Fourteen things for 2014

Not simply resolutions, more of a to-do list. Here's my fourteen things for 2014...

1. Sort out the finances.

I'll be honest, they're a bit of a mess at the moment, I'd really like to 'trim the fat' off and cut out any unnecessary expenditure. I guess that means ditching the husband...he costs more than the children!

2. Do more structured activities.

With Moo having longer hours at nursery as of next week, I really want to make productive use of my time on weekdays; to get the most out of the hours I have with and without her. I'll be making a chart. Yes, you read that correctly, a chart. I'm that obsessive over organisation.

3. Make new friends.

I have old friends and mummy friends...I'd like to make more friends with children Bear's age.

4. Return to work.

Unfortunately, it's got to be done. I'd better man-up about it.

5. Blog more original content.

I like my random waffling and while I love discovering new things, what makes my blog unique is me, not the (very lovely) brands I work with.

6. Routine.

When Bear got poorly, our routine went sailing through the window. Time to claw it back!

7. De-clutter life.

Seriously, when did my house become akin to a dump? It's full of stuff, I can barely move. Clear room, clear mind as my husband says (before hypocritically leaving a wet towel in the middle io the dining room)!

8. Lose weight.

Well I had a baby three and a half months ago and have celebrated a lot of things since. I was thinner the day after I had him than I am now. Too much cake, not enough exercise!

9. Put more effort in.

Same as the routine, once Bear got poorly, I stopped putting effort into my every-day appearance. I keep leaving the house without make-up and my hair in a top knot. It's not a great look...

10. Start decorating.

All three bedrooms need it.

11. Work on Moo's phonics, letters and reading.

One morning a week will be dedicated to developing Moo's reading skills.

12. Network more.

I used to do a lot of this for our family-run business and I need to get back in to it if I ever want to own my own home!

13. Take a city break.

One that doesn't feature a concert. Or is in Leeds.

14. Have more fun, worry less.

Because life can come to a very abrupt halt, so why waste time on boring stuff?

Happy new year everyone!

Clare

Moo's Birthday; a shopping list

When it comes to toys, Moo has them practically coming out of her ears. When you have so many relatives, it's impossible not to be inundated with toys and as a toddler, it's overwhelming. She's becoming increasingly difficult to shop for at Christmas and birthday. Last year the husband and I did both Paris and Florida so ended up buying her a lot that we couldn't get in the UK.

This years she's three (where did my baby go?) and so she's becoming a 'big girl'. NanNan has bought her some big girl trainers as she was due new shoes, Grandma and Grandpa have bought her a very grown-up charm bracelet and children's perfume for her to be like mummy...and we have got...nothing. Zilch. Nada.

It's going to get to crunch time, I know it...we'll have to think of something...in the mean time, I've been looking around and so far I've found these little odds and ends...

Top: Sofia the First wipe clean book £6 Disney Store. Middle; Beatrix Potter complete collection £24.80 Amazon. Bottom; Lego Duplo deluxe brick box £28 Amazom. Centre; Top and leggings set £28-34 Ted Baker at Debenhams. Right; Izzy plush £15 Disney store.

Any suggestions? Anyone?

Please?

Clare

Nine things...

There are so, so many social rules. Fashion, conversation, etiquette...all of which go out of the window if you are a lady with child.

There are many things that I personally wouldn't do if I weren't 'preggers', but because I am...it's suddenly acceptable. Here are my nine things that're a-okay during your nine months!

1. Wearing leggings as trousers.
Normally unacceptable for obvious foofi-viewing reasons (so nauseating) but a bump hides a multitude of sins and YOU try telling a heavily pregnant woman to wrestle into a pair of jeans...I DON'T CARE IF THEY'RE STRETCHY, THEY'RE EVIL!!
2. Leaning over your dieting friends and loudly asking for another piece of cake.
Is it just my friends that all decided to transform themselves the same year I've spent the majority of it preggers? No? Good! Cake for you.
3. Being a wuss.
It's amazing how many people volunteer to do things when you have a bump. I don't really need your seat on the bus but hell yes I will have it if it's going. I don't remember the last time I made myself a sandwich.
4. Letting other people parent your child.
What's that? She's stuck on the rope bridge in soft play? Oh would you be a sweetie and help her? If I get in there, I'll never get out again... *evil chuckle, eats cake*.
5. Getting the bus...two stops.
What?! It was raining...
6. Having no shame.
Forgot to lock the door at Starbucks' toilets, man opens door, all I can muster is 'sorry...needed to pee'. Best friend was mortified...no longer returning calls and texts...
7. TMI.
Goes along with having no shame really. Did my work colleague need to know that at long last my lactose intolerance is working in my favour because it counteracted the pregnancy constipation? Probably not. Did I tell her anyway? Yes. Yes I did. At least she wasn't eating at the time.
8. Banning certain things from the kitchen.
If I can't eat chèvre, no one can.
9. Crying at everything.
Sad stories, the news, ducklings...anything and everything brings tears to your eyes. Embrace them and dry those suckers on the biggest slab of cake you can find!

Clare

(In case you hadn't noticed, I REALLY like cake).