craigfamilyblog

[craigfamilyblog]

I’m home, so let the holiday spam commence! *Travelling to Paris review* Since having the kids we’ve been to @disneylandparis by car/Ferry, car/ Eurotunnel, Aeroplane, and Eurostar. My favourite way to travel is the @eurotunnel 🏆 I can’t help but be disappointed at the length of time it took the @eurostar to get everyone through customs. All the families with buggies and kids have to manoeuvre themselves safety off, whilst the singletons run to the front of the queue. We queued and queued. For the first part right next to the track, which I wasn’t happy about. Crying kids everywhere and even children being sick. Our @easyjet flight was fairly simple, but delayed and the buggy wasn’t given back to us at the end of the flight, so we had to deal with cases, passport control and a free and fed up 2 year old. The @pandocruises ferry is a cheaper way to travel, but I felt really sick on board. It’s also slower, and if you’re the kind of person who likes a stretch then it’s not a bad option. @eurotunnel wins my top stop for ease with kids and general quickness. The passport controls at both sides are swift. The travel across is quick and the roads are fairly easy to drive (I have a Vlog I posted in the summer). The car can be packed the the rafters with stuff, including toys and snacks. And I personally like the comfort of the kids being fastened into the car seats 🤣 (at Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel) https://www.instagram.com/p/Clfx5cnAvfh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Can you spot Emmy? 🙈 AD A few weeks ago I showed you guys our fabulous 3 in 1 playpen from @dreambabysafety. We have used it in the room divider set up, and it is fixed to the wall. The gate can be placed anywhere, but we went for the middle for ease. It means she can play safely in the playroom, and I can clear up after dinner. #homerenovation #homeinspo #openplanliving #babysafety #babyproducts #babyproofing #mumlifeuk #cutebaby #toddler #toddlerlife #toddlerproducts #toddlermum #thatmamaclubig #ipcposts #creativegalgang #mummybloggeruk #mrshinch #playroom #parentingblogger #diningroom #familyhome #ourhome (at Saint Albans) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcD2DgBrq7R/?utm_medium=tumblr

[craigfamilyblog]

Christmas at @paradisewildlifepark 🎅🏻 We met Santa and his helpful elves. The experience is included in your entry ticket or annual pass. Just turn up and queue. The staff will happily take photos on your phone. They also took a cracking one on their camera, which we bought! The kids all got a small gift, badge and some jelly beans. Very happy! Some of the local Santa experiences are pretty expensive, so with this including your entry to the wildlife park, dinosaurs, playgrounds and soft play… is good value for money! AD PR Trip (at Paradise Wildlife Park) https://www.instagram.com/craigfamilyblog/p/CXHJLgaA-lv/?utm_medium=tumblr

[craigfamilyblog]

I shared these on my story the other day, but I wanted to share @pearls.portions on my grid too. This is a #hertfordshire based small business, who have created frozen baby food portions. Simply grab as many as you want, pop in the microwave and done! Emilia’s favourites are the carrot and sweet potato muffins. Perfect for those moments they catch you out. Freezer, 20 seconds in the microwave, and happy girlie. #gifted #supportinglocalbusiness @hertfordshiremums #weaning#weaningbaby#weaningjourney#weaningideas#weaningrecipes#babyledweaning#blw#mumhacks#hertfordshiremums#stalbansmums#hertfordshirebusiness#xparentfuntimes#parentinghacks#parentingblogger (at Saint Albans) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRExafKgHmP/?utm_medium=tumblr

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I’ve only gone and put up my second YouTube vlog of the week 🤣 This was out Brighton visit, including @sealifebrighton and @ba_i360. Now my sister (10 years younger than me) is a busy working nurse I’ve taught myself to edit (ish) and upload them. For an oldie like me I’m well chuffed with myself 🙊 Almost a proper YouTube.. minus the subscribers 🙈 #babysteps Check it out 👇🏻 https://youtu.be/VXXv8ioYsO0 #brighton#brightonbeach#i360#sealife#aquarium#mumof3#mumofthree#parentbloggers#parentvloggers#youtuber#subscribenow#familytime#familiezadventures#familyholiday#staycationuk#visitbrighton (at Brighton) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ6pJZdgD5-/?utm_medium=tumblr

[craigfamilyblog]

Over the past couple of months these two have matured so much! They come out with the funniest things, and are a pleasure to be in the company of. They have been getting crazy tired though. I pick them up from nursery and they are shattered. On Saturday we had a full pyjama day. Sofa, indulgent foods, films, tablets, blankets, and takeaway. They really needed it! They only dropped the daytime nap when Emilia was born, so the adjustment has been HARD! On Sunday I took the kiddos to @heartwoodforest. I always say it’s my happy place. It’s close to our home, overlooks the church that we got married in, and the space, air, views just does wonders for my mental health. The Magical Meander (which is sponsored by @shopdisneyuk) is the boys favourite. Lots of animal wood carvings. The boys can safely run around, shouting out the next one with excitement and of course demanding a snap. Do you have a favourite @woodlandtrust or @nationaltrust site? (at Heartwood Forest) https://www.instagram.com/p/COyBuEFAN4w/?igshid=1j1fz3calc0zc

[craigfamilyblog]

My 🌎 How much better does lockdown feel when the sun is shining? We had some fun playing on the green at the back of our houses yesterday. I can’t wait for the full spring/ summer to arrive. We’re in the process of getting quotes for astroturfing the rear garden. I don’t have any idea how much it’ll be, but I’m hoping we can afford it. It means the kids can play outside all year round. The paddling pool won’t do any harm in the summer etc. On another note, I cannot wait to rid this bloody lockdown hair! I was booked in on the Sunday that the South East of England went into early lockdown 😭 #justmyluck 6 weeks to go! (at Saint Albans) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL1DUWLAtWC/?igshid=5cesqd7ly36c

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The reality of taking photos once they can move... and roll! Today I had to be up for 7am as DFS replaced the sofa cushions. For anyone that follows my stories you’ll know the drama. Touch wood, they look okay now! 🤞🏻 Can you believe it’s Friday tomorrow? I don’t know where the days go at the moment! Outfit @elsieavaboutique #adgifted Play mats @gusandbeau_ Activity gym @thelittlegreensheep #gifted #babiesofinstagram #babyoutfits #playroom #babyootd (at Saint Albans) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLuhrLWA_lN/?igshid=1pw87ui3k938x

[craigfamilyblog]

Instagram is for showing all the best bits, right? I find that when you’re feeling a little low, those glossy “perfect” lives make me feel worse. I always aim to show the good, the bad and the ugly. Emilia is a shocking sleeper. She was good as gold for the first 2 months, then it all went down hill FAST! I’m exhausted and short tempered. Every night I go to bed with a list of jobs that I’ll smash the following day, but I never seem to clear them. My heads just foggy all the time. I’m on a course right now for anxiety, and they talk about self-care frequently. This doesn’t have to be face masks, and pedicures. This can be just taking 30 mins to read a book in peace. Things for you. They talk about the plane thing of putting on your oxygen mask first, and then your child. I’m struggling to take that advise. Cooking, cleaning, breastfeeding, working, and a husband working shifts, when’s that even possible? 😴 #mummybloggeruk #honestmotherhood #mumbloggeruk (at Saint Albans) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLr6b0TAfGI/?igshid=1pyd18qld44dn

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How lucky am I? 🥰 This year we attempted vlogmas for the second time. Last time was 2017. For anyone who doesn’t know what it is. It’s a YouTube thing. You film a vlog (video blog) of your day, everyday of December and upload. This year we did it! I couldn’t have managed it without my fabulous sister @hannahegodfrey. Missed them? There’s a link to our YouTube channel in my Instagram bio 🎥 I’ve loved filming them, so we can watch them back in years to come. I think I’ll try and film bits tomorrow too, but won’t upload right tomorrow. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight! 🌙 #christmaseve #babiesfirstchristmas #vlogmas #vlogmas2020 (at Saint Albans) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJMvNqwAolW/?igshid=kint3czrmgrx

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AD | @thermapen has helped transform me from an anxious cook to a ninja when it comes to barbecuing dinner! Now I’m officially #bbqbrave (apparently so is Harrison😂). You can feel like a BBQ expert too, armed with the right tools and knowledge. @thermapen is available on @Amazon or direct from @thermapen themselves. (at Saint Albans) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz8i7etAaGC/?igshid=k78tpbd1lrir

[craigfamilyblog]

I was kindly invited to join the #beldraymums squad. I’m sure I’m not alone when it comes to toddlers causing continuous mess, including LOTS of washing. We’ve currently got the added potty training joy at the moment, so I have mountains of washing everywhere. My husband laughs at me when I say it, but it can be really stressful keeping up with it all. Especially getting it all dry. I honestly couldn’t cope without a good airer. I was kindly #gifted this one from @beldrayathome and I LOVE it. It holds a huge load and has handy hooks For hangers etc. If you’re interested in buying one.. I’ll drop a swipe up link on my stories! I now need to buy one of their awesome collapsible laundry basket 🧺 #ad (at Saint Albans) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz5oKfzAamT/?igshid=1j7hldnvkzrs6

[craigfamilyblog]

We had a lovely afternoon at @carterssteamfair 🎠 I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but it was fantastic and ideal for the boys. They could ride most things. Ollie was a little delicate, but Harry has no fear and happily rode everything. It had a great vibe too, with tunes from the 50’s and 60’s playing throughout. They are still in Boxmoor tomorrow, so if you’re local defo head over there and check them out 😊 #gifted #giftedtrip (at Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz3dQkCguRr/?igshid=crsw47e2kqrf

[craigfamilyblog]

Check out our new #youtube video! #familyblog #familyvlog #daysoutwithkids #daysoutwithtoddlers #daysoutwithkids #knebworthhouse #hertfordshire

[craigfamilyblog]

We had a lovely surprise in the mail from @zimplikids 🦖 such a fantastic set, including inflatable and dinosaurs. Having the little pool is perfect for garden use #gifted (at Saint Albans) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzqkH40Amx4/?igshid=1ol5msfshsb3d

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Splash Park 💧 Yesterday we had another lovely day at Cassiobury Paddling Pools. The boys wore their new @minik.uk water shoes. They were brilliant. After some nasty slips around the pool on holiday I was super keen to find something to prevent it happening again #gifted (at Cassiobury Park Paddling Pools) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzi0iDogrDl/?igshid=1cri7z5efvkil

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#AD | Newsflash! Gavin has actually allowed me to cook in his domain. Yes, on the BBQ! To be honest, I’m usually pretty nervous when it comes to cooking meat that can give you food poisoning if not cooked correctly, so in the past I’ve done that very British thing and finished in off in the oven. Now I’m feeling much more #bbqbrave with our new @thermapen in hand. Each meat has a safe temperature, so as long as it shows that then I’m safe. My food is still juicy and not overcooked. Get yours from the @thermapen website or on @amazon ⭐️ What do you like cooking on the BBQ? (at Saint Albans) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzgOfXqARKL/?igshid=qnqljlv2sipr