The Real Motherhood Challenge

One thing I continue to see on Facebook these days is these 'mother challenges' whereby a mother is tagged in a post and 'challenged' to upload a photograph that makes them proud to be a mother, they then tag other fabulous mummies to participate. Is it just me or is this just not a challenge? I could go on and on about all the things that make me proud to be George's mum, just look at my Facebook and Twitter, he's practically all I talk about! 

For me, the real challenges are the things that are the hardest about being a parent. The things nobody wants to talk about on social media as they are in fear of looking like a bad parent. Nobody said becoming a parent would be easy, so why don't we talk about the meltdowns our children had in public? 

The real motherhood challenge is listening to your toddler say "no mummy work" and your heart breaking at the thought of leaving him behind whilst you head off to work for 8 hours day.

The real motherhood challenge is explaining to your toddler that you can't go outside today because it's raining and dealing with the multiple toys that will come flying at you in a fit of rage.

The real motherhood challenge is attempting to tidy your house that hasn't been tidied in two weeks because you both work full time and are exhausted every night, whilst your toddler is insisting on you play with him. 

The real motherhood challenge is waking up at 3am because your child has had a nightmare and you need to console him. 

It is far too easy to become self involved and want to show off to others about how wonderful our lives are and paint this perfect picture, when in fact, the lives we share on social media only show a small percentage of how we actually live. At the moment, my living room is full of toys, the dishwasher needs fillings, I have a laundry pile as big as an elephant (clean and dirty) but wouldn't be showing you Instagram photographs of that. Maybe there's a niche there, who knows?

What do you find most challenging about being a mummy?

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Missguided Do Maternity

I absolutely love scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration these days, who doesn't? It's fabulous for all kinds of different things from DIY to recipes to fashion. It is my go to when my little bump and I are feeling in a style rut and I find it SO difficult to dress my bump. It seems like many retailers only cater for older women and all I see are stripes (I don't want to look bigger!) or floral patterns. It can become pretty boring so when I see all these gorgeous Pinterest mummys-to-be I get so envious and like "HOW CAN YOU LOOK THIS GOOD?" 

Yummy Pinterest Mummys! 

Anyway, I digress. I was scrolling through ASOS today, as I do many a lunch time at work when I stumbled across a Missguided maternity dress! Yes, Missguided have a maternity line which I had never even heard of until today. After doing a little research it seems the line is quite new and is exclusive to ASOS. The line is pretty small but they have certainly kept everything fresh and on trend which I absolutely love. Here are two of my favourite things from the collection but you can shop the rest here.

Well done Missguided!

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

*this post was not sponsored, I just wanted to share the good news! Hurrah! 

The Autumn Tag

September rolls around which means darker colours, darker nights and tonnes of cosy layers! It won't come as a surprise (since I say it all the time) but I really am glad when summer comes to an end and the darker nights start. There is just something about the autumn months that make me so happy and what better way to start September than with the Autumn Tag?

For Autumn, what is your…

1. Favourite thing about it? 

Autumn nights! Okay, leaving work when it's still dark is a bit of a bummer (I'll give you that one, summer), but getting home from work, putting warm pjs on, lighting candles and warming up with a cuppa is definitely a winner.

2. Favourite drink? 

Call me basic but I love PSL! I also love a good cuppa but I've been drinking loads of green tea with lemon recently. It's so good.

3. Favourite scent/candle? 

I have been burning my Black Coconut tart from Yankee Candle at the moment which is delicious but that doesn't really scream Autumn does it? The air right after Bonfire Night is probably my favourite Autumn scent though, does that count? You know the smell, crisp, cold, burnt air. 

4. Best lipstick? 

Who doesn't love a good berry lip during the colder months? However, I recently bought NYX Liquid Lingerie in Teddy and I am obsessed with it. 

5. Go to moisturiser? 

Nivea Soft is the best moisturiser around and only £1 in Home and Bargain ;) 

6. Go to colours for the eyes? 

I don’t really experiment much with my eyes, during the day they’re mostly neutral colours and my night time look is dark and smokey.

7. Favourite music or band/singer to listen to? 

I am obsessed with Moose Blood and Adore Delano at the moment. 

8. Favourite outfit to wear (i.e. boots & a scarf combo)? 

Any outfit that involves an oversized jumper, leggings and boots is a winner for me. You can check out on of my favourite A/W outfits here.


9. Autumn treat? (i.e. a new scarf or bag you have your eye on) 

I haven't really got my eye on anything in particular at the moment (being pregnant means I tend to avoid clothes shopping which is great news for my bank account) but I do have my eye on an Isoki changing bag which can double as a handbag! 

Since the sun is shining through my window at 8am you could say this post was a bit premature but I am excited okay? 

What are your favourite things about Autumn?
 

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Wednesday Wishlist

Dress // Jacket // Shoes // Bodysuit // Bag

Autumn is fast approaching and I am beyond excited to embrace dark colours, pumpkin spiced lattes, candles, Halloween and Bonfire Night! I probably say this on a regular basis, but I hate the summer months and long for days where I can rock up in tights, boots and all of the layers. I blame the natural red hair, we're just not equipped for summer okay? In fact, you wouldn't believe it was still August at the rate the weather is changing but I am (not so) secretly loving it. 

What better way to prepare for the darker months than with a wishlist of all the things I am currently pining after? It seems that when I'm pregnant and am resigned to wearing tents all of the time, I find the cutest things that I need want to buy! Part of me is just tempted to buy the things on this list anyway and put them to use when the baby is finally born. 

Yes, we're having another baby, I forgot to mention that over here! Baby Walker is due on the 14th January and we're expecting another little boy. Exciting hey? 

Anyway, I digress. I've seen this little leopard slip dress popping up on New Look ads over on Facebook and I just love it so much. It's short and leopard print and I love it loads. I've had my leather jacket for over 10 years now and although it's still going strong, I really want a biker one so this one caught my eye via the ad too. Seriously, who does the visual merchandising for New Look? They must be reeling it in! I don't need another black shoes but that certainly doesn't stop me lusting over these Dr Marten beauties, every time I see them in store I get serious heart eyes. Dramatic me? Nah! I spotted the Witchery Bodysuit by Killstar on their website the other day and my inner goth just squealed. I love anything witchy and body suits are a big yes from me! I'm so tempted to just have a payday splurge then put all this stuff away. What do you think?

Have you got your eye on anything lately?

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

The Terrible Twos

The dreaded terrible twos, something you as a parent hear so much about! We always said George's terrible twos started early as we had many a tantrum as he started exerting his independence more and more. We're yet to have a full on meltdown in public, you know the kind, lying on the supermarket floor, kicking and screaming because you won't buy them something they want (that's sure to come soon no doubt). It seems to be tantrums galore in our house recently as the big two approaches.

But what people fail to mention to you is how lovely toddlers are at this age! I mean, really, really lovely. Oh George is the sweetest thing and every day I find myself in awe of what a lovely little person he is growing into. His speech is coming on amazingly at the minute and every day he is coming out with more and more funny little sayings that he picks up from those around him. I will never grow tired of his little voice saying "love you, mummy!" I get kisses and cuddles aplenty and he isn't shy when dishing out those kisses to us, kissing all of his family and even cuddly toys. He can now say please and thank you without being prompted which just makes me beam with pride as I guess any parent would. Each morning he wakes up chattering away to his cuddly toys and there has been plenty of wake up calls where he is singing the "I Love You" song from Barney. What better way to wake up? Nobody can be mad at 6am once they hear that, am I right? We've had a play date with his cousin recently, there are six weeks between them and they just played so lovely together and my heart actually melted when they were chasing each other round! 

So yes, the tantrums are horrible, the attitude stinks sometimes (BOTTLE NOW) but these little loving traits just outweigh the bad by a mile. I'm sure I will change my mind when he gets to two and a half and I have a newborn and a toddler screaming at me for some juice or a bottle or a dummy but for now, I'm appreciating this age as much as I possibly can because before I know it, George is going to be a stroppy teenager that won't tell me he loves me and won't give me lots of kisses! 

What's the cutest thing your toddler has done recently? 

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

That New Look Bomber Jacket

Bomber jackets are everywhere this Spring and I am so happy. I have wanted a bomber jacket for so long and ever since New Look posted a photo of this bomber jacket on their Instagram, I knew I had to snap it up straight away!  I am not normally one that would opt for anything pink at all, but I have recently started up a love affair with rose gold and have slowly started introducing pink into my wardrobe. 15 year old me would be so disappointed, but she need not worry because I will never betray black and grey. 

This is surprisingly versatile considering the colour and print. I went to Manchester at the weekend to see Funeral for a Friend play their last shows (sob) and sported this beauty both days. Above is how I would style this on a day to day basis, it just gives a plain outfit a little bit of something extra, I love how it makes jeans and Converse look so cute and no extra effort is required. Perfect for us mums who have to tackle getting somebody else ready. 

I also love how this can be dressed up for a night out - not that I ever wear a jacket for a night out, I'm Northern and we're hard. Normally I would never pair pastels with black but somehow this just works. 

I love the bomber so much, I want one in every colour. Even Pete said it was nice and he never compliments my clothes (all his taste is in his mouth).

How would you style this jacket?

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

The 90s Tag

Born in 1990, I was only young at this time but some of my favourite childhood memories are from this time. It's been a while since I did a tag post and when I saw Danielle over at Underland to Wonderland do this one I thought it'd be fun to do! 
1. Favourite Disney Film? Mulan is  my favourite  Disney film. I remember going to see this in the cinema for my 8th birthday. I'll Make A Man Out Of You is still one of mine and my mum's favourite Disney songs today.
2. Favourite Music Artist? I loved the Spice Girls, who didn't? I even went to see a tribute act when I was visiting family in the Isle of Man. My cousin and I met then and had a polaroid taken. I thought it was amazing.
3. Favourite Sweets? I used to love those ABC sweets you got. Remember them? They were hard. I really don't know any other way of describing them. 
4. Favourite Game? (Board game / school game) Cluedo was amazing, I played it so much that I got really good at it. I loved playing detective. Payday was another favourite. I used to have Disney Trivial Pursuit as well and the board was amazing. I wish I still had it.
5. Favourite McDonalds 'Happy Meal' Toy? I can't say I really remember any of the Happy Meal toys. 
6. Favourite Book? When I was a kid, I loved Enid Blyton books. The Faraway Tree stories were up there with my favourites, but I also read Mysteries over and over by her as well. 
7. Favourite Clothing Store? I don't think I had one but I used to think all of the clothes in Tammy were really cool. Especially when I had leather pants and thought I looked like Rachel from Friends.
8. Favourite TV Show? 90s TV was amazing. I loved Kenan and Kel, Sabrina, Art Attack, Zzzap, Rugrats, Hey Arnold, Are You Afraid of the Dark, I could go on. I think we all loved these shows, am I right?
9. What Show Would You Watch After School? All of the above! I was a CITV/ Nickelodeon kid.
10. What Was Your Favourite 90s Game Show? Probably Wheel of Fortune or Catchphrase. I also loved Jungle Run but I think that might have been late 90s / early 00s
11. Did You Own A Virtual Pet? (Cyberpet, Tamagotchi etc) I had a Tamagotchi and a really creepy, green Furby which ran out of batteries and it's half closed eyes used to freak me out.
12. Favourite Video Game and System To Play On? Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega Megadrive was amazing. I used to know the cheats to get on any level and defeating Dr Robotnik at the end of each level was triumphant. 
13. Weirdest Fashion Trend? Do you remember the trousers with the built in skirt over the to? I used to LOVE these things paired with Spice Girl boots!  14. Favourite Toy? I loved Barbie. I had this pink Barbie camper van which I thought was the absolute best thing in the world. She had some amazing accessories. 
15. Favourite Nickelodeon Show? It was definitely Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Even now I wish I could just point with my finger and magic things would happen. 
A little flashback to the 90s was really fun! I'm too lazy to tag people so if you do this tag, post a link in the comments so I can see your favourites from way back when.

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

A-Z of Being a Mummy

A is for Anything

As in you will do anything to keep your child happy/ entertained, such as silly dances, funny faces, bribes and hours of Peppa Pig.

B is for Baby
I guess this one is super obvious, but what is better than carrying your baby for nine months, to then be able to greet them and hold them in your arms?

C is for Cuddles
Baby cuddles really are the one! I'm lucky enough that George is and always has been a cuddly babe and I soak these moments up as much as I can.

D is for Dummies
Dummies really are a godsend. I had planned on breastfeeding George so didn't plan on using a dummy but he was a baby that needed one and that's okay. It's comforting. You will lose many a dummy along the way though and they are not cheap!

E is for Exhausting
It goes out with saying that being a parent is exhausting, even when your baby sleeps through the night, it is still a none stop job. It only gets worse when they become mobile and you're continuously chasing them round.

F is for Fathers
Dads are important too! I guess this is one we mums can forget sometimes but Pete is a fab dad and we make a great team (most of the time anyway!)

G is for Grandparents
Like dads, grandparents are amazing aren't they? I don't know what I'd have done without my mum and dad when George was first born.

H is for Health Visitors
I'd heard many a horror story about health visitors during my pregnancy, but luckily, the ones I saw were really nice and we didn't have much to do with them. Don't believe everything you hear.

I is for Immunisations
There is absolutely nothing worse than seeing your baby be stabbed by a needle is truly heartbreaking, but rather that than them contract any nasty disease.

J is for Jumperoo
This was one of my favourite toys when George was younger and highly recommended! We had so much fun with this and George absolutely adored it.

K is for Kisses
And lots of them too! I'm sure George must be fed up of how much he gets kissed but I just can't help myself, he's too adorable.

L is for Learning
Watching your baby learn new things is one of the most precious things ever. Becoming a parent is a learning curve as well.

M is for Mummy
Of course this was going to be M. A title that will stay with you for the rest of your life, with great power comes great responsibility.

N is for Nappies
Whether you choose disposable or cloth nappies, you will change endless dirty bottoms. It's a dirty job but somebody has to do it (this is normally when I shout Pete to change the smelly ones).

O is for 'Oh Shoot'
Minding your Ps& Qs is one of the most important things that I tend to forget (but really need to be mindful of now George is learning to talk).

P is for Proud
You will never stop being proud of your child. Ever. I will brag about what George can do and it's not to show off it's because I'm so proud of him. He is one clever little boy!

Q is for Quiet Time 
It is easy for us to forget to take some time for ourselves when we become mummies, so it's nice to make the most of nap time. Read a book, check Facebook, have a cuppa tea, watch something on Netflix. We need something to keep us sane after all.

R is for Relaxing
You make the most of every opportunity you can to relax. Your personal time becomes precious to you. I can't even pee in peace these days so I lap up those quiet moments when I lock myself in the bathroom and have a long soak in the top.

S is for Safety First
You will spend so much time baby proofing your house and running round after your little one to keep them safe. Worrying comes with the territory.

T is for Teething
One of the most painful times for both you and your baby. Prepare for more sleepless nights and researching every remedy you can online!

U is for Undying Love
My heart bursts every time I look at George. It really is a love like no other. Sorry to be gushy but all you parents out there will know exactly what I'm talking about.

V is for Vomit
George was never a sicky baby but we did have a few incidents where he brought up a lot of his milk. Spare clothes in the changing bag and muslin cloths were a life saver for us!

W is for Weaning
Giving your baby tastes and textures can be fun and exciting but also frustrating when they don't want to eat. George has never really been a fussy eater until recently though but that's toddlers for you.

X is for eXercise
We run around. A lot. Whether it be in and out of the kitchen for multiple things, to clean up, to running up and down the living room.

Y is for Yellow Poo
Even worse when it projectiles on you!

Z is for Zzzzzz 
People who tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps might mean well, but when are you supposed to do all the other important things. You know, eat, have a hot cuppa tea, tidy up, wash bottles etc! It does get easier as they get older though. 

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Life Lately

If this blog was my baby, I'd have definitely been charged with neglect and locked up a long time ago! I admire anyone who can work full time, be a mum and run a blog all at the same time. I'm just finding it really difficult to find the time to keep this blog up to date and I miss it. I can't even remember the last time I read another blog post, terrible I know. So what have we been up to since the last time I posted? 

I went blonde for a little while with this little wig which I adored (I've ditched the wigs for now as they need washing. How lazy am I?) I got to celebrate my best friend's engagement in August with the best girls I know! I have known Emma since we were pre-schoolers so celebrating her engagement was just absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to see the beautiful bride. 

My little boy is now one year old! Almost 17 months to be exact. How do I have a toddler? George is just growing up so quickly and it makes me sad that he's not really a baby anymore (but he still is a baby, you mums know what I mean). The terrible twos have started early and he has started to voice his opinion very clearly, especially when he doesn't get what he wants! He can make animal noises and knows, duck, dog, cat, pig (although his oinks sound like quacks) cows, elephants, snakes... the list goes on, I won't bore you with how many animal sounds he can make. He also says "ta" when you hand him something without being prompted which is by far the most adorable thing, I find it amazing how fast he's learning new things. He's still babbling in his own little language and I cannot wait until he starts talking properly so I can have actual conversations with him, we are going to have a right chatter box on our hands. The temper tantrums are getting to be a regular occurrence but look at that little face! I could talk about him forever, can you tell?

The day after George's birthday I watched one of my favourite people get married in the most beautiful church and venue I have ever seen and I have done my fair share of weddings! After knowing Heather and Simon for so long it felt so special to be part of their day (especially after celebrating the hen in Magaluf with the Republicans). Heather looked beautiful of course and the reception was just beautiful with the night time turning into the same old shenanigans that I wouldn't expect any less from this couple. Never at a wedding have I danced to Without Me by Eminem and Punjabi MC! What a fab night. I actually wish I had a time machine so I could go back to this night again.

I tried my hand at brown hair for a while and I think this is by far my favourite wig in my collection. I celebrated Halloween in Manchester with two of my favourite drag queens, Alaska and of course my little goth princess, Sharon Needles. Everybody looked absolutely amazing and everyone there was donning their best fancy dress for the occasion. I nearly died when Sharon told me she loved my outfit. I pretty much fan girled for about three weeks and I still haven't washed (just kidding).

I guess you can say the past few months have been very much sponsored by nights out and alcohol really but I have done other stuff too! Promise. We went to the zoo for George's first birthday and I LOVE the zoo, so much that I already want to go back again soon. Okay, maybe that's the only thing I've done that doesn't include alcohol. 

So that's what I've been up to lately and I promise I won't leave it so long next time.

What have you been up to lately? 

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram