Life Lately | What I've Been Up To

It feels like I blinked and missed the whole month of December, from our annual trip to the Trafford Centre, to last minute Christmas shopping, wrapping presents and visits from family. I was never happier than when Christmas Day came around, I could open my presents, go to my mum's for lunch and just relax! New Year rolled around just as fast, George had his final set of needles until he's 12 months (is there a worse experience?) This meant my Life Lately post has come extremely late this time around, but I really wanted to share what life has dealt me over these past few weeks.

Nine days into 2015 and I've already made quite a few changes in my life. For a while now, I've felt like have been stuck in a rut, from the clothes I wear, to my makeup and hair. Instead of moping about it, like I have done, I made the decision to change that. I bought a wig (seriously, best thing I've ever bought - I love my pink hair and the fact my own hair has been left undamaged), and after eight years of having my lip pierced, I took it out and changed it up with a brand new septum piercing. For the first time in forever breaks out into Frozen songs I am quite happy with my face! 

Another thing I want to change is my weight, I mentioned in my Goals for 2015 post (read me) that I was going to make the effort to eat more healthily. I've eaten fast food twice this week, something I am not proud of and I know it is not the way to go to tone up and slim down. Before I met Pete, I was very slim, I could eat what I wanted and didn't need to exercise, however, in February, I'm going to be 25 and I need to treat my body with a hell of a lot more respect. In light of this, I've made the very grown up decision to join Buggy Fitness, a way to get fit and no babysitter is required. Score! The idea of exercising in public terrifies me, but if I do not join up, I know I will not exercise at home on my own. Although I did go on a 4 mile walk with George this week, I know, get me. 

I also gave my little blog a little makeover and she's all grown up now. I'm pretty impressed with the changes I've made and I am hoping to expand my little space on the internet with my new brand. Fingers crossed! 

This month I've been loving:

Album: 1989 - Taylor Swift

TV: Celebrity Big Brother (don't judge)

Nails: Ciate - Fade to Greige

Makeup: Makeup Revolution - Flawless Palette

How had 2015 treated you so far?

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Ways to Make 2015 Count

As mentioned in one of my earlier posts (read me), 2014 really was the year it all came together. From getting pregnant, to buying a house and landing myself that permanent job I had been hunting for. Like I mentioned in that post 2013 was rough and I did struggle to stay positive, when bad things strike one after the other, how can you possible stay happy and focus on the good things? People would always tell me "things will only get better" and "2014 will be your year" to the point where I was so sick of hearing and of course I refused to believe it. They were right, things did get better and here's a little pick me up for those of you who had a really rough 2014. Here are my tips to ensure you have the best year:

Don't Compare Yourself to Others

With social media playing a massive role in our lives, it is so hard to not compare yourself to someone else! This is especially hard when you see someone having a really good day when you're having a really shitty one. We forget that others only share their good bits and their amazing selfies. How many selfies do you take before posting the best one? I wouldn't dream of posting a photo of my messy living room or a picture of me in my pjs (frequent occurrences). Which brings me to my next point. 

Take a Break from Social Media

With so many different ways to share snippets of our life, it is so easy to get caught up in our friends, family, bloggers and even celebrities' lives. You should focus on yourself rather than what other people are doing. Put your phone down or your laptop away, read a book, tidy your house, dance around in your underwear. 

Pamper Yourself

This is the best thing you can possibly do. 2013 was crap for me, so much to the point where I didn't even want to take care of myself. Don't neglect your body. Have a bath, put a face mask on, paint your nails and preen, preen, preen. Treat yourself to that dress you've been eying up. You really will feel better for it!

Don't Let Rejection Define You

If you are in the process of looking for a job, do not get disheartened by the rejection letters or lack of. With the economy in the state that it is at the moment, there could be hundreds of applicants for that same job you applied for. For example, 600 people once applied for a job and only 12 people were selected for interview. The only reason I got an interview because I did some temporary work there through an agency. If you have an unsuccessful interview, ask for feedback so you can improve. Look at it this way, if you don't get this job, it's probably for a reason and is setting you up for something better. 

Get Out the House

If moving away from my friends and family (okay it was only 10 miles, but it still counts) taught me anything, it was to not sit in the house wallowing. I probably spend the majority of my time moping around the house while Pete encouraged me to do things. At the time I'd wave them off, but looking back it's one of my biggest regrets. Your mind can run away with you when you're home alone so do something to take your mind off what is troubling you. I know since I've moved closer to friends and family again, I spend a lot more time with them and out of the house. It stops me from going insane while I'm on maternity leave! 

Here's to 2015. Make it a good one!

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Personal | Taking Stock

I recently read this Taking Stock post on Lojo Vs The World's blog and really enjoyed seeing what she was currently up to! I thought I'd give it a go myself, so here's what I am currently:

Enjoying: George's first Christmas and getting ready for the big day

Listening: To a lot of Christmas songs, mostly Michael Buble's Christmas album in fact

Wearing: Knitwear and leggings. Oh and my amazing bargain boots from New Look

Making: A mess of the house after wrapping presents

Cooking: I don't cook, Pete does, but the last thing I made was pasta

Drinking: Tea and Diet Coke. I don't think I go a day without Diet Coke

Feeling: Very festive, I can't wait for Christmas

Reading: the only reading I get time to do these days is other blogs. I miss having a good book!

Looking: For an outfit for George's Christening

Wishing: My bedroom wasn't such a mess, I really need to tidy it

Liking: Seeing a lot more of my family

Waiting: To go and view wedding venues

Snacking: Chocolate and crisps. I'm naughty

Coveting: A new pair of Jeffrey Campbells

Hearing: Michael Buble singing Holly Jolly Christmas

Watching: Christmas films and Revenge (it's dead good)

Admiring: All of the rich people in Revenge and wishing I had that much money without the drama

Playing: Words with Friends, I'm addicted

Getting: More blog inspiration every day

Wondering: Where are we going to get married? 

Noticing: All the little cute things George does, he's pretty cute

Giggling: At Pete. He's being really silly these days, think the festive spirit has finally arrived

Bookmarking: Toys for George - no longer am I lusting over clothes and shoes

Deciding: To move my blog in a different direction (more on that later) 

Hoping: I get another girls night out soon, either before or after Christmas

Contemplating: On what cake I want for George's Christening

Wanting: To spend more time with Pete, he's been working loads recently

Thinking: About how cute Christmas day is going to be in our new home

Knowing: This year has been perfect from day 3

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Family | Mummy Talk

After reading Giovanna Fletcher's most recent blog post about Mummy Talk, I realised how right she is!  Being a first time mum is hard. Don't get me wrong, George is perfect and I'm very, very lucky to have such a well behaved baby, but there are days when I don't manage to get any house work done, and just about manage to eat a sandwich. Pete has been working long hours recently, meaning I've been spending a lot of time on my own with George. Gi's right, it CAN be lonely, it can be daunting and you do question your actions all the time. There is no right and wrong way! 

I'm blessed in the fact that all my family are very local and pretty much baby experts, meaning if I need them, they're a phone call or a 10 minute walk away. However, I don't want to find myself relying on them too much. 

I'm also blessed that George sleeps right through of a night, feeds really well and is generally a happy little man. I do love being a mum, there is no better feeling, despite the exhaustion and the fact you no longer have any time to yourself.

Apart from my family, I don't really speak to any other mums. The reason for this? I don't know any! Of course I know mums, but I don't have many friends who are mums. Peter is always trying to encourage me to take George to a few classes which I've always dismissed, but now I feel inspired to take George out and meet new people. 

Now that we've finally found our own little routine, after Christmas, I am going to start taking George to Aqua Tots and a few local classes. It will be a nice change of scenery from our usual shopping trips and it will be lovely to have a little natter with other mums.

Are you a new parent? Do you attend any mums and babies groups?

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Sunday Snapshots | Week #009

It's been a while since I did a Sunday Snapshots post, I'm currently cosy at my mum and dad's house writing this post watching the X Factor semi final. We had a little throwback to the end of my pregnancy and I really was massive! This week has been filled with Christmas happenings! Peter and I put our Christmas tree up with the help of my little brothers, Harry and Elliot. I bought my Christmas phone case, who doesn't love Elf?! We've cracked out the Christmas mugs, Pete told me off because we really don't need any more mugs (I'm a bit of a mug hoarder). I've been to church this week for a meeting with the Father to discuss the arrangements for my little man's Christening. The weather has been really frightful this week and we've spent a lot of time snuggled up on the couch with the Christmas candles on. George and I also went to sort out a surprise for Pete's Christmas present and took a walk through the park, which we don't do very often.  It was my brother's 21st this week and we went out for a meal, I devoured the All American Platter which was full of ribs and chicken and was absolutely amazing. We booked tickets to see Idina Menzel which I am so excited about and also booked a trip to Merthyr to see The Blackout play their final show. 

My weeks are getting busier and busier with the run up to Christmas and I don't know where the time is going. I'm off to the Trafford Centre this week and I'm going to wrap all my presents! I'm feeling very festive.

What has the beginning of December brought for you?

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Tag | My Life in Letters

A is for Assertive
Pete might use the word bossy, but I prefer assertive. I know what I want, and how I want it done. You have to be assertive to get things done! 

B is for Birkenhead

It's this little town in which I live. After living in Liverpool for two years, I've moved back home after Peter and I bought our first home together here.

C is for Christmas

Christmas is my favourite time of year, I love everything about it. The smells, the films, the cold weather, the Christmas fashion. 

D is for Drama Queen
This sums me up in two words. Drama. Queen. If I fall over, I'm dying. If it's a little bit cold outside, it might as well be the North Pole.

E is for Eating

I love food! I'm not a particularly fussy eater, and I can eat fast and loads. I probably shouldn't eat as much as I do, especially considering I'm always shovelling crisps in my mouth. 

F is for Family
I have a big family and we're really close knit, it's great (most of the time) and since I've moved back to my home town and had George, I get to see them a lot more which is nice. Although, I might have to start pretending I'm not home because they're always popping by! (Kidding, kidding!)

G is for George

George is my 12 week old baby boy. He is my whole world. He's the most perfect little baby in the entire world (of course I'm biased) but the's beautiful and such a good little boy. Okay, I'll stop gushing now.

H is for Home
As I said, Peter and I have just bought our first house together and it's all very grown up. After years of renting and staring at vile flower wallpaper, we've finally been able to put our stamp on somewhere. I've loved being able to decorate and there's nothing I love more than picking up new bits for the home.

I is for Impatient? Iphone?
I'm pretty addicted to my iPhone, it's really bad, I'm constantly playing games and scrolling through social media or texting. I need to make a conscious effort to put it down more.

J is for Jegz 
I have the most unfortunate nickname ever! Jeggins, Jegz for short. When jeggings first came out (yes the clothes), I thought it was the funniest word ever (it was a long time ago okay) and put Jeggins as my middle name on Facebook. It stuck.

K is for Kisses
I love a good kiss, I think it's always important to give your loved ones a kiss whenever you say bye. I always smooch George's face loads, but I have to because in a few years he isn't going to want to give kisses!

L is for Lazy Days
There is nothing I like best than spending the day in my cosy house, in my pjs, drinking tea and watching films or TV shows on Netflix. I don't really like leaving the house much.

M is for Music
Music plays a big part of my life (cliche? oh well), I love going to gigs and watching my favourite bands play live. I love musical theatre as well and I'm always singing to show tunes.

N is for Nail Varnish
I have a slight obsession with nail varnish and must own about 100. I can't say I wear them all but I have slowed down purchasing any for a while. I probably change my nail colour every other day.

O is for "Oh Ay"
Probably the thing I say the most, is it a Scouse thing or a Northern thing? Please let me know in the comment below if you know this expression!

P is for Pete
Pete is my future husband the father of my baby boy, so I suppose it's only right I include him in this tag (just kidding Pete, of course you were going to be here).

Q is for Quite Loud
I talk so loud, I don't really mean to, I just do. Pete always tells me off for being noisy, but I can't help myself. My family are all quite loud as well though so it must be in the genes.

R is for Reading
I love getting lost in a good book, but since George has been born I haven't had the chance to read anything new. I've got a reading the list as long as my arm at the moment.

S is for Series
Since we got Netflix, I've watched so many series and I'm a serial watcher. I managed to watch all six seasons of Ru Paul's Drag Race in approximately two weeks. (It was at the start of my maternity leave in my defence).

T is for Tea
I drink gallons of the stuff. Okay, I might be being a tad dramatic, but there's nothing a good cup of tea can't solve.

U is for Untidy
I hate tidying up, I really hate it. Since I've had George I have tried my very best to tidy up more and be more organised because you have to when you've had a baby. But never expect my house to be immaculate if you come round to visit.

V is for Victoria Sponge 
The best cake ever, I have such a sweet tooth and Victoria Sponge is my favourite. I love the mini ones you can get from Greggs.

W is for Wicked
Wicked is my all time favourite musical ever. I wish I was rich and had a time machine so I could go back and see it on Broadway with Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth.

X is for X Factor
This year I've been really into X Factor. Stevi was my favourite but he;s gone now and I'm truly devastated! I wouldn't say it was a massive part of my life but give me some slack, X was a hard letter.

Y is for Year 2014
Those who know me personally know that 2013 was a pretty shitty year for me and everybody said "2014 will be your year" and they were right. I landed myself a permanent job, bought my first house and had my first baby. It's been a massive whirlwind!

Z is for Zzzzz
Okay, I stole this one from Natalie at youralmostalice but who doesn't love snoozing? I hate getting out of bed and cuddles in my bed with my boys is my favourite.

What is your life in letters?

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Family | What Jegz & George Did

After a weekend in our pyjamas, I decided George and I should take a walk into our local town centre, so this morning, we had breakfast, got dressed and headed off with the intention of just buying Infacol (for George) and makeup for me, then going back home for a day of housework. (Yep, the exciting life of a mum!)

Setting off at 12.15 (it takes 10 minutes for us to walk into town), we saw the world and his wife and didn't get home until just after 3pm! I bumped into my nan, so we had a nice little lunch together before heading off. All in all it was a pretty successful day out because it meant I got to show off my little man, I hate going out and not seeing anyone I know! 

I have a major love/ hate relationship with Revlon Colour Stay Foundation and after reading some great reviews of the Rimmel Match Perfection, I thought I'd pick it up. It's one of the rare drug store foundations that comes pale enough for my skin tone! I picked these MUA lip liners for £1 each, bargain, I can't wait to try them. I want to play with all my new makeup right now! 

There's such a massive hype around Makeup Revolution at the moment, so I picked up these lipsticks, nice dark berry colours for Autumn/ Winter, again, a bargain at £1! What more can a girl want? 

Anyway, enough of my ramblings.

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Wishlist | Nightmare Before Christmas Edition

pyjamas | sweatshirt | tealight holder | mug | scarf

Wow, it's been a while since I posted a wishlist, since being pregnant I've not done any clothes shopping apart from the odd maternity item! 

Anyway, my lovely friend, Heather, brought to my attention some of the amazing Nightmare Before Christmas items the Disney Store have in stock at the moment and MY GOD I WANT IT ALL. 

It's been a while since the Disney Store have stocked many NBC items, much to my disappointment, but this year they're on top form. These are just some of the items I have my eye on (I'm a 14 year old, emo kid at heart I swear). 

I'm currently trying to persuade Pete to buy me the pyjamas as my Christmas Eve pyjamas this year. I used to have a Jack Skellington sweatshirt when I was in college and don't know what happened to it, boo! This tealight holder wouldn't go anywhere in my house, but I don't care because I'd put it on the fireplace with pride. I love love love this Oogie Boogie mug, every Christmas my family and I visit the Trafford Centre and I normally pick a NBC mug when I'm there, but the past few years they've had none, so I'm highly excited about the mugs this year. Sad I know. I'm not quite sure how I feel about the scarf, it's a bit on the emo side, but it's cute all the same!

What are you currently lusting after?

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Lifestyle | What's in my Bag?

I've been wanting to do this post for ages but have just been far too lazy to take photos, terrible I know! Now normally, I'm a big bag person, I love big bags, but since being pregnant I've had to downsize and found a love for all things satchel! I purchased a grey one from eBay a few months ago to help me stop carrying so much crap about with me. I recently went shopping with my nan when I spotted this gorgeous mint green satchel in a shop window, she only went back two days later and bought it for me. 

Anyway, here are a few items I carry around with my daily:

My phone and house keys, because let's face it, they're the two main essential things you should have with you before you leave the house. My keys are on a lanyard because I used to have a habit of forgetting where my keys were and constantly being locked out. This solved my issue, plus they're really easy to find inside my bag! I should probably tidy them up a bit as they're really messy, but I don't want to break a nail on those horrible keyrings.

Makeup for touch ups throughout the day. I hate carrying loads of makeup round with me, so I just have the basics in my bag, a bit of powder with a mirror, a cream stick blusher (no need for brushes), lipbalm and lipstick of course, and a nail file for any emergency breaks! 

Hand sanitiser and body spray to keep fresh.  This bacterial gel is from Bath and Body Works in America and smells absolutely divine, you can find them on eBay. This body spray is from Avon and is bloody gorgeous, it's everything you want in a body spry during the hot, sticky weather. It's a fresh exotic scent with notes of Tahitian Tiare Flower, but I think it just smells like coconut. The smell lasts for ages and it's just what you need to freshen up. 

What's in your bag?

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Family | A Trip to the (Pleasure) Beach

On Wednesday the whole family went on a day trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach. They all had wristbands for the rides, whilst I minded the bags all day - the pregnant lady missed out on all the fun. I still had a fab day though and it was worth it to spend the day together and it was great seeing everybody enjoying themselves! 

We booked our tickets online so saved some money on entry, the only downside was the queue when we got there, it was absolutely massive! It was to be expected though, especially as the weather was lovely and it's the Summer holidays. Hands up to the staff though, they were really efficient and the queue went down pretty quickly.

As soon as we arrived, the Grand National was due to open, the big wooden rollercoaster were you race, so everyone queued up for that whilst I parked myself on a bench and people watched. My little brother came off it feeling quite sick and refused to go on anymore rides for the rest of the day (he gets his drama queen behaviour from his big sister ha!) 

After a few more rides, we left the park to go for some lunch. We had fish and chips in a little cafe outside the Pleasure Beach and it was so good! I love a good chippy. Cannot beat fish, chips and mushy peas.  They also had donuts and candy floss and I wasn't allowed any candy floss because my mum and Pete wouldn't let me, you wouldn't think I was 24!

We strolled back to the Pleasure Beach for more fun and rides, we spent some time in Nickelodeon Land which was amazing! Everywhere was bright orange and full of characters. I definitely recommend you go there, even if it is full of kids. You 90s kids will definitely appreciate it.

Pete, my mum, dad and brother, Christopher, all queued for the Tango Ice Blast whilst Harry, Elliot and I chilled on some benches for a while. When they went on the ride, we went to watch them from the side and Pete's face was hysterical, I don't think I've ever seen him so nervous! Even better when they came off, he was white as a ghost. Poor lad isn't a fan of big rides, his face really was a picture. The quote of the day was from Harry (he's 9) "oh ay, all that waiting just for that." They queued for about half an hour for a two minute ride, so his statement was pretty accurate. 

We hoped all the walking would encourage Baby W to make an appearance, but however, we were let down! I made sure I got some fudge and cinder toffee to take home (especially since I wasn't allowed candy floss). 

I know a lot of people think Blackpool is tacky (I'm not going to lie, it totally is) and while it's not the nicest location to visit, it's really good seaside fun for a family day out!

Have you been to Blackpool recently?

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Personal | Girl Behind the Blog

I recently came across Jess at Dungarees and Donuts and saw she'd done a lovely little post with 20 facts about herself, which inspired me to do my own. 

1. The name Jegz came from the word jeggings. Calling myself  "Jeggins" started as a joke..
2. Today, I am exactly 30 weeks pregnant - 10 weeks to go and counting. 
3. If I could live off one food for the rest of my life, it would be Mini Cheddars.
4. I hate clowns - my family fully take advantage of this and post photos on my Facebook wall.
5. Shoes are my downfall, especially Jeffrey Campbells. I own a massive 14 pairs of JCs.
6. I love musicals.
7. I will never leave the house without my eyebrows drawn on or without mascara.
8. My favourite colour is green.
9. I swear a lot. 
10. I own over 100 nail varnishes.
11. Winter is my favourite season.
12. I live in my pyjamas. 
13. I'm supposed to wear glasses, but I don't. 
14. Darren Shan is my favourite author - yes, he writes kids books. 
15. Tom Fletcher is the love of my life (sorry Pete).
16. I have a really bad sweet tooth.
17. I'm extremely clumsy. My friend says I'm "jaggerdy."
18. I love mugs - the bigger the better.
19. Christmas is my favourite holiday. 
20. I hate it when things don't go my way as planned.

Have you done one of these posts? 

Link me so I can get to know the person behind the blog.

Rachael xo

Bloglovin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram