I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas! Again, serious lack of pictures as the camera cable is still missing and my pregnancy porridged brain can't think of anywhere it could be!
Last
year Christmas was pretty chaotic as Craig has a huge family and
for some reason we tried to see them all in one day. This year, it's
been spread over three days. On Christmas Eve, we went to see his dad's
side of the family and had a buffet tea at his auntie's house. On
Christmas Day, we had a very relaxing morning watching TV and opening
presents in the flat. My absolute favourite present from Craig was the Chance by Chanel Sheer Moisture Mist. It's not Christmas without a bit of Chanel from Santa! I've become really obsessed with keeping my skin
lovely and moisturised (it's a stretchmark prevention thing) which is why he got me this as opposed to the ordinary perfume, and the fragrance is divine. It makes my skin really soft with a nice (non-glittery) sheen.
I'm very impressed he actually got it as I've never pointed this
product out to him, he just has good taste I guess?
We went to my parents house for Christmas dinner and to open more presents. I think my favourite present from my family, apart from the Bomb Cosmetics bath bombs I've become obsessed with, was the What to Expect When You're Expecting DVD. It was for both of us to watch together, so we watched it the other night. It was very amusing to hear the women in the movie come out with the exact same lines that I've been saying the last few months, which gives me comfort that I am not actually going mad, just my hormones are instead haha.
And finally, we went to Craig's mam's house later in the afternoon and had another little buffet tea and watched TV. Yesterday was the trip over to the Lake District to see all of my mam's side of the family to have food and open presents. My nanna's house is literally Santa's grotto every year, I love it. So that's it now, we've seen everybody. It was all very relaxing, which we kind of made a conscious effort to keep it as, because obviously next year is going to be a very different story with a bambino in the house. My nanna is literally bursting with excitement about this, especially after I showed her the latest photo! One of the reasons I haven't put the scan photo's online is because I love seeing the actual reactions on peoples faces when I show them and compare how much it's grown with each one. I think everyone is excited for next Christmas when we'll have a new addition to spoil. But for now, that's Christmas 2012 done and dusted :)
I thought I would also do this little end of year summary thing to kind of round things up as I don't think I'll be updating again before new year. Feel free to fill it out also if you like:
1. What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?
Move in with someone, it was kind of my personal 'rule' that I wouldn't move in with someone until I'm engaged to them, so that was a big thing I'd never done before!
2. Did you keep your new years resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I've never made them, I tend to just make goals as I go along! Maybe I should think of one or two for next year?
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully no
5. Where did you visit?
Tennerife, Portugal, Majorca, Florence, St. Tropez, Corsica & Barcelona
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
I'll get a baby!
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory?
When I found out I was pregnant, and our engagement party
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
The 2.1's I managed to get at university inbetween being ill!
9. What was your biggest failure?
I do think I could have handled some difficult situations better, but I don't think I did anything I really class as a failure
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
The two worst things were when I had an allergic reaction to antibiotics I was taking (horrible!) and when we both got whiplash and ligament injuries after a van crashed into my car and crushed literally the whole back end of it :(
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Not any particular material items, just the holidays and good days out we had this year
12. Where did most of your money go?
Where does everyones money go? Rent, food and petrol, and a lot of the rest went towards holidays and the wedding
13. What did you get really excited about?
I was so excited the first time Craig and I went on holiday together earlier this year. I was also really excited to be bridesmaid for my friend Gemma
14. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
All of my friends and family. They are always supportive anyway but this year they have all really been there for me and Craig when we needed them
15. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Fortunately nobody I know personally or that I'm particularly close to! Nothing awfully bad happened close to home, which I'm thankful for
16. Compared to this time last year, are you..
a) Happier or sadder?: happier. I was happy last year but I have even more things to be excited about this year
b) Thinner or fatter?: thinner, yes even though I'm pregnant (more about this in the bump blog)
c) Richer or pooer?: richer
17. What do you wish you'd done more of?
I'm not actually sure!
18. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying, oh so much worrying has been done this year!
19. How did you spend Christmas?
As I described above ^ :)
20. What was your favourite TV programme?
I really got into The Walking Dead, although it made me dream about zombies for weeks afterwards which got kind of annoying!
21. What was the best book you read?
I
read one in Portugal (I only ever read on holiday), it was about two women who were seeing the same
man and teamed up to get some revenge on him, it was pretty funny, even
Craig got quite into that one lol
22. What was your favourite film of this year?
Batman and Bond
23. Did you fall in love in 2012?
I was already in love with Craig, but I fell in love with another.. our baby as soon as I seen it on the screen at my scan
24. What did you do on your birthday?
I'll not repeat this as I've already made a post on it :)
25. Did you make new friends this year?
I met a couple of lovely new girls through being a bridesmaid this summer
26. What did you want and get?
A flat, pregnancy
27. What did you want and not get?
A new phone, my contract isn't done yet
28. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A life without pregnancy sickness would have been nice
29. What kept you sane?
I was a bag full of raging hormones, I was not sane at any point at the back end of this year!
30. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I think I grew out of having celebrity crushes quite a few years ago lol
31. Who did you miss?
One of my friends who I now see more of :)
32. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned
As soon as I realised I was pregnant I think my whole attitude changed. Things that seemed such a big deal a few months earlier suddenly became insignificant. I guess what I learned that as long as we're happy and healthy, whatever anybody else says can only affect you if you let it. We're so lucky and blessed to have what we have, and so many other people have much less, it just doesn't make sense anymore to sweat the small stuff
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Friday, 21 December 2012
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Bump Blog #1: I'm Going to be a Mama
I am very excited to (finally!!) announce that I am pregnant with our first child!
I haven't seen much point in starting my bump blog until today as all I would have done is whinge about how ill I am up until now (oh I do love a good whinge nowadays). I am aware some people have guessed by now as I haven't really made a special effort to try and hide the pregnancy, especially in the last month or two (I figured feeling sick and/or tired are pretty generic symptoms of many things?), and I know I'm starting to show now but I haven't actually just come out and said it until today. As you can imagine with hormones flying about everywhere I didn't feel like myself for a long while and was so sensitive and vulnerable to just about everything, and was actually quite nervous about announcing for a while so I wanted to wait until I felt somewhat back to normal.
I guess I should share the story of how we found out! After feeling sick and going off my food for a few days, Craig made me take a pregnancy test. Because I was told I would probably find it hard to conceive after receiving chemotherapy years and years ago (a side effect of chemo can be reduced fertility), Craig suggested that we start trying sooner rather than later so if it did turn out that I needed treatment, we could do that and still be relatively young parents. After lots of long chats about it I went off the pill and off we went. Apparently it turns out I am very fertile, as it happened within a matter of weeks. Obviously I wasn't expecting this at all as I'd spent so long thinking that it would be really difficult for us. I definitely didn't think it would happen within the first few months at the very least. Anyway, I clearly didn't wait long enough for it to develop and as soon as it came up with one line (not pregnant) I put it in the bin. The next night, I was washing my face and the test caught my eye. It now had another faint line on it, and I just thought that was strange and decided it was a dodgy test! I was told to take another one, and again it had one prominent line and another very faint line. Very confused, we drove to Asda in the middle of the night and got some Clear Blue's. By this point I'd decided that I didn't want to get a negative result back now we'd gotten ourselves excited, so I did my thing and made Craig read it. I knew just by the look on his face that it was positive before he even said anything!
I had my first scan a month ago and I've literally not felt a better feeling than seeing our baby on the screen for the first time. It was definitely love at first sight and I knew from that moment that everything was going to be fine. Before I had the scan I would lie awake at night freaking out wondering if I'm going to be a bad mam or if I would know what to do, but as soon as I seen the baby for the first time that fear went away and it was replaced more with excitement. When we seen baby again this morning it was already bouncing and kicking away having a whale of a time in there and I should feel it moving very soon. I think it's going to be really weird to feel it kicking me but I'm so excited about it finally happening too!
So, to sum up my first trimester.. I honestly don't know how I coped with practically 24/7 sickness (which started promptly at week 3) and being so exhausted I slept 14 hours a night plus a nap during the day, whilst starting a dissertation alongside all my assignments and exams. Plus actually getting good marks for it all so far. My tutors have been so helpful and understanding, I can't thank them enough for the last few months. I was told I could push any deadline back and it wouldn't be an issue but I was determined to get all my work in on time just like everyone else. My food aversions were very strong and I quickly went off a lot of food I used to love. Craig came home with a kebab once and as soon as I sensed it, it was game over haha. I never liked them anyway but I never used to be so revolted by the smell. I wouldn't say I have cravings yet but when you feel that sick thinking about eating, if you can imagine thinking of one thing that doesn't make you feel ill when you think about eating it, you become kind of obsessed with it. I think Craig enjoyed the McFlurry phase the most, funnily enough he never complained when I woke him up and told him that we're going to McDonalds!
The second trimester however is a much better place to be! My sickness hasn't completely went away but it's eased off a lot. I'm still tired a lot but I think it's because I'm finding it more difficult to get comfortable at night as I never usually sleep on my side but I have to now because it's getting harder to lie on my stomach and back. I definitely eat a lot more than I used to, I'm constantly hungry! I figure I'm just making up for the three months that I hated food! The hormones aren't as bad as they were, although I do think they have turned me more soft than I used to be. Last week I sat watching One Born Every Minute crying my eyes out from beginning to end, not because I was freaked out at the births (although I'm not particularly looking forward to that part) but because I know that in a few months that will be us welcoming our new baby.. I really can't wait now!
I haven't seen much point in starting my bump blog until today as all I would have done is whinge about how ill I am up until now (oh I do love a good whinge nowadays). I am aware some people have guessed by now as I haven't really made a special effort to try and hide the pregnancy, especially in the last month or two (I figured feeling sick and/or tired are pretty generic symptoms of many things?), and I know I'm starting to show now but I haven't actually just come out and said it until today. As you can imagine with hormones flying about everywhere I didn't feel like myself for a long while and was so sensitive and vulnerable to just about everything, and was actually quite nervous about announcing for a while so I wanted to wait until I felt somewhat back to normal.
I guess I should share the story of how we found out! After feeling sick and going off my food for a few days, Craig made me take a pregnancy test. Because I was told I would probably find it hard to conceive after receiving chemotherapy years and years ago (a side effect of chemo can be reduced fertility), Craig suggested that we start trying sooner rather than later so if it did turn out that I needed treatment, we could do that and still be relatively young parents. After lots of long chats about it I went off the pill and off we went. Apparently it turns out I am very fertile, as it happened within a matter of weeks. Obviously I wasn't expecting this at all as I'd spent so long thinking that it would be really difficult for us. I definitely didn't think it would happen within the first few months at the very least. Anyway, I clearly didn't wait long enough for it to develop and as soon as it came up with one line (not pregnant) I put it in the bin. The next night, I was washing my face and the test caught my eye. It now had another faint line on it, and I just thought that was strange and decided it was a dodgy test! I was told to take another one, and again it had one prominent line and another very faint line. Very confused, we drove to Asda in the middle of the night and got some Clear Blue's. By this point I'd decided that I didn't want to get a negative result back now we'd gotten ourselves excited, so I did my thing and made Craig read it. I knew just by the look on his face that it was positive before he even said anything!
I had my first scan a month ago and I've literally not felt a better feeling than seeing our baby on the screen for the first time. It was definitely love at first sight and I knew from that moment that everything was going to be fine. Before I had the scan I would lie awake at night freaking out wondering if I'm going to be a bad mam or if I would know what to do, but as soon as I seen the baby for the first time that fear went away and it was replaced more with excitement. When we seen baby again this morning it was already bouncing and kicking away having a whale of a time in there and I should feel it moving very soon. I think it's going to be really weird to feel it kicking me but I'm so excited about it finally happening too!
So, to sum up my first trimester.. I honestly don't know how I coped with practically 24/7 sickness (which started promptly at week 3) and being so exhausted I slept 14 hours a night plus a nap during the day, whilst starting a dissertation alongside all my assignments and exams. Plus actually getting good marks for it all so far. My tutors have been so helpful and understanding, I can't thank them enough for the last few months. I was told I could push any deadline back and it wouldn't be an issue but I was determined to get all my work in on time just like everyone else. My food aversions were very strong and I quickly went off a lot of food I used to love. Craig came home with a kebab once and as soon as I sensed it, it was game over haha. I never liked them anyway but I never used to be so revolted by the smell. I wouldn't say I have cravings yet but when you feel that sick thinking about eating, if you can imagine thinking of one thing that doesn't make you feel ill when you think about eating it, you become kind of obsessed with it. I think Craig enjoyed the McFlurry phase the most, funnily enough he never complained when I woke him up and told him that we're going to McDonalds!
The second trimester however is a much better place to be! My sickness hasn't completely went away but it's eased off a lot. I'm still tired a lot but I think it's because I'm finding it more difficult to get comfortable at night as I never usually sleep on my side but I have to now because it's getting harder to lie on my stomach and back. I definitely eat a lot more than I used to, I'm constantly hungry! I figure I'm just making up for the three months that I hated food! The hormones aren't as bad as they were, although I do think they have turned me more soft than I used to be. Last week I sat watching One Born Every Minute crying my eyes out from beginning to end, not because I was freaked out at the births (although I'm not particularly looking forward to that part) but because I know that in a few months that will be us welcoming our new baby.. I really can't wait now!
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
I would literally describe this as summer in a bottle but technically it is a combination of Sicilian citron, apple, freesia, jasmine, musk and amber. If you like your fragrances light and fresh then I would say give this one a try. I don't like really heavy fragrances and I prefer the fruitier or sweeter ones and although you can tell it's slightly musky, it's not overpowering, it's very subtle.
Speaking of fragrance, one thing I always do is buy the shower gel and body lotion to match. It really makes a difference as you're 'layering' the scent and it lasts so much longer! I do this before every night out and I find I don't really need to re-apply my fragrance again during the night, so it's one less thing I have to carry in my bag!
Monday, 17 December 2012
Sunday, 16 December 2012
My Birthday Weekend
As I said the other day, it was my birthday this weekend! I've lost the cable to my camera so I can't upload pictures of my presents yet but I got lots of lovely things from The Body Shop, Lush & just about every Soap & Glory product ever made amongst other things which I will share my thoughts on asap.
On Friday night I was surprised by Craig with all of my presents and a meal at a restaurant called Asiana, then we decided to try our luck at the casino afterwards. I'm not really a gambler (apart from the lottery every now and then!) but I had a go at some of the machines, unfortunately I didn't end up any richer :( And last night I had the big meal at Marcello's where I seen more friends and family, and today, even more vistors! It's been a really busy but good weekend!
Craig got sliiiightly tipsy, in case you couldn't tell by his eyes on that photo lol. Unfortunately I didn't manage to get a picture of my cake before it was demolished! I haven't felt all too grand today (not alcohol-induced!) so I've just been relaxing all day and I've decided to end a lovely weekend with a pizza and a Lush bath :) Hope you have all had a good weekend too!
On Friday night I was surprised by Craig with all of my presents and a meal at a restaurant called Asiana, then we decided to try our luck at the casino afterwards. I'm not really a gambler (apart from the lottery every now and then!) but I had a go at some of the machines, unfortunately I didn't end up any richer :( And last night I had the big meal at Marcello's where I seen more friends and family, and today, even more vistors! It's been a really busy but good weekend!
Friday, 14 December 2012
Happy Birthday to Me & Friday Five
Well I'm another year older today! Woohoo (not) - birthdays become slightly less exciting the further away you get from your teens!
I just finished university for the year yesterday and I had the flat to myself this morning so I made the most of it by spending some quality time with the bed and the remote! I've had some visitors this afternoon and received some lovely gifts which I will do a seperate post on over the weekend. Craig is taking me out tonight although I don't know where yet as he won't tell me, and tomorrow night the celebrations continue at Marcello's which is an Italian restaurant down the road, with all my friends and family. It's kind of a tradition in my family for every birthday we all go out for dinner and invite loads of family and friends, the group seems to get bigger every year now as we're all settling down as well, it's always a really good night though!
Here is today's Friday Five to finish off, I will post again over the weekend..
1. How self-conscious do you get when someone's pointing a camera at you?
Not very, the only time I do is when people take them randomly without warning, but I don't think anybody likes that!
2. What was the last meal you took a photo of?
When I made a Sunday dinner a few weeks ago, which I then picked at and hardly ate, everyone else liked it though!
3. When were you last bitten or stung by something?
I think it was in Egypt a few years ago, I don't really tend to get bitten really. I mustn't taste very nice?!
4. What's something people miss most when they move away from your area?
I don't think they make cheesy chips properly anywhere else outside of the north east, and I guess there's events like the air show that people might miss if they moved away
5. On long day-trips do you prefer to be the driver or the passenger? Why?
I'm usually the driver, but I don't mind either way!
 |
| Ignore the 'purr' - private joke lol |
I just finished university for the year yesterday and I had the flat to myself this morning so I made the most of it by spending some quality time with the bed and the remote! I've had some visitors this afternoon and received some lovely gifts which I will do a seperate post on over the weekend. Craig is taking me out tonight although I don't know where yet as he won't tell me, and tomorrow night the celebrations continue at Marcello's which is an Italian restaurant down the road, with all my friends and family. It's kind of a tradition in my family for every birthday we all go out for dinner and invite loads of family and friends, the group seems to get bigger every year now as we're all settling down as well, it's always a really good night though!
Here is today's Friday Five to finish off, I will post again over the weekend..
1. How self-conscious do you get when someone's pointing a camera at you?
Not very, the only time I do is when people take them randomly without warning, but I don't think anybody likes that!
2. What was the last meal you took a photo of?
When I made a Sunday dinner a few weeks ago, which I then picked at and hardly ate, everyone else liked it though!
3. When were you last bitten or stung by something?
I think it was in Egypt a few years ago, I don't really tend to get bitten really. I mustn't taste very nice?!
4. What's something people miss most when they move away from your area?
I don't think they make cheesy chips properly anywhere else outside of the north east, and I guess there's events like the air show that people might miss if they moved away
5. On long day-trips do you prefer to be the driver or the passenger? Why?
I'm usually the driver, but I don't mind either way!
Friday, 7 December 2012
My Wish List
Even though we're really close to my birthday (one week, eek) and Christmas, I realised I haven't actually put a lot of thought into what I would like to receive! So I thought I should have a look about and give some of my friends and family a little inspiration, as I know I am hard to buy for! Here are some of the things I would really like to receive this season ;)
1. Lipsy Dress
 |
| Lipsy Sequin Peplum Dress: £60 |
I love Lipsy's dresses and I really like the new ones they've brought out for Christmas, this one is my favourite.
2. Spa Day
 |
| weheartit |
There is nothing I would love more after these hard couple of months than a day at the spa to totally relax!
3. Scented Candles
 |
| The Body Shop Scented Candle: £10 |
I like filling our home with scented candles, I don't really think you can have too many!
4. Moisturiser
 |
| Trilogy Moisturiser: £26 |
Trilogy is a brand I've been interested in trying for a while but never got around to, and I need a new moisturiser soon.
5. A Holiday!
I'm obsessed with looking for holidays at the moment, we both want to get away again very soon!
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
The Ten Day You Challenge - Nine Loves
1. My Pets
I've always loved animals, I've lost count of how many pets I've actually had over the years!
2. The Other Half
This is kind of a given, but it would be odd not to include him in the list! I can talk to him about anything and we know pretty much everything about each other. You know it's real love when you know every last gory detail about them and their past and you still love them anyway! He has some habits that (really!) bug me but I do things that bug him too, that's pretty standard in any relationship. We're getting married in just under two years and there's so much for us to look forward to in the future.
3. Disney
I love anything to do with Disney, even my wedding dress is from the Alfred Angelo Disney princess-inspired collection!
I have lovely memories of going to see the movies and going to the Disneyland theme parks when I was young and I can't wait to share the same experiences all over again with my future son/daughter.
4. Dancing
When I left school I went straight to dance college and lived/danced in London for a while too. As everyone says (because it's true), it's very competitive and you really need a thick skin. You learn to brush things off so easily, because if you don't, you would crack up!
5. My Family
I think it's really important to try and maintain a good relationship with your family, and thankfully mine is a close one. What I also love is that me and Craig are part of each other's families. I go and see his family on my own sometimes and he goes off to do things with my dad sometimes too. The rest of my family live past the Lake District so I don't get to see them very often but they are the loveliest (and also the loudest) people you'd ever meet!
6. My Friends
I have a lovely bunch of friends who are all so supportive. This is why I'm having such a nightmare choosing bridesmaids! Even though we've all moved on from the days where we would go out every night and didn't have any responsibilities and are now engaged/married/have children, we still have good relationships and it's nice that we now have all these new experiences to share together.
7. Home Sweet Home
There is no place I love to be more than at home, specifically my bed! I love being comfy cosy in the house especially in winter when it's freezing outside!
8. Playing with Make-Up
I don't claim to be fantastic at make-up, but I do enjoy playing around with it and learning. I've received brief training days through my agency and have worked for plenty of brands over the years. I always like picking up tips from people that I get to work with and from YouTube too.
9. Travelling
I know I've pointed this out before but I've ran out of idea's haha. You'll have gathered from previous posts that I like going on holiday, I go on about 4 a year.
 |
| Photo: about.com |
4. Dancing
When I left school I went straight to dance college and lived/danced in London for a while too. As everyone says (because it's true), it's very competitive and you really need a thick skin. You learn to brush things off so easily, because if you don't, you would crack up!
5. My Family
 |
| weheartit |
6. My Friends
 |
| Me and my 'big sister'/maid of honour Lisa |
7. Home Sweet Home
There is no place I love to be more than at home, specifically my bed! I love being comfy cosy in the house especially in winter when it's freezing outside!
8. Playing with Make-Up
I don't claim to be fantastic at make-up, but I do enjoy playing around with it and learning. I've received brief training days through my agency and have worked for plenty of brands over the years. I always like picking up tips from people that I get to work with and from YouTube too.
9. Travelling
 |
| The Atlantis Hotel - The Bahamas |
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