tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58094014589070464482024-03-24T16:32:12.847-07:00Emily NorrisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809401458907046448.post-18807556565610382742015-09-09T01:38:00.001-07:002015-09-09T01:39:01.715-07:00Best Days Out in London with KidsHi Guys,<br />
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Here is a little video blog on three of our favourite places to go (with kids) in London. We live in Essex and are luckily only 20 minutes away from town so we can go there and enjoy the sites and museums.<br />
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MY TOP 3:<br />
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1. Natural History Museum (and museums in general - South Kensington)<br />
2. Kidzania, Westfields London (Shepherd's Bush)<br />
3. A London Show for kids (we have been to Peppa Pig and In the Night Garden at the O2)<br />
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I know there is so much more to see and do in town but I thought I would share ones that are indoors as Autumn is definitely here!<br />
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I post videos on my vlog every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (Monday is always my weekly vlog).<br />
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Thanks so much and see you soon xxx<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809401458907046448.post-12876123567005942592015-09-08T08:06:00.000-07:002015-09-08T08:14:46.177-07:00First Day of School <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SC51BynY_Is/Ve70QSUxRQI/AAAAAAAAAYY/TYiygPOpotI/s1600/FRASER%2B1ST%2BDAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SC51BynY_Is/Ve70QSUxRQI/AAAAAAAAAYY/TYiygPOpotI/s640/FRASER%2B1ST%2BDAY.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Dearest Fraser, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Yesterday you started school.
Big school. Reception! To say I have been a little emotional over the last
few weeks is a huge understatement - I have been over the top emotional
whenever I think about you starting school.
I don't know what has come over me.
I have known that this day was coming for a very long time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">For months we have been
planning for this day, trying to prepare you (and I). We got you dressed in your smart green
uniform (you refused to wear the blazer and I wasn't going to push it) I did
your hair as best I could and off we went to your new school. You were being really brave the whole way
there but when the time came for parents to say 'goodbye' you broke down and
cried and clung on to my leg, just as you have done since you were a baby. So, I of course welled up and burst into tears and even little
Caleb started getting upset that I was leaving his crying brother behind. As we left Caleb kept saying 'Aw, Fraser,
back!'. I hung around outside peering in
to your classroom window trying to catch a glimpse of you happily playing and
eventually your teacher came out and said <i>'Mrs Norris he's absolutely fine now!'</i>
but I think she actually meant<i> 'Shift it you crazy mum, he's fine!'</i> :-) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">You and I have always suffered
from separation anxiety from each other. You have always created and got upset when I've dropped you
off at nursery (at just 10 months), preschool and now school. Although you are
so social, popular and have a great time when you are there - I don't think it's that you
don't like school, I think it is just that you love your home comforts. You still crawl in to our bed every night once
Daddy and I are asleep and sleep in the middle of us and we're not about to put
a stop to it as we know that you're only going to be little once and for such a
short time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I can't believe how quickly
the past four and a half years have gone and I cherish the time we have had together.
Especially when I was on maternity leave
with you and it was just you and me, every day, all day together - I used to
lay you on your blanket in the garden and you would gurgle and do the cutest
little ninja moves whenever the wind blew the trees above you. You got so excited, you were just the
sweetest little baby. It is so sad and
so exciting at the same time that you are starting school and off on your next
adventure, I just wish sometimes that you didn't have to grow up and you could
stay little forever. You are so innocent
and I just hope Daddy and I have done a good enough job of building your
confidence up so much that if any knocks do come your way that it doesn't keep
you down for long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">While you were at school,
Caleb and I went shopping to get you some sweets and a Paw Patrol toy
because you did so well. You came running out of the gate shouting
'Mommy' and smiling with a 'Deputy Head Teachers Award' sticker on your uniform
for being such a good listener. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Daddy and I couldn't be
prouder of you, our handsome school boy!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Love you, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Mommy xxx<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Fraser's first day at preschool - he looks so little! </div>
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Baby Fraser in the garden</div>
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His little cute ninja moves when the trees move :-) </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809401458907046448.post-78078552080784344262015-09-03T14:39:00.002-07:002015-09-04T01:51:12.449-07:00An Emotional Date<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGaQ0wmwFbQ/Vei1pqt7RPI/AAAAAAAAAWw/QCqeJ_t4v88/s1600/IMG_6153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OGaQ0wmwFbQ/Vei1pqt7RPI/AAAAAAAAAWw/QCqeJ_t4v88/s640/IMG_6153.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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My first born, Fraser, starts school on Monday and yesterday I planned a ‘date' day for us. Every now and then my husband or I take Fraser on a date to the cinema or bowling to make him feel special and to do an activity that he doesn’t get to do when his baby brother is around.<br />
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I had planned our date, I'd booked a day's annual leave and paid a small fortune for tickets to Kidzania at Westfields, London.<br />
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We woke up, sent baby Caleb off to nursery (guilt!) so we could have our precious day together, just hanging out, enjoying each others company.<br />
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It was all very exciting, we got on the train and a tube to London and arrived at Kidzania. We checked in, got our boarding cards and walked in to what can only be described as Las Vegas for kids, where you can be or do anything that you want to. Be a fire fighter, a pilot, a chocolatier, a smoothie maker - anything! It all looked amazing, so much to do and see!<br />
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And….. Do you know what he wanted to do first? NOTHING! He did not want to do any of it, because doing any activity meant stepping about 5 steps away from me. Adults were not permitted in the activity rooms, but I’d be right there, behind glass watching him. But he wouldn’t join in, the one thing he did want to do was play board games with me in the board game room.<br />
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All the planning, the journey, the money and all he really wanted to do was spend time with his Mom. I could’ve cried right there in the middle of Kidzania. He just wanted to play a flipping board game or jenga with me! I’d put so much pressure on this big fun day out before he goes off to school but it was all unnecessary.<br />
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We played board games for an hour or so and did one activity - the only one that they would let me in to (which was drumming and music) and then I said lets go and get a pizza. We went via the Disney Store and then to Pizza Express.<br />
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As we were travelling home on the train, I was thinking about our day and looking at my handsome little guy and wishing that he didn’t have to go to school. I KNOW, I KNOW, he is so raring to go, he’s ready and it will be great for him blah blah, but I am going to miss my little best friend when he’s there, our little chats and his jokes, I have loved having him at home all summer.<br />
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Time is one of the most precious things that we all have or can give to our children. You can’t buy more of it and it stops for no one. There is a famous quote that says ‘Life is what happens when you’re making other plans’ and it is so true. It is such a cliche but time really does go by so fast. <br />
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From now on I am going to stop putting pressure on making memories. After all some of our best times are unplanned and spontaneous or just relaxing at home! Some of my best memories as a child are just building a fort with my sister, jumping off the dock into the lake 100 times at our cottage - simple things, just spending time with the people you love.<br />
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I’m also going to (try to) stop being upset about him going to school. I am going to put on a brave face on Monday when he walks through those school gates (and then obviously run back to my car and ball my eyes out) but in front of him I’ll be strong. I am excited for what’s to come, watching him grow and flourish at school - I know he will thrive there and learn so much more than I could teach him. He’s so bright and funny and Matt and I couldn’t be prouder the boy that he has become.<br />
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(Lots of cute photos below :-) xx<br />
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Enjoying his Drum lesson!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rockstar in the making!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809401458907046448.post-72476919449914142012015-05-12T08:39:00.004-07:002015-05-12T08:45:38.235-07:00Top Breastfeeding TipsHi, I recently uploaded two videos to my YouTube Channel about breastfeeding tips and my breastfeeding story and thought I would also put the information into a blog post.<br />
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I breastfed each of my boys for 1 year successfully and I feel that I have lots of tips and that I learnt a lot. Also, in the first week after birth, both of my boys put on weight where babies normally lose weight so I was very proud of that! </div>
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To watch my video on breastfeeding tips:</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">To hear my breastfeeding story: </span></div>
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My top breastfeeding tips are: <br />
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<li><b>Make sure your latch is correct</b><br />Make sure the baby’s mouth covers the whole nipple. This is SO important and this NHS video really helped me to understand the latch: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKVxVfCGHqw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKVxVfCGHqw</a></li>
<li><b>Drink plenty of water</b><br />This is so important for your milk flow and your healing after birth! To help me remember to drink water I hid large bottles of mineral water all over the house - under the baby chair in the nursery, in the sofa and everywhere I would feed. I always tried to drink water when I was feeding (and do my pelvic floor muscles).</li>
<li><b>Remember to eat! </b><br />For some reason I went from being pregnant and getting ‘hangry’ almost every 2 hours when I was pregnant to completely losing my appetite once my baby was born. Remember to eat enough to give yourself and your milk nutrients. You require an extra 500 calories a day too so don't diet straight away! I used to also eat a pastry or cake at around 5:00pm so that the fat from that food would be in my 7:00pm milk.</li>
<li><b>Get help</b> <br />In the beginning feeding is a 24 hour job – tell your spouse, mum etc. to get you a pint of water and a snack every time you sit down to feed. You look after baby, they look after you.</li>
<li><b>Nipple pads </b>When I was breastfeeding my chest got HUGE! And normal breast pads would slide around and not protect my clothes sometimes. So I found a solution, thin sanitary pads. They cover so much more and the big strip of glue alog the back meant they never slid around!</li>
<li><b>Don’t clock watch </b>When I first started breastfeeding I downloaded apps on my phone to record what time they fed, how long for etc. and I got a bit obsessed with it. I would recommend not doing this in the early days and feeding on demand and by your instinct. You never know when your baby is having a growth spurt!</li>
<li><b>Predict hunger and try </b>If my nipples were sore I found it less painful if I tried to feed my baby when he was nearly due a feed then wait until he cried and was wound up and starving.</li>
<li><b>Relax</b> <br />I know this is easier said than done but it really does help with the milk flow. I noticed this when I was expressing – if I was slightly stressed, I got way less milk. Try not to think about work r argue with your partner etc. when you are feeding.</li>
<li><b>Support </b><br />In the form of a breastfeeding chair or pillow. I had the ‘My Breast Friend’ pillow from John Lewis and I loved it!</li>
<li><b>Take a supplement</b><br />I took the Vitabiotics Pregnacare Supplements throughout my pregnancy and while breastfeeding to enrich my milk with omega 3 and other vitamins.</li>
<li><b>Buy nice bras</b> <br />It is hard to feel glamorous or attractive when you are feeling like a cow being milked! Your saving lots of money on formula so treat yourself to some nice breastfeeding bras. I loved Elle McPhearson bras, H &M and Figleaves.</li>
<li><b>How to know if a baby is getting enough</b>As long as your baby is gaining weight, seeming satisfied after a feed e.g. ‘milk drunk’ and having yellow poo twice a day then you are doing great!</li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809401458907046448.post-41582858844972261962015-04-29T07:32:00.001-07:002015-04-29T07:58:02.580-07:00How motherhood will change you...<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
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<li><b>You discover an inner strength you never knew you had. </b><br />I pretty much found this out the second I gave birth to my son, by going through labour. After child birth (with just a paracetemol!) I felt like warrior who could take on anything. From the day your child is born you have to be strong for them and can get through almost anything.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Life becomes magical again. </b><br />Now that I have children I can enjoy the magic of Santa, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny again. I love that my children wake up and everyday is so exciting, full of new experiences and discoveries. When we were recently on holiday I watched my boys eyes light up as they gazed over some new rocks they’d never seen before and were touching them like they’d just found gold! <br />It is so sad that we lose excitement as adults in our mundane routines, but when you have children you get a little magic back.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>You genuinely want to know about someone else’s bodily functions. </b><br />This is so true and so weird for me (a bit of a prude when it comes to all that!). I now think nothing of asking the nursery if my son has had a wet or soiled nappy. I also like to know at exactly what time it happened and the consistency of it. That way I can think about how he’s feeling, what he needs to eat more of and when it might happen again. EW.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Little things in life become a luxury. </b><br />A hot coffee, a walk in the park – hell a wee or shower without an audience is an absolute LUXURY! <br />I cherish the one morning a week I drive alone to work and can blast IGGY loud rather than our Peppa Pig CD (although I normally get half way through the journey listening to Peppa before I realise obvs).<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself very afraid.</b> <br />Pre children I really didn’t think much about my safety at all, it wasn’t something I really worried about. That might just be me or maybe young people in general. I thought nothing of throwing myself out of plane from 15,000 feet skydiving or jumping from a bridge with a bit of bungee and some towels wrapped around my feet. <br />Now my stomach turns when I look over the edge of an escalator while shopping at Bluewater! The fearless me has gone and been replaced by a responsible adult that knows I need to keep myself safe so that I can keep my kids safe.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Although you are afraid, you stand up for your kids. </b><br />I have never been the best at standing up for myself; I can sometimes be a bit shy and let people walk all over me… BUT where my kids are concerned; I will f*cking take you down and break you like a f*cking twig... (Oops, I don’t know what came over me) I meant I will speak my mind! :)<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>You have a new found respect for your parents and love them in a new way. </b><br />I say parents but in my case it is really just my Mom. My mom raised my sister and I pretty much single handedly (with a couple useless father figures involved here and there). When my son was a newborn and I was in the blur of sleep deprivation it occurred to me <i>‘HOW did my mother do this?’ ‘How, as a 20 year old, poor, single mother? </i>And she had my older sister to think about (just 2 years older). <br />Since then I have thought a lot about it and how many times she must have changed my nappy, tried to get me to eat <i>‘just one little bite’</i> of a meal she’d prepared and how many sleepless nights I’d given her.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own. </b><br />There is nothing worse than seeing your child in pain. Whether it be teething, a sickness bug or much more serious it literally hurts my heart to see my children in pain and I feel sick myself. When I catch a cold or inevitably get their sickness bugs the pain is nothing compared to what I feel when I see them sick.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Priorities and standards change. </b><br />Priorities like taking a shower every day and having a spotless house will all go out the window and be replaced with priorities like picking up the right batteries for the bubble machine – cause my 18 month fricking loves it and it’s run out again!<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>You want to take care of yourself. </b><br />I’ve always been a little bit healthy but terrible at exercising and sticking to diet plans. I used to be the kind of girl that will lose 5lbs for a night out and then put it back on in wine the next week :-/ BUT since I have had children I have been making a conscience effort to eat well and generally look after myself better. <br />I am very aware that I need to set a good example for my children and how can I preach about eating their greens and taking their vitamins if I am not? I also want to feel well and be healthy for them, I want to be around as long as possible to see them grow, fall in love and have children one day... </li>
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Like and share if you related to any of these points. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809401458907046448.post-84925459775101596982015-03-20T01:52:00.000-07:002015-03-20T01:52:01.256-07:00A Few of my Favourite Things TagHi Guys,<br />
<br />
So this week I thought I would do the 'A Few of my Favourite Things Tag'. <br />
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The answers have to be quick and all within 3 minutes - I tried my best but it was tricky! Hope you like it - I now tag you - your it! xx<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809401458907046448.post-59418667037145670152015-03-13T09:34:00.004-07:002015-03-13T09:34:57.360-07:00Spring HaulHi Guys, It is that time of year again, the sun is shining, the birds are singing (it's still slightly freezing - but who cares) Spring is on it's way! <br />
<br />
I filmed a haul of what I got when I went shopping last week. This is mostly a Primark haul but I picked up a few bits from Topshop and Lipsy too :-)<br />
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I hope you like this haul and that it gives you a little Spring wardrobe inspiration.<br />
<br />
Thanks so much for watching xxx<br />
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<br />
Products List:<br />
TOPSHOP<br />
<a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?refinements=Price%7b2%7d~%5b0%7c10%5d&searchTerm=GREY+TOP&storeId=12556&productId=18462296&urlRequestType=Base&categoryId=&langId=-1&productIdentifier=product&catalogId=33057" target="_blank">GREY CUT OUT SHOULDER TOP</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=18959996&langId=-1&categoryId=&parent_category_rn=&searchTerm=GREY%20JONI&resultCount=1" target="_blank">GREY JONI JEANS</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?searchTerm=rucksack&storeId=12556&productId=18176930&urlRequestType=Base&categoryId=&langId=-1&productIdentifier=product&catalogId=33057" target="_blank">RUCKSACK</a><br />
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LIPSY<br />
<a href="http://www.next.co.uk/g6h86s5#l28665gl4" target="_blank">PINK LEATHER JACKET</a><br />
<br />
PRIMARK<br />
All the other items shown were from Primark and I can’t add links.<br />
<br />
S O C I A L M E D I A<br />
BLOG https://emilynorrisloves.blogspot.co.uk<br />
TWITTER https://twitter.com/EmilyNLoves<br />
INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/mrsemilynorris<br />
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/emilynorrisl...<br />
PINTEREST http://www.pinterest.com/emilynloves/Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809401458907046448.post-17707282337051967382015-02-02T12:41:00.000-08:002015-02-02T12:44:20.387-08:00Marshmallow Pops <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My eldest son Fraser is now 4 and seems SO grown up. I have been looking for things to make with him to give to his school friends for Valentine's. So we made these marshmallow pops and we had so much fun making them.<br />
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My mom is also visiting from Canada at the moment so Grandma helped us too. It is so lovely that even though Fraser doesn't see her all the time he instatntly warms to her when she is around - like he knows she's family.<br />
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<b>All you need is: </b></div>
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- Marshmallows (or we made Oreo ones too)</div>
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- Cake pop sticks</div>
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- Chocolate </div>
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- Sprinkles, smarties or anything you want to top it with :-) </div>
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<b>Method:</b> </div>
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Melt the chocolate. Place marshmallow on a cake pop stick and dip in the chocolate and then sprinkles. Leave to dry. Enjoy! </div>
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We filmed us making these: </div>
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Now here are some cute photos of my boys making and enjoying them. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809401458907046448.post-86320716143996594432015-01-18T12:36:00.000-08:002015-01-18T13:36:51.545-08:00My Everyday Makeup Routine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These are the products I use in my everyday makeup
routine. I LOVE makeup and have tried a
lot in my life. All of the following
products have been in my routine for some time now... </div>
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My base makeup consists of <b><a href="http://www.esteelauder.co.uk/product/643/3894/Product-Catalog/Makeup/Face/Foundations/Double-Wear/Stay-in-Place-Makeup-SPF-10/index.tmpl" target="_blank">Estee Lauder Double Wear</a></b> Stay in Place Makeup (my shade is ‘Pebble’),
I love that it stays in place all day and has SPF 10. This foundation gives great coverage without
feeling cakey. I use <b><a href="http://www.clarins.co.uk/instant-concealer/C050202012.html" target="_blank">Clarins Instant Concealer</a></b> (in 01) to brighten my under eye area and although this product
is a little more expensive, it lasts forever! I also use <b><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Rimmel-Wake-Me-Up-Concealer_1253837/" target="_blank">Rimmel’s Wake Me Up Concealer</a></b> on any blemishes and around my
nose. I then set my base with the<a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Rimmel-Stay-Matte-Pressed-Powder_1015573/" target="_blank"> </a><b><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Rimmel-Stay-Matte-Pressed-Powder_1015573/" target="_blank">Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting PressedPowder</a> </b>(in ‘Translucent’) for even more staying power. </div>
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For my eyes, I have been loving <b><a href="https://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/gimme-brow" target="_blank">Benefit’s ‘Gimme Brow’</a></b> (in Light/Medium) it is the quickest way to
define your brows and I can do it half asleep with a toddler hanging off one
leg! I then use my <a href="http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_123932979199_-1" target="_blank"><b>Urban Decay</b> <b>Naked Palette</b></a>,
you can see I’ve hit pan on the colour ‘Sin’ and I also love ‘Virgin’ and ‘Toasted’
for everyday makeup. As it is January,
my eyes need a little more than just eyeshadow so I have been using <b><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Rimmel-Exaggerate-Eye-Liner_6935/" target="_blank">Rimmel’s Exaggerate Liquid Eye Liner</a></b> for
a little bit of winged liner and <b><a href="http://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/products/5140/Makeup/Eyes/Mascaras/index.tmpl" target="_blank">Bobbi Brown Mascara</a></b>.</div>
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For my blush and contouring I have been favouring a bright,
shimmery pink <b><a href="https://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/hot-2-trot" target="_blank">Bella Bamba</a></b> and my old
friend <b><a href="https://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/hoola" target="_blank">Hoola</a></b> (I’ve been using this
for 12 years now!) from my Benefit Sweet Cheeky Spot Palette.</div>
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For lips I have been using <b><a href="https://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/benebalm" target="_blank">Benefit’s tinted ‘Benebalm’</a></b>.
My lips get dry during the winter months so for everyday makeup I favour
a tinted balm over lipstick. </div>
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These are my latest everyday products, if anyone can
recommend a really smooth applying liquid liner please let me know. :-)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809401458907046448.post-45991966989237536882015-01-10T14:10:00.003-08:002015-01-10T14:11:35.286-08:00Returning to Work After Maternity Leave<div class="MsoNormal">
Going back to work after having my first son Fraser was THE
hardest thing I have ever done in my life and I suffered from A LOT of anxiety. I went back (4 days a week) when Fraser was 10
months and with my second son, Caleb, I went back (3 days a week) when he was 1. </div>
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I’ve been back at work for two months now and we’re in a
good routine so I thought I would share my top tips for returning to work
following maternity leave.</div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Settle In <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->If you are about to return to work, you probably
already have your childcare sorted. If
you haven’t it’s time to sit down with family, work out who can help and get
your name down on nursery or childminder waiting lists. </div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Before you start back, have ‘settling in’ visits
with your chosen childcare provider two weeks prior to your actual start
date. Doing a dry run will help to get
some of your emotions out before you’re due back and you’ll be a lot more
comfortable with the process because you’ve practised it.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->When your child is at their settling in visit
don’t go home and cry – book afternoon tea or do something fun with a friend to
take your mind off of it! </div>
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</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53506RVvYCA/VLGdZq6K4YI/AAAAAAAAAPE/uMtJMqK0Hy4/s1600/fraser%2Bnursery%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53506RVvYCA/VLGdZq6K4YI/AAAAAAAAAPE/uMtJMqK0Hy4/s1600/fraser%2Bnursery%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fraser Ready for Nursery - aged 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3GoXThAooA/VLGdZ8lX_-I/AAAAAAAAAPI/bQhIyyEWNEU/s1600/fraser%2Bnusery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3GoXThAooA/VLGdZ8lX_-I/AAAAAAAAAPI/bQhIyyEWNEU/s1600/fraser%2Bnusery.jpg" height="640" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fraser's First Day of Nursery - he looks so small :-(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Get Organised<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Lists are your friend! I keep an ‘admin’ list on
my phone of things I need to get done. I
try to do house admin in my lunch break such as order a birthday card online or
pay the gas bill etc. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I keep a shopping list pad next to the fridge so
my hubby and I can add to it as soon as we have run out of something and then
we’ll both try to pick bits up when we can. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Get everything ready the night before. Organise the baby bag/nursery bag, school
uniforms, decide what you’ll wear, iron clothes etc. all the night before. I even put the nursery bag in the car the
night before so that all we need to do in the morning is get the kids fed and
clothed and out we go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RzERwqM5_bc/VLGdaiTv_tI/AAAAAAAAAPY/lpEMiGw0Vf4/s1600/shopping%2Blist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RzERwqM5_bc/VLGdaiTv_tI/AAAAAAAAAPY/lpEMiGw0Vf4/s1600/shopping%2Blist.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Meal Plan<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Meal planning REALLY helps me to stay
organised. I have a chalk board that I
fill out each week. If you don’t fancy a
meal one night you can swap the choices around a bit. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Use a slow cooker. It is the best; you can throw things in at
breakfast time and come home to a lovely dinner and the whole house smelling
delicious! I also have a recipe book but there are great recipes online: <b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/(http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipes/slow-cooker-recipes.aspx)" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Recipes</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Freeze ahead. When I went back to work we bought
a second freezer so that I could make and freeze baby food and meals for us
too. I tend to make a huge chilli, store
it in Ziploc bags and bring it out once a week for chilli night! It is quick
and easy and healthy. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Internet food shopping is a working mum’s best
friend. Do your big shop each week this
way and you’ll only have to pick up little forgotten bits from the corner store
during the week.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VIsZHNmOeY4/VLGgLgNY9TI/AAAAAAAAAP0/3Ip5CmwyIc0/s1600/chalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VIsZHNmOeY4/VLGgLgNY9TI/AAAAAAAAAP0/3Ip5CmwyIc0/s1600/chalk.jpg" height="602" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Meal Planner Chalkboard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hC0e2W5WEXY/VLGdaaNt7EI/AAAAAAAAAPM/_w9goWd26_o/s1600/frozen%2Bmeals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hC0e2W5WEXY/VLGdaaNt7EI/AAAAAAAAAPM/_w9goWd26_o/s1600/frozen%2Bmeals.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Lower your standards or Hire Help<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->If you like to live in a show home, accept that
this will be difficult when you’re back at work! When you’re on maternity leave it is easy to
clean and tidy during naps but now it is a bit trickier. We have a cleaner that comes every other week
to do a clean, this is a huge help as I can keep the house clean day to day but
every two weeks it is so nice to have a deeper clean by a professional!</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->My husband used to spend hours and hours
gardening on the weekends and didn’t even enjoy it that much. We decided to hire a gardener and recently we
even had a fake lawn laid to replace our grass.
This may sound extreme but it always looks great, is soft for the kids
to play on and is zero maintenance and means he gets more time playing football
in the garden with the boys than pulling weeds! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TRLDI6QLkDQ/VLGi2wrS61I/AAAAAAAAAQI/DB4bbks6rbs/s1600/football.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TRLDI6QLkDQ/VLGi2wrS61I/AAAAAAAAAQI/DB4bbks6rbs/s1600/football.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Quality Time<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Try not to spend your precious days off with
your baby hoovering and doing the washing.
Book a music class for your baby, go to the park, feed the ducks, visit
the library etc. – makes you feel less
guilty. I always plan to be home during Caleb’s long nap so I can get housework
done while he’s snoozing. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnQHSPy6Rvc/VLGdZX5xzuI/AAAAAAAAAPA/8laRiofc2xM/s1600/baby%2Bfraser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnQHSPy6Rvc/VLGdZX5xzuI/AAAAAAAAAPA/8laRiofc2xM/s1600/baby%2Bfraser.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Fraser on a Trip to the Park </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-6qJ2RmMC0/VLGhlP_TJ7I/AAAAAAAAAQA/CPV-Qz3VQ3U/s1600/farm%2Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-6qJ2RmMC0/VLGhlP_TJ7I/AAAAAAAAAQA/CPV-Qz3VQ3U/s1600/farm%2Bday.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a Day Out to the Farm </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Work as a Team<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->It is the 21<sup>st</sup> century, so split
tasks with your partner! They may have
been a little bit spoilt when you were on maternity leave and may have become
used to coming home to a clean house, with dinner ready etc. Now that you’re back at work they may need a
gentle reminder that you now need a little help around the house! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Don’t nag or struggle on your own – if you want
to talk about help or house work with your partner, bring it up and ask them for
their thoughts on how to make things easier.
When a man thinks it was their idea it is a lot better and easier! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Don’t Vent at Work <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->If you have had a terrible night’s sleep because
your little one is ill or teething it may be tempting to tell everyone at work
how hard a night you have had. Don’t. Be professional and keep going. Colleagues who have older children will have
forgotten how hard it was and those who haven’t yet had children don’t care.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Think Positively!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Your baby will learn so much, love bonding with
others and making friends and become more social and outgoing. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->There are many reports that suggest part-time
working mums are happier than full-time stay at home mums: <b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2073532/Working-mothers-HAPPIER-stay-home-mums-study-reveals.html" target="_blank">Click here</a></b> (for just one, there are many more)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->You’re doing what is best for your family and
career and your<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> children will appreciate it when they
need help with university fees.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Guilt and motherhood go hand in hand so get ready to feel a
lot of that. After 3 – 4 weeks you’ll
all be in your new routine, far less emotional and enjoying a little bit of
adult conversation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Good Luck! xx</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809401458907046448.post-8205544629097117132015-01-01T02:50:00.002-08:002015-01-01T02:50:49.672-08:00Primer is Lingerie for your Make Up!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ve2XdM3ERxU/VKUi8W6hUTI/AAAAAAAAAOk/OaBMizoht18/s1600/IMG_2802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ve2XdM3ERxU/VKUi8W6hUTI/AAAAAAAAAOk/OaBMizoht18/s1600/IMG_2802.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the Arbonne Primer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two years ago I had no idea what a makeup primer was but now
I have heart palpitations if I can’t find mine! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Primers basically do for make up what lingerie does for clothes! Smooth’s everything out and makes it look a bit better. Many of us will know that a primer for
painting walls is a paint product that allows finishing paint to adhere much better
than if it were used alone. A make up primer is the same principal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Primers help to refine pores and smooth out skin providing a
better surface for your foundation so that it takes more easily and most
importantly to me – stays put longer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I barely have time in the mornings to apply makeup, let
alone time to reapply it later, so staying power of the products I use is vital
to me. For even more staying power I use
a long wearing foundation on top of a primer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love that even though I run around like a mad woman all
day, after two boisterous boys, my makeup is still there in the evenings when
my hubby gets home - so I'm a little less scary looking!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I personally love the <a href="https://www.arbonneinternational.co.uk/shop_online/showitem.asp?ProductId=7825&menuId=&withLinks=1" target="_blank">Arbonne Primer</a> – it is a lovely smooth
texture and it leaves my face with a matte, velvety surface ready for my foundation.
I have also heard great things about
the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer and Benefits ‘Pore’fessional. There are even primers specifically for your
eyelids to aid your eye shadows (Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a
great one!) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLnqljAxsP0/VKUi1xx6pbI/AAAAAAAAAOY/9suE5pWJSdc/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLnqljAxsP0/VKUi1xx6pbI/AAAAAAAAAOY/9suE5pWJSdc/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2woLOI-Unc/VKUjMoWJEwI/AAAAAAAAAO0/hFnRAsk8VJ0/s1600/IMG_2825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2woLOI-Unc/VKUjMoWJEwI/AAAAAAAAAO0/hFnRAsk8VJ0/s1600/IMG_2825.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like to use Estee Lauder's Double Wear Foundation on top of my primer so that my makeup stays all day. <br />I use it in 'Fresco' when I'm pale and the shade 'Pebble' during summer months (or when I fake tan).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cjqq-o-hNME/VKUi8DbJsHI/AAAAAAAAAOg/EoY4oVtbRhY/s1600/IMG_2813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cjqq-o-hNME/VKUi8DbJsHI/AAAAAAAAAOg/EoY4oVtbRhY/s1600/IMG_2813.JPG" height="640" width="440" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809401458907046448.post-83769268586486493212014-12-29T04:19:00.000-08:002016-07-07T08:02:42.541-07:00Circular Party Dress - Outfit of the Day<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1GQup4mxVFk/VKB9EKQXfTI/AAAAAAAAANI/6jF7YC-MBkg/s1600/IMG_2795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1GQup4mxVFk/VKB9EKQXfTI/AAAAAAAAANI/6jF7YC-MBkg/s1600/IMG_2795.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Hi! Here is an outfit of the day for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I must admit I felt SO silly posing for these photos
but I thought this dress was definitely worth sharing, so here goes ...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I
recently bought this circular dress from H&M to wear to eldest sons 4<sup>th</sup>
birthday party, I think the polka dots on it look like colourful balloons! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">What
made me buy this dress though (other than the balloons) is the flattering
cut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is perfect for most shapes and especially suits curvy girls like me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although my ‘baby’ Caleb is now 14 months old
and my scales say I’m back to my pre baby weight I still feel a bit on the
large side for me (and I’m probably a little bit festively plump too).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">This
dress shows off my small waist while hiding my Kim Kardashian inspired booty
and thighs! I wouldn’t normally recommend a high neck like this for larger
chested ladies but because it is black with a pattern I think it actually hides
them quite well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">With
this dress I also wore black tights, my <a href="http://www.zara.com/uk/en/sale/woman/shoes/ankle-boots/high-heeled-patent-bootie-c542064p2125104.html" target="_blank">new Zara patent boots</a>, my rose gold
<a href="http://www.michaelkors.com/gold-tone-circle-pendant-necklace/_/R-US_MKJ3700?No=14&color=0710" target="_blank">Michael Kors necklace</a>, rose gold earrings from Dorothy Perkins, and an H&M
black felt hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">F</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">or my makeup I did my everyday
look but added a festive bright red lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The lipstick I used is a drugstore match for MACs 'Ruby Woo', it
is the Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in 111 and it was a third of the price!</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpcRDDXA3Hk/VKB8ZJVT6HI/AAAAAAAAAMk/CaS1Zqjwe6s/s1600/IMG_2756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpcRDDXA3Hk/VKB8ZJVT6HI/AAAAAAAAAMk/CaS1Zqjwe6s/s1600/IMG_2756.JPG" width="436" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/42171?article=42171-A&cm_vc=PRA1#" target="_blank">H&M Circular Dress</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-664CqMybihg/VKB7_MNPeeI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/Q4Z9x0TMgiU/s1600/IMG_2762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-664CqMybihg/VKB7_MNPeeI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/Q4Z9x0TMgiU/s1600/IMG_2762.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.michaelkors.com/gold-tone-circle-pendant-necklace/_/R-US_MKJ3700?No=14&color=0710" target="_blank">Michael Kors Necklace</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EC3XFW5o6Fs/VKB8FR59g5I/AAAAAAAAAMY/uGTcLgpZTHY/s1600/IMG_2764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EC3XFW5o6Fs/VKB8FR59g5I/AAAAAAAAAMY/uGTcLgpZTHY/s1600/IMG_2764.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rather old Dorothy Perkins earrings :-)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cuRsjM2NE8A/VKB8Zt3H7-I/AAAAAAAAAMo/3xEuSIW4MBY/s1600/IMG_2789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cuRsjM2NE8A/VKB8Zt3H7-I/AAAAAAAAAMo/3xEuSIW4MBY/s1600/IMG_2789.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zara.com/uk/en/sale/woman/shoes/ankle-boots/high-heeled-patent-bootie-c542064p2125104.html" target="_blank">Zara Patent Booties</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WR-7mkz6LRo/VKB80z8sPII/AAAAAAAAAM4/9lzeHvu8KnY/s1600/IMG_2790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WR-7mkz6LRo/VKB80z8sPII/AAAAAAAAAM4/9lzeHvu8KnY/s1600/IMG_2790.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6tS2n-XCwyE/VKFCEbSRSmI/AAAAAAAAANo/lEhM9DRNR0g/s1600/rimmel%2B111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6tS2n-XCwyE/VKFCEbSRSmI/AAAAAAAAANo/lEhM9DRNR0g/s1600/rimmel%2B111.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rimmel's Kate Moss Stay Matte Lipstick in 111 is the perfect red for this time of year! From Boots.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eovzd_3r0Fc/VKB9SL9dKNI/AAAAAAAAANY/ZDM8Jq-CLVk/s1600/IMG_2794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eovzd_3r0Fc/VKB9SL9dKNI/AAAAAAAAANY/ZDM8Jq-CLVk/s1600/IMG_2794.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/42171?article=42171-A&cm_vc=PRA1#" target="_blank">H&M Circular Dress</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">This dress cut also comes in lots of other colours and textures and costs £24.99.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/51089?article=51089-A&cm_vc=PRA1#" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="H&M Beige Circular Dress " border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uK3dBiWSrRA/VKFDHz4q90I/AAAAAAAAANs/U2yBWwXpvlE/s1600/beige%2Bcircular.png" width="272" /></a><a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/42171?article=42171-A&cm_vc=PRA1#" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Black and Pink Circular Dress " border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XO8Vwcffyc/VKFDIccuxbI/AAAAAAAAANw/k5v1ea6ywzE/s1600/pink%2Bdress.png" width="272" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809401458907046448.post-38334556123990971432014-12-26T13:08:00.001-08:002014-12-26T13:11:47.152-08:00Boxing Day Tradition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3NrDnenmqj8/VJ3GFX6RGEI/AAAAAAAAAHc/OiIgeqnzgzY/s1600/IMG_2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3NrDnenmqj8/VJ3GFX6RGEI/AAAAAAAAAHc/OiIgeqnzgzY/s1600/IMG_2521.JPG" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h78diNoQYf8/VJ3GJWJUddI/AAAAAAAAAHk/8HTYpliE6nI/s1600/IMG_2531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h78diNoQYf8/VJ3GJWJUddI/AAAAAAAAAHk/8HTYpliE6nI/s1600/IMG_2531.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It has become a family tradition of ours that every Boxing
Day we go to Colchester Zoo. It is nice
to get out of the house (and away from the Christmas mess!) and into the fresh
air to spend time as a family. We’ve
been lucky with the weather, since we started going four years ago; it has
always been crisp and bright.</div>
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Colchester Zoo is huge, so we took two buggies as it would
be a lot of walking for Fraser! We
looked at the animals and went to the soft play. The best part of our day was seeing the
Penguin Feed. We went to other feeds and
presentations such as the giraffes and elephants but I couldn’t believe how
close the penguins got to us! Fraser
stared fascinated at them while they swallowed fish in one bite. I watched him, watching them and could
literally see the cogs in his head turning as he watched them and learned about
them. Later at dinner time he was trying to eat his carrots with no hands, in
one bite – like the penguins were <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZYuyZttaHQ/VJ3F7LFLO8I/AAAAAAAAAHU/XPTPWbrl9tY/s1600/IMG_2540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZYuyZttaHQ/VJ3F7LFLO8I/AAAAAAAAAHU/XPTPWbrl9tY/s1600/IMG_2540.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WHJdbfrXSMs/VJ3HAP2LzLI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/wooIb98LvYk/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WHJdbfrXSMs/VJ3HAP2LzLI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/wooIb98LvYk/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-dZSIjsWIo/VJ3G5vWHivI/AAAAAAAAAII/V74hVJEnTSk/s1600/IMG_2553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-dZSIjsWIo/VJ3G5vWHivI/AAAAAAAAAII/V74hVJEnTSk/s1600/IMG_2553.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhrnFW8ghcc/VJ3KxXG8M9I/AAAAAAAAAKA/ylGuL4tEoEQ/s1600/IMG_2707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhrnFW8ghcc/VJ3KxXG8M9I/AAAAAAAAAKA/ylGuL4tEoEQ/s1600/IMG_2707.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had a lovely day but I couldn’t help but feel a little
bit sad, sad for the animals. At the
lion enclosure the huge male lion was pacing back and forth and staring at all
of the viewers and roaring, and I swear he eyed up little Caleb thinking that he
would be an easy kill. I know that
sounds dramatic but I know what I saw!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChWst0-I1dc/VJ3Mf9UrJKI/AAAAAAAAAKw/3BNtekAJkn0/s1600/lion.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChWst0-I1dc/VJ3Mf9UrJKI/AAAAAAAAAKw/3BNtekAJkn0/s1600/lion.png" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Also a chimpanzee ran and jumped on the glass as we were
staring in at him, like he was aggravated.
There were signs up around the animals saying exactly why they are there
and how they were rescued by the zoo, which made me feel slightly better but
still sad.</div>
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The chimps had been
rescued from a testing lab where they had been since they were young and the
torture they experienced had understandably affected their behaviour. The bears had been saved from a place in Asia
where they were kept in cages and bile was taken from their stomachs for
medicinal purposes. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDH3vi-uLTQ/VJ3J2oCg0mI/AAAAAAAAAJo/GLQXmxSPpKk/s1600/IMG_2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDH3vi-uLTQ/VJ3J2oCg0mI/AAAAAAAAAJo/GLQXmxSPpKk/s1600/IMG_2643.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the penguin feed I spoke to the zoo keeper and she
explained that these penguins had always been captive and that they wouldn’t
know what to do in the wild if they were released. She explained that a percentage of penguins
need to be captive to protect the species as they are in such danger in the outside
world and therefore if the worst happened they could breed them in zoos and
later release them (they are very careful to monitor family trees and
inbreeding etc.).</div>
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When I was 18 years old my family and I went on safari in
South Africa, Kruger National Park and it was amazing to see the animals in the
wild, running free, so I think it makes it hard to appreciate zoos. I would love to take the boys to Africa when
they are older to go on safari. </div>
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Although the above sounds a little bit negative we did have
a wonderful day being a family and the boys learned so much and enjoyed
watching the animals eat and play. There
were also great play areas and parks there. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XbpodqB3sx0/VJ3HQt4V8wI/AAAAAAAAAIg/UsnmjpF0rMk/s1600/IMG_2564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XbpodqB3sx0/VJ3HQt4V8wI/AAAAAAAAAIg/UsnmjpF0rMk/s1600/IMG_2564.JPG" height="640" width="462" /></a></div>
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What I wore: </div>
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A new bobble hat (that was a pressie from my bff) - River
Island.<br />
A gillet – French Connection <br />
A fluffy white jumper – Dorothy Perkins<br />
Joni Jeans – Topshop <br />
Boots - Dune</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.com0Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex CO3 0SL, UK51.8623889 0.83345899999994851.7839829 0.67209749999994806 51.9407949 0.99482049999994793tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809401458907046448.post-60726466868340270772014-12-19T08:52:00.001-08:002014-12-28T14:09:09.134-08:00Happy Birthday Hubs<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #747474; font-family: "Jacques Francois"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">EEK! SO</span> this is my first ever blog post and because tomorrow is my husband's birthday I can't think of a better subject for my first ever blog :-)<br />
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<i><b>Matt with Fraser, just hours old!</b></i></div>
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When we were younger my hubby and I were always all over each other and didn't
really care or think about public displays of affection (much to my friends
annoyance!) but as we've got older and grown up together (it’s been 10
years now) and had children we’re not really ones for PDA’s!<br />
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<i><b>Us 9 years ago! (oh to be young again)</b></i></div>
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BUT I strongly believe that it is important to make sure that the people we love really know how much we value them and appreciate them. Especially when you have children, who take up most of your attention and time. It can make it harder to spend time together, let alone show your love for someone! Matt jokes that he is my third favourite, after our sons...<br />
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So this blog post is just for you Matt. Happy Birthday!<br />
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You are the most incredible Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our boys are so lucky to have such a loving Dad who always wants to
spend time with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are a
wonderful role model to them, you make them laugh and you pass on your love for
toilet humour (which I could do without to be honest, but at least the boys
think it is hilarious!)</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You work so hard and we’re all so grateful to you for everything you do. Don't ever change. We're all lucky to have you. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />All my love your (totally cringe, very UN-British) wife, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your Emily xxx</span></div>
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<b><i>Matt and his mini me's - Fraser and Caleb</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Matt and Caleb</i></b></div>
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<b><i>On our wedding day, 5 years ago</i></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05645757660426174465noreply@blogger.com26