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

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Tag | The Disney Edition

1. Favourite Disney film?
It's definitely between Mulan and Beauty and the Beast! I really love the songs in Mulan, but Beauty and the Beast is just such a classic. Bon jour! 

2. Favourite Disney Character?

What a difficult question! I think my favourite Disney Character would probably have to be Tigger. Is that too obvious?

3. Favourite Disney Princess?

I wish Mulan counted as a Disney Princess, but she really doesn't so I'd have to say Belle.

4. Rather be Aurora or Cinderella?
Definitely Aurora, I sleep more than I clean!

5. Rather be Hercules or Tarzan?
Probably Hercules, cos I have no strength whatsoever, so it would be nice to be strong!

6. Rather be Lizzie McGuire or Raven Baxter?
Definitely Lizze McGuire, I'm just as clumsy as her that's for sure. And what girl doesn't want to go to Rome and be mistaken for a pop star and get out of boring school trip stuff?

7. Favourite Disney song?

Let's get down to business to defeat the huns! HUH! Did he send me daughters, when I asked for sons? Okay okay, I'll stop before I sing the whole song.

8. Which Disney character would be your best friend?

I'd have to say Rapunzel because she's so sweet and crazy. I'd love to play with her hair!

9. Which Disney character would be your pet?

Would Mushu count as a pet? I'd love to have him around all the time!

10. Have you ever been to Disneyland?
Yes I've been to Disneyland, Paris once with my family at New Year. I've also been very lucky to go to Disneyworld, Florida three times with my family. The last time I went was two years ago and I still have holiday blues!

I tag you all to do this!

Rachael xo

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Family | Pete Turns 30

On Tuesday, Pete turned the big three-zero! Being 38 weeks pregnant, I obviously couldn't do anything too out there to celebrate with him, but I wanted to do something special for him.  I decided to throw a little surprise party, just for family (he'd been out for a meal and drinks with his friends already). 

The original plan was to have the party in our house until Pete took the day off and ruined it all, luckily, my parents live round the corner and let us use their house for it. 

With a lot of help from my fantastic mum and dad (thanks guys, I know you'll be reading this), we went out, bought all the food, my dad cooked it all, even baked a cake and his amazing brownies, whilst my mum decorated her kitchen (decorations courtesy of my mother-on-law).  

Okay, I lied when I said I threw the party, all I really did was buy some food and get everyone together! Pete's family live in Manchester/ Crewe aways with a few cousins spread out here and there, and we live in Birkenhead (plastic Liverpool for those of you lucky enough to never have heard of the place), so it's not very often all his family get together at the same time. 

On Tuesday morning we woke up, had pancakes for breakfast, Pete opened his presents and we watched Breaking Bad until it was time to get ready.  He thought we were going for a meal and to the cinema, and just stopping at my parents' on the way to get his card and present. Little did he know, his family were all hiding in the kitchen. Everyone shouted surprise and there were party poppers going off. It was such a sweet little tea party even if I do say so myself! 

Rachael xo

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Bump and I | Baby Shower

On Sunday, I had my baby shower. My mum and dad worked pretty hard at making the whole day simply perfect for me. My mum decorated the whole house in banners, balloons and home made bunting. She even made me the biggest nappy cake I've ever seen, it's so cute, I don't want to take it apart, but given it has 140 nappies inside it, I have no choice! 

My extremely talented dad made a baby shower cake, complete with stork and a baby with ginger hair. as well as some gorgeous cupcakes, which were pretty fantastic. 

I made some mocktails for guests on arrival and we played some amazing games throughout the day. My favourite was The Great Sperm Race! You had to pin the sperm to the egg whilst blindfolded, absolutely hysterical. I don't know how I got pregnant since my sperm went nowhere near the egg! My nan even had an eptopic pregnancy as hers was in the fallopian tube! The day went absolutely nowhere and I was sad when everybody left, but I was a little bit relieved because I was exhausted. Baby Walker was absolutely spoilt rotten and we received some of the most adorable gifts! Peter and I are very lucky to have such amazing family and friends (excuse the gushing!) 

I'm very ready to have this little baby in my arms now! Only 24 days to go - not long at all, it's very exciting.  We're just preparing for our new addition by bringing all our baby stuff to our house which my mum and dad have kindly been storing for us. 

Rachael xo

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Bump and You | Surviving the Heat

Boy is it hot?! Now, I'm not a fan of the sun at the best of times, throw being 34 weeks  (that's 8 months to people who don't understand the whole weeks thing) pregnant into the mix and it's 100 x worse. Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but I'm a drama queen, what do you expect?

Anyway, if any of you lovely blogger mommas out there are struggling in the heat, here are a few tips I've found help:

1. Invest in a fan

Okay, this one speaks for itself, I've had my fan on constantly for the past week. This combined with opening all the windows in the house normally does the trick! My lovely mum has just bought me a hand held fan so I can pop it into my bag and stay cool on the move.

2. Stock up on ice pops

I won't lie, ice pops have been my saviour throughout this pregnancy, they helped with my morning sickness, and since then we've been pretty stocked up, I'm certainly making the most of them with this current sticky weather. Baby doesn't like how cold they are as I constantly get kicked during the eating process but, hey ho, I'm cool!

3. Clothing

I have lived in cheap maxi dresses from Primark for the past two weeks, they are a god send, and the best thing about it? I can wear post-pregnancy. I have loads of maternity skater dresses that have more than see their wear, and while you will get fed up of wearing the same clothes all the time, you'll be thankful they keep you cool! You don't need to spend a fortune on maternity wear, especially PJs, I've recently purchased 3 pairs of short PJs from Primark and just opted for a bigger size. 

4. Footwear

Sandals! Anything that doesn't require attempting to bend down and buckle is okay with us pregnant ladies. A bonus? Ones we can fit our swollen tootsies into!

5. Keep still

It's pretty obvious, the more you move the more you'll sweat and the more uncomfortable you'll be. I try my best to do as little as possible (no change there then).

6. Stay hydrated

Again, an obvious one, but you're carrying a lot more weight than normal, so it's extra important to take care of yourself! Carry a bottle of water around in your bag if you need to leave the house. If you're still working, a bottle of water at your desk. I kept a bottle of cordial at my desk in work, so when I went to the water cooler, I could just add a bit of flavour. Also, dehydration headaches are a bitch. I've also put some juice in a bottle, laid it on it's side, stuck it in the freezer, and when I'm going out, I can top up with water and voila, ice cold juice.

7. Stay indoors

I've found that when I open all the windows in the house, and lie on the couch with my fan, it's much better than being outside in the baking heat! I also keep the blinds closed so that the sun cannot burn me through the windows.

8. Take a cool shower/ bath

I made the best decision earlier this week when I decided to have a nice cool bath and put my new (short) pjs on. Your body will feel amazing for it, and what's even better, is that when you get out, you will be cold and your body will heat up to room temperature and you will feel instantly refreshed. 

9. Hair up! 

While I don't think up dos are the most flattering hair style on myself, keeping my hair off my neck and out of my face is just bliss. I don't mind as much when I have a donut bun or a little flower crown surrounding my bun (I have no idea what they're called).

10. Sunblock, sunblock, sunblock

A must for anyone during the summer months! I made the mistake of going out a few weeks ago without any sunblock on (stupid of me given my ginger skin, I know), and got burnt. Now normally, aftersun makes this go away, but alas with crazy sensitive pregnancy skin, the itching got so bad, I wanted to claw my own skin off! 

How are you keeping cool this summer ladies?

Rachael xo

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Sunday Snapshots | Week #006

All black everything // Pretty Little Liars in bed // Meeting Darren Shan // Bath time // Date with this gorgeous babe // Cakes all to me // Pancakes for breakfast // Family selfie // Best ever peanut butter

So it's been a while since I did a little Sunday catch up post, but here are a few Instagram shots from the past week or so. It's not been a particularly busy week, and it's mostly been filled with amazing food. I can't stop eating!

What have you been up to this week?

Rachael xo

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A Guide to | Festivals

I'm a little late to the party with the themed post here, but hey, I'm pregnant, you can let me off right? 

Now I wouldn't call myself a festival pro (I've only ever been to Leeds Festival twice). Pete is a massive lover of festivals, and after vowing I'd never go to one (ever!) I decided to see what the big fuss was and made the decision to go to Leeds in 2012 with him. Anything that could go wrong, went wrong, but in the end I had an amazing time and went back again last year. I'm pretty upset I'm missing out on all the festivals this year, but Baby W will definitely be worth it! 

Anyway, here's my survival guide:

1. Knee high wellies with a decent grip on the bottom are always the best bet in England. The first time I went, I made the mistake of wearing my ankle Jeffrey Campbell wellies and while they looked really cute, they did no good for keeping my grip, I was slipping and sliding everywhere in the mud and ended up wearing my trusty Docs the rest of the time. Thank god the weather wasn't that bad! 
2. Hand sanitiser is your best friend, always take hand sanitiser, everywhere. You will get very dirty. 
3. Take a life time supply of tissues. The trip to the toilets are never fun, especially when you're basically squatting over a hole so you really don't want to forget your tissues! 
4. Wear shorts rather than jeans, you will dry off much faster if it pisses down - which it probably will! Besides, who doesn't love wearing shorts and knee high socks? (Just me?)
5. Take sun block, even though it will probably rain, you don't want to ruin your weekend by getting burnt in the very rare case the sun will shine! Remember you're outside all day.
6. A waterproof mac is a must, okay you will look ridiculous, but hey, you're at a festival, you're allowed to look silly. 
7. Don't camp near a fence or a wall. People piss up fences and walls, would you really want to wake up to someone urinating all up in your living space? 
8. Wear dark nail polish! It will hide the mud that gets up your nails. I fell in the mud numerous times last year and had to wash my hair 3/4 times when I got home.
9. Dry shampoo and makeup wipes will be your bff, seriously. 
10. Drink as much cider as you can handle, there's not much opportunity to start drinking at 8am right through the day and the night! 

Have you been to any festivals yet this year?

Rachael xo

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