Times flying by....

A tiny little natter 

I just wanted to pop on here and have a little natter, I can’t be the only one who feels like time is shooting past, like this year is already going by ever so quickly. I mean it’s already the 17th January, I swear we only just celebrated Christmas? I uploaded a picture onto my Instagram a little while ago, kind of touching on this ‘time flying’ topic - but I suppose I couldn’t write a massive amount on there so thought I’d have a chat on here.

I find it so strange how when we’re younger we sit in our classrooms, surrounded by friends, teachers and other pupils and we wish for time to pass faster. How we want to ‘grow up’ and do those grown up things; you know, like leave school, head to college/uni, go out partying, celebrate your big birthdays - well 18th & 21st, get a job, learn to drive, rent or buy your own place, get engaged..then married and have children. I remember sitting in my lessons staring at the clock - watching every second and wishing they’d go faster, eagerly waiting for it to reach 3 o’clock so I could head home and do those ‘teenage’ things. It would feel although I was in school for 23 hours of the day, when it was only 6 hours and well 6 hours doesn’t go very slow now. 

I never really believed anyone when they said once you’ve left school it flies by, I often thought they would just say it to make me appreciate my ‘younger years’. But I guess they were right. It’s so surreal to think I’m 23 in October, Evangeline is 2 in July and Florance is 1 in October; I swear I only had them a few months ago!? I know we’re only in January but I’m certain that if I blink the girls will be getting ready to start school or I’ll be picking out their wedding dresses with them. Speaking of which, Evangeline has started nursery and goes every Tuesday & Thursday morning - she’s growing so fast. 

I must admit I’m excited for the girlies to grow up, to be able to have pamper nights with them, go shopping and watch them grow up into the most beautiful, intelligent, loving little ladies - I mean don’t get me wrong they already are all of those things and I’m beyond proud of them. But I’m excited to see what their like in 5, 10, 15 years time. I just wish time would go a little slower; like it did when I was a little. 

It’s now I realise, time truly is precious. 

A few changes in the future

Exciting things for the future

Picture from Pinterest. 

This post is soooooo different to my usual posts, and actually pretty personal. And is going to include topics that are considered a little controversial if you will; but I thought it would be fun to do a post talking exciting things I have planned for the next coming years. I mean I know some things can change, but with this whole New year, new me business I thought it was relatively fitting to have a little natter about things I have planned and things I'm hoping to achieve.

Firstly if you follow my Instagram ill pop it here - my Instagram and you've checked out my Insta stories,you'll know I've got some exciting things planned in regards to my social media this year, I'm not going to go into to much detail as everything is still a working progress but all I can say is if you pop over to my Instagram and turn on those notifications you'll be able to keep up to date with all of my posts and stories. So keep an eye out - exciting things are brewing....

My body, so over the next few years were working on some changes - or so I have these things set for particular months for the time being but I've got to head to different appointments to clarify. And I'm aware that not everyone reading will agree with them but thats totally fine in every way, and everyone is entitled to an opinion. Theres always been a few things I've not been very keen on, for example my lips - there a small problem for me, nothing to major, but to me there weird in shape and a a bit deflated on the sides (cue the internet trolls picking on maaaa lips haha). I mean they aren't awful, but I'm intending on changing them; so in a few months I'm considering taking the plunge to get lip fillers. 

Now before you go DONNA ARE YOU CRAZY, we're not talking anything ridiculous, just a little bit on the edges, if you'd like me to do a post if I go ahead with them defiantly let me know and I can do that for you. Another procedure that may be on the cards is another to do with the face/mouth and that is veneers. I haven't got terrible teeth, and being honest these are probably last on the list. I'd had braces and my teeth whitened (which I loved) in the past but would like them to be permanently white rather than having to go back every few months and completely straight - I cant say I'd like to much of a fake smile, so maybe we'll go a little more subtle? or do I stick with the teeth whiteners? so confusing!! 

Next up, I've had 2 beautiful daughters, who I love more than anything, but 2 Caesarian sections later... lets be honest; my body has seen better days. So there are two particular procedures I'm also considering for the next few years, and not going to lie they are pretty big procedures a tummy tuck and boob job.  

For my boobs I'm wanting an augmentation, uplift and full fat removal - along with the removal of my lynth nodes under my arms, there is another reason for this, a health reason. This is something I'm really wanting to do, and its a change that I've got the most appointments for due to wanting lots done in one operation; but much like the other procedures I'm considering if I go ahead I will do a separate post. And finally a tummy tuck - the main reason for this is due to having 2 caesarians I have a pretty nifty, yet unattractive apron - and not the kind for cooking. It doesn't look great and being honest I wouldn't change it for the world as my 'saggy tummy' bought my 2 beautiful daughters into the world; but its time to work on the mum bod haha but this isn't an area that the gym could tackle! And as I said above if its something I go through with, I'll be sure to write a post.

** Little disclaimer I thought I'd include, all of the above things are my decision and in no way have been influenced by anyone; if anything most people I have told are completely against it. I'm also aware that all of the above carry risks; which is why I am having lots of different appointments at a variety of different private hospitals. I have also added "if I go through with it' as I am not making this a promise but rather something I'm considering - if I am not happy with different aspects then I won't go ahead. **

Moving back out of my parents house is another goal, I had moved out before having Evangeline but of course little blips happen and I moved home - but I'm making it my goal to have moved out in the next few months. SO of course ill be uploading lots of different house related posts. 

Harry Potter studios, I've wanted to visit this place since it opened so I'm making it my goal to go this year. lets just hope I actually manage it as every other time somethings always come up haha!

And my last goal, change or whatever you'd like to call it, is to improve on my blog upload schedule (I say this all the time) but lets just keep our fingers crossed that I actually stick to it haha!

Anyway thats all I have to say really, a quick post; nothing to long. Hopefully you enjoyed reading what my plans are for the next year or so and ill speak to you in my next post. 

Blogmas....... ah blogmas...

That was a complete and utter fail 

Hi.... me again. Gosh, not going to lie writing this is a little embarrassing. So as you can probably tell (if you read my blog) I completely failed at blogmas. I'm so unbelievably disappointed with myself, i had made a promise to upload everyday up until Christmas Day here on my blog, posting lots of different festive posts. I mean being honest, I done pretty well - well in my opinion; for the first few weeks and then it was downhill from there really..

I had so many different posts sitting in my draft just needing a little finishing touches here and there or needing to be typed up and all I had was the title. But those never actually were completed; I suppose I never really realised how much of a commitment posting daily was, and every time I'd click on those completed posts or the posts with just the title I either wasn't happy with how I'd written it or I couldn't think of what to write.

I know there are definitely better bloggers out there, bloggers that are amazing writers, they have a regular upload schedule & stick to it, or fabulous at spelling, grammar and punctuation; ones that have the most enticing posts that you could read them over and over - but I'm not one of those. I'm not to shody at writing or at least I think, and I've been told that my posts are pretty interesting. But I suck at keeping to a blogging schedule.

It's annoyed me, I have every opportunity when the girlies are napping, or in bed sleeping. But I guess I just find other things to do - for example online shopping..... and I should be putting more effort into my blog as it's something i truly love doing. I had so many amazing opportunities, been able to hold giveaways and work with fabulous companies. And it's all thanks to you reading. 

So I'm going to make a promise, a promise that I WILL stick to. A once a week upload, it's not a great deal in comparison to others, but it's manageable and realistic. So that's that. 1 posts each and every week, 4 posts a month. About whatever I feel like chatting about. 

On another note, I hope you enjoyed the posts I actually posted for blogmas haha! And I hope you all had a lovely Christmas! ❤️ 

Thank you for reading, and I'll speak to you in a week! 

                                                  

Thing's to do during December... on a budget

Day's out on a budget

I've always struggled with finding things to do over the festive period that don't cost a fortune or require you to go far, or I've just fancied spending my day filled with festivities or with that christmassy feel... hopefully that makes sense? So I've come up with a few ideas that will hopefully help you in planning a festive day.

P.s - you'll notice hot chocolate will pop up in practically every paragraph! 

Christmas Markets

Picture from Google.

So firstly it has to be Winter Wonderland or a Christmas market... I love the Christmassy feeling of visiting these types of destinations. They are filled to the brim with the most magical lights and decorations, filled with little wooden market stalls, selling lots of different yummy treats waffles, crepes, churros, bratwurst sausages, burgers, hot chocolate - the list goes on. I've visited a few different markets and of course winter wonderland and a few that I've been to have had different activities for you to do from fun fair rides to crafty areas where you can have a go at making your own bracelets or Christmas decorations. 
I love little Christmas markets as they are a lovely place to walk around, all cosy in hats, scarfs and gloves with a warm hot chocolate with all the trimmings or even stop and grab a bratwurst for lunch! Not to forget there is something for everyone, suiting the whole family! A high percentage of places have Christmas markets which is why its a fab place to visit. 

A lovely winter walk

Picture from Google.

This is probably the only one that I do quite frequently, heading out on a winter walk to your local park or natural trust location. Theres always something about winter walks that scream festive to me; as I said above I love getting all cosy with a hat, scarf, gloves and heading out for a walk. My favourite time is relatively early in the morning when its brisk and the frost sits on the ground - its so pretty. Maybe one day it'll snow here and then it'll feel ever more festive haha! But much like the one above, its lovely to walk around taking in your surroundings; and its a great to do with the whole family & your dog! 

Visiting your local garden centre 

Picture from Google.

I don't really know 100% why, but I always feel that garden centres are beyond festive. I love the overall feel of heading into my local garden centre during December, they have so many lovely decorations to buy, lovely Christmas displays and they have so many different christmassy scents in the air. So whether its going for a wonder, having a cup of tea in there small cafes or heading in to buy some quirky one of decorations for your tree, I think there a fab place to visit.  

Staying at home

Picture from Google.

This is the last one I can think of, and its probably my favourite and the most christmassy. Sitting indoors with your loved ones, or alone. Snuggling up under a blanket on your sofa, in pjs, with some christmassy snacks, a nice hot chocolate watching Christmas films; whilst your house is twinkling away with a nice glow from your Christmas tree. For me its so relaxing watching films with family and I love being cosy - so this tops my list!  

I know my list isn't the longest, but I hope you found this somewhat helpful if your stuck for ideas on what to do! Thanks for reading and I'll speak to you in my next post! 

Things I love to do at Christmas

My top 10 things I love to do during December

Spend time with family

- I'm a very family orientated person, I love taking time out to spend lots of time with my family; creating memories and having a laugh!

Eat lots of unhealthy foods

- This is one of my favourite things about Christmas, the food! In my opinion its the one time of the year that you can eat your body weight in food, gain a stone and no one gives a crap! There are so many yummy treats avalible at christmas that aren't at any other point of the year - not to forget those festive shaped foods for little ones, I actually done a blog post on festive foods for babys/toddlers; I'll link it here - http://donnaastephens.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/festive-foods-for-little-ones.html?m=1

Wear novelty/festive jumpers

- Festive clothing, its great! at what other time in the year can you wear a jumper that jingles, sings, flashes and is just completely overthe top!?

Buy gifts

- I love buying presents, shopping is definitely my weakness - I loveeeeeeee shopping and I loveeeeeeee spoiling loved ones & friends, so the two together are a pefect match!

Visit the shops to do some last minute christmas shopping

- Heading into town, your local supermarket or shopping centre a few days before Christmas is next level haha! It's so unbelievably busy and its absolutely frantic, there are people everywhere grabbing the last few bits of tge shelve or dashing to the jewellers - I have always finished my xmas shopping by the begining or December at the lastest, so I find it some what interesting and a little funny to see everyone running around looking for those last minute gifts haha!

Visit christmas markets

- Theres nothing more Christmassy than a Christmas market, filled to the brim with little stalls selling lovely one of a kind gifts & very yummy foods. There always so pretty to with fairy lights and lots of different decorations.

Decorate the tree

- I'm not going to lie, as much as I love it - I find it soooo stressful trying to make your tree perfectly decorated and even everywhere... takes for ever, but its worth it in the end!

Visit extendes family/friends

- Seeing family/friends you haven't seen for months & months. It's always nice to have a good old catch up, eating junk all together, exchanging gifts and making memories.

Go on long morning winter walks in the country

- I love walks anyway, but for some reason for me; going on winter walks within December it's much nicer, seeing all the frost on the ground, grass & trees, having to wrap up in hats, gloves and scarfs; I just love it.

Writing and receiving Christmas cards

- The one time of the year where writing is fun, other than birthday cards! Maybe its just me, but I feel everyone kind of competes to send the best Christmas card, whether its filled with sparkles, pops up or is simply a picture of your family - I'm always excited to see what is in the envelope! And I love taking time out to write a little message in a Christmas card.

Thats my top 10 things I most enjoy within December, I hope your liking blogmas so far!? its crazy to think theres only a few more days until its finished!

Festive foods for little ones

Christmassy foods for baby/toddlers

I recently popped into Asda and stumbled across some festively shaped foods; as a mum to a baby and toddler I like to make meal times as fun as I can, this is my trick to getting my 17 month old daughter, Evangeline to try different foods! And I was thrilled to see that they do foods in shapes to highlight Christmas. Some of these foods could be placed in a stocking, or simply given when you feel. I'd like to add that I have included chocolate too, although my daughter doesn't like it - some babies/toddlers do; and in my opinion what you give your child is entirely up to you - so I thought I'd include some chocolate!

So I've scoured the internet, well online food shops to find some festive treats/foods that you could get for your little ones, I've popped them all in my basket! Theres a few different shops, not just one in particular - I'll pop the link to each item below each paragraph! 

Asda - Christmas tree crumpets

Picture from Asda's website.

I just had to add these, making breakfast that little bit more festive with some Christmas tree crumpets! These are quick to prepare and only take 3-4 minutes to cook, so are fab for tiny fingers and a quick snack/breakfast. The Christmas tree crumpets can be topped by any of your little ones favourite toppings, and how about letting them decorate it for some festive fun? These come in a pack of 6 and are suitable for vegetarians; which is great! They are low in fat, saturates and sugars & sit in medium on the salts - so overall pretty healthy! 

These cost £1.00 which is a complete bargain! To buy these or to have a look heres the link - Christmas tree crumpets

Asda - 12 Party chicken Christmas trees 

Picture from Asda's website.

Much like above these are Christmas tree shaped; so are pretty festive. These can be cooked to enjoy during meal times or as stated on the bag, at parties. Christmas tree chicken can be used to make dinner time more fun for your little one as they aren't shaped like regular chicken! These take around 11 minutes in the oven and must be cooked from frozen; so can be easily stored in your freezer! Another bonus is these come in packs of 12 pieces/trees which means they can be split into several meals or feed the whole family. These have low sugars, but medium in everything else.

Asda's Christmas tree chicken is also £1.00 so another great bargain. To buy these or to have a look heres the link - 12 chicken Christmas trees

Asda - Muller corner kids Christmas mini crunchy reindeers with vanilla yogurt

Picture from Asda's website.

I love the idea of Christmas yogurts, and being honest I'd never heard of these before! The muller corners have tiny little reindeers that can be tipped in with the vanilla yogurt for a festive, fun, but healthy treat. Not to forget they have festive packaging too!

These are on the website on offer for 2 for £3 or they are marked as £2 each. Each pack contains 4 yogurts. To buy these or to have a look heres the link - Muller corner Christmas yogurts

Asda - free from Christmas chocolate coins 

Picture from Asda's website.

I love chocolate coins, well I love any chocolate. Ironically my daughter really isn't keen so tends to avoid chocolate. But for me, these are sooo christmassy - I remember receiving these in my stocking when I was little. What I love about these is they are from the free from range meaning they are free from dairy, gluten & wheat - so can be enjoyed by most. I just had to pick these because they are ever so festive to me! 

These are also at a bargain price of £1.20. To buy these or to have a look heres the link -Asda free from chocolate coins

Asda - Ella's kitchen jingle belly Christmas dinner with all the trimmings (even sprouts) pouch

Picture from Asda's website.

I picked this Ell's kitchen jingle belly Christmas dinner as it's perfect for little ones who aren't quite ready to enjoy a full Christmas dinner, so a Christmas dinner without the lumps! This contains organic turkey, potatoes and lots of yummy vegetables. Everything within this pouch is organic, which is fabulous; so no nasties included! 

This is being sold for £1.45 or 6 for £7.50. To buy these or to have a look heres the link - Ella's kitchen Christmas dinner

Asda - Free from Christmas chocolate selection 

Picture from Asda's website.

I decided to pop in an selection pack, as to me these are really festive; I remember I used to get one of these around Christmas time every year. Much like the chocolate coins I've picked this particular selection pack as they are from the free from range, so they are free from dairy, gluten & wheat - so can be enjoyed by most. Within this pack there is a selection of chocolates - Chocolate orange bar, Chocolate bar, Chocolate crispie bar, chocolate orange buttons & chocolate buttons. 

This selection pack costs £2.00. To buy these or to have a look heres the link - free from selection pack

Asda - Gingerbread Christmas tree kit 

Picture from Asda's website.

I picked this one out for 2 reasons, one its a festive food that can be enjoyed and two it's also a little bit crafty as the tree has to be made! so not only is it a yummy snack its also a little activity for your little ones to enjoy! The tree has to be decorated and comes with a white sugar paste and little edible decorations! It takes around 15 minutes to bake which isn't to long, and it can be enjoyed by the whole family! not to mention how cool this would look set up not the food table at a party! 

This is a complete and utter bargain and costs £3.50. To buy these or to have a look heres the link - Gingerbread Christmas tree

Tesco - Christmas potato shapes

Picture from Tesco's website.

Much like the chicken Christmas trees I picked these out to make meal times a little more festive, and add a little fun into a meal. These are potatoes in Christmas shapes, snowmen, stars & trees. These are also to be cooked from frozen, exactly like the chicken and they take around 18 minutes to cook. 

These are unfortunately currently unavailable, and I'm not entirely sure when they'll be back on the website, but I'll pop the link so that you can see the packaging and maybe pop into your local store - Christmas potato shapes

Tesco - Cadbury small selection box 

Picture from Tesco's website.

I picked this for the same reason as the free from Christmas chocolate selection pack, because they remind me of Christmas! This one comes with all the traditional chocolates that came in selection packs when I was little - Fredo, fudge, chomp, curlywurly & chocolate buttons. I picked the small selection box as I feel it is more suited to younger children, but of course you could alway buy the large ones.

Much like the one above, for some reason it says that they are unavailable online; so perhaps look in your local shop to? heres the link incase they become available... Cadbury small selection box

Tesco - Organix Goodies gingerbread men

Picture from Tesco's website.

I picked these are for some reason I feel like gingerbread men are festive? or aren't they, I'm not entirely sure haha! nevertheless they are so stinking cute and are a small organic snack for your little ones to enjoy. Evangeline has tried these and she loves them; good old gingerbread men!

These are being sold for £2.00. To buy these or to have a look heres the link - Organix gingerbread men

Tesco - Organix Goodies mini cheese crackers 

Picture from Tesco's website.

These are similar to the ones above, there not really to festive, but for me I love a good cheese board and crackers around the Christmas time, so thought it would be ever so cute for your little ones to much on a little organic cracker along side you! Evangeline has tried these to, and she loves them! 

These are being sold for £2.00. To buy these or to have a look heres the link - Organix mini cheese crackers


If you are on the hunt for some festive snacks, I hope this post has been somewhat helpful in pointing you in the right direction.... and I'll speak to you in my next post.

A walk down memory lane

My top memories of 2017

My Instagram 2017 Best Nine.

I thought it would be nice to take a little trip down memory lane and talk a little about a few of my top memories of 2017. This was kind of sparked of by instagrams '2017 best nine' that I decided to do, I done it last year too - if your not familiar it's a website that gives you your top 9 Instagram posts.. well your top 9 Instagram posts, it also gives you a teeny-tiny summary of how many posts you've uploaded and how many likes you've had in total and all you have to do is pop in your username. 

I'll pop the link here - 2017 best nine. 

I'm not going to lie, this year has had ups and downs.. mainly ups - and today we're focusing on them. Always focus on the positives! I just can't believe just how quickly this year has flown by, it feels like we've only just celebrated starting 2017 and here we are nearing the end and start of 2018. I swear time went by slower many years back? or maybe that was just for me...... 

Although I've had many amazing memories throughout the year for example, Evangeline sitting for the first time, family celebrations, amazing days out, spending time with family, finding out Florance's gender, Evangeline learning to walk and the list goes on, but I thought I'd highlight my biggest memories. 

My top memories... where do I start? 

Baby No.2 - Expecting Florance: 
Lets start with the beginning of the year; and finding out that we were expecting baby No.2, Florance - we found out on Febuary 14th, Valentines day. We had only been trying for a month and being honest we had only started trying because we were told due to having a caesarian, endometriosis and some other issues that it would take much, much longer - but they were sooooo wrong. But them being wrong was the best thing as if they hadn't got it wrong we wouldn't have little Florance. Her and Evangeline are my entire world - I love them more than words can describe.... as I was saying we found out on the 14th February, valentines day.. we had just gotten back from having Wagamamas and I had only done a test as I was a week late and wanted to know if I had to buy any sanitary products haha nevertheless it was an amazing suprise making our Valentines a lot more special. So this is my first top memory.
Ill link how I found out here: First & second trimester update













Florance's gender:
This is a lovely memory, the day we found out we were expecting our second daughter, that Evangeline was going to have a little sister. Finding out I was going to be a mummy to my second daughter is another highlight of the year; finally knowing that there was a baby girl growing in my bump, finally being able to buy pink, pink and more pink & little twinning outfits for Evangeline and Florance. Another top memory of my 2017.

My first mothers day:
Of course this is one of my top memories, my first proper mothers day; I did receive a card last year for mothers day whilst I was pregnant with Evangeline - but this was my first actually mothers day.. hopefully that makes sense. We visited a national trust location, Sissinghurst Castle I believe? I can't remember what its called haha! Either way we went on a lovely little country walk there and had a scrummy lunch; before heading to see our mums - it was lovely and there for its making my top memory list.

Evangeline's first birthday: 07-07-17
My baby girl turning one, this was possibly one of the top 3 best memories of the year. Evangeline turning one. In my opinion this is defiantly one of the biggest birthdays alongside your 13th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 50th and so on. A huge milestone; we had a really chilled out day and went for a little walk before heading to see family. 2 days later me and my family celebrated Evangeline's 1st birthday with a little party, it wasn't the smoothest and there were lots of occasions that took place in the morning; but I'm ever so glad that my family were there to celebrate with me. My baby girl turning one, an amazing memory.

3 Year anniversary: 
July 26th, our 3 year anniversary. Although there were defiantly a few bumps during this time and myself and Zachary put our relationship on a temporary break, which came about horribly and not going to lie to you was awful, things got very out of hand, people got involved that had no right to and everything was up in the air. We celebrated 3 years together. Although our relationship has had its ups and downs, we have 2 beautiful daughters and everything is better than it was before in many different ways. And we both look forward to celebrating many years to come.  

Florance's arrival: 04-10-17
Little Florance's arrival.. her's and Evangeline's births by far have been the best days of my life. Wednesday 4th October 2017, 09:24am, 5lbs 6oz; Florance Violet arrived. This is again one of the top 3 memories alongside finding out that we were expecting and Evangeline's first birthday - although this one tops the list. Our second baby girl entered the world, Evangeline became a big sister, we completed our family. I love my girls more than anything. Its one of the best memories of 2017.

Little exclusive haha, I've never posted this picture anywhere haha! 

Christmas: 
Ahh, this one for many reasons. I love Christmas, I love being able to spoil my daughters, partner, family & friends. I love the food, the gifts, the festivities, the decorations - practically everything. It's my first Christmas as a mummy to two and our first Christmas as a family of 4! so its all so very exciting. I just love this time of year.  

I thought I'd pop a few collages of our year at the bottom here, I love them! 

Thank you for reading a I'll speak to you in my next post!