HELLO 2018!

Happy New year you lovely lot and hello 2018! I ended up taking a big chunk of time off at Christmas, which wasn't intentional but was definitely needed so apologies for the radio silence and slow return to this little corner of the Internet.

Going into Christmas I was 35/36 weeks and exhausted, so it was nice to switch off and let everything take a back seat while I watched the kiddo get excited about presents, board games, festive films and woodland walks, as well as cope with my nan going into hospital.

I've been spending some time nesting and reflecting on the past year, writing down intentions and trying to focus on a word that will be leading 2018. Obviously there is going to be a huge change with a new baby on the way *Less than two weeks to go until D-Day eek!* but aside from the new routines and sleepless nights, I want to be sure to take some time to reflect on myself and allow myself not to be lost in the process of new motherhood again.

So what word? I've been toying with Brave and Embrace but haven't quite settled on which is best, it might be that I use both. Brave for all the new challenges and change ahead and Embrace so I can move with them rather than against them, while looking after my mental and physical health.

2017 gave me a miracle, a new life that I was told I couldn't have and with it bubbled up all of the loss and grief of the last five years that also needed to be waded through, so I have definitely felt challenged. Now I am looking forward to a positive year full of firsts and laughter.

I am planning on taking a small amount of maternity leave once she arrives - although that could be any day now - I want to take the time to soak up those newborn baby days and snuggles. Hopefully I'll have a few post scheduled to keep me going over here and I will still be sharing over on my Instagram as I slowly emerge from hibernation.

For now though I just want to say thank you all for following Wild & Grizzly and this little journey of mine and here is to a year of positivity and adventure.

Are you making intentions for the 2018? Or coming up with your own word?

HELLO 2016

Hello 2016 and you lovely lot! I hope you all had a beautiful start to the New Year and thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas festivities with family and friends. Sorry I've been a little AWOL, nope I haven't been eaten by crocodiles or kidnapped and held at ransom in a lonely mountain scene somewhere far far away, although at times over the last few weeks it has felt like that.

On entering Christmas I made the decision to give myself time off, to fully be present, put down the camera and my phone – although I struggled a little at times – and to enjoy a break from all things work/technology related. It was much needed and I enjoyed the space, but now it's time to to come back to this cosy little nook I've created for myself and I'm looking forward to sharing lots with you.

You might remember I started the year with the word Self, full of good intentions and determination. I loved all the adventures: Amsterdam, Berlin, Palma and those closer to home with festivals, glamping and beautiful hotel stays. I loved exploring and taking in all things new. However looking back I didn't uphold my chosen word, I also faced challenges and heartache, more than I had expected or wanted... but as midnight struck I was dancing, hands held high, raising the roof with laughter and it was all good.

I had aimed to start January with much gusto, however I feel like I've been allowing 2015 to wash over me as 2016 slowly comes into focus, and so I've sat and wondered what this year would hold for me, what words and intentions would guide me through the next 12 months. To be honest there has been many and also a desire for none.

Instead I'm allowing time for myself, for growth, for self development, to create new connections to love and be present, as well as my usual lust for travel, laughter and coffee. I'll be here planning, doing, creating, learning, documenting, sharing, except when I'm not, because sometimes I will be absent and that will also be ok.

I am so grateful for all this space has brought: the friends, the opportunities and I'm excited to see what the world has in store. I hope you all have a fabulous year full of love and adventure. xx

MOTHERHOOD MEETS COOL BARS AND HIP HIDEAWAYS

Before the days of evening lock down – a.k.a F's bedtime  – one of my favourite pastimes was meeting up with friends and heading out into the night for an evening of carefree fun and a lie in the next day. When I lived in London I was a social butterfly and could be found out most nights sipping cocktails, out dancing, attending art openings or meeting friends for tasty bites to eat.

When I moved to Bristol I was a little worried that it wouldn't live up to my London night life and all the exciting venues the capital had to offer but I was soon proved wrong. There are so many things going on whether it's a music gig, pop up restaurant, art exhibition opening, outdoor cinema, secret dinner club, outdoor ski discos, underground bars or even hanging out by the harbour side as the sun goes down.

Long gone are the days I can head out at the drop of a hat and I often miss the spontaneous meet ups with friends, nowadays there's a minimum of five days planning and organising childcare before I can step outside, I think we're the only parents I know that don't use a paid babysitter, relying on my folks coming over from Wales or the kindness of good friends to step in. It's really made me appreciate the little things, like walking to meet friends when the sun is low and the light lingers in a certain way, where I suddenly feel a buzz of excitement in the air.

Some of my favourite underground haunts in Bristol are Hausbar, Milk Thistle and the Red Light. There's something quite exciting about seeking a secret sign or symbol to an entrance way, ringing a doorbell and hoping you've got the right place, only to have a thick curtain pulled back and someone lead the way to cool interiors and cocktails.

The next few weeks are looking pretty busy and I'll be spending quite a bit of time in London over the next month, I'm really looking forward to catching up with friends and discovering some cool places, like this amazing pink dining room, this fun detective agency or eating blind folded.

How often do you get to go out on an evening? Do you use a babysitter? I'd love to hear how you balance your social life with motherhood, and if you know any cool places to try in London then please send me some tips! x

*Images 1/3/4
*This is a collaborative post.

SAYING ANOTHER GOODBYE

I'm sorry for the radio silence over on this little blog of mine, I was hoping to tell you some exciting news and that I've been super busy with fun projects – which is partly true – but unfortunately there's another reason why no words have been posted... we've been saying another goodbye.

The last two months have been a roller coaster of emotions. After coming to terms that a second child would be unlikely after already suffering two miscarriages in the past and not being sure whether I could put myself though it again, out of nowhere I found myself staring at two pinks lines. To be honest I was in shock, it was totally unplanned and unexpected and seemed to come along just as I had decided that one child was enough for me.

I think it took a week for it all to sink in. This was happening. It was actually happening and F would have a sibling, and I would have another babe in arms.

After some pains I know oh so well at five and a half weeks, I thought it had all been a bit short lived and an appointment was made for a scan at six weeks. I went to the clinic in tears, knowing what to expect, feeling awful for putting my body through this again, only to be surprised with the news that I had been carrying twins and had miscarried as I had thought, but only one. There was still one baby, it's heart beating away, holding in there.

Awash with new hope as my tummy grew and further scans showed the pregnancy progressing well, naively I relaxed a little. I was feeling exhausted but well in myself, and started to let my mind wander a little to the December due date, although slightly laced with doubt, not fully wanting to let myself indulge in these happy thoughts.

At the beginning of this week I was given the news that my baby's heart had stopped. Another silent miscarriage. Once again I was being wheeled into surgery, staring at magnolia walls and cups of NHS tea. I didn't feel like crying, to be honest I didn't feel anything, just numb or perhaps going through the motions. Only as they were administering the anaesthetic did the tears start to well up and fall, and I felt someone take my hand until I went under.

Now I'm back at home, resting with my empty belly. Still feeling very up and down but throwing myself into work for a bit of distraction and letting the tears come and go. It helps to write and share it, I know how isolating a miscarriage can be, how sad and destructive it can become. For me it's easier to be open, to let all these emotions wash over me and there are so many. It's hard to keep track of my head at he moment but I can feel the weight of my heavy heart.

After loosing baby Alex at 15 weeks due to Parvovirus and my second miscarriage, it seems there is no rhyme or reason to it all, just bad luck. Three miscarriages in a row. And so it's back to daily life and I know I'll be OK, it just might take a little bit of time. It's hard being a mama.

SCHOOL STRESS AND LIFE LATELY

Hello you lovely lot! Sorry for the radio silence here, it seems I've taken an unplanned Blogiday – is that a thing yet? – anyway I thought I'd give you a little life lately update and jump back on the blogging bandwagon. This lost week has mainly been filled with school stress, spring blossoms and the boy, as I've juggled being poorly and solo parenting without childcare, hence the blog and work in general has had taken a bit of a back burner.

Apart from missing out on the cruise and filming with Interior TV Presenter, Linda Barker, due to being ill, I've enjoyed the focused time it has given me with F. He's requested every meal outside this week and I've loved spending our time outside on a blanket in the sun reading books and just hanging out together, time seems even more precious now that school is on the horizon. Oh how I love this boy.

Last week, like most of you with 4-5 year old's at home, I woke and immediately checked my email to see which school F had been allocated to. There I was anxiously clicking the refresh button ten times a minute, hoping we had gotten our first choice while keeping my fingers crossed. Shortly after 10am it landed in my inbox, I swear I haven't felt so nervous since sitting my A Level exams! My heart sunk a little as were allocated our second choice, equally a great school but just not the one we had wanted for F for various reasons. So now we're facing three options: stay on the waiting list and see what happens, potentially move flats to be closer to our preferred choice, increasing our chance of getting in, or stick with the school we've been allocated.

I've been going round in circles all week and I must admit it's causing quite a bit of stress. Although all the schools in our area are good, I feel the decision we make now will lay the foundation for F's learning and school experience for the next six years, so I'm certainly feeling the pressure to get it right.

Have you had this experience? I'd love to know how you've felt about being allocated a school.

THE DREADED D WORD // LIFE LATELY

This wasn't the post I had planned for today, in fact things have been so crazy busy behind the scenes that I'm facing a mountain of work and feel like I'm wading through treacle. But I'm trying to stay positive and upbeat, ploughing ahead with the work/life balance – and failing slightly  – while trying to stay healthy and be all things to all people.

Except one person is needing me more than most at the moment, my kiddo. It's so easy to get wrapped up in all the busy *and roll on the mama guilt* that you forget to stop once and awhile and take stock of a situation, and there's been one slowly brewing which I didn't foresee. I'm talking about the D-word...yes, death.

F by nature is a sensitive boy, and quite emotionally mature and intune with the world around him. So I knew something has been off for the last few weeks as we've fluxuated between various axieties such as fearing he'll choke on his food, being worried about using the toilet, about missing either me or Paul when one of us is not with him and even some tears at pre-school. Finally last night it clicked into place.

Behind those big beautiful brown eyes, his mind has been going into overdrive and as I sat trying to get some work done I heard him call out for me. His little frantic voice shouting from his room. On rushing in I was met with his fear, "I don't want to die mummy, don't let me die". Oof there's something I wasn't expecting. As an adult we can rationalise these things, we understand the concept of death and the meaning of the word, all the while hoping for a long life. But to a small four year old boy, this realisation suddenly seems terrifying.

Don't put me under the grass. oof. Don't leave me on my own. oof. If I die will you have another baby and call it F and forget about me. oof. Each one is a blow to the stomach as I hold his little hands in mine and stroke his furrowed brow. Composing myself I try to answer all his questions calmy, each  considered and loaded with reassurance as he works himself into a frenzy. "Mummy please don't let me die and be gone forever, I dont want to go mummy please" tears are now falling rapidly, his little face looks so terrified and his hands are grasping me so tight that I dare not breathe incase it gives away my poker face.

I know these questions are part of growing up, his mind trying to understand the world, and that in a few hours/days/weeks all this will be forgotten, but right now in this moment I can see the world from his eyes, how big and daunting it must seem. Even though he had asked about death a while back the idea that it will happen to him has taken his mind to a whole new level. So I do what mamas do best, squeeze him with all my love, cover him in kisses and sing him to sleep, only to then frantically search online the best way to ride out this tiny storm.

If there was ever a need for a parenting manual, now would be great time to pass the book around.

A MOTHER'S DAY LUXURY GIFT LIST // MAMA STYLE

Now we're in March my mind turns to thoughts of spring *yay* and my lovely mama as Mother's Day approaches. Since having F, I now understand how important it is to take time and celebrate the mama in your life. From sleepless nights to referee, boo boo fixer, friend and role model, teacher and councillor, you have to wear many hats in this role, and often you don't make time for yourself.  Before I had my kiddo, I didn't realise all the things that my mum did for me growing up, and although I try to show my love day to day, I can certainly see the importance of dedicating 24 hours just to her.

So I've pulled together a little luxury Mother's Day wishlist from Selfridges, one of my favourite stores.

1. This beautiful Vogue Amberley bouquet by Philippa Craddock.
2. Imagine lighting this Trio of Tom Dixon Candles while soaking in the bath.
3. This stunning BVLGARI one band 18ct pink-gold ring would make my mum swoon.
4. A framed photo of you and your mum in this stylish NKUNKU Kiko Copper Glass Frame.
5. Pamper your face with this Estee Lauder Day Wear Cream.
6. A toast to you loved on with Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose Champagne.
7. Give your travel some style with this Aspinal of London Passport Cover.
8. I'm love truffles so a box of Prestat Marc de Champagne truffles would be on my list.

As well as a beautiful boquet of flowers and a box of handmade cookies, I'd love to treat my mum to a spa day for some quality Mother & Daughter time, Plus it would nice for me to be pampered too.

What plans do you have to celebrate Mother's Day?

*This is a collaborative post.

LET'S CELEBRATE WOMEN WITH #ARWOMAN

As a woman and a mother I think it's so important that we have each others backs, help support and celebrate each other and give strength to us girls. Girl power! – I feel a Spice Girls song coming on – but in all seriousness we give ourselves such a hard time as women and we can be so critical of ourselves: Fit enough? working enough? working too much? being a good mum? pretty enough? thin enough? funny enough?.... Well enough is enough.

When fashion brand Atterley Road got in touch asking me to be involved in their new campaign #ARWOMAN to get women openly celebrating women, I was straight there with a big YES! There are so many women who I'm inspired by on a daily basis such as artist Frida Khalo with her amazing talent, spirit and strength of character, Jane Birkin with her style and humanitarian work and the pure talent of Vivian Maier. Or perhaps friends from university who have carved out a career like Fashion Stylist Poppy Kain or the wonderful photographer Esther Teichmann, my blogging ladies such as Fritha and Lottie, entreupreneurs behind Babyccino Kids and the lovely Leia behind Diapers and Milk, my IG girl across the pond Madelon... as you can see the list goes on...

There is one woman who stands above the rest, towers above even. My mam – and no that's not an auto correct, that's my geordie roots coming through – the woman who from the age of 23 raised her baby with no manual, but sheer determination and ferocious love, and in my eyes rocked a pretty good look. No matter what has been thrown her way, what challenges have presented themselves, through illness and happy times, she has powered through. If there is any one person who can teach me strength of character, love, and to never give up, then it comes from the woman who gave me life.

So here's to celebrating my inspirational woman. Here's to my mum Dawn.

If you would like to join in just post a picture of the woman who inspires you on Instagram, tagging @AtterleyRoad and using #ARWOMAN and nominate some Instagram friends to do the same.

*Note to mum: Sorry I know you're not keen on this pic but I love that you look like an absolute rebel! xx

6/52

"A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, in 2015."

F: My Sofa Boy.

You might have noticed I've been a little quiet and the reason is this week – or the last eight days – I've been at home with this little sick bunny. Normally my boy is full of energy, first up in the morning and on the go all day until he falls into bed at night. But not this week, instead he has been struck down with a nasty virus which took a bit of a turn and almost ended in an emergency trip to the hospital. Thankfully it didn't come to that and I've watched over him as he snoozes on the sofa or on me, him waking only when I move away from his side.

This morning his fever broke and he seemed his happy self again, even if a little pale. So I've spent the day tidying, cleaning and trying to catch up on all the work I've missed while looking after my baby. It's so easy to forget how little he still even at the age of four. All those cuddles and kisses, strokes and comfort needed, I cling onto those as he gets back into his routine of superheroes, dare devil jumps and pretend sword play.

Also I'd just like to say a HUGE thank you to all of you who voted for me in the #3cities competition.  Although I didn't win the grand prize, you kept me in the final three and I'm happy to say I won a GoPro camera to document our travels with.

Here's to a fun filled week. x

Linking in with The 52 Project.

JUICE YOURSELF TO GOOD HEALTH // GREEN JUICE RECIPE

So we've all see those pictures on Instagram of glasses filled to the brim with green, and I'd always wondered what on earth was in it. I knew it was healthy and full of goodness but I'd never really tried one, preferring a fruit smoothie instead with its inviting berry hue.

So when I was asked whether I would like to try a VonShef 990W Max Fruit Juicer it seemed to slot right into my get fit health kick for 2015 and I readily went and bought a box full of fruit and veg to fill myself with goodness. On first impressions the VonShelf juicer looks great and it's not big like most juicing machines, which is handy as storage space in our kitchen is limited, plus it's a great price.

So after looking on Pinterest for different green juice recipes for inspiration I decided to wing it and create my own, something full of goodness but also naturally sweet tasting so F would enjoy it too. We set the juicer up on the kitchen counter and got started. I made sure that I cut any larger pieces of fruit into smaller pieces and cut of any stalks, and couldn't believe how simple it was to use. You put fruit in and juice comes out into the jug, et viola. Health in a glass.

It does take quite a lot of fruit and veg to get a decent glass of goodness, so I can see this being a slightly pricey option, however by shopping at our local independent grocer I can pick up a crate of fruit and veg for £15 which is about half the price of a supermarket chain, making this a more affordable health choice.

Once you've juiced the machine comes to pieces easily for cleaning, with some parts dishwasher safe making it that much more convenient, and the remaining pulp is easy to dispose of. I even used a small disposable bag tucked into the fruit pulp holder, which you can then just lift out with everything inside and throw away. I found this juicer so easy to use, easy to clean with no real faff and it makes quick great health drinks.

So there it is, another small change I've made this year in my bid to get fit I'm starting my day with a healthy juice which F also enjoys, and I'm secretly smug as he happily drinks spinach and other leafy goodness all before 8am.

To make your super green juice you'll need:

100g of baby spinach
2 red apples
3 pears
one stick of celery
half a punnet of blueberries

Juice each one remembering to cut off the stalks and half the apples, pears and celery before adding. If you're going to use lemons, oranges or limes remember to cut off all the zest and pith as this will make your juice taste bitter. Now all you need to do is pour it into a glass and enjoy. I've had helpful comments since on Instagram suggesting I try and add coconut milk or almond milk, which I can't wait to try.

I'm officially hooked on the green stuff and the best thing is there are so many great combinations to try and once you become accustomed to the taste you can reduce the amount of fruit in your juice, which in turn reduces the amount of sugar. Now I just need a great juicing recipe book, have you got any you would recommend?

KICK START JANUARY WITH THE FITBIT CHARGE

So here we are again, the month where we all make promises to quit this and stop that, to do more exercise and eat less, to swap our vino for water, the whole shebang. January is renowned for the month that we are told to basically do better, to dust ourselves off from the heavy carb loaded christmas and alcoholic tendencies of New Years Eve and make a new you.

Don't get me wrong I love a clean slate so to speak. But truthfully it's not as if your body resets to factory mode on the strike of midnight come NYE, to be healthy you have to work at it. Not a fad or an half hearted attempt to have a dry month only to last until the weekend. No wonder most people fall at the first hurdle! With me I'm an all or nothing girl, so when it comes to making healthy choices it's hard to reach the perfect middle ground.

Where I lack motivation is:

Sleep – I think it's enough but it's definitely not enough.
Healthy food – Sporadic. Either a health fest with eat clean tendencies or you can find me in Dorito heaven.
Exercise – Running around after a four year old counts as this right?!
Fluids – Water? erm what's that again...oh you mean coffee yes?

So when I was asked to test out the Fitbit Charge, a wireless activity wristband, I didn't know what to expect or how it would impact my day to day lifestyle. Well it has, so much that I think I'm a little bit in love with it, in fact it's like having a personal trainer on your wrist!

The Fitbit Charge is sleek in design, lightweight and splash proof, and basically looks like you're wearing a really cool watch. It's super easy to set up with a free downloadable app for your phone or computer where you enter your details such as: Gender, weight, height, date of birth and you're all set.

It's that easy. You literally wear it all day and night and use your bluetooth to sync the info to your app. So I've been using my iPhone to chart my progress and achieve the daily milestones: walk 10K steps a day, 30 minutes of active minutes, plenty of water etc. as recommended by the government for a healthy lifestyle.

The Fitbit Charge will log your steps automatically as well as stairs climbed, calories burned, distance in km walked, active minutes, calories eaten, water consumed and it also logs your sleep and for me this is a biggie. It tells you how many hours you slept and during that how many minutes were restless and any periods you were awake. So all that sleep I thought I was getting, erm not so much.

When I first started inputting how much water I was intaking I was horrified to realise that it equalled 200ml, that's a cups worth. So all that lack of energy, feeling groggy and headaches was down to dehydration. Even though I feel like I'm drinking a ridiculous amount of water I'm still only filling up on 1100ml a day, just over halfway to my daily recommended target.

Having something which easily allows you to see your daily activities and celebrates your milestones certainly changes your way of thinking about your health plus you can share your results on your social platforms too. If your arms are full of shopping/ a hundred and one things there is even caller ID synced with your phone. One glance and you know whether it's worth dropping all those bags for.

I love the Fitbit Charge and if you want to hear me chat about it some more and other wearable fitness technology then I will be live tonight at 19:00 hours GMT on a google hangout hosted by Faya from Fitness on Toast for Argos with me, David from MensRunning and Liina from Mind Over Matter. You can use the link to tune in and find out which Fit Tech is best for you, otherwise you can find more information about wearable technology at Argos

*This post is in association with Argos.

HELLO 2015

Just dropping in to say a quick hello and Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful evening however you decided to celebrate and the first day of 2015 has been kind to you (and your heads).

Reflecting back on the year and re-reading this post and my hopes for 2014 I've decided to stick with choosing a word for the year rather than resolutions which are made only to be broken. So although I didn't DO as many things as I'd hoped for last year, what I did achieve was still pretty amazing for me: First solo flight, facing my fears, a finalist for two awards thanks to you lovely people, meeting some amazing people and making new friends.

The ups were equaled with the lows, but that is life, you take what you can and choose to see the positives and take the opportunities that are given to you.

So my new word for 2015?

SELF

To know myself, be kind to myself, know when to be selfless and when to be selfish. To further myself, challenge myself and trust myself. It's only when we know ourselves that we can make ourselves happy which in turn effects others. So here's to a year of self discovery and all that goes with it. 

What word would you choose for 2015?

A ME DAY AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS

A few weeks ago in the midst of all the chaos of work, childcare, chores, meetings and life in general, I had a rare moment, one that doesn't come along that often, a me day. F was at my parents house for a sleep over, Paul was abroad on business and I decided to clear the diary and jump on a train to London to just hang out.

Well it just so happened that the lovely people over at Chestertons who are in partnership with the RA, thought I might like to visit the Anselm Kiefer exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts and they were not wrong.

Click here to read more

OH MOTHER // BRESSANONE

It's been a while since I've featured an Oh Mother post, for those new to this series I have reached out to other mamas, to catch a glimpse through their eyes as they explore life around them. Five mothers raising babes in adopted cities that they now call home.

The fourth amazing woman I'd like to introduce to you is Sofia, entrepreneur and mother of one gorgeous girl Stella (17 months), a Swedish mama living in Bressanone, Italy. Here she shares some moments with us.

Click to read more.

LET'S WORKOUT

So you might be wondering why I’m wearing this outfit and lifting weights? Yes I do like to exercise and I’m always up for a giggle, so when Argos got in touch and asked whether me and my blogging buddy Fritha would like to make a fun work out video, including a whole world of silly, obviously I was game. I never need an excuse to dance around the flat.

So after being challenged to create this little video we decided to make a day of it. After dropping F off at preschool, I headed into town to meet Fritha and Wilf for a bit of Mr Motivator style inspired shopping. Embracing the youth in me, I headed to the teen section in New Look and H&M and cobbled together an 80’s inspired work-out wear – think Madonna meets Pretty in Pink – one coffee later, we headed back to F’s preschool in time for pick up and back towards the flat.

A quick change of clothes and a lot of laughter later we were ready to get our groove on. I normally try and squeeze in exercises where possible so it was fun going through my normal routine and incorporating exercises with cleaning. F thought it was hilarious and never one to miss a dance moment got stuck in when filming, as you can see from the video.

Having a small child does make it tricky to fit those recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise, so being able to stretch and flex those muscles while doing every day chores is a great way to keep fit and acts as a super time saver. All you need are items you have in your home and if you would like to do Floorcare work-out exercises yourself but you don’t have the right materials you can always got to a store like Argos to find a hoover.

So there it is, my debut video appearance! If you want to join in on the silly and have some fun, I would really love to see your cleaning work out and will share them all over on twitter.

MY SWEET OCTOBER BOY

Every time this month rolls around and the smell of autumn catches in the air, my heart swells and a lump forms in my throat at the bitter sweet notion of time passing. There is no greater measurer of seconds gone than your babe in arms, once so small that it took only my hands to fully embrace the length of my child, now I find endless limbs and deep belly laughs as I swing my arm to catch his embrace.

This month you will be four. A whole four years old and I shall kiss your button nose, and ruffle your lion mane and treasure your hand in mine, as you will age and these moments will fade, and I will be left with these memories of my sweet october boy.

CAPTURING MEMORIES WITH PHOTOWORLD

As you know I'm a bit obsessed when it comes to capturing the everyday moments with F and this small family of mine. It's rare for me to be without a camera in hand, snapping away, for these are the days that F will look back with – hopefully – a warm heart and the stories he will share as a grown man. I want to make sure I can preserve as many of these precious moments as possible.

Family: I love this photo, this is the boy who came along and made me a mama and us a family. No longer the two of us bumbling along, this little guy has given us focus and drive. He is the centre of my world and my family.

Friendship: I love watching the bonds he makes and the friendships he grows; hearing their conversations and seeing how they navigate life at such an early age is a beautiful thing to witness.

Travel: Oh how I long for sunlit beaches and warm seas to dip my toes in. Long days of nothingness and laughter.

Celebration: That time we went to The Ethicurean to celebrate my birthday and the food was oh so good. I love eating out and trying new places. Delicious.

It's so easy for me to click away, filling up memory cards and my iPhone crammed with photos, but I want to make sure I can preserve as many of these precious moments as possible, and leaving these images to sit on my computer is not quite the way forward. There's something so wonderful about having your moments printed out and bound. I remember as a child pouring through our family photo albums and I certainly have a lot of Photography art books at home.

So when Photoworld launched their #weprintmemories competition, I couldn't wait to share my favourite moments. To enter, all you have to do is tweet a photo memory to @cewephotoworld with the hashtag #weprintmemories following the theme of the week for a chance to win one of these fantastic prizes:

• 1st prize - the new 16GB First Generation Lytro Camera, £250 worth of John Lewis vouchers and £250 CEWE Photoworld vouchers

• 2nd prize - £100 CEWE Photoworld vouchers

• 3rd prize - £50 CEWE Photoworld vouchers

You can find more details on the competition here. 

*This post is in collaboration with Photoworld

32/52

"A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, in 2014."

F: tiger tiger.

Just as some weeks are quiet and slip by unnoticed, these last seven days have been long and hectic, with events punctuating the days and distorting time. Looking back over all my captured moments it's hard to choose one image to sum up the week. We have been in Bristol and London, I have been juggling work deadlines and childcare, family time and me time, as well as some steps to overcome my flight phobia. So this corner of the internet has taken a back seat while we've embraced the day to day. To make up for the silence I have some exciting posts this week, including: DIY Pom Pom Garland tutorial, weekend adventures, Kids Fashion and more Festival fun. 

The one constant theme of the last seven days is F's wild side, at the moment I'm finding my feet as he challenges me in the day to day. The normally chilled child is becoming very assertive in his own right and navigating this phase is trickier than I imagined, reminding me that motherhood is one big learning curve. 

Linking in with Jodi's The 52 Project 

OH MOTHER // BRISTOL

As part of the new series Oh Mother, I have reached out to other mamas, to catch a glimpse through their eyes as they explore life around them. Five mothers raising babes in adopted cities that they now call home.

The third amazing woman I'd like to introduce to you is Yasmina, a jewellery designer and mother of three gorgeous boys: Pablo (11), Khalil (9) and Felix (4), a French mama living in Bristol, UK. Here she shares some moments with us.

Click to read more

WHERE MAMA MEETS COOL

When I first found out I was pregnant with F I had no idea about the world I was stepping into, awash with plastic tat and a myriad of blues and pinks. I would sigh as I wandered through the high street shops, my eyes scanning the rails for something a little cooler, something that I felt would be an extension of my personality.

A few years down the line and I'm surprised at how much I've learned and equally how trends have changed. We are facing a new era of mama's, the yummy mummy just isn't cutting it anymore, this is the era where mama meets cool. Where good design is key, colour is breaking those gender stereotypes and we are wanting more than 'you’re just a mum' label. We want to show our personality, and rock this motherhood thing.

Here are a few picks of my mama cool must haves.

1// Ditch the dark denim and basic blacks, and go for something with a bit of pow. I'm loving this Cosatto pushchair and its vibrant colours, perfect for those hours spent pounding the pavement while making a statement. Next time round this will definitely be on my list.

2// How about this crayon tree for storing your stationary? Throw away the pencil case and get your little artists raring to go with Ambre a Crayon, Colours Tree, plus it also looks good on display in your home.

3// Do you heart geometric patterns? I saw this Cossato highchair and it was love at first site, no longer do you have to hide away the highchair after meal times when something looks this good. Not only does it rotate, change height and is fully wipeable, but it also looks pretty damn cool too.

4// Give your little tiger some personality with these awesome trainers, Feiyue have teamed with Milk on the Rocks to produce shoes that give off a roar and are bound to be the talk of the playground.

5// Remember Billy Stampers? – That's temporary tattoos for those not raised in 80's – I'd cover my arms in them, grab an ice lolly, and play outside for hours as a child. Well temporary kid tattoos are back with a bang and I'm loving this retro watch from Tattly.

6// I'm totally loving this interactive felt map from Corby Tindersticks, with its bright colours and quirky characters, your child will have fun playing weatherman while keeping your walls looking good.


This post is in collaboration with Cossato.