than enough of the essentials e.g. bottles. I originally had only 6 bottles after washing them and filling up the sterilizer one day it occurred to me that if Edward needed feeding in the time that the machine was on I had no bottles so I bought a couple more just in case. 

9. Pick and Choose - Advice, whilst your pregnant and after everyone has an opinion and advice on what is best for you and your baby. 

Just like this list, this is just what I have found helpful it is my opinion and everyone is entitled to their own.

 From the advice and opinions that people gave me I picked what I wanted to take on board. It is hard though especially when a stranger is giving you advice and you just want to tell them to go away. I found myself just nodding and agreeing (even if in my head I was waiting for Carl Pilkington to fly in and shout "bulls**t.")

10. Take a step back - This is something that I didn't think I would struggle with but I found it so hard, especially when we came home. 

I found myself wanting to jump in anytime that Edward was fussing or crying, even when he was with his Daddy. I had to take a step back and remind myself that it is not just me that is learning and that bringing up a baby is a joint effort.



A big virtual high five if you made it to the end of this one, it's a biggy. Let me know what you're top tips would be for a first time mum in the comments. 

xx

Bakewell Walk

Hello Lovelies, 

I hope you all had a fab weekend. On Saturday Anthony, Edward and myself went to Bakewell in Derbyshire for the day.

Derbyshire isn't too far from where we live so we often like to venture out for country walks and a look around the villages.  

It was pretty cold so it's a good job that we all wrapped up. Edward slept almost all day, he only woke up once for a bottle but we still had a good time. 

After looking at these photos I desperately need to get my hair dyed roots galore haha.   

I hadn't been to Bakewell for while (possibly over a year or so) and was so surprised that they had a love lock bridge. I also forgot how busy it gets at a weekend so would suggest if you are going to visit do it on a weekday if you can. 

Let me know how you spent your weekend in the comments, also leave a link to your blog if you have one so I can have a peek. 

Thanks

xx

 

Project Life 2015 | Recording Our Family Moments

Happy hump day!

I couldn't help but add this picture in of Ozzy sat at the table watching me take photo's. (I didn't eat all of that chocolate although I may have helped hehe). 

This year as our family has extended I have decided that I need to record more of our precious moments together. Over the years I have had loads of digital photos, however as I have had laptop disasters or software failures I have lost a lot of these images. 

I was going to do just a normal family album or attempt to scrapbook but after watching a few YouTube videos I decided that I would give Project Life a go. 

All of the above were purchased from Hobbycraft online.

To start my project I selected a D ring binder in Jade , project life mini kit - the baby boy edition, the 3x4 Jade edition insert cards and the big variety pack of inserts.

This was enough to get me started. The pens that I began to use were the Sharpie fine point markers. After using these on a few pages I was not happy with the result especially when I had used them on the Baby Boy inserts, as the ink had ran through meaning that I could not use the other side to write on. 

Some people may be fine with this as it is possible to put a different card on the other side, trying to be thrifty though I would rather write on both sides so that I can stretch the cards out further.   

So I decided to invest in some different pens from Paperchase, I prefer to write in black rather than blue but these are available in both colours. 

Whilst in there I found the sticker stand and just couldn't resist buying a few packs to jazz up some pages in the future. I was surprised at the price as well, these packs were between £1 and £1.50, I thought that this was really reasonable.   

  This is just a sneak peek at one of the pages I have done so far. I have been finding it so enjoyable looking through the photo's of Edwards first few weeks and putting them into the album. 

I plan on posting more about Project Life, if there are any questions that you have about it feel free to leave me a question in the comments. 

xx

All opinions are my own and this post is not sponsored. 

Busy Day

Hello Lovelies, 

Yesterday we had our appointment to register Edward, we had to wait 3 weeks as the register office is so busy at this time of year. 

We had to be at the appointment for 9am, we had to set off at 8am and only just managed to make it on time! I forgot how crazy the traffic can be in Sheffield on a week day. 

We had to find somewhere to feed Edward as he was getting restless. Luckily there was a Costa close by. I was also in need of a coffee after the early get up (we shared a cheeky chocolate twist as well). 

After a quick trip to the hair dressers for Anthony we had a look around a few shops and then headed to Meadowhall. Anthony treated me to a Zizzi's, I would definitely recommend the calamari starter it's delicious! 

So after a busy day yesterday I am staying at home, having a pj day and watching Les Misérables. 

I hope you all have a great day whatever you are doing. 

xx

Country Walks| OOTD

Hello Lovelies,

This week we had our first walk in the village where we live. We are very lucky to be currently living in an area which is surrounded by countryside, I had been waiting for a day when the weather was not as wet. 

We all wrapped up warm in our woollies and Edward wore his winter friends Snow Suit in his pram to keep him extra snug. Anthony's parents had taken Ozzy for a walk so we have yet to go on a full family walk but I don't think it will be too long. 

I got my selfie stick ready to take with us but then found out I had forgotten it. I think baby brain has continued from pregnancy. 

It's a good job that Anthony is tall enough to get a decent picture of us.  

I love this (apart from my hair being tucked under my scarf). 

It ended up being a pretty windy walk so I had to wrap my scarf around me more to keep myself warm. 

OOTD: My hat, scarf and coat are recent buys from New Look. Jeans are maternity Joni jeans from Topshop, these are by far the most comfortable maternity jeans that I have. The mittens are what My mum makes and sells they are upcycled from old woollen jumpers and lined with fleece, they are amazingly warm and cosy.

It was so nice to get out in the fresh air and have a gentle exercise. Edward slept for the whole walk.

What have you been up to this week? Also if you have a blog leave me a link in the comments and I'll have a sneaky peek. 

xx