Saturday 31 December 2016

2016 in review & hopes for 2017

It's the last day of 2016 and it has been a pretty big year for us as a family. I started it off with the best of intentions and a fresh positive outlook, and I have to say, 2016 was the year that counted and one where we achieved a lot and have a lot to be grateful for.

I started this year with some positive thinking and a determination to make it count. To enjoy the little things more, worry less and general be in more control of my life and the direction I was going in. And, whilst some things didn't go as far as they could have done, I have to say I did a pretty good job and I am proud of what I accomplished in 2016.

It hasn't been a year without its challenges and with any New Years' resolutions, however specific or general they may be, you have to take a big pinch of salt. Nothing will ever be exactly as you thought or hoped for. But the point is just to try. Try your best. Accept and enjoy the results. Try harder next time, but don't be too hard on yourself.


Reading my Happy 2016 post from the start of this year, I still agree with everything I said. The loose resolutions I set for myself are still ones that I want to strive for; I made a really good start this year and they're points that I want to continue working on for 2017.

I entered into 2016 with a particular mantra in mind: Good for you, not for me.

A simple statement but one that I have really tried my best to bear in mind and to give me the chance to enjoy what I have more, rather than concentrating on what I don't. Reading my post about my 2016 mantra, good for you, not for me, I feel inspired again to keep on this path and to not worry as much about the routes other people are taking, wrong turns I may have made or how I have stumbled at times. I want to continue with my happiness affirmations, using my rememberlutions jar to record moments big and small to be proud of.

I will remember 2016 as a year where four of our best friends got married in two weddings, and we were all an important part of their days. We spent seven months helping and building up to the celebrations, with hen dos to Liverpool, a spa, Benidorm and a vintage day out on the railway. We enjoyed each wedding day to the fullest and beamed to see our friends start their happily ever afters.

We've watched Ethan grow and can't believe how much fun he is now and just how much he knows.

We've made some real changes to our home and it has made the world of difference. Our lounge has had the most significant change, we redecorated the hall and our bedroom is so much more welcoming and 'us' now.


Hubs changed jobs and I made some huge changes professionally too. I made a huge leap and took a chance - a couple of chances in fact. I didn't know if I could. I didn't know if I could do it, if I should do it, if anyone would believe in me enough. But they did. And importantly, I did. I believed. I tried. And I have succeeded. Reflecting now on how I felt this time last year, and for the first few months of this year too, I really appreciate how far I have come. It was a big change for me to make and one that I didn't take lightly, but sometimes you have to take a leap. You have to decide that you don't have to accept the way things are; you can be more and do more and there will be people to help you to do just that. So I lept and I landed and I am so much happier for it. Even though my psoriasis still rages on, I have less stresses, worries and nagging voices in my head and I am so proud of myself. Hubs has always known I could do more, and I am glad that I listened to him and took a chance.

Life is about chances, so I hope to take more in 2017.

Because of my new direction, I've also been able to build this blog, my corner of the internet, and have taken it further than before. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had and for the connections I have made - so thank you for being here and for supporting me.

Here's to a 2017 we can all look forward to.

I am hoping for health and happiness for my little family and for all those we hold dear. I want to try and enjoy the moment and not live for tomorrow too much. It's good to have goals, and my diary planning and list-making will be stepping up a gear to make sure I am keeping myself motivated, but I know that I can put too much pressure on myself to be the best at too many things, and ending up feeling like the master of none.

I want to take the faith and the joy and the achievements of 2016 into the new year; I know myself better now, what I am capable of. And in 2017, I know I can enjoy just 'being' even more.

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Friday 23 December 2016

Merry Christmas from our family to yours

It's Christmas Eve Eve and both hubs and I are busy working away at home today to wrap things up before enjoying the next few days together. Our new sofa is arriving, Ethan is enjoying a PJ day at preschool and this mama has a lot of wrapping to get done before the big day arrives...


I wanted to share this quick post to wrap up the best part of 2016 and to share a few photos from Christmases past and present. Ethan was and still is the cutest elf I have ever seen and I can't wait to pick him up later and really start the Christmas celebrations.


We will be spending Christmas Eve just us three and I have a surprise for little man - tickets to see Marvel Universe Live - as well as a big meal to cook for us. The day will wrap up with Muppet's Christmas Carol, new PJ's and a Baileys (as is our family tradition) before we head to bed to wait for Santa to arrive.

Christmas Day will be spent at home in the morning before we head to hubs' family home for a big celebration, where we will eat, drink and be very merry.

It's my favourite time of year and I will be spending it was some of my favourite people in the world.

I hope whatever you do and whoever you are with, your Christmas is merry and bright.

So merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Speak to you after the Christmas coma of too much food and drink subsides...
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Thursday 22 December 2016

12 reviews before Christmas: 12) Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Weightless Texture Spray

Three sleeps until Christmas and I have reached the end of my 12 reviews before Christmas series. Phew! Today, I have a handy hair styling spray to share with you which is perfect if you like a 'I just rolled out of bed and looked this good' hairstyle, particularly if you want to put in minimum effort too - it's the Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Weightless Texture Spray.



I was kindly sent a sample to review and I was excited to give it a go. I wash my hair every other day and I'm not that great with styling; always wanting to achieve that 'effortless' tousled look, but usually putting in too much effort to get it.

This weightless styling spray is a bit like salt spray, although it feels soft and you can run your fingers through your hair, with no tangles.



It's meant to 'deliver a balance of body and definition for an effortless lasting tousled look' and I have found it to be gentle on my hair and it does help to define the natural wave I have to my locks. It's useful for those days when you need to wash and go - I used it while we were away last week, after a trip to the swimming pool, and for those days at home where I have time to let my hair dry naturally and give it a rest from blow-drying and straightening



The spray contains certified organic Shea Butter and Coconut Water blended with Dragon FruitLychee Berry and Green Apple Extracts to 'nourish and energise lifeless hair'. It also has vitamin-rich Imbe Oil helps block humidity to control frizz while Aloe adds weightless shine. 



You don't need to use a lot so it will last a long time, and it's worth trying if you have a natural wave that you want to enhance, without overdoing it with heat styling. My hair is quite fine so this is something I will use now and then rather than every day (I'm a GHD addict, I'll admit it), but it has been really nice to try and it has given me a different way to style my hair.




Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Texture Spray (118ml) is available from various online shops and from Boots for £10.99 (RRP).

* I received this product for the purposes of review, but all opinions and results are my own.


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Wednesday 21 December 2016

Festive fiascos and a Toby Carvery competition!

Christmas is coming which means time with loved ones and the chance to eat, drink and be merry. It's the most wonderful time of the year but it can also be a really stressful time too - from what to cook for Christmas dinner to picking the perfect presents and keeping the peace when spending so much time with people we don't normally see as much.

Apparently, according to a Facebook poll of 500 people by Toby Carvery, almost a quarter of Brits have eaten out on Christmas Day - perhaps in a bid to avoid any festive fiascos or to save on washing up!



The experts in roast dinners asked the public to tell them about the times things haven’t gone quite according to plan, they were inundated with stories, with malfunctioning ovens and greedy pets the most likely causes of Christmas chaos.

Here's what the Toby Carvery survey discovered...

TOP TEN FESTIVE FIASCOS:

1.       Oven failure
2.       Pets devouring key dishes on the Christmas dinner menu
3.       Messing up timings and forgetting crucial components – pigs in blankets being the most common accompaniment not to make it on the table
4.       Not turning the oven or setting to the wrong temperature – burning or under-cooking dishes
5.       Leaving the giblets in the turkey
6.       Having a few too many tipples to cook the meal properly
7.       Having a few too many tipples to eat the meal
8.       Dessert disasters – dry Christmas pud and burned brandy sauce
9.       Unexpected guests turning up and not enough food to go round (or not catering for the unexpected vegetarian)
10.   Using coffee granules or curry powder instead of gravy granules

Come on, admit it - how many of these ring true to you? I will own up to more than a few of these...! I have left Yorkshire puddings in the oven until dinner was finished, burnt the stuffing so I had to throw away the pan and underestimated the cooking time needed - but hey, no-one really noticed and there was no real harm done.

To celebrate the festive season, regardless of the highs and potential lows, I have a £20 gift voucher for Toby Carvery to give away. 
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Our home at Christmas

I seem to be a big ball of Christmas excitement if my blog is anything to go by - or my Instagram feeds! I do love this time of year but have had to knuckle down and work this weekend and on holiday to get everything done before the end of this coming week so I can well and truly put my feet up and enjoy the break. Even if I am tip-tapping away on my laptop, at least I have our festive home around me to enjoy.

We always put our decorations up on the 1st December if we can and this year, Ethan helped. Or at least, by helped, he kept taking out a new decoration saying "Mummy, mummy! Let's do this one" and then when it came to the tree, he'd 'help' by rearranging the decorations. To be honest though, he was easily distracted and it was actually really nice to have him so excited with each new box that was opened. We had meant to put the decorations up as a surprise for Ethan but it didn't work out that way, and I'm kind of glad.

Every year, I can't resist buying one or three new Christmas bits and pieces for the house but I have tried to pair things back just a little. Only a little, but with a dog, two cats and a hyperactive toddler, the house can go from just so to oh no really quickly.

So this year, we have painted stairs for the first time so I have decorated these to full effect. We have slightly fewer fairy lights doted around the house but they are on the dresser, a window ledge in the lounge and of course, the tree.

Oh, the tree. We rearranged the lounge to make a bit more room for it and it showcases many of our family memories, including baubles with Ethan's handprints on from the past three years.

The house has a twinkle about it and thanks to my Yankee candle advent calendar, a warm glow and festive aroma too.

Ethan is so much more aware of Christmas now and keeps on saying how much he likes the decorations and how excited he is.

So here's a tour of our festive home - and here's to an exciting one week countdown to the big day itself...

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Tuesday 20 December 2016

12 reviews before Christmas: 11) Coco water

Looking to kick start the New Year with the best of healthy intentions? Yeah, you and me both! There's something about the start of a new year that just makes you want to chuck out the old and bring in the new habits - even if it's just trying to eat more veggies or move your butt more.

I'm sure 2017 will be no different for me, but my concern is 'wellness'; taking time to care for myself better so I can be a better person all round. As we move from the food induced coma of Christmas (did I mention that it's my favourite time of year?), I'll be dusting off my juicer and getting back into healthy juicing and smoothie making.

And I have a supplement I'll be adding to my (increased) water intake too.


For a few weeks now, I have been trying Coco Minerals from nutritionist brand Proto-col. It's a natural coconut water powder, which aims to be an ultra-hydrating and refreshing drink, ideal if you enjoy intense or frequent exercise and training. 

Well, I go to the occasional yoga class or gym session. Honest.

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12 reviews before Christmas: 10) Stila Stay All Day, Sparkle All Night liquid lipstick gift set

So, it's quite clear from my posts and my Instagram feeds (particularly @tobecomestyle) that I love my make up and when it comes to my collection of lotions and potions, there's one thing in particular I have a lot of - lipstick! I love everything from a nude to a bold lip and when I discovered Stila for the first time, I found my match made in lipstick heaven in the form of their Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick range.

And for Christmas, they have the perfect taster gift set to offer, featuring some stunning shades and something extra special - a Glitterati top coat that will have you sparkling all season long.

Complete Stila look (#nofilter)

The Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks have long had rave reviews and it's easy to see why, with so many colours from rich reds to punchy pinks to naughty and nice nudes. They have great staying power, feel comfortable to wear and for me, the shades are just gorgeous so you're bound to find the one for you.

The Stay All Day, Sparkle All Night set (RRP £32 but there are a few offers around at the moment) gives you three different nude options, from a pinky / purple tone to a deeper brown, plus a rich red and a fuscia shade too, as well as the glitter top coat - which works well with all the shades and can take your look from day to night, understated to wow, just like that.

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Monday 19 December 2016

12 reviews before Christmas: 9) Super Yummies

My review today is a super snack range that we found a short while ago called Super Yummies, from Cow and Gate. Ethan first tried out their selection of nibbles when they launched and the kind team sent some of their new products to taste test.


And boy, did he! As soon as I unpacked these treats, Ethan opened up the rice cakes and almost polished them off in one sitting.

The squeezy fruit and yogurt pouches are favourites too in our house and never seem to last long around our toddler...

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Friday 16 December 2016

5 Key Points for the Perfect Pregnancy

* Sponsored post

Bring pregnant is a wonderful experience for most women. There are tough times, especially as your belly starts to grow and you have a wriggling baby at night time stopping you from sleeping.


Being proactive and making changes to support your physical and mental health in pregnancy can make for an ideal time leading up to the birth as these five tips from HARTMANN Direct show:

#1 Eat Well

Aim for a healthy, balanced diet pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy and after the birth too. Small changes make a big difference;
  • Aim for five portions of different coloured fruit and veg daily
  • Choose wholegrain carbohydrates, rather than white, so brown bread instead of white bread, as it contains more fibre
  • Eat protein every day such as fish, lean meat, eggs, nuts and pulses
  • Include dairy products too
  • Have at least two portions of fish a week, with one being an oily fish such as salmon – oily fish contains omega-3, important in baby’s brain development
What you don’t need to do: eat for two! You don’t need extra calories in the first six months of pregnancy but in the remaining three months, you can up your intake by 200 calories.

#2 Take Supplements


But before you leap on the supplement and vitamin aisle at your local supermarket, bear in mind that if you are enjoying a full and healthy diet, you may not need to take anything extra. Always consult your doctor or midwife before you take any supplements.

If you are not eating well or are too sick, supplements replace the vitamins and minerals you would otherwise be consuming in food:

Folic Acid – you need to make sure you having at least 400mg a day pre-pregnancy and for the first three months too.
Vitamin D – 10mcg of vitamin D is important for baby’s developing skeleton.
Multivitamins – some women take a course of multivitamins that contain the right levels of folic acid and vitamin D but remember, too much of a vitamin and mineral can be dangerous to both your health and your baby’s, so check the levels of vitamins etc. you are consuming.
Fish oil – although fish oil is a healthy fat, if you take a fish oil supplement, make sure it is made from the fish body and not the liver. Cod liver oil capsules, for example, contain a retinol form of Vitamin A, which is not recommended in pregnancy.

#3 Exercise

Pregnancy is not the time to start a new exercise regime that is high impact and vigorous but, maintaining a level of activity and exercise is important for your own well-being, as well as that of your growing baby;

Exercise builds strength, stamina and endurance, three things that will help you cope with the extra weight of pregnancy and the demands of labour. It will also help you get back into shape after the birth too and can help stave off depression or feeling low in your mood, a common occurrence for many pregnant women.

A brisk walk or swimming, along with yoga and Pilates are ideal activities during pregnancy.

#4 Pelvic Floor Exercises

Being pregnant places a growing strain on your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles help you control your bladder and bowel. Pregnancy hormones also contribute to your pelvic floor not working like it usually does.

Pelvic floor exercises can be practiced before, during and after pregnancy. As well as helping you control your bladder, a strong pelvic floor can help with labour and giving birth too.

# Rest

The first few months of pregnancy are demanding, thus getting plenty of rest is needed. As you enter your second trimester, you may feel a new surge of energy and people may comment on your blossoming! This is all down to hormones, being active and eating healthily.

In your final trimester, the baby is now big and your body is dealing with extra weight, as well as water retention and a new surge of hormones to prepare your body for the impending birth.

Rest is important and your body will tell you when you need to take some time out. This can be sitting and relaxing, enjoying a good book or catching up on your sleep after restless nights.

Pregnancy should be an exciting time, a time in which you discover how amazing your body is and look forward to welcoming your new addition to your family. But it can be a difficult time too, so be proactive and take steps to look after yourself!


HARTMANN Direct has a range of discreet incontinence pads and pants, perfect for use during and after pregnancy. 
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Thursday 15 December 2016

12 reviews before Christmas: 8) Jump Nation Birmingham

For some, the Christmas break can be a rather long period of time to fill - particularly with hyperactive kids in tow, buzzing from filling their faces with chocolate from their selection boxes! When the big day has passed, the presents have been unwrapped and cabin fever starts to kick in, why not go out for some family fun? I was recently contacted by the lovely team at Jump Nation trampoline parks and, at some point between Christmas and New Year, we will be going along to the Birmingham venue to jump, jump, jump around and burn off some energy (and possibly a few calories too, to get a head start on all those healthy intentions the New Year always inspires!).


Source

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Wednesday 14 December 2016

Christmas isn't just for kids

I, like many people, love this time of year and Christmas is always a special occasion. It's a time to spend with family and friends and to get involved with a little bit of magic, even if you've stopped truly believing.

It's fair when people say that Christmas becomes extra special again when you have children, as you get to see it all through their eyes.

But, why should you have to be under four foot in height to enjoy the fun and silliness of the season?

Last weekend, we went away for three days with Ethan and our dog and three couples - our best friends in the world. It was time for our annual mock Christmas celebrations (read about previous years' herehere and here). We've been getting together a few weekends before the real Christmas as a group for nine years now; cramming in to one of each other's houses or, more recently, booking a cottage somewhere scenic to spend time together and be big kids.


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Tuesday 13 December 2016

12 reviews before Christmas: 7) Stila beauty palettes

I first discovered Stila make up at the start of the year and I have to say it has been love ever since. They recently opened a concession at Harvey Nichols at The Mailbox in Birmingham and I popped along to discover all that was new - and a few days later, was surprised by a package of glimmering gold boxes, full of beauty treats just for me...

I'll share a general beauty round up of all the bits I have been trying out but for now, I have a lovely gift idea for a lady in your life who likes her make up and who covets new things to try out, that come in pretty packages.


Stila Perfect Me, Perfect Hue Eye and Cheek Palettes (RRP £28) come in four tonal shades from light to deep so you can find the perfect mix to compliment your own skin tone. Of course, I have the 'Fair Light' kit.

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Monday 12 December 2016

12 reviews before Christmas: 6) The Tale of the Great Rabbit and Squirrel Adventure DVD

Next up in my 12 reviews before Christmas is another great buy for children and a perfect stocking filler too for Peter Rabbit fans...

I've always loved Peter Rabbit and have the classic books collected for Ethan, and he has enjoyed both the original and the new version of the TV show.


This latest DVD, The Tale of the Great Rabbit and Squirrel Adventure, from Abbey Home Media, is a fun filled series of six stories - plenty to keep little ones busy through to Boxing Day at least!

A great addition to a child's DVD library, I know that Ethan will be thrilled when he opens this up on Christmas morning.

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Saturday 10 December 2016

9 Christmas Money Saving Tips For 2016

* Guest post

Christmas can a stressful period even though it's associated with bottomless glasses of Bailey’s, Michael Bublé album, or even mince pies. The reason for this is that when you sum it all up, it does add up to a significant period in the year.


However, this does not always have to be the case. It is possible to avoid spending too much on the less important parts of the season. Here are 9 ways to save this Christmas...
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Friday 9 December 2016

12 reviews before Christmas: 5) JORD wood watches (& special offer)

I always find that the men in my life are hard to buy for, at Christmas, for birthdays and for special ocassions such as Father's Day, Valentine's Day and anniversaries. They're just tricky customers, right? To mark important milestones, I like to find something unique that will be treasured for years to come - and what better than a really special timepiece, just like JORD wood watches.


I saw these stunning watches first a couple of years ago on social media and have drooled over them ever since. I love the combination of new and old, natural materials and modern styling, and think that they are real conversation pieces too.

When I had the chance to review one, I was spoilt for choice; there's a whole range of different wood types, dial colours and styles available, some specifically for women, some just for men and others that are unisex designs.

I decided to treat one of the most important men in my life, my husband, to a timepiece that is truly special - just like him.

After browsing all the options, I went for the Conway watch design in dark sandalwood and burgundy (priced $229 / £189). I liked the rich wood tone and thought that this watch would be versatile and work with the type of tones and style of clothes Ste wears.

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Thursday 8 December 2016

Getting prepared for Christmas with Arthur Price

I love being a hostess and whilst my culinary skills may be limited, I really enjoy putting together a dinner for friends or family and paying attention to all those little details - at at Christmas, presentation and your top table is even more important.

It's a special day so you want to put your best foot forward, even if it's just you, hubs, the kids and the dog!


This year we are going out for Christmas lunch with hubs' family which we have never done before but I'm quite looking forward to. However, my tradition of putting on a spread on Christmas Eve will continue, even if it's the three of us, as the festive season is all about food and celebrations.

Cutlery and silverware specialists Arthur Price recently held a special event at The Grand in Wolverhampton to start the season in style and celebrate their new partnership (the newly refurbished Grand has been decked out in Arthur Price finest).

There was Christmas cocktail making, chef Simon Smith creating a three course Christmas dinner in just 20 minutes, interior design tips, cake making advice and Simon Price demonstrating how to lay the perfect table for Christmas lunch.

An incredible event for sure and lots of tip top tableware advice to be had!

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Wednesday 7 December 2016

...days out: a spot of shopping & a visit to Santa at intu Merry Hill

A couple of weekends ago, we headed to intu Merry Hill to do a spot of Christmas shopping and to stop by and see the man in red, Santa Claus himself, in his special grotto.

For you see, intu's grotto aims to be a different kind of experience, where you don't simply meet Father Christmas, but little ones get to enjoy some reindeer games with his elves first, making snow and using Lapland magic (I have been sworn to secrecy so can't tell you any more....!).



Here's what you can expect: Santa’s Grotto at intu Merry Hill has been created to offer something really different this year. Upon arrival, you are greeted by one of Santa’s elves and inducted into the secret reindeer clan. You’ll be given your very own reindeer antlers, and the all-important passport containing the magical Christmas chant.

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...crafts: Christmas card display ideas



Today, I'm sharing two simple but attractive ways to display your Christmas cards - no blu tac stuck to doors required!

I wanted to make the most of the cards we receive this year whilst also keeping clutter to a minimum so after a bit of Pinterest inspiration, I've made two different display options which are really easy to recreate at home.

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Tuesday 6 December 2016

Our life lately... November 2016

Last month was all about starting the festivities and getting in the mood for all the fun December has in store. To be honest, we have really got into the seasonal spirit early this year and with Ethan being so much more aware of everything this year, it's got us all excited.

The build up to Christmas is definitely the best and November was a pretty lovely month for us...


* My blog reached a milestone, turning four at the start of the month, which is quite something and makes me so proud. Since changing jobs earlier in the year, I've been able to do a lot more with it and my hard work has been paying off - so my blog is somewhere I can really enjoy sharing my interests and our family adventures.

* We had an amazing day out at Thomas Land Drayton Manor - it was such a lot of fun, Ethan was a real daredevil on the rides and we packed so much in, it was a great way to start our Christmas countdown

* We've been pretty creative this month and discovered Chalkola chalk markers - and I have a 20% discount voucher for all you lovely readers!

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Monday 5 December 2016

12 reviews before Christmas: 4) Accessorize Lily perfume

Today I have a lovely gift idea for a lovely lady in your life - from teenage girls to, well, not so teenage girls like me!

A must-have under the tree every year for me is some smellies. It's when I get to stock up on some sweet smelling treats to treat myself to in the months ahead and a bottle of perfume is always such a nice gift to receive.



As well as loving perfume, I also love Accessorize so imagine my joy when I heard about their new scent, Love Lily.

I am a firm believer in trying out lots of different perfumes to try and find your signature scent and also that you don't have to spend a lot of money to find one you'll enjoy.

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Thursday 1 December 2016

12 reviews before Christmas: 3) Peppa Pig Electronic Learning toys

Next up in my 12 reviews before Christmas, I have a fun and educational gift idea great for little ones who love a certain pink pig character...

Ethan is just like most toddlers and has been an avid Peppa Pig fan from an early age. I don't know what it is about Peppa, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig but kids just seem to go crazy for it!

At age three and a half, Ethan is well into learning phonics at preschool and we're keen to held support his learning, and any toy which is fun to play with but has an educational purpose too has to be a great idea if you ask me.

So, when Santa comes down the chimney, he will be delivering to our little boy Peppa's Alphaphonics Campervan (RRP £19.99).



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Wednesday 30 November 2016

12 reviews before Christmas: 2) Scarlett and Mustard

In the second instalment in my 12 reviews before Christmas, I have a delicious foodie brand to introduce you to that you might like to try, or that you may think of when doing your Christmas shopping...

I am a real food lover at heart and Christmas is the best time of year to indulge. It's the law, isn't it, to fill up on lots of tasty treats? For me, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without festive food and trying out new flavours.

A great gift idea that I really enjoy putting together for others is a hamper, filled with different foods and nibbles that they might like. It shows you've given real thought and you can select all sorts of things that might tickle their tastebuds.

And you're likely to find something just like that from Scarlett and Mustard.


In their words: 'All our stuff is made with the best, zingiest, freshest ingredients we can find, and we don't use any additives, colourings or flavourings. Just add food!"

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Tuesday 29 November 2016

...days out: What the Ladybird Heard at Town Hall Birmingham - exclusive competition!

* NEW UPDATE: The cast of What the Ladybird Heard will be coming to Birmingham for a promo day on Monday 19 December. They will be at Birmingham Children’s library at 1.30pm for a free pop-up performance, reading of the book, colouring competitions and ticket giveaways…and various other fun bits and pieces!

We are big fans of the wonderful children's author Julia Donaldson in our house. Not a night goes by when we aren't reading one of her stories, from the classic The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child (last night's choices) to A Squash and A Squeeze and Stick Man.

We took Ethan to see Stick Man live at Town Hall Birmingham a couple of months ago and, as a Christmas treat, we're going to be enjoying What the Ladybird Heard there on 28th December - and Ethan is going to be thrilled!


Here's what it's all about:

Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun! Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they reckon without the tiniest, quietest creature of all: The Ladybird has a plan of her own!
Book early for this glittering family treat. Join the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in this stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard adventure. With live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs!

Read on to find out about my exclusive competition...

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Monday 28 November 2016

12 reviews before Christmas: 1) Harley Street Hair Clinic hamper

'Tis the season to primp, preen and pamper and to treat yourself and your loved ones to new things. With Christmas shopping in full swing and Christmas parties on the horizon too, I wanted to share a variety of snappy product reviews with you over the next couple of weeks in case they give you some gift giving inspiration - or if there's anything you'd like to try or ask Santa for...

1) Harley Street Hair Clinic hamper


I don't know about you, but the colder weather has really started taking its toll on my skin and on my hair. I have quite dry hair anyway and it can be quite fine and fragile too, so it was in the need for some TLC... and a lovely hamper from Harley Street Hair Clinic arrived just in time.

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...crafts: make a jam jar snow globe



I've always loved snow globes and wanted to buy one for Ethan for his first Christmas. They're so beautiful to look at and I think they literally encapsulate the magic of the season - the scene in The Santa Clause when Tim Allen gives his son a snow globe so he can always see where his dad is gets me every time.

I love the beautiful designs you can get from Disney and I'm sure that we'll buy one of these in the future, but I decided after reading Kirstie's Christmas Crafts that I wanted to make one for my boy myself. Every year now, this had pride of place on our dresser.

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Wednesday 23 November 2016

...lifestyle: 5 of the Best Freebie Sites in the UK

* Guest post 

There are advantages to becoming a first-class freebie hunter, not only are there times in which it can help your daily budget, it can also help you to gain early access to products that have not yet hit the shelves.

Who doesn't love a good freebie? Fortunately there are many sites on the web happy which provide them. Although many will list various products that are the same, it is crucial to make sure that you are not wasting your time sorting through rubbish and are in fact going to the best ones.

There are many alleged freebie sites which offer fake freebies, for example “free minutes” if you spend a ton of money on a contract for a new mobile phone. Who wants to deal with that? So make sure you do not spend your precious time sorting through freebie sites that are bogus.

Here are our top favourites which we ourselves have tried out:



This friendly to use webpage offers over one thousand listed freebies. Every day, five to six freebies are added to the site, this means that there is always something new.

Many of the listed freebies are samples, so you are able to get your hands on all kinds of products, including toys, shampoo, chocolate and products. We personally love the perfume samples due to the fact that many times they can be quite useful is you are travelling or staying over somewhere else.

They have a tips and hints section which is quite useful and offers advice on how to take the most advantage from freebie offers, for example through creating an alternate email address. You are also able to sign up to their app which will let you, even when on the move, see the latest freebies they gave to offer. 
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...days out: 5 fun festive things to do at Thomas Land Drayton Manor and top tips when visiting this Christmas

Ethan has been a Thomas the Tank Engine fan from an early age and at the weekend, we visited Thomas Land at Drayton Manor for only the third time to have a fun family day out and celebrate the start of the festive season - including our first trip this Christmas time to see Santa in his grotto.


It was a beautiful day - perfect for a day out and about, with blue skies and a slight chill in the air but not too much to put you off being outdoors for most the day - and our little man had been so excited. We were too; Ethan has grown up so much since our last visit, and of course even more so than the first time I took him for the day two years ago. There's a lot to do at Drayton Manor and Ethan is at just the right age (three and a half) and importantly, height (99cm to be precise) to enjoy all the rides that Thomas Land has to offer.

And boy, did he enjoy them all!

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Tuesday 22 November 2016

...food: 5 Places To Eat on Christmas Day in London

* Collaborative post

I don’t know about you, but in my family, Christmas lasts a whole lot longer than one day.  In fact, most of the rushing relatives, glazed hams, truckloads of presents and pageant preparation happen before the day itself.  By the time Christmas comes and the presents are dashed across the living room floor, I don’t feel like doing much of anything besides slipping a little bit of Santa’s special tipple into my coffee and kicking back.  Sometimes the best Christmas present for a mum and dad is a great takeaway or a restaurant that’s open on Christmas day, and if you live in London or will be visiting friends or family, you won’t have to look far.  

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...lifestyle: something for nothing

* Sponsored post

Everyone loves a bargain, right? Something extra we didn't expect, or an offer too good to miss or something for free to try out - all of these things can put a smile on our face and none more so than at this time of year.

I don't know about you, but with my Christmas shopping well underway and plans for the festivities ahead being made, I really am keeping a close eye on the pennies and it really is the case that every little helps.


Taking time and doing some research before purchasing is key for me, particularly at Christmas as I want to make sure we can enjoy lots of fun things over the holiday season - and be able to get through January without feeling too much of a pinch!

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Monday 21 November 2016

...beauty: lights, camera, selfie!

* Sponsored post

Getting ready at home can be a challenge when you're a working mum. Using the bathroom is rarely a solo experience and having the time to take your time when applying make up is tough if you have a toddler rummaging through your box of lotions and potions.

To try and make my morning routine that much easier, I have my main toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel, facial wash, hairbrushes etc in the bathroom and then all my other bits, from moisturiser to make up and perfume, on my dressing table. Everything is close to hand for when I need it and I have a routine that I follow that works for me.

Alarm.
Cup of tea.
Bathroom - shower / wash hair, teeth, face.
Bedroom - skincare, make up, style hair.

Wake the toddler.

If the toddler awakes before any of the above, my iPad is a useful distraction...

Having a place for everything makes it all so much easier and I can go about getting ready. But the main factor that makes a difference is lighting.

The Monroe mirror

Good lighting. Good visibility.

If I can focus on what I'm doing, I'm that much quicker and I've found ways to make my routine easier by applying task lighting rules around my home.


This means I've thought about where I get ready and what I do when I'm there, and made sure I have the appropriate type of lighting and a good mirror at that point. There's no point hanging a mirror in an area where your face will be cast in shadow and you need to be able to see your face, your head or your body at different stages when you're getting ready - but not always all at the same time.

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...me: a little Christmas wishlist

I put together a Christmas wishlist for Ethan the other week and I've indulged in some online window shopping thinking about what I may like to receive from the man in red this year - if I have been a good girl, of course.

I like the usual girly things come this time of year - new PJ's, slippers, gloves, jewellery, books and something to pamper myself with - and it's always nice to receive something new to try.


Because I can't help but online window shop, particularly when I'm up in the middle of the night to settle Ethan, I've added the lovely beauties above, as found on Not On The High Street for all of them apart from the two Stila make up Christmas gift sets, to this post. There's just too many beautiful things out there; like the Rachel Jackson birthstone amulet, where you can have different stones mixed (I would do this for myself, hubs and Ethan so all our birthstones combined to make this a unique piece). It comes in silver, gold and rose gold (which I currently have a thing for) too, so you can pick a tone to suit the stones. 

The fold out for leaf clover locket is stunning, I love bangles and all of these would look lovely to stack with ones I already have and the Stila lippie is devine.

I really am being rather greedy, aren't I? Seeing as I had already picked out the following bits and pieces too...
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...crafts: make a Christmas wreath for your door



This is a craft project I did a couple of Christmases ago and I can't wait to hang my handmade traditional Christmas wreath again (we put out decorations up on the 2nd December, in case you were wondering). 


It was really easy to make and you can use items that you have in your home or garden to decorate it, so it could be a very cheap craft project too.

Here's what I used and how I made my wreath...

You will need:
Wreath - you could choose a fake green branch wreath or a wicker design if you prefer, Wilkos has a great range to choose from, as well as decorations for 50p or £1 plus florist wire, and I got mine from (you guessed it) Hobbycraft

Two oranges
Cinnamon sticks
Pine cones
Glitter glue
Length of beads
Bells
String
Florist/easy to bend wire
Ribbon



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Thursday 17 November 2016

...Mum: Ethan's Christmas Presents

* Collaborative post

So, Black Friday is almost upon us and the nation's retailers are bracing themselves for their best deals and a tidal wave of customers flurrying into the store and flooding online to snap up the top offers. I think we'll all remember the chaotic scenes from past years, of people getting trampled in the crush to pick up a bargain and things ending in blows as people battle over cut price TV's.

Every year, I do wonder what the fuss is all about. I like getting something for a steal as much as the next person, but there's actually lots of great offers around in the lead up to Christmas and no need to go a bit nutty just because there's one day in the retail calendar where flash sales pop up.

I have done the majority of my Christmas shopping now and being a savvy shopper, and with online shopping being so easy, I have been able to shop around and find good deals.


Whether it's Black Friday or not, you can pick up some great offers - and to take the stress out of things, you could give Every Day is Black Friday a go and leave them to do the hard work for you. It's a clever site that uses intelligent spiders to go out there and search for just the thing you're looking for. It then finds the best offers from across the web to give you accurate price information - and updates when the price drops.

Think of it as your own Santa's little helper - there to sniff out the best prices and help you get what you want at a price to make you smile.
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...travel: get back to nature

Have you been watching the new series, Planet Earth 2, on BBC1? It's another triumph in television and gives such a close up view of the natural world, and moments we would otherwise not be able to witness. From creatures great and small, their journeys and life battles are documented in stunning footage and stories such as the baby iguana trying to escape from snakes hot on its tail have made a huge impact upon people, making the news headlines and popping up on Facebook feeds as it captures the nation's imagination.


It's great to see so many people take such great interest in an educational show like this and I think the wonder of this kind of programme, and the appeal of Sir David Attenborough, is a real draw for anyone with a fascination for the world around them.

When we're young, this interest is so vivid as we learn all the time and it comes naturally to us to ask questions. I believe it's really important to nurture this curiosity and since I was a little girl, I have loved spending time in the great outdoors. I love visiting areas of local interest, seeing vast fields and exploring weathered woods and a lot of our holidays or trips away purposely include this element.

I have a little explorer on my hands and I want him to enjoy discovering new things. Whilst he loves animals such as polar bears and sharks, there's so much around him to capture his interest and in Britain, we really are so lucky to have so many places of natural beauty and so much nature to seek out.
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...interiors & beauty: a tour of my dressing table


I love my dressing table. I have always wanted one and since getting it a year and a half ago, it's somewhere I love spending time.

I get ready at it every morning and it's also a really nice feature in our new look bedroom.

It looks glamorous and it adds a bit of glamour to my routine.

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Wednesday 16 November 2016

Having fun with chalk makers - plus special 20% discount for TBM readers!


Chalkboards are a bit of a trend and one that doesn't seem to be going away any time soon. A few years ago, I picked up a pot of chalkboard paint from B&Q and decided to turn the panel in the understairs cupboard door into a chalkboard.

As it's a busy area in the house, I thought it would make for an interesting feature and it would also be somewhere to write messages and greetings too.

It was a really cheap idea and one that I've loved ever since. So my chalkboard love began, and since then we have a chalkboard memo board for each day of the week and I even have chalkboard style labels for jars.

So, when Chalkola got in touch to see if I'd like to give their chalk markers a go, I couldn't resist.
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...interiors: shelf life


I love shelves and bookcases and with the trend for #shelfies - where you post snaps of shelf displays in your home - it seems I'm not alone.

As part of our recent bedroom makeover, we have two shelves that have become really important features and they have worked to add depth and interest to the scheme as a whole.

Above our bed, we fitted a chunky floating shelf bought in Ikea for £15 that runs almost from one side to the other. I love this kind of look but never thought it was something we could do. It was a finishing touch we hadn't really thought of until a week after finishing the bedroom; I just felt something was missing and with the wall being an external one, hubs said he was sure we could go for this look. 
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Tuesday 15 November 2016

Happy 4th birthday to TBM!

So, four years ago, I started on a journey. I had recently found out that I was pregnant and had begun reading all kinds of blogs for ideas, information and support. I decided that I too wanted to document my journey from bump to baby and beyond, for my friends and family and to make new connections too.

It would be my record, my space to share memories and things I love and somewhere I could be me.


And this week, my corner of the web turns four.

Four!

I've been here, chatting away about anything and everything that's been going in my life, and things that I have found along the way. The fun times, the tough times, the silly times.

I still love blogging as much as I did then but had no idea where it would take me and who it would introduce me to. It means a great deal to me and the relationships I have made with readers, followers and other bloggers, and the amazing brands I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with.

I've come a long way since my first post, and there's just so much I would love to do.

What's next for To Become...? Who knows! I'm going to keep on doing my thing. There's always so many ideas and things I'd like to do but so little time, being a full tome working mum. But my blog means a lot to me and it will continue to follow me and my family through our next adventures.

I hope that you'll come along for the ride.

A big thank you to everyone who has ever stopped by my blog and here's to the next four years...!

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Monday 14 November 2016

...days out: see David Walliams in his PJs at Symphony Hall this Sunday

I've been working with Town Hall and Symphony Hall Birmingham for the past couple of months so wanted to share news of the David Walliams event taking place this Sunday, where he will be realing from and talking about his new children's fiction title, The Midnight Gang.

For fans and bookworms alike, it promises to be a great event plus £1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity - so the season of goodwill and giving begins early.

Over to the Symphony Hall team to tell you more... 



Town Hall Symphony Hall, HarperCollins Children’s Books and the bookselling mini-chain Foyles have confirmed that multi-talented and award-winning author David Walliams will be coming to Symphony Hall for his biggest event yet. Fans young and old will be able to hear, for the first time ever in front of a live audience, David talk about his new children’s fiction title, The Midnight Gang.

David Walliams and THSH will be inviting families from Birmingham Children’s Hospital to attend the show for free, and £1 from every ticket purchased will be donated to Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. HarperCollins Children’s Books, David Walliams’ publisher for both his fiction and picture book titles, will also donate a copy of The Midnight Gang to every child staying in the hospital.

This pre-Christmas season spectacular will take place on 20th November in the heart of Birmingham. Fans are encouraged to take part in the midnight magic and come dressed to the event in their pyjamas for some classic Walliams silliness!
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Friday 11 November 2016

...crafts: let's make an advent calendar!

It's almost December so it's almost time to start the countdown to Christmas and to do this in style, you need an advent calendar so I have a fun craft project to share with you.


It's almost December so it's almost time to start the countdown to Christmas and to do this in style, you need an advent calendar.

We started some new traditions when Ethan was born and with our homemade advent calendar at the heart of everything. We decided we wanted an advent calendar we can use every year and our idea is to not only have a chocolate treat waiting inside but also a seasonal task. From watching Elf to baking gingerbread, singing carols and reading 'Twas The Night Before Christmas.

I found this beautiful wooden advent house template in Hobbycraft (every year they do different shapes so take a look to see what they have in this year, and be quick as they always sell fast) and knew exactly what I wanted to do with it...

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Tuesday 8 November 2016

Guide to where to see Santa in the Midlands - Christmas 2016

For the past two years, we have been to see the man in red several times at various locations across the Midlands. I've shared a round-up of places to see Santa on my blog for the past two years and from the beginning, they quickly become some of my most popular posts ever. So much so, it’s started to creep back up as one of my most read recently, so here I am, sharing my bumper 2016 grotto guide to the top places where you can meet the man with a belly that wobbles like a bowl full of jelly this Christmas across the region…


This will be Ethan’s fourth Christmas and with each year, our excitement and his grows. He is already talking excitedly about the man in red and it seems that he really is starting to know what it is all about - and I can't wait until the festivities kick off.


There’s no denying that come 25th December, he’s going to be an excited ball of energy, dressed in his festive PJ’s and exclaiming at his gifts in glee - with me grinning right beside him!

We are all about the traditions in our house – opening the advent calendar, watching Muppet Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve – and now we have Ethan, visiting Santa. We'll be going to at least a couple of these... which event might you go to? Maybe we will see you there...

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