Twenty nineteen - One I'll never forget....

Hello,

We moved into our new house just over a month ago and I have only just today connected my laptop to my wifi. I honestly haven't had the motivation or inspiration to write anything but today something changed... I remembered why I started this blog six years ago and why I love doing what I do. The reason why I started this blog was to share my thoughts about certain topics, admittedly back then it was light hearted subjects and definitely weren't parenthood related but all the same. So today that's what i'm here to do... let's have a chat. 

This year has been one I will definitely never forget, a lot has changed... Maci turned one back in June and she had the most incredible party with all of our favourite people. Relationships broke down unexpectedly and we also moved home twice, oh and Maci started walking... a lot has happened in between these big events but when someone mentions this year that is what comes to my mind straight away. 

So what have I learnt throughout this year so far? I have learnt that everything can change very quickly, your 'normal' can soon become a memory and that you should cherish moments. I also can't believe that whilst I am sat writing this I have an *almost* sixteen month old upstairs asleep, how has that happened? Time goes so incredibly quickly... But ultimately I am so exceedingly grateful for everything I have and the friends and family that Maci and I have. 

Maci is doing incredibly well, she is now walking and almost running about. She now says quite a few words such as; mum, dad, diesel (dog) yes and sit. She's got such a fabulous sense of humour, she finds the most silly things hilarious which I absolutely love. She still isn't sleeping throughout the whole night but we have made progress so ill accept that and she is in size 2-3 year clothes because she's a little chunky monkey. I have just started looking at nurseries for her to attend next September and it's all a bit daunting but I know she will love it an immense amount.

With regards to me I am still getting use to being responsible for a whole house (and everything that comes in tow!), a toddler, and well... myself! Its very easy to forget about me but I have come to realise how important it is to not 'burn myself out' and that sometimes its ok to sit down and watch television or even have a scroll through your phone once in a while. I have taken a slight backseat with blogging for a while but I have been working with some incredible companies over on my socials which keep me busy. But I am doing okay, so thank you all for any messages you may of sent on other platforms. 

I am aiming to write post frequently again so watch this space and thank you for taking your time to read this little life update.

Until next time,

Storm

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'So Divine' Sensual Kegal Balls - Gifted Review

For those of you reading this who have had children you'll agree with me that things definitely change once you've given birth. For me it affected my pelvic floor and whilst doing some research I came across Kegal Ball training kits and decided to give it a go. What have I got to lose, right?

If you aren't familiar with what 'Kegal Balls' are, this is the description of the 'So Divine' Kegal Balls - 'These discrete Kegel Balls will help strengthen your pelvic floor. Made from silicone and easy to insert, choose from three interchangeable weights to get warmed up and ready to go'

You can read the full item description here

Before I started researching the benefits of these items I thought they simply helped strengthen your pelvic floor but I was wrong - they do so much more! They help strengthen and tighten PC muscles, Increase blood flow to pelvic region, Prevent urinary incontinent, Helps recover from physical stress such as childbirth and help improve sexual response and function. 

The Kegal Ball Training Set from So Divine Includes - 3 Individually weighted kegel balls: 36g, 62g, 96g, Exercises & tones pelvic floor muscles, Premium silky soft silicone, Latex & phthalate free, Discreet internal workout, Use with a water-based lube, 'How to guide' included and a Luxury storage bag.

So do they actually work? The answer is yes... I have been using my training kit for just over two weeks now and I am definitely noticing a difference as always I will continue testing this product and post an update in a few weeks time but I have already noticed a positive difference. Obviously everyone is different but for me they are helping. These sets also aren't just for those of you who have had children it is important for all women to give your pelvic floor muscles a 'workout' now and then! 

All packaging which arrives from 'So Divine' is discreet, so no need to worry!

I will post a further update up on my Instagram in a few weeks to let you all know how I am getting on with this brilliant product!

So Divine Sensual Kegal Ball Training Set

As stated this is a gifted product review, all opinions are those of Storms Blog.

Until next time,

Storm

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What I've learnt from my first year of parenting

Maci recently turned one meaning I have been a parent for an entire year and gosh have I learnt a lot in that time. I've learnt so many things I couldn't even list them all for you but I decided it would be a good idea to share with you all the 'biggest' things that I have learnt throughout my first year of parenting.

Everyone has an opinion (it doesn't matter...)

Whether it's about how you feed your baby, how you clothe your baby or even how you gave birth. Everyone has an opinion on EVERYTHING! This is one thing that took me a while to learn and now I know that everyone has an opinion but the only person who knows what's best for their child is you, their parents. Despite the fact I say that other people's opinions don't matter sometimes opinions can be helpful so don't instantly dismiss them.

When you get the hang of one thing, it's time to change (formula to weaning etc)
Just when you get use to how to sterilize bottles and get into a routine its the time to introduce food. Then weaning is a whole new ball game, working out what foods your baby likes, what they're actually able to chew and what brands of foods to give them. Parenthood is one big 'trial and error' and eventually you will work it out... (eventually!)

Newborns do not need fancy outfits.
Before Maci was born I did that thing every first time parent does. I hoarded outfits mainly pretty little dresses. She wore hardly any of them, Maci was 8lbs 11oz when she was born meaning she instantly went into 3-6 month clothes so she never wore 'newborn' sizes. So yes, newborns do not need 'fancy' outfits. All they need are some babygrows, vests, bibs and scratch mitts.

The first six weeks are an absolute blur. 
I remember being told about the dreaded first six weeks and how they will be the toughest of your life as a parent and oh my they were right. I barely remember the first six weeks of Maci's life, it was a muddle of keeping a newborn alive, working out how to make a bottle, change a nappy, dealing with no sleep and crazy hormones! But I promise, it does get easier. Once you establish a routine and workout (roughly) what you're doing it does become easier.

You will end up with 'plastic crap' toys everywhere.
Whilst I was pregnant I remember looking at 'aesthetically pleasing' baby toys. I didn't want anything brightly coloured and definitely no noisy toys. Oh how I was wrong... babies need bright coloured toys to help with their development. Unfortunately pastel wooden toys don't cut it.

Every baby is different (sleep, eating etc)
I soon realised that I had a baby that doesn't like sleep and it took me a while to actually accept that. I couldnt work out why other peoples babies were sleeping and why mine wasn't. Surely I must be doing something wrong? I got myself so worked up because I felt like a failure but the truth is every baby is different. Some babies sleep through, some don't.

Parenthood is tough, every day is a learning curve and that is the main thing I have learnt from the first year of parenting.

Until next time,
Storm
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What does my dog do whilst I'm not home? - Furbo #AD

Fancy knowing what your furry friends are up to whilst you're not at home? I know I certainly do. 

The Furbo allows me to go out and leave my furry friends at home without having to constantly worry if they're ok. Not only is it the first ever 'treat tossing' pet camera but it also has two way audio (which alerts you if your pet is barking) and a 160 degree HD night vision camera which you can record at the touch of a button. 

The Furbo also fits perfectly with my home decor, its only 22.5cm high and is topped with a fashionable bamboo wood cover, it sits perfectly in the corner of my lounge and I always get comments about it from friends and family.

When I first received my Furbo I was worried that I wouldn't be 'tech savvy' enough to set it up myself but it was extremely easy. The light on the front of the camera indicates the status of the unit and it only took around three minutes after installing the free Furbo app to my iphone. 

The Furbo has allowed me to now go out and not constantly worry about what my pets are up to because now by pressing a few buttons I can see exactly what they're doing and throw them a treat to engage with me through the camera.

The Furbo would also make a great gift for a pet lover! Perhaps if you're stuck on what to purchase someone for an upcoming birthday (or even Christmas) why not treat them to a Furbo? It truly is the gift that keeps giving.

I have been lucky enough to work with Furbo on this post meaning I am able to offer you all an exclusive discount code so you can keep an eye on your pets whilst you're not home! By using this link it will allow you to have £20 off the final price of the Furbo - https://bit.ly/2XxPWnz 

The code is valid in the following countries: UK, Spain, Italy and France (In the countries with Euro prices -20€ off)

(This item was a gifted product, this post is also an AD)

I would love to see what your pets get up to whilst you're out, please tag me in them over on Instagram.

Until next time,

Storm

A whole year of Maci.

13th June, what a significant date. The date I became a mother, one whole year ago.

I've had many mixed feelings about Maci's first birthday, i've felt excited, nervous, anxious and extremely proud. Proud of her for turning one, she has achieved so much in her 365 days of life earthside but I also feel proud of myself for reaching this milestone as a parent.

We celebrated Maci's birthday with a trip out to 'soft play' on her actual birthday and then the following weekend we hosted a Picnic Party with all of her little friends that we have met by going to various different baby groups/classes, safe to say I think we were definitely more excited about all her birthday 'happenings' than what she was.

I managed to snap a few photos of the party before the other little ones arrived... safe to say the party hats didn't stay that organised very long! We had a lovely afternoon, we had lots of laughs and ate all the cakes.

All the decorations were from various high street stores.

This milestone banner was purchased from a brilliant ebayer and the photos were printed via FreePrints.

So for those of you who are parents, enjoy every minute because they do honestly grow up too quickly and I can't believe we now have a beautiful one year old.

We were also very kindly gifted a Cake smash photoshoot from the lovely Zoe - If you're in the Southampton area I highly suggest having a look at her page as shes incredibly talented and made us feel very relaxed Zoe Louise Photography 

I will also be posting various photos from this shoot on my Instagram. 

The last year has been a whirlwind of emotions, parenthood is definitely the hardest 'hood' I've ever been too. But I wouldn't change it for the world, everyday we are growing together and experiencing new things. All the poo explosions, puke covered tops and sleepless nights (many...) are worth it.

It's a pleasure to be your mummy Maci, here's to the next year my love.