Friday Wish List Week 4

I'm thinking maxi dresses this week to go with those lovely wedges from last weeks Wish List and because the sun is shining.

Matalan have some bargain maxi dresses at the moment I'm loving this Sheered Top Floral Maxi Dress for...wait for it.... £10 OMG and they have four colours:

I can't decide which I like best..... ALL OF THEM.






Some lovely maxi dresses at Next if you have a bigger budget, I'm loving these, definitely Wish List:

Twist Maxi £40

Firetrap Feather Print £115

Tropical Pleat Maxi £45

Boohoo Maxi Dresses are reasonable prices, this one I have mentioned before the Shola jersey maxi dress at only £10 was £20 also can be bought in red.

New Look have an fab range of maxi dresses. 


Please share your Wish Lists or come back next week for more.

Previous Wish Lists

• Wish List - Week 1
• Wish List - Week 2
• Wish List - Week 3

Mummy's Little Boy

22.04.11 6 days old

17.04.11 Day after birth

I've been looking back over the last year with my little man in pictures from the very first day to this week eating ice cream. I can't believe how quickly this first year has gone with only two weeks until Ollie's first birthday.

The changes so far are massive so I can't imagine what another year will bring. A Few pics here to share my year so far with the little guy.

03.06.11 about 6 weeks old

My last Friday with just me and my little man before the changes begin. Hubby finishes work today and I will start back on Wednesday, what timing. At least it will be daddy looking after little man for a bit which makes it a little easier on me in the mornings as I won't have to rush around getting myself and little man ready then drop him off at a childminder then for me to get to work on time. I think I would have been exhausted before my day even started.
It is a daunting feeling going back to work after a year off although as I said last week I think I may need it as the whinging is starting to get to me especially when it's a lot of the day it starts to grate on you.

19.06.11 2 months old

I think Ollie is getting to the stage where he needs a lot more  stimulation as his toys do not seem to be enough, some days the toy box we keep downstairs is left alone all day, he even seems fed up with his Jumperoo.
I've been trying to get him out and about mixing with other children which he seems to enjoy and he's loving the soft play centres but it's not something you can do everyday so at the moment he seems happy emptying my shoe box, playing with empty boxes and balloons I have left over from my birthday. Sometimes the simple things are the best.

24.09.11 5 months

Over the past week Ollie has decide he wants to walk the majority of the time now which is so sweet because he has this grin on his face when he does it. We nipped into the supermarket quickly the other day and all Ollie wanted to do was get down and walk so we let him and he actually walked the full length of the isle but as soon as I picked him up he screamed the place down (nightmare).

28.09.11

02.10.11

17.01.12 9 Months Old

He was given his first pair of shoes yesterday which we need to test out, hopefully he will not scream the house down like he normally does when he has socks on. I can't always put sleep suits on him now because of the feet he screams and screeches until I take it off.
It's utter madness I feel like this house is never quiet anymore because this little person will not allow it.

24.03.12

Well I hope you like the pictures I have so many more but these are just a sneaky peak of me and Ollie over the year.

28.03.12 11 months old

Outfit No 3 Under £20

Another week another outfit I would like to share with you for under £20.
I wore this yesterday as the sun was out and I wanted to feel glam.

The Outfit

• Navy dress with red lady bugs all over from New Look. I paid £8 in the sale, originally £24.99.

• Red ballerina pumps from Primark at £4 (I wore these in week 1 also).

• Skinny Belt £2 form Tesco

The whole outfit is for £14 now that must be a record.
 

I would love to find out what you think out there.

Next Sale Purchases

So what did everyone buy in the Next Sale? I went Saturday as I had a voucher to spend from my birthday.

Jersey Dress

I was looking for a this black and white dress that I hoped I would find in the sale as I mentioned in my Sale Rumour post. It was knowhere to be seen on the rails instore but I just had a browse online (don't know why I did that) and it is on the online sale at £15. So...so tempting but it says it should be dispatched within 6 weeks, that's too long I might not like it then, or what if it looks rubbish I may not be able to take it back.

Stripe Skinny Jeans

 My Buys:

These were a risk but something dragged me to them and I couldn't put them down. The picture doesn't do them justice but they are red skinny jeans with thin black stripes. I got them home and they look great a little tight around the waist but as my hubby said nothing but a little exercise will sort that out, he likes them so I think they are keeps. They were £32 and in the sale at £16.

Black Spot Bag

I also found this brilliant black bag it was £28 but reduced to £14 it was the only one there and it has polka dots ha! This will be my new going back to work bag.

Spot Metallic T-shirt

My final purchase was this Spot Metallic T-Shirt, it was £18 reduced to £8. I'm not 100% sure on this because of the colour but it was one of those items I didn't want to put back. If not 100% sure should I take it back? 

I said to myself a few months back do not buy anything that you aren't sure of, don't need or doesn't make you feel your best. I don't think I listen to myself.

Oh dilemma's and decisions.

One Friday Left

Sleeping...yay!

Oh my I only have one Friday left being at home with my little terror. Only a couple of months ago I had tears at the thought of it, I couldn't bare it but the last few weeks have been very testing and it's made me wonder if going back to work will be a god send after all.

It will be nice to get dressed up and not get messed up by grubby hands for once and have a little freedom to be me again. I also need a break from saying no Ollie, don't do that, leave it alone...no...no...no Ollie.

Kidsworld

In an ideal world I would prefer part time so I have the best of both worlds as I do like to be able to go out when I like and take the little man to see and do things especially now he's heading for one he is interested in the world around him.

Yesterday we went to kidsworld which he loved. It was quite an eye opener for me as most of the kids there seemed to be with childminders but they were chatting and drinking coffee while the kids got on with it. No wonder they pestered me which was alittle annoying when I wanted to be with my child with "whats your name", "can you push me", "can you...." , uh leave me alone. It just made me think do we really pay silly amounts on childcare for the carers to just sit there nattering. I really do think Mummy and daddy really are best, so whatever the future holds for us I would like to avoid childcare as much as possible and work it between myself and my husband. 


As I start back at work my hubby leaves his work (redundancy) so he will be looking after Ollie the explorer until he finds himself another job which I reckon by the first or second day at home he will be longing to escape because I have a feeling he may just pull the rest of his hair out.

Friday Wish List - Week 3

I'm mad on shoes this week especially heels as they make you feel glam and that's just what I need at the moment even though I wouldn't be able to wear them for long. Wedges are a little easier to walk in so here are a few on my wish list this week.

I'm lusting after these tan wedges at the moment they are pretty high but very light (I did try them on) so it is a shall I, shan't I dilemma. Only £16 from Matalan plus they sent me a 10% discount card so I'm swaying to Shall I?

I'm imagining myself wearing these in the summer with jeggings or a maxi dress. Oh doesn't summer officially begin on Sunday.......umm!

Sherbet Polka Dot

Oh.....look at these from the New Look range called Babysham at a whooping £49.99. Definitely a wish item as I couldn't justify a spend of £50 on a pair of shoes I wouldn't be wearing often. They would look great though I'd team them up with leggings or a dress to show them off.

Bow Stripe Wedges

They have my favourite Polka Dots so who wouldn't want a pair.

They also have some ballerina pumps in this range see all at New Look.

Monroe

Loving these heels they are called "Monroe" at a reasonable £34.99 you can get these from Deelicious also on found on Facebook. A very tempting pair of heels, as they are quirky and it's nice to see something different  plus with Deelicious they stock fab handbags as well just to tempt you even more. 

Loren

In my first First Friday Wish List I was lusting over "Loren" Wedges (I still want them),I want both.

That's it for this Friday's wish list - please do share your wish list.


Come back next week for more.

Wish Lists

• Wish List - Week 1
• Wish List - Week 2

 
 

Just A Rumour

Rumours are going round that there will be a 50% Off sale at Next this weekend no confirmation given but keep an eye out if you love to shop at Next.

Glad I waited to spend my birthday voucher now as the dress I wanted and can't find in store anymore just might be in the sale :-)

OMG.....Please Give Me Some Quiet

Only yesterday I was reading another mummy blog "Just going slowly insane" which was a sigh of relief - it's not just me who feels the need to escape from your child.

For the past two weeks Ollie has been a nightmare, he is absolutely everywhere and if he doesn't get his own way he screams very loudly and whinges constantly, if we are out I'm actually noticing people looking at us as he is that loud.

Opening Doors Now

It is very tiring and grates on you if its all day every day so you have to go into another room for a minute or two to take a couple of deep breathes or just enough time to make a cup of tea, I can't be too long as he will wreak the house in that time. I've put locks on cupboards, the toilet seat and we have gates everywhere after he managed to open the cupboard doors to find things to smash and catching him trying to touch the toilet water and banging the toilet seat, he even finds the bin fascinating especially when the lid falls off making a horrendous noise. This child loves noise I do wonder what have we created. We are quiet tidy people so I have no idea where Ollie's rage and loudness comes from. He's never been easy but it feels like he's hit the so called terrible two's already.


The last two days have been almost unbearable so I just let him empty the washing machine and our DVD draw which is something for a tidy person to deal with it drives me INSANE. I've just now put him in his Jumperoo to use up some of his energy while I write my blog rant (only way to get it out) and find a new home for the DVDs and fill the draw with his toys so at least it is his things he will be throwing everywhere.

Possible future for me

People ask if I want anymore children.....i'm not sure I do...two of Ollie will tip me over the edge, I might need a padded room.

Maybe work will be a good thing for me (can't believe i'm saying that).

Outfit No.2 Under £20

Week 2 of my outfits for under £20 from a confessed shopaholic and wannabe style guru.

I'm mad about dots at the moment so this will be a favourite outfit of mine in the coming weeks, as it can be dressed up with heels and dressed down with flats and worn day and night.

The Outfit:

 

• Black and white polka dot dress £10 (in sale was £32 at Dorothy Perkins woohoo!)

• Shoes £8 (in sale at Tesco Clothing was £18)

The whole outfit is for £18
 
This would have cost a whooping £50 but I got it for only £18, Definitely pays to wait for the sales or looking through the rails to spot a bargain.

I would love to find out what you think out there.

Review : Bristows Mousse

To get those curls springing I have found a cheapy mousse called Bristows Curling & Waves mousse and it actually works. This is proof you really don't have to spend a fortune on hair products as this cost me £1, yes one little gold coin.

As reviewed previously Herbal Essence - Tousle me Softly shampoo and conditioner is a 10/10 but I do use this mousse after on towel dried hair and I get curls and waves.

I rate this product 10/10 used with Herbal Essence - Tousle me Softly shampoo and conditioner

Shopaholic

Shopaholic: is a term used to describe individuals who consider themselves as addicted to shopping.

I confess I am a Shopaholic, Lately I have been making any excuse for buying clothes....last week it was "It's my birthday soon" or the last month it's been "I need to look good on my return to work" and before that I just felt rubbish so needed cheering up and "oh it's only £... what a bargain".

Now the guilt begins...As I lay all my new dresses, tops, trousers and accessories out, I felt this huge guilt trip because I really didn't need it all I already have drawfuls so why do i do it........the truth like any addict it makes me feel better at the time. 

I go through phases when I'm feeling low, sad or dreading something I turn to the shops...this time it's the thought of going back to work after a year off and leaving my little man.

It's a good thing I don't have expensive taste. I will be putting my new outfits together for more "Outfits under £20" so watch this space.

 Anyone else what to share their shopping addiction?

 

Happy Mother's Day

My very first Mother's Day today which is a weird feeling as I am a mummy to a gorgeous little boy which I never imagined I'd have and its forever, that is a responsibility.

My Present

I think I was 25 when I first started getting broody but I wanted to get married before I had a child, I think I'm a bit old fashioned that way but it was another 3 years before I finally got a ring on my finger then a month after that we started trying for a baby which was a very difficult time as after each month I was left disappointed and started to get so obsessed, everywhere I looked I saw baby bumps I was so jealous because i wanted one so badly. I remember being in a clothes shop and I saw this very young mum ignoring her child then looked down to see she had a baby bump and just felt so angry because I thought she probably wasn't even bothered I maybe wrong but when it's the only thing you want it's hard to smile especially when you see mums shouting at there kids as you just think they don't realise how lucky they are.

After a year of trying I started to come to terms that it may never happen so wondered what I could do with my life. I suggested to my husband we should sell everything and go travelling as why do we need a house, why do we need to be slaves to jobs, why do we need all this stuff if we aren't going to have a family so why don't we just enjoy life and do what we want to do - he wasn't keen as he loves his stuff he has collected over the years but I just didn't understand. This was my positive thinking for the future without children I carried on thinking this way then I had an opportunity at work which lifted my spirits as it meant I may actually work towards a worthwhile career and enjoy it and then BOOM it happened I found I was 5 weeks pregnant my thoughts were woohoo! Omg, is this really what I want, worry, scared, nervous as I actually have to give birth but while thinking these things I had a smile on my face this is what I have wanted - it took approx 14 months to get there but I was actually going to have a baby.

I've now been a mum for 11 months and it has been the best thing that has happened to me and the hardest as it really does turn your life upside down.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mums, mums to be and want to be mums out there.

11 Months Today

Playing

In just a month my little guy will be one, I just can't believe how quickly the year has gone.

Look at me

He has been walking more and more over the last few days as he gains confidence he has also taught himself how to get up from a sitting position. I cant keep my eyes off him as I'm proud but shocked at how quickly he has picked things up. It still tickles me when I see him reversing off the sofa. 

 My baby is turning into a toddler.

Friday Wish List - Week 2

I love butterflies and polka dots as you may have noticed already from my posts so I'm adding a few more to my Wish List.

Navy butterfly print

Black polka dot ruffle

Navy butterfly print dress from my old favourite Dorothy Perkins, but a steep £29 so I've added to this weeks Want it Win it competition that happens every Thursday.

Unfortunately the polka dot ruffle  dress is sold out it was only £10 in the sale - gutted I didn't get there quick enough.

George at Asda has a sale on....again. You might as well just wait for the sales as they have them so often as it's horrible when you buy something full price then a week later it's half price.

Split sleeve top

Super skinny jeans

Imagine this with some skinny black jeans and heels or maybe pumps for day wear only £3 in sale.
 I'm liking the bright colours at the moment and fancy some bright jeans, I'm not normally a yellow person but i do like these bright yellow skinny jeans £14.  I imagine these with some black wedges and a pretty girly black top or colourful striped top that has black and yellow in it. If not yellow I like the bright blues.

I have to co-ordinate colours as I hate the mish mash of patterns or colours. I'm someone who matches a hairband to a bag or shoes (Mad I know).

Boohoo have some nice dresses at the moment, here are some favourites that are in my basket that I am very tempted with as of course they are in the sale.

Shola Halter Striped Jersey 

This stripe maxi dress also comes in black and white so not sure which I prefer but what a great dress for the summer at only £10.

Chloe Elasticated Wrap Front

Navy is another favourite colour of mine so i'm wondering about this wrap dress as it's a bagain buy at £8.


Boohoo clothes look great on the website but I often have returned items as they haven't always fitted right so I have to like something a lot to buy it.

That's it for this Friday's wish list - please do share your wish list

Come back next week for more.

Wish Lists

• Wish List - Week 1

Review: Photobox

Over the passed year I  have used Photobox constantly as i'm always taking photos of my little boy. My favourite is the softcover photobook.
I have put together books on Bump to Baby, 0-3 months, 3-6 months 6-9 months and will carry on until he is a year. I love them as it's so nice to look back at the changes by flicking through rather than hundreds of loose photos in no order.

Creating a photo story using your own words and pictures is quick, easy and fun and this is just the book for it!

• Easy to add your own photos & captions
• Quick to create with great choice of designs
• All you need is 26 photos
• Softcover book that screams quality
• Sticky paw proof premium-laminated cover you personalise
• Design your book with 26 to 100 pages
• Printed on 170gsm gloss paper

 They can be very expensive but I wait for discount codes or sale on credits. 

Offer At the Moment 

• Buy one get one free on Hardback photobooksjust enter the code: HCBOOKS241

I have tried Truprint but I do not think the quality is as good but they are slightly cheaper.

I give this online service 7/10 (points dropped because of the cost)

Review: Herbal Essence - Tousle me Softly

All you ladies out there who have naturally wavy hair that turns to frizz then you would be happy to know I have found a product that helps those waves and actually does what it says it will. 

 

Herbal Essence - Tousle me Softly

I've tried so many curling shampoos and conditioners that just haven't done the job so this is a first and I wanted to share as I'm rather excited to have found something that banishes my natural fuzzy waves. 

I've been using this when I want the curly look as I often straighten my hair as I feel younger and more stylish that way as I hated my fuzzy hair but I am so shocked it works that I have been doing my curly look more often to give my hair the break from the straighteners and I have even had complements.

I have found you do need to use both shampoo and conditioner as I have just tried one or the other and the results aren't as good. So in conclusion these are staying as a permanent product in my bathroom. 

Next I need try out the other products in the Tousle me Softly range to see if they are just as good.

I give this product 10/10

Discount Code ALERT

As Mother's Day is coming up check these offers or treat yourself

• Dorothy Perkins have added an extra 10% off sale items for the next 3 days but I have found you can add another 20% off and £1 delivery with the code: DPVOFFER20

• Buy a Gift are giving an extra 15% off discounted offers just use the code: LOVEMUM15

• Marks & Spencer have an online exclusive of 25% off certain items  no code is required.

• Mothercare is giving 10% off with the code: 5VTE but you have to spend £50 or more (not so good)

• 15% off orders with Thorntons using the code: RTMD

• 10% off orders at I Want One Of Those using the code: VCUKMUM10

 
 That's it for now
 

31 Today

8 Months pregnant and 30

I'm another year older and this time 31.

This time last year I was huge and uncomfortable at 8 months pregnant and turning the BIG 30 as you can see in the picture, I couldn't even have a drink to celebrate but I had my best present in my belly.

Me a year on

This last year has flown by, but it's been packed with all things baby (massive life change) and trying to set up my own ventures online (Fish4Clicks) as I wanted my 30's to take a different path.

I also have this mummy blog which I've carried on for over a year but also started "Mummy Beautiful" to post about my interests in fashion and beauty so check out my latest post on my outfit under £20 as in pic to the right.

It's my first birthday being a mummy and I love my card from my little man, I even got a full size footprint inside. I have a thing about Ollie's feet as in one of my scans they were so clear I couldn't wait to kiss them. 

Ollie Print

My lovely hubby spoilt me with this fabulous necklace of Ollie's footprint so when I'm back at work I have a part of Ollie with me.

I would recommend Kiddieprints as they are super fast with organising this in time for my birthday and even did the print for us at short notice.

Check the website out www.kiddieprints.co.uk

I also got a fab cake that went down nicely with Pink sparkles umm!

I LOVE BIRTHDAYS.