Update // Announcement

A common theme on my blog is an extreme lateness with posting. I get too caught up in life and what is going on that I don't sit down, and actually take it all in. I really want to become better at that, I need to.

It's no surprise that this post is, oh about 13 weeks later then it really needs to be. The fact I haven't written a blog post since October says there has been a lot going on! 

^ That is not just a big breakfast!

That is our baby boy, snug in my belly! I don't really think I truly believe it yet. But I can confirm with doctor notes and adorable ultrasound pictures and the kicks that are getting stronger by the day, that in my small but perfectly shaped bump is a baby.

I am beyond excited at starting this new phase, a little scared, but mostly excited. For anyone that has known me in real life for any length of time you know I am baby obsessed. Being a mother has been a dream of mine since I was able to talk. Dolls were always my favourite toy, I could spend hours upon hours with my dolls, locked in my room playing out life and various scenarios. Now that dream is my reality.

I am officially 25 weeks along, the photo above is from about 21 weeks. I have a noticeably smallish bump, and am feeling good! I suffered pretty horrifically with morning (all day) sickness, I never thought I'd make it out of the first trimester. I did, and besides the occasional ache from the obvious task of carrying a growing baby, I feel pretty good. I have my appetite back, meaning I could eat all day if I am given the chance.

There have been some big changes that came with finding out about the newest, and first Meyer Revel addition. We knew that living in our lovely flat was no longer an option, and by the time I had a decent sized bump I wouldn't be able to manoeuvre the tight spaces. Let's not even think about where a baby would go! So we began the hunt for our first home, a home to bring our son home to. We did find an adorable, completely unpractical cottage that crushed our dreams pretty fast. A nice welcome to the world of purchasing a house! Then there was the house that was ours (almost), and after giving our notice to move from our flat, it was no longer ours and we had to move in with Sam's parents. Another disappointing blow.

I feel safe in saying we have our home, although it is not move in ready. With some work, time and planning we are going to have our dream house. There are lots of things going on the next few months before baby boy arrives, I won't promise to keep an updated account of what is going on because lets face it that will be a lie. I will be sharing bits and pieces as I can and see fit, hopefully I will get into a rhythm of my new role as full time mama, and will be able to document life and it's happenings a bit better and more regularly.

Disposable Camera Project Month 2: Frenchie Picnic + Canal + PYO

This isn't a surprise, but I am behind again on posting this camera! These are from August, unfortunately I am a bit silly and touched the lens at one point so a few of the shots ended up with a horrible smear right in the middle! Lesson learned!

Sam's parents have a time share on a Canal boat so we have spent a few days out for walks along the Grand Union. I am still not totally convinced about spending a week on one, maybe one day! It's fun to see the different styles, and how people make do with living in such small space! Sam's Mum had told us about the markets, and shop boats that travel up and down the canals. So naturally we were so excited to finally come across the Fudge making boat! We bought a few bags and enjoyed them on route to the pub.

I am so thankful to live in the countryside and be able to go to local farms, it reminds me of home so much! Sam and I did PYO a few times this year, our friends from London came down one day we titled it PYO&Pie! It was just that, we picked, gathered some local produce and treats from the farm shop then all headed back to ours and made a delicious pie with freshly picked berries and local cream!

August was full of good eats! We finally had #FrenchiePicnic at Hampstead Heath. It was such a gorgeous day, a bit hot for our boy French but we found some water and soon cooled down. Sam and I have also had many Saturday mornings at a lovely local cafe that we absolutely love! Having Saturday brunch also became a thing, and has now since come to a halt. Maybe once a month ;)

Eggs loves nothing more than a hot summer day, lounging in the garden. He gets hot quickly, he will move inside or to shade until he is cooled off then repeat over heating in the sun! This goes on all day, I decided this year he needs a pool, since he loves the river so much! To my surprise when said pool arrived, it wasn't a paddling pool but a Barbie pool! I promise, the picture online and on the package had two children in this pool! (I need to read sizes, clearly)

Disposable Camera Project: Month 1 - Bristol

For my birthday Sam took us to Bristol, (this was on my birthday -June 28th). The first day of this project and I am already behind on! Actually, I am only behind on editing and posting photos not the actual get the camera and taking the pictures.

I used lightroom for the first time on these, and its safe to say I am still learning! I will probably look back on these and think wtf!?

Sam took some photos of our day as well, they are much better ;). This was my first time in Bristol, and trying Macaroons. We spent the day walking and eating are way around the city, since we were Frenchie free for the day it was nice to take our time in shops, and not be held back by him not being welcome in most places.

After our sitting down along the river, eating our Macaroons we took a walk in hopes of finding more gems. We did, Sam recognised Brew Dog so we popped in and were immediately greeted by the bar man with a tasting of 5 brews. We decided on one, and sat down at table overlooking the river to people watch and plan our next stop.

From Brew Dog we found ourselves across the river outside the Bristol Aquarium! Such a strange place for an Aquarium to be, right in the middle of a bunch of restaurants. There was lawns chairs all lined up with a projection of the Wimbledon match showing. I spotted what we think was the Imax theatre, it reminded me of the bean in Chicago. So naturally we took a selfie reflected in it!

The product of this picture that Sam was taking has actually become my profile picture for a few social platforms! I had an amazing day in Bristol, I hope next time we go we can spend a few days there!

// I am going to kick my butt into gear to get the rest of the July camera photos done and up on the blog before the end of September, I do not like being this behind on something.

Packlove

If you didn't know I am obsessed with French Bulldogs, particularly mine - Eggs Benedict. Back in April I was chosen to be the French Bulldog Newsletter curator at Pack.

Pack is full of every dog breed imaginable, and even a few unimaginable ones I have never heard of! Canaan Dog any one? How cute!! Each dog gets his or her own page to customise and showcase how amazing your pup is!

There are tons of new features popping up all the time, the Pack community is constantly changing and improving taking our suggestions by providing a great place to love dogs! Pack is currently still in beta, so if you want to be apart of this amazing community let me know, I can provide you with an invite code!

//Pictures by Sam.

Handsome French!

I have been a reader of Jules from Canines & Couture for the past few months. I don't actually remember how I found her wonderful Bulldog infused fashion lifestyle blog, but I did and I love it! Her 'Smoosh' as he is often referred as, Ru is so handsome and full of the English Bulldog glare! He always looks so proud to be modelling the latest trends right next to his favourite person, his Mama.

I love supporting bloggers and collaborations, and am notorious for entering contests usually ones that are usually based in the USA and state USA only. So when I saw that Canines & Couture was hosting an amazing giveaway  (internationally) with Little Blue Feathers to win a bow tie I was sold! I love an excuse to dress Eggs up!!

Thank you  to Jules & Ru for brining such a great company to my attention and for your bulldog loving blog! I can't wait for Eggy to showcase his handsome Little Blue Feathers bow tie at my University Graduation! PS. How cute is the Little Blue Feather! ;) such a great touch to an amazing well made product!

I chose a simple blue honey comb pattern, in size regular. I am in love with it! The bow tie is perfect size for my large (dinasour) Frenchie boy. 

It is so well made and can be attached with the elastic loops on to any of his collars. Although now I am on the hunt for a collar that wont clash like his red, or the leather brown one.

//Photos by Sam

DISPOSABLE CAMERA PT2

The final photos that turned out from the disposable camera from our easter break in Exmoor. It took me a good month of two to use up the remaining shots on the camera, and I kept forgetting to take it out with me. Over a few nice weekend's out walking Eggs and greeting this years cows I used up my first disposable camera.

This also gave me an idea to start a year long project for my 24th year! I am going to have a disposable camera for each month, for the next 12 months! I am no photographer, and I hope that over the next 12 months I will be able to be more comfortable shooting things I enjoy during my days.

It will also give me something to post on my this very very neglected blog.

In addition to this project, I picked up a Canon sure shot supreme film camera from an antique shop we explored while while Giulia and Sandy were visiting last weekend. So I will also have photos from that camera every once in a while! 

I promise not every picture will be of Eggs, he has his own blog for that!

// Since today is my birthday, Sam is took me to Bristol for the day to explore, eat and drink our way around the city! This makes a perfect start to my new project, stay tuned ;)) 

DISPOSABLE CAMERA PT 1 (Exmoor)

I am very excited to finally be posting some of the shots I got from the disposable camera I picked up in Exmoor back at Easter.

It was cold and very windy for most of the week, but we managed to get out each day and explore somewhere new. It was still great to explore places we didn't get to on our weekend trip their last year.

I really love visiting new places, especially since in the 6 years I have lived in the UK I have only really been to London, and the surrounding areas where I have lived. Sam and I have a few more places on our list of UK destinations we plan on visiting, the next being Bristol for my birthday on the 28th of June.

Thing I have learned from this roll (camera), whatever it's called.
// Make sure fingers, sleeves etc are not going to get in the way
// Take time to ensure the composition is straight
// Crouch down if it will help get a better shot
// Slow down