12 quick & easy meals

As a working family of four, tea times can be a rushed affair. I happen to really enjoy cooking but often find myself frantically wondering what on earth I can put together in under 30 mins, though under 20 mins is preferable. 

I have put together 12 recipes that I think you're going to love, especially if you find yourself running out of time at the end of the day.

What about the Fathers? #MumTalk

I was so pleased to see that Sports Relief are raising awareness about mums AND dads who have experienced maternal mental health issues, it's something that is very close to my heart. 

Almost four year's ago I gave birth to my beautiful and cheeky little girl Darcie. Unfortunately, I didn't have a very positive birthing experience. Actually, I had such a traumatic birth it lead to me developing a mild case of PTS and anxiety. To cut a long story short, I was induced due to worries that my placenta was failing and the induction process overstimulated me so much so that both me and Darcie became very distressed. So a very dramatic emergency c-section (where I was put to sleep) entailed. 

Get Yourself Blogger Conference Ready

One thing I love about blogging is the wonderful events and conferences I have been able to attend. They're great for networking with brands, bloggers and all the experts in the field. For learning about all things blogging, whether it's photography, SEO or writing - I have learnt an awful lot from attending some fantastic events. This year I'm hoping to attend Britmums Live as I have never been before and it looks fantastic (hopefully I can find a sponsor in time!). Over the last four years I have been blogging, I have picked up some useful tips in order to make the most of these conferences.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is just around the corner and if you're struggling to find a gift for your mum I may have something up my sleeves just for you! I have put together a mini gift guide to hopefully give you some ideas for that special lady, whatever she may be into.

Baby number three?

Once the newborn phase has died down the same old usual question seems to always pop up, will there be a baby number three? It's a question I dread.

I know the answer, there is no choice now on the answer, but the answer seemingly fills me with sadness. And that answer is no.

The Weekly Bits #2

Another week has just flown by and it means it's time for another weekly vlog! I'm a little bit happier with this one, I'm definitely getting into the swing of things so I hope you enjoy. 

This week was mainly spent enjoying the sunshine by going for walks, playing in the snow (we finally got a tiny bit of the white stuff!), seeing amazing baby news and Henry and Darcie playing lots together (which was a highlight for me!).

Mummy B xoxox

Mother & Daughter Spring Look

We may have had snow a few nights ago, but my thoughts are firmly set on spring. Daffodils are peeping through, the evenings are getting lighter and spring feels like it's just that little bit closer. With that in mind, my thoughts (as usual) turn to our spring wardrobes. We're not in any dire need of a huge clothing haul, but I would like to get a few staple pieces to see us through. Now Darcie is getting older I like the idea of having slightly matching outfits. Some may think it's cheesy, I think it's pure brilliance!

Things to Do on Mother's Day

One of the first events of the year which signals spring is on its way, is Mother’s Day, a day to cherish and enjoy being spoilt by our little bundles of joy. 

The shops are already full of spring blooms, with rosy red tulips and bright yellow daffodils decorating store fronts, drawing us in with pretty bunches ready to be presented to Mum come Mother’s Day morning. Preferably served with a warm cuppa and breakfast in bed, after a lie in of course! 

Mother’s Day isn’t about large, grand gifts but about the small gestures which allow us to revel in the moment about just how loved we are, spending the day with loved ones, and whether you want to enjoy your special Sunday relaxing or give a hint to someone about what you want to do these ideas should help you plan the perfect day.

Henry's at Five Months

My handsome little man is five months old and he has seemingly changed so much this month! So let's jump into his update and fill you in on what he's been getting up to.

This month Henry experienced his first taste of solid food. He had been trying to grab food out of our hands for a little while so we decided to try him on puree's. We always said that we would try and wait till he was six months, but this little chap had his own ideas and was clearly ready. Not all babies are text book so I know I'm comfortable with our decision. We have been making our own puree's and he's had a couple of the pouches too (they're fab for on the go!) and he has tried a lot of different fruit and veg. There hasn't been anything he dislikes so, so far so good!.

The Weekly Bits #1

I have just published my first weekly vlog and I feel it was a bit of a flop! How these big vloggers manage it all I'll never know! But, I've given it a good go and it's just some snippets of our week. I'm hoping to do this on a regular basis, possibly not every week - but I will try my best. I have decided to call it The Weekly Bits because I want it to be little moments of our week, not necessarily a full on weekly vlog (which I tried and failed this week!). I hope you enjoy our vlog, I'm hoping to try and improve my vlogging skills as the weeks go on! 

Future Proofing Your Home

I mentioned at the beginning of the year that we have some DIY plans for 2016. These have already started with our garden plans getting underway, a summer house is being installed in a few weeks and to say I'm excited is an understatement! We've waited a long time to try and get our garden organised, so I'm really pleased to get things going.

We're planning on having a summer house to store the bikes and the kids garden toys - all of which are currently cluttering our under stairs cupboard! It will also be a place to relax and watch the kids play. I'm looking forward to getting my fingers green and making our garden a little piece of heaven!

Henry's Room Tour | Video

I have done a quick tour of Henry's small but perfectly formed room if you fancy taking a peek! It's one of my favourtie rooms in the house, so calming and relaxing!

Things you don't expect when you're expecting

You may or may not know, my daughter's birth story it wasn't the magical picture that people had tried to paint it would be. Having said that, I did have a beautiful birth experience with my son Henry.

A long time ago, I originally wrote this post to share with you the things you were not expecting when you're expecting and I thought it might be nice to share it again!

Our Love Story

Me and Jamie celebrated our 10th anniversary on the 5th February. I can't believe we fell over head over heels for each other over a decade ago. Madness.

One thing I have never mentioned on the blog is our "love story" - mainly because it's one that sends me a slight shade of red when it comes up in conversation. When I was watching my absolute guilty pleasure, Celebrity Big Brother (anyone else completely gutted it's over?!), seeing the hatred that Steph from Celebrity Big Brother received only spurred me on to tell our story - because love can knock you off your feet in an instant and it's something that can just happen. Though being single is obviously preferable! 

Mombella Octopus Teether | Review

If you follow me across social media you will know that we're in the horrid stage of teething. My poor little bubba is struggling and it's horrible seeing him so unsettled. We've been doing a number of things to try and soothe his sore gums and the lovely company Mombella saw my pleading tweets and asked if Henry would like to try their Octopus Teether. Of course, any teething mumma is going to say yes!

Healthy Lifestyle | One month in

So I'm one month into my healthy lifestyle changes and despite having a cold I have noticed some real differences, especially with my attitude towards food. The one big difference is I'm now 10lbs lighter which I'm completely over the moon about and is really spurring me on to keep going with my healthier lifestyle journey.

I have done a little video update over on my YouTube Channel, so make sure you take a look to see what I have been doing.

Mummy B xoxox

Swaddle Me Wrapsack | Review

Having a smooth bedtime is something all parents want to get right. It's the part of parenthood most people dread, those horrid sleepless nights. Of course, all babies wake in the night, they need feeding throughout the night in those first few months, so it's something you have to just go with. But there can be other things that make your baby restless through the night, like nappy changes, too hot, too cold, uncomfortable - all of which can be avoided.

Some babies like to be swaddled, an age-old technique for making babies feel secure and less likely to be disturbed. Swaddling creates a slight pressure around your baby's body, a sensation that mirrors the pressure felt in the womb. Swaddle Me has created products that make swaddling a doddle, they have various stages to make sure you baby is safe and content through those first couple of years.