Want, Need, Wear, Read : Mum/Nan

Instalment number 6 for the Christmas gift guide! This is for the mamas and Nanas out there! I think this is a bit of a tough one as mums and nans are getting younger these days, no longer can you shove them a bottle of talc and be done with it! So what to get the hip nana..?

Want : Hard working hand need some luxury, but a nice hand cream seems a bit, dare I say, old? So for a touch of fancy schmancy I would suggest the Sensationail at home gel nail kit. Nails are 'cured' under an LED light to give long lasting colour with a really glossy finish. So for the woman who is working, running a home and wanting to look amazing, it would be a great present! Plus it is very user friendly. There is a Black Friday half price offer if you are quick!

(http://m.international.boots.com/h5/cat_hub?path=%2Fen%2FSensatioNail-Special-Starter-Kit_1766752%2F&unCountry=int)

Need : Mum's are always busy, Nan's never stop! This is why I have put Personal Planner diaries as a need! Mums are juggling their life, and cheeky babysitting duties (or in my case childcare, thanks mum!) What I like with personal planner is that you can add in birthdays (which save so you don't have to type them in when you order next a years diary!) and what not and it is so customisable, mine has a to do list and a weekly meal plan! Plus it comes in so many designs that there really is something for everyone!

(http://www.personal-planner.com/EN/planner)

Wear : Nans may be getting younger but they still love a cardi, everyone loves a cardi! And it is a perfect gift for the horrible cold winter! What I live about this New Look cardigan is the subtle but trendy print, long sleeves to cover those pesky bingo wings, and a really flattering waterfall cut. Bonus is that Mums and Nans do not usually shop on New Look so it's less likely they will already have it! (http://m.newlook.com/shop/womens/knitwear/black-aztec-fine-knit-waterfall-cardigan-_366961009)

Read : At first I really struggled with this one, but when I saw this I was so impressed, a simple idea but one that would become a treasured memory. the idea is that it is a book of questions for your mum to filming about her life, from early memories to school etc. We have all grown up hearing different stories from our parents life and this way you will never forget them and will be able to pass it on to grandchildren and beyond, the story of granddad checkerboard Christmas cake will never be forgotten! 

(https://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk/gifts/dear-mum-from-you-to-me.htm?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_feed&utm_campaign=froogle&gclid=Cj0KEQiA4eqyBRDUh7Omv9vCtsoBEiQAspfs8ui_Lb0vFM6tHKwAbhultXS3TUm-sbQZrH8DXOofOC0aAjkO8P8HAQ)

I hope you have enjoyed it! Have I missed anything? 

Want, Need, Wear, Read : Best Friend

Instalment number 5 for best friends! 

Want : Anna Sacccone's zodiac necklace line are stunning! A hotly anticipated release in the blogging world and they do not disappoint, there are the more purse friendly silver options through to the delicate rose gold finish. I am already thinking I may get one for me as a self birthday present, and I think it's a lovely way to offer a quality quirky personal gift! 

(https://stilnest.com/en/leo-zodiac-sign.html?attr_173=36) 

Need : There are some people in life that are always cold and my bestie most certainly fall into that category, so I would say she needs warming up with a nice jumper! I love this cream Superdry jumper, it's chic and wintery and would work well with layering! Ticking all the boxes! (http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/ZQ2806/Superdry-Womens-Brittany-Crew-Knit-Cream)

Wear : My bestie is a hard working girl, and when she isn't working, well, usually she is asleep! So I've chosen some cute pyjamas and they are the items she is most likely to be wearing! Primark are totally rocking the Disney princess jammies and I like that they aren't the traditional girly style! (Top: http://m.primark.com/en/product/white-disney-princess-pyjama-t-shirt,R35397113618471)

(Bottoms : http://m.primark.com/en/product/pink-disney-princess-pyjama-leggings,R35397113618723)

Read : Now, my girl is many things but a reader she is not. However, a bride to be she is! So what better than a subscription to a wedding magazine! You can choose the length of time and give a gift that she will look forward to month after month! 

(http://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/wedding/9012000009496)

I hope you have enjoyed it! Have I missed anything? 

Want, Need, Wear, Read : Secret Santa

Instalment number 4 of 'Something you want, something you need, something you wear and something you read'. This one is for Secret Santa ideas, that wonderful or annoying gift exchange depending on who you get! The presents are in the £10-ish mark as that is what I am used to but all gifts could be scaled up or down according to budget! 

Want : For the younger or more boozey colleague I would suggest making a little coctail kit. A bottle or Irish liquor and Tia Maria makes a 'Baby Velvet'. Aldi sell Ballycastle Irish Country Cream (NOT Baileys, wink wink) at £3.75/70cl, they do sell a not Tia Maria but it isn't on their website so I can't offer a price, but it would bring the total down further. A 35cl bottle of Tia Maria from ASDA is £8.50. By printing off a cocktail recipe and adding a four pack of Christmas shot glasses from Poundland, and you have a festive present that will you know will feel the receiver with festive cheer(s)!

Shot glass: (http://www.poundland.co.uk/christmas-shot-glasses-4-pack)

Tia Maria : (http://groceries.asda.com/asda-webstore/landing/home.shtml#/product/910000282119)

Ballycastle: (https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/drinks/spirits/spirits-product-detail/ps/p/ballycastle-irish-cream-liqueur/)

Need : This is what I am doing for my colleagues Secret Santa! The person I work with is a young, geeky male who works shifts so I am getting him a personalised Gameboy style mug, and on the back I am having printed 'Insert Coffee To Start' (I know, I am hilarious!). I am then putting in a bag of fancy shamshy coffee, and some nice biscuits as well, if I am so inclined! A small but useful present! 

(http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/141831775147 ) 

Wear : My view is we all have heads and we live in England where it's cold, ipso facto hat and scarf! This set of ombré beanie and scarf comes to £11, and it's chic enough to look good from hipsters to gentlemen! It's from ASDA and the items are available separately so could be mixed and matched with gloves or another item. 

Hat (http://m.direct.asda.com/george/mens/accessories/ombre-beanie-hat/G005204129,default,pd.html)

Scarf (http://m.direct.asda.com/george/mens/accessories/twist-ombre-scarf/G005204130,default,pd.html)

Read : Ok, so I am taking liberties in this being reading, but it is a book! Adult colouring books are all the rage, and by promoting relaxation and calm they would do even the most David Brent of bosses a bit of good to chill out! I particularly like Johnanna Basford's delicate and grown up style, this is defiantly not your little sisters Noddy colouring book! The 'Artist Editonn, Pull Out and Frame Book' pictures are so pretty the book is designed to be coloured and then framed, much as the title suggests! Add a pack of pretty pens are you are giving a gift that keeps on giving!

(http://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Johanna-Basford/Secret-Garden-Artists-Edition-A-Pull-Out-and-Frame-Colouring-Book/17522935)

That's all for Secret Santa! I still have a few more gift guide instalments up my sleeves, but let me know if there is any specifically you want to see, and what you are making of there gift guides.

Gift Guide : Want, Need, Wear, Read : Sisters

Instalment number 3 of 'Something you want, something you need, something you wear and something you read'. This one is for a combination of my sisters and all their  different tastes! 

Want : This beautiful Ted Baker scarf will appeal to older women for its classic style and younger ladies for the brand and lovely bright colours. Perfect for the duller days and who doesn't want to feel all fancy shmanchy in a nice scarf (http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/TB3368/Ted-Baker-Womens-Amarili-Tangled-Floral-Long-Scarf-50-Deep-Pink)

Need : With the 5p bag tax and a general responsibly to look after the environment, a food away shopper is so convenient, and my sister have a particular penchant for biscuits! This Sass and Bell shopper is perfect for popping into your bag and folds into a wee Jammy Dodger! Perfection!  (https://www.sassandbelle.co.uk/product.php/5274/biscuit-foldable-shopping-bag)

Wear : Who doesn't like a little sappy message, and what a delicate little present. In our family we have a sister in heaven so this seems a particularly special gift, but I think all sisters would love this sweet Sour Cherry bracelet and they stock plenty of other styles for the more sassy or alternative tastes! (http://www.sourcherry.co.uk/sister-heart-and-wings-bracelet-gift/)

Read : One of the best things about siblings is being able to sit and reminisce of childhood days. I love the vintage style of the Ladybird books and I think mindfulness is a wonderful thing to think about and share. A book with fun and a bit of meaning! 

(https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-ladybird-book-of-mindfulness/jason-hazeley/joel-morris/9780718183523)

I am really enjoying writing this gift huide series and would love to know what you think! 

Gift Guide : Want, Need, Wear, Read : Husband

Want, Need, Wear, Read : Dad/Husband 

Installment number 2 of. 'Something you want, something you need, something you wear and something you read'. This one is for the man in my life, this is not what I am getting him, maybe some of it ... Ooh mysterious! I don't want to ruin any surprises! 

Want : In a universe where I'm not a student and a part time employee, I would be getting Mr B an Apple iWatch. He is a tech kinda man, and although initially reluctant to join the Apple tribe, is now a fully paid up iMember! I think he will end up with one but maybe a model further on so any early glitches can be worked out. To be honest I kinda want to play with one too! (http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-watch/apple-watch-sport) 

Need : Mr B is not in the game of needing things, but there is something I can just about consider a need. I am a Cambridge Satchel fan, I am getting mine for my birthday and am so excited! Mr B is an assistant headteacher and goes to work looking ever the professional, but I can't help but think his boring laptop bag lets him down! I am a bag lady (not the Home Alone 2: Lost in New York kind - just love bags), and I think Mr B would look so dapper with a Classic Batchel in black leather. A cross between Don Draper and Steven Hawking, smart and sexy - you can decide which is which! (https://www.cambridgesatchel.com/en-gb/for-him/the-15-inch-classic-satchel/SAT151002NIC10101.html?cgid=gifts-for-him#start=14)

Wear :  Mr B isn't mad on clothes as gifts, much like a child! But he will always receive an amusing set of socks from me. I like to add a touch of whimsey to his look when he is suited and booted, and socks never go out of style! Now I usually go for a multipack of Star Wars or Marvel from ASDA, but I have seen these Pringles Design Socks from ASOS which I think are a game changer! (http://m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-2-Pack-Socks-With-Pringles-Design/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=5557795&istCompanyId=6f061ed0-7427-4b6c-bb90-987c0bd08468&istItemId=lawwxpxqi&istBid=tztx&affid=14179&channelref=google+shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=67778836182&utm_content=&utm_campaign=&cvosrc=ppc.google.67778836182&network=g&mobile=1&search=1&content=&creative=53496280341&ptid=67778836182&adposition=1o2&r=2&mk=ab&gclid=CjwKEAiA7MWyBRDpi5TFqqmm6hMSJAD6GLeAfzrl_-fTBK-d3C4YJcLlFQpM-ZZUo0IFp3XQvR6zjRoCNuvw_wcB&un_jtt_application_platform=newPlp&un_jtt_redirect) and I would say the colours are almost festive?!

Read : Mr B doesn't read much unless is Star Wars or Jeremy Clarkson, so it took a while to think of something but then I remembered that the person who deigned the artwork in our house also wrote an adorable Star Wars book! Wookiee The Chew - The House at Chew Corner by James Hance. The style is of the traditional Winnie The Pooh but with a Star Wars twist, which would be lovely for Me B and Tom to enjoy together. I would also recommend looking at the artworks available as there really is something for everyone with a geeky, nostalgia twist! (http://www.jameshance.co.uk/wookiee-the-chew/wtc-book-001-wookiee-the-chew-the-house-at-chew-corner-book) 

I would like to add that I find men and especially Mr B really hard to buy for! And it has taken me a while to gather these ideas! If you have any to add then they would be greatly appreciated! 

The Parental Facade : Lies We All Tell

I was recently at a work function in which I was asked if Tom sleeps through the night. I think it's fair to say my regular readers know the answer is LIKE FUCK! My actual answer was, "Well, he hasn't been well, but before that we was doing well"

"Doing well"

No we wasn't doing well, we just wasn't doing as badly as we were before 'doing well'. Sometimes he did, sometimes he didn't. 

I think we are all guilty of it, just prettying up the truth. We don't want our child or our parenting to be judged so we... Well ... We make our child seem a bit 'better' than perhaps they are...? 

1. Can he walk yet? Pah, he is practically a member of Stomp 

... Well the noisey part is true 

2. Is he a good eater? His first word may as well have been quinoa. Can't get him away from carrots  

... Mainly in the form of the Organix carrot sticks, but still it's carrot favour, right?!

3. Isnt he a good boy? Oh he is so full of spirit! He loves playing!

... Based on his energy levels, he could be Drop Dead Fred and Beetlejuice's love child

4. Can he talk? He has some key words and he speech is really coming along

... Mama = I want

Bananas = all food

Cat = get back here, I want to love you 

Dada = everything else

6. He is so handsome! I know, I love him so much

... Well I wouldn't endure a 26 hour labour for the sake of it! 

Do you find yourself in these situations? It can't just be me! 

Gift Guide : Want, Need, Wear, Read : Toddler

Last year I found a pin on Pintrest regarding gift buying for your children. The premise is 'Something you want, something you need, something you wear and something you read'. We stuck to it last Christmas and it was a success! I had totally forgotten about it until my mum reminded me and so Now I am back on track! I am going to do a gift guide series following this idea to show what is out there for 2015!

Want : We have got Tom the Little People DC Super Friends Batcave from Smyths (http://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/pre-school-electronic-learning/c-447/fisher-price/p-6829/little-people-dc-super-friends-batcave/). We had bought Tom some of the figures for his first birthday and he has played with them a lot so it was a good idea to build the collection. I also feel that the batman theme will appeal to him over a longer time period than some other toys aimed at a younger market. 

Need : Does a toddler really need anything? Not in my house! The closest I can come up with is toiletries, we all need to be clean! I would suggest the Lush Ickle Baby Bot bath bomb (https://www.lush.co.uk/products/ickle-baby-bot). Filled with lovely essential oils to encourage your wee ones to sleep sleep sleep, after all the sugar and excitement! And what little boy doesn't like a robot?

Wear : This alternative Christmas jumper by Gorgeous Little George has been on my radar for quite some time! (http://gorgeouslittlegeorge.co.uk/collections/boys-clothes/products/glg-brand-sweatshirt-just-another-christmas-jumper-1) I know the quality of GLG clothes are second to none and I love the uniqueness in the design. This one is high on the wish list! 

Read : Mr B calls me an advertisers dream as, let's say I'm not difficult to sell to! Well Sainsbury's has got me this year with the Mog Christmas advert! We used to have a family cat called Mog and it has filled me with nostalgia! And I really want to get the Christmas Calamity book, especially as each book sold donates £2 to Save The Children. (http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/gb/groceries/mogs-christmas-calamity?langId=44&storeId=10151&krypto=l9zQ2%2FVRR5JB99e6iGGI41F7CE8m52tSZ%2BF5VzMp7zSd5cOI59gyHcjNErxKy8AvkXsHG5f8XFRX%0AjwO%2FPWZKrczs1J0wmIRvSqVcxOfBtbACXUqK9X1w9xz5pnqsKxaz&ddkey=http:gb/groceries/mogs-christmas-calamity)

I hope that Part 1 of my gift guide has been useful! Let me know if you think I have missed anything! 

Christmas at Poundland : Narnia Style!

This afternoon I was utilising Toms nap time efficiently, by cruising Pintrest and eating mince pies (it's been a long day!). When I came across a competition from Poundland in which you make a Christmas board from their Christmas items and you could win some vouchers. So I decided to give it a whirl... 

Once I got started I quickly decided on a Narnia, blue, white and silver theme. I was genuinely surprised at the variety and quality of goods on offer. I am a regular shopper of Poundland and I have bought Christmas items from them in the past but this was different, I wanted everything I have pinned, I am seriously thinking that on payday I am hotfooting it to my local to get it all!

Here are some of the items I have pinned...

Look at these beautiful baubles! Many of them are glass or have intricate details! I think the acorn one in particular would halp to create the winter wonderland theme! 

I am really feeling the blue tinsel wreath, I think these would be lovely as indoor wreaths, with a bauble suspended inside, I am looking forward to trying it! They had other colours, and alternating silver and blue would really brighten up any hallway. 

I also love this wrapping paper, it has a lively balance of modern and traditional that would look wonderful under any tree! 

The tree topper! Last year I had a beanie baby on top of my tree, so I on need of a real topper, and this is the one! I am so excited to get it!

I aldready have an owl theme (the beanie was an owl!), and am always on the lookout for more! I really like this little chap, I think it will emphasise the winter wonderland theme and will compliment the acorn bauble! 

Obviously I would like to win the competition, but I have really enjoyed making the board generally - so much so I have written this post! I intend to go and get all the bits I have pinned as soon as I can! I really encourage you to go and look I store or in the website, there is so much more available and not just in the theme I have chosen!

Let me know what you think, if you like it then I might make a board in another theme as I've enjoyed it so much! 

If I wrote parenting self help books...

1. Mummy doesn't want to be hit with a banana 

2. 'Yes, it's a willy' and other sentences you will say a million times a day

3. You don't need to throw that

4. Go the fuck to sleep... Please?

5. That book? Again?

6. Oh great, more washing!

7. Sleep is for the week

8. 'I miss my tits' and other patenting truths 

9. How to survive on no sleep and fool non-parents into believing you are listening 

10. How can I love you this much and not burst/how have I not had a breakdown? The duality of parenting

Book publishers, I am waiting

Cosatto Yo! : Stroller Review

From when Tom was a newborn until last month I used the Graco Quattro Travel System as Tom's pram and it was great, it met all our needs but it had one big draw back... It was huge! It was a beast! As Tom was starting to get out of the pram and walk whilst we was out and about I needed something that I could push with one hand whilst holding Toms as he walks (runs away).

We had a cheap Hauk stroller which we used on holiday and it served a need but was horrible to push. We then bought a secondhand Maclaren XLR, a brilliant stroller but it had been used a lot and felt unsteady which I wasn't comfortable with. So I decided that I would get one I really wanted and get a Cosatto.

I love Cosatto prams, pushchairs, and everything else. Cosatto has a really unique style and are bold and bright but also have great reviews on quality and sturdiness. I knew I wanted one and the Yo! stroller looked like it would meet our needs well.

The Cosatto website describes the Yo! as "Explore extraordinary.Yo! is the lightweight umbrella-fold pushchair that adapts to your adventures.Feature fabulous and stacked with stuff, Cosatto’s Yo! is your all-weather warrior – perfect for gadding about.Cosy just got real."

I found one secondhand on eBay for £20, a great price in a used but good condition. I would have loved to buy one new (I frequently perv on the Pow design!), but I couldn't afford one on top of Christmas. After a wash and a fabreeze, and some handle covers it was ready to roll (boom boom!)

Today I tested out the pram for the first time, and oh my, swoon. The pram is light, easy to push, fitted well on the bus, a decent basket. You name it, it did it! I am so happy with the quality and it's much easier to get about rather than a big pushchair. And Tom looked really comfortable too, he is a big boy but still has plant of room to grow. 

Overall I am so happy to be pushing around my new stroller! It's bright, it's big and it's a dream to push! If you are on the lookout for a stroller I would highly recommend a Cosatto Yo! 

My body and me

This post is inspired in particular by my eldest sister who is on an amazing weight loss journey. Her changing body started me thinking about the changes my body has been through. 

I'm a 'big girl', currently residing in a size 18, 5"3 body. I don't really mind my body, I wouldn't mind being a bit smaller but overall I'm ok. I've eaten a bit too much cake over the last few weeks so I think I need to be a bit more careful for a few weeks, but it's still darn good at being mine!

Now as a bigger lass people make assumptions, that's the bit that bothers me, people think I don't exercise but I love to walk. People think I eat all day... Well that's a bit closer to the truth! I do love to eat but I I don't just scoff all day! I think people also make assumptions on parenting, I feel conscious if I give Tom a treat then people might look at my size and assume I am feeding Tom shite all the time, in fact the fear of this means Tom is fed very consciously healthy most of the time!

I've always been ok with my body being bigger, certainly as a teen I would have preferred to fit in and be slimmer but the biggest change in my attitude  to myself was pregnancy. 

Obviously it all changes with getting your bump, but my body also betrayed me with sickness, SPD and restless legs. I was so frustrated at myself, that even though I lost a fair bit of weight it wasn't behaving! So post pregnancy I had a fresh appreciation for my body when it does work! To not be in pain or yacking up all the time is a wonderful thing. Yes I have stretch marks, and new lumps and bumps, yes I could be fitter but it's ok. This body has done me well, it made, carried and birthed Tom. What more could I want? 

I wanted to write this to remind people to appreciate their body. Big small, tall, short, your body has beauty and is like a map of your life with its scars and lumps and bumps. Yes, changes can be had but you are fabulous any way you want to be, and so ... am I!