Despite my negativity this week (two negative-ish posts) I do see a glimse of positivity coming out. I have lots of things I need to get off my chest, out of my head and sorted out and then hopefully I will be happy and cherpy again and this place won't be so dull.
Bear with me at the moment please?

Anyway, Thursday night I was on Twitter, I'd posted my Truman Show post and a couple of people messaged me about it. One of those shared some very wise words. I love quotes at the moment, if you follow me on Pinterest you may notice that they are the main things I post.
I tend to head straight to Pinterest if I'm feeling a bit down and rubbish and I find quotes which will help me and which reflect my mood.

This quote is perfect, and is something I am going to reassure myself with everyday.
Thank you lovely person for understanding and making me smile.

Do you ever feel like you are in your own Truman Show?
Like everyone around you is an actor, trying to make you crack. Driving you mad and just trying to make life hard for you.

Part of me really hopes that this is what is going on in my life. That I am just part of this tv show, because surely so many people can't treat one person the way I am treated?
I know other people have a hard time in life. Harder than mine.
But I constantly feel that once I get comfortable with people, in touching distance of a real friendship, having that feeling  of trust, of WOW this is what friendship is really like, something gets in the way and BOOM, that friendship is over.

I have been so incredibly unlucky when it comes to friends in the past. I open up a lot. I'm not needy. In fact I'm a bloody good friend.
I let people vent to me when they need to, despite whatever else is going on in my life.
I let them share the negative points in their life, and accept it when they don't want to share the positives too.
I'm there when they want to vent about other people. Be incredibly two faced and bitchy, and I watch when they then suck up to the person they've just been moaning to me about.
And I say nothing.
I accept it.
Because I'm a good friend.

I try to protect people, but then I'm the bad one. 
I don't want people to be hurt, I don't want them to look stupid.
But then I end up being the one hurt. And the one who looks stupid.

But then it comes to the point where I don't want to be like that anymore.
I need more than that and I deserve more than that.

I deserve a real friendship.
For people to want to be friends with me. And not just use me for their convenience.
To not put all of this heaviness on my shoulders and in my head.
To give me the respect and kindness I deserve.
At least I think I deserve it?

I feel the the whole world is watching me. Laughing.
Ready to attack me.
But I haven't done anything wrong.
I'm always the nice one.
Yet I'm the one left to one side.
Left out in the cold.
Pushed out.

Whilst I watch on. Despite knowing what's been said behind closed doors.
And it's then that my head clouds up. Gets heavy. Gets confused.
Has it all been a test? The whole time?
What do people really want from me?

Is everyone in on it?
Is anyone genuine?

Does anyone actually like me?

Will I ever experience a promise which is kept?
Will I ever experience a true feeling of trust, and of someone actually caring about me?

Will this tv show ever end?

Now we are in the midst of the Summer months being out and about with your little one will be a regular occurrence. For those of you breastfeeding mummies I   have a few top tips from Medela’s in house lactation expert Sioned Hilton who has been working with breastfeeding mothers for more than 20 years...

The Hartmann Human Lactation Research Group at the University of Western Australia (UWA) has become globally recognised for conducting ground-breaking breastfeeding and breastmilk research. A few years ago the team of scientists discovered the presence of stem cells in breastmilk, thus bringing to light the remarkable developmental potential for the breastfed infant. Their most recent investigations have further confirmed the unsurpassed benefits of mothers own milk.

A new proteomics study from UWA identified a staggering 415 individual proteins present in breastmilk, over half of which had not previously been found in human milk. Each and every one with a purpose and each one created by humans for humans! In stark contrast the proteins in formula are designed by cows for calves (or soy/plant based), so not species specific, and they will have been processed in such a way that there will be limited functionality. This new discovery unarguably provides further evidence to support the breast is best campaign.

The research, which was part funded by an unrestricted grant from leading breastfeeding brand Medela AG (Switzerland) aimed to investigate in far more detail the intricacies and potency of breastmilk. Although there is a good understanding of the high abundance proteins present in breastmilk, the team felt passionate about conducting more research to provide a greater insight of the remarkable composition of breastmilk. These findings certainly provide a clearer understanding about the significant role breastmilk has in infant growth and development.

Commenting on the latest discovery about the diverse and extraordinary nature of breastmilk, Sioned Hilton, Education and Lactation Manager said: “Having worked with breastfeeding mums for more than 20 years I am truly passionate about supporting them to breastfeed. I am always inspired by new research and excited to think of what these findings tell us about the powerful nature of breastmilk.

She continued: “There are many known benefits of breastmilk. Not only is it tailor made for a baby’s individual and changing needs, it is free, always on tap, always sterile and always the right temperature. But, this new finding adds a new dimension to our understanding. Proteins have an important role in growth and development and are the building blocks of cells. Every baby should benefit from all 415 proteins available from their mother’s milk.”

If we go out somewhere special, or for a day out which means something to us as a family, I like to buy something for the boys.
We went to the Dinosaur Adventure Park a couple of months ago, and although it was just a normal visit it was special to my husband and me because he had been working a lot and we felt we wanted some time to connect with the boys. We also made the decision there to loosen up with the boys. We tend to be in a rush all the time, we stress over how people view us, we are really lazy when it comes to letting Harry out of the pushchair as it's easier to just cope with one boy running around everywhere so we left the pushchair in the car at the beginning and had a fabulous time.

This weekend the boys met me in London and we planned to go to the Natural History Museum on the Sunday. I'd already said I would buy them something as a thank you for meeting me and as a sort of guilty 'sorry for leaving you' present. I actually ended up buying them something from the Science Museum.
At the History Museum I went to the shop near the cafe and headed straight for the jewellery section I remembered from when we went last year. I fell in love with the beaded necklaces and just wanted to have another look.

Later on I decided to treat myself after how I'd felt (and was still feeling) the previous day and went back to the shop. The necklaces were all so pretty and only £8 but then I spotted some blue beads.
I read about what they were and then on the back it gave some information about the stones. Although the necklace was £20 I felt the meaning about the stones and what they are supposed to do completely fitted in with what I need at this moment, and represented the two days as a whole.

Every other Monday I am going to rename MEDELA MONDAY. Simply because I can.
Medela Monday will consist of introducing you to Medela products such as the Maxi Swing Pump which I posted 2 weeks ago, to the things Medela are up to, and so on.
This week is a little bit special.
It is National Breastfeeding Awareness Week...yay!
 To celebrate I have a Medela Breast Care Set and Calma to give away.




Medela are delighted to announce the launch of their Breast Care Set, a brand new collection of essential items in a pretty yellow case that provide ideal support for breastfeeding mothers.

Medela understand that new mums can be nervous about breastfeeding, and this is not helped by the fact that there are so many products out there. It can be overwhelming, but mums can be confident when packing their hospital bag that the Medela Breast Care Set they have everything they will need for those first few feeds. It’s also the perfect way for a new mum to try out a few products before deciding what she will need for her personal breastfeeding experience.

Medela really have thought of everything when it comes to their Care Set, each one contains a tube of PureLan nipple cream, fifteen disposable bra pads and two Hydrogel pads. Sore, chapped and leaky breasts will all be kept at bay with this neatly packed pretty bag.

Packaged in an attractive yellow bag, the Medela Breast Care Set can easily be packed into a hospital bag for the first feeds or popped into a changing bag a little later on. Even better once you’ve finished breastfeeding it makes a gorgeous makeup case or wash bag!

Commenting on the new Breast Care Set Managing Director; Paul Furlong said ‘We are delighted to offer mums even more support during breastfeeding with our new Breast Care Set. We want mums to have everything they need at their fingertips, and we hope it will make a real difference to those first few feeds.’

For any mum breastfeeding or expecting to breastfeed the Breast Care Set is a must-have, and makes a lovely gift too!



All you have to do to win the Breast Care Set and Calma (150ml) is to complete the Rafflecopter form below.
The competition ends on June 30th at 12am.

You can also win other fantastic products which are included in the Breast Essentials List on the following blogs:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oh my goodness. What a weekend. It's now 6.30 on Saturday and it's all over. I'm sat at Premier Inn, in my room by myself to catch my breath whilst the boys are downstairs with my husband and mother in law.
I have had an amazing weekend and have fallen in love with so many people.

At 3.10 (*edit, I previously got the time wrong) though I hit a wall. I was sat by myself charging my phone and all of a sudden I felt like I lost my voice, I lost my confidence, and I didn't know what to do. I felt really alone.
I think I was overwhelmed by everything. Overwhelmed by how amazing the people I met are. How funny they were/are, how nice they were/are.
And all of a sudden I thought what on earth am I doing here. Why am I with these amazing people. I felt as though I was forcing myself upon people.
See I find myself completely annoying and I felt I had subjected people to enough of me and that they should at least enjoy the last 3 hours without me tagging along.
I felt not good enough to be part of the community.

I had high expectations of people and those people met those expectations, and exceeded them. I felt a bit like I was in a dream world I guess. I was sat with 3 of my favourite people at the Bibs and I just couldn't believe it.
Friday night was one of the best nights I have had for a long long time. If you'd have told me I'd be sitting in McDonalds instead of Jamie Olivers Restaurant BY CHOICE and having a really good laugh at 10.30 I wouldn't believe you. But it was amazing.
And I think part of me just felt alone because I'm not going to see these people again/for a long time. And for the first time I felt like the internet isn't enough. I want, *need* these people in my life.
I then doubted myself and their friendship. I often think people are nice to me out of pity or because they feel they should be.
It's because of my anxieties, my insecurities and also because of how I've been treated in the past, and still am treated by people I have met since being an adult/parent. Which is sad.

At 3.50 I went outside and phoned my mum. Crying. Explaining how I was feeling.
I then went to the toilets to compose myself but rather than that happening I broke down big time. Sobbing into my scarf. And I couldn't stop.
It was like my confident switch had been turned off. Like the spark which had returned the previous day had gone out and all that remained was a paranoid and lonely feeling.
I felt scared. I all of a sudden felt as though I knew nobody. And nobody knew me.
I felt alone, scared, over-exposed and extremely anxious.
No one knew I was hiding in there. No one. When people are enjoying themselves how can I turn round and say "help me. I need a friend". It would be completely selfish.
I didn't want anyone to have the responsibility of sorting this messed up girl out and missing out on the keynote speeches which sound like they were amazing.
I'm not sure there is anything anyone could have said or done to make me better.
The worst thing was, I was hiding during the coffee break, and of course the toilets were busy. I had to wait for the keynote speeches to start until the toilet was empty and I ran out.
I went to the Montcalm to grab my bag, I was so flustered that I couldn't find my ticket and the tears started again. The poor concierge didn't quite know what to do.

And then I had to make my way to Old Street to find my hotel.
That has to be up there in the top 5 scariest things I've ever done.
I couldn't get Google to work so my husband had to text me directions.
Turn left, walk to the end of Chiswell Street, turn right onto whatever road then left onto Old Street.
Google had told him wrong and then I'm lost. His phone battery had gone. And then mine did.
So I carried on walking.
In desperation I went into a Superdrug and asked for directions.
"Carry on to the roundabout, cross over then keep going straight".
So I did that. And then...I'm somewhere called Vince Street (or something like that) and I'm officially lost, with no phone battery.
My mind when into overdrive. Everyone I saw was going to murder me or mug me.
I was scared.

I chose to keep walking along whatever this road was called and then...saw my husband. Who was searching for me and thankfully had made a wrong turn from the hotel and ended up on this wrong street too.
He took me to the boys who gave me the best greeting ever and we headed to the bar for a much needed wine.
I decided to pop back to the room as I kept crying and just needed to let it all out.
I don't need to talk about the next bit.

I did have a positive experience of Britmums and I want to go again next year, whether or not I will has a question mark over it at the moment.

I met some amazing people who made me feel good about myself, until I hit this major self-doubt wall and now I just feel confused. I hate this part of me. This whatever-it-is that takes over my head and makes me question everything.
I will be writing about my positive experience, and about those who made my weekend great, but to get to that point I need to filter this bit out of my head first.

I've had an awful couple of weeks which have almost seen me delete my blog, delete Twitter and remove myself totally from the community.
It was therefore a massive thing to still go to Britmums despite feeling like that, and I'm gutted that Ms Crazy (me) had to turn up on Saturday afternoon and almost ruin it for me.

I was going to put a disclaimer about this not being attention seeking but I'm fed up with feeling like I need to do that.
I somehow managed to neglect my blog of any of my anxiety and I hate myself for that. This is supposed to be my space to write about it, not to seek attention but to unload my mind.
I've been hovering over the publish button for over 24 hours now. But I need to see if unloading this part of my weekend will make the happier times clearer so I can write about those, and not feel so confused and paranoid.

Today! Today! BritMums Live is today!
Smiley face. Excited face. Anxious face. Eeeeek!

Last year I remember not being at all interested in the BritMums conference. I wasn't jealous of people going but I did feel a slight twang of "hmmm it would be nice to meet people I've been talking to for a while" but it wasn't enough to make me want to go.
When tickets for 2013 went on sale I didn't even consider buying any, and when asked if I was going I was truthful and said no because it wasn't my thing. I didn't want to go to a conference full of bloggers. I didn't want to be told what I should be doing, or what I am doing wrong, because starting my blog was just supposed to be about me. I didn't know about this massive community. A community which keeps growing and growing and one that I'm still amazed at the new blogs I find, and fall in love with, every week.

Then came January and the Early Bird offer was coming to an end, and I felt this need to go. At that time I had no money, and I couldn't ask my husband. Well, I could have done but I didn't want to. I had asked if that if I was able to find the money or get a ticket would he be ok with the boys. He said yes and with a very kind friend offering to pay for my ticket with the idea that I would pay her back or sell the ticket if I wasn't able to go I was all of a sudden filling out my details on EventBrite and then.....
I was going to BritMums Live!

I was then on the hunt for a sponsor and had a company in mind although thought they must already be sponsoring someone so didn't approach them. And then one day, it happened. I was in talks with a lovely lady at one of the best PR companies I've worked with and I was representing my dream sponsor. Medela UK.
And everything was perfect.

I've had wobbles up to this point. As many people have had. But I am looking forward to it.
I'm excited about meeting some people I really look up to, admire and just really really like.

It's an odd feeling really because I've followed these people for 2 years and know a lot about them, almost feel like I know them, and although I want to meet them, part of me doesn't want to because I'm scared of it not being the same in real life.
I'll be honest, there are some people I have really high expectations of, which may be slightly unfair but it should be seen as a compliment. I imagine I will end up crying at a lot of people, which may be quite awkward. I'll either cry, giggle or make jokes.

I'm dreading saying goodbye to the boys. I know it's only around 33 hours that I'll be away from them but that's the longest time I've been away from either of them. I've only been away from Charles once overnight and that was when I was in labour with Harry. So it will be an experience for us all.
I know the time away will be good for me. Time for me to have some space and to be me. I'm hoping to keep myself busy enough to be distracted from thinking about them the whole time. And simply cannot wait to see them when they meet me at the venue on Saturday.

So as this publishes I should hopefully be in the car on my way to the train station.
See you in London!

So tomorrow is the day.  
The day a lot of us have been looking forward to, have been anxious about, have been planning, for months.

I've had various wobbles about meeting people, what people will think of me, whether or not people will like me, whether or not I will like the people I've followed and grown to really like for 2 years, and of course, my outfit and appearance in general.
I've seen lots of comments from people saying we shouldn't worry about what we wear because no one will notice or no one will care. And whilst I would like to believe that, I think it's a "female thing" to look at how other women are dressed.  We may not realise we're doing it but do judge someone on what they wear.
For example, Twitter on Saturday nights at the moment, at a particular time, will have a few tweets about Holly Willoughby.
"She looks amazing" "Holly looks hot" but then there's the other side "Holly shouldn't be wearing that" "That dress is too short" "Her hips are too wide" and so on.
We talk about Dawn French's weight. She's put some on, she's lost some, she's put some one, she's lost some.
We talk about how much botox people have had, their enhanced lips or chests. It's just something we do.
I think if we recognise that someone looks amazing then we also recognise if someone doesn't look so amazing.

I know if I arrived in a dress one size too small people would notice, and they would comment between themselves or think it at least.
I have major body issues at the moment. I have no one and nothing to blame for it other than myself and an addiction to food, using food as comfort at the moment and a lack of exercise. Therefore I am not at my best. That's not me being negative, that's me recognising who I am right now.
So choosing my outfit for Britmums has been a big thing. I wanted to choose something I feel comfortable in and that I look nice in. Something which fits and flatters my figure in any way it can.
I have chosen a couple of maxi dresses, along with a midi skirt and vest top for back up if I spill anything or if I don't feel comfortable enough for the colourful dress on Saturday.

Another reason I personally want to make an effort with what I wear, and to make sure I'm wearing something is because I want to make a good impression.
If I turned up wearing a tracksuit, with no make up on, and my hair up scruffy that I would have a completely different reaction from people than if I wore my maxi dress, had my hair styled nice and had done my make up.
Not only would I look better, but I would feel better.
And although my confidence isn't at an all time high at the moment, I am at least able to think "I feel nice, I think I look nice, so other people might do too".

Recently I've been using Pinterest as a coping mechanism when I've been feeling down and anxious, something I'm going to write about in a couple of weeks. And tonight I looked through my quotes folder to find which ones I think fit my frame of mind right now, and with the upcoming event. Also which quotes I need to digest and remember to help me through it.



These quotes are one's I found on Twitter but have applied to my own photos. Unless stated I am not aware of the author of the quote.

On Friday we went to the National Railway Museum to celebrate Charles' Fourth Birthday. We hadn't planned lunch, we were aware that the restaurant was being refurbished but that the cafe was open if we required food.
We stopped at the cafe for a coffee and although the food looked nice we wanted something a little more substantial, especially with a 4 hour drive home to come which would mean us getting around 10 o clock.
When we arrived at the museum we noticed a land train outside, which drives into the York every 30 minutes and costs just £2. So we boarded with no plan of where we would go when we got to the city, we'd just see what was there.
After a quick Google we realised Nando's in York was being refurbished but looking over the road we noticed an ASKItalian. We hadn't been to an ASKItalian before so we didn't know what to expect.
Firstly, the building was just...amazing. Breathtaking. It really was one of the most beautiful places I have ever eaten.
The boys loved it too, and I was surprised at how much Charles appreciated how beautiful the architecture was.
The boys were given pencils and colouring sheets, and were even told they could draw on the tables as they were wipable! In fact they were encouraged to do so!
We ordered juice for them, and diet coke for us and something I love which will impress me no matter where I eat is when they serve glass bottles of coke. And an added extra, the glasses are cold too! I was very impressed.
The boys were then served with bread, vegetables and dip. I think this was a standard part of the childrens menu. Starter, main, dessert and drink.
They both had a Mozerella and tomato pizza for their main which they both ate. Although for the first time we thought Harry was going to fall asleep in his highchair. He kept closing his eyes and then snapping out of it. How he didn't end up with his face in his pizza I don't know.
After umming and ahhing over pasta or pizza, pasta or pizza, pasta or pizza I went for the Prima Pizza Pepperoni E Zucchine (spicy pepperoni and smoked pancetta with spinach and shaved zucchine. Topped with tangy crème fraîche and grated ricotta salata) which was amazing, if not a little cold.
My husband went for the Pollo Piccante Con Pancetta (spicy chicken breast with mushrooms, pancetta, Fontal cheese and roasted red peppers on a tomato and mozzarella base) which again was really tasty.
I managed to convince my husband to let me order a side of Zucchine Fritte (lightly battered courguette sticks) which although my husband wasn't too keen on these I really enjoyed, and much preferred to normal chips.
Unfortunately we skipped dessert for two reasons:
1: We were full.
2: We didn't want to be back late to the museum to miss the talk we were all desperate to see.

It really was the perfect setting and a perfect lunch for a perfect boys birthday.

Last year Emma from A Matter of Choice shared a fantastic idea of interviewing your child on or around their birthday, and continuing to do this every year to see how different, or similar, the answers were.

Last year I chose to video our interview as I felt it was the best way to do it, and I've done the same this year too!
It didn't go as smoothly as planned. Charles was rather tired after two very late nights and was rather hyper.

If you want to join in I've listed the questions below.

20. What do you want to be when you grow up?  

Last year I started this linky, Charles, Aged 3...Loves. It's simple really. Take a photo of your child, then add words to the photo describing things they love. You can use a photo editing website such as picmonkey.com It's easy and free to use.
Last years linky expired and all of the posts linked up disappeared so if you want to re-add yours from last year let me know (although I've added the ones I could remember joining in) or simply add it to this post.

I'm sure I've missed a billion things off but here are some of the things that Charles, aged 4 loves...

1: Your eyelashes. Everyone comments on how amazing and long they are. Women tend to mention how jealous they are and how they wish they had lashes just like them, and I have to agree, I wish I did too.

2: The crush you have on your keyworker.
I think it would be true to say that she is your first love. You go all silly and shy at the mention of her name, or even at the site of her. You talk about her A LOT and always ask if she will be at preschool, if she isn't there (on her day off for example) you let me know and you talk about where you think she is and what she has been doing.
I love that you want to tell her that you love her but you don't think it's the right time. "Not quite yet mummy, I can't tell her yet".

3: Your Lorax Impression. So simple, so cute. I love how you simply picked such a small expression he does in the film, a blink and you'll miss it moment, to recreate all the time.
I love how you get his saying a little wrong "I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. Barrier of the forest"

4: The way you ask me what me and Harry have been doing whilst you've been at preschool, because you really want to know.

5: Your over-use of the word "apparently".

6: The way you say together and already.
"Togeda" "O-ready". You know I love the way you say these and sometimes say them just to make me smile.

7: The fact you can name more Dinosaurs than me.

8: The way that you try to help me in the morning but going through to see Harry when he wakes up. It's not always helpful as Harry then runs through to wake us up and sometimes it is silly o clock and we all need more sleep.

9: How sweet it is that you make breakfast for everyone and lay all of the filled cereal bowls in a line on the coffee table.

10: How cute you are when you are half asleep. These are when some of my favourite conversations with you happen. We either talk about silly things, funny things, serious things or about love.
Sadly most of the time you don't remember these conversations, but I do and will treasure them forever.

11: I love how you are a fab shopping partner (most of the time) and will tell me if something is nice or not. And then tell me your honest opinion when I try something on.

12: The way you call your brother sweetie and tell me how cute he is. And that you laugh because he's a toddler. And that you call him your best friend and praise him when he does something well.

13: How excited you get when you teach Harry a new word or how to do something. And how proud you are of him.

14: Your belly button. I love the way it sticks out and how we pretend it's a doorbell. Harry has always been fascinated with it.

15: The fact you are clumsy. You fall over a lot. We tend to take bets on how long it will be until you fall over.

16: Your cute run. You still run like a toddler and make us giggle as your legs move around everywhere as if it's the first time you've moved quickly.

17: I love how sensitive you are, and how in tune you are with peoples feelings, particularly mine.

18: I love how you want to look after me, and take care of me. Especially since learning a couple of months ago that I'm afraid of heights. I didn't want you to know that as I didn't want you to be afraid too. But you're not, instead you tell me everything is ok, you guide me and hold my hand tight. You let people know I'm afraid.

19: How caring you are towards everyone. And how you recognise when people are really nice, usually the Sainsburys Grocery Delivery Men. "He's a nice man mummy".

20: How shy you get. And how you bury you head into my leg and pull the cutest of faces.

21: Your frown.

22: Your memory. You are able to remember things that even I forget.

23: Your photography. You take the most amazing photos for a child, and I have very little fear in handing my "big camera" over to you because you are so careful and I know when I look through the photos you will have taken some amazing shots.

24: Your excited face.

25: How helpful you are. You like to help me with lunch, dinner, and you also know exactly how to use the washing machine.