Why I love a good old natter

Rambles, update and organising:

My pretty little princess. 

So believe it or not I'm actually uploading my second blog post of the month, yippee! I mean I know it's not that much of an achievement really as I know bloggers that upload pretty much daily; it's a mile better than my a month between 'routine' and I'm proud of myself that I've managed to sit down, write this and actually try and stick to some sort of schedule of uploading.

It's been beyond hectic these last few weeks, as I mentioned in my last post we've just moved. And being completely honest I forgot how much work it is, I don't remember having this much stuff when we moved into our old place. The storage where we've moved is pretty pants, so there's still stuff we need to find a home for, still stuff that we need to sell, or throw out; let's hope everything is organised soon? We're still waiting for and needing to buy some new furniture - finding the perfect pieces for our house. I just wish that we could've moved in and everything would have been ready for us, packed nicely and neatly away, organised exactly how we want it; but back to reality unless your a millionaire I don't think those thing's happen.

These are by far my favourite posts to write, I feel although I'm actually sat down in my lounge, with a nice glass of orange juice (I don't drink tea or coffee, unless there iced!) with some snacks, talking face to face with you. Like you would with friends or family you know, have a catch up. That's what it feels like - I love my other posts, but these truly feel like my most interactive. Hopefully you understand what I mean, if not...well, my only other reason would be that I love to have a natter!

Moving on I've recently told you lovely lot about the birthday preparation taking place for Evangeline's 1st birthday party. I truly feel like I'm being a bit to organised as her birthday is roughly 15 weeks away, give or take a few days - but I guess you can never be to prepared right? We've actually now received the crown she will be wearing at her party, which I will insert a picture of - it was made by a lovely page on Instagram prettybowbaby (if you click on the name, it'll take you to her page!). So not only have we received her crown, we've now ordered her dress so we should receive that shortly we just need to order 1 item to complete the outfit; we've found someone to make her cake they have our ideas so we hope that they can make it come to life! keep your fingers crossed! 

I think we're going to make her cake smash cake, but who knows - I'm still not 100% sure what sort of cake we want for that? most likely something simple as Evangeline will probably destroy it haha! 

I know I said in my previous post I was going to hold back from ordering a lot as I didn't want any of it to get ruined but I just can't help myself; I love to be organised. Her balloons have been ordered, well some of them, the main ones that keep selling out...we are just waiting for a few more, before we purchase all the rest! Going back to her cake smash we are on the hunt for a perfect outfit, but I think we've found it... a lovely little romper with lace and different details. I'm pretty sure this will be a hot topic for the next few months or more, mainly because I like to update you, make you feel involved, if only all of you could come to her party! Perhaps in the future I'll do a post talking about everything we're planning, themes and everything, I'm just not ready to spill the beans just yet! 

Evangeline's birthday crown, it's so pretty.

I find it a little bizarre how long it actually takes me to write posts nowadays, come up with ideas and things I want to talk about. I have time in the evenings or just before bed, and of course whilst Evangeline naps. But a majority of the time I would much rather sit cuddling Evie - she's growing up so quickly so I'm trying to soak up every moment of her being little. I sit giving her a cuddle, having a mooch on online shops and catch up on whatever I've missed on the telly... so I do have plenty of time, but as I said I find it so much harder than I used to, to actually come up with something to talk to you about, I don't really want to constantly repeat myself and bore you - I just struggle with the inspiration at the moment, I have no clue as to why? bloggers block maybe? 

I do have a few posts that are completely different to what I would usually upload, a few beauty ones - I hope you like them! one being 'My go to makeup" or 'My favourite makeup'. I hope I get around to finishing and put them up soon, but I guess we'll have to wait and see whether I manage to stick to a sort of routine, I'm trying my best, I always do. There will also be a few other blog posts I can't wait to share with you soon - very exciting if I do say so myself! 

I was thinking about doing a post talking about my mummy must haves? but I'm not to sure, well I say doing I really mean finishing, its currently sat in my draft box waiting to be finished; I just don't know how I feel about it? maybe I'll go back and have a read through it, see if I can tweak anything to make me like it more? Ironically I have quite a few posts sitting in my drafts waiting for the day they are finally published onto here, although I doubt many of them will - but hey who knows?

The weather has been magnificent here, its really starting to feel like spring, I'm excited for the warmer weather; not going to lie I'm not a huge fan of hot weather but not having to wear a coat, being able to wear pretty sandals is what I love; so I'm excited for that. I think this is possibly the longest post I've written in a few months? and boy does it feel great to have a huge ramble, a good old natter. I think thats all for now though, of course unless I think of something else when I come to proof read this; however as of this exact second I am going to end this post here. I truly hope you've enjoyed reading this, having a chat with me. I hope your all having a grand old day. 

Good old update!

Moving house, unpacking, organising and life:

Rather than sharing a picture of our incomplete house, here's a picture of Evangeline's shelf.

This truly is the longest I've gone without uploading a post, the most time I've spent away or I suppose neglected my blog - and boy does it feel good to finally be back to uploading, updating and writing! I guess my plan of posting on a regular basis isn't going so great.... but a huge change has taken place since I lasted made any sort of appearance on here waaaayyy over a month ago, my last post was Evangeline's 6 month update, she's 8 months now - which goes to show how long I've been away doesn't it?

So if you don't follow my social media your probably wondering why on earth haven't you been very active. We've moved house, we moved on the 18th February; I was going to write some posts and schedule them to upload but being completely honest, I was far to busy, it has been pretty hectic with packing everything, tidying and of course moving. We've been here at our new place for almost 3 weeks now and we still have a bit of unpacking to see to. So maybe when everything is how we want it, all organised, I'll do a house tour post?

Moving on from the move...

Evangeline's almost 8 months, 4 months away from being 1 years old. How is that possible? How can time fly by that quickly? How can it be my teeny-tiny, fresh from the womb, little princess is 1 in 4 months? I say this almost everyday, but I feel although we only bought her home yesterday and she's 1 soon? Well, soon in my eyes. I think I'll be saying this every year forever... I expect every mum thinks this...

A few pictures of our little lady since we've moved. Maybe I'm biased, but she's perfect.

I actually started with her 1st birthday planning, organising and arranging around October, she was 3 months old and I remember swooning over '1st Birthday Inspiration' on Pinterest whilst she napped; and that's where it all started. So where we are at... we have a theme, a date, venue, decorations, her outfit for her cake smash and birthday party; which I'm patiently waiting to purchase, food and cake ideas, guests - although we still need to send out invitations, our fun and games or ideas for the day. So practically everything is waiting to be bought and prepared, but maybe buying it all 4 months early is a bit of a silly idea as I don't want any of it to get ruined, but her theme is the cutest; nothing to particular - just fun and utterly adorable. But I'll go into more depth nearer the time, for now its a secret..haha.

I don't really have to much to update on, not much has really changed other than what I've spoken about above, or that I've had a hair cut, little things like that, that don't really need to have a blog post dedicated to them. Other than that our life is practically the same.

I can't be the only person who thinks 2017 is already flying by? We're already in March.... already 2 months down, into the 3rd. It'll be 2018 before we know it - I can't really complain though, there are so many exciting thing's happening this year, lots of exciting blog posts in the next coming months and throughout, ones I'm beyond excited to be finally talking about; so be sure to keep an eye out.

Anyway... Lets wrap this up here, or I'll end up writing a novel. Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you in my next post.

6 months old

07-01-2017

6 months old.

Our little princess is now 6 months, half a year old; it doesn't seem possible that our teeny tiny little 6lbs 11oz baby is already 6 months. These last 6 months have by far been the best, most amazing, most rewarding, yet challenging 6 months of my life. They've flown by, almost although I've blinked and we've missed the last 6 months, we've gone from July to January in a second, in a heartbeat.

I suppose I want to make this post into a kind of an update, chit-chat kind of post. Lets start with an update - Evangeline has learnt to sit these last few weeks and hates to lay down, given any opportunity she'll sit or stand. She's sitting up really well - from what I can remember she started sitting unassisted a week or so before turning 6 months, although she is still a bit wobbly, a bit unsteady if she's overcome with excitement and tends to topple over; but she's getting there, a great deal more sturdy when shes excited than a few weeks ago; but when she's calm, playing or watching cbeebies she's sitting practically perfectly.

So not only has she learned how to sit, she can also say "Mama"  which melts my heart! She's mumbling "Dada" too! I mean, she says babbles quite a bit of the time saying lots of things like "yum yum, nom nom, baba"  and so on, but Mama and Dada she says distinctly, pretty much perfectly. 

Teething...those pesky 2 bottom teeth are making an apperance, she's been teething for quite some time now but we can finally see them making there way threw her gums - so somebody hasn't been a very happy pickle for a little while. So please teeth, please come soon! It's crazy to think this time next month our little pickle could have 2 teeth!?

Pretty little princess.

I was supposed to upload this the day Evangeline turned 6 months, 7th January 2017- but honestly I've been preoccupied, so busy doing this house hunting malarkey. Mind you, I don't think I've mentioned on here - we're hoping to move into a new place this year! but I've gone more in depth in another post about that, I'm not to sure whether it'll go up befofe or after this, I'll try and link it.

Anyway back to the update. Evangeline loveeesss to stand up too, doesn't particularly enjoy being sat to long or laying down. She loves to be up high watching everything that is going on around her - such an inquisitive madam; she's really into people watching, showing of her cheeky little smile to pracically anyone who she spots; she's the happiest, cheeriest little baby.

We've been weaning her since she turned 4 months, we decided to start earlier than 6 months as she's a hungry little lady. She loves her food!! Anything savory or vegetables, fruit, meats or carbohydrates she adores - however anything to sweet or any sort of chocolate makes her heave, she hates them! I'm not particularly fond of choice or sweeties either. If you'd like a more in depth post about our weaning be sure to let me know. :) 

Evangeline loves her toys, mainly the ones she can chew on (probably because of her teeth); or her jumperoo. She doesn't have a favourite really, she'll prefer one for a few days and another the next, we still haven't opened all of her toys she received for christmas haha!

She's wearing 6-9 clothing, pretty much completely grown out of her 3-6; which is kind if expected as when I upload this she's nearing 7 months. 

I think that's pretty much everything I can think to update on; if there's anything else I remember I'll pop it on here or on another post. Thank you for reading and I will talk to you in my next post.

For regular pictures and updates about Evangeline and our life be sure to head over to my instagram: dons_steph :)

'Bloggers block' lets have a chat

whoops

My mini me, my bestie. <3

I really thought I'd stick to my plan of uploading on a regular basis, evidently I'm not doing particularly well..in actual fact I've failed at what I initially intended for my upload schedule and we're not even past the first month of 2017. My 'idea' or 'plan' if you will was for me to upload at least once a week and yet another week has rolled around without a peep from me - I know I'm being pretty hard on myself I'm writing this on Sunday 22nd January so theoretically I haven't actually failed? but it's not when I wanted to upload; hopefully that makes sense?

I'm trying so hard to come up with, prepare and write my posts, I truly am. But time flys by these days, it's Monday morning and by the time I've sat down it's Friday...not literally. That's how it feels though. For example, I've been writing Evangeline's 6 month update since 7th January and I still haven't finished it, I just haven't found the time; which doesn't really make much sense considering I'm sat here writing this one. But it is late, it is my bedtime, 22:56 to be precise; thats what the time is when I look up. I should be sleeping, I'm just trying to stick to an upload schedule.

You lot are lovely, everyone of you that reads my blog; your all amazing; and I don't want to let you down. Although I'm pretty sure all you mummies that read this and run a blog can understand that we don't have all the time in the world. And that in our free time we're cuddling our babies, housework or having a snack so writing a blog post isn't always a priority. Any opportunity I get I try and sit and focus on writing a post, however being completely honest as I said above I'd much rather sit and give Evangeline a cuddle or tend to some chores; don't get me wrong I love having a good ol' natter with you.

Hopefully at some point I manage to finish Evangeline's 6 month update and fingers crossed I upload it in the next few weeks, but I'm trying not to push myself to much - to prevent my blog become a chore and keeping it as something I love to do.

So there's been lots of exciting things happening these last few days, lots of thrilling things coming up (I promise I don't mean that sarcastically) we've had a few house viewings, they went surprisingly well; so who knows maybe we'll be moving? if we decide to go threw with everything haha. Of course I'll keep you all updated!

We've been planning Evangeline's 1st birthday since October now, we've got our theme which I loveeeee, date (which was chosen last year, and now has changed) so rather than being on Saturday 8th July, the day after her birthday its now on Friday 7th - her birthday. So its sending out invitations, buying gifts and bits & bobs for the actually party...so decor, food and party thing. I'm very excited, although it's crazy how quickly shes growing. I know you probably think 'Blimey, your started planning early!' and yes, around 9 months before her birthday; but you can never be to prepared and besides, I'm sure 7th July will be here before we know it. Plus, I'm a very organised person, you'll know that if you've followed my social media or know me personally haha. 

I have a great deal of new blog posts in mind, it's just getting round to writing them that takes a while there all sat in my post drafts waiting to be finished, in actual fact theres ones from way back in November haha. As I said above it's a lot trickier to take time out and write a post. I'd much rather sit and give Evangeline a cuddle, or have play time with her, tending to chores or some other task is much more of a necessity; but it's my New Years resolution to upload on a regular basis, so wish me luck and lets hope I can stick to it! 

My world.

Anyway, I'm going to stop writing here and try to get some sleep. It's funny, every time I climb into bed I have sooo much to say and could honestly sit for hours typing away - although I'd pay for it in the morning when I'm running on 2 hours sleep haha! So I'll speak to you all soon; ending this post with a picture of my world, the loves of my life I hope you all have a fabulous day where ever you are! good night!

Hello 2017

A good old update:

Our last family picture of 2016!

It's been quite some time since I uploaded anything on here, in fact I haven't posted or written a post since last year, 26th December to be precise. I've been so busy with festivities, visiting family, creating memories of our first Christmas as a family of three and Evangeline’s first Christmas and just in general celebrating these last few weeks, that my blog hasn't really been a priority. But I'm back now, back to hopefully posting on a regular basis- although I don't want to force myself into a routine, and instead want to make my blog something I want to do, not something I have to do; hopefully that makes sense? So it hasn't all been fun and games, filled with cheer and laughter, I've spent a few days recovering from surgery, a procedure I've been waiting ages for, one that I've mentioned previously on my blog. I've finally had my gallbladder removed, hooray - which I'll go more in depth about a few paragraphs down haha. 

So I kind of wanted to make this almost like an update, what's been happening. Let's rewind a few weeks, December... we had a spectacular christmas, filled with love, family, happiness and food; celebrating with all of our family, mine and Zacharys. We spent our christmas morning at home together as a family of three, before heading to spend the rest of the day with my mum, dad, sister and nephew. We truly were spoilt rotten. Boxing day and the 27th were also spent with my family, playing games and pigging out - I'm honestly suprised I haven't doubled my waist band with the amount I've consumed, possibly enough to feed a small village for a week or so, amazingly I've lost weight, probably in relation to my operation being honest haha. Anyway. A few days after Christmas we visited Zachary's family, which was nice. 

Our little princess on Christmas, she's a beauty. <3

New year, new year we done absolutely nothing. In actual fact, we slept our way into the new year, gosh we sound like an elderly couple, but being honest that's how we've spent every new year haha. Of course during the evening Evangeline, Zachary and I went for dinner at my parents, played pie face, and that game were you put those guards in your mouth..that game has been quite a large craze this year I'm pretty sure everyone and their mother played it this Christmas/new year. So that was our new year, I'm certain we spent practically every day from December 26th-31st shopping; so thats probably how we spent the build up to new year; on the hunt for bargains.

January....well of course I can't really discuss the whole month as it hasn't yet passed, but I'll talk about a few things so far. I had my gallbladder removed, as I stated above, the 6th January. (I'll briefly go into it so if you'd like an indepth  post, do let me know). And let me tell you I was absolutely petrified, I spent the whole of the day before crying, sobbing and stressing. I hate hospitals, I hate needles, I was scared in case something happened; being completely honest before having Evangeline I didn't actually care, if I needed surgery I would go and wouldn't really care, I mean don't get me wrong obviously I'd be practically peeing myself, but I'd usually keep it together. But since having a baby, since becoming a mummy - my wholeeeeeee outlook on life is completely different and everything I do, everything I think, every decision I make, I do in consideration of my daughter...how those things affect her; so needless to say I was sobbing the whole walk to theatre, the entire build up to the day, because I was worried, what if something happens to me, what happens to Evangeline? What if she needs me? all those kind of things. I'm pretty sure if your a parent you'll understand what I mean. 

But luckily Evangeline, Zachary and my mum accompanied me to the hospital so I could see them all and give them all a hug when I came around, I would've had my entire family there with me if I was aloud haha.

So after my operation it wasn't to smooth, for starters I was in theatre for 2 hours longer than anticipated, wasn't very well when I came around; both mum and Zachary have said I was matching the white bed sheets when I came back from theatre. Then I became severely dehydrated and even after 3 jugs of water couldn't pee, I didn't pee for 8 hours after my surgery - so there was this whole concern that the operation had damaged my kidneys and bladded, so numerous blood tests in feet, arms, hands (I felt like a pin cushion) I was placed on a drip and had to have bladder scans every 30 minutes or less. But on a positive note I was finally discharged at around 10pm. I'm beyond lucky to have such a amazing and suppotive daughter, family and partner. (for those of you like, but Evie's a baby how is she supportive - her cuddles, kisses, smiles made me better, I love her more than anything). 

Moving on, let's talk about something more positive! Evangeline turned 6 months this month! on the 7th January she was 6 months, 6 months!! I can't believe our teeny tiny little newborn is half a year old! when did that happen? its flown by! Shes learned to sit this month, which let me tell you is the cutest thing; she looks so grown up! We've been planning her 1st birthday party for a little while now, since last year actually, some people may think its early...but I think its prepared. But obviously I'll go more in depth with that, with our ideas and themes nearer the time. All I will say is it is going to be adorable! 

I thought I'd add a little collage of our little lady, who can now sit! These one's have been taken since Christmas.<3

On another note, feel free to head over to my Instagram dons_steph I post daily, so you can keep up to date with lotssssss of pictures of our Evie! <3

So I think I should probably wrap this up here or I'll be going on for an eternity. I'm going to be posting Evangeline's 6 month update shortly and as mentioned above I'll probably post an in-depth discussion about the more serious topic of my surgery; on that note I'll speak to you lovely bunch very soon, I hope your all well, you had a fabulous Christmas and New year <3. 

 thank you ever so much for reading, it means a great deal!

Instagram Q&A

21-12-2016

I recently posted onto my Instagram that I was going to be posting a Q&A here on my blog, therefore I have some questions to answer...obviously... either way that's what we're going to be talking about today, hopefully I will be doing a chit-chat post talking about our Christmas and everything surrounding our day; so keep a look out for that. Also I uploaded this much later than expected so some questions probably won't make much sense as I wrote this before Christmas haha.

if you've missed the opportunity to take part in this Q&A be sure to head over to my Instagram dons_steph to be notified as to when I will be doing another one, but anyway on to this one...I will be writing the questions exactly as to how they were written on my instagram  hopefully I can answer them all to the best of my ability.

What are your future goals? career? family? car? house?

Hmm, my future goals and career? being completely honest I have no idea, I love what I do now - I get to work with so many amazing companies and I'm beyond lucky to do so, I love running a blog..although sometimes it can get a bit much haha. If however what I aim to achieve or what I'm doing doesn't work out I'd love to be a midwife. My future family goal would be to eventually get engaged and married, have more children and a tad cringe but live happily ever after. 

I'd loveeeeeee some sort of luxury car a Range Rover, Porsche, Audi, BMW, Jaguar haha, something like that ;)...and for a house, just somewhere I can truly put my stamp on and live comfortably.

What are you most looking forward to for x-mas?

Spending time with my family, food and everything surrounding Christmas; its by far my favourite time in the year.

Your fav scent for Christmas?

Anything really, I'm not particularly fussy, anything that smells nice. 

What are you Christmas plans?

We're spending our time with family, my family and Zachary's family, celebrating and having fun; but we're not 100% sure, so we will have to wait until the day. 

Do you still like blogging?

Yes of course, I just don't have as much time on my hands - not that it bothers me, obviously I'm a stay at home mum looking after my 5 month (almost 6 month) old daughter, so spend a great deal of time playing, feeding, tidying, cuddling, kissing with her. I'd much rather spend every minute with her than upload or write a post being 100000000% honest, but yes I still love blogging. 

What is your fav thing about Christmas?

Everything :) being able to spend time with my family, the decorations, watching movies, pigging on food, present giving, just in general everything around Christmas.  

I know its a little while away but do you have any plans for Evie's 1st birthday?

Ironically I have started planing her 1st birthday already, we intend to have a party for her but obviously I can't give to much away but its going to be great fun, special and cute. but I'll let you know nearer the time. :)

Were is your inspiration for topics on your blog? what do you take pictures of your baby with?

A majority of my posts are chit-chats so mainly whats on my mind, so it doesn't really need much inspiration haha, and my phone. 

Would you ever vlog/ be vlogging?

I've thought about it, but I have no idea...who knows...we'll just have to wait and see.. ;)

Why were you in hospital a few weeks ago? are you ok?

I'm getting there, I have gallstones or stones in my gallbladder, which let me tell you is not fun; its ridiculously painful. I have a relatively high pain barrier so not much phases me, but gallstones, my goodness. Due to this I can't actually eat a lot of things as certain foods trigger an attack which usually ends up with me in hospital. However I'm actually due to have an operation at the beginning of January to have my gallbladder removed, so hopefully I recover fast and am back to normal, and able to eat whatever I want. 

Do you plan on having any more babies if yes, when?

Yes, we want 1 or 2 more. And we haven't really made any permanent arrangements, we hope in the next 2 years or so, but of course these things could change. As you may know I have a few problems with fertility, so it takes as long as it takes...but hopefully within the next 2 years.  

What phone do you have?

Samsung Galaxy S7 edge. 

Will you be doing a house tour as you done a nursery tour?

Probably not, but maybe one day? who knows? I don't see it in the near future, but that doesn't mean I never will. 

Favourite Christmas movie?

The grinch, Elf, Polar express, The littlest light on the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, home alone..the list goes on haha. 

One thing you think is a great trait? for example honesty, funny, kind etc..

All of the above lol, honesty, sense of humour, friendly, considerate, caring, kind, loving, everything in my partner. #cringe 

What is your favourite quote? about anything?

Any to be honest, any that I'm feeling at the time haha.

Best thing about being a mama!?

There isn't just one thing, everything! 

You shop a lot on Instagram what is your fav thing about it?

I love the fact that every clothing item is unique, not something you see on the high street.

What apps do you use to edit your pictures?

Repix, square ready and logolicious.  

What do you feel is most important in life?

Family. 

Why is Evangeline so cute?

I often ask myself the same question, she's beautiful, perfect inside and out. I guess me and Zachary just have good baby making genes haha.

What mummy buy do you regret buying most?

Erm, I dont have any to be completely honest.

What makes you happy?

My daughter, partner, family, pets and of course you lovely bunch.

How do you take your pictures on Instagram?

On my mobile phone. :)

What gender baby do you want next? if you plan to have more?

I'd love to have a little boy, but in all honesty I wouldn't care as long as they are healthy. 

What is your fav colour to wear for this season? P.S ILY

Red.  

Your daughter is the cutest! what is your dream car?

Defiantly like I said above something luxury  a Range Rover, Porsche, Audi, BMW, Jaguar haha, something like that.

Whats your favourite platform of social medias? and why?

Instagram. 

How did you know you was pregnant? 

I done a test haha, I didn't actually think I was it was my sister and Zachary who convinced me to take a test. 

I hope you've found this interesting and that I answered these questions giving you all the information you wanted haha, if you missed this Q&A be sure to follow me to take part in the next. thank you ever so much for reading and I'll talk to your in my next post. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and new year. 

Feeling festive

'It's the most wonderful time of the year.'

Christmas is swiftly approaching, I still haven't quite finished my Christmas shopping, which is actually rather odd for me...for the last 3 or 4 year's, by the time we've reached December 12th I've finished wrapping presents and there either sat under the tree, or scattered around my bedroom sparkling away in some pretty festive paper, waiting to be opened. Ironically you would've thought that would be the same this year, but oddly enough it's not. I have wrapped practically every present I've bought and they sit under our tree in our living room, which let me tell you is much easier than having them piled at the end of your bed like I used to at my parents, manoeuvring around my room was like taking part in an obstacle course each and every time - of course as you know I live in my own home now with Zachary and Evangeline, well maybe some of you don't know, but anyway...I live on my own which means we can pretty much put thing's were we want haha.

Our christmas tree, its so pretty.

A little Christmas snippet of our December so far :) 

Our little princess, she's perfect. <3 

Pretty little princess. <3  

So let's get back on topic, I'm much more excited for Christmas this year; as I've mentioned in previous post's, it's Evie's first Christmas, our first Christmas as a family of three and our first Christmas in our own place - so it's much more exciting this year. But I'm just not as prepared...although it'll probably becoming more challenging throughout the years with Santa Claus cropping up, where on earth will we put presents then!? I think I need to give myself a peptalk if I want to make Christmas a success this year haha, lets just cross our fingers, toes and whatever else can be crossed? And send me buckets of luck in hope I actually manage to finish my Christmas shopping before the 25th!

We have such a hectic diary for the build up to Christmas, well the most hectic it's been for me. My Christmases at home were simple, Christmas eve consisted of preparation for Christmas day...Christmas day consisted of food, family, fun and games and presents and of course spending some time with Zachary, and boxing day was almost like a chilled or lazy day in the morning and in the afternoon we'd spend time with extended family, and then again I'd get to see Zachary so pretty simple I'd say. 

However this year we've got a heck of a lot more planned. So nothing is actually set in stone but:
• Christmas Eve we're heading to Zachary's mums for dinner and celebrations in the evening.
• Christmas day, we're spending the morning as a family and then going to my family's, having dinner, playing games and just in general celebrating.
• Boxing day, this is when we visit my nan for a little while, before popping over to see Zachary's nan and dad for you guessed it...Christmas dinner and celebrations.

Your probably thinking - "Donna, love. That's not what I call hectic..." but from my usual routine, that's pretty jam packed, don't you think?

Anyway, I should probably finish this post here as I need to continue with my online shopping, hunting for the perfect Christmas presents…I shall be doing another post before the 25th, probably a Q&A over on my instagram dons_steph so be sure to check that out! and I'll speak to you lovely lot in my next post!