Me and Mine | February 2017

28.2.17


How is February over already? It honestly feels like yesterday I was writing up my post for January! I suppose with February being a shorter month, and the fun of half term the days really did just whizz by. I decided we'd get this month's Me and Mine photos at the weekend not even thinking about the date.. so it's lucky I did really!

I adore this month's captures though. If you've been a reader for a while, you may even recognise the spot they were taken in. Last February we headed to this exact spot in Knole Park, with a 2 year old Indiana and a 6 month old Parker.

When they popped up on my Timehop I knew we had to go back this year. And it was honestly the easiest photo taking ever - we set up the tripod, the kids sat and 'cheeeeeesed' at the camera, and we were done in 3 minutes. This spot must be magic!



This month although still full of miserable weather, has been really good for our little family. After dwelling for ages over moving house or not, we finally started looking... and we now have a house! After living in our flat for three years, you cannot being to believe how excited I am for more space, our own garden.. even somewhere to hang our washing! 

We ended the month buying a new car too (it's also been an expensive month, eek!). Our little Seat Ibiza has served us well, but now the littles are older and want to take scooters everywhere, as well as the pushchair, we needed something bigger. It may also have room for three car seats too...


February has been lovely and very, very kind to us. My two have grown up so much and we've got some very exciting things happening now. Here's hoping March is just as exciting!

JoJo Maman Bebe, The New Tunbridge Wells Store + £50 Voucher Giveaway! {CLOSED}

22.2.17


Parker and I had a very exciting morning yesterday. We hopped on the bus into town, to visit the newly relocated JoJo Maman Bebe store! The Tunbridge Wells store has moved from it's previous location inside the Royal Victoria shopping centre, to it's new location on Mount Pleasant (on the way to the station) between Wagamama and Carluccio's.

Since opening their first store in 2002, JoJo Maman Bebe has quickly become the leading boutique mother and baby brand in the UK. They are a brand I have lusted over since I fell pregnant with my first child, and somewhere I love to shop for both of my little ones (and would be for me too if I was expecting). So I was very excited to check out the new store.


Spread over three floors of a beautiful Georgian building, the new store has SO much to offer. The ground floor is home to all of the items you would have found in the original store. Baby and children's clothing, toys, and accessories.

There is plenty of floor space so you can browse with ease, as well as there being room for multiple pushchairs - a must in a baby store. They have a lovely little table and chairs, as well as crayons and paper, so older children can sit and colour while you shop. Parker absolutely loved this as it meant he was entertained and I could look around - win win really!






Access to the upper floors is either via the stairs or lift, both located at the back of the store. The spacious first floor is where you'll want to head if you're expecting. It's a rare luxury for JoJo stores to have this amount of space, so it's amazing that the Tunbridge Wells store has room to offer the full maternity collection.

No need to worry about safety while on this floor though, JoJo have your back. The top of the stairs has a safety gate! How brilliant is that? There are also two large changing rooms and plenty of mirrors. It really is a perfect place to shop.





On the second floor you will find a dedicated feeding area, with comfy chairs and water on offer. However you don't need to worry about heading up there to feed if you don't want to. There is plenty of seating available throughout the store. You will also find toilets and a baby change on this floor.

The Tunbridge Wells store really does have such a lovely feel to it. The staff are friendly and very helpful, it's lovely and bright and all the products on offer are simply beautiful! The dedicated team also offer extra one-to-one advice if you need an extra hand - just simply call to book a visit. This may be a good idea if you wish to have a bra fitting (although not essential).




If you're local to Tunbridge Wells and a mama or mama-to-be, I would 100% recommend a visit to JoJo Maman Bebe. The store is open 9.30am - 5.30pm Monday - Saturday, and 10.30am - 4.30pm on a Sunday. Just don't blame me if you come out with lighter pockets (it'll be hard to resist though!). 

And if you need any more persuading, I'm thrilled to be offering my readers a chance to win a £50 voucher to spend in-store or online! Just enter below (terms and conditions apply).


Disclosure - We received a voucher in exchange for this post. However all opinions are honest and my own

The Siblings Project | February 2017

15.2.17


This month hasn't been great for getting photos. Between the rubbish weather, Parker's teething and Indie being at preschool most of the week, there's been hardly any chances to get these two together! These photos were quickly snapped on my phone, during our visit to Pooh Corner at Ashdown Forest.

I love all the mismatched colours and their happy little faces in these photos though. February has been grey and miserable, so I love that their clothes add that well needed pop of colour. They really show just how similar my little pair are in size now too. Parker has always been a tall boy, and Indie a short little thing - so now they're practically the same height!



This month has seen Parker turn 18 months old, we had a lovely day out at Scotney Castle, and even more snow! Our weekends are full of ballet, swimming, running around getting things done and then trying to squeeze in something fun for the little ones.

Most of the time they play so wonderfully now - unless it's a toy Indie has particularly grown attached to.. then Parker is in trouble if he goes near! If either is upset the other will comfort them which is so lovely to watch. And the second they see each other after a long time (mornings, after preschool, etc) they give each other the biiiiiigest cuddles and kisses.

They really are little peas in a pod these days. Having a small age gap is tough, I won't lie. But I feel like we're really feeling the benefits of it now.

The Me and Mine Project

A Winter's Walk at Scotney Castle | Days Out with The National Trust

12.2.17


I've been meaning to write this post up for weeks now! We had the loveliest winter's walk at Scotney Castle with Harriet and her family back in January. The girls running along hand in hand and Parker exploring to his hearts content.

Scotney features a 14th century moated castle, country house and a romantic garden all inside a beautiful wooded estate. With over 770 acres of woodland and parkland to explore there's plenty to keep the whole family busy!

It was rather wet and frosty on the morning of our visit, but we didn't let that stop us. We headed for the castle first - I say we, but the girls actually decided on our route as they ran straight off down the hill together first!





Although partly ruins now, the old castle is still such a beautiful spot to explore. Of course it's lovelier to visit in the warmer months, with the gardens in bloom and brighter skies. But there was something about it in the frost.

It was a little bit magical!

We stopped to watch as the ducks found their way across the ice, before diving into the icy water. Hunted for the children's adventure play which was unfortunately closed (it looks fab though and should hopefully be open soon!). And then made our way back up to the top of the hill to the house. 




We decided not to go inside the house as it was getting quite late, and we were all hungry by this point. We did stop to take some group shots though which actually turned out pretty well, considering Jack popped the camera on self timer on top of his camera bag (ignore the grumpy Indie though).

We ate in the tea room, which although small was nice. Food for us adults was on the pricier side, but we expect this at NT properties and it was tasty. The kid's lunch boxes were reasonably priced though, and they had a good selection of food for the little ones.



The Scotney estate is open all year, offering a variety of walks through their parkland, woodland and Hop farm. It's good to note though that the only toilets are next to the tea room and car park - so if you do venture down to the old castle keep this in mind!

What's in my Changing Bag? Pacapod Richmond Review

9.2.17

An absolute staple for any parent has to be the changing bag. Gone are the days of having a tiny handbag, or going out with just a purse.. babies need a lot of bits and pieces. Nappies, wipes, spare clothes, toys, snacks... I could go on and on!

It's a bag that stays with you for a long time. Therefore it's a good idea to invest in one that's not only practical, but one that you love to look at. The Pacapod Richmond ticks both of those boxes.



The Pacapod is a baby changing bag, cool bag and nappy bag all in one - styled as a fashionable tote bag. Hidden behind the zipped section of the bag you'll find the namesake of the design; the pods. One for feeding and one for changing. This makes organising the bag soo much easier, as well as making finding the items you need when out and about easier too.

The Richmond is durable - it's made of coated cotton canvas fabric (making it wipe clean) and has thick straps making it comfortable to hold. I did find the bag is a little heavy when filled, but this is easily solved by using the provided pram attachment straps.

How much can it hold? I've filmed a little 'what's in my changing bag' vlog so you can really see it in action. You can watch this here:



We've loved using the Pacapod Richmond. The design of the bag is one of the best I've seen (and I've had a lot of changing bags over the years!). This Dove Grey colours is gorgeous, however is also available in a selection of other colours.

Who knows... maybe we'll be using it with another newborn in the future?

Disclosure - We received this changing bag in exchange for our honest review.

Parker's 18 Month Update

5.2.17

18 months... wow! It only feels like yesterday we were celebrating his first birthday, and now we're well into the madness of toddlerhood. This month has passed a lot slower than the rest. Recovering from Christmas, and settling into our new routine - one that has bought quite a few changes for Parker.


Now Indie's at preschool three days a week, I get to spend a lot more quality time with our beautiful boy. Being a younger brother and having a small age gap, he's never really had that one-on-one time before. 

He was quite unsure at first. He couldn't understand where Indie had gone and still didn't feel safe to play with her toys. He clung to me pretty much all day... either relishing in having mummy all to himself, or because he wasn't happy being all alone.

It's been a few weeks now and we've finally got into our groove. He waves Indie off at preschool (after charming all the ladies with his cheeky grins), and happily runs home to play. We get out as many toys as possible, watch endless Peppa and he loves to sit at Indie's table instead of in his highchair for lunch.



It's so lovely for the both of us, especially now he's starting to properly play a little more. He loves to stack cups, build towers and push his cars along. He still adores books and will bring you them throughout the day for you to read. Peppa, Teletubbies and Ben and Holly are his current favourite shows to watch too.

His understanding and knowledge is still expanding daily. The biggest development being in regards to nappies - he's now telling us when he's pooping, and runs to get a nappy to change him. There are no plans for potty training anytime soon, but it's a definite step in the right direction!



Unfortunately this month has been overshadowed by sickness and teething. We've popped some canines, had a viral infection and now his very first snotty cold. It's been a tough month of tantrums, food refusal and no sleep. Despite that though, I've loved spending every day with my little bean.

He's completely full of it. Always doing naughty things to make us laugh - stealing Indie's toys and running away giggling for example. Running up to you for snuggles and kisses. Dancing away anytime music plays (his favourite is the Sex and the City theme tune...). He wins absolutely everyone over whenever they meet him, and I can completely understand why.


It's been such a wonderful 18 months with our beautiful boy. He may be a pain in my bum a lot of the time and we're still having sleep problems, but I wouldn't change him one bit.

My cheeky little Parker boy.