Our weekend

Preparation, organisation and cleaning:

Its becoming a bit of a trend here on my blog that I frequently upload what I like to call ‘chit chat’ posts; I guess there just the posts that I enjoy writing the most – feeling although I’m having a conversation with you.

I haven’t really done anything particularly interesting this weekend, as a matter of fact Zachary and I have pretty much spent our whole weekend cleaning, generally preparing our house for when baby arrives (not long now!) – maybe you could say we’re both ‘nesting’ I guess? Sterilising, washing and tidying, organising pretty much everything that is in our home, not that it needed to be cleaned as that’s pretty much what we do every weekend morning...but hey, you can never clean to much right? I’ve been especially enjoying sterilising bottles and my breast pump in preperation for use – I love the smell of Milton tablets, they just smell so fresh and clean! Haha.

On a different note pollen levels have been extremely high this weekend and I believe they are supposed to be high for a majority of this week, so the short ventures out that we made this weekend out of the house to visit family or run errands have been pretty eventful – both myself and Zachary suffer from hay fever, so needless to say we’ve been nonstop sneezing and eyes itchy, streaming down our faces; so spending a majority of our weekend indoors was defiantly the right decision haha!

Its finally starting to feel like summer here where we live, the weather this weekend has actually been really pleasant; its been sunny practically all weekend, alongside the odd thunderstorm – and being honest I cant say ive enjoyed that to much, as I’m not a massive fan of thunder! But the sunny weather is much appreciated its nice to be able to see the view from our place – I house is located relatively high up , so we have a clear view of the whole of our town and right across to the sea out of the front of our house and then the hills and countryside from the back of our house; its really nice to be able to admire the views without the miserable weather we’ve been having.

I think our plans are much the same for this coming weekend, although I believe we may be going out for dinner at a restaurant, which will be nice.

Ill probably spend a majority of this week buying clothes online (I just cant help it haha) and of course writing some more blog posts, I’ll be posting again Friday so be sure to keep visiting my blog, or follow me on instagram – dons__steph for updates on when I’ve uploaded.  :)

I hope you all have a great week and I’ll speak to you again Friday! <3

My blog

Why I love blogging:

I thought I would do a blog post going over why ‘I love blogging’ – I really think I need to come up with a more creative way of starting my future posts rather than repetitively saying ‘I thought I’d do a blog post on’ at the beginning of every one I upload, but never mind... It’ll do for now I guess haha...

Now if you know me you’ll know I have quite a lot to say, I often ramble on about the most random things and frequently find myself going of topic– and it’s not out of the ordinary for me to talk for hours on end about anything and everything, and I guess to anyone… In saying that I’m actually pretty shy to start with, when I meet someone new I’m the most socially awkward person within a 5-mile radius; but as soon as I feel comfortable – quite frankly I don’t shut up.

Anyway back to what the post is actually about (told you I tend to ramble) I am writing about what I love about blogging and why I started my own blog.

Ironically I’ve pondered starting a blog for quite a while now, probably around 8 months or so; however I never took the leap, I guess I just wasn’t brave enough – but after a lot of convincing from my family and partner here I am, writing my 19^th post and actually really enjoying running a blog. I have no idea why I was so worried or anxious in the first place to start a blog, probably because I didn’t think anyone would actually read my posts or find them at all interesting – and gosh I was wrong, and I cannot thank you enough for stopping by a reading my posts! <3

I started my blog pretty much because of the reason I stated at the beginning of this post, I have a heck of a lot to say; rather than rambling on to myself, family or partner (even though being honest I still do) I decided to be more productive with what I had to say and write about topics that interest me the most and the odd post where I’m just having a chat with you, or talking about my week – which is what my blog mainly consists of…hoping that you find the things I talk about just as interesting as what I do in, and it seems quite a few of you are! J <3 again thank you very much!!

The idea of starting a blog was for me to also be able to look back on everything I’ve written or posted about - like I mentioned I believe in either my 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd post – to have my blog as a online diary filled with my memories and interests that in years to come I can look back on and reminisce. So I guess that’s the main reason I started my blog.

When I started blogging being completely open and honest I didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I do.

I love being able to come up with different ideas to write about, topics to discuss and having a little chit chat with you now and then, which brings me to the next part of my post – why I love blogging..

To be honest there isn’t really a particular reason to why I love blogging – I would say that I kind of enjoy everything, being able to express myself through writing a post, giving tips, talking about my life, my week and discussing past memories.

Blogging allows me to babble on about my chosen topics and interests that I want to ramble on about, like ive mentioned several times - writing about my interests and some of your interests, being creative in many ways and sharing my experiences with you; and as I typically love speaking so much taking to my blog enables me to talk (or write) as much as I want to.

So I guess for all those above reasons, that is why I love blogging.

Tips for starting a blog:

7 tips for starting a blog:

I've had a few comments on my social media recently asking me to do a post highlighting my 'top tips' for starting a blog. So I've come up with 7 tips that I feel will help you to start up your own blog!

(All of these tips are based on my opinion).

Tip 1: Writing about something that interests you -

Base your blog on things that generally interest you, things that you are passionate about whether thats cooking, beauty, running or lifestyle; subjects that you love and can be enthusiastic about. 

Having a blog that includes all of the things that you feel strongly about makes a major difference when writing posts - if the subject you choose isn't a subject that you feel you can write about several times in a week, then it isn't the subject to base your blog on, if you don't have enthusiasm behind your posts, neither will your readers.

So write about things that interest you!! :) 

Tip 2: Make your blog eye-catching –

In my opinion making a blog eye-catching it very important, picking a theme that stands out but is relevant to your blog; for example if your blog is about cooking, pick a theme that highlights that particular subject. 

An eye-catching blog is going to stand out a mile! Having a colourful theme can help to draw people in, making your blog more interesting to readers. Personally I find that I'm more likely to read other blogs if they stand out - as apposed to looking plain with no colour. (again this is a personal preference). 

Tip 3: Pictures –

Include pictures during posts, I always find blogs with images throughout their posts are more appealing - I personally prefer to read blogs that include pictures that are relevant to the topic that they are talking about, as they help in breaking up the text. 

Having a blog that is predominantly text based can come across as dull and unappealing, to some readers... the post can look never ending and I hate to say it but boring; placing in a picture here and there can make all the difference and help to make the post more interesting and easy on the eye.

Tip 4: Be original, be yourself and stand out-

Don't just follow the crowd, make sure your blog is personal to you; there are hundreds of bloggers on the internet writing about the same subjects and products; so keep it personal and individual! 

Write your posts so that they show your personality and write your posts in a similar format to how you would have a conversation with your readers face to face.

Rather than trying to mimic successful bloggers, be yourself! everyone is different and thats exactly what drawers in readers - being like everyone else isn't going to make your blog stand out..so be original.

Tip 5: Remain professional –

This one is extremely important, or at least personally I feel it is. Theres nothing more unappealing than a 'bad mouth' blog. It is the worst thing clicking on a blog to find them 'slating' brands, blogs or other people. Keep it professional and keep it friendly.

Tip 6: Don't expect to much –

When starting a blog don't expect to be contacted by brands to do reviews, to have thousands of readers or to start making money instantly, that is not the case and that shouldn't be why you want to start a blog. 

In time you may have companies or other bloggers contacting you wanting reviews or collaborations, so be patient and don't expect to much!

Tip 7: Use your own ideas -

Copying or producing a blog that is identical to other blogs in posts, content and the way its written is a big no no! 

By all means take inspiration from other bloggers ideas and posts making them into your own is 100% fine, but mimicking someones blog isn't going to be appealing to readers; people are attracted to blogs and posts for individuality; so come up with your own way of writing about particular subjects.

Taking credit from someones else's ideas and copying them exactly, in my opinion is extremely unfair! So absolutely use theres posts as inspiration, but make them your own!

50 random facts about me:

Possibly the hardest post I've written…lol

Hello lovelies, I'm going to introduce this post slightly differently that usual as I feel I start almost every post with 'I thought I would do a post on'…so lets mix it up a little; make it a little more interesting haha. 

How are you? I hope your well, this post was possibly the hardest post that I've ever written - ironically I thought it would be relatively easy, but boy was I wrong.
Your probably thinking get to the point and tell us what the post is - you can probably tell by the title but I'm doing the "50 random facts about me" tag, sounds simple huh? but when your put on the spot to actually try and come up with 50 facts about yourself, its really quite difficult; I've tried to include facts that I have never mentioned on my blog and some you probably already are aware of, but never the less I hope you find this interesting! :) :)

1. My favourite food is pasta! 

2. I'm a scorpio.

3. I have a phobia of crane flies! 

4. I hate flying (aeroplanes)

5. I love to cook.

6. I strongly dislike being stuck inside/indoors

7. I thoroughly enjoy taking pictures.

8. My first time camping was at 19 years old.

9. I'm allergic to peanuts and lavender (odd I know!)

10. I can't swim.

11. My all time favourite social media is instagram. (dons__steph)

12. I dislike all foods in breadcrumbs.

13. I have never tried sushi.

14. I went to college for 3 years.

15. I hatteeeeee being copied or people stealing my ideas. 

(possibly the most irritating thing ever!)

16. I'm expecting my first baby! <3

17. I'm a shopping addict -_-

18. I only wear makeup once a week - saturdays.

19. My favourite flower is a sunflower.

20. My favourite season is Summer.

21. I would love to go cage diving with sharks! 

22. I've never visited Disney Land! :( :(

23. I hate driving - I passed my test last year.

24. My first ever car was a Ford KA - named Polly.

25. I have an unhealthy obsession with chocolate spread. haha!

26. I have 6 piercing.

27. I've never had a tattoo.

28. My favourite films are Harry Potter.

29. I can't play any instruments.

30. I'm obsessed with peach ice tea!

31. My favourite pregnancy snack/craving is yogurt coated raisins.

32. One of my favourite TV shows is Geordie Shore.

33. I have a dog named Jazz.

34. I love christmas! 

35. I've only ever travelled abroad 3 times.

36. I went on my first holiday without parents last June.

37. My favourite subject at school was English. (I'm not to great at it now!)

38. I live in a seaside town.

39. I dislike being unorganised!!

40. I had braces for 2 years.

41. I'm scared of thunder.. :(

42. I can only sleep with the noise of a clock ticking..

43. My favourite sandwich is ham and coleslaw!

44. I have practically every shade of nail polish.  

45. I love anything Kinder. 

46. I was a competitive trampoliner a child.

47. I paint my nails daily.

48. I hate ghost films.

49. I love animals! :)

50. This is the hardest blog post I've ever done! haha.

Another chatty post:

Small Hythe Place:

I thought that I would do another chatty post, there seems to be a theme recently of me putting up posts that just consist of me talking about anything, nothing in particular just things that are on my mind – things I feel like waffling on about; I hope that you don’t mind. I guess these are just the type of posts that I enjoy writing most, in a way just having a chat with you….

I spent this weekend out with Zachary exploring another one of the natural trust locations – you may also notice that Zachary and I quite often visit these places; there nice, pretty and welcoming somewhere nice to walk around taking in the scenery; snapping a few pictures here and there.

I have a new phone now, YIPPEE!! Meaning I can actually share and take pictures of everything. Go check out my instagram to see pictures from our weekend – dons__steph.

I now have the Samsung galaxy S7 edge in gold – that’s a mouthful haha. Not going to lie, I defiantly prefer it to my Iphone; the camera is amazingggggg, don’t get me wrong I love a apple product that’s actually what I’m typing this post on now, an apple computer; I have no idea what its called though, honestly I’m not to great with technology haha.

I have several appointments this week and by Wednesday I’ll finally know what my birthing plan is YAY! I’ve been waiting since 32 weeks to set it in place – although I know that they prefer to do your birthing plan closer to the end of your pregnancy, suiting you at that time. I have a scan on Wednesday we’ll finally know if baby has moved from the breech position – personally I think baby is head down, but we’ll know for sure after my appointment. it will also be the last scan until baby is here – I cannot put into words how excited I am!!!

Its father’s day this Sunday, or at least it is here in the UK; this year I think I’m going to make it extra special.  What are you lovely people doing for father’s day? And if it isn’t fathers day what are you plans for this upcoming weekend? I now is only Monday and the weekend is a few days away yet, but never mind maybe some of you already have plans. Haha!

I’m thinking about doing a blog post showing you guys what’s in mine and baby’s hospital bag, let me know what you think?

Myself and Zachary have finally finished washing all of baby’s clothing and putting them in order, all that’s left to do is completely blitz (deep clean) our house and then everything is ready!

I’m so blooming excited for baby’s arrival I cannot put into words my excitement to start all our memories as a family of 3.

June 13th 2016: original post date.   

Chit chat:

Afternoon chats:

I thought I would do a chatty blog post as I haven’t done one for a little while, well at least it feels like I haven’t haha!

It’s June 3rd Zachary and I can now officially say that we are due a baby next month – I cannot put into words how excited I am!

I have an appointment with my consultnant and a growth scan in less than 2 weeks, from there I should be arranging my birth plan; and I’ll know exactly what will be happening when baby is due or once I’ve gone into labour.

Although it doesn’t actually feel like we’re even in June, at the moment the weather has been horrendous, pretty much non-stop rain, cloudy and cold. Hopefully it brightens up over the weekend! In saying that it doesn’t even feel like we’re approaching summer, but more like we’re heading into autumn or winter – typical British summer time haha!

On another note, I had my belly cast done on Wednesday morning at my parents house, my mum and sister done it for me, and they done a wonderful job to – I’ll most likely do a blog post about ‘my belly cast experience’ once its completed and talk to you about what happened, the whole process; although I must say even though its not complete I’m pretty impressed on how it looks so far. I like the idea of belly casts there a nice little keepsake that myself and Zachary will be able to show baby in the future.

My belly cast – not completed yet!

June 6th 2016: original post date.   

My bump paint:

Popart bump:

My bump paint completed!

On Friday 27th May my family had arrange a lovely memorable surprise for Zachary and I; a bump paint! This was carried out by one of my very talented family members.

My family had told me in advance about our surprise to enable myself and Zachary to come up with a design, pattern or picture that we would like to have painted on my bump. Due to us keeping baby’s gender a surprise we went for a neutral, yet fun and eye catching design – pop art with our own touches! The colours that were used, that we had picked were neon’s luckily there not gender specific, so are perfect for either gender.

We decided to go for a simple design with a twist, including one of our scan pictures in the centre; making the whole design more personal to us.

The whole process of getting my bump painted took around 2 hours and was done in the comfort of my parent house – with every part of the design being drawn free hand and sketched onto my bump, after this she began using body paints and painted our design – the whole time mine and Zachary’s ideas being taken, put into action ensuring the design was unique (I haven’t ever seen one like this before) and exactly how we had imagined it!

Once my bump had been finished my mum very kindly drove me to Zachary’s work so that I could show him and he could see what the design looked like in person – and needless to say he loved it just as much as me!

I love the idea of having your bump painted as I feel it is something that you can document in a baby book or scrap book – I will be personally taking all of the pictures that were taken at different stages and throughout the whole thing and putting them into a baby scrap book to enable Zachary and I to show our baby in the future.  <3

May 30th 2016: original post date.