Day 31/31 - Why Do You Blog?

Well it's officially the end of the 31 Day Blog Challenge and i'm amazed at how quickly the last month has gone. It's been great participating and discovering some new reads along the way so i'll be sorry to see it go but huge thanks to Emma for hosting.

So, why do i blog?

Well it's simple really, this is my own little space to not only be me, but give you all an insight to our daily lives together. It's somewhere to record Riley's memories and milestones, voice my opinions, express my feelings and share my experience of being a mummy for the first time.

I want to be able to look back at it all with him in years to come and remember every single precious moment. I want him to know what impact his arrival had on my life, how he's changed me for the better and how incredibly proud i am of him every single day. As he grows, changes and develops before my eyes i am experiencing new things, overcoming hurdles, encountering more 'first's and capturing special moments all the time.

The moments will pass, but the memories will stay forever and i have them all safely stored in this special little place.

Vikki xxx

Day 30/31 - What's In Your Makeup Bag?

Ok, so the contents of my makeup bag are:

1. Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio

2. Bourjois Tweezers

3. Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara

4. Mister Mascara Eyelash Curlers

5. Barry M Green Dazzle Dust

6. Benefit High Beam Highlighter

7. Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush

8. Clinique Superbalanced Makeup Foundation

9. Nars Lipgloss

10. Rimmel Soft Kohl Black Eyeliner

11. Makeup Brushes

12. Barry M Nail Varnishes

Vikki xxx

The Essential One Review

The Essential One is a baby clothing company specialising in the essential items you really need for your newborn in their first precious year. They have a strong worth ethic and a real passion for the range, with the simple objective of making life simpler for new mums. When they contacted me to ask if they could send a few items for Riley to review, i was delighted and couldn't turn down such a kind and generous offer. 

The items arrived beautifully wrapped and presented in their scented tissue paper, sealed closed with logo stickers. The intoxicating 'new baby' scent is their own signature fragrance, which is produced in-house from the finest ingredients and smells absolutely gorgeous. A copy of their catalogue was also enclosed (this won't bode well for my bank balance) which illustrated all of the latest products available from this season's range. It's little details and finishing touches like this that are indicative of the beautiful quality and standard you can expect from The Essential One.

For Riley, we were sent the 3 Pack Baby Sleepsuits Blue and the Born To Be Wild Baby Romper .

All of their clothes are made from 100% cotton and produced to an exceptionally high standard. They have been specifically designed with comfort and simplicity in mind. All fastenings are nickel free, any embellishments are backed to prevent irritation and the super soft feel of every garment is kind against baby's delicate skin.

The Essential One really know how to go the extra mile and their 'basic' essentials are anything but basic. You can tell that they put as much love and care into their gift wrap and packaging as they do the clothes themselves.  Their prices are very reasonable and their understanding of quality and customer service is exceptional. I would happily recommend them to any new and expectant parents and will definitely be purchasing more items from them in the future.

To see the full range of The Essential One products or for further information, please visit www.theessentialone.com. You can receive 10% off your first order by entering the discount code ESS1 at checkout.
You can like The Essential One on Facebook: www.facebook.com/theessentialone
You can follow The Essential One on Twitter: www.twitter.com/essen1


Disclosure: I was sent some Essential One products for the purpose of this review but all views and opinions expressed are honest and entirely my own.

School Run Style With Joe Browns

Joe Browns have teamed up with Best British Bloggers for a brand new competition giving mummy bloggers the chance to win £250 worth of Joe Browns gift vouchers.

This 'School Run Style' blogger competition is the perfect opportunity for us mums to embrace the yummy mummy within and unleash our creative talent. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is create an outfit from the various styles available on the Joe Browns website and write a little bit of information about why you've chosen the outfit.

So without further ado, here is my choice of 'School Run Style':

1. Wonderful Wrapover Tunic £34.95
2. Rose Tinted Aviators £9.95
3. Metallic Toe Posts £12.95
4. Colourful Jeans £29.95

So first up is the Wonderful Wrapover Tunic which is lightweight and made from 100% cotton so perfect for keeping cool in the Summer heat. I love the bold retro floral print and the placement of the wrapover tie to accentuate the bust line and pull you in at the waist. 

If i had a nice set of pins i would where the tunic on its own as it's a reasonable length, but i don't so i would team it up with the Colourful Jeans. They come in this fabulous raspberry colour which would compliment the pink florals on the tunic and certainly make a statement at the school gate.

No outfit would be complete with footwear! I'm not big on heels, more of a flats girl myself so would opt for these beautifully detailed Metallic Toe Posts and round the outfit off with some Rose Tinted Aviators.

This post is being entered into the School Run Style Blogger Challenge and i would like the £250 worth of vouchers as my pre-pregnancy modern style has been replaced by comfortable mummy style so the wardrobe's definitely in need of a revamp.

Vikki xxx

See It! Snap It! Love It! - A Moment In Time

This photography linky is hosted by the lovely Lucy over at Dear Beautiful Boy . A weekly challenge to look for pretty things (within a set theme) and capture them for the world to see. The theme this week is ' A Moment In Time'.

This photo of my niece was taken by my cousin last week and i thought it truly embraced the idea of capturing a moment in time. If you look closely, yes she is up in the air......... her feet are only inches above the ground.

If this shot had been taken a moment earlier or a moment later it would have been lost completely, the one above was captured at the perfect moment in time.

(And how pointy are her toes? You can tell she's started dance lessons!)

If you feeling like having a go and joining in with the challenge yourself, then click the badge below and link up your post over at Dear Beautiful Boy.

Happy Snapping Everyone!!!

Vikki xxx

Day 29/31 - Where Have You Travelled?

I'm fortunate enough to have travelled to some beautiful places in my time, a selection of which are below, but i still have many more destinations i'd love to visit in the future.

Day 28/31 - What Are You Looking Forward To?

It's been a fantastic year for me already and i know it's only going to get better as i have lots to look forward too:

Day 27/31 - Your Favourite Recipe

I love food but i'm in no way the world's greatest eater, in fact i think many would say i'm the fussiest person going and a plain jane when it comes to food, BUT i don't think there's any tastier combination than chocolate and marshmallows and i have come about a fantastic recipe recently.

Ooey Gooey Rocky Road Cookies
(Recipe Source: Fifteen Spatulas)

Ingredients

3 cups powdered sugar

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 tsp salt

3 extra large egg whites

1 tbsp vanilla extract

2 cups chocolate chips

2.5 oz toasted almonds

1 cup mini marshmallows

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celcius and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Whisk in the salt. Add the egg whites and vanilla extract and whisk until combined. Then stir in the chocolate chips and almonds.
3. Portion out the mixture into small mounds on the baking trays and top each cookie with 4-5 marshmallows.
4. Leave to stand in the freezer for 5 minutes. (This prevents the mixture from spreading out too much in the oven).
5. Bake for 12-13 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown. 
6. Remove the cookies from the oven and leave them to cool and set for a few minutes.

And voila, you have ooey gooey rocky road cookies! 

N.B.This mixture should make approximately 24 cookies.

Day 26/31 - An Old Photo Of You

I think this is the challenge i've most been looking forward too, having a glimpse in to everyone's past and yes the little girl in the pictures really is me. I was sweet and innocent once!

Can't wait to see all of the other photos submitted for today's challenge!

Vikki xxx

Win £50 Experience Days Voucher

How would you like a £50 voucher to spend on the gift experience of your choice?

Well, Experience Days are kindly offering ONE of my lucky readers the chance to win a £50 gift voucher that can be redeemed against any activity available on the Experience Days website. They are the home of experience gifts and experience days in the UK so whether you're looking for the perfect romantic gift for a partner or a day out with the family, they've got the experience to ensure you make it a day to remember.

With Father's Day fast approaching, maybe you'd like to treat the men in your lives to a driving experience at the Silverstone Race Circuit? a flutter on the horses at a race day? a meal for two at a top restaurant or a skydive for the thrill seekers?

Perhaps you'd like to keep the voucher and treat yourselves, after all being a mummy is hard work. You could redeem it against a pamper day at the spa of your choice? be made to feel glamorous with a makeover and photoshoot? splash the cash with a personal shopper or enjoy some vino at a wine tasting session?

Maybe you'd like to treat the kids to a family day out at various attractions around the country?

The choice is yours.

To be in with a chance of winning a £50 gift voucher from Experience Days, all you need to do is follow the rafflecopter instructions below.

Good Luck!

Vikki xxx

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Day 25/31 - Your 5 Favourite Blogs

Ok, so i may still be fairly new in the blogosphere but there was no way i could limit this list down to 5 as there are so many fantastic blogs and writers out there, so without further ado i give you a selection of my favourite blogs:

Always A Mummy
www.alwaysamum.blogspot.co.uk
@AlwaysAMummy


Gemma is mummy to the beautiful Kels and the gorgeous Kai and soon to be wife of  Mr L. She is my original 'blogging buddy', a dear friend and a genuinely nice person all round. Her blog covers various topics including her struggle with post natal depression and in my opinion is a must read.

Dear Beautiful Boy
www.dearbeautifulboy.com
@Dear_Beautiful_

Lucy is mummy to the one and only beautiful boy and expecting another ('Splodge') later this year. She was one of the first bloggers to welcome me into the blogosphere and had to contend with my barrage of questions in the early days. Lucy is an amazing photographer and has captured many beautiful photos and memories over on the blog.

Hollybobbs
www.hollybobb.blogspot.co.uk
@Hollybobbs

Lisa is a first time mummy to Holly and expecting her second ('little man') any day now. She is my Pretty.Little.Things partner in crime and a good friend who i talk to pretty much every day. Her blog covers lots of things from motherhood and family to arts and crafts and i love having a read of it all.

Innocent Charms Chats
www.innocentcharmschats.co.uk
@innocentcharmer

Kara is mummy to Grayson and Addison and truly one of the most inspirational people i know. She is dedicated to her two children, one of which is disabled and she has a pure heart of gold. Her son is a SWAN (Syndrome Without A Name) and she will soon be shaving all of her hair off to raise money for his cause. Her blog has some very poignant and heartfelt posts.

The Life And Times Of The Working Mum
www.thelifeandtimesoftheworkingmum.com
@lovelyleosmummy


Laura is a first time mummy to the gorgeous Leo and another one of my 'blogging buddies' (and another lady that i speak to on a daily basis). She's been on the blogging scene a little longer than me and has a natural talent when it comes to writing. She is a great source of advice and support, as well as being a good friend.

Mummy Daddy And Me Makes Three
www.mummydaddyandmemakesthree.co.uk
@mummydaddyme

Katie is a first time mummy to Mads and wife to the infamous Mr E. Her and Hubby are the dynamic duo behind the design of my blog and two of the friendliest people you could wish to meet. Katie has helped me continually since i started blogging, been a great source of advice, a good friend and i find her work truly inspiring and beautiful to read.

Capture By Lucy
www.capturebylucy.com
@capturebylucy


Lucy is the only girl in a house full of boys and mummy to 'Big Boy' and 'Small Boy'. She's a keen photographer and her blog is full of lots stunning pictures and pretty/girlie things. She has a section of her blog dedicated to her granny which contains some beautiful words and some beautiful photos of vintage items that have been passed down to her.

The Crumby Mummy
www.thecrumbymummy.co.uk
@TheCrumbyMummy

Charlotte is a first time mummy to her beautiful daughter 'Bob' (this is her nickname of course), a wife, a surrogate mummy to a house full of pets and an avid baker of cakes, cookies and other delicious treats. She started blogging around the same time as me and we've been stuck with each other ever since......no she's a lovely girl really, very friendly and a very good friend.

The Mummy Adventure

www.themummyadventure.com

@mummyadventure

Bex is a first time mummy to Dylan and partner of @daddyadventure , both of which blog about their adventures in parenthood. She is another of my 'blogging buddies' and actually lives very close to me so i'm hoping we'll become good friends.

Ready. Steady. Mummy

www.readysteadymummy.blogspot.co.uk

@nat_gourley

Natalie is a first time mummy to Isaac who was born around the same time as Riley, so it's nice to talk to someone in a similar situation who is experiencing things at the same time as me. She's a natural when it comes to writing and covers a variety of topics so her blog is always a fun one to read.

Mum Of Three Boys

www.mumofthreeboys.wordpress.com

@Angoewright78

Angela is the proud mummy of 3 gorgeous boys and her parenting blog about their lives and adventures together is one i read frequently.

I could go on as there are many others but i just don't have the time, so please don't feel disheartened if you've not been featured above, i will do a separate post at a later point with you all on.

Vikki xxx

Pretty.Little.Things - Daddy And Me

Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone that participated in Pretty.Little.Things last week. The photos of your little ones were adorable and we had a real tough time in choosing a winner. However, Lisa and i both agreed that the cutest photo of all was the one entered by Karen at Would Like To Be A Yummy Mummy so she gets to proudly display her winners badge if she so desires.

Now back to this week where the theme is 'Daddy And Me'.

I absolutely love this picture of my two favourite boys! It's one of those perfect moments you just want to capture on film and look back at time and time again.
Mr B works away most of the week so only really gets to spend time with Riley at the weekends but i can tell just from the look in his eyes that he loves his daddy very much and i love watching the two of them bond and grow closer together.

I can't wait to see some more pictures from you all and if you're new to Pretty.Little.Things and haven't participated before then why not join in with the linky and show us your little ones with daddy? It's open to anyone and everyone and this week Lisa is hosting at Hollybobbs so be sure to head over there and link your posts up.

So all that leaves me to do is let you know next weeks theme which is:
cool and casual
How have your little ones been keeping cool and comfortable in the hot weather?
Have you dived into the back of their wardrobes to pull the shorts and T-Shirts out yet?
Or perhaps you mummies have been keeping cool yourselves in loungewear and casual clothes?
Whatever it is, we want to see your pics.

Next week, it's my turn to host Pretty.Little.Things so we'll see you here at Love From Mummy.

Feel free to grab the badge too.........


Vikki xxx

Day 24/31 - Your Favourite Childhood Book

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

 The classic story of a little red and green caterpillar who munches his way through everything in sight from fruits and lollipops to cakes and biscuits on his journey to becoming a butterfly.

This captivating book is loved by children all over the world and not only tells a beautiful story but is packed full of educational benefits, helping children with numeracy, literacy, colours, objects and days of the week.

Riley already has his very own copy of this book and i'm sure he'll love it as much as i did, well i still do.

Vikki xxx

The Gallery - Picture Postcard

The Gallery is a fantastic linky hosted by Tara over at Sticky Fingers and is essentially a virtual gallery of photographs which opens its doors every week for people to join in. Celebrating it's 100th week, the set theme is 'picture postcard' and one lucky entrant will see their photograph transformed into a greeting card.

I am submitting this photo, taken this morning in the woodland adjacent to my house.

This has to be my favourite time of year, everything is new and bursting with life.

Temperatures are rising, baby animals are being born, the days are longer and flowers are blooming.

To me, Bluebells are one of nature's finest...... is there anything more beautiful than a carpet of bluebells transforming the woodland floor into a wonderland of purple haze?

Vikki xxx 

Day 23/31 - Your Dream Job

I guess i could have put something really amazing here like teacher, lawyer, actress, model or a policewoman but if i'm honest, i already have my dream job. I'm a mummy. Any other job where you don't have career prospects, pay rises, bonuses or fancy trips abroad might seem like a bum deal, but no, being a mummy is the best job in the world. 

It's very empowering, not only because it is the most important role a woman can take on, but it's a life changing journey and you learn something new about yourself every single day. It's a sacrifice you make everyday to put someone else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons and to do the right thing, even when you're not sure what the right thing is.

Yes you're on call 24/7, you're sleep deprived and you have little 'me' time. Yes it's hard work and at times mentally and physically draining, but it's also the most rewarding and fulfilling job you'll ever do. As well as experiencing unconditional love and all that it means to be a family, you discover your life has a new direction, a new purpose and a new meaning.

I read somewhere once that 'when you find the right job, you never work a day in your life' and i'm happy to say i'm at the place. Every day is a blessing, an adventure, a milestone. I helped create the most perfect little boy in the world and each day i get to nurture him, play with him, watch him grow and teach him new things. I wake every morning to 2 beautiful blue eyes, big smiles and lots of gurgles.

What could be better than that? I don't need to dream.......i'm already living it!

Vikki xxx

Celebrate The Jubilee With 'The Essential One'

Just wanted to let all of my readers know about a fantastic competition that's running over on 

The Essential One's Facebook Page until 5th June 2012.

To celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, they're offering one lucky person the chance to win £60 worth of Essential One clothing from their website. 

For those of you new to The Essential One, they specialise in clothing and accessories for newborns and their range focuses around only those items that are essential to mummy and baby in the first precious 12 months, making life easier and simpler.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is like their Facebook Page and follow the simple instructions below.

Good Luck!

Vikki xxx

Day 22/31 - Best Thing To Happen This Year

I think this should be best thing(s) to happen this year as i can't pinpoint it down to just one.

1. After 6 weeks in neonatal care, Riley was finally discharged from hospital on 30th December 2011, so although we were apart for Christmas, he was home in time to spend New Years Eve and New Years Day with daddy and i. There couldn't have been a better way to end 2011 and start 2012.






2. I had my first ever Mother's Day as a mummy and got rather spoilt with cards,  flowers, a hanging plaque and an ipad2.

3. Mr B, Riley and i moved out of the flat and in to our dream home in the country. The house is beautiful and has just been completely gutted and renovated so everything's new and shiny. It has a large garden, surrounded by woodland and is ideally situated a 2 minute walk away from my dad's farm (which also happens to be Mr B's place of work).

See It! Snap It! Love It! - Fun

This photography linky is hosted by the lovely Lucy over at Dear Beautiful Boy . A weekly challenge to look for pretty things (within a set theme) and capture them for the world to see. The theme this week is 'Fun'.

As a child i recall my mum often taking my sister and I to a soft play centre in Hastings called 'Jungle Tumble'. I remember the excitement that would build as we were driving down there, the noise, laughter and shrieks as you walked in and how little i would feel surrounded by this jungle of slides, swings, climbing frames, tunnels, ball pits and nets. This was what FUN was all about. I hope when Riley gets bigger he is able to experience the same feelings of excitement and fun in these play areas as i did.

If you feeling like having a go and joining in with the challenge yourself, then click the badge below and link up your post over at Dear Beautiful Boy.

Happy Snapping Everyone!!!

Vikki xxx

Dear Riley - 6 Months Old

Dear Riley,

Weight: 13lb 1oz

Clothes Size: 0-3 Months

Nappy Size: Pampers Size 3

Today you are 6 months old, that's half a year and what a crazy half a year it has been! Looking back through the photos of your time in NICU, it's unbelievable to see how much you've grown and changed since then. You're no longer this 2lb 13oz fragile and tiny baby, but more like a newborn, much sturdier and stronger too. And you've finally got some baby fat and chubby cheeks for mummy to squeeze!

You have really started to babble now and you make the cutest 'cooing and gaga' noises. As much as it pains me to say it, you LOVE to be sat in your bouncer with Cbeebies on but mummy limits the amount of time you actually spend in front of the tv.

We moved into our new house this month and you finally upgraded from a moses basket in our room to a big boy cot in your big boy room. (with no problems or hesitations i might add). You're clearly a very independent and strong willed little boy, but mummy's known that from the beginning anyway.

Although you can't sit up or crawl yet, you are a very active baby and are always kicking your legs or swinging your arms about. I never know which way i'm going to find you in your cot because you wriggle like crazy in your sleep and are usually facing round the other way come the morning.

You had your first real giggle one afternoon when daddy was tickling you, you've been smiling for a while but this sounded like a real belly laugh and you are definitely ticklish little man.

Your neck control has come on leaps and bound and out of nowhere the other day you rolled from your back onto your tummy. You have no idea how proud this made me as i'd began to give up hope of you ever liking tummy time and now you've learnt to do it by yourself without mummy's help.

You have gradually become more independent, entertaining yourself with your toys for longer stretches of time but you still have frequent naps throughout the day. In addition to having more hand coordination, you have also developed a huge fascination with sucking your fingers and toes, well when i say toes you can actually fit the whole of your foot in your mouth.

Your personality is really starting to shine through now and you have a definite cheekiness to you which mummy absolutely adores. You already know how to lure me in with those beautiful blue eyes and flash those eyelashes.

As ever Riley, keep happy, keep safe and keep healthy.

Love From Mummy xxx

Day 21/31 - Your 10 Favourite Foods

Only 10 favourite foods? Hmmm....