Silent Sunday #45

........

Nickelodeon's Store - Leicester Square, London* #NickStore

Helloo,

This Friday 29th May, I will be attending a VIP pre-opening event at the first ever Nickelodeon UK Flagship Store which will be in Leicester Square!! :) I get this exciting opportunity to have a look round, find out more information and take some pictures as well as some fun activities for Corey like meeting Dora The Explorer!!! Watch out for a post next week all about it.

Now for the exciting part which is where all of you can get involved..

So whilst us bloggers are in store between 11am-12.30pm their will be a twitter frenzy - super exciting. Run by the great @UKMumstv so be sure to follow and myself at @sunshineblogxo for some tweets as I will be joining in live from the store. Follow the Twitter hashtag which is #nickstore to see everyone else's :) There will be some giveaway prizes up for grabs too!!

The store will be opening officially to public this Saturday on 30th May 2015 :)

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook ❤ Pinterest ❤ YouTube

May 2015 - Monthly Favourites #3

Helloo,

Another month has gone by seriously?! We are half way through the year but oh what a good year it has been so far :) So let's get into some of this month's favourites.. 

*Mummy Loves*

Went to Channel 4's Comedy Gala at 02 in London
New Makeup
Exciting work opportunities
Getting hair re-coloured (always love the fresh feeling!)
Made my first YouTube Video

*Corey Loves*
School trip to Tesco
School May Fayre
Dressing up as a World War School Boy

Here is this month's favourite picture of Corey and I :) his hair was insanely long here!!!

A really exciting blogging thing this month - I started YouTube - okay well I made one video and we will see if I make anymore. You can read all about it here and watch the video here. It's a house tour :)

It's actually half term this week which is super exciting as means I get to spend lots of time with Corey! Hoping the weather stays nice for us as we have lots planned. Including an opening visit to the very first Nickelodeon store in a couple of days before it opens up to the public - so excited!! :) Will be sure to post about what we get up too.

Look forward to seeing lots of your posts on your monthly favourites and photos for those who join in the linkies that are below - if you don't already know about them go and check them out as they really are great :) .. Now in the comments let me know what was your favourite part of this month?!

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook ❤ Pinterest ❤ YouTube

Linking up with Mummy And Me, Me And Mine and Mummy Monday.

Silent Sunday #44

........

House Tour - Video

Helloo,

Last year I took the plunge and started YouTube, I failed and then tried again earlier this year - failed again. I don't like putting pressure on myself in regards to blogging because I want to be passionate about it. The time just hasn't been right but maybe now is the time. I'm going to give it a go anyways!

I have started by filming a house tour - so if you are like me and pretty nosey then come have a look to see what my house is like! Admittedly it is nothing amazing, but a house I am very proud of because it is home. Corey and I love it anyways :)

You can watch it here..

GIVE A THUMBS UP AND SUBSCRIBE PLEASE :)

If you liked the video, please let me know what you think. It took a super long time to edit it until I was happy enough with it. Was my first proper time editing so hope I done well. If you would like to see more videos from now on (with me actually in them maybe!) then please give it a thumbs up and subscribe (here) to my channel. I am thinking of doing a get to know me or a tag for the next video. Any other suggestions?

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook ❤ Pinterest ❤ YouTube

I'm Going To Brit Mums Live 2015!!

Helloo,

It is that time of year again where in a few weeks will be heading the brilliant Brit Mums Live two day blogging conference in London. This is my second time attending and I am super excited :) Here is a little meme to get to know about me - check out everyone else's by clicking here.

This is a picture of what I actually look like:

Name 

Gemma Louise

Blog 

www.sunshineonacloudyday.co.uk 

Twitter ID 

@sunshineblogxo

Height 

5ft8

Hair 

Brunette

Eyes 

Blue

Is this your first blogging conference? 

Nope, I attended Brit Mums and Blog Fest last year :)

Are you attending both days? 

Of course!

What are you most looking forward to at BritMums Live 2015? 

Seeing all my lovely blogging friends old and new!! :) Especially getting to meet some of the lovely #mblogchat ladies who join in my chat!

What are you wearing? (Want inspiration? Check out Brit Mums Pinterest board) 

Oh dear, I don't want to worry about this just yet - few weeks and then I will panic about this!!

What do you hope to gain from BritMums Live 2015? 

Blogging knowledge, meeting new people and meeting some brilliant brands!

Do you have any tips to pass on to others who may not have been before? 

Relaxxxxx!! It is isn't as scary as you are worrying, trust me! 

I really am so excited to meet everyone, let me know if you are going and I will be sure to try and say hello :) Check out some of the posts I wrote about it last year - 2014 Meme, Panic Time, Brit Mums Live and What I Learnt. 

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook ❤ Pinterest

google-site-verification: google69780fba815e4af3.html

Silent Sunday #43

........

Comedy Gala 2015 - Night Out In London :)

Helloo,

I always have the mummy guilt of going out without Corey, because I genuinely hate doing fun things without him! However, last night I finally after years of wanting to attend got to go to Channel 4's Comedy Gala!!

My friends and I decided to make a bit of a day out of it, so we headed to St Pancras. A friend nipped into MAC to pick up a lipstick, so I ended up doing the same (even though I said don't let me buy anything in there). But it was fate, I had wanted Mehr for ages and the first lipstick I picked up to swatch was Mehr. It was just meant to be so I was a bit naughty and treated myself - glad I did though :)

We then headed to the very famous Searcy's Champagne Bar whilst at St Pancras. Oh wow, the prices were incredibly expensive. But our friend treated us all to a bottle to share. Felt like pure luxury - looking at the menu finding the most expensive bottle as you do just to see the price. £9000 for a 30 litre bottle?!!!

Heading out to dinner to a little pub garden near the Tower of London called The Minories. It was really sweet and so much cheaper than I was thinking it would be. We shared a starter between two people of potato wedges with pulled pork (yum!!) and then had a burger each with a drink - coming to just £10 and look how delicious..

Then we started to head off to the 02 Arena, and for those of you who don't know apparently you can take cable cars which is basically on a zip line. I was quite excited until we got closer and I saw them - I was panicking absolutely crapping myself. I get stomach cramps when I'm nervous, my heart was racing so bloody fast. The lovely friends I having a laugh at how scared I was because they had all done it before so was fine for them. I almost didn't get on but I was so glad I did as was fun once up there! However, when my friends started walking around mid air going across the River Thames so they could take a picture together - lets just say they heard a lot of naughty words!!! Have to admit though, I got a pretty good selfie with the 02 in the background..

Comedy Gala was meant to start at 7.30 but was almost 8 by the time it did. I was so excited as the opening act was Attraction (the shadow act) from Britain's Got Talent - I loved them then and seeing them live was so great. Plus Alan Carr - who was not on for long enough in my opinion. The good people were not on for long enough at all like Paul Chowdhry (my favourite from the night) who was beyond hilarious and some others like Trevor Noah, Seann Walsh, Kevin Bridges, Russell Kane and more. Michael McIntrye, who I have never really found funny before until last night and he was the best and I certainly want to go to one of his stands up now. I was gutted that Jimmy Carr and Paddy McGuinness weren't there as they are two of my favourites! I was really disappointed in the lady comedians - most of them sucked really badly and the ending was actually appalling like they really need to up that next time. I paid roughly £55 for my ticket and it was worth it, had great seats and will 100% want to go again next year.

my best friend and I :)

For those of you who don't know, Comedy Gala is held as a charity event to raise money for the brilliant Great Ormond Street Hospital in London who look after and help very sick children. When Corey was premature he was almost rushed there, thankfully he managed to stay at our local hospital but I have friends who had children who had to stay there and all the amazing work they do needs help to keep that going for many years to come.

So pretty please if you get a chance text GOSH to 70007 to donate £3 :)

I'm not sure when this year's Comedy Gala will be aired on TV but hopefully soon - be sure to watch it, have a good old laugh and of course donate! Now if you had to pick your ultimate favourite comedian ever - who would it be? Mine will forever be good old Jimmy Carr!

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook ❤ Pinterest

Kids Don't Come With A Manual - Book Review*

Helloo,

Well there's a first for everything - a book review on my blog. Not only that but my first time reading a 'self help' book!

I admit I was a bit cautious of a self help book, but this one is great for so many reasons. It has a lovely well designed front cover and overall it is easy to read. Well laid out, sectioned into great categories and even has places for you to write notes. It then also has a great appendix for some of the most popular issues that are raised within the book. 

So to give you an idea on what is in the book, here are the titles of the chapters:

- How To Prevent Power Struggles & Other Issues

- How To (Re)Connect With Your Children

- How To Be A Good Role Model To Your Children

- How To Listen So Children Will Want To Talk

- How To Talk So Children Will Want To Listen

- How To Effectively Deal With 'Mis'Behaviour

- How To Develop Your Children's Self-Responsibility & Emotional Resilience  

For me the 'How To Listen So Children Will Want To Talk' isn't relevant as Corey is so open and honest with me - he always feels like he can talk to me no matter what. If he is cheeky and tries to lie, I know straight away. But sometimes if little mr is up to some mischief, he doesn't want to listen so I read the 'How To Talk So Children Will Want To Listen' and the 'How To Effectively Deal With 'Mis'Behaviour' which has given some great insight into some tips for me to use :) I've said before on this blog that Corey and I have a very close mother and son bond that is regularly commented on, he is my best friend and love of my life. But am I a good role model? Well I would like to think so. I read the 'How To Be A Good Role Model To Your Children' and gave me a lot of confidence that I am doing things right - it also touched on having time for yourself which I believe is such a big thing that I agree with 100% :) 

My lovely friend and fellow blogger Vicki from EllieBearBabi had this to say about the book - "I'm passing this book onto my friend who's expecting her first baby next week.. I've never ever lent any of the "parenting" books I've read before to anyone as I've never agreed with everything in it or felt comfortable about some of the suggestions. high five for a parenting book that doesn't make you feel like a crap mum or guilty about your parenting choice"

I GIVE THIS BOOK A 5/5 :)

Check out their website here, where you can find out more information and get some expert advise even an app! :) Check out their facebook and twitter too. Plus lots of great reviews on Amazon - where you can buy a kindle version or paperback!

COMPETITION

For your chance to win a copy of this book - please read the rules and enter via the Rafflecopter form below -

1. Giveaway is open to UK entrants only.

2. Open from midnight 15th May 2015 and closes midnight 22nd May 2015

3. Mandatory entry is to follow both @BestOfParent and @sunshineblogxo on Twitter as well as leaving a blog comment on this post in what expert parenting advice would you like.  All other entries are optional.
4. The winner will be chosen at random within 3 days of competition ending - will be announced on Twitter.
5. The winner will then have 7 days to provide an address for book delivery, if not a new winner will be chosen. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook ❤ Pinterest

Silent Sunday #42

........

What Does Family Mean To Me? - #MatalansModernFamilies*

Helloo,

Good old Matalan  have working a really amazing campaign called #MatalansModernFamilies :)

Matalan say, "Since we first opened our doors 30 years ago, we've always focused on providing outstanding value and quality for families. We take the time to listen, understand and evolve, to ensure our products are the right fit for modern, happy homes. Our latest campaign, Made for Modern Families, is a celebration of family life today, in all its shapes and sizes."

This is the full version TV ad of their campaign - it is super cute!

 There has been a nationwide poll on what family means to people. Part of what they found out is..

You can read the rest of it here and I really suggest you check it out as it is pretty interesting :)

Matalan  say that the 21st century definition of family has become not so straightforward but not any less meaningful just meaning that our way of families are expanding for various reasons like grandparents being part of the immediate family, friends and even pets being a part of the family and more.

WHAT DOES FAMILY MEAN TO ME?
HOW DO I STAY CONNECTED WITH MY FAMILY?

For some reason I have written a lot on this, but keep deleting it because I can't get the words out in a right way to express my love for my family in words. At the end of the day words aren't enough because actions speaker louder than words.

Everyone who knows me personally or is a regular reader of my blog will know that nothing in the world means more to me than my little cutie Corey. If you read my latest 50 Things That Make Me Happy post then you will have seen that Corey is the top of my list with being a mummy - which is without a doubt the best thing that ever happened to me. The best compliment that I am very lucky enough to get quite often is about that bond that Corey and I have.

So I am a young mum living alone with Corey. Immediate family would usually only be family you live with, however, for us it is my whole family which is in fact very small. Consisting of just nine people - myself, Corey, mum, brother, nan, grandad, uncle, two cousins and not forgetting four lovely doggies (yes dogs are part of our family)! Because we are so small, we have always been very close.

I admit that my mum and grandparents are a huge part in helping raise Corey, he doesn't just have me - he has a huge wonderful family support network. He loves us all and sees family as his best friends. I wouldn't have it any other way.

When Corey was younger and I was working full time, we all know nursery fees are ridiculously over priced so half the week he would spend with his grandparents - just like they used to look after me whilst my mum worked. Now he is in school and I am currently learning to drive, my grandparents do the school runs for me so we see them daily. Plus after school once a week we go over for dinner and to spend time with them too. As for my mum and brother, Corey and I facetime them daily to talk and see on every weekend. Some people may see this as way too much, but it works for us, Corey and I love our family and love spending time with them. We are very fortunate to live so close to our family and for that help to be around. I admit I think it would be weird if a day went by and didn't speak to mum, thankfully for this day and age technology we can do just that.

Even holidays that we have been on so far, have been with my mum - recently thanks to my mum and uncle I was able to take Corey abroad for the first time ever. The four of us had an amazing time in Fuerteventura and we are saving for the next adventure already :) You can view our holiday here.

So yes Corey and my family are absolutely everything and more to me, we are very close and that is ways that we work together to help each other as well staying in touch. I don't know what I would do without them :) 

a Matalan modern family photo :)

my modern family photo :)

Now I ask you, what does your family mean to you? :) Let me know in the comments..

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook ❤ Pinterest

**This is in assosication with Matalan and Mumsnet Bloggers Network. You can see the other bloggers who joined in here**

Silent Sunday #41

........