PRE-SCHOOLER: Our Experience of Toilet Training Regression and What Helped

At the end of 2017 we decided it was the perfect opportunity to start potty training Isabella, at 2.5 years old she was able to communicate when she needed the toilet and we had around a month with no real commitments. Though I felt very apprehensive about the whole 'potty training' world we took the plunge and put her straight into pants. After a few accidents Isabella seemed to take to potty training really well; my worst fears quickly washed away and I started to feel confident that we could do this big milestone in her life. Months and months passed where there would only be the odd accident, mainly if we were on a long journey or not near a suitable toilet quick enough. I couldn't believe our luck!

MOTHERHOOD: It is so hard and I am not sure what to do next?

If you follow me on Instagram then you may be aware that recently I've been struggling. Parenthood is hard, testing and challenging; it's also relentless and exhausting at times. Of course there are all of the wonderful times too, but recently our family life has become more and more challenging. Isabella is well into her third year of life and as we approach the grand age of four we seem to be coming up against behaviour that is...well...hard. I feel out of my depth and unsure on how to progress forward if I'm honest.

CHILDREN: Finding affordable toys can be a challenge, but not anymore...

*Advertorial Content 

Finding affordable toys for a whole range of ages can be challenging and as parents time is luxury we simply don't have. This is where PoundToy step in, a family operated business started in 2014, their aim is to deliver safe, affordable and quality toys that are responsibly sourced from the UK. As the name would suggest, they have a wide array of toys for £1, as well as many others for very affordable prices. It's the perfect place to shop for children's birthday parties, party bag fillers, stocking fillers or reward chart treats. Also, during January they not only have Toy Sale section on their website, but also a Toy Clearance section that has up to 75% off as well as an extra 50% off using the code: 'EXTRA50'.

SHOPPING: Aldi Baby and Toddler Event January 2019

*Advertorial Content 

It's that time of year again. The busy festive season is over, decorations are down and money is tight. I do love January for its potential, the hope and goals set for the year ahead are exciting. However, there's no denying that Christmas is an expensive time so saving money wherever possible going into the new year is a must in our family. Aldi have perfectly timed their latest Baby and Toddler Event, which started online on the 6th January and will be in stores from tomorrow (Thursday 10th January). Their Baby and Toddler Events are always filled with a wide range of essentials, toys and accessories to make our life easier as parents, but to also keep our little ones entertained. 

MOTHERHOOD: Slow Labour vs Quick Labour

In those final few weeks of pregnancy life is filled with excitement, anticipation and second guessing every twinge; it all becomes quite exhausting. Thoughts turn to labour, writing birth plans and how your little bundle of joy is going to enter the world. I don't know about you, but I found those thoughts terrifying as I just didn't know what to expect first time around. My image of labour had been from the films and One Born Every Minute up until we went to NCT classes. That was a shock. As our teacher told us all about what happens to our bodies during labour, the stretches and strains that happen were enough to make me nervous about what was to come that's for sure.

TRAVEL: A Festive Family Weekend at Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market with Macdonald Hotels

*Advertorial Content

Christmas is well and truly coming and I for one am incredibly excited this year. Perhaps more so than previous years because it is our last Christmas that both Isabella and Poppy are at home on the run up to the big day. Next year Isabella will have started school, so our festivities will have to be kept to the weekend, but for now we are all about getting into the festive spirit every day of the week. Where better to do this than at a Christmas Market? There are many of them happening right now across the country with entertainment, stalls and an atmosphere filled with Christmas cheer. Our closest one is in Birmingham, which is exactly where we headed last weekend for a festive family getaway.