K Elizabeth

Tuesday 30 June 2015

Country Style Bathrooms

As a country girl myself, I have to admit I am drawn to country style interiors. There are hints of this around my home, but one area that is lacking is the bathroom. My bathroom is a sore point - I really am stumped at how I can make it functional, I just feel like I need to rip it out and start again. I swear modern housing developers don't think about functionality. I have been thinking as to how I can do just that, have a bathroom that works for us as a family, offering storage solutions but is still a relaxing and airy space that I can enjoy after a long day.

Twilight Turtle | Review

When asked to take a look at Wicked Uncle's website, a brilliant site for finding children's gifts, I decided to have a little look for something for our baby boy. I sat with Darcie and asked her what she thought her little brother would like and she decided upon a cuddly toy.

How I Plan to Lose the Baby Weight & Giveaway!

As your body changes at such a rapid rate when pregnant, I think it's natural to wonder how you're going to go about tackling the baby weight after baby's arrival. It's something I am certainly considering as I know I want to ensure I get back to a healthier and more active lifestyle. The problem most mum's find is actually finding the time to workout and and prepare healthy meals, and lets not forget there can be other things to hamper weight loss such as having c-sections or other procedures that can make exercise difficult.

For me I know I will be having a c-section, so I know the weightloss process will be slow. I'm fine with that as my main concern will be to heal properly and bond with my baby boy. However when I am healed and life with two children has been establish, I do wonder how on earth I'm going to get time to head to the gym. Luckily I have been introduced to an absolutely fantastic new concept which allows me to participate in various classes depending on my own fitness levels and taste, all of which can be done in the comfort of my home.

Mummy Workouts here I come! So how does it work? Mummy Workouts is a monthly subscription which allows you to participate in an unlimited amount of classes each week. Pricing can be seen below...

The prices are fantastic and if you go for the annual membership it works out as little as £8 per month for unlimited classes. Considering some classes cost that per lesson its an absolute bargain!

Once you've subscribed you can then attend live and interactive fitness classes from home, with or without webcam. Participants only see the fitness instructor, not each other so you don't need to feel self conscious like you perhaps could in an ordinary class. As I mentioned classes vary from Yoga, Pilates, Legs Bums, and Tums, Core, Pre/Postnatal and more. If you ever miss a "live" lesson it doesn't matter as you can watch the recording in your own time. Which is perfect for us busy mums who find it hard to squeeze time into their day.

I'm hoping these classes along with sensible healthy eating and breastfeeding I can get my body fit and healthy once more. I would love to hear how you've lost the baby weight - especially in regards to diet for breastfeeding mummy's. I know you need to be careful when breastfeeding so please leave any ideas in comments.

So, now over to my latest giveaway where one lucky winner could win 4 months of classes, plus a free 20 min consultation with one of Mummy Workouts Trainers. There are also two runner up prizes of 10% off first month, plus a free 20 min consultation with one of Mummy Workouts Trainers. Plus ALL entrants get 10% off first month! Make sure you follow the T&C's and good luck!
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Mummy B xoxox

When is the time right to introduce money?

When my children were little I used to think one of the biggest challenges was determining when was the right time to do things. When do I try solids, when do I potty train, when do I put him into his first bed? There were so many ifs, buts and whens, not to mention the endless stream of advice and hours spent discussing the options with other like-minded mums, on the whole it could be maddening not to mention exhausting!

Making a Clean Space for The Mess Makers

Whether your little ones love or loathe bath time, getting the opportunity to give the bathroom a good clean can often feel like a task that you’d rather leave until they’re off to the land of nod.

Despite trying to get make the place look sparking, once the mess makers appear all hell can break loose, and your hard work can soon feel like a distant memory.

But as much as we’d all like to embrace the chaos, keeping your bathroom clean is more for their safety than your own sanity. (After all it’s not as though we find cleaning fun!)

With little ones still building up their immune system they are far more susceptible to the bugs and bacteria that are harbouring in the warm, moist environment of your bathroom. And nasties such as E.coli and salmonella love lurking in these places and breeding up a storm.

So in order to keep your children safe at bath time and free yourself from the worry, take these few simple steps to ensure bath time is as pain free as possible. (Even if they are having a pre-bedtime tantrum.)

A few months ago it dawned on me that we would soon have a three year old. A three year old that would try and creep into our bed or want to get up in the middle of the night. That's almost three year's with disturbed sleep. Thankfully, we have discovered the secret to getting a full nights sleep - enter The Gro Clock. I have been rather reluctant to post a review simply because I didn't want to jinx it, but almost four months on there is no denying its magic!

I have never been one to buy into (what I think) are gimmicks, I mean what's so amazing about a clock? How can a clock be the key to everyone enjoying a full nights sleep? Well as we have had almost three years with disturbed sleep and with another little monkey on the way, we were determined to find a solution and decided to give the Gro Clock a whirl. Normally retailing at around £30, we found a brand new one on Ebay for £15 (love a bargain!) and immediately purchased.

28 Week Bump Update

28 weeks. Seriously can not believe just how quickly this pregnancy is going! I will blink and it will be September I'm sure! I thought I would just do a quick bump update as its the start of my week full of appointments. Today I had my 28 week consultant appointment where I had the first of three growth scans.

Character.com | Review

We were kindly sent some beautiful items from Character.com to review. When they arrived I had a very excited little girl, because lets face it, what little girls doesn’t like Disney Princess pj’s and a Peppa Pig rucksack!?! That’s exactly what we received. My very excited little girl got her two favourite Disney Princesses, Snow White and Aurora pyjamas, both of which are really lovely designs and super comfortable for my very own sleeping beauty.

{The Ordinary Moments} Hello Threenager.

We have all heard of the terrible two's, and maybe even experienced the drama of new found independence of toddlers. But for some, including us, we have been dealing with a completly new kettle of fish... the threenager. When Darcie blew those candles out on her third birthday cake, we thought we had escaped those bad toddler behaviour moments, but for us it seem like it was the beginning!

Quiet Activities

My little three year old can be a bit of a world wind at times, charging around in full imaginative play, normally causing havoc around the house. I have to say, I do love watching her play. I adore to see her wonderful imagination come alive. However, there are occasions were I would love Darcie to spend the afternoon doing quiet activities, especially after a good spring clean! Last week we did just that, Darcie spent a good amount of time doing a quiet activity with me and her Granny. My mum got her a little snail set which you then paint and keep.

Mummy's Day Off

Image Source

Those who are about to become second time mums will know that it can be a daunting time coming to the end of your pregnancy. But it can also be really exciting! One thing a lot of mums want to do before they give birth to baby number two is have a special mum's day off for themselves. This gives mums a great chance to recharge before the real madness begins and they become a mother to multiple children. This is a great idea since research has shown that a happy, relaxed mum is the best kind of mum there is. So, without further ado, here are some ideas for your mum's day off.

Third Trimester Approaching

These past few weeks have been really difficult. On Sunday I will enter the third trimester, the final stretch, and boy am I feeling it. I haven't been well for a little while, I've experienced light headedness, tingling sensations in my arms and legs, feeling of constant nausea, exhaustion on top of headaches too. It's been pretty tough, though what pregnancy isn't? Gradually it has gotten worse. Yesterday enough was enough, I went home from work and called my midwife. I knew it would be irresponsible of me if I just let it go on. Luckily the midwife wasn't too concerned but she did want to see me, she asked me to pop down to a clinic session today for an appointment.

Funky Giraffe Bibs | Review

Bandana dribble bibs are something which I adored when Darcie was little. Not only are they practical but they are also rather stylish as they can be easily integrated into an outfit whilst being super functional. However, over the years I have found the good, the bad and the ugly! Sometimes dribble bibs are often too thin, causing numerous changes through the day and leaving your little ones sore and agitated - not good if they're already grumbling because of teething. Over recent months I have seen quite a few bloggers mention how fantastic Funky Giraffe bibs are, and with baby number two just around the corner, I was very happy when I got an opportunity to review them.

Darcie's OOTD | June

This morning whilst Jamie was doing our local Park Run, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to take some snaps of my favourite subject, Darcie. Darcie received a beautiful outfit from her Grandparents and I couldn't resist sharing it with you all. Mainly because I'm pretty darn jealous of her wardrobe of late, including this outfit!!

Her grandparents got her this gorgeous linen biker jacket from Next, which is the perfect lightweight jacket for the summer. Literally, why can they not make this in an adults size - its blooming gorgeous!

Her dress is also a Next item, and is a simple navy dress with rather cute giraffes embroidered on around the hem of the dress. The shoes are from Joules and look super comfy!

Her hat is another Next item (you know we're Next mad in this house!) and just completes the outfit. Luckily Darcie loves wearing hats so its never a battle to get her to wear them.

Daddy all sweaty after his run - love this picture.

Do you ever wish they would do adult sizes in some children's clothes?!

Mummy B xoxox

Dear Darcie / You're Three

You are three years old. How can that be? I swear it was only a little while ago I was holding you in my arms for the very first time but that was three years ago! My wonderful, intelligent and beautiful Darcie you've grown into such a special little person and I could not be prouder of the person you're becoming. Everyday with you is a gift, you bring so much joy to those around you. How did we get so lucky?

Over the past couple of months you have done an awful lot of growing, you're soon to become a big sister and you have taken this role on very seriously! You have a natural mothering instinct (more so than me!) and I know that you will make us even prouder in your new role. Thanks for looking after me too, you're such a star!

Being the social butterfly that you are you have surrounded yourself with lots of people you call friends - you make us very proud in the way you interact and care for your friends but this again shows your sensitive and caring side. This time next year you will be almost ready to embark on a new adventure, school, and I'm hoping you will embrace the change (like you always do) and enjoy all the new experiences to come. Plus you will get to see what kind of work mummy does!

But for now my little one, just enjoy being three. Continue to grow, learn, love and laugh throughout the next year (and all the years to come), but please... make this year go a little slower? Time is passing us by so quickly, before I know it you will be a teen!!

Love you Darcie, enjoy your special day.

Lots of love Mummy xoxoxox

Dinosaur Adventure Park - Norfolk | A Special Day Out

On Saturday we treated Darcie to a special day out to the Dinosaur Adventure Park in Norfolk. It was special because on Tuesday Darcie turns three (!!) and as we're both working we thought a trip this weekend would be the perfect compromise. Darcie has been desperate to go here ever since she saw a leaflet for the place and so when we asked her what she wanted to do - this was her immediate response!

The Dinosaur Adventure Park is a local attraction to me and its been going years, I think my brother even went when he was her age and that was 20+ years ago! But it's a place that we had never thought to go and I was a little worried that it might be a little scary for an (almost) three year old. Luckily there was nothing to worry about as there was sooo much to do and wasn't scary at all! It has been voted one of the best attractions for family days out in Norfolk and I would have to agree.

There is so much to do for children (big or small), from unearthing dinosaur fossils, discovering the different dinosaur species on their trail, to exploring the secret gardens and animals. We were surprise just how big the park was, everything was nicely spread out too so, even though it was busy as it was half term, you never felt overcrowded or like you missed out on anything because of hordes of people.

Our favourite parts were the Dinosaur trail, I loved to see Darcie explore and actually show her dino knowledge. She knew T-rex, Stegosaurs, Triceratops and diplodocus! Impressive!

The day was pretty perfect and was a great way in which to start her birthday celebrations. Here are a few snaps of the day...