Life at 100mph

Getting organised ready for the new year

I'm a mum, a wife, full time worker, homeowner and blogger who is just trying to make her way in the world. Sometimes, when the days are just passing me by, I sometimes feel like I'm desperately trying to tread water and stay afloat of all the things I'm supposed to do. I definitely haven't taken an easy path, but I'm certainly enjoying the journey. There will be no "woe is me" here, just simply someone who is constantly trying provide all that I can for my family, whilst being the best version of me that I can be. 

Being a graduate of the recession, my chosen career path was no easy feat. In fact, so many hurdles (like the fact no one was hiring) lead me down a very different career path. Education. Although many people may think that this career, along with its fabulous holidays , is an easy one, I soon learnt that it was actually a great challenge and, at times, I struggled. Having said that, I do love my work.

Now, after two years of blogging, I'm starting to generate a regular income. Which is fantastic, but also brings along so many more pressures. As I work, full time, and want to produce content that my readers will like, I sometimes feel slightly swamped. This hobby of mine, has it become a chore?

No. But I am concerned that something soon will have to give. And as I look around my living room, with piles of washing everywhere, letters left unopened, newspapers from two weeks ago, it's safe to say my poor little house has suffered! Being organised is something I really need to work on, at home, work and with blogging too! I have downloaded social media schedulers like that of Hootsuite, in a bid to try and reach out to my readers a little more. I'm also wondering if I need to have specific "blogging" days. I don't want to put pressure on myself, as I would hate for blogging to become a chore. As, let's face it, I blog for me as well as for my readers. 

My reason for this post is that I want to hear how you stay organised? Whether it be with your blog or at home, please share your posts below or leave ideas in the comments. With the New Year just around the corner, I would love to have already given this resolution a damn good kick start!

Mummy B xoxox

Potty Training

Potty training a two year old - toddler lead

Well, we have entered the realm of potty training, actually we have skipped the potty and gone straight to the toilet! Several months ago we made a start by introducing her to the toilet and potty, every morning and night we would pop her on just so she could get used to the idea. We didn't push her, just let her get a feel for it. About a month ago, Darcie started to ask to go to the toilet a lot more and last week she was asking every time she needed to go. Yesterday was a big step, when picking Darcie up from nursery they told me just how well she was doing and they decided to put her in knickers. She had no accidents! We are now continuing wearing knickers during the day and nappies at night. It such a big step in the right direction and I just can't believe how well she is doing.

Blogger Gift Ideas // Christmas

The perfect gifts for bloggers

As my main readership are probably bloggers themselves, I thought it might be a nice idea to share with you so fab gift ideas that bloggers might appreciate.

First Christmas Present Idea

The perfect gift to someone's first Christmas

Christmas is such a special time of year, its even more special when its your first Christmas as Mr & Mrs, or even if its your first Christmas ever! I was kindly given the opportunity to review a beautiful gift idea from Doormouse and the Teapot, they sell everything you would need for a vintage, traditional afternoon tea. We were lucky enough to be sent a First Christmas Vintage Spoon, which is hand stamped with a message of our choice. We decided upon 'Mr & Mrs Burgess First Christmas 2014', as it is our first Christmas as Mr & Mrs and so really wanted something special to mark and remember the occasion. 

They can, of course, include messages such as 'Baby's First Christmas 2014', or for a more personalised touch, you could even have their name printed too. This would make the perfect keepsake if you're looking for something special for a little ones first Christmas. And what's more, this very special keepsake only costs £8. £8!! 

I have been really impressed with the quality of the spoon, and I'm looking forward to hanging it with pride in our home. I can't quite decided whether to hang it in our kitchen or on our tree - what do you guys think?

Mummy B xoxox

*I was kindly sent this for the purpose of the review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Have faith in online dating *

Have faith in online dating
Online dating is fast becoming a preferred way of meeting people. Millions of people have begun putting their love life in the hands of websites to try and give them a kick start in finding their dream partner.

SALT is the free, award‑winning Christian Dating App run by a small team of Christians. They’re passionate about loving, supporting and encouraging you to keep God at the centre, as you meet, date and marry.


How online dating works


Online dating helps you to find love by matching you with potential partners based on set criteria. You can talk with potential suitors online before deciding if you want to take things further and all good dating websites will provide clear advice on how to meet individuals you’ve met online safely in the flesh.
The important thing to remember is that you have control over who you meet and talk to. You also build an online portfolio or bio that tells potential matches a little bit about you and helps you to match yourself with like-minded individuals.
In today’s fast-paced world it can be increasingly difficult to find the time to meet new people. Online dating simply streamlines the process by taking that first communication to the digital world.
Why trust online dating?
The opportunity to get to know things about people before talking to them is a rare opportunity. There is no nervous first encounter and you know all the important things upfront so you can make an informed decision.
Obviously, the first date is still likely to be a little nerve-wracking but you’ll at least have a few online messages to draw on as conversation starters. The safety advice provided on reputable sites can also increase the trust you feel in the service and you know your details are being stored securely.
Tips for creating the perfect profile
If you’re new to online dating but want to give it a go then it’s important you know how to set up your profile in the most effective way. These tips will help:

•

Pick the right website: there are a lot of online dating sites available so choose one that will give you the best chance of success. This could mean using a site that targets a specific geographic location or demographic.

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Be honest: telling lies in your profile will only cause problems later down the line when you’re found out. Avoid awkward encounters and be upfront and honest from the start – no one is likely to go for a dishonest partner anyway.

•

Use a recent picture: similar to the above, using a recent picture is important if you want to build an honest relationship with mutual attraction. It will also make it easier if you decide to meet someone face-to-face as they’ll have an accurate idea of what you look like.

•

Take it slow: online dating is a great tool in the modern dating landscape but it is not a fast-track to happiness or marriage. Take things slowly and get to know people you meet online well before meeting them in the flesh or starting a long-term relationship.

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Don’t give up: just like in the traditional dating world, you are likely to encounter a few false starts or bad matches when looking for love online. Don’t let this deter you though. More and more people are meeting their dream partners online – you just
need to demonstrate patience and have a little faith.


Mummy B xoxox

*PR collaboration.

Autumn Toddler OOTD

Picture taken on my iPhone and shared on my instagram.

Autumnal toddler outfit from Next & Joules

Just a quick little post this evening, I thought I would share with you Darcies OOTD as, in my opinion anyway, she looks pretty darn cute. I have been pretty ill this past week, suffering with the flu and insanely achy body that comes with it. I have been confined to the sofa, which is all well and good and definitely needed, but it's lethal when I stumble upon Next's website. So, after a few quick clicks Darcie had a new autumn/winter wardrobe. Damn you flu. 

So I digress, this outfit is one of our little buys. The jumper, from Next, is so gorgeous. In fact, when I put it on her this morning, I popped back online to see if it was from there younger girls range or older, with the intention of if it was in the older girls section, I would try and squeeze into an age 16! But alas, it was not meant to be and this beauty is available from 3 months - 6 years for £15. 

The leggings, a part of a three pack, compliment the "love" jumper. This mustard colour screams autumn, and I think she looks pretty adorable in this colour. 

The scarf is my own, which my mum got me for my birthday. It has cute little robins  on so Darcie is always asking to wear it! 

Her shoes are from Joules. We got these this summer in their sale and have lasted so well. I have never got her Joules shoes before, but have been very impressed with the quality - but then again I wouldn't of expected anything less! 

Hope you have all had a great weekend. 

Mummy B xoxox

Pasta & Avocado

I think I have hopped on this train rather late, but I have a new found love for avocado. Its not something I would normally buy, but kept seeing yummy recipes using avocado on Pinterest and knowing how good it is for you, I thought I would experiment a little with it. 

So I threw together a few ingredients that I had in the cupboards and fridge and based the recipe on one I found HERE, and ended up creating a really tasty, and very simple,  pasta dish. So what will you need?

Children's Bedroom Ideas // Christmas

We have entered November, can you believe it?! Well now halloween is over, its now time to start looking towards, yes I'm going to say it, Christmas!!! With that in mind I thought it would be a nice idea to put together some ideas for decorating various parts of your home, to get you  in the spirit of course. Today we will look at children's bedroom ideas.

I think sometimes, this can be an area that forgets to be decorated. I know I'm guilty of that! But, lets face it, if you have children your main focus at this time of year is them. Making special memories and keeping the magic of Christmas alive - so why not decorate in their room too?

(source)