The Royal Baby | The Birth of a Princess

A few weeks ago you couldn't switch on the TV without hearing about the royal baby. No one knew whether we'd have a new Royal Prince or Princess or even when the baby would be making an appearance. There is something really exciting about a new baby being born into a family and with the nation looking forward to the new baby, it was something we could all get behind.

And then arrived Princess Charlotte - A Taurus woman who has the eyes of the nation on her already. I have no idea that her mother has already thought about the hopes and dreams of this new little one. We all want the best for our children and as a mother I know it is something that I think about often. Darcy is definitely the princess of our family and is treated as such. I want her to have a fantastic childhood and make sure I spend time creating memories for her to treasure. I know that as a mother, Kate will be wanting the same for Princess Charlotte. Yes, you could say that Charlotte has been born into a life of luxury but I believe that regardless of money, we all hope for the best for our children - health and happiness.

I know when Darcy was born I started to think about what changes I needed to make in my life, in order to make sure that she got off to the right start. I wanted strong foundations and to see a good example to her. A new baby is definitely all about new beginnings, although this was something I didn't really understand until Darcy was on her way - then it was all about starting a new and doing what I had to do to make sure that she was safe, happy and looked after!

Did you feel the same when you had a child? What new beginnings did you hope for?

*post in collaboration with... TheCircle 

Under #Bressure | My Breastfeeding Experience

You have probably seen over social media women talking lots about “Breflfies” aka Mothers taking pictures of themselves breastfeeding their babies.

I knew from the beginning I wanted to breastfeed, you are told from an early age that “Breast is best”, “breastfeeding is a bonding experience” “Babies who are breastfed are the healthiest” etc. etc. etc.

My first night in hospital with Darcy was awful. I was so tired, she cried and cried because she was hungry, I was struggling to get her to latch on. Trying to keep her quiet so she didn't wake up the other mothers and their babies. In the end a nurse took Darcy away from me for a few hours to feed her and allow me to have a rest. I was told I couldn’t go home until I could breastfeed her properly. I was in hospital for three long stressful days trying to prove myself as a mother.

Sitting at home with my breast pump trying desperately to express milk and when I did it was only 1 fl oz or so. My nipples would be so sore and swollen. I would burst into to tears heart broken. I felt I let Darcy and myself down.

Deflated (the pun was lost on me at first) I walked to Boots and brought some formula milk, I handed over my Boots Reward Card to be told they don’t give points for formula milk. Was I being persecuted for bottle feeding my baby? I later found out it’s illegal to advertise formula for under 6 months olds.

My midwife, who was being helpful, told me about Breastfeeding classes but I didn't want to sit in a group announcing to the world what a failure I felt for not breastfeeding my child. Discussing it with other mothers a lot where not aware of such classes. The NHS need to promote this classes more!

A survey by Channel Mum has found that 39 % of bottle-feeding mothers have been the target of negative comments and looks by strangers.

Some 41% said they feel they have "failed as a mum and failed their child" because they do not breastfeed, with 15% admitting to being forced to lie about breastfeeding and 5% even being subjected to attacks on social media

Now there is a backlash from mothers who bottle feed their babies under the hashtag #bressure on social media posting how feeding their child makes them feel. Instead of posing breastfeeding their baby, they are posting pictures with a one-word slogan on how feeding their child, and the judgement around it, has made them feel.

Mothers who chose to breastfeed their children shouldn't be made to feel like a second class citizen. The issue is that no matter what we need to feed our babies!

All that matters is your child is happy,healthy and well fed. There's enough pressures in life without yet another breast vs bottle backlash. Women need support whatever their decisions on breastfeeding. Why is bottle feeding such a taboo subject? Did you feel under #bressure? I would love to hear your stories

The Netflix Tag

Source

In my personal opinion Netflix is the best thing since sliced bread, it’s most definitely worth the £6 a month.

I have been tagged by Steph from Mental Parentals for the Netflix Tag. You can read Steph’s here

All Time Favourites

By far the best series on Netflix, in my opinion are Fargo, Arrested Development, Breaking Bad. And saving the best for last Ru Paul Drag Race, words cannot describe how much I love this show. It’s such easy watching and puts a smile on my face.

Current Addiction

Well lately I cannot get enough of Daredevil, the fight scenes are amazing. I have recently just finished watch Marco Polo, which is not my normal type of programme but was a really good watch.

Darcy current favourite is Yo Yabba Yabba, it’s such a strange little programme with music and the odd celebrity making a appearance. I haven’t decided if it’s plain awful or bloody amazing but she loves it

Wishlist

Games of Thrones as I’m having to be cheeky and watch it free online. My so called life, totally sums up my teenage years and definitely all the Harry Potter movies

Pet Peeve

I’m going to cheat and name two peeves.  First of all, the fact the US Netflix is so much better than the UK. Secondly they have part 2 of a film and not the first ie Fast and Furious 6 but the others are not...how messed up is that?.

Marathon Essentials

My cosy Pyjamas, duvets, cup of green tea and a few cheeky nibbles.

What's on Your Watch List?

Pretty Little Liars, Once Upon A time and American Horror Story.

You Should Watch…

If you love a good comedy, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Archer and Community definitely. After something a bit more gritty?, Orange Is The New Black, Breaking and Bad, Better Call Saul. And saving the best for last Ru Paul Drag Race words cannot describe how much I love this show.

I Tag:

Lucia from U Cant Wear That, Stacey from Mummy and The Bubbas, Andrea from BloggerMumma, James from Daddy Space and Leyla from This Day I love

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my answers to the Netflix tag! What is your favourite thing to watch on Netflix, let me know in the comments

Slimming World Meal Planning Monday #1

Heya everyone,

I thought i’d do something different as I wasn’t able to get to class this week to get weighed.

This week I shopped at Aldi for the first time. No one warns you how expensive healthy eating is, anyways the whole trolley full of shopping came up to under £50!! and that’s including Darcy’s bits and bobs. I’m generally impressed even though it was really busy and their aisles are rather small. I had to go to Asda to get my SP essentials including Quark but i’ll definitely be shopping there again.

This week I am doing Extra Easy SP which basically means 50/50 of Speed and Protein foods, 1 Healthy Extra A choice and 2 Healthy Extra B choice with the usual 5 - 15 syns a day.

Meals this week include

Monday

Overnight Oats made with Quark

Spicy Butternut Squash Soup & Bread Roll

Oven Baked Salmon & Veg

Tuesday

Overnight Oats made with Quark

Tuna Melt with Salad

Burger, Butternut Squash Chips, Beans & Coleslaw

Wednesday

Fruit Salad

Pizza Omelette

Chicken & Salad

Thursday

Overnight Oats made with Quark

Spicy Butternut Squash Soup & Bread Roll

Meatballs with Ratatouille

Friday

Overnight Oats made with Quark

Spicy Beans on Toast

Chinese Fakeway - Prawn Toast, Chicken Chow Mein & Egg Fried Rice

Saturday

Weetabix & Fruit

Cheese Toastie with Salad

Shepard Pie & Veg

Sunday

Full English

Spicy Butternut Squash & Bread Roll

Roast Chicken Dinner

What are you eating this week? Leave me a comment here or let me know on Facebook or Twitter

What Darcy Does | 16 Months Update!

Another month, another monthly update. I am still in awe at how much Darcy has grown. I’ve been looking back at old pictures, what happened to the little person I brought home from the hospital?. She has a character.....feisty and so independent.

Diet Darcy seems to have developed expensive taste her current favourites are smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel, and Grandma’s french jam. She also enjoys jacket potatoes beans and cheese, watermelon, blueberries and Great Nan Ann’s roast dinners.

Sleep I must had jinxed myself with my last update, Darcy has started waking up once or twice in the night and takes a while to settle.She either wants to play for at least an hour or cries until she gets into my bed. However, she is napping for 1 - 2 hours during the day. Any suggestions on how I can get her to sleep through the night again?

Loves

Dogs, especially chasing them around the park

The sound of people sneezing, it makes her laugh hysterically

Playing with her new bath toys

Being read to

Yo Gabba Gabba thanks to Aunty Cherilyn!

Hates

Being over tired

Teething
and being told "no!"

Milestones Darcy can show you where her nose, mouth and teeth are when asked. She also stringed her first sentence together “I go, car broom broom”. She can also now say “book” “baby” “eat” and “keys”.When she’s having fun she says “weeeeeeeee”

She is starting to sing along to her favourite TV shows, it may not be words but she knows when to make the right noises.

Darcy is very heavy footed, you can hear her from upstairs walking about however she has developed a new ninja skill of tip toeing around when she doesn’t want you to know she’s on the move.

She is starting to role play more, mainly pretending she is on the phone. When she plays with cars she says “broom brrrroooommmmm”.

Darcy is incredible company, she’s always entertaining us with her cheekiness so you can imagine there is never a dull moment and she gives the best hugs ever

Slimming World Files | Week 19

Heya everyone,

It’s that time of the week again, my weekly Slimming World update.

I was really good and took Darcy to Trent Park for a long walk, whilst T went for  jog. I ended up walking almost 3 miles. I was presently surprised, I could definitely feel a difference in my fitness. We also went out for lunch and I choose the safest thing on the menu jacket potato beans and cheese but I was really good and asked them to served the cheese on the side and also no butter.

I do in general need to watch my portion sizes, Slimming World is amazing but if you enjoy food and have a big appetite like me it’s easy to eat a lot of calories still.

This week I lost 1.5 lbs which I’m really pleased with.

I haven't taken many pictures of what I have been eating this week but here are a few of my favourite meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Snacks

How have you all got on this week? If you ever fancy a natter I'm over on twitter @bumpandbeyond_

Out & About | Grand Design Live London 2015

Over the weekend I went along to the Excel Centre for the annual Grand Design Live Show.

I have been a huge fan of the show for years now, So when I was offered tickets of course I couldn't miss Grand Designs Live! I’m a sucker for for all things interior design and home renovating and i’m in the process of moving house so was keen for some much needed inspiration.

We decided to drive to the Excel Centre and was presently surprised with the amount of parking available and at £15 for the whole day it wasn't too expensive either. 

We got there around 2 pm and wasted now time looking about the different sections. It was rather busy with it being the weekend and Grand Design being such a popular show. It was hard to get a feel of the showrooms whilst consisting having people shoving leaflets in your face.

I was also excited to talk to the people at the British Gas stand about the one pound house, yes ONE POUND. If you not heard about it check out the link - it’s a really interesting watch. Hopefully more councils will jump on to the idea.

I hate to be predictable but one of the highlights of the day was the Market Street, with lots of gadgets and grimso and of course, food samples to nibble on. There was such a wide selection from cheeses, wine and world wide foods. I had my eye on the pick n mix until I saw the price £3.99 for 100g yikes!

Surprisingly I loved the Garden area. I spent most of my time lusting over all the hot tubs, there were some that were bigger than the ground floor of my house. There were also some amazing sheds which proved sheds are just not for tools.

What I loved

I feel in love with the Smeg range, I’m loving the pastel colours. I also love the quirky car bonnet fridge.I just need a bigger garden for it to go in.

I love the idea of magnet, sketch and blackboard paint from Kidicraft. You can use any paint over it, would be perfect in a kitchen, a childrens bedroom or a meeting room.

I really like these lighting from Jam Jar lights, especially the Kilner Jars, they are so quirky. I can imagine them hanging from a kitchen ceiling.

How cute are these tea cup sets from Bettimay, I feel in love with the pastel colours and floral design.

I loved these tiles which were painted with Paint by Conran paint

What I brought

This knife set from Joseph and Oakley for £10. I love the colour design and how everything is labelled.

After having a sample I couldn’t walk away without a bottle Toffee Vodka from Toffoc. The sale person gave me a few ideas how to use it including pour it on ice cream, adding to coffee or smoothies and making a bread and butter pudding.

Then there was my bargain of the day, my ugly looking Aloe Vera plant for £1 from www.bloomingeasy.com

Unfortunately I didn't see any celebrities or get to see any of the demonstrations, however I had a really enjoyable day out.

Have you been to Grand Design Live? Did you enjoy it?

The Slimming World Files | Week 18

Heya Everyone

Week 18 already, I can’t believe it. This is the longest I have stuck to a diet. I'm not going to pretend that it has been easy but sometimes things that challenge are good for you in the long run. When I feel myself drifting off plan, I remind myself why I joined Slimming World and all the exciting things I can do once I reach my goal.

So, this week I lost 4lbs!! Which I am really chuffed with. Apart from one day which was my mum’s birthday I kept on plan and really watched what I ate. In total I have now lost 2 stones 3 lbs and I’m starting to see the difference in my clothes.

This week I would like to lose 2lbs and reduce the amount of fizzy drinks I’m drinking. I seen to have developed a little addiction to Cherry Pepsi Max

Here are some of my favorite meals from last week 

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Snacks

How have your weight loss journeys been treating you? What are your favourite recipes? I would love to hear them

Current Favourite Scent | Police To Be The Queen

Excuse the scratch on the bottle!

Heya Everyone,

I put my hands up and admit, i’m a bit of a perfume junkie, I have a lot of perfumes. From cheap and cheerful to high end.

I actually came across To Be The Queen whilst looking for a Mothers Day present but was drawn to the bottle on the Testers shelf. I love the design of the bottle I especially liked the gold on white, it looks great on my dressing table.

I love vanilla and fruity scents. The smell of this perfume is feminine and sweet, but not overly sweet. It has the perfect blend of Vanilla, Pineapple, Jasmine and Musk. it's not overwhelming and settles down really well, leaving a light, flirty scent which lasts for hours. This is such a cheap price for such an amazing perfume. If you are a fan of Angel by Thierry Mugler you will definitely love this perfume.

This has become one of my favorite perfumes, so much so that I have almost finished it and will definitely be buying another bottle!

What is your current favorite perfume? I love discovering new scents, so please let me know what yours is in the comments below!

Wish List Wednesday | Summer Dresses for Darcy

1// 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 

Heya everyone,

As I type this it is wet and grey outside, however we are now officially in May,Britsh Summer Time is around the corner. I can’t help but look at summer dresses for Darcy. And with the warmer months approaching it’s great to bring some colour in to our lives.

Next is personally one of my favourite places to shop for Darcy and i’m loving the tropical print on this dress. I love ......

I love the colour yellow on Darcy!, I find that Gap clothes wash up so well. So this one will last us through the summer months for sure.

I can't get over how cheap this dress is, only £2.99. What a bargain!, cheap and cute like most things from H&M

Monsoon really do have some lovely bits in at the moment, I have to admit that I don't shop there often. As I find that their pieces are rather formal for my taste but I love this dress.

You can't beat a bit of nautical, I'm loving this Zara dress. Zara is a rather dangerous shop for me as I always end up buying more than I plan when I visit. 

Ted Baker always does beautiful floral patterns, this dress is perfect for a wedding we have been invited too in the summer.

Realising it now, my wish list has a rather tropical feel, maybe I need a holiday to Hawaii??