tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11284055532983544552024-02-19T01:50:07.349+00:00bee mama | beauty, parenting & lifestyle blogJoanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.comBlogger676125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-70371606030940196662019-02-27T20:54:00.001+00:002019-02-27T20:54:44.236+00:00BABY #2 | 6 MONTH UPDATE<div style="text-align: center;">
So... I've been gone a while... over 6 months, in fact. But I DID have a baby so I think that's allowed. Olivia is 6 months old since Feb 19th, so I thought I would do a quick update on her development...<br />
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First of all, here's my gorgeous baby girl...<br />
so I carried her for 9 months, went through a crappy pregnancy of gestational diabetes with insulin injections twice a day, a million trips to the hospital, a horribly induced labour, and she still came out looking like her daddy... damn it, kid.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">sleeping</span></div>
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What is sleep? Seriously, this girl is the polar opposite to her big brother when it comes to bedtime. She catnaps through the day, but night-time is just awful! She loves being all snuggled up and cosy to sleep, so she's still being swaddled. I've tried her in the Grobag a few times, but her arms and legs flail. She's got no idea what to do with them, so usually ends up pulling out her dummy then whinging for it back! I kind of regret not starting her in the Grobag when she was much younger, but I guess every baby is different and her favourite way of sleeping is being wrapped. However, she still wakes multiple times in the night... not always fully, but I hear her on the monitor which obviously wakes me. We've even bought her a Sleepyhead Grand in the hope that it would help... it hasn't made a HUGE different (yet - I'm hoping it still might, given the ginormous price tag!), but it means she's more cosy and 'held in', rather than my tiny baby being in her own room in a big cot all on her own. Some mornings if she wakes stupidly early, I'll take her downstairs and lay on the sofa with her. Of course, she falls straight back to sleep and hardly stirs. That's how well she sleeps being cuddled. A lot of people would probably encourage us to co-sleep because of this, but it's just not something we do.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;">feeding</span></div>
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We are doing baby-led weaning (BLW) with Olivia, and she's absolutely loving it! She's still on formula (Aptamil), but she also loves toast, carrot, mashed potato, avocado, superpuffs, cucumber, small bits of soft cheese, sausage without skin, banana, tomato and yogurt. She's not crazy about scrambled egg, but I'll offer it again, like I did with Leighton. I'm going to try her with porridge really soon too, maybe tomorrow morning for breakfast.</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;">clothing</span></div>
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Mainly 3-6 months, but she has a couple of 0-3 months pieces that still fit. Packing away her newborn bits killed me because she's just not a baby anymore! </div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;">teething</span></div>
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No teeth yet, but some nights her cheeks are so red and she's in agony, so I don't think they'll be long coming through. We give her Calpol or Nurofen, but Nurofen seems to work best for her.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;">movement</span></div>
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She started rolling over when she was a day over 6 months. She did it when she was around 5 months too, but it was just once so I think that one was a fluke. Now if you lay her on her back, she's straight over onto her tummy. Nappy changes are becoming more difficult! As well as rolling, she kind of scooches (is that even a word?!) herself along the floor. And rotates!</div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;">favourite toys</span></div>
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She loves the Baby Einstein activity jumper! She's got a Fisher-Price teddy that sings, and she's quite fond of that. She also loves her Lamaze Flapping Fiona! Some of Leighton's tractors. Teething toys are always welcomed, and things that she can grab onto. She loves pulling my hair... does that count?<br />
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Until next time...<br />
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-68802372688082410672018-08-17T11:18:00.001+01:002018-08-17T11:18:10.651+01:00BABY #2 | 38 WEEK PREGNANCY UPDATE<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How far along?</b> 38 weeks... HOW???</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Total weight gain:</b> not checking!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Maternity clothes?</b> Maternity jeggings, leggings, pyjamas (indoors, obviously!)... anything I can fit into at this stage!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stretch marks?</b> Belly, hips, thighs... sigh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sleep:</b> Carpal tunnel wakes me & keeps me awake so many nights, so it's pretty bad & I'm exhausted a lot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Best moment this week:</b> will be tomorrow evening when I'll be induced & get ready to meet our baby girl!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Miss anything?</b> So much!!! Sleeping (if I get any!), being able to get up out of bed without struggling like a turtle on its back, being able to put my shoes on when my swollen feet get better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Movement:</b> All the movement! A little more limited as baby girl is engaged. Kicks, punches... never thought I would say I love being kicked & punched but here we are! She loves kicking up high & punching down low. The hiccups are so cute too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Food cravings:</b> None that I can think of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Gender:</b> GIRL!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Anything making you queasy or sick:</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> the heartburn makes me feel really nauseous at times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Labour signs:</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"> The odd contraction here & there</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Symptoms:</b> heartburn & carpal tunnel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Belly button in or out?</b> OUT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Wedding rings on or off?</b> Off :( my fingers are a little swollen, but I'm hoping to have my ring back on not long after baby girl is born.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Happy or moody most of the time:</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Up and down again... I'm at the stage where I just want her here now, but I know I'll miss the pregnancy, belly & movements. I get overwhelmed with more things now but I feel crap so much of the time, so that could be why.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Looking forward to:</b> Induction tomorrow & meeting baby girl!</span></div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-15806541237814647852018-07-14T19:59:00.000+01:002018-07-14T19:59:03.290+01:00BABY #2 | 33 WEEK PREGNANCY UPDATE<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How far along?</b> 33 + 1. Can't believe I'm even typing that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Total weight gain:</b> not checking</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Maternity clothes?</b> I've just been living in non-maternity dresses really, as this heatwave we've had, has been an absolute nightmare. It's still too hot!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stretch marks?</b> Honestly my whole body is one big stretchmark at this stage! Just kidding, I have some more on my tummy and inner thighs. *all the eye rolls*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sleep:</b> Mostly rubbish...it's too hot to sleep!! When I get to sleep, the carpal tunnel wakes me up and keeps me awake. It's horrendous. I've just passed a few weeks of having the WORST round ligament pain. I mean, my last baby's birth was easier than the pain of ligament pain. I still have a touch of it now but it's very bearable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Best moment this week:</b> Just adding the last little finishing touches to the nursery, and knowing we're sorted. If she were to arrive tomorrow (let's say I was full term), we would be ready! And hospital bags are fully packed and ready to go into the car. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Miss anything?</b> Sleep, no backache, being able to get up out of bed properly, clothes fitting, being able to put shoes on without taking an hour <strike>per foot</strike>. Also, no heartburn is something I can't wait for again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Movement:</b> Everything! The hiccups are beyond cute. If her daddy rubs my belly or talks to her, baby girl will always respond too! Or if her big brother lays on my belly...or makes a loud noise!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Food cravings:</b> Nope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Gender:</b> GIRL!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Anything making you queasy or sick:</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> the heartburn makes me feel really nauseous at times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Labour signs:</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"> We *thought* baby girl was engaged the other day, but she's not. I get the odd Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing severe or consistent, and definitely not enough for hospital!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Symptoms:</b> The heartburn is back with a vengeance. As mentioned above, the ligament pain in much better than it was... I think the carpal tunnel is the worst thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Belly button in or out?</b> In.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Wedding rings on or off?</b> Off :( my fingers are a little swollen, but I'm hoping to have my ring back on not long after baby girl is born.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Happy or moody most of the time:</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Up and down... the last week has been really tough, and I find myself feeling really down and overwhelmed by everything. I worry about everything too, so that doesn't help. I'm so excited for it all though!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Looking forward to:</b> Our 36 week scan is in August and I can't wait for it. We will hopefully get a date for induction then... although part of me thinks that she will arrive before I make it that far... time will tell...</span></div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-16668495241365566362018-07-09T22:58:00.000+01:002018-07-09T22:58:31.243+01:00Blood Isn't Always Thicker Than Water<div style="text-align: justify;">
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I've written a couple of personal posts on here, and I'm about to come at you with another one. I don't know where to start, so I'll type whatever comes to mind first. There WILL be swearing. </div>
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I come from a large family; 8 brothers, my parents & myself. My parents separated I'll say around 5 years ago, & divorced in October of 2017 I think. I'm 30 now, & have been living away from home since I was almost 19. Throughout my previous relationship, my mum was a rock. Always at the other end of the phone (twice a week for an hour or more - we could talk for Ireland!). She was my best friend, someone I felt I could rely on or talk to about anything. We were so close, & I felt special being the only daughter. My family were what I, & others, classed as a 'close knit family'; I think I've mentioned it on my blog too. I was proud to have a family <i>that</i> close. In relationship, not always distance.<br />
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I met someone on MySpace & we became close, ended up being together for 9 years & engaged. We texted all the time & he called me every night, obviously before we met in person. I was really happy, but kept myself to myself at home. One evening, my parents had friends over. I stayed up in my room talking to my boyfriend. My brother called up to me & told me to give him my phone because I was 'being rude', by not being around my parents' friends. I said no, & asked him to leave me alone. (bear in mind I was 18 & wasn't going to have my 22-year-old brother tell me what to do.) He shouted something up to me, which I think was 'bitch'. I was still on the phone to my boyfriend & he had heard it. He asked if I was okay & I told him I was fine. I assumed that was the end of it. Soon after, my mum called me down. I told my boyfriend I would call him back soon. I went downstairs, phone in hand, only to be restrained by my parents against a wall in the hallway, & my brother snatched my phone off me while I was sobbing & trying to fight them off. I was told it was 'for my own good'. I think they expected me to go in to see their friends, which obviously didn't happen. I spent the night in my room crying because of what had happened. It was scary, & I knew then that I had to leave at some stage.<br />
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Me moving out of home clearly became an issue, because of the timing. It was 2 months after my aunt passed away, and I needed to get away. I was almost 19, & left to be with my boyfriend. I left a note on my bed, but I can't remember what it said. According to my mum, I 'ran away' from home. She phoned me while I was on the way there shouting at me & telling me that my dad was disowning me. That wasn't true, & he confirmed that the same day for me. Eventually, she came around & I ended up moving in with my boyfriend. According to one (or maybe more) of my brothers, I 'took myself away, isolated myself from the family'. All this because I decided to move further afield (in the same tiny country that is Ireland). How absolutely ridiculous is that, that if you don't live in the same county, you get shit for it? </div>
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I got shit for not being there when my parents' marriage broke down. I thought it meant something that I spoke to my mum on the phone at least twice a week, always listening & making her laugh... apparently not. I got shit for not seeing the state my mum was in when it was all happening. Why? Because I was out getting on with my own life, being the only family member who lived away from the city that all the rest of my family lived in. I visited the family home once every 8 weeks or so, for 9 years. I asked them to visit me plenty of times, only to be met with 'when you visit us, you see the whole family'. This wasn't the case. In fact, I think I saw the whole family together ONCE at Christmas at my mum's. In that 9 years, my mum visited me twice. Twice. Both times, I had to pester her to do it. The second time she visited, I was working the morning after she stayed at mine with my brother, her boyfriend & his son. She told me the following... My now-ex went into the kitchen where the guests were having a cup of tea & my mum asked if she would load up the dishwasher. My ex told her "no, Joanna will do that when she gets in from work later." She replied with "okay". Didn't stick up for me, didn't question why he couldn't/wouldn't do it. Just accepted how he treated me.<br />
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When my relationship & engagement broke down after 9 years, I was supposed to move back to the family home. I met someone else, so ended up <b>not </b>moving back home as we were making a go of it. We looked at our options for us to be together. My mum offered to help, but let us down at the last minute. Her friend offered to help, while we got our feet on the ground. She also let us down at the last minute. After all that, everything went tits up. We eventually got sorted with a loan from my brother, & we both started working, so it obviously became easier to support ourselves. We even surprise visited on Christmas day. In January 2016, myself & C got a shock when we found out I was pregnant. I called my mum & she was excited. Not as excited as I'd hoped she would be, but myself & C were over the moon, & that's all that mattered. I assumed now that big things were happening for me, & as the only daughter/sister, my family would be more willing to TRAVEL (2.5 hours by car) to see me... or even want to see me. I was wrong. It was far too much to ask & 'expect'. When I was 10 weeks pregnant, we moved house as we had no hot water, the place was being taken over by rats & we lived in the middle of nowhere. It was depressing, but we had so much ahead of us to look forward to.</div>
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A few months into my pregnancy, I was diagnosed with depression. I didn't know anybody where I was living, & the severe lack of support from my family was out of this world. Some days, I was so low, I would just lay in bed & cry once C went to work. It shouldn't have been like that. My depression was put down to these facts combined, but I know I'd have been much better if family were supportive. Two brothers & my dad came to see me. I didn't have to beg my dad; he WANTED to see us so he visited. I got excuses for the rest of the family to not visit - everyone has their own lives (so did I over those 9 years I visited every 8 weeks). I was even told that the longer I wait, the more down I was going to get... by my brother's fiancée. Someone who isn't even part of my family. Apparently I can't ask for people to visit me because I '<i>chose to move away from home</i>'. Hold on... aren't family '<i>supposed</i>' to be there for you? That was always what I thought. You don't expect them to dessert you because you choose to move away from the family home & get on with your own life. I was told to 'hop on a bus' (where I would have to sit for 5+ hours at 5 months pregnant - um, no thanks), because people just simply couldn't be bothered to come see me. I was told to just 'be happy' (because I was pregnant), as if I could <i>switch off</i> my depression... Sorry, but it doesn't work like that. A lot of this was, again, from my brother's fiancée. Funny how once you move, you don't matter anymore to the people who are 'supposed' to care about you.</div>
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That led to my brother texting me the following day asking if I had ACTUALLY been diagnosed with depression, or was it something my midwife suggested. It was in this same conversation that he called me a spoilt bitch & selfish. It was at this point that I removed some family from my Facebook because I didn't feel they deserved to be part of mine or my baby's life. This led to the 'you cause drama everywhere you go' & 'you never gave a shit about us' comments. My son deserved people who wanted to make an effort to see him (& our little family), not swan in & out of his life when they wanted. While all this was going on, C was right by my side supporting my decisions & listening to me talking, crying & venting. It was an awful time, & although I loved pregnancy, it was tainted by the fact that my own family couldn't give a shit about me, or my son it seemed.</div>
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Because all of the family lived near each other & lived less than 3 hours away, they all spoke to each other, so things were said (& twisted) because I wasn't there to defend myself or say my piece. It led to another brother giving me shit for leaving home & ended with him telling me to 'try to raise a decent child'. So much of what was said was unfair & completely uncalled for. When I mentioned my upsets & all of the above to my mum, I expected her to stick up for me in some way. Did she? Hell no, she didn't. She had heard what had happened & what has been said, twisted no doubt. She said that my brothers fiancée was <i>trying to help</i>. She then blamed my hormones for me feeling like this. My hormones. How fucking dare she shut down my completely justified feelings like that? How much lower could I get in a time that I needed family to support me?</div>
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My mum still didn't bother to come see me as she worried she 'might get lost'. She eventually tried to arrange to see me & I told her some dates that suited. Myself & C had SO much going on, it was a super busy time trying to prepare for our little man's arrival. None of the dates were good enough because her boyfriend was working. This upset me more, but made me so angry too. By this point, we hadn't seen each other for a good 6 months, which was a first. Near the end of my pregnancy, my closest brother had arranged to come & see me. Because someone else was driving, my mum told my brother to ask me if she could come (we hadn't spoken for a months). A small part of me wanted to see her, but I said no, because THAT was her 'effort'. She only wanted to come to make herself feel better & because it was convenient for her. So as it went, my mum didn't see me at all during my pregnancy.</div>
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Many times, I stressed to her that I wanted to see effort made as it had been me doing it for so long. In fact, I cried on the phone multiple times about it, because it meant that much to me. But it never came. All that came were excuses. Not even when Leighton was born. One of my brothers tried to get C fired from his job, which would have essentially made us homeless with a newborn. It was so sad & my heart broke for our baby. I texted my youngest brother on his birthday, to wish him all the best. His reply text was simply "never speak to me again", despite me having not spoken to him since I met C, so whatever he heard was twisted at the family home. I eventually decided to try to make things a bit better with my mum when Leighton was 10 months old. I arranged, with my closest brother, a surprise visit to see my mum. We kept the secret & the day came. When my mum saw us, she cried a little... surprised, relieved, happy to see us. It was short-lived. The time spent with her was awkward, strained, far from what our relationship once was. It was tough. I blamed her then, & I still do now. I felt sick the entire time & knew she didn't deserve, or as it turned out, want to be a part of my baby's life. The following day, I was due to come home, but my dad's fiancée was busy so they couldn't drop me back. I asked my mum if she would drop me & Leighton home. She rolled her eyes & asked "do I have a choice?". I replied with "no, not really." Funny that when I said that, she was suddenly able to drive to my house.<br />
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On that journey, she still managed to squeeze in a snide remark about me 'running away from home' 11 years ago. I then reminded her that she had made no effort with me. Her reply was "can you let that go already?" despite JUST reminding me of something that happened 11 fucking years previous. She moaned at me when my phone died so I couldn't give directions, so my brother did it on his phone. She was in a rush to leave when we got back. Anyone would think she would want to make the most of the time with me & her grandson... Not a hope. That is the only time she has seen Leighton. He's nearly 2 years old. I thought that surprise meeting would encourage her to make some effort. How fucking stupid was I?<br />
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Multiple times, I asked her why she never talked about Leighton on her Facebook account, but she constantly talked (bragged) about her other grandchildren. And her own children of course, because she has 'eight amazing sons', not one mention of me, her only daughter. She pushed it all aside & said that she didn't write about Leighton because she 'didn't know him'. I told her she should make an effort to see him to get to know him, & she told me that it was unfair of me to say that. We had that conversation many times & she always resorted to "we need to meet in person to sort this out". But STILL never bothered. When she sent me money for my birthday, I offered to send it back so she could put petrol in the car to come & see me. 'No money' was always the excuse. When I made that offer, she said no. Upsetting, but whatever.<br />
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I didn't tell her of my pregnancy this time until I was 4 months gone. After all that had happened, I wasn't sure I wanted to. She acted excited on the phone & then said "were you going to tell me?' because I left it so late to tell her. I thought that was a strange remark as I had just told her. I replied with "I wasn't sure I wanted to even tell you, given how things have been & still are". I thought it might have been a fresh start. Again, I was wrong. Just recently, I was told that she learned of my pregnancy through a cousin & aunt I don't speak to, because they were stalking my private Instagram account - they can't see any pictures, but my bio mentions that I have Leighton & another baby on the way. This meant that she was aware of my pregnancy before I had even told her, yet she didn't bother to call me & her stupid excitement on the phone was feigned. This is also how she found out the sex of the baby - through relatives spying on my social media. These relatives are the same ones who visited during my pregnancy with Leighton, & said some nasty things about my mum during that visit. But now, they are back kissing her ass. Oh, if only she knew.<br />
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A couple of months ago, my mum was on a weekend away with her boyfriend, an hour & a half from me. Practically on my doorstep. Do you think she would tell me? Nah... I saw it on Facebook. She didn't bother contacting me for over 2 months prior to her weekend away. Despite me being pregnant again, no effort came, again. In May, she uploaded a picture of a couple of baby girl headbands she bought for a 'new little lady' who would be making an entrance into their lives 'in the next few months'. Funnily enough, her boyfriend's daughter was pregnant again & I had a feeling she was expecting a girl because of the picture & the gifts were for her. I didn't see how they could possibly be for my daughter because <i>I</i> hadn't told her I was having a girl, & she was announcing it on Facebook. At this stage, I hadn't heard from her for over 3 months. <b style="font-style: italic;">THREE</b> months of another pregnancy, gone without an effort from my own mother. It was sad, but I had become used to it. I didn't expect effort or anything from her anymore.<br />
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After seeing the Facebook post, I hit the roof & called her. She answered all lively as if nothing had ever happened, which pissed me off even more. I immediately asked her who was having a little girl... she went quiet & then said "you are, aren't you? it's one or the other", meaning it's either a boy or girl. I asked her why another pregnancy was going by without her bothering to make any bit of effort to be part of it. She made some stupid excuse, probably 'no money' as usual, then pointed out that I never ask how her boyfriend is. I told her I didn't care to ask how he was because she couldn't be arsed to even ask how <i>I</i>, her only daughter was. Her reply was simply "of course you don't care, you're a selfish bitch & you don't think about anyone but yourself". I told her she was a failure & a useless mother. She tried to come back with more shit like 'we'll see what your brothers say about that'. It ended with me telling her she can stay out of mine & my babies' lives, then I hung up the phone & blocked her number. It was a relief to have said it, but I was seething.<br />
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After the call, my poor, helpless mother played victim to my brothers. The one who had previously tried to get C fired from his job, has messaged my dad & told him "the bitch (me) is in for a slap". Ladies & gentlemen, my lovely brother (who is a daddy), who wishes to slap his pregnant sister. What a lucky girl I am.<br />
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I think that kind of where it ends, though I imagine there's a lot I have missed out in this post. At the end of the day, my babies deserve SO much better in their lives. I & their daddy will do all we can to protect them from people like that. Wherever my children's lives lead them, we will make sure we visit them, do right by them. Yes, I'm sure there will be times we fuck up, but they will always know how much we love them. Make sure they know we care about them. Make them a priority, because they're the most important people in our lives. They are our babies & they deserve the very best.<br />
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Blood isn't always thicker than water, & I know that for a fact. Family relationships are not always the strongest. Sometimes, they just don't care & will make you out to be the bad guy because they'll all side with one another. I ended up having counselling to help deal with the hurt & anger it caused, but it didn't help. I'm numb to it now.<br />
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If you've got this far, you deserve a medal!</div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-473025953496830332018-06-24T21:31:00.000+01:002018-06-24T21:31:57.785+01:00TODDLER | LEIGHTON'S 21 MONTH UPDATE<div style="text-align: center;">
With my gorgeous little man being close to 21 months, I figured I would update again. I like doing these posts; I find getting it all written down amazes me as to just how much he has grown, and is growing up. With just 8 weeks or so until his little sister makes her arrival, I'm cherishing every tiny little milestone... maybe not the tantrums though.<br />
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">sleeping</span></div>
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Sleep for the past week or two has been amazing! We dropped his bedtime bottle a while ago, and last week, we took his dummy away. He hasn't once looked for it, which has been brilliant. We took the dummy away before, and lasted 3 days until he started teething. It was the only thing that comforted him so we gave in, and he had it back. Since we dropped it last week for good, sleep has been so much better and he's properly sleeping through again. He hasn't woken at all looking for it, whereas he woke before sometimes for it. He'll go to bed anytime between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. The light summer evenings mean he's usually awake that little bit longer. If he goes down early, it's usually because his nap was too short or he has just really tired himself out. He'll wake around 7, sometimes earlier. The other day, he slept from 8 to 8... typically, those are the nights <i>I</i> am tossing and turning all night, or go to sleep far too late.<br />
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">feeding</span></div>
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We have transitioned from highchair to a booster seat at the kitchen table. It's made such a difference! I mean, food sometimes still gets dropped on the floor (purposely), but overall, eating is a much better experience. I think he prefers eating with the adults! Food-wise, he still eats pretty much everything... but I think he's gone off bananas completely. He loves sausages. He also loves dipping his food into his drink. Whatever he's eating and drinking. He will dip a crisp into his milk and eat it. Who even does that?! The same child who was dipping a digestive biscuit into ketchup yesterday, that's who. I am now questioning if he's really mine. Oh, and he likes spicy food! Definitely my child!</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">clothing</span></div>
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Still in 12-18 months for some things, but mainly 18-24 months! So many of Leighton's neutral baby clothes are ready for his little sister.</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">teething</span></div>
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When I last updated 2 months ago, Leighton had 9 teeth. Now he has 12! They're coming through so so fast, and the 12th one poked out the other night and he didn't even look for his dummy for it. Calpol sorts him out and he loves it now!<br />
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">movement</span></div>
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He is SUCH a boy's boy. Into everything and onto everything. He's so quick too. He loves being outdoors and will often bring his reins over to us (or his 'walk' as he calls them) when he wants to go for a walk. He is still playing with his first ride-on car and zooms around the house on it.</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">favourite toys</span></div>
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He still loves Henry the hoover, and has taken control of my birthing ball as his ball. He loves blocks, cars, ANYTHING that makes noise (the noisier the better) and has gotten more into books lately, which means his words are coming on so well. I compiled a list of words he says and counted up a total of <b>138</b> words. To say we are proud of our little man is an understatement. He truly is an amazing little human being, and he's ours. Proudest mummy and daddy ever.<br />
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Until next time...<br />
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-89325821401492983402018-05-27T20:36:00.000+01:002018-05-27T20:36:44.121+01:00BABY #2 | 26 WEEK PREGNANCY UPDATE<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How far along?</b> 26 + 2 (holy crap!!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Total weight gain:</b> not checking!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Maternity clothes? </b>Mainly maternity jeans</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stretch marks?</b> I haven't noticed any new ones since my last update 2 weeks ago</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sleep:</b> It's okay, I miss being able to just be comfy whichever way I lay down!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Best moment this week:</b> At my last scan, baby girl was breech. That same evening, she did the biggest movement yet, and I'm pretty sure she has flipped. Also getting into the nursery and some of it sorted (finally!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Miss anything?</b> Sleep, runny eggs, my back not aching all the time, being able to stand up to get out of bed/off the sofa (as opposed to rolling off!!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Movement:</b> All of the movement! I love it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Food cravings:</b> Nope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Gender:</b> GIRL!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Anything making you queasy or sick:</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> not that I can think of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Labour signs:</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"> nope, thankfully!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Symptoms:</b> The heartburn seems to have lessened a bit, and my chest feels heavy sometimes. I felt like my morning sickness was coming back last week, I felt awful. It seems to have subsided now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Belly button in or out?</b> In.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Wedding rings on or off?</b> Engagement ring ON!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Happy or moody most of the time:</b> Mostly moody. I'm a worrier, even about things that are beyond my control. I can get stressed easily over little things, so I've been pretty moody. I blame hormones!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Looking forward to:</b> Seeing my dad in a few days and reaching my third trimester... less than two weeks until I hit 28 weeks! AND that means I'll be packing my hospital bag very soon! The excitement is real :D</span></div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-37012646206135334152018-05-15T22:47:00.000+01:002018-05-15T22:47:16.626+01:00BABY #2 | 24 WEEK PREGNANCY UPDATE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Hi bump! Yesterday, at 24 + 3.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How far along?</b> 24 + 4.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Total weight gain:</b> Last time I checked, it was over 6lbs, so I won't be checking again!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Maternity clothes? </b>Maternity jeans with the over-the-bump band... and I love anything that shows off the bump!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stretch marks?</b> Oh yep, on the bump :(</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sleep:</b> Sleep is generally good. I mean if I went to sleep at 9pm every night, it would be amazing! It's getting harder and harder to get comfortable without feeling like I'm crushing the baby!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Best moment this week:</b> Bump popped over the past week! I'm also loving all the movement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Miss anything? </b>Runny eggs! Some days, I want them so badly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Movement:</b> Rolling around, kicks up high, punches down low... Oh, and hiccups. They are SO cute!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Food cravings:</b> Pizza and salad sandwiches!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Gender:</b> We are thrilled that we will have a little <b>GIRL</b> to complete our family in August!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Anything making you queasy or sick:</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> We have one of those Glade air freshener things that sprays automatically, but I've had to turn it off as it makes me want to hurl!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Labour signs:</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"> nope!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Symptoms:</b> Heartburn, and lots of backache. At my anatomy scan, baby girl was back to back. I think she's still back to back now, because the backache is something else, especially if I hoover or stand too long. My last pregnancy was the same; Leighton was always back to back (turned as he was born) so I had SO much backache in that pregnancy. How many times can I say back?! 9. Well, 10 now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Belly button in or out?</b> In.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Wedding rings on or off?</b> Engagement ring ON!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Happy or moody most of the time:</b> Mostly happy. I still get moody days where I'm stressed to the max though!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Looking forward to:</b> Getting into the nursery this week to start getting it ready! Seeing baby girl again next week... and hopefully seeing my dad the week after! :)</span></div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-121307430808232772018-04-18T08:30:00.000+01:002018-06-24T20:54:07.085+01:00BABY | LEIGHTON'S 19 MONTH UPDATE<div style="text-align: center;">
Our gorgeous Leighton is nearly 19 months now, so I thought another update was due as he's growing so quick. When you're pregnant, people will always tell you to enjoy each moment because, before you know it, they'll be 2. You might brush it off because time doesn't 'speed up'... but believe me, it goes so so fast. We will be planning his second birthday soon, with a newborn in tow too.<br />
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">sleeping</span></div>
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Sleep is even better now that he's in his OWN TODDLER BED (where's my baby?!) with his toddler pillow, duvet and brand new mattress. He still goes down to bed between 7.30pm and 8pm, sometimes earlier, rarely later. He might be asleep when I put him up to bed, but more often than not, he's awake. He's getting so much better at putting himself to sleep. He'll play with teddies in his bed, sing/chatter to himself, then usually drop off to sleep. He's sleeping for longer so I assume he must be more comfortable. Sometimes he'll wake up in the night, but usually settles himself within 30 seconds. In the morning, he'll wake around 6.15am, which I find quite early, especially with being pregnant and needing all the sleep I can get. When he wakes around that time, I'll change his nappy, give him a small bottle of milk and pop a cartoon on in his room (while I go back to bed obviously!) When he's finished his bottle, he'll get out of bed and play with the toys in his room. I know it's time to get up when he comes to his babygate and calls for me.<br />
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">feeding</span></div>
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Leighton still eats EVERYTHING. He still eats bananas, but far less than he used to. I made banana bread the other day and he devoured not one, but TWO slices, so obviously he still loves them. His favourite food now is blueberries, he literally cannot get enough of them. When he's finished eating, he starts dropping his food off of the highchair tray *facepalm*<br />
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">clothing</span></div>
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We've stocked up on some 18-24 month clothes, but for the most part, he's still in 12-18 months. I sorted out his clothes a few weeks ago and put by some that '<i>might still fit</i>' because they looked big. They didn't go near him! He is growing up so so quickly. He's got proper big boy shoes now too, so he has them on everytime we're out.</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">teething</span></div>
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Not so long ago, he had 7 teeth. And he'd had 7 for so long. Then after a rough night a few weeks ago, he woke up with TWO more... two little molars. He's still drooling a little bit, so he should have more soon enough.<br />
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">movement</span></div>
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He's climbing on the sofa, up the stairs, gets himself in and out of his bed, in and out of his pram... you name it, he'll try it. He's running around like a mad thing, helping me with laundry, the dishwasher, hoovering. We've had to get him reins too so we can take him for a walk without him trying to escape because he's so independent and always on the move.</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">favourite toys</span></div>
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He has a big toy kitchen that he got from Santa, which he likes. It took up so much room in our kitchen so we've put it in his giant bedroom. He also loves his Henry hoover, ride-on car, Little Tykes car, shape sorting bus and his doll and pram. I was putting away his Vtech walker the other day thinking he was too grown up for it, so obviously he has decided he loves it again. His favourite thing to do is run to his daddy doing his 'tickle hands', asking to be chased around the room and tickled. It's so lovely to watch them together, and their bond is unbreakable.<br />
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Until next time...<br />
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-55939690126874689562018-04-16T15:13:00.000+01:002018-04-16T15:18:50.025+01:00BABY #2 | 20 WEEK PREGNANCY UPDATE<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "pt sans";"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;">So.. it's been a while. Again. But fear not, I am back... and pregnant again! I think a pregnancy update is well overdue, so we'll just jump straight into it...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How far along?</b> 20 + 3.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Total weight gain:</b> No idea, don't want to know!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Maternity clothes? </b>Oh yes! You know those maternity jeans with the over-the-bump band? That's what I'm loving. And a couple of maternity tops. Otherwise it's just tights, leggings or dresses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stretch marks?</b> No new ones yet since my last pregnancy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sleep:</b> Sleep is okay. Leighton sleeps through the night, which is amazing... but typically, I find myself waking up quite a bit. I just can't get comfortable. Some nights are fine, but some are bad so I'm a mombie the next day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Best moment this week:</b> Feeling proper little kicks. It's probably my favourite part of being pregnant!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Miss anything? </b>All the coffee, runny eggs, tuna (not sure why because I didn't have it all that much before pregnancy!) and alllll the sugar... another post coming soon with more on that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Movement:</b> Since week 19, I've been feeling loads of kicks. I can't wait for the proper rolling around and tumbles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Food cravings:</b> No unusual cravings, but I find myself craving pork scratchings sometimes. It was the same in the last pregnancy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Gender:</b> We have an inkling, but we should know soon enough!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Anything making you queasy or sick:</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> not right now... the feeling of 'i'm going to vomit' every time I open the fridge has passed now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Labour signs:</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"> nope</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Symptoms:</b> All the heartburn. Rennie is my BFF.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Belly button in or out?</b> In.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Wedding rings on or off?</b> Engagement ring ON!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Happy or moody most of the time:</b> Happy - of course, I still have my moody days, but that's pregnancy for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Looking forward to:</b> Hospital appointment next week, where I should get a scan. I also can't wait for my BIG SCAN, and we're so excited to find out (or confirm) what we're having :)</span></div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-43513771735546825722017-12-16T22:01:00.004+00:002017-12-16T22:09:39.430+00:00BABY | LEIGHTON'S 14 MONTH UPDATE<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">his second time having Shreddies... he hated them first time round, now as you can see, he can't get enough!</span></i><br />
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Okay so Leighton's actually nearly 15 months now, but Queen of Procrastination here is just lazy when it comes to updating. I promise that will change in the new year. Don't hold me to it though because lazy.<br />
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">sleeping</span></div>
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Sleep is great - not the best, but still great. Leighton still goes down around 7.30pm. He'll sleep until anywhere from 6.30am to 8.30am. He even let me sleep until 9am the other morning. 9AM. I was like a new woman, I tell you. Until about 9.30am when he already had me exhausted again. The only times he'll wake up is when he's had a nightmare (my poor baby) or he's lost his dummy. A couple of months back, we weaned him off his dummy in a couple of days. Then the hellish teething started & it soothed him. We'll take it away again at 18 months for good. Leighton will take a nap at around 11am for half an hour. He might take another at around 2.30pm if he's not being a naughty little thing & fighting the nap. I find that if he doesn't take that second nap, he goes to bed easier. We're going to try to drop the second nap completely soon, but it's hard to keep him awake when he's so tired. God I miss the 3 hour naps he used to take as a baby. I got so much done! Overall, sleep is great!</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">feeding</span></div>
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HE EATS EVERYTHING. I'm so happy he'll try anything. If he doesn't like it, I persevere & he'll try it again. He finally loves eggs! Any way at all, he LOVES them. I've done a post here on <a href="http://candyflosshead.blogspot.ie/2017/11/our-baby-led-weaning-journey.html">Our Weaning Journey</a> which goes more in depth. Leighton takes after his mama with his love of food. If you're eating something, he wants a taste, whatever it is. He's starting to get the hang of using cutlery now, although sometimes he'll bring the spoon/fork to his mouth & the food will fall off before it reaches his mouth, but he doesn't realise. It's so funny but he's getting so much better. His favourite food is definitely bananas. Everytime the fridge is opened or he sees one, he says 'nanana' & his little face lights up. You see, I even set my phone's lock screen to photos of bananas today to keep him quiet. I mean, it's now 10pm, he's in bed & it's still set as my lock screen. LOOK!!! Mum'ing at it's best.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictvWMPtCOZpqhP33unqNFMz6j0Jd0oJziEEe6xOGf0l1fzigPom1if09ly1ssikPSM4y8TvDC3CtmMRt1X4QB86_zOe8bda_jSHTi2SFnARMUpdBuPdmgwljPC3Qe9TBT88AlCrSo9uI/s1600/Image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictvWMPtCOZpqhP33unqNFMz6j0Jd0oJziEEe6xOGf0l1fzigPom1if09ly1ssikPSM4y8TvDC3CtmMRt1X4QB86_zOe8bda_jSHTi2SFnARMUpdBuPdmgwljPC3Qe9TBT88AlCrSo9uI/s640/Image-1.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The sacrifices we make, huh? *facepalm*</span></div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">clothing</span></div>
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In my last update post 4 months ago, I said his 12-18 month sleepsuits were huge... now he's growing out of them. WHY?! Where has my baby gone? He's wearing almost everything in 12-18 months now, though some 9-12 still fits him. He has a onesie vest that my dad bought him in America & that's 6-9 months. I reckon he'll still get another month or so wear out of it. After Christmas, we're going to take him clothes shopping & stock up on some more 18-24 months because he's nearly there. My heart is breaking thinking about it because he'll be 18 bloody years old before we know it!</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">teething</span></div>
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4 months ago, he had 2 teeth... now he has 7 - 4 on the top, 3 on the bottom. Holy crap, time needs to slow down. He's had 7 for a while now, so I don't think it'll be long until we see more little toothy-pegs coming up! His little teeth make for eating everything so much easier.</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">movement</span></div>
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My oh my... Leighton walks everywhere now. He also runs around the house, which is so crazy to see because he was only walking with our help a few months ago. He is able to climb the stairs, so we're in trouble if the stairgate is left open. He's halfway up the stairs sometimes & we have a mini heart attack. He's not able to get down the stairs yet, so that'll be fun teaching him that. <span style="font-size: x-small;">NOT</span>. He's forever on the move & runs around playing chase if you pretend you're going to get him. My little pumpkin. *all the heart eyes*</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">favourite toys</span></div>
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He has this little ride on car, you know the ones where you can lift the lid up? Yeah... he just lifts the car up & runs around the house with it. Crazy boy! He has a red shape sorting bus, & if you ask him where the 'big red bus' is, he'll find it straight away. He has an ELC Drop & Pop Giraffe which he loves, but he's dropped it so many times (yep, he picks up everything) that something has come loose & the motor is struggling. He still likes Sophie the giraffe, but just tries to feed her raisins & his dummy. We're excited to see all the toys he gets from Santa & I think we'll have one very happy (& busy) little boy on our hands... </div>
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Until next time...<br />
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-60426529854542078442017-11-27T15:55:00.000+00:002017-11-27T15:55:21.515+00:00FOOD | EASY BANOFFEE PIE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I think it was around two years ago that I had banoffee pie for the very first time... my brother had made it & it was love at first taste. I have such a sweet tooth so it wasn't difficult to see why I loved it. Caramel is always a hit with me.</div>
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I decided to make my own banoffee pie last week, so I did a quick google search to see what I would need. I was surprised to see how easy it was, & loved the fact that there was no baking involved. Just a quick & easy dessert or treat which takes no time at all to whip up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAP9gtpYox0L0UOBahkU6EVuBysynQFfuJTMZWAiY_CUrtF4nOG2p_VrvUJzxrINy5Wt8dFoBGXgtDxf_yiUYFl-cqV0gOA_zYHOjhX3FC6yo6xovjIEY6UpLtRu789Srm5qtuUzEJoB0/s1600/IMG_8715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAP9gtpYox0L0UOBahkU6EVuBysynQFfuJTMZWAiY_CUrtF4nOG2p_VrvUJzxrINy5Wt8dFoBGXgtDxf_yiUYFl-cqV0gOA_zYHOjhX3FC6yo6xovjIEY6UpLtRu789Srm5qtuUzEJoB0/s640/IMG_8715.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you would like to give this delicious banoffee pie a go, here's what you'll need & what to do...</div>
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<b><u>INGREDIENTS</u></b></div>
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250g digestive biscuits</div>
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100g butter or margarine</div>
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397g caramel (TIP: if you can't get caramel, use a can of sweetened condensed milk. Read the end of this post for more tips.)</div>
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2 large bananas</div>
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whipped cream/spray cream</div>
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grated chocolate</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOUuc-YNYFL8slWYRi2ZpvVLPLY4Q8kCnOkS4APQ5VZwqyVBKxXmRlMhQIlx72blYvFMgpv0IYPqtLv0jnD0zy0Igk8p8N9pAzXq4A8YF4eJdFmdSMv3UC1wZca-VXc-66rDlYlv-nbA/s1600/IMG_8698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOUuc-YNYFL8slWYRi2ZpvVLPLY4Q8kCnOkS4APQ5VZwqyVBKxXmRlMhQIlx72blYvFMgpv0IYPqtLv0jnD0zy0Igk8p8N9pAzXq4A8YF4eJdFmdSMv3UC1wZca-VXc-66rDlYlv-nbA/s640/IMG_8698.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>UTENSILS</u></b></div>
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rolling pin</div>
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large bow/Pyrex dish</div>
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23cm/9" springform cake tin</div>
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<b><u>METHOD</u></b></div>
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1. Place digestives in a sandwich bag & crush with a rolling pin.</div>
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2. Melt butter.</div>
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3. Pour crushed digestives into a bowl, pour in melted butter & mix until mixture looks like breadcrumbs.</div>
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4. Pour breadcrumb mix into your cake tin (no greasing or lining required)<br />
5. Flatten the mixture down with a tablespoon. You can also flatten it to the sides of the tin, but I don't.<br />
6. Chill for 10 minutes in the fridge (the mixure, not yourself!)<br />
7. Pour on caramel & smooth it out.<br />
8. Layer your sliced bananas on top of the caramel.<br />
9. Pour cream on, distribute & sprinkle grated chocolate on.<br />
10. Chill until ready to serve... obviously I had a slice straightaway.<br />
11. Just pop out the bottom of the tin & ENJOY!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AlLh8PpUo14-SosD-M9oRj2n_Cct1WSwAXlnm-Koww0mzzMYsb2UcN7XQG3vCHdORPpIIafHHTtCq8Sgg2V8QSk2eyKwOv8CN41yGqCYyELnZ39V-0GHTLjaQnbunf2qjLKZCHyYX-A/s1600/IMG_8720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AlLh8PpUo14-SosD-M9oRj2n_Cct1WSwAXlnm-Koww0mzzMYsb2UcN7XQG3vCHdORPpIIafHHTtCq8Sgg2V8QSk2eyKwOv8CN41yGqCYyELnZ39V-0GHTLjaQnbunf2qjLKZCHyYX-A/s640/IMG_8720.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>TIPS</u></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">★ </span>canned caramel can sometimes be hard to come by, BUT a can of sweetened condensed milk boiled for 3 hours makes caramel. Make sure you <b>allow it to cool before opening</b> because it's friggin' hot.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">★</span> I don't actually have a rolling pin (have taken note that I need one), so I had to improvise and use a roll of tin foil instead. It worked, but a rolling pin would obviously be better & easier.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">★</span> you can mix it up by using strawberries instead of bananas (or both together... all the heart eyes!)</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">★</span> if you don't like chocolate (really!?) use a topping of your choice... walnuts sound delicious too!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">★</span> you could try chocolate digestives for a different taste.</div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-37228699538151000352017-11-04T21:22:00.000+00:002017-11-04T21:22:09.864+00:00OUR BABY-LED WEANING JOURNEY<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since Leighton was born in September 2016 making me a first-time mummy, I freaked out about so much. When I started reading about weaning in my baby books, I panicked big time. I was terrified he'd choke & we wouldn't be able to help him. It's funny, because I was still six months pregnant whilst reading about it, worrying about something that wasn't happening for at least 8+ months. So... the biggest worrier award goes to... me!</div>
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When Leighton was six months old, we started weaning. We started him off first with mashed banana - he loved it (& still loves bananas to this day!) We didn't do the whole 'introduce each food for three days' thing, & we didn't go with the vegetables first 'rule' (something about the sugar in fruits not being good to start with... *rolls eyes*). I just went with my own instincts. As well as his usual milk, Leighton had fruit purees & vegetable purees (carrot was the first vegetable - it was a hit!). I won't forget the first time he tried vegetable soup; he <b>loved</b> it, & kept reaching out to my spoon for more. He also had some baby jars, mainly egg custard as he takes after his mummy & loves it... mmm! In total, we only ended up doing pureed food for around two weeks. It got to a stage where Leighton was reaching for our food, & it suggested to me that he was ready to try finger foods. So, on came baby-led weaning instead of purees. </div>
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Moving from purees to solids scared the crap out of me. I worried that he would choke on the littlest thing, despite my fiancé reassuring me all the time. We started with cucumber sticks, which he could just gnaw on as he had no teeth at the time. After that, we tried buttery toast, cut into soldiers... I remember sitting right in front of him as he nibbled on it, staring in case he choked. He gagged a couple of times, but that was it. If he couldn't swallow it, the gagging brought it back to the front of his mouth & he could spit it out if he wanted to. Babies are so clever & I really think they're more capable than we give them credit for!</div>
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We tried scrambled egg & he hated it. Omelette, he hated. Boiled egg, he hated. If baby doesn't take to one thing, give it a few weeks & try again. That's what I did, multiple times. Eventually I started trying less egg as he was eating other foods. I think it was at 8 months that we gave him his first chicken drumstick (<b>skin off</b>). He LOVED it. I mean, he couldn't 'hold' it properly, but he had the best fun chewing on the chicken. All my previous fears of 'will he choke?' faded away. He was a superstar when it came to trying every food, so we've been lucky. There's never been an issue with him eating anything.</div>
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With being weaned, Leighton was still on formula too, but at around 11 & a half months, we switched him to whole milk. There's never even been an issue with that, he just went straight onto it. Now that he's 13 months old, he eats a wide variety of foods, & has around 18oz of whole milk a day. I give him water with each meal & throughout the day. Sometimes, I'll give him really watered down orange juice for a different taste, even though he loves water.</div>
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Since around 8 months, Leighton has been eating what we eat & it has been brilliant. Now that he has six teeth, he eats pretty much everything. <span style="text-align: justify;">He likes chicken tikka masala, & is a HUGE fan of spaghetti & meatballs. He loves mashed potato, avocado on toast, apple slices, grapes, gravy, peas (especially mushy peas), beans, chicken, bananas (can't get enough), yogurt, toast, cheese, fish, pizza, roasted carrots & parsnips, chocolate, pork chops, pasta, Snax, stirfry, broccoli, crumpets, chips, vegetable soup, sausages, rice krispies, pancakes & since a few weeks ago, <b>EGGS!!!!!!!!!!!!</b> My persistence paid off, & now most mornings for breakfast, we'll have boiled eggs & soldiers, or scrambled egg. Eggy bread also goes down a treat.</span></div>
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If you happen to have been researching & have come across this post, I would highly recommend BLW. It's been a life-saver & so many of baby's skills are perfected sooner. Prepare for food to end up up on the floor throughout the whole weaning process, but it can be easily cleaned up! If Leighton fires food on the floor, I usually tell him 'no', but lately I've been ignoring it so he knows it won't get my attention. I'm not sure if it's working as he'll still drop food & say 'oh!', but I ignore it as much as I can. </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Overall, I'm glad we went with baby-led weaning & I'll definitely be using the same method for a future baby.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-23162112026132516342017-08-02T16:59:00.000+01:002017-11-04T19:33:18.563+00:00BEAUTY | JULY 2017 BIRCHBOX<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you read my <a href="http://candyflosshead.blogspot.com/2017/06/june-2017-birchbox.html">June 2017 Birchbox</a> post, you'll know that I cancelled my subscription when I received the box as I was a <i>liiiiiittle</i> disappointed. However, when I got an email the other day offering me a free Benefit mascara trio with a July box, hell I jumped back on the wagon & subscribed again, because why not...<br />
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The theme for July's Birchbox was Summer Daze & the packaging is absolutely stunning, so I will definitely be reusing it for something else.</div>
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<i>Here's what I received in my July Birchbox</i><br />
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First of all, how lovely is the Birchbox, well... box?<br />
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Rituals Hammam Delight Foaming Shower Gel</div>
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RitualiTea Oolang-La Face Mask</div>
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Percy & Reed Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Overnight Recovery</div>
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Balance Me Flash Cleanse Micellar Water</div>
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Benefit Cosmetics Cha-cha Tint</div>
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Catherine Malandrino Style de Paris Eau de Parfum</div>
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I love all of it so far - when I was opened the box, I was greeted with the smell of the hair recovery mask, which is absolutely beautiful. I've tried Percy & Reed hair products before & I like them, so this was a nice surprise! I'm looking forward to trying the foaming shower gel, as I love a nice lather in the shower... it just makes me feel squeaky clean! I tried the micellar water last night to take my makeup off - I love it, it left my skin feeling really fresh. One thing I will say is that it left my face feeling a little sticky, which my usual water doesn't. However, it did take off all traces of makeup & didn't irritate my skin or anything.</div>
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The face mask is said to purify oilier skin complexions, so I'm not sure how it will work for me, as I have normal/dry skin... never oily. I'll still try it out, of course. I'm looking forward to trying the Cha-cha Tint, but I'm deathly afraid of applying too much - I've tried a little bit on the back of my hand & it's already stained!</div>
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I think a little will go a long way with this product. The smell of the mini perfume sample is so so lovely, fruity & fresh - it reminds me a little bit of Miss Sixty, & definitely something I would consider buying in the future.</div>
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Next up was the little Benefit mascara trio</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">They're Real tinted primer</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">They're Real mascara</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">They're Real remover</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">We get it, they're real! I have used this mascara before & it's one of my favourites. I'll do a full post on the set soon... it's cute though & it really is a mini set!</span><br />
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-88072982436584463092017-07-31T22:56:00.001+01:002017-11-04T19:33:50.648+00:00BABY | LEIGHTON'S 10 MONTH UPDATE<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i>How absolutely gorgeous is he? Look at those baby blues... all the heart eyes!!</i><br />
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It's been a long time since I wrote about my son on my blog, but I promise to start writing more - I love parenting blogs & seeing how other people are finding it. Our beautiful Leighton has just turned 10 months, but I swear he's going on 3 years already... he can be <i>sooo</i> stroppy at times (he totally doesn't get that from me... shh)</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">sleeping</span></div>
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Leighton is a great sleeper & has been for the most part since he was 4 months old. He goes down to bed between 7.30pm & 8.00pm. He sleeps until around 7am, which I can't complain about! He obviously loves his sleep like his mummy & daddy. Sometimes he'll wake up crying in the middle of the night, but it's usually because he's lost his dummy in his cot & can't find it, or he's had a nightmare & is shaking while crying. Other times could be because he's teething but Calpol helps him with that. Bless him, the poor little sausage. He still has his naps during the day, normally 3. Or 2 if he's really fighting it!</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">feeding</span></div>
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We're full-blown baby led weaning, yay! I'm so glad we're doing it & the stress I felt first time round just melted away when I saw how good an eater he was. He'll try anything & has a wide range of food in his diet. He doesn't really like eggs, but I have yet to try soft boiled with soldiers - I pray he loves it, because I do! He's not a huge fan of raw or boiled carrots - they have to be roasted before he'll entertain them! He LOVES mashed potatoes with gravy. I'm sure he'd live on it if he could! He can be quite messy with food, which is fine as it's always easy to clean up... except tomato/pasta sauce. High chair straps are destroyed! He's still on follow-on milk & also drinks water during the day with his UNLIDDED SIPPY CUP! I am so proud - even though he still makes a mess & likes to help 'clean' his high chair tray by thinking his arms are windscreen wipers. I will do a post soon on his daily diet.</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">clothing</span></div>
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Leighton is in 9-12 months now, & still surprisingly fitting into some of his 6-9 month clothing. I've had to pack away all of his newborn & 0-3 months clothes & I was so emotional as I did it. Just looking at the size of them makes me wonder how he was ever that tiny. I miss my little baby, but I'm so proud of the little boy he's (quickly) becoming. I was sorting out his 'future' clothes the other day & the sleepsuits from 12-18 months are HUGE & I REFUSE TO BELIEVE HE'LL EVER BE THAT TALL. No, I just can't picture it.</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">teething</span></div>
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He's got 2 teeth that came through last week! They literally came through overnight & they're so cute when he smiles. It's already helped him tremendously with chewing food, & I have to say, the little teeth marks he leaves in food - so cute! I think more little gnashers will be popping up over the coming weeks.</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">movement</span></div>
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He's on a roll!! He's constantly moving. Backwards, sideways, & pulling forward. I can't leave him on the floor for 2 seconds without him getting something! He's moving seriously fast & it really makes me miss when he'd WANT to cuddle as a baby. Now he's all independent & just wants to be off doing his own thing & moving all the time. He's started walking too with our help - we have to stand behind him & hold his hands & off he goes. He started this on the exact same day his little teeth came through, just before he turned 10 months. There'll be no stopping him soon! Leighton literally hopped out of his Bumbo the other day. He was shocked, we were so shocked, we laughed, he laughed! I was so glad I got it for free because if I'd paid full price for it, for him to do that the second time he used it... well, I'd be selling him!</div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">favourite toys</span></div>
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Leighton loves his Vtech First Steps baby walker! He's not using it to walk just yet, but we try him with it - he's getting better - instead, he sits & plays with the front part of it, or we detach it & he'll play with that in his playpen/travel cot while I'm busy with housework or trying to enjoy a HOT CUP OF COFFEE. Remember those? Yeah, me neither! He likes his Baby Einstein activity jumper too, but is growing bored of it. I can see when he's so over it & it doesn't hold his interest anymore. It's handy to pop him in if I need to get something done, but he gets grizzly so I have to take him out of it. I think we'll pack it away during the week to make more space for his new toys. We've had a lot of use out of it as he's had it since he was nearly 3 months old. He still loves to chew on Sophie the Giraffe when we're in the car. For the most part, Leighton LOVES noisy toys. Our ears do not, but if it makes him happy, that's all we want. Hey, we've heard so much of the toys that we know the tunes to them... lucky us!</div>
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That's all I can think of for this month, but I'm sure we'll have more for next month (when Leighton will probably be going on 5 years old by then!)</div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-49040351992673345712017-07-30T21:25:00.000+01:002017-07-31T22:35:13.170+01:00Sleek 'Storm' Palette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I'm a huge fan of Sleek Makeup, so much so that it's one of my favourite brands. I've got quite a bit from their range & I haven't been disappointed yet. I picked up this palette 2 & a half years ago (!!). Obviously these pictures were taken before I started using it, because it's <i>very</i> worse for wear now!</div>
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This is one of my favourite Sleek eyeshadow palettes, & I sent one to my friend <a href="http://curvestheword.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> not long after I got mine. I wanted her to love it as much as me! The palette contains 3 matte shades & 9 shimmers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc37qIze3R8yBjhCWeB7o-wF_O8u0F11xJCGEdrJkhkQmLZv7O6tLl3iehfR2mCXfCc9cjD_rYpNWu32vNP34wlbEUYTYFh1SlCMvKaJue_qztyj-o8Snq50tyLiq93_yQZ1cMX4ZLkz0/s1600/IMG_7727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc37qIze3R8yBjhCWeB7o-wF_O8u0F11xJCGEdrJkhkQmLZv7O6tLl3iehfR2mCXfCc9cjD_rYpNWu32vNP34wlbEUYTYFh1SlCMvKaJue_qztyj-o8Snq50tyLiq93_yQZ1cMX4ZLkz0/s1600/IMG_7727.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I never use eyeshadow without primer, as I want it to last all day. I use a variety of primers (mainly MAC paint pot in Painterly, NYX jumbo pencil in Milk & Essence I Love Stage). This palette is just beautiful - the shades glide on & they last all day. I do tend to 'touch up' if I'm going out in the evening. You can of course build the shades up to the intensity you want, but honestly you probably won't need to as they're so pigmented. <b>Blackout</b> is <b>BLACK</b> & I have to make sure I use a light hand with it.</div>
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My favourite shadow from the palette is <b>Perfect Storm</b>, a beautiful rose gold shimmer shade. <b>Calm Before The Storm</b> is a perfect shade for blending. I've done some swatches, but I can tell you that the pictures absolutely don't do the shades any justice. They're stunning.</div>
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Top row - from <b>left</b> to <b>right</b>...</div>
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Sand Storm, Snow Storm, Calm Before The Storm, Thunder Storm, Perfect Storm, Fire Storm</div>
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Bottom row - <span style="text-align: center;">from </span><b style="text-align: center;">left</b><span style="text-align: center;"> to </span><b style="text-align: center;">right</b><span style="text-align: center;">...</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Dust Storm, Gathering Storm, Storm Cloud, Electric Storm, Eye of The Storm, Blackout</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlhzB4aTlHGuElv5i284eLFZYelMCu48rA9IDMiygLTq7SeRAaZ6MLCv4zA1bLutL1jjCQ5fEc_3-A1FZN_urPtnxDbfJqcZ21nXEryYyk5V0PFVB75n7QE0OA11IRdmhoqR7tvDzSFg/s1600/IMG_8328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlhzB4aTlHGuElv5i284eLFZYelMCu48rA9IDMiygLTq7SeRAaZ6MLCv4zA1bLutL1jjCQ5fEc_3-A1FZN_urPtnxDbfJqcZ21nXEryYyk5V0PFVB75n7QE0OA11IRdmhoqR7tvDzSFg/s640/IMG_8328.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I would highly recommend this palette to anyone looking to add some shimmers to their collection. It's got both light shades & darker shades, so I feel like there's something to suit everyone. I will definitely repurchase it, which I imagine will be soon as mine is well beaten & the lid has finally broken off as I've dropped it a million times, & my 10-month-old son likes to grab my makeup when I'm getting ready! The palette is available from <a href="http://www.boots.ie/sleek-makeup-i-divine-eyeshadow-palette-storm-10164660">Boots</a> for €11.49. You done it again, Sleek, keep up the good work! </div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-42856079762964737722017-07-28T15:22:00.001+01:002017-07-28T15:22:31.698+01:00Friday Favourites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK353zPMkQ6VNtyLLHTSamQjEe8kB_F81JB8L5dA3LC02U2RatDv0zp7z8aSe4fZARWKLx2xk__UsOMXWcKF2wt2_e7PgcoOlVgAT0u3EfeGZuVKes97KuGVVAUGZgSvUNdwiuX9W3c0k/s1600/friday+favourites.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="357" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK353zPMkQ6VNtyLLHTSamQjEe8kB_F81JB8L5dA3LC02U2RatDv0zp7z8aSe4fZARWKLx2xk__UsOMXWcKF2wt2_e7PgcoOlVgAT0u3EfeGZuVKes97KuGVVAUGZgSvUNdwiuX9W3c0k/s320/friday+favourites.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Every Friday, I'll do a round-up of my 'favourites', so let's kick it off with what I've been loving this week...</i></div>
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<b><u>Favourite song</u></b></div>
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This might be a little cringe-y... but remember Daniel Bedingfield? Yeah. I have 'Never Gonna leave Your Side' on repeat. Takes me back to being 14/15 again.</div>
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<b><u>Favourite quote</u></b></div>
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I think my favourite quote/poem has to be one from r.h.Sin - "she's proof that you can walk through hell and still be an angel". I just love it.</div>
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<b><u>Favourite instagram account</u></b></div>
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I follow so many 'home' pages on Instagram as we're currently in the process of decorating our house. My favourite account at the moment has to be <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrs_rackley.home/">Mrs Rackley home</a> She's also a blog, which you can find <a href="https://mrsrackleyhome.wordpress.com/">here</a>! I want everything in her home, it's all beautiful & she has such great taste in home decor.</div>
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<b><u>Favourite tv show</u></b></div>
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I really don't watch much TV at all (I never have done!), but I do like The Sheriffs Are Coming (and similar shows) and One Born Every Minute. That just makes me so broody though! I like Watchdog too.</div>
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<b><u>Favourite snack</u></b></div>
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Pork scratchings! They're hard to get here in Ireland so when we come across them, we stock up on them.</div>
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<b><u>Favourite purchase</u></b></div>
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So... remember my <a href="http://candyflosshead.blogspot.ie/2017/07/christmas-2017-wishlist.html">Christmas Wishlist?</a> Well, we've got one of the IKEA bedside tables! I love it.</div>
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<b><u>Favourite scent</u></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.boots.ie/ghost-deep-night-eau-de-toilette-50ml-10013255">Deep Night</a> by Ghost... always always always!</div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-28153888282719990702017-07-26T20:56:00.000+01:002017-07-26T20:56:09.570+01:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-13541457617382983032017-07-24T15:00:00.000+01:002017-07-24T15:00:58.125+01:00Christmas 2017 Wishlist<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, it's only July... but I do love Christmas & a good wishlist! There's not <i>too</i> much on my list, but I'm sure I'll see more things that I want before long. I've compiled my list along with pictures and links to where you can get them from... Hint hint Santa, hope you're reading this! I've been good (for the most part!)</div>
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1. <span style="color: #cccccc;"> <a href="http://www.boots.ie/giorgio-armani-code-for-women-eau-de-parfum-30ml-10058929"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Armani Code for Women</span></a></span></div>
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One of my all-time favourite scents. Such a beautiful scent that lingers all day.</div>
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2. <span style="color: #999999;"> </span><a href="http://www.littlewoodsireland.ie/yankee-candle-cherry-blossom-large-classic-jar-candle/1600150105.prd?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjbeQrNyf1QIV6JPtCh1AAgUJEAYYASABEgJ4f_D_BwE#sku=sku19809531?cm_mmc=google-_-categorymissing-_-home+%26+garden+-+home+accessories+-+candles+%26+holders-_-na_142577889539&utm_medium=cpc&k_clickid=_kenshoo_clickid_&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=*Shopping%20-%20Gen%20-%20Home%20&%20Garden%20(WG)&utm_term=na&utm_content=142577889539&profileid=491&keywordid=na&productgroupid=pg310803&device=c"><span style="color: #cccccc;">'Cherry Blossom' Yankee Candle</span></a></div>
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Yankee Candles are the best for giving off the nicest scents & these scents make their way through the whole house, making it smell absolutely yummy.</div>
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3. <a href="http://www.emmabridgewater.co.uk/invt/1pih030002"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Emma Bridgewater Mummy Mug</span></a></div>
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How adorable is this? I see it all over Instagram & I'm in love with it. With the amount of (usually-cold-by-the-time-I-get-to-it) coffee I drink, this would be perfect.</div>
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4. <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/products/tables/bedside-tables/hemnes-bedside-table-white-art-70121230/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">IKEA Hemnes Bedside Table</span></a></div>
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I actually want two of these for our bedroom, as our new place is coming together nicely. Our wardrobes & chest of drawers are white, so these would add the perfect finishing touch to our bedroom. We will hopefully have these before Christmas, but if we don't, they'll remain on my wishlist & hopefully Santa will be good to me!</div>
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5. <a href="http://www.emmabridgewater.co.uk/en/uk/rose+bee/personalised-rose+bee-1-pint-mug/invt/zzxprb003"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Emma Bridgewater Rose & Bee Personalised Mug</span></a></div>
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I actually want everything 'Rose & Bee', but I would definitely have this mug saying Busy Bee, as the picture shows, because my fiancé calls me Bee/B & always says I'm a busy bee when I've been running around all day.</div>
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6. <a href="http://www.littlewoodsireland.ie/yankee-candle-large-jar-angel-wings/1441178902.prd?_requestid=132648&Ntt=angels%20wings"><span style="color: #cccccc;">'Angel's Wings' Yankee Candle</span></a></div>
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I haven't yet tried this, but I've heard it smells amazing, & I don't think I've ever been disappointed by a Yankee Candle.</div>
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7. <a href="http://www.britsuperstore.com/uk/browse-by-section/crisps-and-snacks/mr-porky-snacks.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu-KRhrCd1QIVyo4YCh0tpgpoEAQYAiABEgJ1NPD_BwE&p=1#products-list-item-25329"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Mr Porky Pork Crackles</span></a></div>
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I mean okay, you're probably like... what the f... but yes. I'm addicted to these. They're pretty hard to find in Ireland, unfortunately! I would take a lifetime supply of these babies any day.</div>
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8. <a href="http://www.oldsmiddygifts.co.uk/p/5788/Emma-Bridgewater-Rose-and-Bee-Oven-Gloves"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Emma Bridgewater Rose & Bee Oven Gloves</span></a></div>
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Yes, more Rose & Bee... I sound so fuddy-duddy here, but I love a pretty oven glove... even though it gets destroyed eventually. This one is beautiful, & I guess I just want everything by Emma Bridgewater at this stage!</div>
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That's pretty much all that's on my Christmas list, apart from maybe a lottery win or a holiday to Santorini. However, I will settle for anything mentioned above.</div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-70546129113798925802017-07-22T17:41:00.000+01:002017-07-22T17:41:23.974+01:00Baby Products I'm Glad I Bought<div style="text-align: justify;">
Following on from my previous post <a href="http://candyflosshead.blogspot.ie/2017/07/baby-products-i-regret-buying.html">Baby Products I Regret Buying</a>, I said I would make a post with a list of things I'm <b>glad</b> I bought. Most of it is some of the usual things you'd get for a baby - maybe not necessities (mummy clip, nightlight etc), but to me, they've been a godsend. I would happily recommend any of them...</div>
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<b><u>Grobags/sleep sacks</u></b></div>
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Pretty much baby sleeping bags, <a href="http://www.littlewoodsireland.ie/grobag-wheely-fun-travel-25tog-0-6m/1600151184.prd?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1auu--6Y1QIVrrztCh2_8wB2EAYYCCABEgJWt_D_BwE#sku=sku19788295?cm_mmc=google-_-categorymissing-_-desktop+computers+-+pc+towers+with+monitors-_-na_174701768323&utm_medium=cpc&k_clickid=_kenshoo_clickid_&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=*Shopping%20-%20Vendor%20-%20Electricals%20(WG)&utm_term=na&utm_content=174701768323&profileid=491&keywordid=na&productgroupid=pg1210092&device=c">Grobags</a> are a great alternative to blankets for babies. The clever design (neck hole & arm holes) means your baby can't wriggle down under blankets. Leighton has 4 Grobags, & they're a must-have! Our Grobag came with a nursery thermometer - just a cardboard one that stands up. It's so handy & the back of it tells you how to dress your baby for the certain temperatures. They're brilliant for keeping baby warm & means that as much as they kick, they'll still be kept warm as the bag still covers them. </div>
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<b><u>Bouncer</u></b></div>
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Our Finding Nemo bouncer has been a godsend for so long - it's vibrates & Leighton used to love it. He doesn't use the bouncer much now that he's bigger, but we got SO much use out of it. It calmed him down & he took most of his naps in it. I would definitely recommend them, as they're even brilliant for popping baby into while you get some housework done.</div>
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<b><u>Activity jumper</u></b></div>
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I remember looking at Jumperoos & saying how expensive they were. We looked around & settled on the <a href="https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/baby/jumpers-and-walkers/baby-einstein-neighbourhood-friends-activity-baby-jumper/p/138558?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn77Eo_CY1QIVgrztCh3EugqQEAQYASABEgJ20_D_BwE">Baby Einstein Neighbourhood Friends Activity Jumper</a>. Another godsend! Leighton has been using his for 7 months now & he's only now starting to grow out of it... literally - he's getting so tall! It's height adjustable too, but he's almost at the last height setting. There are lots of bright colours, music, some lights & grabby toys to keep your little one entertained whilst you get stuff done. </div>
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<b><u>Water wipes</u></b></div>
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Need I say more? So much better for baby skin than normal baby wipes & they clean just as well! I use them for a lot of things because they're so handy. A couple of months ago, we bought a box of 9 packs from <a href="http://www.boots.ie/waterwipes-baby-wipes-chemical-free-sensitive-9-x-60-540-wipes-10180256">Boots</a> & soon enough, we'll need more! 99.9% water and 0.1% grapefruit seed extract.</div>
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<b><u>Steriliser</u></b></div>
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I've read that some women just use boiling water or the dishwasher for their baby's bottles, then they're good to go... I used to pop mine in the dishwasher, then sterilise them - up until around 6 weeks ago. I felt I was okay to stop using the steriliser, & it's been fine. It put my mind at ease using it, knowing that Leighton's bottles were always sterilised & clean. I even went through a short time where I felt <b>guilty</b> for even <i>thinking</i> of stopping. But I did & my baby is fine.</div>
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<b><u>Goldbug Mummy Clip</u></b></div>
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I'm not sure this is essentially a 'baby product', but it attaches to the handle of the pram/pushchair. It holds SO much stuff, & can take a lot of weight. Obviously not too much as I would fear the pram would topple over! It's a little life-saver of a gadget & has saved me many a sore arm after shopping in town!</div>
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<b><u>Motorola Video Baby Monitor</u></b></div>
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I don't know where we'd be without <a href="https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/baby/monitors/motorola-video-baby-monitor-mbp18/p/134043?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhLrK4fSY1QIVa7XtCh2jwAy3EAQYBCABEgJkq_D_BwE">this</a> - not only can we hear Leighton when he's in bed, but we can also see him! When he fusses, we can tell if he genuinely wants us or if he's just getting comfy. We can also see him wriggling around & getting on all fours when he's supposed to be sleeping... cheeky sausage. We can safely keep an eye on him from wherever we are in the house. </div>
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<b><u>Fetal Doppler</u></b></div>
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We have <a href="http://www.healthcare4all.co.uk/sonoline_c_fetal_doppler">this</a> one & I SWEAR by it. It saved me a lot of panic during my pregnancy to know that I could just listen to my baby when I needed to be reassured that everything was okay. Hearing the heartbeat is surreal, such an amazing sound. </div>
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<b><u>ELC Otis Owl Nightlight</u></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mothercare.ie/blossom-farm-owl-nightlight.html">This</a> toy is amazing. Bright light that changes colour with some actually nice music (I'm doing the tunes in my head now... damnit). Leighton loves it at bedtime & for travelling, but the only downside is that there's no volume control. This could prove difficult for some at bedtime, but Leighton's fine with it.</div>
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<b><u>Sky Q</u></b><br />
I know... you're probably like 'what the f**k?' but yes. Sky Q. Leighton loves Disney Junior, so we got the kids' channels on there. He also LOVES the Sky Q remote. No joke, you can hold it in front of his face & he will laugh at it - it's the cutest thing. Strange child! I've had to dig out the old Sky remote for him to play with... the giggles are unreal!<br />
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That's my list of things I'm glad I bought. There are of course other things, but these are the main ones & the ones that keep me sane. Overall, I would recommend all of these for first-time mamas!</div>
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Do you swear by any of these or have I mentioned things here that you went without? I'd love to hear what other mamas love...</div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-49226427344257828752017-07-20T20:39:00.001+01:002017-07-22T17:42:19.434+01:00Baby Products I Regret Buying<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I was pregnant, I remember thinking about everything we would need to get - changing table, clothes, shoes, baby carrier, Moses baskets, sheets, blankets, travel system, bouncer, cot... all that jazz! At times, it sent me into a panic because I worried that we wouldn't have it all before our bundle of joy made his arrival. I needn't have worried - we were so well prepared ages before he was due!</div>
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Ultimately though, I think it's the same for most first-time mamas; you think you need <b>everything</b>. You don't. You <i>really</i> don't. Some things double up for usage, which works out cheaper, & can be a godsend for saving space if it's something you're short of. We received some of these things & bought the rest ourselves. Everything got used, but some of it we could easily have managed without...</div>
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<b><u>Changing table</u></b></div>
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My god, I had read SO many opinions on this. Did I need it? Could I do without? I had a couple of people tell me not to bother, & some SWORE by them saying it was their best purchase. But as it turned out, I barely bloody used mine! I don't use it for changing (I did once. ONCE.) I used it for storing Leighton's nappies & his bath stuff. I also use the bath from it. I could easily have done without the whole thing & just stored his nappies in a drawer. I could have bathed him in our own bath or the sink. When your baby needs changing, you'll change them wherever.</div>
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<b><u>Baby shoes</u></b></div>
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Why? They can't walk or use them. Yes, they look adorably cute... but they'll get kicked off. You'll probably end up misplacing one at some stage too. Also, now that I think about it, it surely can't be comfortable for baby? Maybe I'm alone in thinking that. For my next baby, I wouldn't bother.</div>
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<b><u>Moses basket</u></b></div>
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Ours is beautiful, & was gifted to us. It's just a shame it wasn't used for long at all. Leighton used his on & off for probably a month & sometimes for naps, but for the most part, he slept in his bouncer. He ended up sleeping in the carrycot part of his travel system until he went into his own room (& big boy cot!) at 4 months. For the first month, he could have stayed in the carrycot instead of the Moses basket - he much preferred it. </div>
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<b><u>Moses basket sheets</u></b></div>
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A pillow case does the same thing - pop the mattress in & tuck in all the sides. It's only a small expense, but it saves you buying something you don't need.</div>
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<b><u>Chicco Baby Carrier</u></b></div>
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We decided to get this to 'use instead of the pushchair sometimes'. Psh. I mean we used it a few times for strolls, but I wouldn't say it was an investment at all, & was a pain to put on too. The pushchair comes everywhere with us, so we use that. Plus babies grow so fast, & our little chunk got heavier & heavier, so it put a strain on the back too. I think for next time, to babywear, I would try a baby sling - I'm not sure but it seems like the weight would be more evenly distributed.<br />
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<b><u>Scratch mitts</u></b><br />
Don't even bother. They get pulled/chucked off, and baby socks do just the same thing & stay on better.<br />
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There's nothing I wish I HAD bought, as Leighton is almost 10 months old now & has never needed or wanted for anything. However, you can <b>never</b> have too many clothes (neither can your baby, haha). It might surprise you how many clothes your baby gets through. Messy pups for such little things! Don't even get me started on food stains... just stock up on clothes for every age!</div>
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If you want to see the things I'm so glad I DID buy, you can read it all <a href="http://candyflosshead.blogspot.ie/2017/07/baby-products-im-glad-i-bought.html">here</a>!</div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-67566974691955510452017-07-02T11:50:00.000+01:002017-07-02T11:50:20.887+01:00Review | Real Techniques Core Collection<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have been using my beauty sponge for ages now, & if you use them, you'll know that they tend to come away in little bits, which makes it look gross. Don't even get me started on cleaning them. Ugh. They work brilliantly, but they collect bacteria like nothing else.</div>
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It was actually my lovely friend <a href="http://curvestheword.blogspot.ie/">Sarah</a> who mentioned Real Techniques brushes ages ago. By chance, I saw them on sale online (they're even cheaper now, dammit), I ummed & ahhed for all of three seconds before ordering them *slaps wrist*. In my defence though, my beauty blender is gross and I've been using the same €4 ELF brush for a good 5 years now. Beautiful. It was definitely time for an upgrade. Yes, I am aware that this post is to actually review a product, yet here I am telling you my life story <span style="font-size: x-small;">(not really though)</span>.</div>
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Let's just jump right into the review... NOW!</div>
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The set consists of a handy case & 4 full-size brushes, claiming to be your 'coverage essentials'. I absolutely love these brushes (well, most of them...) They're so soft, ultra lightweight and the bigger ones can even stand! The case stands too, so it's ideal for popping the brushes in after you have washed them, so they can dry upside down. I'm also a sucker for these handles, the orange colour is so beautiful!</div>
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The brushes are as follows, from left to right...</div>
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<b>Contour Brush, Pointed Foundation Brush, Detailer Brush, Buffing Brush</b></div>
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<b style="text-align: justify;">Contour Brush</b><br />
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I love this brush for adding some nice definition to my cheekbones. You can use it for highlight too - I haven't done it yet as I have a separate brush just for that. This contour brush is the perfect shape for getting right into the hollows of the cheeks.</div>
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<b>Pointed Foundation Brush</b></div>
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I'm undecided on this brush. I mean, when I received the set first, I tried it straightaway for my foundation. It was streaky when applying, but you can keep 'smoothing' it out with the brush & it ends up being a lovely application - it's just time consuming. It can take me a good 5 minutes just for foundation if I use this brush (it's never taken me that long before!) I now use this brush for my under eye concealer & it's perfect!</div>
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<b>Detailer Brush</b></div>
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I use this brush for spot concealing & to apply my lipstick. It's just so teeny, which makes it perfect for small areas. I also use it to apply highlight onto my inner corners.</div>
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<b>Buffing Brush</b></div>
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BEST BRUSH EVER! I absolutely love this for my liquid foundation. It offers amazing coverage & the soft bristles mean it's perfect for building coverage if needed. I also use it for my powder. Before I do this, I wipe off the excess liquid (which isn't hard as it doesn't absorb loads of product!). I pat on my powder with this to set the liquid foundation & concealer. It's lovely & dense.</div>
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I love this set so much. I got mine for €21.99, it's now on sale on Littlewoods for €17.99. I've seen it being sold for as much as €24.99. Still worth it, & is now big staple in my makeup kit. If you're thinking of buying them, do it. Don't think twice. They're amazing & I can't recommend them enough.</div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-56015268903636969122017-07-01T11:34:00.000+01:002017-07-01T11:34:45.511+01:00What's In My Makeup Bag | July 2017<div style="text-align: justify;">
My makeup bag likes change, but when I find a proper 'favourite', it'll stay in my makeup bag (& collection!) for a long time. I'll repurchase until it's sold out or discontinued. I'm really happy with the contents of my makeup bag at the moment, & I don't see it changing anytime soon. I love these kind of posts, partly because I'm nosy & mostly because I love to see what other girls rate when it comes to beauty & makeup products.</div>
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I'll show you what I carry around in my makeup bag... but first, look at my makeup bag - I got it a million years ago (well, 5 years) in good old Claire's!</div>
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And the contents, obviously excluding my brushes..</div>
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<b>Avon Magix Face Perfector</b><br />
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Oh, my little miracle worker. I love this primer. Makes up makeup last all day, & the primer itself feels so nice on the skin. I <a href="https://candyflosshead.blogspot.ie/2012/07/review-avon-magix-face-perfector-spf20.html">reviewed</a> it years ago, & I still love it as much! I need to repurchase, but as Avon aren't in Ireland anymore, eBay is my only hope.</div>
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<b>Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation</b><br />
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My new favourite foundation - I got a tiny tester in Debenhams weeks ago. The lady told me it would last for 10 days, but I wasn't convinced. I knew it was full coverage, but I was sceptical as to whether it would even cover my nose or not. Boy, was I wrong. A little goes a long way. I've just finished the tester & moved on to the bottle. It is <i>amazing</i>. My shade is 1W1 Bone because I'm so pale.</div>
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<b>Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer</b><br />
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This has been my favourite concealer forever now, so much so that I <a href="https://candyflosshead.blogspot.ie/2013/12/blogmas-day-17-my-holy-grail-concealer.html">reviewed</a> it years ago. It covers everything, & is a great price (when it's not sold out in Boots!) I'm in the shade Fair, because pale.</div>
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<b>Maybelline Matte Maker Mattifying Powder</b><br />
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Setting powder... what more can I say? Perfect (pale) shade, mattifies my face & doesn't get oily. Perfect! The shade is 10 Classic Ivory.</div>
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<b>Sleek Face Form palette</b><br />
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I bought this in Fair first time around (and <i>obviously</i> <a href="http://d.blogspot.ie/2016/06/review-sleek-face-form-contour.html">reviewed</a> it). Fair was perfect, but since I feel like I've gotten better at contouring, when it came to repurchasing I picked up the palette in Light. I'm glad I did as the contour shade is better. I don't use the blush as it's got a shimmer. I normally love shimmer, but lately I've found it starting to 'remove' the makeup I've already applied. It's almost like the shimmer in the blush scrubs my makeup off, like it's too rough for my skin. I hope that makes sense!</div>
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<b>Sleek Blush By 3 palette</b><br />
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This palettes is in Lace. I wouldn't have purchased it myself, but it came as part of a Christmas present. I like it though, although they're so pigmented, you need a really light-hand. I use the blush on the left (Chantilly), or the one on the right (Crochet). The middle one is a shimmer, which again I find scrapes my makeup off!</div>
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<b>Arrow Enhance Waterproof Eyeliner</b><br />
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This pencil came as part of my <a href="https://candyflosshead.blogspot.ie/2017/06/june-2017-birchbox.html">June Birchbox</a>, as I really like it. The shade is Bright Now, and it's perfect for opening my eyes & making me look more awake. And let me tell you, with a baby, that's always welcomed!</div>
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<b>MeechNMia Browliner</b></div>
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This pencil was also part of my June Birchbox, & it's probably the best eyebrow pencil I've tried yet. The shade #022, is ideal for me. </div>
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<b>Mac Paint Pot</b><br />
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This shade is Painterly, & this is my all time favourite base. Doesn't crease, lasts all day & has lasted me forever.</div>
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<b>Elf Eyelash Curler</b><br />
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This pretty little thing has seen better days. It's worse for wear now, & the spring is broken. It broke a few years ago, causing me to lose some lashes! I will pick up another one. At some stage. Maybe. I don't use this all the time, as my mascara curls my lashes. I tend to use this if I want a bit more lift in my lashes.</div>
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<b>Sleek eyeshadow palette in Original</b><br />
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I love Sleek eyeshadow palettes, & this is one of my new favourites. I tend to mostly go for the rose gold colour, but definitely want to be more adventurous (with my makeup). Tut.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuVOrU79dVXxPknn30Gzcaf3ir9gxxILIqFRX5V-cK_SyNANSXLN2V5MbJStWroDFLKuvQl2wJjI6Vxj-PU1wtdiLr1NETrSf8c_g4vnUKKejFJeKoqi73uBnYKkmKi5jsJAx-96qXTg/s1600/IMG_8287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuVOrU79dVXxPknn30Gzcaf3ir9gxxILIqFRX5V-cK_SyNANSXLN2V5MbJStWroDFLKuvQl2wJjI6Vxj-PU1wtdiLr1NETrSf8c_g4vnUKKejFJeKoqi73uBnYKkmKi5jsJAx-96qXTg/s640/IMG_8287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>Sleek Dip-It eyeliner</b><br />
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The best liquid liner I've ever tried. This lasts all day & I find it much easier to apply than others. It doesn't transfer either, which is always a bonus!</div>
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<b>L'ORÉAL Miss Baby Roll mascara</b></div>
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I saw this on the telly & immediately wanted to try it. I'm glad I did! It's now my go-to mascara, as it curls my lashes, holds the curl, doesn't flake & doesn't make my lashes clump.</div>
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As well as my makeup & brushes, I also carry around a pencil topper for my eyebrow & eye pencils. I hope you've enjoyed having a peek into my makeup bag - link yours below too, I love seeing what other girls are using!</div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-12488865055195639322017-06-19T14:04:00.000+01:002017-06-19T14:04:08.202+01:00Review | Simple Micellar Water<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Note: this is probably the shortest review for a product you'll ever read!</i></div>
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I'm a sucker for Micellar Water. I've tried a couple of brands and have my favourite (review coming soon!). As an avid Simple skincare user, I decided to give their own Micellar Water a try when I came across it a few weeks ago, on offer in Tesco. I've been using it ever since. I mean, it had to be great like the rest of their products, right? I had such high hopes for it.</div>
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Of course, my high hopes were dashed when I started using it. I hate it. Hate it. I may as well just be wiping my face with water. I have to scrub my skin to actually remove any makeup, despite the bottle telling me I don't even need to rub it. I find myself using around 6 cotton pads, which I have NEVER done with any of the other Micellar Waters I've tried. My skin feels okay afterwards, though a little red from rubbing to remove my makeup. It's awful at removing mascara too, and I'm afraid I'll take out some lashes soon. I paid €4.49 for this. That was half price, which makes it €8.99 full price. It's not worth the half price, so definitely not worth full price. I've never had an issue with Simple products, but this one is truly awful. Just no. Stay away.</div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-6040833072276035212017-06-19T13:45:00.001+01:002017-06-19T13:45:20.867+01:00June 2017 Birchbox<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'd heard SO much about Birchbox and had wanted to try it for ages. When I saw an advert on Instagram offering 50% off my first box with a promo code, I went for it. The box altogether cost me £7.95. I wasn't sure what to expect, although I knew there would be a selection of both full-size and sample sized products for me to try.</div>
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The theme to the June Birchbox is Daytripping, so I even got to choose the colour of my limited edition Birchbag. I chose mint & lilac because it was so adorable! There was also a choice of lemon and lilac.</div>
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<b>Here's what I got in my June 2017 Birchbox (or should I say Birchbag?!)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG5d8JpOUIZdsq6cBJYoVGLy-WAT5pggG3EUz9uChyrfOXopix2ceJiePEtvYMbIn1gVfjHZBm7hNPMLzgumqHBJOoxqae01_lyhnHSarzj_jJVS7v3QtvmbBPOybPIk_GPBFsMmNniM/s1600/IMG_8252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG5d8JpOUIZdsq6cBJYoVGLy-WAT5pggG3EUz9uChyrfOXopix2ceJiePEtvYMbIn1gVfjHZBm7hNPMLzgumqHBJOoxqae01_lyhnHSarzj_jJVS7v3QtvmbBPOybPIk_GPBFsMmNniM/s640/IMG_8252.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pastel Birchbag</div>
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Scrub Love Coconut Mango Body Scrub 50g</div>
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amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo 21.3g</div>
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Cowshed Cow Pat Hand Cream 50ml</div>
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Arrow ENHANCE Waterproof Eyeliner in <i>Bright Now</i></div>
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MeechNMia Browliner in <i>#022</i></div>
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This months Birchbox also comes with 15% off at Trouva.com (am I the only one who has never heard of them?)</div>
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I'm looking forward to trying it all, but I don't think the hand cream and dry shampoo will be for me. I don't tend to use hand cream, and already have 2 that I don't use. To be fair though, it does smell beautiful! I don't like using dry shampoo as I feel 'dirty'. I prefer to just wash my hair (and be late!) than use dry shampoo. I know a lot of other girls swear by dry shampoo, but I hate it - that's just me! Don't get me wrong, I will try both of these products and you never know, I might be surprised! Probably not though.</div>
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After my order was dispatched, I cancelled my subscription. If I were to pay the full price, it would be almost £13, including delivery to Ireland. Exchanged into my currency (€), I'm not sure if it would even be worth it. As I've said, this was my first Birchbox and I wasn't fully sure what to expect. I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed, but maybe sometime in the future I'll subscribe again.</div>
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<b>Are you subscribed to Birchbox?</b></div>
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<b>What did you receive in this month's box?</b></div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128405553298354455.post-23071669321794032122017-06-11T22:57:00.001+01:002017-06-11T22:57:38.786+01:00Hair | Long to Short<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been growing my hair out for probably around 6 years now. In that time, I had it trimmed twice. The first time, the hairdresser took off WAY more than I asked for, so it took me a long time to have the confidence to go get it trimmed again. I finally decided to get it trimmed again when I was pregnant (at a different hairdressers! And how many more times can I say 'trimmed'?). Of course, they did the same thing. My hair turned out nice, but again, was shorter than I had anticipated. It really put me off.</div>
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My hair grew (obviously). And grew. In no time at all, it was down to my butt! It got caught under my arms, the ends were like rats tails, Leighton pulled it constantly and it was just a general annoyance (especially in the heat). I didn't really 'style' it, as it took too much effort with it being as long as it was. Enough was enough. I moaned about it being a pain and my boyfriend suggested I get it cut. I expressed my fears as I was used to long hair. I felt like I would regret it. I bit the bullet and decided on a shoulder-length cut, taking inspiration from Google images. I found a beautiful cut and my mind was made up. I booked my appointment before I could change my mind.</div>
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This was my hair before...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Excuse the dirty mirror and quality, these pictures were taken on my iPhone 6 because lazy.</span></div>
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Yesterday was the day. I was super nervous, but figured, hey it's only hair - it will grow back (eventually, sob sob). Long <strike>hair</strike> story short, I had a blunt shoulder length cut with a sweeping side fringe and the hairdresser styled it with some GHD curls and teased it a little. We had a good bitch about how we both have stupid fine hair. It felt so different. Good different, but weird too. Light. I'm used to long hair and this is the biggest change I could have gone for. I style it with my own GHD curls now (note to self; get some proper hairspray and texture spray)</div>
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This is my hair now...</div>
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I can't get over how short it is now. I <i>like</i> it, I don't <i>love</i> it. Time will tell if that 'did I do the right thing' feeling will ease as it grows. I mean, it doesn't get in the way now, and will take less time to wash and style, and I'm <strike>hopeful</strike> sure I'll grow to love it. Maybe. I don't regret cutting it, but <i>if</i> I could make the choice again, I would keep it a little bit longer and probably go for some balayage. I don't feel like this cut suits me, but I think this will change as I perfect my GHD curls. Failing that, it's only hair and it <i>will</i> grow (I hope)</div>
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So long (<strike>unlike my hair</strike>), and I promise I won't leave it 2 months before I post again!</div>
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Joanna ♥http://www.blogger.com/profile/01445297404506808601noreply@blogger.com0