Lifestyle

Hi, I’m a Mama

Posted on by xlifeoncloudninex

It’s been so long, over a year since I last posted. I thought I would start posting again to say that I gave birth to my daughter last Autumn. I’m now rather busy! Honestly I thought I was busy before, it makes me question what I did with my time. A lot more leisure time and housework I guess would be the answer! I’m sure a lot of Mums will tell you that they aren’t the same person anymore. I agree, I feel different and some of my preferences have changed which I hope to cover on here at some point soon.

My baby is approaching one and I would say things are getting easier. Or perhaps it’s just that I’m getting the hang of things.

I found the first three months the most difficult. Those months dragged which sounds horrible. From then it almost feels as though I have blinked and she’s a big girl. I am now trying to soak in everything and enjoy all the moments I know won’t be around for much longer. Contact naps are still going strong, I no longer beat myself up for the lack of efficiency. The cuddles are lovely, I can’t imagine not having them anymore so that scares me. My girl is so clingy and has been since birth, bless her. She is still in the next to me cot as she is small and wakes fairly frequently. I swear she knows when I am not there next to her, so I don’t have much time to do bits outside of the bedroom.

She’s also not far off of crawling and standing. She loves to pivot and go round and round. She rolls and pushes herself back to move around. She’s always trying to get in to and somewhere she shouldn’t! The word no is funny and nappy changes are quite the challenge. She is such a smiley baby, a pure delight. She will certainly be a chatterbox! I love hearing her babble, I think her first word was dada. She also loves saying baba. Hopefully mama will be on the way soon. We think she is almost saying boobies which is cute but in hindsight perhaps embarrassing! We don’t film enough videos really. I love all of her mannerisms that make her personality hers.

Weaning has been an interesting journey. We haven’t been brave enough to try baby led weaning. I still panic when she gags.

I wonder what I will think and how I will feel looking back in years to come. Probably a pang of sadness at my struggles, I will probably wish I was kinder to myself and I will definitely experience pangs of nostalgia, wishing I could go back. Even now I think to myself that it would be nice to go back and try it all again. What a wild ride it has been so far.

From one mama to another,

Amy xx

Favourite Christmas Films

Posted on by xlifeoncloudninex

Don’t roll your eyes, I’m not going to list all of the Christmas films! Mostly because I’ve not watched them all, there are quite a few on my watchlist to be honest. Not including this year’s releases.

Before the end of the year is out, here are my favourites in no particular order:

1 Planes, Trains and Automobiles

This is not technically a Christmas film but a thanksgiving film. The British don’t celebrate thanksgiving though so I’m guessing most of us watch it at Christmas. I think we discovered it on TV during the festive season decades ago. My family have been watching it every festive season since I was a teenager. Who doesn’t like a John Candy film!

2 The Christmas Chronicles

Another Christmas story tinged with sadness, do all of the best ones have a hint of sadness I wonder? I may have watched it for the first time during the same year as Klaus and again instantly fell in love with it. I love the sequel too.

3 Elf

I think Elf is hilarious comedy (I was going to say modern, but it is actually 20 years old!), so many memes! It is silly, fun and comedically over dramatic.

4 Home Alone

The timeless classic! The second film is quite a good watch too. An easy watch great for the whole family containing a lot of laughs. The past few years we have watched it during Christmas Eve to Boxing Day.

5 The Grinch

I’ve only been watching this the past couple of years, the animated version might I add. I find it quirky, funny and lighthearted.

6 Klaus

I watched this for the first time three or four years ago, I was surprised just how much I enjoyed it! It became an instant favourite. It has a lovely heartwarming story. I find myself putting this film on during the year, especially if I’m feeling a bit down and sad.

7 National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

My Dad and I watch it every year! We find it hilarious and laugh at all the same scenes every year! We quote it during the year too, always a good indication of a great film when you quote it.

8 Muppets Christmas Carol

This is possibly my all time favourite Christmas film, it’s been a tradition to watch it every year since my teenage years. The Muppets enhance the Charles Dickens classic Christmas story.

9 Deck The Halls

I first watched this between 2016 to 2018. I love a film starring Danny DeVito! This is a silly film with funny moments. They’re cringeworthy awkward moments which I struggle with in films but still an entertaining lighthearted watch.

10 It’s A Wonderful Life

A film from 1947, a few weeks ago was the first time I have watched it all the way through without falling asleep (a habit of mine, that wasn’t supposed to be a criticism of the film). Another heartwarming film, teaching us all to appreciate what we have in life. For a vintage film it has great storytelling, with the camera angles and script. They don’t make films like this anymore. This immediately became a favourite.

After the top ten, here are a few extras!

Jingle All the Way

Another 90s Christmas film I watched with my Dad! We love a comedy film. This one is a bit ridiculous but sweet. I can’t watch it without thinking of a young Anakin Skywalker though.

Christmas Tree Miracle

This is a less known film I found on Netflix or Prime around the same time as Deck the Halls. It a a lovely heartwarming film, albeit a bit of a slow start. It has a unique feel to it, and an original story.

Jack Frost

I remember watching this with my Dad when I was a child, I think maybe at the cinema. I didn’t watch it again for almost two decades then watched it last year. It is a very sweet film, tinged with sadness though not quite my favourite.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Another classic! Is it a Halloween film or is it a Christmas film?

Non Christmas films you can watch at Christmas:

Just Visiting

This sort of film category you will need to insert your family’s favourite films, we tend to watch Just Visiting with family.

Uncle Buck

There is snow in the film! It has a heartwarming story, provides comedy moments and happy ending. That makes it Christmas like.

Maid in Manhattan

The ending shows a Christmas tree at least. This is a fun rom com, with New York magic. It is an inspiring story of the American dream, although an unlikely love story.

All images are screenshots from Netflix, Disney or Prime and are posted in the context of a review.

This year I noticed that there have been so many Christmas films released over the years, especially the past five or ten years on the streaming platforms. There are probably too many Christmas films now, especially good Christmas films. Although if they stop releasing new ones then new treasures won’t be found.

Seasons greetings,

Amy

Cleaning Post: Anxiety, Stacey Solomon and Mrs Hinch

Posted on by xlifeoncloudninex

I’ve always been an untidy girl unfortunately. I really struggle with items that don’t have a ‘home’ especially. When I used to tidy my room as a child I would be surrounded by a sea of items, deep in my little own world likely having rediscovered something. I also used to blame my little sister for why my room was a mess, bless her! It wasn’t all her fault as you can imagine!

After moving out as an adult I started to struggle keeping on top of life and all the chores that go along with it. I wish I had moved out earlier now as it would have taught me more responsibility and to have more respect for my caregivers. I became more anxious than normal and would stress about not getting enough done. I still do to be honest, especially at weekends when I pressure myself to have completed all of my chores before the end of it. It eventually all felt like a chore that took me away from my leisure activities and socialising.

Here is a link to Mrs Hinch’s Instagram:

https://instagram.com/mrshinchhome?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Anyway, a few years ago I discovered Mrs Hinch and how she helped her anxiety by cleaning. This lit a light bulb for me by providing a different perspective. Could housework become enjoyable? I’m pleased to say that it can be. I like the idea of finding joy in everyday, from everyday activities. I might be odd in that I find ironing relaxing for example. Is there anything more satisfying than a clean, tidy house to relax in, knowing that everything has been done?

I don’t enjoy all chores and housework isn’t exactly leisure for me. I still struggle to tackle more than the weekly tasks, fighting metaphorical fires. Deep and seasonal cleans are always a catch up for me. I have found Mrs Hinch’s Instagram and notebook to be very helpful for inspiration and keeping lists.

Here is a link to Stacey Solomon’s Instagram:

https://instagram.com/staceysolomon?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Another public figure that I enjoy watching tidying is Stacey Solomon. Her tap to tidy posts are so satisfying, turning an untidy space to an aesthetically pleasing one. She also uses similar phrases for new creative developments, they’re enjoyable too. I’m still part way through her autobiography. I love how upbeat and bubbly she is on any platform, I find it a pick me up. Especially since I can be on the grumpy side at times. Her enthusiasm for life is infectious.

I often find myself scrolling through cleaning posts for enjoyment and motivation nowadays. You can tell I’m in my 30s!

I will point out that another reason I am posting about these two ladies is that they are actually the same age and year group as me, which I find odd. They seem so much mature and are further on in life. Sophie is from Basildon, I come from Thundersley which I consider to be halfway between Southend and Basildon. I used to visit Basildon sometimes for shopping, the cinema or bowling etc.! Stacey is from Dagenham which is in Essex too. She mentioned previously enjoying visiting Lakeside Shopping Centre which I also love.

Finally, I should also add that I find seeing all of the perfect houses on Instagram intimidating and that mine just doesn’t compare. I try to be realistic by telling myself that no one’s home is perfect, tidy and clean all the time if they live in it.

Off to read in a hot bath after an evening of cleaning and tidying,

Amy x

Favourite TV Shows of 2022

Posted on by xlifeoncloudninex

I know it’s getting a bit late to talk about 2022 favourites, but I think it should be fine until the start of March!

Wednesday

What can I say about the very popular TV show except that I thought it was brilliant! It had me hooked from the first episode, though I’m a fan of the 90s films too. I like how there was more comedy in this TV show. I loved the storyline which evolved and kept me guessing. I loved the characters and the whole vibe. What was not to love? There was a character at the end whose status I was rather miffed at, like many shows I get frustrated by the writers unfair handling of some characters; without giving too much away. There are some great memes from this show which provide more entertainment. I’m not sure how they are going to continue the storyline for other seasons but colour me intrigued.

Locke & Key

Last year the third and final season of Locke & Key was released. It is based on a comic series, from what I’ve read online the writers of the TV show didn’t stick to the comic storyline and other details. That is a shame but I love the show plus I haven’t read the comic. I loved the final season and the how they decided to end it. I feel they could have extended the season a bit though, as a lot happened in a fairly short space of time. Or at least it felt as though the show had more to give. It was nice to see the return of some characters.

Shadow & Bone

This one has been on my watchlist for a long time and I was so glad that I decided to watch it when I finally got round to it! Another book adaptation, also haven’t read the book. I thought the concepts were original. I love the female hero. I liked the story buildup and seeing how the characters became connected. There were twists, suspense, and chases, I’m hooked. Season two will be released very soon!

Bridgerton

I was hoping to watch the second season of Bridgerton in the lead up to our wedding and I did in part. I didn’t finish the season until after the honeymoon in the end. Obviously nothing will beat the first season but this was very good too. This season focuses on the eldest Bridgerton courting to be married. We know that he has been against marrying, this has been a source of friction between him and his mother. He sets out to obtain a bride that would benefit him, his family and their social standing. What he finds though is a softer side and a woman he doesn’t expect to love. I didn’t like Anthony in season one but he grows on me in season two as we discover his backstory.

Stranger Things

I know this one will seem like an age ago but the latest volume was released last year! I think our collective hearts were in our hands continuing on with this story. I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout the two volumes that were released. There were some surprising reveals through two backstories. Some things I was able to guess before the reveals as the episodes developed. We just don’t know what will happen next! I know some of the actors have complained that none of The the main characters have died yet but I’m so glad that they haven’t! I’m not sure that my heart could take one of their deaths! Obviously one character’s seemingly death was dramatic enough, I assume the writers didn’t expect their viewers to fall in love with him as much as we did.

The Last Kingdom

I’ve been watching the next two series for a number of years as they both have five and six seasons respectively. The Last Kingdom is based on the books by Cornwell based in the time of Saxon Kings and Viking invaders. A fact I find very interesting is that the author Cornwell grew up in the same village I did of Thundersley. I have loved Uhtred’s story of being removed from his home and family and his quest to take lordship of what is technically his to inherit. I enjoyed the new characters that were introduced plus the development of the characters that we all know and love. There were some surprises this season too! This show provides lots of action with many battles taking place, there is always some form of romance too. Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres of any media type.

Outlander

This last season ended dramatically with a shocking cliffhanger! The story admittedly has become rather dark, although it has always been a dark storyline. Still I thoroughly enjoy following the story of Claire, Jamie and co. It’s certainly eventful!

I found this written in a previous draft:

For all those who are fans of Outlander, I have been dealing with Draughtlander by rewatching the first TV series on Prime. I have even managed to get my boyfriend to watch a couple of episodes! He loves Scotland and likes history, so this was a TV series I was really hoping he would enjoy as he doesn’t like most films or TV shows that I would pick. I just love the chemistry between Claire and Jamie. This is the second time I have watched the first series, so it is nice watching their relationship develop and bloom from the beginning. I don’t however, like the end of the season. Nor did I particularly like the second series. The third was quite good, but it’s not the first. I am hoping series four and beyond will be just as good as the first.

So 2022 was a great year for TV.

All images are screenshots from Netflix or Prime and are posted in the context of a review.

Signing off,

Amy xx

Absence

Posted on by xlifeoncloudninex

Hello, I just wanted to address my most recent absence from this blog. I’ve been struggling with my MC and chronic fatigue as stress caused a flare in May last year. I got engaged in March last year and married in August by the way too! Although I have quite a few drafts written so hopefully I’ll post those soon.

Thank you and take care,

Amy xx