What’s been happening?

Any news?

Thank god for snapchat filters ;)

I’ve recently received a few emails regarding an update to my plastic/cosmetic surgery or body image post - here’s the link if you fancy a read... so I thought I’d sit down, take time out to fill you lovely lot in as to what’s been happening or where I’m at. Just a pre- warning there is boobie talk. I mentioned on my instagram stories that I had an appointment with my cosmetic surgeon in January, this was cancelled as she wasn’t well and was moved to the 22nd February. It was at a private hospital near to where I live - One Ashford Hospital. I had an evening appointment which was great as it meant that Zachary could come with me whilst the girls were being looked after by my parents for a few hours. In the consultation we discussed a boob job and tummy tuck. We decided on what procedure I am going to be getting - an uplift and augmentation as I’ve decided I no longer want implants due to the upkeep haha! Although, the surgeon also convinced me not to have implants as she said my boobs are in great condition and that she couldn’t see why I wanted anything change - but if I did then going for a procedure that involves my natural fat and muscle is a better idea. #tmi #winning......With having a boob job I would have a scar the went under the boob, up and around the nipple. For those of you who asked about what is involved with the process of having a boob job or any cosmetic surgery (this is based on my experience) I’ll have a little natter about what happened with me - my surgeon took down all of my medical history and what I am hoping to have done; she also asked why I wanted these things done. Once we had spoken about what I am considering, I was taken behind a curtain where I had to take clothes/underwear of the top half. She took a tape measure and measured from I believe collar bone to nipple? (I can’t remember) and then from the nipples to the underside of your boob; she also measure the nipple to see if that needed changing. After this she showed us some pictures that she had taken of other boob jobs and the one I’d be having. (I’ll talk about the tummy tuck side of things further down) We also spoke about me having a tummy tuck (obviously); and why I’d like a tummy tuck. My stomach appearance is pretty common for someone who has had a few csections/babies. The skin/fat would be used to fill out my boobies instead of implants - therefore it’s completely natural. With a tummy tuck there will be a scar from hip to hip; which doesn’t bother me as nobody would see it. Here I’m going to talk a little about what the surgeon done to see that I am suitable for a tummy tuck. So firstly she looked at my tummy standing up and then made me lay down. She felt my tummy, and said that my muscle had split so that I was to start doing Pilates to see if that would help repair it rather than going for surgery - as during a tummy tuck they staple/stitch the muscle back together. She then had to test to see if there was enough skin to do the procedure, and not going to lie what she done was a little painful. She grabbed my tummy and belly button and pulled it down towards my public bone, my skin pulled down but only just. This also meant 95% of my stretch marks would be taken away, and I would only have the ones that are above my belly button. We then went back over to her desk and sat down to discuss the next step. She suggested I waited a year, and that she wouldn’t do the surgery until then; for those of you wondering this was because of how soon I’d just had a baby. She informed me that weight will continue to be lost and that my stomach will be much smaller as it can take up to a year for your belly to get to the size it’ll stay. I would also have to sit and decide whether I’d like any more children as having another baby after a tummy tuck would reverse the procedure. I have a lot to think about, but we’ll see where I’m at in a years time. Thanks for reading and I’ll speak to you in my next post.

Where we've been

A teeny-tiny update/natter 

Oh my gosh, hasn’t time just flown by? It’s almost been an entire month since I uploaded a new post; I have written a few, but I just haven’t gotten around to reading them back, adding images, links and all that jazz. I just need a little kick up the bottom and then I’ll give them a tweak haha! 

Although this is an update I don’t have to much to talk about, I guess I’ll start by saying I’m still at my parents! I’ve been to 4+ house viewings since the beginning of this month, but nothing has been perfectly suited - I’ve been to a few and fallen in love and everything has been practically perfect; but then it’s on the 4-5th floor and doesn’t have a lift or fire exits.... so it’s a no no. I guess it’s just being patient and waiting for the perfect place to crop up, it will happen eventually right? 

So speaking of cropping up - we’ve stumbled across a small hurdle. Nursery, ah nursery. So as you may be aware Evangeline started nursery at the beginning of January, everything was running smoothly and she lovedddddd it! She’d get excited as soon as she saw the car park, would pretty much run across the car park and through the doors and then of into her class without a care in the world. 

Then now this hurdle, a few weeks  ago Evie was sent home as she was sick, she had gotten into a right old state and were she’d been crying so much she’d been sick. So of course we spent the day cuddling on the sofa with her little sister watching movies. She was of until the week after and when she returned she was beyond excited until I had to leave, I had just gotten in to my car at 9:10am and was just about to drive out of the car park when her nursery rang to tell me she’d been sick were she’d gotten so worked up, so she came home with me for cuddles. So we’re starting fresh and she’s got a settle session on Tuesday - I’ll stay with her for a little while to see how she is and then we’ll go from there, fingers crossed she doesn’t get upset. 

Evangeline is 19 months now and Florance is 4 months! They are growing day by day, getting bigger and bigger - honestly i say this all the time but it feels although I’ll blink and they’ll be getting married! Florance is officially over a stone in weight now, she’s a very hungry little lady and loves her milk! She started of tiny and is making up for it now, she fits perfectly into 3-6 month clothing; it’s crazy, not so little anymore! 

I’ve had my hair highlighted this week, it doesn’t look much different; but we’re taking it slow and it’s a gradual change so I don’t damage my hair  I will have light hair again one day haha! 

Evangeline, Florance, my nephew, sister and I just returned from a lovely beach walk - the weathers been grand today, which is a change from the cold rainy weather we’ve had, so we took full advantage of getting out of the house! We’re back at home now, watching some Disney movies and taking it easy. 

I have a pretty hectic weekend coming up, we’ve officially moved all of our furniture out of our old house all that’s left to do is a spot of cleaning - and then the keys are gone! We have a house viewing tomorrow which I love the look of, so fingers crossed it all goes well! 

I haven’t really much more to say, so I’ll leave it here and I’ll speak to you in my next post! 

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!