Netflix Recommendations

Helloo,

Something that we all love, Netflix!!!! If you don't have it already then seriously you need to jump on board. The basic package is £5.99 a month, that's all you need to be honest.

I spend a lot of time at home, just genuinely as a parent you do but now I work from home too. My days and evenings are being spent watching Netflix. Luckily, one upside to being a single parent - don't have to share the television choice. I decided Netflix was a good way to cure the boredom of the nights spent alone once Corey has gone to bed. I can get through TV series quite quickly especially once I'm hooked.

I am not even going to attempt recommending movies, as there are far too many and it is all down to personal preference. But TV series are different so here are some of my Netflix recommendations:

Friends

Coming soon to Netflix. A classic that we all know and love. Everyone watches but when was the last time you watched from beginning to end in order? It is really strange doing it but so worth it. 

Pretty Little Liars

This is a new recent find for me after many blogger recommendations. I'm currently half way through and safe to say I am obsessed. It is by far one of my top ever series. All about four friends in school and a missing person investigation. 

Orange Is The New Black

I am yet to watch this, it is a Netflix original but I have only heard very good things - it is next on my list. Story line is do with girls is prison.  

The Walking Dead

I am not into zombies at all, I watched the first few episodes which were pretty amazing. But it started to get a bit too gruesome for my liking. If it sounds like something you would like, then go for it.

Gossip Girl

Pretty much exactly what it sounds like - very girly. I love it! Admittedly I have only watched the first few series when they came out, but I will finish it off with my long list to watch. I hear it gets better as it goes on :)

The Prison Break

I wondered whether I would like this or not. Certainly need to watch first couple of episodes to get into it properly but then it is amazing. The title explains what it is all about plus with Wentworth Miller for eye candy, just yummy!

Breaking Bad

I'm not even going to tell you the plot of this as it is one you need to watch to find out. I was really surprised but in a good way, it is much more interesting than I ever thought and by seems of it everyone else thinks the same too. It is brilliant!

Charmed

I don't know how big this is in UK but I know it is still huge in America. I love it, for me it is one of those just like Friends that can watch an episode over and over and not get bored. It is about supernatural stuff, witches fighting demons. I love it! 

Scrubs

We all know what Scrubs is, I got so excited when I found they had all the series on Netflix. Doctors living lives, such a good comedy to watch!

Some other suggestions are: Vampire Diaries, 24, House Of Cards, Fringe, The Bridge and more..

They have sooooo many it is unbelieveable. Your TV choices are sorted for months. I just wish they had a better selection of newer movies as I would like to see them too! 

Whilst writing this post I came across a blogger's Netflix tag that I saw on Alice's blog which you should check out here - I think I will give it a go at some point I think :)

What is your favourite TV series?! Leave me your recommendations in the comments..

Love, Gemma xo

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H&A Bathtime Buddies - Alphabet Set*

Helloo,

I have an exciting review today on a lovely bath set from H&A Bathtime Buddies - Alphabet Set* :)

Age Range: 3+
Price: £3.30
Where To Buy: Asda, Sainsbury's, Tescos and Wilko
Info: Check out their website for more info by clicking here,

Included are 65 foam letters in various colours and duplicate letters especially vowels. They stick to the bath or tiles when wet, very easily. The lid has holes in - so that you can scoop up the letters, put the lid on and turn upside down to drain properly. They do dry thoroughly and don't feel like they would go mouldy after a while if looked after which was a concern of mine as with any bath toys. Great quality and price :)

I have written in the past about educating pre-schoolers and now Corey has actually just started school. Corey is pretty smart for his age as his teachers keep telling me and the next step is phonics and reading. He can recognise some letters and some small words like Corey or mummy. I'm so proud and keep thinking of more ways to bring fun into learning at home. Corey really enjoys his bath, he would spend an hour in there if I let him and he loves the idea of going all wrinkly. This is a great way to learn in the bath, just little bits at a time can really help with a child's memory and maybe letter by letter he will pick up more bits gradually :)

H&A also offer lots of amazing products of many of our children's favourite characters like Frozen, Thomas, Spongebob and some more Disney favourites. All of these seem to be products such as shampoo's etc, faceclothes and some other little bits. I am sure Corey will want to try some of his favourite characters :)

The Alphabet Set is part of the H&A Bathtime Buddies range which can be viewed here. It is fun toys for the bath. I really want to go pick up some more of their products for this including one of their Mr & Mrs Clock which is only £1 - what a cute way to learn the time :)

I managed to get a little video of Corey singing his alphabet, he got a bit distracted in the middle but you can view below:


So there you have it, be sure to check out the wonderful H&A ranges and pick up some bits - I think it's a fantastic bargain :) Safe to say we highly recommend 100%!

Love, Gemma xo

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*I was sent these products free of charge in exchange for a review in a post which enables me too enter for the chance to become part of an official H&A blogging ambassador programme 'Fun Squad' - fingers crossed!*

Silent Sunday #27

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Games Night :)

Helloo,

I started off trying to write a post on my recent purchases but it wasn't very interesting to be honest, I haven't brought anything decent. Except, some games. I am so excited Corey is at that age now that I can try and teach him to play proper games.

We are in an era where technology has taken over a bit with our children which I am all for don't get me wrong. It's the way things are heading so why not just jump on board. I was born in '93 just when technology was really coming about so I have grown up with it and was fortunate enough to be able to get all the latest things. But I got to enjoy the days of playing rounders with my friends at the field behind my house, going bowling and doing all these things. Things that children these days don't seem to get to do anymore. They rather be playing on the PS4 or something!

I used to love to play board games and now Corey is at school, I am finding out time together even more precious whilst trying to adjust that it feels like such little time. Trying to make the most of it, enjoying our evenings. One night a week will be spent having dinner at my grandparents whom we are very close too. Plus now weekly we will have a games night hence this post really.

I have started off our collection with these two:

I remember endless of hours of Connect 4 when I was little. Operation, I really can't remember playing it at all but remember wishing I was.

Here is our first night of games:

It was so much fun, and Corey loved it. Although he was quite tired on that particular day. With Connect 4, he liked emptying the things before the game was actually over. Operation was good to try, its funny on what is actually on this guys insides. I was assuming you know a heart, lungs usual body parts but no it was a controller, phone etc!

Certainly a weekly thing from now on :) The other day we even played Frustration at my mums! I already own Monopoly but I know Corey is far too young for that. Time to grow my collection, I'm thinking Mouse Trap. Is Buckaroo around still these days?!

What suggestions do you have? :) Maybe a favourite from your childhood maybe? Guess Who was mine :)

Love, Gemma xo

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Silent Sunday #26

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Skimlinks Test

Silent Sunday #25

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First Day Of School!!

Helloo,

Yesterday, we hit a very big life milestone. My Corey, started 'big boy school' in a class which is between pre-school and reception. But very play based learning like pre-school but more structured and able to teach more like a reception. Corey is ready to be taught so this is a great place for him to start. I explained all about it in another post, click here to check that out and find more information about it.

So here is my handsome little bubsy in his school uniform, how freaking adorable?! It was so cute. Nothing beats that moment of putting on his uniform for the first time, it was just one of those memorable times. Now here he is coat, bag and umbrella - all ready to go..

And a closer look at some of his bits. You will be surprised to know that actually everything came from Tesco Clothing School Uniform Shop and did not cost much at all really. Such a bargain and really good quality. Highly recommend!

Of course it wouldn't be a first day without a picture with mummy, I admit I couldn't get a great one but here we go:

So off we went and met his dad who joined us for first day drop off. I managed to not cry, I don't know how but I knew I had to hold it in to make it better for Corey. It went well, he had a cuddle before I left and just got on with it really.

Before we left, he mentioned about wanting to stay home with me so I instantly thought here we go, its started. But it was fine, Corey has been going to nursery since he was 9 months old. But it was never full time. Maybe an issue will arise there in a week or two and realises Who knows! He will get used to it either way :) Hopefully I will too..

When I went to pick him up, he was happy to see his mummy of course. I had a big cuddle and the teacher told me how excellent Corey had been. He was very proud to show me he had been given a 'super star' sticker for tidying up. I was so glad to have him back for the evening though. He told me all about and seemed to have really enjoyed himself which is a big relief :)

This morning it was our second school run, in the absolute pouring rain, which was a pain in the bum. But I guess you don't have a choice when they are in school every day really.

It is a strange concept because I am having to wake up before 7 to get ready, home by 9.15. To be honest, not going to lie but I was very lucky and we didn't used to get out of bed until 10 every day so the change is something I need to get used too. But will certainly do me some good!

As Corey is my only child and now at that school age, my original plan was to go back into work. However, I am now officially a self-employed blogger which means working from home. Its great because I can earn money doing something I love, it also means I am there for schools runs and get that extra evening time which I wouldn't of got in an office or something. It has worked out well! But what do I do all day? I can't blog all day - I do not have enough to say.

How did you cope with spending your days alone once children were in school?

Love, Gemma xo

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Top 15 Posts Of 2014

Helloo,

I had seen of few of these 'Top 15 Posts Of 2014' around and I have enjoyed reading them so thought I would do one too. It's great to look back over the year to see what was written and see what was accomplished :) Somehow in 2014, I managed to write 181 posts altogether. I don't know how but in no particular order..

1. Pregnancy, Premature Birth & Beyond..

So this one was really really long, I still cry if I sit there and read it. This was written over 3 years after Corey was born, but still remember it as if it were yesterday. Literally went into detail of the pregnancy, birth, hospital stays, coming home and even a death scare. As you can imagine, pretty intense stuff!

2. Life Of A Premature Baby..

Well the last one leads onto this, I did talk about Corey being premature in the above but not a great deal. I decided to go into a lot more detail and show what it is really like to have a premature baby.

3. Pregnancy Losses & False Hope..

Oh such a sensitive topic for a lot of people, nothing is worse than a loss. If you know me well, you will know I am one broody mumma, false hope was an awful feeling. But my time will come when the time is right.

4. Annoying Question/Phrases Children Say..

This is a bit of a funny post, that I had a lot of fun writing. The picture explains it all really!!! If you have or work with children then you will just understand!

5. Butlins Skegness Holiday..

I love nothing more than reading about Holiday's, although it may contain my now ex - awkward. But it was a good holiday and I just love Butlins. I can't wait to write about more Holiday's in the future. Including Corey's first holiday abroad in a couple of months :) Excited is an understatement!!!!

6. Brit Mums Live..

It was my first blogging event, where I made some amazing friends and learnt some blogging bits. It was a great 2 day event and I can not wait to go again this year if I can :) I wonder if this beautiful outside area will still be there?!

7. Naming Day/Christening Ideas..

I didn't have a traditional Christening, I had a Naming Day - a little out of the ordinary but is now very common for those non religious like myself. It was such a great day and I shared some ideas and a bit about the day.

8. LegoLand

Honestly, one of the most amazing day trips out I have ever had with Corey. I didn't even feel very well and it was so beyond hot but really was so magical. You can see by the pictures on just how beautiful it was. Next time I'm staying in the Lego Hotel too!

9. Ideal Home Show, Earls Court..

I have always loved things like this and I am a massive fan of all things homeware. I was pretty much in heaven, that actually cost of fortune if I wanted to buy anything. I certainly would go again!

10. Massive Beauty Haul..

I may have gone a little crazy with the make-up buying on my 21st. Like insane amounts were spent - worth every penny though :) **Warning - Picture Heavy Post**

11. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation Review

I think I have found my holy-grail foundation, everything in the review explains why but if you know your make-up then I am sure you already know about this one!

12. Photoshoot

I think it is great to have good quality photos that can be treasured. I've had 3 with Corey since he was a baby, and they all mean so much to me! This one, his personality really shined through which was lovely!

13. Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot (Blush Palette) Review

It is the ultimate blush heaven, for the first time ever Benefit brought out a gift set containing 6 of their iconic blushes. It's so pretty and although you expect it to cost a fortune, it actually didn't!

14. Corey's 4th Birthday..

Just a few days before Christmas, is Corey's birthday. I got some lovely snaps of the day and it was very much a TMNT present theme and look at that chocolate foundation - yummy!

15. Christmas..

No need to even explain my love for Christmas, favourite time of year!

This was meant to start out as Top 10 but I got carried away a little bit - whoopsie :) so 15 it is - be sure to check some of them out if they take your fancy! What was your favourite post of the year to write?

Love, Gemma xo

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Silent Sunday #24

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Happy New Year & Resolutions!!

Helloo,

2015 is upon us right now, how long will you still be writing 2014 by mistake? Takes me about a month to adjust! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and the best New Years night whatever all your plans may have been. I stayed in with a friend, takeaway and Harry Potter movies.

So a very big HAPPY NEW YEAR to you if you are reading this!!

Today I take a look at some of my resolutions and goals for this year. Keep reading if you want to find out what they are :)

I don't really believe in the "new year, new me" stuff anymore, I used to do it every year and never stick to it. I am now old enough to have realised that if you want to change then you will do it when you want. It takes real dedication to stick to them and if you aren't in the right frame of mind then what's the point? I used to just get disappointed when I failed so not setting myself up to fail this time.

Well I am going to be honest, if you read my blog then you will be aware the end of my 2014 wasn't the greatest. I had to deal with a bad break up, and adjusting to living alone again etc. As you can imagine it wasn't the easiest to deal with especially with a toddler. I had to get my life on track again and sort some things out. So these aren't really resolutions that I am starting today on the first, where as I actually started some of them a couple of months ago.

This is the slogan on a recent boxing day purchase from Next. This is what I am hoping to be true. I seem to have had quite a lot of bad luck. To be honest as long as my baby, my family and myself make it through the year healthy and still together then I will be happy.

Life Goals

Driving

 So something I have wanted to do for ages is to learn to drive. I have a car, just waiting to be used. I have to rely on my family to take me places when I need too even like getting Corey to school and back. It'd be great to be able to do it myself. I done lessons a few years ago but never did my theory so couldn't take my test. I don't really like tests as I'm nkt good at them. In December I took my theory test, well I booked it and then never revised stupidly. I almost didn't go on the day. I walked in knowing I would have failed, utter waste of time. But somehow by some miracle I fluked and passed. Which is such a relief. Now I start driving lessons next week :)

Weight Loss

 Well I am sure I am not the only one who says this every year and the "I'll start after Christmas" - all of that. This time I do mean it, well to be fair I've already lost 2 stone but I have a lot to go still. Precisely 4 or 5 stone. I'm not the best eater in the world so I don't stick to diets as I miss meals here and there, I don't particuarly like vegetables and just prefer to snack when hungry. A few years ago I did lose 5 stone, unhealthly in a month. Now I not thats not going to happen again. I'm not even sure how I'm going to lose weight this time, but I will. Probably mainly exercise, a walk a day or something. I'll find a way :)

Doggy

 This is more of a hint to my mum, I want a new doggy. I have one, I big golden retriever who I got last year but she is around 10 years old and can't go for walks. She is the loveliest, does as she's told but too big for cuddles on the sofa etc. Some people say I won't take the dog out for a wee every hour to train the puppy. But I really would. Plus the walking every day, fair enough I am quite lazy. But I want to lose weight and walk every day. So a puppy would be the best way to help me do that. I work from home so am home all day. I really want a Cavalier puppy, they are just gorgeous. I will have one by the end of this year! Its not just a dog, they are a friend and part of the family too. Who wouldn't want that?

Job

  So I have been out of work for a year now, by choice. This time last year I didn't need to work and still don't need too but I want too. I have tried searching for a job but finding something ideal that I actually want has proven to be hard. I want to work full time, but as I don't need to work I'm not going to go into a job I won't enjoy. 

So a few days ago, I took a really big step and have gone self-employed as a full-time blogger. Now everyone has been asking me, "do you really make enough to do it full-fime?". My answer is no I don't. Because of my situation, being a single parent I get tax credits which mean despite my income being £0 I can comfortably work from home doing something I love. Being self-employed I can earn from my blog if I want too, up to a certain amount before it effects my tax credits anyways. So there is flexability! Which now this new change takes me onto my...

Blogging Goals

YouTube

 Well origionally I had actually recorded a video on my resolutions however whilst editing my laptop decided to have a hissy fit and break on me. Typical. But I think I would like to give YouTube a go, I'm not sure how well it will go. I'm not sure that if I start then I will finish it. I may record a few over the next few weeks and see what I think. I want to go YouTube, well one thing was so that I can have a bit more of a chat. I spoke to some fellow bloggers who liked the idea of me just talking as if it were a bit of a diary (not too personal) but we all have ups and downs, I have no shame in showing that as it may help someone somewhere. I didn't think people would like the idea but it seemed to go down well. What do you think? :) 

Milestones

 Now, I have realised that figures aren't everything or anything to worry about. Yes companies look for them so to some extent they matter. But do not let it consume you. We have all been there done that, worrying why our own numbers aren't as high as others. But over time, it grows. Slow and steady wins the race after all! Just remember we are writing for ourselves and it should be fun, a way to release and unwind. Well for me anyways. However that being said, I am very close to some milestones that I am hugely excited for. I never thought one person would read my blog let alone the amount of people who actually do. 

Blogging Events

 Whether it be blogger events or companies releasing new products etc. I would love to be there. Last year I attended 2 big parent blogger events - BritMums and Blogfest. They were both so good and my plan is to go again. Not only do you learn stuff, but get to meet some incredible fellow bloggers who become friends. Which takes me too..

Community

  I love the blogging community, I have made some amazing friends. Everyone is so lovely, kind and supportive. Whether it be blogging or personal related, you can guarantee someone will be there to listen or help if they can. Not only have I gained friends, but a couple of best friends. I have to mention Andrea from Blogger Mumma because she has been my rock and I don't know what I would do without her. I also run the @mummy_bloggers community, with the weekly #mblogchat which is great. We all get on so well and have a good old chit chat. I plan to do more to be involved in the community somehow, joining in on more chats and whatever I can really. 

So there you have it, my resolutions. Now what are yours? :) 

Love, Gemma xo

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