Fuerteventura 2017

A couple of years ago I went on holiday with my family to Fuerteventura to a villa a family friend owns. My mum has been back several times since but last week we joined her again :)

You can read and see pictures of my last visit here - especially of the villa itself!!

I had the most amazing and relaxing time. It was certainly a well needed break I needed. If you read my tips for flying whilst pregnant post you will know I was extremely worried about travelling as I didn't want something to go wrong health wise with myself or bump. I hadn't been feeling well but must have been stressed as I am feeling very good now after my holiday haha.

With a few tears here and there from Corey from grazed knees to just over tiredness. He had a great time too and was great to spend some proper quality time with not just him but my family too. He picked up some souvernirs and faced a few fears. Somehow my other half managed to "dare" him into jumping into the pool naked!!!! Sometimes not sure who is the child out of them two. But they sure do have a great time together - playing games, giggling away and bonding :) It is so lovely watching them together.

I won't really bore you with details etc as very similar to my last post even if a couple of years old. However, I just thought I would share some of the snaps I got!! :)

Our view from the Villa :)

Shopping the Corralejo markets 

A very windy day at Corralejo beach building sand castles

Bit of shopping in Corralejo 

First ever picture of the three of us :)

Visiting Fuerteventura Zoo - Oasis Park

Day trip from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote just the two of us :)

Some of the little goodies I picked up. I have a bit of a thing for collecting fridge magnets and pressed pennies. Apparently also have a thing for parrots! But they are just so cute? A little shell my other half picked for me from the beach too - a little treasured keepsake. I cant drink but how cool is this little sangria bottle - it has a spanish hat and maracas too!

Have you ever been Fuerteventura or thinking of going? :) What about any other Canary Islands? I visited them all as a child but thinking of going again when we have baby here as a family of four. Where would you recommend??

Tips For Flying Whilst Pregnant

For the last week I have been on holiday in Fuerteventura with my family. I went a couple of years ago which you can read here. But this time I was 21 weeks pregnant. 

Having a holiday whilst pregnant used to be so frowned upon back in the day when I was little. Even when I had Corey in 2010 it was so uncommon as there was rules like only in second trimester and all this crap. Now it is completely different. The even say you should have a 'Babymoon' !

You do still have to be careful though about flying and on holiday as there is more risks for your health well not just your health but that little baby in our bump too. I was really intrigued as I was about nervous about flying or something going wrong whilst on holiday. There is a few things you could do:

BEFORE FLYING

CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR

This is probably one of the most important things you have to do. Every pregnancy is different but it depends on your history and your health whether they say you can fly or not. Sometimes depending on your airline (see next) they make require a safe to fly letter from your doctor too.

CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINES

Each airline is different, from what I have found most seem to be OK with flying under 28 weeks but after this it is more risky. Some require safe to fly letters from your doctor and some don't.

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is best to be safe than sorry isn't it? Travel insurance can be very cheap and sometimes not so much. But it is best to have it just encase no matter the cost. Be sure to tell them of any pre-existing health issues, because if you don't and fall ill from it they sometimes won't pay out.

For example - my boss had on her file from 20+ years ago she had breathing difficultly after an operation from her son which she does not remember. She went to Dubai, unfortunately caught Pneumonia and they almost didn't pay her insurance to cover costs because of this reason.

GET MEDICINES READY

You may not be on any but you may be on some. I have to take aspirin since I was 12 weeks pregnant. I wouldn't be allowed to take this in my hand luggage but luckily I have just got some extra luggage. But you still have to be careful. You really need to check with airlines what you can take in which luggage and whether you need once again a doctors letter.

GET READY FOR EMERGENCY ENCASE!

Find out where the local hospital is. Make sure it isn't a private one as travel insurances will not want to pay for this and will say your own fault. If you're staying in a hotel, see if they have a doctor on call etc. Also, make sure you have the emergency contact numbers too e.g. like their equivalent to our 999.

WHILST FLYING

WEAR FLIGHT SOCKS

Despite being so unattractive, it really would be worth picking up a pair of flight socks. I think I will be wearing a maxi dress to hide as much as possible!! This was recommended by my consultant. Be careful to get the right size, you don't want some too tight or too loose. I have quite big calves so 'one size' for all wouldn't do, I would have to find some large ones.

GET MOVING

When you can you need to get up and about to walk, also if you can afford too book the seats with the extra leg room. I won't be so aisle seat for me but I will be in a row with Corey and my mum, so luckily I can stretch out onto his leg room a bit too. My consultant told me to look on YouTube for leg stretches and stuff too.

STAY HYDRATED

Drink plenty of water.

TRAVEL SICKNESS
It seems silly but get travel sickness bands or tablets if you can. Make sure safe for pregnancy. You may be used to sickness if get it during pregnancy but it isn't nice and certainly not on a plane. Doctors can prescribe tablets but I found travel sickness bands worked. They used a pressure point on your wrist or something like that anyways. 

BE CAREFUL OF AIRPLANE FOODS
Luckily a lot of food on the planes are well known brands like Pringles etc. But then again doesn't mean it can be trusted. Just be careful what you choose if anything especially heated food as it can upset your tummy or make you sick and not something you want on a flight.

DURING HOLIDAY 

STAY HYDRATED
Drink plenty of water. Little bits often are a good way to stay hydrated. 

DON'T GET SUNBURNT
Stay in the shade as much as possible. Skin changes during pregnancy and this may mean your skin is more sensitive. But also remember you can get sunburnt on cloudy days or in the shade still. Apply suncream reguarly. Consider wearing a t-shirt in the pool to cover yourself more too.

WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING
Obviously wear whatever you like and feel comfortable in. But loose clothing is a gooden, something that won't hurt belly and if super hot make sure it is thin clothing. You don't want to get over heated.

KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS
Similar to the encase of emergencies in my before travelling section above. Know where the local hospital is to where you are staying. Find out and remember the emergency number. Make sure not a private one too as insurances do not usually cover this but do check your specific policy. If you're in a hotel then see if they have an on-call doctor just encase. 

KEEP PREGNANCY NOTES WITH YOU
I know this seems like a hassle but seriously it could be so helpful encase of an emergency. It is just a back up so that if anything happens there is a record of your pregnancy history for doctors or nurses to be able to read and get an idea on what could be going on.

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I thankfully did have an amazing and relaxing holiday with no troubles which was such a relief as I was really panicking leading up to my holiday. 

Do you have any other tips or advice for others? Please let me know in comments as we can never be too prepared!!
Most of all if you are going on holiday whilst pregnant or not - have an amazing time :):)

**DISCLAIMER**

These are just my tips that I have found out, these are not to go by and does not mean that if you follow all of these that everything will be ok. Unfortunately shit happens and our babies like to keep us on our toes. So please please please speak to your doctor before flying and wish you all the best time if you do go away. 

22nd Birthday - What I Got!

Helloo,

I thought I would share with you what I got for my 22nd birthday which now was very almost a month ago - whoops! Blogging has taken a bit of a back seat due to the summer holidays and my wifi not working but finally back to normality. I had a great birthday, just a relaxed day and yummy meal with the family before heading out with the girls into town. I suffered from my first ever hangover, it was not nice. But the night was worth it! Then a long drive to Wales on the Monday to get away for a few days which was just absolutely lush - read about that here :) I've included some bits that were picked up there too as just had to share the cuteness of some of it! 

BIRTHDAY 

I forgot two of my main presents, a new camera and a gorgeous Fiorelli handbag :) I am sure they will make an appearance on the blog soon! Plus I received money to do my own bits of shopping :)

This 'Peachy Keen' scent is incredible! I'm obsessed with bath and shower things, I just love the smells.

WALES

These are some bits that Corey picked up with his money, of course all Avenger theme and he also got a few bits of clothes and a Captain America costume complete with shield!! :) Found a new love for ASDA clothing! 

Below are the most comfiest and cutest pyjamas ever, from Primark!

So there you have it - some of the bits I got for my birthday and picked up in Wales :) Is there anything here that caught your eye that you like the look of? Or what is at the top of your wishlist?

Love, Gemma xo

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Family Trip To South Wales

Helloo,

I'm finally back with another post and it's yet another little getaway. I spent last week in Wales with Corey and my mum. We stayed in Llannelli, South Wales. I took so many (what I think are) lovely pictures and just had to share. 

**warning - picture heavy post** 

CENTRAL LLANELLI

We stayed in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire which is South Wales, around half hour from Swansea. Close to where my mum grew up for a good like 10 years of her childhood. We stayed in good old Travelodge - sharing a room with a snoring naughty 4 year old is not much fun!! They didn't have a restaurant though which was quite gutted about not being able to have their yummy breakfasts. Took a few snaps of the main high street, Corey and a yummy Hungry Horse dessert..

MUMBLES PIER, SWANSEA

A lovely little Pier situated in a little part of Swansea. It was absolutely beautiful, even though the day started off rainy but the sun came out eventually. They were in the middle of doing the whole pier up, the lifeboat tower, amusements and restaurant had clearly been done up but the pier itself was all railed up and in the process still. We got there in time to watch them launch the lifeboat which was really quite cool, something a bit different - Corey loved it besides the loud noises! We then headed the little beautiful restaurant where they served great food and had a grand piano that played itself which was fascinating for both Corey and I. Will be great to go back one day and see the rest of the pier finished as really was beautiful :)

MILLENNIUM COASTAL PARK, LLANELLI

I would say this is like a bit of a beach, and it is but without the sand. A lovely place to walk down if you get the weather on a good day. People were sailing, flying kites and walking dogs. Really was just a lovely little place, Corey will be able to ride his bike down here next time which will be really lovely :)

FFOS LAS HORSE RACING, CARMARTHENSHIRE

Nearby was a lovely race course, where they hold events every so often. We were lucky when visiting that they had a family day out kind of event. I admit the family bit was a bit of a push, they had like one bouncy castle and that was it. But non the less a lovely day out, I absolutely love horse racing and so does my mum. Corey got to see the horses doing their rounds before the races and we were standing right at the finish line for every race :)

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So there you have it, our little family trip to Wales - a lovely week away :) Look forward to going back again and my next stop will be to visit Cardiff!! 

Have you been to Wales before? What is your favourite place? :)

Love, Gemma xo

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