Try on my first ever @shein_gb order with me! ✨ Try on my first ever @shein_gb order with me! ✨

(Feat lots of P & Indie interruption…) 

Which one is your favourite? 

#highstreethaul #sheinhaul #fashionhaul #fashionreel #breastfeedingfriendlyfashion #mumstyle #highstreetstyle
🐚 🐚
✌🏼 ✌🏼
Let’s talk about the nap trap. 💤 Controvers Let’s talk about the nap trap. 💤 

Controversial opinion incoming…

Firstly, your child won’t die if they don’t have their nap in a dark room, with their white noise machine, Egyptian cotton sheets and sleep spray once in a while. 

Children do need an element of routine, but it’s also important for them to understand how to adapt. And you aren’t a bad mum for taking them out over nap time. 

If I had a £ for the amount of times someone has said “I can’t come at that time because X will be asleep” or “X is still napping so we won’t be able to make it now” and my personal favourite “we have to go to dinner at 4pm because we need to be back to start bedtime” …

I’m not judging, each parent is only ever doing what’s right for their children. We all know that, we’d walk on hot coals for the little buggers. 🔥 

But are we always doing what’s right for us? 

You need to be able to go out, socialise, take a walk, eat a meal, go to the shop without timing your life around your baby every single day. 

If you’re at home then sure, go for the routine, enjoy the dark room and the guaranteed break that time gives you. But don’t be fearful of breaking that routine to enjoy something else on occasion. Especially with the summer holidays coming up, when you may have other children to entertain. 

You might find little one will adapt just fine and maybe even sleep on the go. A baby sling is pretty much a guarantee for most babies! Indie lived in my @freerider.co , bless her! 

And if they don’t, then that’s ok too. It’s a one off!

Allow yourself a little freedom and you might find that you can not only release yourself from the nap trap, but also not miss out on things you want to do! 

This is your permission to put yourself first on occasion. Meet for that coffee, go to that event that’s right across nap time, enjoy a late dinner with friends, just go for it! 

You got this mama! Naps are not prison ❤️
Visiting Krka National Park with toddlers was a ri Visiting Krka National Park with toddlers was a risk, but it paid off. 

We read loads of reviews about whether it’s possible or not with toddlers, but we took the risk and I’m glad we did. 👌🏼

Now don’t get me wrong, we did and saw less than we would have if we didn’t have the girls. But what we did see was stunning. 

My tips with toddlers: 

👉🏼 get a private transfer if you can as they can usually provide car seats. It’s about a 1/1.5 hour drive from Split. 
👉🏼 Buy the boat tickets and get dropped off at the Scradin entrance to hop on the boat. We also got the boat back to here, but if you want to you can also walk back to the other entrance, Lozovac.
👉🏼 You can walk the gravel paths with buggies, it’s not the easiest, but it’s pretty doable.
👉🏼 Take the wooden bridge to see the waterfalls, but unless you have baby carriers or older kids you won’t want to walk up to the higher view point. 
👉🏼 You can’t swim where the bus drops you off, so if you want to swim you need to hop on a bus, and then a boat to a different location. You can paddle and enjoy a small waterfall in this location though. 
👉🏼 Remember to take some coins for the toilet, and lots of water and snacks! There are food and drink places there and benches to have food, but the boat and the queues can be long and it’s gets hot. 

Have you been to Krka National park, what did you think? 

#familytravel #toddlertravel #familytravelineurope #croatiatravel #croatiawithkids #krkanationalpark #krkanationalparkwithkids #europetravel #croatiatravel
Went to town in @homebargains to spruce up this li Went to town in @homebargains to spruce up this little area of the garden. 

Feels like gardens take so much effort and work for so little time in them 😂 anyone else?
These moments remind me why I picked you 🥰 These moments remind me why I picked you 🥰
Come to Croatia with us ✈️ A super easy and Come to Croatia with us ✈️ 

A super easy and quick (2.5 hour) flight with @jet2pics and we stayed at @le_meridien_split in Split and it was gorgeous.

I’d say the hotel isn’t very kiddie, but it was child friendly. There was a kids club (the girls didn’t go, but we saw through the window and it looked jam packed with fun stuff) and all the staff were super into kids. So so friendly. 

However, it did have a very adult vibe. We didn’t mind that and our girls are used to being taken along to more adult environments, but if you are looking for a more family inclusive hotel this one probably isn’t the one I’d go for.

There were no kids meals for example, but I was really impressed with the amount of children related extras you could have added to your room, such as bed guards, stools for the bathroom, nappies etc. 

But the pool was great (deep) and there was a very small splash pool for the girls, which they loved. It was right on the beach and there was a beach club which we went to one day with rentable cabanas and sun loungers. Again pretty adult heavy, but we didn’t mind, we had a lovely day. 

Split itself was great and the small cobbled streets were easy enough to navigate with strollers and little feet. 

We also went to Krka National park (I will do a seperate post for that one) which again was doable with toddlers, but limited. 

All in all a wonderful trip and Joss and I actually felt like we had a holiday too, which can be a challenge when you have to chase toddlers around all day. I will definitely be back to Croatia ☀️

#familytravel #toddlertravel #travelwithtoddlers #travellingwithkids #europetravel #europeantravel #familyholiday #toddlerlife #familyfriendlytravel
We read multiple reviews about whether or not krka We read multiple reviews about whether or not krka national park was suitable for toddlers/buggies, but we decided to take the chance. 

So glad we did! 

Beautiful ☀️
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Lifestyle, Travel · 5th August 2018

The travel essentials I think all girls should know about

I love travelling and I feel very privileged to be able to have seen as much of the world as I have so far. So, whilst I never used to think about the importance of what I packed in my hand luggage, after racking up a few air miles I now have quite a few essentials that I just won’t board a plane without.

And if you are anything like me you will also be pleased to know they won’t take up too much space. If you are boarding with carry on only you have plenty of room for shoes and if you are stowing your suitcase you can carry on lightweight and under 100ml.

Here are my favourites:

A rucksack

First up, a rucksack is the number one must have for any travel experience! I used to be that idiot that always carried their essentials in a shoulder bag and my shoulders never thanked me for it. But last year I invested – I love how shopaholics say invested like it’s the same as buying shares – in a Longchamp rucksack on the way to Dubai and it changed my travel experience. Invest in one that’s big enough for the essentials but not too bulky to pop under your seat when on the plane. I don’t know about you but I like having my bag and personal stuff within reach – you then also don’t have to be that annoying person making the passenger next to you get up every 30 mins.

The versatile blanket scarf

I recently read an article from an ex air hostess where she confessed that the airlines only wash their blankets once a month! So when you are handed that freshly packed blanket, it doesn’t mean it’s clean. Never again will I look at them the same way. Instead, I always take an oversized scarf that can double up as a blanket. The reason I don’t take an actual blanket is because you have to carry it, but the big scarfs can easily be draped around your shoulders and they don’t have to even be the thick heavy kind. You can simply grab a lightweight pashmina type scarf that can easily shield you from the blasting aircon when you are trying to sleep if you are worried about the bulkiness.

The comfy cardi

Combining my handy blanket scarf with an oversized cardi is the best way to layer up and down during a flight. I have a grey one from Primark that I swear by and I wear it on all my flights. Invest in one that’s soft, a dressing gown length and also one that doesn’t lose its softness or go all bobbly in the wash, that way it will last your travels and be fresh for the next time.

Alternative: if you aren’t into cardis then the Zara basic sweaters are a dream. They are super comfy, look really chic and can tie around your shoulder easily for a cute look if you don’t want to wear them the whole time. They are also pretty compact so can easily be folded and popped in your rucksack.

An eye mask

I never really used to understand eye masks until I was given one on a Virgin flight back from JFK and thought, might as well try it. I literally slept the entire flight. I didn’t even wake up to eat! Since then I pop one on my head at the start of every flight and just whack it over my eyes when I am feeling tired. It is honestly revolutionary for flight napping. Handy tip – make sure you buy a dark coloured one or one with thick material. I bought a ‘trendy’ one from ASOS, but its white and it just lets all the light through. Pointless.

Noise cancelling headphones

Let’s face it, the headphones the airlines provide are always crap. So I always used to use the ones from my iphone; but when Apple decided to kindly swap out the jack I thought it was time to invest in some headphones of my own. I am not really a big headphone user and I only really use the ones I have for flights and holiday chill time, so appreciate not everyone will want to invest in these. But if you do decide to buy a pair then have a look if you can get some that have a noise cancelling mode. My ones are Defunc and they are a dream for flights as they completely block out any of those annoying humming sounds and also anything that might spook you if you are a nervous flyer. They are also great for sleeping as you can leave the noise cancelling mode on even when they are not in use, so you can sleep with them on with no distractions.

Neal’s Yard Remedies to Roll

I first tried this when Sophieetc and I were travelling to New York and I wasn’t feeling to great. She had a night time one and offered me a try. It was like a miracle cure. I instantly felt calmer and less anxious about the flight ahead. The night time one is a Lavender based roll on that you pop onto your pressure points, the smell is divine and it’s pretty instantly calming. I take it on all flights with me and roll it on just before take off and again during the flight if I need to. I also leave it in my bedside drawer for night’s I am feel like I need a deep sleep or am suffering from jet lag. They do a specific travel one too which I haven’t tried as well as relaxation, energy and study. Let me know if you’ve tried any of the others and think they work.

Kiehl’s overnight hydrating masque

And last but not least, the miracle mask to keep your skin hydrated and protected from the dreaded air conditioning. I am a huge Kiehl’s fan, not only because their products are amazing, but because I have never had better customer service from a beauty brand. If you have never tried them, you really should. This overnight masque is a great travel essential as you only need a pea sized amount for your whole face and it will keep your skin nourished and hydrated for a good eight hours. I scoop a spoonful into a small travel pot and it lasts me an entire holiday usually, even if I use it every night.

Happy travels ladies!

In: Lifestyle, Travel · Tagged: beauty, essentials, flights, kiehls, luggage, neals yard, tips, travel, travel advice, travel guide, zara

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Looks like we have another Daddy’s girl 💕 Th Looks like we have another Daddy’s girl 💕

This one is so alert and so chatty already. It’s hard not to compare, but you can’t help it. I’ve really started to realise how having a prem and tiny baby affects the way they develop and grow in the early months. Pepper was born at 36 weeks, Indie at 37 and they are so different in so many ways. P was always behind a lot of her peers in size and development for a long time, and having Indie had made that even more apparent, but look at her now. Flying! 

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Happy 4th Birthday Spinkdot 🎉 The blog has ev Happy 4th Birthday Spinkdot 🎉 

The blog has evolved a lot over the four years as I found my own little space on the internet. It’s allowed me to have a hobby that I love, continue my passion for writing, build confidence, meet wonderful people and even help some lovely women along the way. 

It’s been an outlet when I needed it the most and a little place I’ve found solidarity on some of the hardest days. I have so much more planned for this little space and I wanted to thank you all for being on this fun journey with me ❤️

#mumblogger #miltonkeynesblogger #mkmums #mumlife #motherhood #parenting AD baby sling kindly gifted by @freerider.co
Pepper is always copying what we do because that’s how she learns, but this was one that brought a tear to my eye 💕 

I wear Indie in my @freerider.co sling every day, so P is so used to seeing that as normal parenting. Today she asked me if she could wear her baby in the sling too and she was such a natural. 

#babywearing #mumlife #toddlerlife #motherhood #parenting AD Freerider sling kindly gifted
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A lovely weekend spent with family & friends. A ve A lovely weekend spent with family & friends. A very full and happy heart today ❤️
Happy Saturday guys 🌸 Happy Saturday guys 🌸
Happy Friday everyone! 💐 This beautiful little Happy Friday everyone! 💐

This beautiful little piece of art was created for me by my lovely friend @hollywetherall when she asked me to be her bridesmaid 3 years ago. She said she drew me arrows because if I want something I just go and get it. 

So here is your daily reminder to go out and get it! No better time than right now ❤️
Looks like we have another Daddy’s girl 💕 Th Looks like we have another Daddy’s girl 💕

This one is so alert and so chatty already. It’s hard not to compare, but you can’t help it. I’ve really started to realise how having a prem and tiny baby affects the way they develop and grow in the early months. Pepper was born at 36 weeks, Indie at 37 and they are so different in so many ways. P was always behind a lot of her peers in size and development for a long time, and having Indie had made that even more apparent, but look at her now. Flying! 

Each child is so different, just like us. As long as they get love, care and plenty of attention they will all flourish in their own time ❤️

#mumblogger #mumlife #motherhood #parenting #siblings #dadlife #daddyanddaughter
Happy 4th Birthday Spinkdot 🎉 The blog has ev Happy 4th Birthday Spinkdot 🎉 

The blog has evolved a lot over the four years as I found my own little space on the internet. It’s allowed me to have a hobby that I love, continue my passion for writing, build confidence, meet wonderful people and even help some lovely women along the way. 

It’s been an outlet when I needed it the most and a little place I’ve found solidarity on some of the hardest days. I have so much more planned for this little space and I wanted to thank you all for being on this fun journey with me ❤️

#mumblogger #miltonkeynesblogger #mkmums #mumlife #motherhood #parenting AD baby sling kindly gifted by @freerider.co
Pepper is always copying what we do because that’s how she learns, but this was one that brought a tear to my eye 💕 

I wear Indie in my @freerider.co sling every day, so P is so used to seeing that as normal parenting. Today she asked me if she could wear her baby in the sling too and she was such a natural. 

#babywearing #mumlife #toddlerlife #motherhood #parenting AD Freerider sling kindly gifted
My babies are always my favourite accessory 💕 My babies are always my favourite accessory 💕 

#mumlife #motherhood #mumstyle #babywearing
Loving our @byhannahwalker matching hairbands 💁 Loving our @byhannahwalker matching hairbands 💁🏻‍♀️ #mummyandmini
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