It's time to sort out the back garden.. Different Decking Idea and Inspiration!

Our back garden will need some work, we've known that ever since we moved in. The bricks surrounding the step up to the grass are broken and coming away from each other and it sort of looks pretty untidy and it's also quite dangerous, especially having a toddler who is going to want to run around out there in the summer! And today whilst sweeping up, I ever so slightly moved a sandpit/swimming pool that we have out in the garden which was next to the brick wall and part of the brick wall fell down completely - not good and not safe! And so I think that even though we're saving for hopefully an attic conversion, we may have to somehow look at affording for some work to be done in the garden out the back ready for summer when Ethan will no doubt be very eager to get out there for a run about. 

I've always loved the idea of decking and Adam does too so today I hit Pinterest and sites like Arbor Deck looking for some inspiration and modern garden ideas. I really like the look of timber decking boards but I'm still open to suggestions at this point. All we know is that we don't want anything too expensive, just something that will be perfect for BBQ's (the veggie type obviously) and little get togethers in the spring and summer time. Here are some different decking ideas Ive found and love:

[Photo from Pinterest]

The death of the beard?.. I hope not!

Roll back two years ago - if you'd asked me then if I liked a beard on a man I would have answered your question with a firm and certain - "No", but fast forward to the present day and I can't imagine my Husband who always sported the clean shaven look previously, without his beard. I now absolutely love a beard on him. Perhaps if I'm truly honest here, it's because he looks quite young without it. And I don't mean that in an offensive way towards him, we both often say how young we both look and we both agree that Adam looks even younger without his beard. I've really grown to love facial hair on men and I'm not quite sure why I used to be so against it in the first place?!  

Baby #2: 23 Weeks Pregnant.. I'm Exhausted!

I'm 23 weeks pregnant now and this is the week that I've really started to feel the full blown effects of growing a tiny human inside of me! I actually think it's sort of obvious how I've been feeling just by looking at the above photo of me - I look pale and sort of frazzled and it's totally because I am just that. I'm really exhausted. 

I learned the first time around that pregnancy isn't easy, but when I look back on my first pregnancy, I realise how much easier it was being able to rest whenever I needed to and do things like go to bed whenever I liked. Second time around, I have a toddler who requires constant supervision and a flow of different types of entertainment to keep him happy during the day. Not to mention a strict requirement for all of his meals cooked for him, nappies changed, baths and everything else that comes as part of being a Mum to a growing child. Ethan doesn't understand why Mummy wants to lay in bed, why Mummy has no energy to roll around on the floor letting him jump all over me, why Mummy doesn't want to leave the house some days. He doesn't understand that Mummy feels like she's hooked to a energy-draining drip and that her back muscles are straining more and more each day, which combined with having a curvature of the spine - feels pretty damn uncomfortable and very painful. 

Luckily I have good support around me most of the time, my Husband is here during the week and his parents are fantastic with Ethan and always go out of their way to make themselves available to look after their Grandson who they love very much. I absolutely know that I could feel so much worse and I absolutely know that everyday of pain or exhaustion is going to be so very much worth it. Being Mum to Ethan has opened up such a wonderful way of life for me, I genuinely couldn't be happier as a Mum and I feel so incredibly lucky that I will get to be a Mummy to two later on this year. <3 But some times - it's pretty exhausting!

Read more baby #2 pregnancy related posts: Our pregnancy announcement | Adams reaction to being told he was going to be a Dad again | Our gender preference | 15 Week Pregnancy Update | 16 Week Pregnancy Update | 17 Week Pregnancy Update | 18 Week Pregnancy Update | 19 Week Pregnancy Update | The Gender Reveal | 20 Week Pregnancy Update | 21 Week Pregnancy Update| 22 Week Pregnancy Update 

 

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'The Day That' Review

I really am such a sentimental type of person. I'm the person who always tries to look for a meaning in things. I was contacted recently by a company called 'The Day That' who told that they brave the elements each morning to capture the dawn every single day and have been doing so ever since June 21st 2005...nearly 10 years!

Gift Ideas For Him

The boys in your life can be a tricky audience when it comes to gifts; from football boots to socks and pyjamas - of course he will tell you he doesn’t need anything! If you are looking for something a bit more unique for the man in your life, there are plenty of great ideas for gifts to get your imagination working. Time to get shopping! 

My Better Place

Do you have a special place that you like to go to when you're feeling a little snowed under to help restore calm back into your life and make things feel better? I do and it's probably might not be an obvious choice for most people, but for me it makes perfect sense.. 

My better place is actually our local park. 

It is the place that when I'm having a tough day and when I have mountains of work to do and a toddler that doesn't seem to be happy no matter what I do or try with him, can make everything feel better after just a short visit.

3 Simple Money Saving Tips For Carrying Out DIY Home Improvements

Being Vegetarian

It's been a very very very long time since I turned vegetarian, so long in fact that I don't actually remember when I made the "change", truthfully I don't actually think that I ever experienced any sort of "change" at all, for me it was much more of a natural transition, a part of my personal life journey, definitely not something I ever had to 'sit and think about'.

 I was and still am the only vegetarian in my family, all of my family are what I would call 'big meat eaters'. Don't get me wrong, they are massive animal lovers, they always have been and always will be, but lets just say I can't see them 'going veggie' any time soon in fact I can't really ever picture it. I'm pretty sure in my thinking that whilst they like to pretend to mock me for my views and choices, actually they very much understand and really quite respect me for being vegetarian, and for me {combined with their kindness towards animals} this is enough. 

Whilst I was younger and lived in my family home I have to say that I found it hard to eat, in truth I found it hard to want to eat. You see I just didn't want to be around meat, it made me sick to the stomach and it's fair to say I struggled with my eating for a little while because of this. I was what is known as a complete 'fusspot'. I wouldn't eat meat, I wouldn't eat vegetables, I wouldn't eat tofu or Quorn. In fact the only thing I would eat was pizza and pasta. Why? Because this is all I knew how to cook and it was all I was willing to try. My Mum gave up cooking for me after I refused and refused to try anything that she would make. I knew no other vegetarians and there I was feeling very angry at the world about people eating meat. I didn't know where to find support and there definitely wasn't as much choice around in regards to meat alternatives as there is now. For me, being a strict and very passionate vegetarian living with a house full of meat-eaters just didn't work.  

My now Husband Adam who I met at the young age of 14 ate meat too and even though I wasn't exactly thrilled about it, I loved him deeply {as I still do} and I accepted it. I don't agree with and I never have that people should become Vegetarian just because their partners are; it is a decision/transition that should come from within. If you go vegetarian for someone else, chances are you won't stick at it. It's a very personal choice.

Every single person has their own individual reason as to why they are or aren't vegetarian, of course that doesn't stop me wanting to raise awareness of the very cruel and harsh realities of the meat industry. Lets be honest, the majority of the time the meat industry is very well covered up. Kids growing up on the whole have no idea about where their McDonalds Hamburger comes from or what is contained in their packets of sweets. Personally, I dislike this and I think that people should be made more aware of the facts surrounding meat and then left to make their own personal choice on the matter. Quite honestly, I'd be extremely rich if I had a pound for everytime I've heard the words, "Oh my God, I had no idea that that went on!" from people of all ages. Well it does go on I'm afraid and it happens every single day.. 

After quite a number of years together, my then boyfriend and now Husband Adam got curious and intrigued by my passion I guess and one day he decided to sit me down and he asked me why exactly it was that I was vegetarian, and so I explained to him. I could tell that he quickly realised that he wasn't as aware of the cruel processes of the meat industry as he had thought he was, and shortly after talking to me about it he made the decision himself to also become vegetarian. People in the beginning liked to assume that he was vegetarian purely because I was, and that just wasn't true in the slightest. Whilst I'm not here to justify his reasons, what I will say is that Adam made the "change" for his own reasons and some of his reasons actually differ to my own. He is now through his own desire to have researched well informed about the process of meat and because of this is passionate and committed to vegetarianism. 

{source}

Adam and I moved out into our own home at age 19 and honestly this made life as vegetarians a thousand times easier for us both. We buy our food so we choose what's in our fridge and life for us is so much happier having a meatless fridge! The only meat we do buy is for our cats. Because Adam had eaten meat for a much longer period of time than I had he was a lot more open minded to trying meat alternatives like Quorn and tofu and by that time there was a whole lot more of a wide variety of meat alternatives available. At first I was reluctant, but now I feel so stupid for not giving brands like Quorn and Linda McCartney a go, because well honestly - their products are in fact amazing! I even have meat eating friends that 1. Can not tell the difference between real meat and brands like Quorn and 2. Eat it regularly because it's so tasty and so much more healthier than real meat. I now eat so much better than I ever have and this is down to a number of things, first of all - the wide variety of meat alternatives available, secondly the fact that I now have my own home and buy my own food and thirdly because there's so much support available out there for vegetarians now especially through the Internet through websites like The Vegetarian Society.

I know that this blog post won't have appealed to everyone and I hope that people don't feel that I'm trying to rant or push my views on to anyone else. I thought that it was important to explain why I'm vegetarian as it's a massive part of my life and so really it just wouldn't feel right not to talk about it on my blog which focuses on my life. In regards to our baby, as his parents Adam and I do intend to raise him as a vegetarian or as much of a vegetarian as is possible until he is old enough to make is own decisions. Obviously his health and happiness will always be our number one priority at all times and we would never ever deprive him of anything that he will need to become a healthy and strong little man. We will follow medical advice and do mountains of research to ensure he gets everything he needs. Please don't be quick to assume that just because someone doesn't eat meat that they are unhealthy, this is a complete myth and I would urge you to research this before jumping to this conclusion. 

M&S Baby Newborn Essentials Haul

There are so many essential items to buy for a new baby, things like.. nappies, wipes, muslin squares, all the nursery decor, including cot mattresses, new curtains, bedding.. the list quite literally goes on and on! 

I personally find it so much fun preparing for a new arrival and I love getting to that stage in pregnancy when the shopping-fun can begin. Last week I decided I'd hit that stage and I excitedly rushed to the shops to do some of my favourite sort of shopping - baby shopping! One of my favourite places to shop for new baby essentials has to be M&S. They've got some amazing things in their M&S Baby range at the moment and it's hard not to want to get everything.  Here are some of the baby things I picked up for baby #2 last week: 

Star print onesie | Striped onesie

The Ordinary Moments [W/ending 22nd Feb 2015]

It's been a week of ups and downs this week. I've felt more drained energy wise from being pregnant and combining my lack of energy with an active toddler who constantly wants to be entertained has left me feeling at times a little more emotional. But on the whole we've had another lovely week. Here's a look back at some of our weeks ordinary moments.. 

I love this photo, we got his bubble train out and Ethan got very excited - as you can see! 

Free App For Toddlers: Toddler Puzzle Woozzle

I downloaded Toddler Puzzle Woozzle last week after searching the app store for free apps suitable for Ethan to use and I'm so impressed with it. It's a simple idea, your child picks their favourite picture, taps on it and then has to drag all of the pieces together to rebuild it. It's a puzzle game without the worry of ever losing any of the pieces! (Just watch your little one with your phone or iPad!).  

The Search For Celebrity Mum of The Year (Plus Who Gets My Vote)

The search is on to find Icelolly.com's Celebrity Mum of the Year and my vote this year goes to none other than the beautiful Angelina Jolie, who from what I read via the web and magazine articles, seems to be such an inspiring mother and role model to her six children. (Yes, six!)

[Pic Source]

Baby #2's Gender Reveal ft. Balloon Time

Finding out our second child's gender was so exciting and so was putting together and planning the balloon gender reveal! The idea was one that I'd seen 'floating' around on Pinterest and I thought it was such an adorable idea. And then when Brit Mums sent around an email looking for people with an upcoming celebration to work with in association with Balloon Time helium kits, it seemed like the idea was meant to be!  

Baby #2: 22 Weeks Pregnant.. Cravings!

I am now 22 weeks pregnant and this week has yet again flown by! I've had pregnancy cravings this week in the form of orange juice. I've craved it since before I even took the pregnancy test. It should have been a good indicator that I was pregnant really, as I craved orange juice when I was pregnant with Ethan and apparently my Mum craved it whilst pregnant with me! 

I actually sat in bed last night feeling really tired, yet totally restless, whilst baby #2 was having a little kick-fest and then I randomly and very quickly started craving crackers with cheese and pickle on at ten o'clock at night. I NEVER get out of bed to go downstairs and make food in the cold, but I had such a craving that I actually had to. And then when I got back in to bed and had eaten the crackers, I suddenly had a huge urge to drink some late night orange juice - which Adam very kindly went and got for me. Very odd! 

I've felt a little more emotional this week too and I've done some crying over silly things, when it's just me being over-sensitive really. Sometimes I think I just need a good cry to feel better!

It's not easy being pregnant and having a toddler who needs consistent entertainment and attention. It's knackering and it doesn't help that Ethan has been quite the grump lately. He still isn't talking (he's 22 months). And although he understands pretty much most of what we say to him, I feel he often gets frustrated and grouchy, so then we end up getting a little grouchy back because he's moaning excessively at us and when you combine that with being pregnant  - it's a little tough sometimes. But then, we have our good days too :)

It is getting harder to get out of the car and up off of the floor and things like doing the hoovering are very quickly draining away any energy I get. Adams very supportive and at home a lot due to his home business so I'm quite lucky to have him around for extra help.

We've started to buy bits and pieces for the baby now and it's such an exciting time to imagine him in the things that we've been getting for him. <3 

 

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Down the Plughole

Water - it may at first appear like a bit of a boring subject to talk about, but reading through the below infographic actually really interested me. You see, I am personally guilty of turning on the tap and just expecting to see clean running water. I'm guilty also of taking  a shower everyday and not thinking twice about how much water I'm using. I always expect my toilet to flush and I never give it a second thought. I'm pretty guilty of taking water for granted, as bad as that sounds. I suppose because I've never had to be without it and it's always been there, it's not something I really spend too much time giving much thought to.

New Baby & Maternity Haul

Starting to collect items together for baby #2 is making me so excited. It's bringing back so many great memories of when I started putting things away for Ethan before he was born, it's such a fun time imagining your baby using the things you've got for them. I really do love the whole process of preparing for a newborn! Here's a look at some of the things that we've got so far and also some of the things I've been using during my pregnancy.. 

8 Half Term Ideas for the Kids

 

The first half term of the year is an exciting time. That first school term seemed to last for years, the weather is getting slightly less chilly, but it’s only week long. You will want to pack as much into the nine days as possible. Here are a few ideas for you to think about and maybe put into practice. 

Home Decor: Inspiration For Using All Available Space Within Your Home

I'm back with another home decor post, I hope you don't mind, but it's one of my very favourite topics (as I'm sure you are all more than aware of)! ;) Today I thought I would share some of my favourite types of inspiration for ensuring that whilst the rooms in the house are kept tidy/clear/modern, that all available space is also used! 

Our new house has a lot less storage space in it compared to our old house which was a new build, so we really have to maximise the space in each room to it's full potential. Being lovers of the contemporary look, we don't like clutter, so I'm often browsing places like Pinterest and home decor sites myself looking for the latest inspiration to maximise space in awkward nooks and crannies. Right now I am a little bit in love with the Harpsden range of fitted furniture from Hammonds. The range offers something for everyone with the white and ivory shades being ideal for those who prefer a more classic look and the rich praline, light praline and stone finishes adding more of a contemporary feel.  Here are some of my favourites as some examples..

Firstly, I absolutely love the use of space here for log storage. Not only does it look brilliantly rustic and add character to the room but it is also totally practical too. I want to do this in my home! The built in wardrobes either side blend in to the room really well and I love the finish on them as well as the modern, sleek silver handles. 

The Ordinary Moments [W/ending 15th Feb 2015]

I haven't had the camera out much this week if I'm totally honest. I've either forgotten or have just been too 'in' the moment. This week Adam and I had some leave from work, we both only work part time in our regular jobs but we work more than full time hours with the amount of work we do at home for my blog and his business. So it was nice to have a few days off to give us some extra time to catch up on things. 

Today Adam's brother is staying at ours. Adam and his brother are both currently sat downstairs on the sofa drinking Red Bull and playing Monster Hunter on their 3DS's. Josh (Adams brother) goes back to New Zealand on Wednesday to continue travelling and so they are having some brotherly bonding time before he goes, whilst I take care of Ethan for the day (who is currently napping). 

Our week has been as busy as usual, but we've done lots of lovely things too. On Tuesday Adam and I went to London to see the Game of Thrones Exhibition together, whilst Adams brother spent the day looking after Ethan. On Thursday we had swimming and a visit from one of my sisters who I don't see that often. On Friday we went out for a meal with the family as another sort of send off to Adams brother before he leaves. And then yesterday was Valentines Day, I didn't take any photos as I forgot the camera, but Adam and I went for a lovely meal at Prezzo and then to the cinema to see Fifty Shades of Grey, whilst Ethan stayed with his Grandma. So all in all it's been another lovely week. 

Here are some of the photos that I did manage to take during the week..

My two beautiful loves <3

Baby #2: 21 Weeks.. We've Chosen Your Name!

This week Adam and I decided on a name for baby #2, we've both liked the name for a while now and though we weren't 100% sure, the idea of not calling him it and dropping the name didn't feel right to us, so we knew it was special. Since we've made the decision, it's felt completely like the right choice and we are loving being able to call the baby by what will be his name. It's also been nice introducing the name to Ethan too. We are keeping the name a secret until he's born purely because we don't want to feel influenced by anyone else's opinion on it. 

I've been feeling really well lately, apart from the odd day of being drained of energy, but to be honest as that has been the worst of how I've felt, I've been quite lucky. I haven't been sick once and I never was with Ethan either. I don't even ever feel sick and for that I am very grateful! 

My bump is noticeably bigger again this week I think and baby #2's kicks are getting stronger and stronger, Adam loves feeling him move around. I've been using stretch mark cream (when I remember and when I'm warm enough to want to rub cold cream in to my stomach). I'm not sure if I've had any new stretch marks come through or not as I already had quite a few that had stuck around from being pregnant with Ethan. But to be honest, I'm happy that a few stretch marks are worth the amazing reward of having children.

Read More: Our pregnancy announcement | Adams reaction to being told he was going to be a Dad again | Our gender preference | 15 Week Pregnancy Update | 16 Week Pregnancy Update | 17 Week Pregnancy Update | 18 Week Pregnancy Update | 19 Week Pregnancy Update | The Gender Reveal | 20 Week Pregnancy Update

 

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I am the Blogger who..

A while ago I wrote this post about what type of Mum I am (thank you to Joanna from My Little rays on Sunshine for tagging me to do that via twitter). Today I am writing about what type of blogger I am..

Home Decor: Adding Subtle Retro Touches to Your Modern Home

If you're like me and you love your modern decor, you might be afraid that adding anything vintage or retro to it could take away from the contemporary feel you work so hard to achieve. Today I want to prove that this isn't necessarily the case. By adding just a touch of retro, you can really enhance a room and even give it a little pop of character. And you can do this without overwhelming the decor and/or changing the feel of the room completely. Here are some retro web finds that I feel would work really well.. 

[Photo from Pinterest]

Ah, who remembers the typewriter? My Mum used to own a typewriter and she would be forever on it tapping away writing short stories and poems. She inspired my love of writing and reading and so a typewriter, for me, holds a sentimental value as well as looking subtly retro. It would be the perfect vintage touch to a study/workspace area.

The Ordinary Moments [W/ending 8th Feb 2015]

This week started with me at work, as is usual for a Monday. My brother-in-law, who likes to travel all around the world had surprised us all on the Friday before by returning home for three weeks before he flies back to New Zealand. He spent the day with Adam and their sister at our house and when I got home we all had dinner together, which was nice. 

On Tuesday we had snow! It didn't last for very long as it quickly melted but we managed to get out early enough to take a walk in it before that happened. 

Baby #2: 20 Weeks.. You're a BOY!

I have been so looking forward to week 20. Not only did I get to find out baby #2's gender, but I also got to see him again! And I got to know that everything is as it should be. The anomaly scan showed us that I have a healthy little baby boy growing inside of me which offered that last little piece of reassurance that I needed. Now that I can feel baby moving daily, I worry so much less than I did in those first few weeks. And it's such a good feeling.

Cotswold town of Cheltenham is Festival Central

For four days every spring, the Cotswold spa town of Cheltenham is fit to burst with horse racing fans.  They've all come to see the runners and riders battle it out for the coveted Gold Cup at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival meeting. But the town is also home to four other major festivals. The first Cheltenham Music Festival was held in 1945 and offered just three concerts. Now the four festivals of music, jazz, literature and science showcase 1,000 events between them and sell over 215,000 tickets. Make a date in 2015 to visit at least one.

Baby #2: Gender Reveal!..

 .....Baby #2 is a BOY! :)

Raspberry, Melon and Banana Fruit Smoothies

Last week (or it may have been the weekend before actually!), I posted a picture on my Instagram of the fruit smoothies we made on Sunday afternoon. They were absolutely delicious and I loved how pink they came out so I thought I'd share what smoothie recipe we used for anyone else that is interested in making their own. :)

Beautiful Bright Home Decor Ideas

There's nothing better, in my opinion, than a beautiful bright home with lots of natural light and stunning modern decor. I'm a known fan of keeping it bright, - I love whites and creams and lots of neutrals, but I also love pastels and feel that pastels and whites work so well together when decorating rooms. 

Do Mothers have a special sort of intuition with their children? Or is my Mum psychic?

When I found out that I was expecting baby #2, I was thrilled and totally ecstatic, just like I was with Ethan. But this time I have been more cautious and much slower to tell people than I was first time around. Pregnancy isn’t easy and sometimes there are complications, what our bodies do as women is utterly amazing and with a such a big job for our bodies to do things can’t and don’t always go smoothly.

Dreaming of Summer

It feels like winter has been hanging around way longer than it's welcome to stay for. I'm so over being cold and I can't wait to leave the house without having to wear a thick coat, gloves, a hat and a scarf. Winter.. I really am SO OVER YOU. 

When I think back to our holiday in Greece, all I can think about (apart from the beyond amazing food) is the sun and how hot it was every single day. I miss it so much and I wish the UK weather could be somewhat like it, even if just a little. Everyone is so much happier and everything feels that much better when the sun comes out to play. It was bliss spending hours lounging around the outside pools, watching Ethan and his Daddy splash around in the water. Ahh.. somebody please take me back!

Holidays in the sun is where the fun is at. And as soon as January hit I was already thinking about if we would be going on holiday this year - being that bump #2 is due. Luckily we've already been invited to Wales in March, and as much as this is highly unlikely to be a sunny trip, there will be pools! 

I've sorted my maternity swimsuit already. Adam's also sorted for swimwear and Ethan is too. I managed to get myself a gorgeous swimsuit with a bow on the front and I'm so pleased with it. There are some gorgeous swimsuits around for us girls aren't there?! I don't have a daughter (unless baby #2 is a girl - we shall find that out on Thursday!), but if I did, I know where I'd be heading for her swimsuit, and that is over to..heidi klein! They sell the most beautiful of swimsuits for little girls. They're pretty and practical - blocking out 97% of the sun's harmful rays. And don't even get me started on the coordinating dresses to match! If I have a little girl, there's one thing for sure.. I'll need a bigger bank balance! Little girls clothes are just completely and utterly adorable! 

So yes, anyway.. Dearest Summer, I am VERY much looking forward to seeing you, please do hurry back! Anytime around NOW would be more than fine, thanks!  

 

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6 Steps to Save Money When You Are Expecting or are a New Parent

Having a child is simply the most amazing thing you will ever do, but becoming a parent is also very costly. Websites and apps have been developed to help us work out the costs around having a child, but when you first find out that you're expecting or even if you've just become brand new parents, it might be that you have to start considering budgeting, unless of course, you're lucky and money is no object. There are lots of things that we can all do to save more money but what are the best ways to start saving on things as expectant or new parents? Here are my top six very easy tips!

The Ordinary Moments [W/ending 1st Feb 2015]

This week started with a hectic Monday at work. It was one of the busiest days I've seen in a while and I was shattered when I got home! It's safe to say I don't have any photos of that day!

On Tuesday we did lots and lots. First playgroup, then off we went for our daily trip to the post office and then into town for hot chocolates, cake and then haircuts for Ethan and Adam..

Ethan loved his gingerbread man from Cafe Nero!