The Ordinary Moments #7 Family

These are my boys, my family. Once I used to wonder if I would ever have a family and here it is. It is truly amazing. It is the most wonderful feeling to love and be loved. Being a mum is hard work but I wouldn't change it for the world!

Yesterday we made the most of the sunny weather and headed to London's Southbank. One of my favourite places in London. We went for lunch before strolling along the Thames, enjoying the sun and watching the street artists.

Our route also took us past St Thomas' hospital where Eliot was born. We reminisced and attempted to work out which room on the 7th floor I'd delivered in. When it comes to views I'm sure this hospital has the best! Big Ben, the Thames and The Houses Of Parliament.

One of the best 'Ordinary Moments' is simply family time.

As always I'm linking up with Katie's blog Mummy Daddy Me Makes Three

                                                    

Blog Your Heart Out

A few weeks ago I was tagged by the lovely Chantelle from Seychelles Mama. It's taken me a while but I've finally got round to it!

What/Who encouraged you to start blogging?
I actually dabbled in beauty blogging back in 2012 but then got wrapped up in my pregnancy & bogged down with work so it fizzled out. I guess I got back in to it after reading other parent blogs & watching YouTube vlogs. It feels right, whereas blogging purely about beauty didn't quite sit right.

How did you choose what topics to blog about?
I knew I wanted to blog about my pregnancy as I'd had some scary moments, I hope that someday they might give someone a bit of comfort if they're going through similar things. I also knew I wanted to record family life and all that comes with it.

What is something most people don't know about you?
As a child I had pet ducks.

What three words describe your style
Simple, comfortable, casual

What do you like to do when you're not blogging 
When I'm not blogging I like spending time with my family, getting out and about when the weather is ok-ish! I also like catching up on fave tv shows, TOWIE is one of my guilty pleasures and I love Mr Selfridge.
Twitter is something else that occupies my time when I get the chance.

I tag anyone who would like to do this tag :)

In one short month...

I shall return to work.
Friday 4th April is the exact date.
After this day is the 2 week Easter holiday break.
I will have 2 weeks before I return part time, 3 days a week.
I will be a year 2 teacher for 3 days a week.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.

This means less time with my son.

This means leaving him in the care of someone else.

If I could have it my way I would not return to work in one short month.
I would return when he is older.
I'm worried I will miss those precious 'firsts'.
Crawling, standing, walking etc.
Those moments are for mummies and daddies surely?

I do not want my work to eat into our family time.
For there is never ending work in a classroom.
Couple that with the current position of my school = Nightmare!
Observations, planning, marking, assessing, SATs, OFSTED.

Stress, stress, stress!

Put the above 5 lines aside and part of me is looking forward to doing something as 'just me'.
I will wonder how I can cram maths, English, phonics, assembly and playtime in before lunch.
When on many occasions as a mummy I have nothing done by noon.

I hope it will make me better at managing my time.
I WILL make sure we make the most of those other 4 days, I have to!
Because I can't believe my son is already 8 months old, where did that time go?
I cannot return to these early times and years therefore I must make the most of every moment.

Then I think about the cleaning, the cooking, my blog.
How on earth will I have time to do all the essentials & blog?
If I could have it my way I would be a SAHM for a good couple of years yet!
I would not be returning to work...in one short month!

I would love to hear your tips on returning to work after maternity leave! I am dreading it.

Ozeri Duo Salt & Pepper Grinder Review

I was offered the chance to review this salt and pepper grinder combo by Ozeri. The Ozeri Pepper and Salt Grinder features 'a space saving' design by combining both your salt and pepper in 

one grinder. I haven't seen a product that does this so I was keen to try it out.

When I opened it and began to read the instructions I thought it was going to be a bit tricky to add the salt  and pepper. But I needn't have worried as each step is explained through words and photos.

Once you've added your salt and pepper you simply reassemble and you're good to go. Wondering how to get salt, not pepper or vice versa? It is just a case of turning the grinder clockwise for pepper and anti clockwise for salt.

It is easy to adjust the type of grain you want to suit your personal preference, if you prefer coarse or fine. Again this is clearly explained in both pictures and words.

We have been enjoying using the Ozeri duo grinder during cooking and at mealtimes. It has been helpful to just reach for one grinder instead of rooting around for separate salt and pepper.

It is available to purchase from Amazon for £9.95. Be sure to check out the other Ozeri products!

* I was kindly sent this item in return for a review. All opinions are entirely my own.

The Ordinary Moments #6 Me time

This 'ordinary moment' is no longer that ordinary! As a parent your time is dedicated to your baby/child so 'me time' is a rare occurrence. Yesterday I had a 'mummy afternoon off' and went for lunch and to the cinema with a friend.

It does feel strange not having Eliot with me, no pushchair to push, no nappy to change, no wonderful cuddles. But it was nice not having to worry about getting down to the tube on escalators/stairs, struggling. Not many people help in London!

 It was great being able to fully concentrate on an adult conversation with my friend Kim. We had a good old catch up over lunch at Nandos before heading to the cinema.
I was content knowing Eliot was having precious 'daddy time' with the OH. I received no calls or texts so felt happy all was well.

I had an enjoyable afternoon and was thoroughly looking forward to cuddles with my boy. He was not as excited at me arriving home and was more interested in the toy he was playing with. Cue disappointed mummy! But I guess there will be moments as he gets older where he will want mummy cuddles and plenty of others when he is too busy or embarrassed.