My Baby At 16 Months

Little is picking up new skills so quickly at the moment. We teach her something (like where her chin is) and a few hours later she demonstrates she still remembers. Her personality continues to get stronger each month too. She is still pretty chilled and she does some great cheeky grins, but she is getting to be more of a handful as well. If we turn our back she might have climbed on to the dining room table or be picking all the flowers in the garden. We’ve had a fair bit of screeching when she needs help or she’s protesting, like when we take her off the table. Keep reading for find out the biggest development this month though.

Can you choose a good bottle of wine by the label?

I like wine, not as much as some people, but I enjoy drinking a glass or two. I’m not going to claim I’m a connoisseur and I honestly couldn’t tell you which region a wine is from by taste, but I know what I like when I taste it. To choose a bottle of wine I tend to look at 3 things: the label, the price, and if it has won any awards. Is this a good way to choose a wine? I was invited by Co-op to try their pick of wines for Spring/ Summer so I thought it was a great opportunity to choose the bottles I would be most likely to buy and put my wine selection skills to the test.

Human Rights and Terrorists

The country is hurting right now, we are angry. I get that and it’s right that we feel that way. Once again lives have been lost due to the actions of one or more terrorists. It is devastating that people have died and I live in fear of losing someone I love, but what I find equally scary is the reactions from many ordinary people. 

Giveaway: Braun Body Grooming Kit

Father's Day is fast approaching (it’s June 18th this year if you need the reminder). As a parent it’s not just a day to say “Thanks” to my Dad, but it's a perfect day to show my partner what a great Dad I think he is too. Ideally the thank your should come from the children, but while they are younger and heavily reliant on me for money and supervision the burden tends to fall on me to arrange the gift. I wrote a guide last year with inspiration for Father's Day presents at different budgets which is worth checking out, but for one lucky blog reader I have an amazing gift to giveaway. Thanks to Braun I have a posh electric shaver to giveaway so you can give a great gift to your partner or Dad.

Staying at the easyHotel in Manchester

The easyHotel in Manchester is a cheap way to stay in the heart of the city. Don't expect frills or much space, but for a budget place to freshen up and sleep for the night it is a great place to stay.

Birthday Blues

“Did you have a good birthday?” they ask. “Yes it was great thanks” I reply, trying to smile. Because that's what's expected isn't it? You are meant to have an amazing day on your birthday. But it wasn't amazing and all the messages from everyone kindly wishing me a fabulous day just made me feel worse.

It can be hard being a stay at home mum when one day blends into the next, even if it’s your birthday. It’s hard when your partner works long hours and you crave adult conversation, but you struggle to make new mum friends. It can be hard when the whole world expects you to be happy and celebrating, but you’re alone and you want to cry.

I'm Going To Blog On

This weekend I am going to a blogging conference in Manchester. I’m very excited, but a bit nervous to be leaving my baby for so long. This is an intro post to the other lovely people going to help break the ice and to encourage them to come and talk to me.

This is me (trying to get a selfie on a giraffe)

Once Upon A Time #TearsIntoSmiles

Once upon a time Princess M lived in a small terraced castle on the edge of a strange land full of smoke. Princess M lived with her half sister (Princess Little), her Mummy, her not-at-all-evil Step Daddy and a magical unicorn. Mittens the unicorn looked just like a cat to everyone because it was only when she was alone with Princess M she showed her true self. No one else even realised she was a unicorn.

The two sisters were the best of friends. Princess Little looked up to her sister and loved it when she was around. Princess M loved to hug her sister and have fun with her, but she got annoyed when Little didn't understand how to play her games.

Guide To Visiting Chessington With Young Children

We recently went to Chessington World of Adventures Resort as a family. Going to a theme park with a toddler and a 5 year old can be challenging, but we found something for everyone. If you are thinking of going to Chessington with young children this post will help you get the most out of your visit. You can also read more about our amazing visit here.

Giveaway: eZee Beads and Pattern Ideas

When you were little did you play with those little coloured white beads which you had to place carefully on a white pin board before persuading your parents to iron them and preserve your pattern for eternity? I remember spending hours playing with them and my daughter has recently started enjoying creating with them too.

My Baby At 15 Months

Month 15 is slipping away and I realised I hadn’t written Little’s latest update. It’s just as well I make notes throughout the month or I would forget what she has been up to. The last month has seen Little become more and more like a toddler, she still looks pretty baby faced due to the short hair, but she understands so much. She is also starting to run, talk more and climb! She is soaking up everything like a sponge and experimenting to see what happens when she does something.

Why My House Is A Mess

Yesterday morning my house was clean and tidy. This morning I sat down with a (cold) cup of tea and I looked at the mess. What would someone say if they saw my house right now? It's not unusual for it to be a mess and I'm a little embarrassed about it. I make the Ocado man leave my delivery in the hall. I keep the shutters closed so the neighbours can't see in. I am a mum with two young children and this is how we live.

Our stay at Chessington World of Adventures

We recently spent a great weekend at Chessington World of Adventures. My partner, 5 year old, 1 year old and I enjoyed 2 days at the resort including an over night stay at the onsite Azteca hotel. Spending 2 days there allowed us to take a relaxed approach and meant we could experience far more than we would have managed in a day. As a bonus staying at an onsite hotel meant we had extra perks including limited late access and early entry and the chance to go swimming.