Sunday 14 August 2016

Review : Elegant Touch False Nails : 143

I am going to be a bridesmaid for my friend this week and initially intended to go to the nail shop and sit awkwardly whilst inhaling acetone and wondering if I can borrow a mask. But then I saw on HotUKDeals (a deal site and app that I would highly recommend to you thrifty mamas) that Poundworld was selling Elegant Touch nails for, you guessed it, a pound! Being as we are due to go on holiday (see previous post) I thought I would save some pennies and give these a try.



I have quite small hands and nails so I bought the XS size which still carried a good variety in the pack (10 different sizes, 24 nails total). I used the style 143 Fench Manicure - American Pink, this has the classic French tip and the nail has a mild pink tone but matches my real nail well. Due to the XS size the tip isn't too long, so although they don't look real (obvs!) they aren't ridiculously long and false looking.
The pack includes the nails, the glue and nail file so you can shape the nail and shorten it if desired. The nails have a tab on the end for easy application and are a doddle to apply. The nails fit comfortably on the finger and once on they feel secure. 


So far I am really happy with these nails and pretty pleased to have saved £20+ by not going to a shop, plus I know my nails won't be as wrecked as they would be by acrylics! I will update this post about wear and tear once I know more! 

Planning a holiday with a toddler in 15 easy steps

1. Starts with a lovely idea : a bit of fun in the sun.
2. He will like a bit of swimming
3. Swimming will tire him out 
4. ... Then it's cocktail o'clock
5. What's the minimum age for the kids club?
6. He could look older, maybe add a fake moustache 
7. Two weeks to go, must do washing and ironing
8. One week to go, must do washing and ironing
9. Two days to go, they would just get creased in the suitcase anyway
10. Really can't be bothered to pack, hmm.. What's on YouTube, I can watch whilst I pack
11. Shit, it's been three hours and Zoella hadn't helped me in the slightest (rude!)
12. Why did I book a holiday again?
13. What a stupid time for a flight
14. Please don't cry/poo/run around on the plane 
15. Fuck it, shall we just stay home? 

Monday 30 May 2016

A Grand Day Out : Chatham Dockyard : Update

Nearly a year ago we visited Chatham Dockyards and included in the price is a year pass which we have used on many occasions. We hadn't been in a little while and decided to come today as it was due to expire. Truth be told we thought we had seen all there was to see (read - boats and trains, oh my!). Well, in our absence they have had a bit of a refurb, and brought some freshness back into the place.


The first change we noticed was the introduction of a new outdoor playground. It seemed aimed at older kids than Tom but was still generally toddler friendly! The style was nautical (of course!) and looks really great, it even has a water activity. 


The next big change was a new dining area. The cafe with the soft play area is still available on site but there is now a new light and airy cafe which looks amazing. Prices remain a bit high but the food is good so you can't really complain! 


The last new section that we explored was an interactive exhibition looking at different jobs of the boat builder people (wasn't really concentrating at this point - too busy playing!). I really enjoyed playing with the activities and Tom especially enjoyed the green screen and hammering the rope. 


We spent the rest of the day looking at the ships and trains. Tom has enjoyed the  Dockyard throughout the year and I have enjoyed going there through the year. If you are looking for a fun and educational day out then I would recommend Chatham Dockyards! 

http://thedockyard.co.uk 

Thursday 24 March 2016

Life Update

Have you ever felt like you are trying to do everything but you aren't doing anything properly as you don't have enough time? That's me... All the time.
I've been feeling this way for a while, like something as to give. Between being a mum, working, being a student, running a house, blogging and slimming world, I'm not left with much time, something had to give.
I realise I've been blogging less, fewer OOTDs on Instagram, less videos on YouTube. I'm by no means a professional blogger (flippin far from it). But I have a sense of obligation that I've started something and I must honour that. I have a bit of a plan.
My intention is to scale back, to be honest my content is currently a bit sparse anyway, but no more OOTD everyday on Instagram and no more bloggers guilt. I will post when I want and what I find interesting. As viewers you probably won't really notice a difference in frequency but I will notice a difference in the pressure I am putting on myself.
In the list of priorities, this has to move down. 
I started blogging because I spent my parent life having to Google snippets of information and try and put it together to fit me, I wanted it in one place to make it easier on the next crazy mama looking for hope. This is what I want to get back to. Less feeling worried about what people think of my content or my stats. Just me, googling away, sharing the mama love. 
Hope this makes some resemblance of sense! 

Wednesday 16 March 2016

Brand Review : Tesco F+F

I was perusing Mother & Baby magazine when I saw a cute jumper from Tesco, so I hopped over to the website to look at the delights they have for spring for toddler boys, and boy was I not disappointed! 

Shorts

Twin set - £10
Blue chino shorts - £6
I think both prices are very reasonable. And I like that the blue is so fresh and summery! I like the little sharks on the top blue pair as a cute detail and I think the length would be good, nobody wants a toddler in hot pants! 

Jeans 

Jeans - £5
I like cuffed jeans, they are especially good if your toddler is growing into a size, I can't be the only mama who is sick of turning up trousers! And I imagine the jersey is nice against their tummies! 

T-Shirts 

Camper van - £6
Thunderbirds - £5
The camper van top reminded me of Boden/Joules style, but for a fraction of the price! The print is nice and summery, this would be a good holiday top! 
The Thunderbirds top is really cool! I like the vintage style and it just looks fun! Tom and Mr B watch thunderbirds together and so of course I would like this! 

Tops & Shirts

Striped Top - £4
Shirt - £5
I like the stripe top as it was giving me 70s, Little Bird vibes and I am really feeling that at the moment! I want to pair it with Toms brown cords! But it would also really work with jeans, and would suit the crappy British weather. 
This shirt is so cool! It's pattern is a treasure map, I just instantly loved it! I think this would be good for a BBQ or afternoon party. 

The Best Hoody in the World ...Ever

Hoody- £10
So cool, right! Tom has the Buzz Lightyear LighterLife reigns and I really want this to match! I think it is just so cute! To be honest I kinda want it for me! 

And that's all! I hope you enjoyed the post, I really enjoyed looking through the website and would strongly encourage you to have a look. Tesco have really reasonable prices, with good quality and fresh designs! 

Sunday 28 February 2016

So I started Slimming World ...

I thought I would post to talk about Slimming World. I've done it for a week and a half so I am by no means settled in! But I guess I wanted to blog my in going experience.

I decided I wanted to diet for 3 reasons :
1. Tom is a really active child I never want to say no to things like going to the park because of my weight.
2. I have 5 weddings over the next two years! That's a flippin lot! And the last one I am maid of Honour so I really want to look my best for me and the bride. 
3. I can feel my weight. It seems a bit weird but last year I was around a stone lighter die to breastfeeding and being very active, as my weight has crept on I have been so much more aware of it.

So I decided it was time! And at 6am the night before I went and joined I couldn't sleep with nerves and excitement and wrote this :
Feeling quite nervous, nervous enough that up been up since four. But also excited! Excited enough that I've been up since four pinning recipes and writing a shopping list. I feel excited that I could actually loose weight, but scared that what if I don't? What if it doesn't work for me? What if I end up weighing 50 stone and wearing tents?! All the normal fears. But what if it does? What if I can be slim at my besties wedding? What if I can be a good example to Tom? What if I didn't have chub rub? The possibilities are endless!

So I went, and I got all my info and everyone was super friendly, and I realised that I could actually do this! We set my first target for loosing 10% of my body weight as there are numerous health benefits to this figure. And this is what I ate :

This is just a small selection and I can honestly say I am pretty impressed at the variety of 'free foods' you can eat. I have realised that my diet was a heavy on the bread and cheese before starting Slimming World, I am not missing sweet things but could punch someone for a greasy slice of pizza!! 

I have been going to Slimming World for a week and a half and in my first week I lost 5lbs! I will try to do regular posts/videos about further progress! 

Tropical Wings : A Grand Day Out

We visited tropical wings over half term but really it's been a year in the making! Ever since a friend told me about Tropical Wings I have wanted to take Tom! Based in Essex it was a little further to travel than we would usually go but I can say it was totally worth it! I will state that I am a zoo/farm lover so they had a head start in my affections! 
The zoo offers a soft play area, a cafe, shop, farm area, meerkats, and a tropical butterfly area ... I wonder where the name comes from! 


You start by looking at a selection of unusual birds with a goat in the middle! It was a nice start and I really enjoyed the birds but Tom was far more interested in the goat! 

You then get to go on and look at lots of different animals including an awesome monkey enclosure. In Tom's world this did not compare to the ride on motorised tractors, at £1 a turn this was a massive highlight for Tom, I will be honest I had a turn too and it was quite fun! 



Next up were the wallabies and Patagonian mara enclosure. This was absolutely brilliant! The fence is very low so you are really in with them, it was great for Tom to see the animals so up close and personal.

After this we saw otters. I absolutely loved the otters and it was possibly my favourite part! They were cuddling and kissing and making their funny little noises! So adorable and Tom spent quite a long time looking at and copying them. 

We then visited the farm area, Tom liked the pigs and was making Peppa noises, there was also another 'open farm area' with goats but I found it a bit hard to stop Tom climbing in! The part I really like with this was there were chickens roaming around and Tom liked to chase them! It was really funny! And he got quite close to catching dinner! 

We then timed it so we got to see the meerkat feeding. I would totally recommend this as we got to be really up close and see some of the little baby ones too! It was a well put together show, during which everyone had a good look. 

We did visit the cafe for lunch, I would recommend going early as it got very busy by the time we left. The food was nice, fairly simple, sandwiches, jacket potatos, etc. And the prices were also pretty average for a captive audience. There are also plenty of spaces around for picnics both inside and out which is always a welcome sight! 

Last but certainly not least, the butterfly enclosure! This is immense, it's kept at a very warm temperature so be prepared to carry your coat! There are butterflies flying everywhere and sometimes even landing on you! All different sizes, colours and types, it is so beautiful, I don't know if you could go and not be awed by the beauty of them! 





There was a stunning blue one that I just couldn't get a picture of but when you see you will know! It's massive! 

So did we enjoy our day? Heck yeah!
Will we go back? I can't wait! 
If you are looking for a nice day for the whole family then this is the place to go! 

http://www.tropicalwings.co.uk

This is not a sponsored post.

Tuesday 16 February 2016

Get Your Mams Out : Breastfeeding Style

I breastfed Tom until he was 14 months, so I think I can give a pretty balanced view on what's good when it comes to popping a boob. Personally I didn't buy much proper breastfeeding clothes as I found it easier to adapt my own clothes and style. My logic was why buy stuff that will only last for the period, especially as I had no plan as to how long I would be breastfeeding for. 

BRAS
One thing that I would say you need is breastfeeding bras! I bought a few styles but my favourite was the T-Shirt style as it was thicker and comfy and felt more like a 'real' bra. I got mine from Mothercare once my milk came in (I have muscle memory of that pain!). The service was great and I left feeling so much better about myself and my mahoosive melons!

http://www.mothercare.com/Blooming-Marvellous-Fuller-Bust-Maternity-Nursing-T-Shirt-Bra/LX3109,default,pd.html?dwvar_LX3109_color=Black&loadMoreCurrentStatus=1&returnCgid=nursing_bras_fuller&returnSrule=null&start=10&returnScrollPos=349

STRAP TOPS
I think the next essential is strap tops. The primark basic type things. I pretty much had one of these on everyday for 14 months. I really went for a layering approach and so pop one of these under and you other top over, one up one down and you are only revealing what you need. One boob, no tum! And they are cheap so when they get stretched out and puked on its no great shame! 

WRAP TOPS & DRESSES
What I liked about the wrap style is that you could be quite discreet when nursing, you could get your boob out and crucial put it away without anyone really noticing. It's also a flattering shape on a fuller bust which is nice when you are learning to navigate your post baby body! 
http://m.newlook.com/shop/womens/dresses/black-floral-print-chiffon-wrap-dress_367182209

CROP TOPS
A different approach to this was a strap top under a loose crop top. Still working the one up one down principle but less restrictive and I felt I could show my figure a bit better and could cover Toms face a bit of I was trying to nurse him to sleep. 

http://www.boohoo.com/day-tops/sarah-crop-roll-back-sleeve-tee/invt/azz50439

CARDIGANS
Lastly I liked a waterfall cardigan. Loose and comfy is the aim of the game! You can wrap it over like a blanket or use it like a wrap top. Again figure flattering and may assist in hiding all the sick stains you will no doubt have on your top underneath! 
http://www.boohoo.com/new-to-clearance/tia-belted-waterfall-cardigan/invt/dzz87749

So there it is! My breastfeeding style essentials! I hope you liked it and let me know what you think or if you think I have missed anything! 

Sunday 7 February 2016

Mothers Day with Avon

This is not a sponsored post. 
Mothers Day - March 6th 2016! 

I was cruising through the Avon catalogue at my mother in laws and was chatting about how underrated Avon is. I rarely buy from Avon but have received lots of nice presents that are from Avon. I think it's the buying system that throws me. However, after looking through the catalogue I am thinking that my Mother's Day present will be purchased from Avon this year! For reference, I have used the Avon guide below :

 
There was also a sale guide that came with it which I have used. Excuse the hokey pictures, they were snapped from the magazine. I will show the clearance items below :

First thing I saw was this cute oversized mug. Pop some hot chocolate and marshmallows inside and you have a sweet (gettit!) inexpensive gift! 

I then saw this Lipsy rose gold satchel bag. I think this would be great for summer and would be a great gift for fashionista mums! This looks like a dress up or down style that would pop against any outfit! 

Lastly in the sale section, I saw this nail selection box, I'm guessing this was originally an advent Christmas present, but I think it still really stands as a general present as it doesn't have a particularly festive vibe. Many of these are the gel formula which I have on good authority lasts well, perfect for hardworking mum hands!   

So onto the regular items! What would Avon be without the fragranced pages, and after smelling this I was quite tempted! Avon Dreams describes itself as "... Dreamy notes of sweet plum, lucious  rose and patchouli". It's a sweet but delicate and very feminine fragrance and you can get the body spray, body lotion and eau de perfume for £12! Bargain!

I liked this double frame as a present, which I would not have thought was Avon, a shabby chic style with rose gold details! Perfection at £8! And I can already see it in my sisters house! 


I thought I would show this watch as it has a classic but contemporary style and what mum isn't permanently keeping an eye on the clock! The charms signify wish, dream love and the gold, rose and silver tones mean it will match any outfit! Currently £25 but reduces to £10 when certain cosmetics are bought alongside it, so maybe you get to get a little something something too! 

Lastly, I just had to include this, as we know #sophiewantsmac, well apparently Avon heard my call and ... 

If Avon are putting themselves in the same league as MAC then this mama is interested! And I know I would be happy to receive one or two of these as a present! Hint hint ...

Mother's Day is still a month away but I thought I would give a little head start. I hope this has been helpful! Let me know what you think or if you have any ideas! 

Saturday 6 February 2016

#31in31 : Sophie Wants MAC : Challenge Complete!

I set a challenge for myself at the start of January to make an effort with my makeup everyday, if I did it then all makeup unused would be thrown away and I would get my first MAC lipstick! 31 days was surprisingly difficult at times and it really showed me how much I stick to the same styles, but I did it! You can search Instagram #sophiewantsmac if you want to see all my looks, bar two in which I forgot to take pics! 
What went well?
I really liked perfecting what works for my general look, how to do it quickly but well and what products work for me. I also liked it when I tried something new for work and received lots of compliments especially as I had assumed that lipstick would be too much! A pleasant surprise! 
What didn't go well?
I did get a bit bored, for sure if it wasn't a public pledge I could have easily let it slide. I also became a bit bored of taking a selfie everyday! How does Kim K do it?
What could I do better?
I think if I did it again I would do something like a different colour/theme a day, just to keep things fresh and push myself a bit more. 
What did I learn?
That I have hoarded loads of crap makeup and how freekin good it was to get rid of it! And how annoying it is having to take off a full face of makeup everyday. Also, thank God for Pintrest when I was running short on ideas!




I have made two YouTube videos on my hero products and what I got rid of! So keep an eye out for them! I hope you enjoyed the challenge and maybe you could try it too! And yes, SOPHIE GOT MAC! A beautiful red lipstick in Lady Bug. 


Friday 5 February 2016

My vampire son : Tom was a biter

Tom was a biter, I say was as now we are on the occasional nip and that I consider to be more in line with the non biting society we live in. I have put off this post for a long time as I was a bit embarrassed, I was the only one of my friends (so far) to have a biter, and so I naturally felt that I had done something wrong. Now we are through that I would like to point out that I most certainly no longer feel that way. 

Tom is an excitable child, who is ... 'Spirited'. I truly wouldn't have it any other way, yes he has a lot of energy but he is also quite free with his emotion and has so much he wants you to experience with him. I think this is where the biting came from, either he would bite from frustration or from excitement. I think that Tom didn't know what to do with the excitement/anxious energy he was experiencing so he would bite as an outlet. 
Largely it was contained to me and sometimes Mr B, although on occasion he would give other people a nip. It is embarrassing and I think admitting that is important as no-one really talks about it, so you are left feeling quite alone. It's also difficult because it felt that people looked to you for a reaction (naturally) but sometimes I would feel judged that I wasn't handling how they would like. It's tricky when you feel you have to justify the choices you are making, especially when you are actually in pain! 

It's also worth stating, it bloody hurts (as obvious as it sounds)! A few times people would laugh and that's quite annoying when you are trying to intervene with the behaviour and check if your not bleeding! And having to explain the bruises is pretty embarrassing too!

What did we do? 
When Tom bit I would use a flat hand and 'brush' between his teeth and my skin/clothes to break the bite. I would then point at where he bit and say "Bad biting". That's all, no bells and whistles on this! I think it worked (eventually!) because the reaction was consistent, the scripted nature of it stopped me expressing when I was really angry or hurt, because of this Tom wasn't getting the reaction he wanted in relation to what he was trying to express (I think! I'm no toddle whisperer!). This took a few months to take hold but he did eventually get the message- or the phases blew over? Let's go with 'it worked!'

What could we have done better? 
I know some people say about biting back being a quick solution to biting bitten, I'm really not feeling that. I think I could have quicker off the mark in getting into a set method of dealing with the bahaviour. I also wish I had been more firm in getting the people around me to do the same to make it clear to Tom that the behaviour isn't acceptable. Shoulda Woulda Coulda! 

My message to you if you are experiencing this is consistentcey is key and that it will end one day! Stick with it mama! 


Look at the gnashers! Acting like butter wouldn't melt! 

Friday 29 January 2016

Paris style on t'cheap

In April I am going to Paris for a week with the fam and some friends. I am absolutely ecstatic as I've always wanted to go to France (my international exploits have been limited). One of our friends is camera happy so it doesn't hurt to look nice but let's not break the bank, so here it is Paris on t'cheap ...

Primark 



We are going to Disneyland on two of the days so a few Disney tees are a must. I love the vintage style pink Mickey tee and I think it would look great with distressed jeans and the Alice clutch j'adore! This jumper is top of my wish list to wear when travelling, so I can say 'hello' to France in style! 

Poundland 


I've already picked up some Poundland art bits for Tom for the journey etc but I think I will do a separate post for him. I will be getting another liquid liner for Parisian chic eyes and the Disney mirror for whimsey. I like a tiara for when I'm not wearing my Disney ears for a different look. I am also thinking that the foot packs will be great for the days after walking around the parks! Up there for thinking...

Yours


Yours are a great plus size shop for fashion and even do a maternity range! They really suit all styles are reasonably priced considering they have a niche audience. The stripe top and Bardot too are both typically French style and I'm loving it. And these jeans look like they would be so comfy for all the chasing after Tom through the parks. Now let's take a moment to appreciate this swimsuit... SCHWING! I instantly fell for this, super flattering and just oh so chic! Where we are staying we have a heated pool and in this suit I think I would be totally ready for it! 

Sour Cherry 

 
I have a few Sour Cherry necklaces now, through my birthday and Christmas and they are great quality and so quirky. Naturally I would love to be repping the Cinderella for our Disney days and I especially like the heart map for when we explore Paris! 

So there it is, my Paris style. As I said, I will also do a Tom post for what I want to get for him and I've no doubt that closer to the time I will drive everyone made with my Disney posts! I'm just so excited!