#HappyEggTasteMakers

Today, whilst in town doing a spot of Christmas shopping, Darcie asked if we could have cake. I told her that was a fantastic idea, but even better it we baked our own. A huge grin spread across her face and replied "yes please mummy". With that we headed home to bake. 

Keeping on top of finances this Christmas

Make savings using Voucherbin when online shopping

With Christmas literally just round the corner most of us are probably nearing the end of our Christmas shopping. But for many, including myself, there are still people I need to tick off my list. We all know Christmas can get expensive. It so easy to lose sight on finances, with things like store accounts and credit cards, but if you are sensible you can still treat your loved ones without it costing the earth!

5 ways to create a Winter Wonderland

5 Ways To Create A Winter Wonderland

Today I have a fantastic guest post from Mary - a retired landscape gardener who has continued her passion for garden design to help others improve their outdoor spaces. 

Christmas is a magical time for the little ones and recreating that festive feeling at home is essential to making the best memories. Although we cover our home in beautiful lights and tinsel, our poor gardens are often left forgotten, as we hibernate away during the winter months. But our gardens can be just a part of the Christmas magic as our homes, and letting the little ones burn off some steam in the great outdoors is a perfect opportunity for some family fun. So I’ve collated a guide to making a winter wonderland that will have them enjoying the wonder of nature once again. 

Santa Fun Run

This morning Jamie participated in a Santa Fun Run which was 10k in total, to raise money for the special baby care unit at Norfolk & Norwich hospital. It was a family affair as my step mum was participating too and my Dad marshalling. The event was aimed for people of all ages, with a 3k running as well for ammeter (I should of had a go really...) runners or children - the whole event was well organised (by Mick Glynn (MG Fitness Studio)) and had a fantastic atmosphere!

Preparing for Winter

There is definitely more of a chill in the air (at last), and I for one, am loving it! The colder months carry some of the most special memories, the build up to Christmas is one that I cherish - especially since having Darcie. However, with the cold comes the chance of snow, another element I love of the winter. Some hate it, especially the chaos it can bring. But as with most things, if you're prepared than you can minimise the chance of disruption. 

The Girl In The Red Coat

Christmas is coming

Me and my girl spent the entire day together, after a week of being ill, it was some much needed us time. In our town the Christmas Lights were being switched on, so we decided to spend the day in town, drinking coffee (well I did anyway) eating cake, playing in the park and jumping in leaves. We had such a lovely day and managed to capture some lovely moments - she really does make me smile so very much. 

This final image looks like something off a Christmas card, in actual fact I think its my favourite picture of her. 

Smiling from ear to ear. I do love my girl.

Mummy B xoxox

Keep your germs to yourself

Why I should of persevered with breastfeeding

This week the Burgess household fended off another sickness bug. In actual fact, we failed pretty miserable and succumbed to the bug. This week we have had endless hours lounging on the sofa, watching film after film after film - until I was quite frankly sick of listening to "Do you want to build a snowman..." - Yup we watched this numerous times. Daily. Its times like this when I want to smack myself. Darcie is always picking up bugs, well in all fairness she hasn't had one in a long time, but I often go back to wondering whether its because breastfeeding didn't work out for us. Whether I didn't give her the best possible start in life?

It really is an irrational thought. I know deep down it ridiculous to think that way and beat yourself up. Though I think it only natural that occasionally us mums do that. I breastfed Darcie exclusively for 4 weeks and then topped up with formula until enough was enough six weeks later. Everytime Darcie got a cold, chest infection or the sickness bug, I would beat myself up how I didn't persevere through to breastfeed and subsequently help build a possible barrier to these awful bugs. 

Did you know that a drop of breast milk contains around one million white blood cells? These cells, called macrophages eat up germs. Breast milk is also packed with immunoglobulin A, which coats the lining of babies intestines helping to prevent germs from leaking through. Amazing hey? What ever your stance is on breast feeding, there is no denying these amazing benefits. 

For everyone, breastfeeding is a personal choice. One that I don't judge people on, like I hope other's wouldn't judge me on my own experience. I know for me, that next I time I want to persevere through.

Having said that, all these bugs will hopefully build up her defences too! 

Anyway, thats my one "woe is me" moment for the week - looking forward to the Christmas festivities starting this weekend!

Mummy B xoxox

Polagram Calendar // Review

Beautiful calendar using your Instagram pictures

I was kindly given the opportunity to review a gorgeous calendar from Polagram. If you have seen my last post about getting organised, then you will know that I need all the help I can get! As I am slightly obsessed with Instagram, I thought this would be the perfect combo and I wasn't wrong.