1. This week we tried to have a lazy weekend, sleep for us has been scarce and we really could have done with some lazy hours playing in bed. Max wasn't having any of it and decided that he would prefer to play forts under the duvet and try and scare us pretending to be a monster. 
2. We did however manage to sneak in a toy story marathon yesterday. We (I) wanted to go to Castlepoint and pick up a few things but it was so busy after 20 minutes of driving I couldn't find a space so admitted defeat and we curled up with hot chocolates and watched all 3 toy story movies. 
3. Max is moving up to the next room of nursery in a couple of weeks and over these past two or three weeks I can really tell that he is ready. Not bragging but his kew workers tell us that he is one of the most intelligent kids they've had. 
4. I had an appointment with the lovely ladies in Clinique as I really wanted a new shade of Chubby Stick to compliment the winter months. I came away with maybe more than one (3 shhhh! One is a present!) And have to say their new colour range is gorgeous. 
5. The weather has been awful. Thankfully we haven't been on flood watch but Max is loving all the puddles and we can finally get some good use out of our wellies and rain macs. 
6. Yesterday was my brothers birthday. I really can't believe that he is now 20, honestly I swear he's only 18 haha. We all went out for a meal today and I loved catching up with him and Max got to see his uncle who he talks about ALL the time! Also I ended up buying that jumper for Max that I posted about a few days ago (oops)

Christmas Crafting.

We are making a few handmade presents this year for christmas. I normally do homemade flavoured vodka and then sweets and treats too but this year we are making canvases, calendars and loads of other things.

I love these canvases me and Max made today. We just used masking tape to mark off what we wanted to stay white and then we painted over them (well Max did all the painting)

There are some gorgeous things on the Next website at the moment! I'm especially loving the aztec style dinosaur jumper (may have to buy it for him today!)

This small human is going to be two years old soon. As in just over a week soon. We needed to plan something for his birthday as last year we just went to the aquarium. I'm not great with arts and crafts and wanted to book out the local soft play. Unfortunately they were fully booked on his birthday so we had to come up with another idea. So the new plan is to pop to his nurseries christmas fayre and then have a meal with family.

I cant believe some of the things he can do now:

• He walks most places, he hates holding hands unless we are swinging him and loves running after dogs and footballs. 
• He can say a phenomenal amount of words and knows how to count 1,2,3 and half of his ABC.
• He tries to dress himself and can take off all his clothes in a flash-literally
• He loves singing and dancing.
• He's still got his dummy (we're working on that)
• He still doesn't sleep through (again, working on that)
• He loves reading books and pretend play. 

I love this little man. I honestly can't believe he's going to be 2!

I love books, especially christmas ones. Theres nothing better than curling up on a cold night  with some festive books or two. So I thought I would share some of my favourite christmas books for you to read with your little ones.

A while back one of my favourite websites (Zulily) asked me if I would write for them as a regular blogger. Being an avid reader and parent I now regularly contribute with book reviews for them to share with their audience.

But I don't just love them for publishing my work (that helps haha) but they have some amazing deals on their site. They run in a way that short sales are on for a few days at discount prices and end with new deals being added daily.

Now it's the run up to Christmas they have some amazing deals on at the moment that I wanted to share.

1. Red Vintage Play Kitchen
2. Dr Seuss Blue Cat In The Hat Top
3. Felt Tree Advent Calendar
4. Kurve Police Scooter
5. Dr Who Dress Up 
6. Melissa and Doug Wooden Railway
7. Trunki Liner
8. Gruffalos Child Skittle Set
9. Water Blocks
10. Three Storey Dollshouse.

Disclaimer: I am in no way paid for these posts and reviews about this website. These are my own opinions. 

Max had a really rough night, sleeping no more than 5 hours all night (eep!) so he's been a bit miserable and sorry for himself all day. But the best way to sort that out and tire him so he can sleep a bit? A trip to the park!

Max loves the park, he always goes for the most adventurous stuff, the slides nearly twice the height of me, the swings where he nearly falls out and the see saw all on his own.

Thankfully he's crashed out now. And when he wakes up we're going to do some arts and crafts to get him in the mood for making christmas presents in a few days.

I hope your saturday is good, while he's asleep I'm blogging and watching the last of House!

I think I need to write this post. I've had a host of shit boyfriends, ones that have cheated, and hurt me beyond belief in more ways than one but this man is the best one ever.
I remember when we first got together we got loads of stick from people that were supposed to be my friends saying we wouldn't last. But pretty much 3 years on and we are still going stronger than ever.

He's my best mate, the guy who I talk to about everything and the guy who I made an amazingly adorable kid with! And also the guy I honestly want to spend the rest of my life with.

One problem with him thought. He's always so hard to buy presents for! So this Christmas I decided to plan early and try and force him not to buy the things he would normally get himself!

He's in his final year of scriptwriting for film and television at BU, so I thought I would get some stuff that was related to the course and some stuff that would be a nice treat. He's already been given the Dark Knight Trilogy scripts.

• Star Wars Moleskine Diary (he's ALWAYS forgetting what he's supposed to do)
• Moleskine notebooks (perfect for writing script ideas)
• Yo Gabba Gabba x Volcom top (designed by Dave Grohl and his daughter. Need I say more?)
• Scene It? Comedy edition (I buy him a board game every year. Every family needs board games!)
• Stephen K Amos's Autobiography (it's actually a signed copy that I picked up when he came into my work - did I ever tell you how much I love my work?)
• Tales from the script book (Scott saw this on Amazon and mentioned he liked it!)

I'm also going to buy him some American sweets from the sweet shop around the corner and a DVD or two, probably of a comedy we've seen together. Max is making him a canvas with I (heart) dad on it and probably giving him one of the above.
I'm ashamed to say I've pretty much done all my Xmas shopping!

Sorry for the lack of posting yesterday. We are in a state of mass clear out and I spent most of the morning listing stuff on ebay then the rest of the day slaving away at work (I love work really) So, seeing as it's Friday I thought I would share the 6 things I'm grateful for this week.

1. Of course number one will be Max and Scott. They have been fabulous this week (apart from the waking at 4am Max! and the lack of washing up Scott!) I don't know where I would be without these two. Some days I spend my time thinking I was more than a mum, that I was doing all these crazy things my friends have done. That I could go travelling and spend my money on what I wanted. Then I look at my screensaver and see a photo of these two and realise that my life is actually so much better with them. We can do things together, I have a future and a plan now that Max and Scott are here with me. And I can always wait until Max is 18 and off on his own to go travelling. I can take a leaf out of Hannah's mum's book and fly the nest when my babys big enough on his own. 
2. Months ago I ordered this Fault In Our Stars limited edition print and forgot all about it until it landed in my postbox. I love it. It fit's right in the corner of my bedroom but I think I need a nice frame for it. Shame it's such a weird size I'd have to get it custom made or something. Oops, still it's a nice reminder to me that you can find the best of messages hidden away in books you don't think about. 
3. Max is going to a birthday party on Sunday, a little girl he's been friends with since he started nursery is turning 2. I had no idea what to get her so I popped into H&M and while browsing could not refuse this top. It's awesome! I've also picked him up a liner for his Trunki and some Gruffalo skittles from Zulily (my favourite site on earth)
4. I've been friends with Neil for years and probably have at least 10 pieces of his amazing artwork dotted around my home. When he told me he was going to make some Christmas cards of course I was going to get some. His artwork is so lovely and quirky and he also does commissions so hop right over there and check it out!
5. I've been on a diet for as long as I can remember and honestly I've been doing okay but more often than not rubbish. I blame the stupid amount of chocolates and sweets the Olly Murs fans gave him (that he left with us in store after his signing) But I was in the mood for something sweet so whipped up some amazing low fat lemon cheesecake. I nearly ate it all. 
6. Finally continuing from my turbulent weight, This year I have lost 2 stone. I'm hoping for 3 next year as I'm really out of shape and know exactly where I want to be. Hannah is my inspiration! If she can do it then I can! So a few days ago I treated myself to this cardigan from H&M, previously I've not fit into anything but I can get into some of it now so yay! Go me!

What things have you been grateful for this week? Also anyone watching children in need tonight? So excited!

1. Vintage Alphabet Backpack from Sugar Booger on Eu.fab.com
2. Pirate Captain Flipdoll from Villa Carton on Eu.fab.com
3. Nikon Holga Lens from Photojojo
4. Cardigan from H&M
5. Make your own banner kit from Papermash
6. Quilt cover from Ikea

So I hope you have all had a good week. Ours has been eventful of some sorts.

• Max spent his weekend with Scotts parents as they hadn't seen him for a few weeks. It meant that me and Scott could go out on Friday night to see his friends that had graduated that day. It's crazy to think I have known them for 3 years and it's highly probably that we wont see most of them again. Sad as they have seen Max grow up this far and he loves them just as much as he loves us (nearly) Thankfully the cocktails flowed as well as the gossip and the few that are still in Bournemouth will be coming over for dinner soon!
• We have been spending most mornings letting Max walk to nursery, he's hating being in his pram and the weather hasn't been too dire meaning that the leaves on the ground are crisp and he can still wear his Gruffalo hat and gloves with style. He's telling us all about the leaves falling from the trees and the cars driving past. Since when could he talk so well?!
• I'm trying to clean the small flat we have from top to bottom, with birthdays and christmas coming up it means that the place needs to be spotless before we fill it up with new toys! Not the easiest thing with a nearly 2 year old.
• Max has discovered our wardrobe and treats it like Narnia squealing as he rummages through all my summer dresses and shoes!
• I'm keeping busy at work with some photoshoots, blog posts to write for different companies and of course working at Waterstones. After our recent signing with Olly Murs I'm thankful that it's a bit quieter in the run up to christmas. At least I have loads of gorgeous new gifts to pop out in my section (yes I'm the lucky girl that spends her shift putting out those amazing pieces of stationary and gifts!!!)
• We bought Max a Yo Gabba Gabba Dj Lance costume. We wanted it for Halloween but it turned up too late, so he's been playing in it ever since. Problem with Max loving american shows is that you can't get any merchandise here!
• I've finished buying everything for christmas. I wanted to get it all done before Max's birthday so I'm glad all I have left is wrapping and some crafting. 

So when Nuby were on the lookout for some special bloggers to write for them and test their products I jumped on the opportunity. I love their stuff and Max went through so many teethers and toys that we could have opened a shop!

Luckily I got selected to test drive some of their products, but with having a child on the older end of their target market there are only a few products to play with as most are for the 0-18 month age marks.

I'm so excited to play with what we have though! We have 2 new bath products that they have launched, the squid squirter that just sounds like an awesome toy and the splish, splash stacking cups which sound awesome, and will hopefully help Max with his fine motor skills. We also have a no spill straw cup, Max is loving using a straw at the moment and this is the perfect beaker for his drinks as he's still not grasped the idea of a proper cup yet. And finally the most awesome snack keeper ever. It's part of the IMonster range and I have been DESPERATE (emphasis on desperate) for this as I managed to grab him the plate and bowl in the collection.

So keep your eyes peeled for some great photos and reviews of these products (if they are approved by Max that is)

Story time is my favourite time of day. And working in a book shop means that story time is nearly all day every day! (yay!)

Being a parent, I love picture books, and that's what made me create my other blog GoodnightBook. It's a collaboration of different reviews of picture books to introduce parents to new authors and exciting titles.

Every Saturday I'm going to share my favourite book of the week. And I thought what better than to start with my favourite author, Oliver Jeffers.




You may have also seen some of Jeffers work recently for the Kinder Chocolate adverts. Which are absolutely adorable and make me want to go buy all the chocolate there is in the world.

Unfortunately chocolate keeps that mummy tummy firmly on so I think I'll leave the chocolate scoffing for Max's little tum.

1. Clinique Chubby Stick - I used to use lip tint but I found it really dried out my lips. When I was browsing Boots picking up some of my normal items I drifted towards these. It may have been the overly colourful advertising that did it but I've not turned back since. The colour is perfect for me, I hate something that is way too bright and it's quite muted but still provides all the moisture and punch that I wanted in a lip colour. £16.00
2. Lush Dream Cream - I've been through every moisturiser ever. I've had really bad dry skin and eczema for my whole life and I was hating using steroid cream all the time. When my friends in my local Lush suggested I try this I was really sceptical as it's just a plain moisturiser, theres no magic ingredient in it? But it works wonders. My skin has gone from dry, cracked and sore to lovely and smooth. I still have dodgy days but this is the best thing I've found. £10.95
3. Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Foundation - Red skin is the worst, and I get it loads when it's too hot, too cold and of course when I'm embarrassed  One of my closest friends is a make up artist and she used this on me when I spent a few days with her. She converted it. It's so light on my skin and doesn't cause any redness or give my skin any problems at all. £23.00
4. Lee Stafford Argan Oil - I've spent so much time, money and moments of frustration trying to get my hair to be perfect. I've finally accepted that it won't be perfect but this gives me a close enough effect. For what it is, it isn't that expensive. I've seen some really expensive versions and thought that there was nothing to lose. My hair feels softer, longer, stronger. Something magic about it. £11.99
5. Lush Emotional Brilliance Powder - When Lush released their Emotional Brilliance range I picked a few things up, this being one of them. I've found that some powders are either too thin they don't do anything or too thick or tinted that it just looks awful. I'm no make up expert but I know good from bad. This seemed to work really well. It's expensive for what it is but when you only use the smallest amount it seems to work. I'm on my second pot within 6 months which seems to be about average for what a previous pressed powder was. £12.00
6. Benefit Bad Gal Mascara - There are so many reviews on how amazing this is and I need to add my two cents. Some of the cheaper mascaras seem to either make lashes clumpy or just rubbish. This coats them and seems to make my stumpy lashes seem like I've got a pair of falsies on. £16.50

So that's my daily essentials. What are yours?

Max is probably more stylish than me. I feel like I channel my inner fashionista into his outfits. Or he's just sucked out every stylish bone in my body.

Now that winter is drawing ever so closer we are loving our warm cosy jumpers, snug jeans and big shoes to keep all that warmth in. We have some firm favourite brands for filling his wardrobe (that is infact much bigger than mine!)

Next: They have one of the best winter ranges out at the moment. Max is forever wearing his slim fit jeans that fit him perfectly - even with a bulky nappy on. They have just collaborated with Live Nation to create some childrens band tops which we snapped up. The collection includes some great bands such as Nirvana, Blur, Stone Roses and Run DMC. With the weather being cold but not freezing we are layering him up and their pull over jumpers have great designs on them, channelling aztec prints and cute dinosaur knits.

H&M: A staple for any fashion lover on a budget and their kids range is just as good as their adult one! Quirky and unique designs adorn the tops with the focus being on animals and bold patterns this season (think jumpers with fox faces on and tshirts with abstract prints all over)

Vans: Not a brand you would normally associate with kids but their shoe range are the most hard wearing and robust that I've seen Max wear. They take their experience with adult skate shoes and replicate them in the kids shoes. Max's favourite pair seem to be his bright orange ones from the Vans x Yo Gabba Gabba collaboration but my personal preference are his two tone blue ones that look great with his smart outfits.

There are so many other brands I could talk about, from the supermarkets to the higher end Alex and Alexa but I'll leave you to browse the pages I've left with you now! Any brands you can recommend for your little ones?

So Max is a lucky lucky boy. His birthday is the 1st December meaning that by the time Christmas rolls around he has had loads of gifts from everyone. A party month kind of.
Being a well prepared mum I've actually finished getting all of his presents, though I'm not too sure what he's going to get for his birthday and what he will get on christmas day!

I'm such a bargain hunter so many of these things I have got for a fraction of the cost. Some I even bought in the christmas sales last year (yep I'm one of those mums)

Max is obsessed with any thing Toy Story. His room is adorned with a duvet, soft toys and he's always asking us for the dvd on so I knew that he would be getting his own Buzz and Woody that he can have. The Rex and Mr. Potato Head just fell into my hands at the same time too.

Max has a pretty impressive Happyland collection growing and I love these characters that The Early Learning Centre have made as they promote role play and hand eye co-ordination. I've picked up the post office to add to his dinosaur and olympics sets.

Every child loves the Gruffalo and when my work put this adorable breakfast set in the sale last year at 75% off I had to snap it up! I don't think he's old enough for a china set yet but hopefully by the time his third birthday rolls around he will be making use of it.

Sesame Street is a show that Max loves so I picked him up some adorable Cookie Monster PJ's to go with his Elmo ones.

The DVD's are just there to get into the festive spirit and add to our ever expanding Disney collection.

And the scooter. I picked up this bargain from Zulily UK. One of my favourite websites that hosts deals on kids clothing, toys and accessories. But only for a few days. I snapped this up and I can't wait for Max to play on it (nanny is buying him a Mickey helmet - complete with ears! - to go with it)

I know I'm super prepared but what are you guys getting the kids/family for christmas?