Me and Mine - May

May has been a month of family, with lots of days out and long weekends.  The sun has shone and the heavens have opened as the sky fights between spring and summer but the warmer months are in sight and we are getting excited about the possibilities.

Our May photos were taken at a family picnic last weekend, when we realised it was our last chance before the end of the month.  We had worn ourselves out with rounders and football,  enjoyed the seaside air (and the wind that comes with it), and caught up with family from all over the country.  We were tired and happy, unprepared but together.

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Tech 21 Phone Case Review

With the idea of our ski holiday in mind, Tech21 sent me one of their phone cases to keep my phone protected even when I was sliding down a mountain on my bum.  There were a choice of colours for my Samsung galaxy S4 and I went for a purple.

The case was easy to put on and slips over the phone without having to remove the back cover.  Since I have been using the case, it has never fallen off of my phone like some others, and despite a couple of drops, the phone has continued to work as normal.

Unfortunately, even when dropped from only knee height, the case does not protect the screen and my phone landed on the back yet the screen cracked.  I was using a cheap screen protector both times rather than the Tech 21 version, so I would definitely reommend getting a good cover for the screen too.

The case does look good and my phone is still in tact (other than the screen) so it must be working!

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When the Sun is Shining

There are days where even the best of plans can be ruined by the great British weather and those ever trendy ponchos are on standby even in August.  There are also times when everything comes together though, where the sun is on our side, the wind is low and the back up plans can stay just that, and this weekend was one of those.

After Saturday's showers, Sunday gave us beautiful sunshine and with a big family picnic planned it could not have been better timing.  Aunts, Uncles and cousins came from all over and the boys were in their element with green space, sea air,  picnic food and plenty of entertainers.  

We met in 'the dip', a dipped park on the sea front and played rounders and football, enjoyed ice creams and blueberries and had more fun than you can possibly believe with a stack of cones.  We took two exhausted boys back to their beds at the end of a perfect day.  

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Working from Home

My working environment has recently changed, and a busy restaurant has been replaced with a cosy sofa. Whilst it is pretty nice being able to put my feet up and eat biscuits throughout the working day, I sometimes struggle to stay focused and to be productive in the right areas.  Here are my top tips for working from home:

• Be strict with yourself.  Set yourself work times and scheduled breaks and don't check facebook/instagram/twitter in between.  I know my limit is about an hour and a half on the computer before I need to get up and move, so I make sure I have a 15 minute break whenever I need one.
• Make sure your working area is comfortable.  I tend to use the sofa, and I was sent a gorgeous silk throw and pillow which make the space so much more appealing.  If you work at a desk make sure it isn't too cluttered and there is lots of light.

• When you do take a break be as active as you can.  Dance around to some music, do some housework or go for a run.  This stops me getting so restless and makes my day even more productive.

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15 Months

My favourite development of the last month has been Archie's increasing love of cuddles.  He grabs you tightly round the neck and rests his little blond head on your shoulders, saying "ahhhh",  and usually making you forget the fact that he has just put an empty washing machine on for an extra long spin or smashed the last remaining easter egg by throwing it off the table.  He is affectionate with most people and he cuddles friends and family whenever he sees a chance.

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Recently

May has brought with it lots of days off, a reason to start running again and of course some beautiful sunshine.  I haven't taken my camera out very much recently, but these are a few snaps from the times I did.

We have spent long afternoons in the park, have seen friends and family ever day and have had our fair share of parties to attend as well.  May has involved digging the shorts out the back of the cupboard, making suncream a staple part of the changing bag and plenty of sandcastles on the beach.  Even if the weather doesn't last, we have had the last couple of weeks and we have spent as much of it as possible outside.

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A Toddler-Proof Lunchbox

I was contacted recently by the people behind an amazing new product that has made picnics easier and kept our blankets cleaner.  Flatbox is a fantastic lunchbox made of washable, heat-resistant neoprene that undoes completely to make a thick place mat.

I have a child who does not sit still.  No matter how tight you pull the harness, he climbs in and out of his highchair, and picnics have always been difficult as Archie hasn't quite grasped the concept of staying still to eat.  He isn't a fan of plates other than using them as frisbees of course, but he loves to be outdoors and he really loves food.

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