Rachael xo
Monday, 28 March 2016
The 90s Tag
Tuesday, 22 March 2016
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
Tuesday, 2 February 2016
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
Saturday, 30 May 2015
Stain Removal with Vanish
As a first time mum everything has been new and exciting! Especially weaning, introducing George to new flavours and textures is one of my favourite experiences. People will always offer you advice when you have a baby and there are warnings after warnings about what to expect, but nobody ever told me about the stains that come with weaning! I learnt the hard way, baby food is one of the most stubborn substances to remove.
I have tried bleach, various stain removal products, hot washes, you name it. Seriously, invest in some cover all and plastic bibs, you will not look back! While George is teething he has a habit of wiping his mouth on his sleeves which drives me mad. The sooner he is old enough to realise clothes cost money, the better.
George and I were kindly sent some Vanish products to review and never did I think I would be so excited to open a package containing cleaning products, that's definitely a sign you're getting old. With the boys out for the day, I took the opportunity to put the products to good use.
First up we have Vanish Gold Powergel:
Powergel is a pre treatment product, where the instructions state to squeeze onto stains and rub in circles, work in for 1-5 minutes then wash as normal. Following these instructions I was feeling pretty optimistic.
As you can see in the after picture, the more hard wearing stains have not been removed after using this product. I even put a scoop of the Oxi Action Powder in the washing machine and still have stains. I was slightly disappointed by this product, however these stains were dried on which I know makes them tougher to remove. I will try again when the stains are still fresh to see if this makes a difference.
Vanish Gold Oxi Action is a powder fabric stain remover, I didn't get my hopes with this one because I've tried powder stain removers in the past and not had much success. Anyway, following the instructions, I added one scoop of powder to 4 litres of water and set my clothes to soak for an hour before popping them in the washing machine.
As you can see from the after picture, this t-shirt came up good as new. The boys arrived home from their day out and Pete told me George had done yet another poo explosion, so his clothes are now set to soak with some more of this bad boy. I would definitely purchase this!
Last but not least is the Powershot carpet cleaner. You will have to excuse this photo as our carpet is really dark, however I can assure you, there was an orange sick stain here which has come up trumps after using this carpet cleaner. It is a clear spray, which sinks into the carpet really easily, then you just scrub with a clean cloth. Much better than a foam spray in my opinion. The only thing I didn't like about this product was how badly it smelt, the fumes were really strong so I would recommend using with your windows open and when your children are out.
Have you got any tips for stain removal?
Rachael xo
*Disclaimer, these products were sent for review purposes. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Monday, 4 May 2015
John Frieda Dream Curls
Up until I was three, I had no hair at all, then all of a sudden these little tight, ginger curls appeared. Looking back on some of my childhood photos, I resembled little orphan Annie. So yes, I have been cursed (some may say blessed) with curly hair! People in the street have stopped me to compliment my curls ever since I was a young child, some would even ask if it had been permed, I kid you not.
Curls can be so unpredictable, some days I can wash my hair, not do anything with it and wake up the next morning with amazing Carrie Bradshaw-esque curls, and other days I look Mick Hucknall! I have used leave in conditioner, mousse, normal conditioner but still nothing seems to tame it the same way every time.
Now I have never been loyal to shampoo and conditioner before and never have I used one specific to curly hair, but I have changed my ways! I picked up the John Frieda Dream Curls shampoo and conditioner when they were on offer in Asda and on first use was completely wowed! I washed and conditioned my hair as normal, towel dried it as I do (I never use a hair dryer) applied some John Frieda Dream Curls setting spray, and left it. I slept in it and when I awoke I really did have dream curls. As I mentioned before, no product has managed to tame my hair the same way, so on my weekly hair wash, I practised the same routine again and the next day, I woke up with amazing curls.
It isn't often I say I love a beauty product (I am no beauty blogger) but this stuff is a miracle worker for curly hair. I am a big fan of anything that minimises my getting ready time in the morning. Now I am back in work, I have been wanting to embrace my natural curls to save on time and now I can finally do it without worrying what the day after I've washed my hair will bring.
Which products do you use for curly hair?
Monday, 27 April 2015
Mummy Guilt
The time has come for me to say goodbye to my life as a stay at home mum and embrace the life of 9-5. Leaving my boy all week is going to be so hard, I miss him enough when I don't see him over night! I hate the fact I have to go back to work full time and I feel this incredible sense of guilt. Guilt that I have to leave him with family 40 hours a week. Guilt that he does not understand where or why his mummy has been gone for so long.
I think as mums we all feel like this at some point and I know it will pass once we have settled into our own little routine. He will some day learn that me going back to work when he was a baby was to make a nice life for us and that alone makes everything worthwhile. Deep down I know I am doing right by him but it still doesn't stop this feeling and if I had it my way, I'd stay with him all day every day!
Today when I got home from work and my nan dropped him off his little face lit up and I got the biggest smile from him along with lots of sloppy kisses (did I tell you he does that now? It's all kinds of adorable) and it was the best thing to come home to after a somewhat average day in the office. Our time together is precious and the past eight months has flown by without me even knowing it.
Love you George x
Rachael xo
Friday, 17 April 2015
Money Saving Tips for New Parents
Babies are expensive and it only gets worse as they get older! I have found some simple ways to save that little bit more money because let's face it, every little helps.
Switch to cheaper nappies
Asda's own Little Angels nappies are just as good as Pampers and they are a fraction of the price. I get over 100 nappies for £12 when they are on offer. I have also heard good things about Aldi's own nappies but we are yet to try them. I did find with Little Angels we had a few leaks of a night time whilst he was on bottles only so I did use Pampers just of a night time, but it still saved me a fortune.
Look for offers
I think this is one nobody needs to be told, we all love a good bargain. We always get our baby wipes from Amazon when a 12 box of Johnson's is on offer. I think we are stocked up for the rest of the year! Buying multipacks works out to be a lot less expensive than individually so do your research and shop around.
Make your own food
We go through so many jars of baby food a week, it is ridiculous. They are always on offer which is a relief to me because I cannot cook so they come in handy. I want to start making my own food for George though because it will be so much nicer and just healthier in general for him, I just like the convenience of jars. I purchased some plastic pots from Asda for £1 and they can be put in the freezer.
Join your local baby buy/ sell page on Facebook
I recently joined my local buy/ sell page and snagged a bargain on the same day. You will be surprised at what you find on there, some of it is tat, but some of it can be really good, just be quick because items will go fast.
Baby and Toddler Events
Check out your local supermarkets for these events because they have some fabulous deals on everything from car seats and highchairs to food and clothes.
Don't dismiss pound shops
Some pound shops have some cracking things, I've seen Woodwards Gripe Water in there, they have teething rings and even food nets (much cheaper than some of the branded ones and they do the exact same job!
Shop in low end high street stores for basics
I refuse to spend over £10 on baby grows for George when he is just going to be sleeping in them. I won't even splash out on vests and socks for him, with the rate he grows out of clothes, it just isn't worth it. I find supermarkets perfectly fine for these items and even good old Primark!
Breastfeed
Not only is breastfeeding most beneficial for your baby, it is free! Formula milk is so expensive and when George was newborn, we used to go through a box a week. Now he is on solids we use it less so it lasts a bit longer but I wish I'd been able to breastfeed to save on the cost of milk.
What tips have you found that have helped you save money?
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