Day 31: Why do you blog

Day 31 of the 31 day blog challenge - Why do you blog

Oh last day of the challenge.

I started way back in February 2010 to capture my thoughts and feelings throughout my pregnancy so I can look back on it like a diary I guess. I'm not sure why I started but anyway I decided to carry on as being a mum is a huge life change (more than I ever imagined) and it's a way of expressing or even writing down any frustration or rants of a day which always makes me feel better if I have no-one to talk to.

My very first blog post at 33 weeks pregnant

It has also been a learning curve as I didn't realise the huge community out there. As well as Little Blue Feet I have a blog called Mummy Beautiful this is so I can write about my passion for clothes and how frustrated I feel with programmes on TV that put outfits together on the high street and think everyone had £100-200 to spare so I have put a collection of outfits Under £20 (Latest is Outfit 10)


I haven't been posting as much as I used to as now I'm working I don't get the time but I will try as I would love to keep both blogs going.

Day 30: What's in your makeup bag

Day 30 of the 31 day blog challenge - What's in your makeup bag

I have one big make up bag that has different coloured eye shadows, lipsticks and glitter and make up brushes but I tend to use the same make up palette each day so I probably don't need evertything I have but you never know.

I used to do Avon so I have loads of make up from those days, I try many different ranges from cheap Collection 2000 to Benefit.


My everyday make up: 

• Pressed powder (Boots 17)
• Black eyeliner (Barry M)
• Mascara (Avon)
• White eyeshadow (Benefit)
• Rose blusher (Collection 2000)
• Erase paste (Benefit)

Day 29: Where have you travelled

Day 29 of the 31 day blog challenge - Where have you travelled

I love this post as travelling is a passion. Through my teens I went on beach holidays with my family like Calella in Spain, Majorca, the Canary Islands - Grand Canaira and Fuerteventura. I went to Magaluf twice first time with friends after A level exams and second time with my family and my other half which was actually better than the first time with friends. With college I went to Barcelona which I would quite like to go back to.

My first holiday with my husband was to Corfu (2000) which was really nice he's not really a beachy person so we travelled around the island to see more of it and even ventured to Albania which wasn't far. We did the same with Lanzorite (great hol) and visited all the sights.
Through my twenties my husband and I lived for our next adventure so we would have long weekend breaks to cities in Europe like Amsterdam, Prague and Paris. We also randomly spent days or weekends in UK towns and cities like York, Lands End, Conwy, Bournemouth and Dublin, Ireland.

New York 2006

One big holiday which we dreamt of was New York and we finally got there in April 2006. It was amazing I was quite overwhelmed by it as it was like you just walked onto a film set very surreal I would definitely go back we even considered running away and getting married there at one point. I would love to go there one Christmas as it looks amazing.




 

Annecy

My husband is half French so he has family that live in France so we have been several times to Annecy which is very close to the Alps. It is a beautiful place with lakes and mountains. 

From here we have travelled to Chamonix, Megeve, Italy and many other towns in and around the area. Ollie has been twice already in his first year being in this world once at Christmas and unfortunatly the other was for a funeral.

 

 Ibiza 2008

July 2008 we went to Ibiza which was a different holiday to our previous ventures but still amazing as we are huge dance fans I'm not sure why we left that one so late. We got there dropped our bags off and went straight to see the DJ Tiesto do his thing in one of the big clubs. By the end of the week we were exhausted with too much partying.

South Africa 2009

Another big holiday was our Honeymoon in May 2009 we went to Cape Town in South Africa. We tried to cram in as much as possible by visiting Table Mountain, shanty towns and Robin Island. It was another surreal place as walking on the Waterfront you could see seals in the water, while on a trip to the Cape of good hope we saw baboons in the road, a snake while walking around. It felt like we were so far away from home which was brilliant, the only thing I regret not doing was going on safari (other holiday maybe).

Scotland 2010

On our first Anniversary (2010) we travelled around Scotland from Fort William - Loch Ness - Inverness - John O Groats - Ullapool - Skye - Fort William - Edinburgh. It was a very busy week but a great one I can't wait to do something like that again.

That same year we spent a week in Brean, Dorset with friends then I found out I was pregnant so holidays will be very different from now on.

Hemsby 2011

Bournemouth 2011

Last year we spent a weekend on the east coast when Ollie was only 2 months just to get away and then again with my family in Bournemouth later in the year. At Christmas we went to France to spend with the Hubby's family.

I don't think we will be having a holiday this year but we have many places on our list we would love to see so we haven't finished yet.

Day 28: What are you looking forward to

Day 28 of the 31 day blog challenge - What are you looking forward to

After this warm spell I am really looking forward to taking a few days off work during the summer so my husband and I can take our little guy to the zoo for the first time. He loves animals right now so I can't wait to see how he reacts to big animals.

I would also like to go to the seaside with him as I can imagine he will have lots of fun in the sand.

I look forward to changes this year (hopefully for the better) for me and my husband and really just watching Ollie grow :)

Day 27: Post your favourite recipe

Day 27 of the 31 day blog challenge - Post your favourite recipe

I'm not really a great cook so I haven't a favourite recipe really. 

Last year I went through a phrase of weight watchers to lose baby weight and they had a great Thai curry recipe but I only made it once. Or a toasted bagel with tuna and cheese was rather nice but again I only made it once.


Sorry ladies I haven't an all time favourite, I really should get into cooking abit more. Maybe i'll get some inspiration from some of you :)

 

Day 26: An old photo of you

Day 26 of the 31 day blog challenge - An old photo of you

I love looking at old photos I haven't any baby photos of me they are all with my mum and dad but this is when I must have been at nursery and I can definitely see my little Ollie in this picture. Which is nice as everyone says he looks like my husband.

I've also included a picture of me at college as a teenager I must be about 18 here. The best year I think as a teen as I had everything ahead of me I could be or do whatever I wanted it would be nice to rewind sometimes.

Day 25: Your 5 favourite blogs

Day 25 of the 31 day blog challenge - Your 5 favourite blogs

This one is a day late as just didn't get time yesterday. 

1. Planet Bizzy This is a friend of mine who loves to paint funky nail designs. I've challenged her to do little blue feet. 
2. Rachel The Hat Very quirky mummies style who has inspired me in some of my posts.
3. Hapi-ness Lovely blog with some great pictures
4. Pret A Mummy being a mummy, reviews, abit of everything. 
5. Mummy Beautiful This is actually my other blog but it has to have a mention as I love it and only wish I could do more of it.

Other great blogs that need a mention: 

• http://www.lovefrommummy.co.uk 
• http://www.outmumbered.com/  
• http://jcbgrange.blogspot.co.uk/ 
• http://www.janmary.com
• http://mrsjc.blogspot.co.uk
• http://www.motherwifeme.com

 

 

Day 24: Your favourite childhood book

Day 24 of the 31 day blog challenge - Your favourite childhood book

I had more than one that I read over and over again as below, I really must find these so I can read them to Ollie and i'd quite like to read them for myself hehe!

The Three Little Pigs

Hansel and Gretel

Gingerbread Man

Goldilocks and the three bears

Day 23: Your dream job

Day 23 of the 31 day blog challenge - Your dream job

I have serveral ha! but I think overall I would just like to be happy in what I do and for it not to be a chore.

I've always liked the idea of having my own business as I'm really am not keen an being told what to do and being a slave to others you make you feel small.

My dream jobs:

• Working for a non profit company that helps people and not fill the bosses pockets so they can buy 2nd homes.
• Working behind the scenes in theatre or film
• Having my own craft shop so I can make and sell things
• Traditional sweet shop by the sea  
• Working in a zoo
• Craft workshops for kids

Day 22: Best thing to happen this year

Day 22 of the 31 day blog challenge - Best thing to happen this year

I thought I was going to have to go back to work in January this year as maternity pay stopped at this point so we needed the money as we couldn't cover all our bills but my lovely in-laws came to the rescue and helped us out so I could have the full year off work so postponed work until April.

We owe them so much we are very lucky to have their support

Day 20: A difficult time in your life

Day 20 of the 31 day blog challenge -  A difficult time in your life

Not many people know this so I'm actually surprising myself writing it. I had a bout of depression at the end of 2009 onwards although I think I suffered with it before then on and off but was diagnosed Jan 2010. I didn't have any particular nasty experience or loss to trigger it but I felt I was going nowhere in life at that point my job just dragged me down and made me miserable as I wasn't a success at anything, hating where I lived due to neighbours being so inconsiderate (no change there) plus with a 30th birthday approaching fast I just freaked out as I wasn't where I wanted to be and at that point I was obsessed with having a baby which wasn't happening so I was trying to come to terms with not having children and what the hell was I going to do with life.

After some help and trying to re-train my way of thinking (not being so negative) I was on the up which resulted in more opportunity at work and actually working towards a career for myself but that didn't last because out of the blue I found I was pregnant which was amazing as it was the one thing I really wanted. I did have a turn around and I felt much happier and contented but it goes to show you really can't have everything.

It's a couple of years on now and I feel that difficult time is luming once again. I have my little family that I adore so it should be the best time in my life.

With me having to go back to work full time (the same job) and yet again with no career opportunity I just feel at the bottom of the pile yet again and this time missing out on my little man. We still have those noisy neighbours so we hardly get any peace and quiet in our own home and can't move as we have no equity in our house so we are stuck for the time being and after my husband was made redundant the pressure is on me to keep my job. 
I can see no end to the gloomy days, I know people out there have a lot worse to cope with but I would say this is a difficult time in mine and my husbands life but it is the most precious time seeing our little guy grow up.

Day 19: What do you collect

Day 19 of the 31 day blog challenge - What do you collect

Umm I'm not sure I do collect anything anymore, as a child I loved to collect different shaped pencil rubber's, cherish teddies and anything Michael Jackson. 

I guess as an adult it has been accessories - I went through a period of collecting different purses at on stage then scarfs in all different pattens / colours and then headbands.

I have sorted through these things now and either sold on ebay or gave to a charity shop as one day I just thought I really don't need all these things. Saying that I still have a boxful of bags, scarfs and belts that I never wear so I think I need another sort out.

I actually think it's since having a child that I just don't want these things anymore, I feel I am hoarding or clinging onto things.

Day 18: The Meaning Of Your Blog Name

Day 18 of the 31 day blog challenge - The meaning of your blog name

I started this blog February 2010 when I was pregnant to keep as a diary which was orginally called 'Everything Baby Blog' which I kept until this year.

I then realised you could buy a domain name and attach it so Little Blue Feet is soley because of Ollie.

Feet because I have a thing about his feet since my 12 week scan I thought it looked like he was chilling out with his feet up and I hate to say it smoking. Thoughout my pregnancy I kept looking at this and just couldn't wait to kiss those Little Feet. He now hates socks on his feet and loves wondering bare foot.

Althrough pregnancy and labour I thought I was having a girl as we were told we were at the 20 week scan so a baby boy was a bit of a shock so I guess that is why I added the Blue. Little Blue Feet seemed perfect as it represents Ollie.

Day 17: What Is Your Most Proud Moment

Day 17 of the 31 day blog challenge - What is your most proud moment

I have felt so proud on many occasions over the last year due to my little man Ollie. With his firsts of everything like smiling, laughing, sitting up, crawling and the latest walking. It's been amazing watching him develop.

I guess i'm pretty proud of myself getting through my birth it was tough going and very very painful ending in a forcep delivery nothing prepared me for it.

Even the beginning of motherhood hit me like a ton of bricks but I am through it and I love being a mummy. Now i'm ploughing through being a working mum.

Day 16: What's Top Of Your Bucket List

Day 16 of the 31 day blog challenge - What's Top Of Your Bucket L

Oh I have so many but my main life ambition at this very moment is to get out of the rut I'm in.

That means live somewhere completely different that is pretty, preferably by the sea or have a spectacular view of lakes, mountains or maybe countryside so I wake up in the morning thinking I can't wait for the day ahead.

Getting out of a rut also means to be completly debt free so the money we earn is for doing great things with each day and live NOT working to live unhappily - life is far too short.

I just need a way of making it come true now.

Day 15: Timeline of your day

Day 15 of the 31 day blog challenge - Timeline of your day

 
My daily routine has changed quite dramatically now being back at work I must admit I preferred my routine while at home now it's quite a boring mundane existance.
6.40am: Alarm goes off but I tend to snooze as I really do not want to get up, by 7ish up showered and dressed and head downstairs to get breakfast and make my lunch for the day.

* Ollie is very unpredictable and can wake between 6am-8.20ish but most days it's around 7.30am so I get to see him before leave.

7.50am: In the car to work for half hour drive for an 8.30am start.
Then it's non-stop work until 1pm when I break for lunch for an hour so my routine is to eat and blog then get out for fresh air - nothing to do where I work as I am in an office in the country so it's a bonus to walk around the village when it's not raining otherwise you can't really escape, even hotmail and facebook has been blocked so feel rather secluded.
2pm-5pm is work....work.... and more work then another 30 mins or so in the car to get home which takes me to about 5.30-45pm depending when I actually leave.

Once home I am greeted by a lovely smiley face that makes the day seem so much better and arms out for a cuddle. My hubby always makes me a cuppa as I walk in the door with some yummy treat.

The rest of the evening consists of playing with Ollie, dinner and getting Ollie to bed. Most nights my hubby has been making dinner while I sort Ollie out.
Approx 10-10.30pm Ollie is asleep after lying with him in his room to settle him.

10.30-11pm I get ready for the next day at work and sometimes spend a little time on the sofa with hubby but by this time i'm exhausted.

Oh I wish I could win the lotto (yesterday's post) and have a more exciting routine.

Day 14: If you won the lottery...

Day 14 of the 31 day blog challenge - If you won the lottery...

Oh my it would be an absolute godsend winning the lotto as I long for a life change if it was a huge amount first thing I would do is find a house by the sea then pay off my mortgage on my current house and give it to someone who really needs it preferably someone noisy to get my neighbours back for all the stress they have caused us over the last couple of years and then tell them exactly what I think of them (oh that would be a dream).


Next I would tell close family members they don't have to go to work anymore oh actually I might tell my work first that i'm not coming in today, tomorrow, or ever again (woohoo!).

I would definatly like to do charity work but actually oversee the work. It really struck a cord when my husband and I went to South Africa and saw how people live in the slumbs its terrible it costs £8K to buy a house but people just don't earn that amount of money. I like to do something for charity at least once a year like a 5K run and i've actually done a skydive so you can do some amazing things while helping others. It would be great to do other little things like randomly pay for someones shopping or leave a massive tip in a restaurant (only if they deserve it). Oh to have the power. I think if you have good fortune its the best feeling to share abit of it and know you have made someone smile.


Personal luxuries I would have lazer eye surgery so I can see clearly that would be wonderful to wake up to a clear world. 


Money makes life easier but they say it doesn't bring happiness so i'm not sure I would want millions just enough to change things for the better.

Day 13: What is your earliest memory

Day 13 of the 31 day blog challenge - What is your earliest memory

This is a tough one as I can remember so many things so here are a few not just one.

Me on the left

When I was very young going to a childminder that I hated going to I used to wee everywhere. I remember doing it outside their front door and when shopping in tesco ha! weird thing to remember I know.


I remember being washed in a sink, my mum tells me that was because I fell into a pond oopps!


Me, mum and dad used to walk a lot in the woods which was great fun.

Another childminder was going to throw a birthday party for me so she had lots of treats and I remember me and another kid making a hole in a bag of flumps to get some out without her noticing.

ME

I remember being sent home from school because of snow so me and my dad made a massive snowman. 


I remember falling off my chair backwards in lower school very embarrassing.

I remember my mum plaiting my hair at night so my hair would be curly the next day.

I've been trying to pin point one precious memory but I just can't remember now being asked to think about it, I can just think of loads of little things.

Day 12: What's Inside Your Fridge

Day 12 of the 31 day blog challenge - What's Inside Your Fridge

My fridge contents

This is a funny post as I'm not sure many people would really care what is in my fridge. 

Not a lot in there at the moment just eggs, cheese, tomatoes, Jam, butter, baby jar, blueberries, onion, carrot sticks, humus, red pepper, Philadelphia, pitits filous and in the door is milk, mayonnaise, orange juice, ginger, garlic and beetroot.

There you have it short and sweet :)

Day 11: List 15 Of Your Favourite Things

Day 11 of the 31 day blog challenge - List 15 of your favourite things:

1. My Family - Love them all.
2. Make Up - It's part of me and getting dressed
3. Clothes/accessories - i'm addicted to all things matching aswell
4. iPhone - couldn't be without it
5. Dance Music - gives me tingles and makes me think of good memories
6. Blogging - love love writing my thoughts and getting comments.
7. Comedy / laughing
8. Silence - peace and quiet is amazing, I don't get much.
9. Chocolate - Yum Yum, I have milky bar buttons today
10. Sleep - heaven (when I can get it)
11. Taking pictures - Keeping memories you can always look back on is the best.
12. Being on Holiday - best feeling being away from the grind
13. Tulips - Spring
14. Anything Dotty - I crazy over dots
15. Being creative - making things is my therapy