Maternity leave in a lockdown really sucks. I ve Maternity leave in a lockdown really sucks. 

I ventured out nearly every day with Pepper and I really made the most of maternity leave. People would joke that P had a better social life than most adults. 

Lunches, brunches, baby classes, day trips, swimming. You name it, we did it over the 13 months we spent together. I loved every single second. But this time it’s just not the same. 

We are almost two months in, I’ve already been dipping back into work and we haven’t even been able to meet up with anyone. It’s so crap. 

Never in a million years did I think that by the time we gave birth I’d still have this time stolen from me. I feel so lucky in so many ways to be in a bubble of four and have her all to myself, but I really am mourning the maternity leave I know I’ll lose this time around. 

Other lockdown mummies, I feel you. This is so shit. 

#lockdownbabies #maternityleave #mumlife #pregnantinapandemic #lockdownlife #motherhood
Indie’s Nursery 🐻 I absolutely adore the gi Indie’s Nursery 🐻 

I absolutely adore the girls rooms in our house. They are the only finished rooms and they are totally different vibes, which I love. 

Indie is in Pepper’s old room and we had only just wallpapered it so I didn’t want to change the paper, but I wanted to make it feel different.

So we moved all of the furniture around, painted the walls a lovely stone colour and gave it a bit more of a boho type feel. And of course, I had to get some pampas in there. 

What do you think? 

#interiors #nursery #childrensbedroom #parenting #mumlife #kidsrooms #babyroom #housedecor
Hi everyone, I’m Gemma 👋 I had quite a few Hi everyone, I’m Gemma 👋 

I had quite a few new followers yesterday after the shares from @tibaandmarl , @lustliving and @freerider.co - thank you - so thought I’d introduce myself. 

I’m Gemma, a Mum to two little girls, Pepper and Indie. Indie was born on the day we went into the current lockdown, so yeah that’s been fun... 

You’ll find me sharing motherhood in an honest, and hopefully inspiring way, on here and also on my blog (link in bio). I am really trying to show mums that you can embrace motherhood, continue to be yourself and still absolutely live your best life. 

I love to travel when we aren’t prisoner at home, eat, shop and throw a party of two. My DM’s are always open and I love to have a good chat. 

I hope you enjoy my content ❤️

Love, Gem x 

#motherhood #mumlife #babyinlockdown #mumofgirls #motherhood #mumclub #parenting #mumblogger #parenthood
Post baby to do list: Mummy MOT ✔️ After feel Post baby to do list: Mummy MOT ✔️

After feeling pretty poorly after having Indie I vowed to give my body a bit more care and attention. So I had a good conversation with my GP about the impact of future pregnancies and I also booked in a mum check with @enlivenhealth 

A Mum check is basically a postpartum MOT. You can go and have her look at any specific issues you might have post baby, or like me, just ask for an all over check to put your mind at ease about how you are recovering. 

I would absolutely recommend going to see Alex and giving your body that in depth check that you just don’t get from anyone else post baby. Our bodies go through such huge changes when we are pregnant and give birth that they deserve all the love and attention we can give them afterwards. ❤️

#mummymot #womenshealth #mumlife #postpartum #postpartumbody #fourthtrimester #motherhood #birth #pregnancy
Indie’s birth story ❤️ I’ve written up I Indie’s birth story ❤️ 

I’ve written up Indie’s blog story and I hope it brings some expecting mums some reassurance that although you may not have the birth you would have hoped for, it can still be a wonderful experience. 

These little lockdown babies are making history ❤️ 

#birthstory #labour #birthduringcovid19 #birthduringapandemic #motherhood #mumlife #newborn #lockdownbaby
Thank god it’s Friday, 2 days off! Oh no wait, Thank god it’s Friday, 2 days off! 

Oh no wait, I’m a parent... 😂

Jokes aside, I am glad it’s Friday as we actually have stuff planned. (Within bloody covid limits anyway!) A soul food sharer from @kingscomfortfood , hopefully a zoom call with my Nan (who I haven’t seen since September!) and a nice walk with a friend and her children. 🥰

I’ve been feeling pretty low this week about not being able to see people and the fact that everyone is missing out on my wonderful girls, so hopefully a nice weekend will cheer me up. 🤞🏼 

Anyone else got weekend plans? 

#lockdownweekends #mumlife #lockdownlife #lockdownbaby
Breastfeeding hack 🤱🏻 I don’t know about Breastfeeding hack 🤱🏻

I don’t know about you but I always find myself prodding my boobs to try and work out which one I fed from last. The one that feels the hardest then wins for the next feed 😂 

So, if that sounds like you too then you might find this hack useful. It’s also a great use for the Mama bracelet that @shannongracedesign and I have teamed up on.

On each feed move your bracelet to the wrist of the breast you are feeding from, then when it’s time for a new feed you know that the empty wrist is the one to feed from this time around. 

You’re welcome 👍🏼

P.S. you can buy the bracelets via the link in @shannongracedesign bio 😉

#breastfeeding #mumhack #mumlife #breastfeedinghack #motherhood #newborn #breastfeedingjourney #breastfeedingmama
We’ve reached the 6 week mark! 🤱🏻 We did We’ve reached the 6 week mark! 🤱🏻

We did it, we made it to the magic number 6! The first 6 weeks is always the hardest and I truly believe if you can make it to this point then you’ve broken through the wall. The cluster feeding, the learning to latch, the getting your head around the on demand nature of feeding, the night feeds, the sleep deprivation and the sore sore nipples, it can all feel like a lot. 

So, for those who need to hear it, YOU ROCK! You are an absolute superhero and when you feel like giving up, remember that. And make sure you reach out for help, lean on your loved ones, and don’t be afraid to make the most of the support that is available. 

My DM’s are always open, we are all in this together. ❤️

#breastfeeding #newborn #fourthtrimester #mumlife #motherhood #lockdownbaby
Do you like yours thick or thin? 😉 Happy Panca Do you like yours thick or thin? 😉

Happy Pancake Day!! 🥞  The big question though, are you a thin crepe kinda family or a big and fluffy family? 

We were always a thin household until I discovered @sophie_etc banana pancake recipe and finally learnt how to make American style pancakes. These are some I made during the first lockdown. I like to call these “the unicorn pancakes” - basically just because they are pink and covered in Sprinkles! 

Who’s making pancakes today? What will yours be like? 

#pancakeday #lockdown2021 #pancakes #breakfast #foodporn #eatandexploremiltonkeynes
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Lifestyle, Travel · 20th November 2017

Feeling festive? My guide to the Christmas events near you

I love Christmas, like really really love Christmas. I own approximately seven Christmas jumpers, I have two trees – although one is one of those arty twig trees – I always try and cram in Elf at least a dozen times in the run-up to Christmas and to be honest I always feel a little bit depressed on the 1st of December as I know it’s already the run-up to it being over. Yes, I am that sad.

So it’s only fair that I share some of that Christmas cheer and give you the lowdown on some festive events in and around Milton Keynes. See if you can fit them all in before December 25th, I know I will be doing my best.

Woburn Sands Christmas Fayre

This one has a personal connection as I am on the committee that organises it. It is a great local event that brings the whole town together amongst festive food, drink and lots of Christmas songs. There is also a fun fair and a little Christmas market so you can pick up some gifts whilst you are there.

The event is this Sunday 26th November on Woburn Sands High Street and will run from 1pm until 5pm.

Don’t miss the Christmas light switch on and the grand raffle drawing at 4:30pm.

Waddesdon Christmas

I recently went here with Sophie etc and it was so festive. There is a super Christmassy fayre outside the manor house, from which we indulged in Gin samples, Mulled Cider, Fudge, Nachos and Halloumi Buns, because why not!?

They are also running a projection show onto the main house every 15 mins which is really enchanting, reminded me a lot of Beauty & The Beast actually. All the photos in this post are from the Waddesdon event so you can get an idea of how pretty it looks.

The Christmas festivities at Waddesdon are running up until 2nd Jan – click here to find out more.

A Dickens of a Christmas

I have yet to attend this event but I have heard great things. Pop into the cute little town of Olney for some mulled wine and Christmas shopping amongst those dressed in traditional Victorian attire. A super festive and fun family day out.

The event will take place in Olney on December 3rd from 10am until 4pm.

The Coca-Cola Christmas Truck at Xscape

Let’s be honest it isn’t Christmas until we have seen the Coca-Cola advert so why not pop down to Xscape and see it for real. Also, a great one for kids as the lights are so magical and the big picture of Santa on the side is always a winner!

The truck arrives on the 15th December.

Thor’s Tipi Bar

Thor’s is a Viking inspired, pop-up tipi bar at Intu Milton Keynes. Filled with cosy log fires, twinkling lights & Christmas cheer it seems like an absolute must. Take a break from your Christmas shopping and feast on Winter treats and some Mulled Cider, Hot Chocolate and Prosecco. Kids welcome too!

Thor’s Tipi Bar is open now and you can find out more here.

Eat Street MK – Christmas edition

I love a good food fayre, it could be because I have been spending too much time with Sophie etc or it could be because it’s acceptable to eat more than one dinner…but, either way, you can’t beat them.

Eat Street is a locally run food fayre that makes it’s way around Milton Keynes and they will be hosting a Christmas version on December 1st at York House in Stony Stratford.

Click here to register your interest and find out more.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Now this one is so on my list, I mean just look at the lights!!

Blenheim Palace have transformed their gardens once again into a magical wonderland of light. Trails start at 4:45 and run late into the evening, but don’t forget you must get a separate ticket for the light trails. Probably one of the most festive light trails you will ever see and perfect for an Instagram shot or two.

Which Christmas events will you be attending this year?
Please do tweet me all your pics I love seeing them!

 

In: Lifestyle, Travel · Tagged: christmas, fayre, festive, food, National Trust, shopping, UK

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Comments

  1. Cat clarke says

    21st November 2017 at 6:23 pm

    Favourite post yet!!! Can we request a Christmas gift guid post next please 😬

    Reply
    • Gemma Spinks says

      22nd November 2017 at 9:55 am

      I am thinking about doing one, you know how I love shopping! I am just in the process of finalising a bridal gift guide. x

      Reply

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Maternity leave in a lockdown really sucks. I ve Maternity leave in a lockdown really sucks. 

I ventured out nearly every day with Pepper and I really made the most of maternity leave. People would joke that P had a better social life than most adults. 

Lunches, brunches, baby classes, day trips, swimming. You name it, we did it over the 13 months we spent together. I loved every single second. But this time it’s just not the same. 

We are almost two months in, I’ve already been dipping back into work and we haven’t even been able to meet up with anyone. It’s so crap. 

Never in a million years did I think that by the time we gave birth I’d still have this time stolen from me. I feel so lucky in so many ways to be in a bubble of four and have her all to myself, but I really am mourning the maternity leave I know I’ll lose this time around. 

Other lockdown mummies, I feel you. This is so shit. 

#lockdownbabies #maternityleave #mumlife #pregnantinapandemic #lockdownlife #motherhood
Indie’s Nursery 🐻 I absolutely adore the gi Indie’s Nursery 🐻 

I absolutely adore the girls rooms in our house. They are the only finished rooms and they are totally different vibes, which I love. 

Indie is in Pepper’s old room and we had only just wallpapered it so I didn’t want to change the paper, but I wanted to make it feel different.

So we moved all of the furniture around, painted the walls a lovely stone colour and gave it a bit more of a boho type feel. And of course, I had to get some pampas in there. 

What do you think? 

#interiors #nursery #childrensbedroom #parenting #mumlife #kidsrooms #babyroom #housedecor
Hi everyone, I’m Gemma 👋 I had quite a few Hi everyone, I’m Gemma 👋 

I had quite a few new followers yesterday after the shares from @tibaandmarl , @lustliving and @freerider.co - thank you - so thought I’d introduce myself. 

I’m Gemma, a Mum to two little girls, Pepper and Indie. Indie was born on the day we went into the current lockdown, so yeah that’s been fun... 

You’ll find me sharing motherhood in an honest, and hopefully inspiring way, on here and also on my blog (link in bio). I am really trying to show mums that you can embrace motherhood, continue to be yourself and still absolutely live your best life. 

I love to travel when we aren’t prisoner at home, eat, shop and throw a party of two. My DM’s are always open and I love to have a good chat. 

I hope you enjoy my content ❤️

Love, Gem x 

#motherhood #mumlife #babyinlockdown #mumofgirls #motherhood #mumclub #parenting #mumblogger #parenthood
Post baby to do list: Mummy MOT ✔️ After feel Post baby to do list: Mummy MOT ✔️

After feeling pretty poorly after having Indie I vowed to give my body a bit more care and attention. So I had a good conversation with my GP about the impact of future pregnancies and I also booked in a mum check with @enlivenhealth 

A Mum check is basically a postpartum MOT. You can go and have her look at any specific issues you might have post baby, or like me, just ask for an all over check to put your mind at ease about how you are recovering. 

I would absolutely recommend going to see Alex and giving your body that in depth check that you just don’t get from anyone else post baby. Our bodies go through such huge changes when we are pregnant and give birth that they deserve all the love and attention we can give them afterwards. ❤️

#mummymot #womenshealth #mumlife #postpartum #postpartumbody #fourthtrimester #motherhood #birth #pregnancy
Indie’s birth story ❤️ I’ve written up I Indie’s birth story ❤️ 

I’ve written up Indie’s blog story and I hope it brings some expecting mums some reassurance that although you may not have the birth you would have hoped for, it can still be a wonderful experience. 

These little lockdown babies are making history ❤️ 

#birthstory #labour #birthduringcovid19 #birthduringapandemic #motherhood #mumlife #newborn #lockdownbaby
Thank god it’s Friday, 2 days off! Oh no wait, Thank god it’s Friday, 2 days off! 

Oh no wait, I’m a parent... 😂

Jokes aside, I am glad it’s Friday as we actually have stuff planned. (Within bloody covid limits anyway!) A soul food sharer from @kingscomfortfood , hopefully a zoom call with my Nan (who I haven’t seen since September!) and a nice walk with a friend and her children. 🥰

I’ve been feeling pretty low this week about not being able to see people and the fact that everyone is missing out on my wonderful girls, so hopefully a nice weekend will cheer me up. 🤞🏼 

Anyone else got weekend plans? 

#lockdownweekends #mumlife #lockdownlife #lockdownbaby
Breastfeeding hack 🤱🏻 I don’t know about Breastfeeding hack 🤱🏻

I don’t know about you but I always find myself prodding my boobs to try and work out which one I fed from last. The one that feels the hardest then wins for the next feed 😂 

So, if that sounds like you too then you might find this hack useful. It’s also a great use for the Mama bracelet that @shannongracedesign and I have teamed up on.

On each feed move your bracelet to the wrist of the breast you are feeding from, then when it’s time for a new feed you know that the empty wrist is the one to feed from this time around. 

You’re welcome 👍🏼

P.S. you can buy the bracelets via the link in @shannongracedesign bio 😉

#breastfeeding #mumhack #mumlife #breastfeedinghack #motherhood #newborn #breastfeedingjourney #breastfeedingmama
We’ve reached the 6 week mark! 🤱🏻 We did We’ve reached the 6 week mark! 🤱🏻

We did it, we made it to the magic number 6! The first 6 weeks is always the hardest and I truly believe if you can make it to this point then you’ve broken through the wall. The cluster feeding, the learning to latch, the getting your head around the on demand nature of feeding, the night feeds, the sleep deprivation and the sore sore nipples, it can all feel like a lot. 

So, for those who need to hear it, YOU ROCK! You are an absolute superhero and when you feel like giving up, remember that. And make sure you reach out for help, lean on your loved ones, and don’t be afraid to make the most of the support that is available. 

My DM’s are always open, we are all in this together. ❤️

#breastfeeding #newborn #fourthtrimester #mumlife #motherhood #lockdownbaby
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Maternity leave in a lockdown really sucks. I ve Maternity leave in a lockdown really sucks. 

I ventured out nearly every day with Pepper and I really made the most of maternity leave. People would joke that P had a better social life than most adults. 

Lunches, brunches, baby classes, day trips, swimming. You name it, we did it over the 13 months we spent together. I loved every single second. But this time it’s just not the same. 

We are almost two months in, I’ve already been dipping back into work and we haven’t even been able to meet up with anyone. It’s so crap. 

Never in a million years did I think that by the time we gave birth I’d still have this time stolen from me. I feel so lucky in so many ways to be in a bubble of four and have her all to myself, but I really am mourning the maternity leave I know I’ll lose this time around. 

Other lockdown mummies, I feel you. This is so shit. 

#lockdownbabies #maternityleave #mumlife #pregnantinapandemic #lockdownlife #motherhood
Indie’s Nursery 🐻 I absolutely adore the gi Indie’s Nursery 🐻 

I absolutely adore the girls rooms in our house. They are the only finished rooms and they are totally different vibes, which I love. 

Indie is in Pepper’s old room and we had only just wallpapered it so I didn’t want to change the paper, but I wanted to make it feel different.

So we moved all of the furniture around, painted the walls a lovely stone colour and gave it a bit more of a boho type feel. And of course, I had to get some pampas in there. 

What do you think? 

#interiors #nursery #childrensbedroom #parenting #mumlife #kidsrooms #babyroom #housedecor
Hi everyone, I’m Gemma 👋 I had quite a few Hi everyone, I’m Gemma 👋 

I had quite a few new followers yesterday after the shares from @tibaandmarl , @lustliving and @freerider.co - thank you - so thought I’d introduce myself. 

I’m Gemma, a Mum to two little girls, Pepper and Indie. Indie was born on the day we went into the current lockdown, so yeah that’s been fun... 

You’ll find me sharing motherhood in an honest, and hopefully inspiring way, on here and also on my blog (link in bio). I am really trying to show mums that you can embrace motherhood, continue to be yourself and still absolutely live your best life. 

I love to travel when we aren’t prisoner at home, eat, shop and throw a party of two. My DM’s are always open and I love to have a good chat. 

I hope you enjoy my content ❤️

Love, Gem x 

#motherhood #mumlife #babyinlockdown #mumofgirls #motherhood #mumclub #parenting #mumblogger #parenthood
Post baby to do list: Mummy MOT ✔️ After feel Post baby to do list: Mummy MOT ✔️

After feeling pretty poorly after having Indie I vowed to give my body a bit more care and attention. So I had a good conversation with my GP about the impact of future pregnancies and I also booked in a mum check with @enlivenhealth 

A Mum check is basically a postpartum MOT. You can go and have her look at any specific issues you might have post baby, or like me, just ask for an all over check to put your mind at ease about how you are recovering. 

I would absolutely recommend going to see Alex and giving your body that in depth check that you just don’t get from anyone else post baby. Our bodies go through such huge changes when we are pregnant and give birth that they deserve all the love and attention we can give them afterwards. ❤️

#mummymot #womenshealth #mumlife #postpartum #postpartumbody #fourthtrimester #motherhood #birth #pregnancy
Indie’s birth story ❤️ I’ve written up I Indie’s birth story ❤️ 

I’ve written up Indie’s blog story and I hope it brings some expecting mums some reassurance that although you may not have the birth you would have hoped for, it can still be a wonderful experience. 

These little lockdown babies are making history ❤️ 

#birthstory #labour #birthduringcovid19 #birthduringapandemic #motherhood #mumlife #newborn #lockdownbaby
Thank god it’s Friday, 2 days off! Oh no wait, Thank god it’s Friday, 2 days off! 

Oh no wait, I’m a parent... 😂

Jokes aside, I am glad it’s Friday as we actually have stuff planned. (Within bloody covid limits anyway!) A soul food sharer from @kingscomfortfood , hopefully a zoom call with my Nan (who I haven’t seen since September!) and a nice walk with a friend and her children. 🥰

I’ve been feeling pretty low this week about not being able to see people and the fact that everyone is missing out on my wonderful girls, so hopefully a nice weekend will cheer me up. 🤞🏼 

Anyone else got weekend plans? 

#lockdownweekends #mumlife #lockdownlife #lockdownbaby
Breastfeeding hack 🤱🏻 I don’t know about Breastfeeding hack 🤱🏻

I don’t know about you but I always find myself prodding my boobs to try and work out which one I fed from last. The one that feels the hardest then wins for the next feed 😂 

So, if that sounds like you too then you might find this hack useful. It’s also a great use for the Mama bracelet that @shannongracedesign and I have teamed up on.

On each feed move your bracelet to the wrist of the breast you are feeding from, then when it’s time for a new feed you know that the empty wrist is the one to feed from this time around. 

You’re welcome 👍🏼

P.S. you can buy the bracelets via the link in @shannongracedesign bio 😉

#breastfeeding #mumhack #mumlife #breastfeedinghack #motherhood #newborn #breastfeedingjourney #breastfeedingmama
We’ve reached the 6 week mark! 🤱🏻 We did We’ve reached the 6 week mark! 🤱🏻

We did it, we made it to the magic number 6! The first 6 weeks is always the hardest and I truly believe if you can make it to this point then you’ve broken through the wall. The cluster feeding, the learning to latch, the getting your head around the on demand nature of feeding, the night feeds, the sleep deprivation and the sore sore nipples, it can all feel like a lot. 

So, for those who need to hear it, YOU ROCK! You are an absolute superhero and when you feel like giving up, remember that. And make sure you reach out for help, lean on your loved ones, and don’t be afraid to make the most of the support that is available. 

My DM’s are always open, we are all in this together. ❤️

#breastfeeding #newborn #fourthtrimester #mumlife #motherhood #lockdownbaby
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