Home Decor Projects for 2016

As with every year, in January I like to look ahead to projects that I want to do around the house over the year. In 2015 we obviously re-decorated the room which is now Henry's bedroom, I was so pleased how it turned out, but we didn't end up doing anything else around the house! For 2016 there are a number of projects that really need to be done. We've lived in our home now since 2011 and some area's are definitely in need of a bit of TLC.

The Ume Lite Pushchair | Review

I have said this before and I will say it again, choosing the right pushchair can be a nightmare. Will you be using it on public transport? Across different terrains? Do I need a double or single? There are so many things to consider. If like me, and probably most of the mums I know, one pushchair just doesn't seem to be enough. For me, I do love a good travel system. But, they can be bulky, a nightmare on public transport and take up a lot of room in the car. When I was contacted to see if I was interested in reviewing the Summer Ume Lite Pushchair, I jumped at the chance. Could this be the answer to my pushchair woes?

Blogging Goals for 2016

Whilst I have made a number of personal goals for 2016, there are a few goals I have made for the blog too. I thought it might be nice to share with you as I have been enjoying other's who have done similar posts. 2015 has been a fantastic year for my blog and I'm really proud how far it has come along. I was fortunate enough to work with some fantastic companies, awarded Next's blogger of the month for October and was featured in Esential's magazine as 'Top Blog" in thier December issue. My readership has almost doubled and I'm so thankful that so many of you come back and (seemingly) are enjoying my posts.

Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016

2015, you've been wonderful, hard, tiring, exciting, life changing, challenging, financially tough, progressive, rewarding and to be honest, one of the best.

2015 started off with finding out we were expecting baby number two. It had taken us seven months of trying, so when I got that positive test in January I was over the moon that our little family was growing by one more. As pregnancy symptoms sunk in life plodding along as normal. Darcie turned three in June and then we soon found out we were having a little boy. Darcie was going to have a brother!

Jamie got an amazing promotion at work, the job he had always wanted and worked so hard to get. This little blog grew, I managed to get more work and I won Next's blogger of the month for October and got "Top Blog"in Essentials magazine in the December issue. All in all, our career's seem to be blossoming. 

September came and our beautiful boy was born. All 8lb 11oz of him was completely and utterly perfect and the added bonus was that I got to experience birth exactly the way I wanted. These last three months have been some of the best in my life. Knowing our family is complete and looking ahead to our future as a family of four. 

What do I hope and wish for 2016? Health, happiness and adventure. I will be going back to work in a few months, Darcie will start school in September, Henry will celebrate his first birthday and me and Jamie will celebrate 10 years of being an item. 2016 has the potential to be another wonderful year.

So as me and Jamie have tucked up the children in bed, we settle down with a box of  chocolates and pretend wine (as I'm breastfeeding!). Some may find that an incredibly boring to see in the new year, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Happy New Year all, I hope 2016 brings you all you hoped for.

Mummy B xoxox

Goals for 2016

As the New Year approaches, it's only natural that we all reflect and look forward to 2016. I always like to set myself challenges and New Year feels right to try and start some of them. A new year and a clean slate. I don't like calling them resolutions as I don't feel I ever stick to them, but this year I'm feeling motivated and hopeful that at least some of them may stick! So here we go...

Our Christmas 2015

I was very quiet on here over the last week and that's because we have had some, much needed, quality time.  Our Christmas was a special one and one I think my hubby found hard. His brother is moving across the pond with his wife to live in California next year, so it was our last Christmas with them in the UK. For that reason, we decided to host and have all his immediate family for Christmas dinner. 

What I really want for Christmas

1. A full night's sleep. I know you're only little still Henry, but I would love a full night's sleep. I haven't had one of them in a very long time - even when you were in my tummy I never got a full night's sleep. 

As I am still breastfeeding Henry it does fall on me to feed him through the night. It's tough, when Darcie was small me and Jamie would share the feeds. I'm keen for him to be able to feed Henry a couple of nights, but I'm struggling with expressing at the moment. Perhaps it's the type of pump I have - I'm not sure. If anyone has any tips on expressing please feel free to share.

2. Me time. Selfish? Yes. But sometimes you have to be. I'm at home all day with the children, which I love, but I do miss the adult conversation that comes with working. Jamie works pretty long shifts and unsociable hours, sometimes I barely see him at all and if he is at home, he is catching up on sleep (oh the luxury ;)). I would love to snatch a couple of hours where I can paint my nails, without them getting trashed because a little person needs me etc. Jamie is very good though and will often tell me to go relax and have a bath. Keeper.

3. Date night. We have yet to do this since Henry'a arrival, but it's pretty difficult to do when breastfeeding. I really need to sort this expressing situation out.

4. More hours in the day. I never seem to get things finished. I will always try to write a daily goals list, but very rarely finish it and it's through no fault of trying. There is really just not enough hours in the day. 

5. More energy. Perhaps this is why I'm not completing my goals list. I need to start exercising more, yes I want to lose weight, but that's really not my motivation. I'm noticing I tire very quickly when playing with Darcie and I don't want to be the mum that can't run around after her little ones. 2016 will be the year of getting my fitness levels back on track. 

What's the one thing you would really want for Christmas that you just can't buy?

Mummy B xoxox

Four Ways to Improve the Exterior of Your Home

I often find myself writing about home decor, it's an aspect of blogging/life I love and I'm always dreaming up ways in which we can improve our own home. It's easy to think about what colour to paint a wall, or where to hang that mirror or what cushion would complete that bedroom look. One area that often gets neglected is the exterior of a home.

The exterior of your home is the first thing you see when you get home, you want to make your home warm and inviting - especially at this time of year. So how exactly can you do this?