[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 19. Try an adult ballet class

When I was younger I used to do quite a lot of dancing, mainly modern and gymnastics. The two forms of dance I didn't do much longer than a couple of classes were tap and ballet.

I tried tap a few years ago which I quite enjoyed but life ended up taking over, so that just left me with ballet to try. I had never managed to find an adult class though and didn't fancy prancing around with a lot of 7 year olds in a leotard.

Luckily, I found a local adult class called ballet fusion and the website said: if you want the long, lean and toned look of the professional dancer then this is the class for you and it strengthens back and abdominal muscles and, most importantly, is highly enjoyable and fun so sounded perfect.

I am now on my 5th week and I can honestly say it is really, really hard! Not only am I using muscles I've never used (well not since I was 4!) but trying to memorise the routines the teacher seems to make up on the spot is near impossible! The first week was taken up with first school day nerves but everyone seemed nice so I went back, and again, and again. But, it doesn't seem to be getting any easier as the mini routines change every week. And without fail during the 'turns' section every week I nearly end up on the floor or hitting the wall as I attempt to gracefully travel from one corner of the room diagonally to the other whilst getting my feet in the right place, my arms looking dainty and keeping my eyes off the floor whilst spinning.

It is certainly making my legs stronger and I am enjoying the stretching element of it. I feel like a ballerina when I have my leg on the bar but I am sure I don't look like one. In fact I don't think I have ever felt less like a ballerina than when I am there.

The last two weeks I have struggled to get myself to go but I have had a quiet word with myself. My list (previously known as my 30 before 30 list) has been all about me pushing myself and my boundaries. Ballet is certainly doing that. I am not sure whether I am actually enjoying it but I am definitelay ticking it off the list. I am going to try and get to 10 weeks and then, falling nicely in line with our holiday, I will decide whether to go back. If nothing else, by then I will be the proud owner of some worn in ballet shoes ;)

[ . . Wonderful Week . . ] The big three-o

Well it's arrived. I have now turned 30.

If you have been a regular reader you will know that I wasn't particularly looking forward to the milestone but actually it has (so far) been pain free. I should have known that really but after a mini meltdown when turning 25 I wasn't that confident. I have always had a thing about milestones and anniversaries.

So I am now 30, a wife, and a stay at home mum. Blimey I couldn't have predicted that at 25!

I had a wonderful weekend celebrating the event with my nearest and dearest friends and family. A tea party for friends on Saturday, dinner with family on Sunday and a walk on Monday. Perfect.

The only thing that I'm not too happy about is completely failing to finish my 30 before 30 list. In fact I have only got about half way through. So I am going to have to turn it into another list because I am keen to finish it in some form or another. So do I go for 12 before 2012, 101 things to do before I die, 31 before 31, 40 before 40. I'm just not sure.

For the time being though I am just going to concentrate on being me and the best mum, wife, daughter and friend I can be. Blogging and the list are going to have to come second (or should that be fifth!?) because at the minute I just don't seem to be able to find the time to do it all.

Hope to see you all soon and any thoughts on the list please let me know.

x

[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 7. Go on a date with Mr B

This one off my 30 before 30 list actually makes me laugh now I read it back.

Like many of them I added it because it is something that we never used to do enough of. But now, we have the perfect excuse. The loving and doting grandparents can't wait to baby sit for little E so, well, we have to keep them happy now don't we ;)

Probably the most memorable real date of recent times was on my due date when we went out for dinner to take my mind off things and if you are a regular reader you will know it did the trick as little E arrived the morning after. Since then we have been out for dinner quite a few times which we used to love to do in the 'old days' and then most recently the pièce de résistance has been to go to a gig.

This really takes me back to the old days. When Mr B and I first met he was in a band. In fact that was his golden chat up line. Needless to say we used to go to gigs quite often - Mr B's and others. We have been very fortunate to get some great tickets and see some now quite large bands in small dingey places.

Ones I can remember off the top of my head are Scissor Scissors, Ed Harcourt, Death Cab for Cutie, Flaming Lips, The Magic Numbers, Iron & Wine, Cake, Grandaddy, Kings of Convenience, Supergrass, M Ward, and Midlake. No doubt I have forgotten some classics which Mr B will tease me about.

But, most recently we drove 40 miles to see Fleet Foxes and The Bees who were supporting. We have seen The Bees a lot of times and they are one of my favourites, what I call happy music which is always good. They weren't really up to their usual standard but they were only the support so I will let them off. It was the first time we had seen Fleet Foxes and they didn't disappoint. Having had their albums on constant repeat in the car since E was born I even knew all the songs.

We had such a great time but did struggle to talk about things other than baby E but I guess that is inevitable these days.

We do now need to plan our next date though, we don't actually have one lined up. Hmmm..? Do any of you have regular 'date nights'? What are your favourites? Cinema, meal..?

[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 14. Read a book cover to cover

I really enjoy reading but only really find time for it on holiday.

Unfortunately TV and day to day stuff just gets in the way at home and I usually just end up falling asleep! Having said that I have actually read a couple of books that I can use to tick this one off my 30 before 30 list.

The first is Hypnobirthing: The Breakthrough to Safer, Easier, More Comfortable Childbirth. Not your average page turner but for me brilliant. I had heard a lot about hypnobirthing and it really appealed to me as I had had previous success with hypnotherapy for my needle/injection phobia. I believe the power of hypnotherapy is very strong. The question was would it be strong enough for childbirth. Well I would definitely recommend the book to others. There was the usual 'too hippy' for me bits and I didn't do everything it recommended but overall it made a lot of sense. Surprisingly a lot of common sense. The visualisation techniques were especially useful and knowing that the body is designed for childbirth and just to trust it. I truly believe that this and listening to MP3's got me the birth I wanted. It even includes a poem which I really should pin on the fridge for those difficult days now and in the future.

Please, Mum and Dad...
   My hands are small, I don't mean to spill my milk.
   My legs are short - please slow down so I can keep up.
   Don't slap my hands when I touch something bright and pretty. I don't understand.
   Please look at me when I talk to you. It lets me know you are really listening.
   My feelings are tender - don't nag me all day. Let me make mistakes without feeling stupid.
   Don't expect the bed I make or the picture I draw to be perfect. Just love me for trying.
   Remember, I am a child, not a small adult. Sometimes I don't understand what you're saying.
   I love you so much. Please love me just for being myself, not just for the things I can do.

The second is One Day by David Nicholls and is your more typical page turner. It received a lot of attention in the press, had great reviews and Mr B's mother actually bought it for him but I think it was a bit too girly. Perfect for me however. It's tag line is 'twenty years, two people, one day' and follows Emma and Dexter every year from 1988, the night of their graduation, right through to 2008. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me stay up for hours just to finish that next chapter. It is such a good concept for a book and by the end you really feel like you know Emma and Dexter and want to shout advice at them. I would recommend it to all especially as it is now less than £4 on Amazon! Oh, and if you need another excuse it has also been made into a film which is due to be released around August. I will definitely be watching it if only to relive the story again. I just hope they don't ruin it.

I have now started the first of Chris Evans autobiographies which is a first for me. I have never read an autobiography but I thought it was about time I tried. Let's just hope I can finish it this side of Christmas!

Do you read often? Have you any recommendations?

[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 6. Wear makeup/dress up at least once a month

A selection from my 'style' board on pinterest

Following on from my last 30 before 30 post about my French manicure, this one seems to follow on quite well. I included it on my 30 before 30 list as the daily grind of life means I am normally too lazy to bother.

I don't wear makeup unless it's for a special occasion and understand that this may sound strange to most of you! Even when I do put a 'face on' it's normally just a bit of concealer and some eye shadow. I don't really know why this is but even as a teenager I didn't wear much makeup. I guess I have picked it up from my mum. The most makeup I have ever worn was for my wedding and that was because I got a professional to do it for me (I wanted to make sure the photos looked reasonable!) and even then I asked her to tone it down :)

Just to emphasise my laziness I also tend to end up wearing the same pair of jeans and favourite top for most occasions. Although you will be happy to know I normally wash them in between it is a little dull. I have been letting myself off this recently as not many of my clothes still fit after going up a dress size since having E. This would normally be a great excuse to invest in a new wardrobe but the timing isn't great whilst I'm on the remainder of my maternity/redundancy pay. To help inspire me a little (especially for when funds allow) I have started a 'style' board on pinterest. After all a girl can dream.

The good news is that since little E has been around it feels even more special to get dressed up, straighten my hair, and put perfume on. So, bizarrely this is one of the few of my 30 before 30's that has been easier and a lot more enjoyable since E's arrival! I don't know whether this is because I feel I am 'earning' this right or just that it makes a change but it is certainly easier.

We have been out for dinner a few times, to BBQ's, to a hen party, to a wedding.

This is definitely one that I want to keep up in the coming months and won't be ending when I reach the magic big three-o. In fact, it is likely to become more important the older I get.

Now, where is that anti-aging cream?? ;)

[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 18. Have a French manicure

I used to bite my nails until there was no nail left. Then I used to pick the skin around them. Needless to say my nails have never been a strong point.

However, in recent years they have improved. As I have become less stressed and anxious the picking has stopped. In fact they are now pretty good nails.

I always admire painted nails but I have never been able to do them myself. Not being a girly girl this isn't surprising. Therefore it felt like a real treat to have them painted. I have only had them done professionally once before, the night before my wedding. Not too risky I thought, loads of people have their nails done. But no, they were such a state I had to take all the polish off when I got home.

This is why I added it to my 30 before 30 list and with fingers crossed (no pun intended!) I booked an appointment to have a manicure as part of a spa day package. It has been good timing as I was able to use a voucher I got for Christmas, it has fallen just as I needed a day to myself and in time for my friends wedding on Saturday.

So what do you think? I'm pretty pleased.

But, actually the most important part of it is that I was able to spend some quality time with myself. It was heaven. I really do enjoy my own company.

I now just need to not chip them too much before Saturday!

[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 1. Have a baby ... Part 3

My birth story part 1 and part 2.

We arrived in our new room and that is when the after pains and shock started to kick in. In fact things started to go a little down hill and foggy.

I was examined again by the main midwife and was told I would need a lot of stitches. Apparently Elliott's cord had been wrapped around his shoulder, hence the popping back up after every push but most crucially he came out with his hand up to his eye making it a little disruptive for me! Out came the stirrups and they got to work. As the student midwife was still there the main one was talking through a lot of what she was doing. Great for the student. Not so great for me. There was talk of me needing an epidural which panicked me, after getting through the birth naturally an epidural now would have seemed a little cruel but we managed to avoid it.

Up until now I hadn't really used much of my hypnobirthing practice as everything had been so quick but boy was it useful now. It really helped me remove myself from the room and situation. I was aware and I could hear everything but I was mentally somewhere else. An hour and half later and they were done. Phew.

Their shift was also over so it was goodbye to our lovely, amazing, inspiring midwives and hello chaotic hospital. Another midwife came to weigh Elliott, we still had no idea how heavy he was - 6lb 14.5oz - a nice healthy weight considering I was told I would be lucky to have a 5lb baby at the beginning of this pregnancy. The midwife put Elliott's first nappy on and dressed him with us both looking on intently. All of a sudden he looked like a different baby.

It was time for me to have a shower. It was only then that I realised I would have to move off the bed. My body suddenly felt very heavy and weak. The lack of food for 6 hours and blood loss had taken hold. The adrenalin was also wearing off. I hobbled to the shower with the help of a nurse. My brain was shot, I couldn't work out what I needed to take with me or what to do. It was the most difficult shower I had ever had but so, so worth it.

At some point I had the joy of a ham and cheese sandwich and we all sat looking at each other. Breastfeeding seemed to be working, and I was managing to get around, although I was very uncomfortable. We were moved to the ward and I managed to walk there unaided. Then we were left on our own. We weren't sure what was going on, no one checked us, there wasn't even a hot meal for me just another sandwich and a Pot Noodle that I had taken with us in case of a long labour. We felt stranded. Luckily the next thing we knew it was visiting time and my Mum and Dad came to meet their grandson which perked us all up a bit. They left when the bell rang and then the bombshell. Mr had got to leave. I couldn't face it so he managed to hide in our room for a couple of hours. We still hadn't changed a nappy or dressed him ourselves and all of a sudden I was going to be left on my own with a baby. I hadn't got a clue!

He left, we were both sad but with the help of a lovely student midwife Elliott and I started to work everything out for ourselves. I was suddenly a Mum! The initial breastfeeding success hadn't continued and I was feeling very anxious about everything. I didn't turn the light off all night and sat with the bed upright and my glasses on. I slept for 20 minutes.

That was just the start as I ended up being in hospital for 3 nights and 4 days. It was not good. They were completely understaffed and the aftercare was disappointing. There were many tears, talk of blood transfusions, numerous tests for jaundice, accusations of me asking for too many painkillers (despite being told too) and a lot of pain.

Family B making our escape!

We finally made our escape on Saturday night about 9pm after virtually bribing the head midwife. I had a fit of hysterics laughing trying to get Elliott into his sleepsuit and car seat and the car ride scared the life out of me.

But we were home. I was so happy I cried.

I had missed my husband, my home and Charlie the cat. I had been looking forward to being a family for nearly 10 months and finally I was home and everything could start for real.

The 'end'.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If you managed to read all three parts of my birth story then congratulations for surviving my waffling. I have written this mainly as a record for me because as time goes on, just 7 weeks later, the details are already getting hazy.

It truly was the most amazing experience but I had always seen it as the end. Which it was in a way, the end of the pregnancy, but blimey that really is only just the beginning isn't it!

[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 1. Have a baby... Part 2

Part 1 of my birth story can be found here.

I was now feeling a mixture of pain and excitement - it really wouldn't be long until we would finally meet Baby B.

After some encouragement, OK well a lot of encouragement, in between contractions I moved off my back on to my knees and into a position hanging over the back of the bed. The pain was pretty constant but to my surprise I kept refusing gas and air but I did keep saying how I couldn't continue anymore and getting quite teary. I'm not sure what I thought the other options were but I guess I was in transition.

We had two midwives at this point, a student who stayed with us the whole time and the main midwife who was in and out. They told me I could start pushing when I wanted to but I just didn't understand what I should be doing. Nothing seemed to be happening. After a while I heard the midwife behind me, I had no idea she was there, say she had a plan and then she left the room. Slightly bemused we continued half pushing on each contraction and measuring baby's heartrate in between.

After what seemed like ages she returned sounding pleased with herself and accompanied by a birthing stool. She explained what to do so I sat on the stool with Mr behind me and I pushed down with each contraction. This seemed to speed up progress and everyone was happy again.

The next hour is somewhat hazy but involved baby's heartrate dropping to 90bpm, them panicking, the implements for an episiotomy making an appearance, me pushing but not much happening and the talk of a catheter when we realised I hadn't been to the toilet for 4 hours. The threat of intervention, the promise of soon meeting my baby and the talk of time limits made me very determined. I was going to push this baby out.

Right up until the end I was walking (ok, hobbling) around in between contractions as I was getting dead legs from sitting on the stool. I remember laughing and joking with the midwives. It was quite surreal and not at all like I had imagined.

After quite a bit of pushing we were making good progress with Mr behind me taking the pressure of me pushing down with my arms, the student midwife to my left intermittently checking baby's heartrate and the main midwife lying on the floor underneath me!

Finally, they said they had got hold of the head and I remember shouting "well don't let go then!" as up until then every time I pushed, baby popped back up again. They laughed and with a few more pushes Baby B was born at 11.14am, only 7 hours after my very first contraction.

I had wanted Mr to tell me whether Baby B was a boy or girl but it didn't quite work out that way as we both saw him at the same time.

It was perfect.

Mr B behind me hugging me with us both looking at our little boy, Elliott Henry.

I'm actually getting quite choked up writing this. I remember him looking back up at me and being completely blown away. Mr and I looked at each other and through the tears and happiness I blurted out "we did it?!" - I truly never thought we would get to this point, it suddenly felt very real.

The midwives asked us for a hat to put on Elliott whilst he was wrapped in the towel but we still didn't have any of our things. All the bags were still in the car. They however have some for these very scenarios, so Elliott's first piece of clothing was a little hand knitted hat donated to the hospital by local old ladies!

It was then that my legs really started aching, I was still sitting/perching on the blooming stool! So whilst having my first cuddle and skin to skin I was thinking about how/if I could stand up. As we had managed the birth completely naturally to that point (I still hadn't had any gas and air) I wanted to try and deliver the placenta naturally. We waited for the umbilical cord to stop pulsating, had it clamped and somehow I was moved on to the bed. My body was very thankful!

Hello Mummy x

The placenta didn't seem to want to come away on its own and I had lost a fair bit of blood so it was recommended I had the injection. We went ahead and that certainly did the trick. The midwives did their tidying and left us to it. We had about an hour to ourselves, I think they had to rush off to another delivery but it was a great opportunity to bond as a family - not really knowing what to make of everything and just looking at each other.

Mr had his first cuddle and I rang my Mum and Dad to tell them they had a grandson. We tried to get Elliott to latch on but he wasn't really having any of it and was more interested in looking around.

The midwives came back in to check on us and after having a quick check of me said "ah, we best get you stitched up as it is looking a little bit like a horror film down there" - nice!

At this point we were still in the assessment room, there had never been time to move us to a proper delivery suite. So four hours after we had arrived at the hospital we were on our way to a delivery suite, with a baby! They started to wheel me out on the bed and it was then that Elliott decided to latch on. My first breastfeeding experience was therefore whilst being wheeled through a corridor, naked with just a sheet covering my modesty.

I had always thought the birth would be the end of the story, how wrong I was - part three coming soon...

Read part 3 now...

[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 1. Have a baby...Part 1

Well, probably the biggest one from my 30 before 30 list, hence it being number 1.

This is something that Mr B and I had wanted for some time and so 36 weeks after our first ever pregnancy test and our first ever positive result we finally got to say hello to Baby B!

I have enjoyed reading other peoples birth stories so thought I would share mine too.

1st March 2011, my due date. Everyone had told me that baby would have arrived by now. I don't mean just strangers in the street giving their opinions but family members and mainly my midwife. Also my money was on 25th February so by the time the 1st finally came I was already disappointed that I still had no baby.

My due date did however mark a change in me. There was no baby so frankly I just had to get on with things and trust that baby would arrive when he/she was ready. In order to take my mind off things we decided to go out for dinner to my favourite Thai restaurant (also ticking off number 6 and 7 from the list!). The waiter, who always seems to recognise us (we do go there alot!) looked at my bump as we were paying the bill and said "due next month?" when I laughed and said "no, today" he looked like he had seen a ghost! Good job it was as we were leaving else I think he would have rushed our food out before we had ordered to avoid me giving birth there and then!

We had a lovely night and when we got home I asked Mr to take a photo as I just had a feeling that might be the last we saw of bump.

The last bump photo

I awoke at 4.20am the next morning with what felt like a mixture between braxton hicks and stomach ache. I had woken up many nights before thinking I was feeling things that had turned out to be nothing so I didn't take too much notice. I put it down to my Thai curry, turned over and got myself back to sleep. I drifted straight off but awoke with a similar feeling, I looked at the clock exactly 30 minutes later. Oh, maybe I could get excited. But no, not wanting to tempt fate and certainly not wanting to get Mr B's hopes up I made myself go back to sleep. As if by magic I awoke exactly 30 minutes later, I lay there thinking, wow maybe it really is going to be like it says in the books.

At this point, my memory told me that I woke Mr B up but having just checked the facts apparently I didn't. He woke up because of my moans about 6am and was greeted with me sat up in bed telling him not to get excited. The contractions - I was now happy to call them that - continued and at around 7am when they were 5 minutes apart and along with lots of other labour progressing signs (I will spare you the details!) we rang the hospital. I spoke to them but they advised that it was far too early and to try and last at least another couple of hours until 9am, have some paracetamol, a bath and some toast and get back in touch later.

Mr B went off to get ready and I was feeling quite sick so shunned the toast and attempted a bath. I was not quite sure how I was going to get myself in and out of our roll top bath but went with it. It wasn't long before we realised there wasn't going to be time for a shower so whilst Mr was gathering everything together for take off I had a bath. It did take the edge off the contractions but I suddenly felt the need to push. Surely my mind was playing tricks on me and just getting carried away?! I had read too many books and watched too many episodes of One Born Every Minute so I dismissed it but we were quite convinced it was time to call the hospital again. It was only 7.15am.

We set off during rush hour (great!) and with some very skillful driving and a lot of breathing we arrived at 8am with me (whilst trying to sound calm, but failing greatly) instructing Mr to just leave the car wherever. I couldn't even make it the 25 metres to the door without nearly ending up on the floor. Mr pushed some guys out of the way at reception and I headed down to the labour ward - we had been there many times before so I knew exactly where I was going.

We were welcomed but in a slightly dismissive manner, I guess they are used to seeing lots of ladies in labour and we were directed to an assessment room and told someone would be with us soon. The pain was now pretty intense and no one was coming so I decided to get a bit more vocal. I needed them to take me seriously.

Finally, someone came in to see us and started chit chat, I am normally very polite but I wasn't really in the mood for chit chat. They put the monitor on to check the baby's heartbeat and had a feel of my tummy and said they didn't think the baby's head was down. It had to be, it had been down for about 10 weeks! There was talk of an ultrasound and then the midwife disappeared. The pain was now quite constant and I was obviously being quite loud as Mr went to get someone to examine me.

A nice smiley lady arrived and examined me, during which my waters broke. We heard a "well" and I was preparing myself for the worse but I don't think I have been as happy as I was then for a long time as she said, "well you are 9cm dilated and the baby has a lot of hair".

Wow, suddenly everything made sense. Not being able to feel the head (it was too low down), the urge to push and most importantly the pain. They read my birth plan, giggling at the bit about if labour was slow to progress and got the gas and air ready.

The midwives instructed Mr not to leave the room, this baby could be born any minute. The car would have to remain with no car park ticket on it with all my carefully packed bags (and my iPhone!) in it.

To be continued...

Read part 2 now...

[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 17. Take more photos with the digital SLR

You may have already read about my love for photography on theprojectlab but also that it is one of those things that I never really get round to doing hence it making it on to my 30 before 30 list.

My weekly photo post for the gallery has helped to reignite my love for photography but still getting out to actually take new photos is not easy - and it is not going to get any easier I fear. In an attempt to make it that little bit easier I have changed the title of this one on my list from 'spending half a day taking photos' (when was this ever going to happen!) to just 'take more photos'.

A couple of weekends ago the sun decided to make a rare appearance so we made the most of it and went for a walk around one of our local favourites, Thornton Reservoir. It was originally built in 1854 and is now owned by Severn Trent Water and there is a lovely walk around the outside which is just under 2.5 miles. Perfect for a sunny Saturday. I didn't take too many pictures but I hope you enjoy the ones I have picked out below.

Wishing you all lots of sunny days. x

[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 4. Pay off a credit card

The past few years have certainly been busy and expensive. All our own fault I hasten to add!

We got married and had an amazing honeymoon to Singapore, Bali and Hong Kong in 2008.

Since we bought our house five years ago we have had a lot of work done including re-doing/decorating every room in the house at least once and in 2009 we had the roof fully re-tiled, and moved the position of the upstairs bathroom to make the most of the space.

Then last year we decided that we would have one last ‘big’ holiday to Japan before we tried for a family. This was not cheap – once in a lifetime – but certainly not cheap!

So, here we are a few years later, happy and with many memories but also the debt that came with it. As we start to tighten our belts so I can stay off work for a while with Baby B in 2011 we are starting to get ourselves back to ‘zero’. One credit card down, a few more to go!

[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 8. See friends

I added this one to my 30 before 30 list because I always enjoy seeing friends (who doesn’t) but it is one of those things that can easily fall by the wayside as life gets in the way.

Over the past few months I have been quite good at seeing friends, some that live nearby and I see regularly and others that don’t live as close and it takes effort on both sides to see. Some new friends, some old. Some for lunch, some for dinner but most importantly all for a general chat and catch up!

So, as long as I can keep this up when baby arrives – I guess that will be a good excuse to see friends, or for friends to see Baby B – this one can be considered partially ticked off.

One of the best things about friends are the memories and laughs you can share. I have chosen some photos from the past few years as a memento and reminder for me of the fun times and me pre-pregnancy. Looking through my photos it's also made me realise that I have no photos of many of my friends. I really need to get the camera out at other occasions other than just weddings!

 
It also didn't seem right to have photos of friends and not have one of my best friend of 9 years (this month), Mr B, taken during our first dance at our wedding two years ago - despite the fact I am lucky enough to see him every day. x

Making things

I love making things but very rarely give myself time to do it.

Lately, when trying to find presents for friends I have been disappointed with the options. I usually end up walking out of shops thinking 'I could make that'. The reason I haven't made presents in the past is because I am worried about the recipient not liking them. So as part of my 30 before 30 list I have vowed to be more confident (No. 27) and this extends to this scenario.

My friend often wears beaded necklaces so I got out my pliers and beads and got set to work. Below you can see the work in progress and the finished necklace. I did try to get a photo of the complete necklace but they looked a bit rubbish so you have an 'abstract' one.

     

It's her birthday this weekend so I will have to report if she likes it. Arghh, fingers crossed!



[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 5. Visit a museum or gallery

This one off my 30 before 30 list is really something that I wish I got to do more often.

I always try to visit when I get the opportunity, on holiday for example or on the odd weekend visit to London and it is always something that I enjoy.

On our last London visit in October we went to see Ai Weiwei's Sunflower Seeds as part of the Unilver Series at the Tate Modern, unfortunately, it was just after they closed access to walking on the sunflower seeds. But it was still worth going.

So, this weekend we stayed a little more local and visited Open 22, Leicester's annual open art exhibition of artists from the county and region. I think we missed last year's but we have been many years in the past as it has featured some of Mr's friends and my aunty. It is a good mix of art, craft and sculpture - I must admit of varying quality. This year was no exception but it was the first year it had been at the New Walk Museum & Art Gallery rather than at the City Gallery which has been subject to the recent cuts. To be honest it was actually a really good space and showed the work a lot better than I feel the City Gallery has in the past. I wanted to try and get some photos to share but I got stopped by the security guard. I do think copyright gets flaunted most by those that don't understand it. Anyway, the image below should give you a taster.

So, although I have ticked another off the list, I really hope this is something we can try and do again when little Baby B makes an appearance. Babies understand art don't they!?

[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 24. Photo a day

So, I may as well try and start as I mean to go on and just get stuck in!

Number 24 on my list of 30 things to complete before I'm 30 is to take a photo a day. This isn't a new idea as many have acheived it in the past but I have never suceeded. There's a surprise.

However, I was recently reminded of the idea when I stumbled upon SuzieQ's Flickr account and the set 365. The interesting thing from Suzie's set was that it revolved around her new son. This naturally struck a chord.

So, I doubt I will acheive one photo a day. It may be none for a few days and then four on another. But that's fine. I am not going to get hung-up on the technicalities :)

Here are two to reflect my Saturday.

Photo's by Me.

I will be continually uploading the new photos I take to my flickr account here.

[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] The list!

 So here is the list!

1. Have a baby
2. Become a mum
3. Visit a country I am intrigued by
4. Pay off one credit card
5. Visit a museum or gallery
6. Wear makeup/dress up at least once a month
7. Go on a date with Mr B
8. See friends
9. Finally feel like the house is 'finished'
10. Attempt to grow my own in the garden
11. Bake some cupcakes
12. Drink tea out of teacup more regularly
13. Learn to play a song on the piano
14. Read a book cover to cover
15. Start our family history
16. Sort and print digital photos that only ever end up on the computer
17. Spend half a day taking photos with the digital SLR camera
18. Have a French manicure
19. Try an adult ballet class
20. Paint a watercolour
21. Do a cross stitch picture
22. Make something on my new sewing machine
23. Do some freehand tapestry
24. Take a photo a day
25. Knit something
26. Stop being such a perfectionist
27. Be more confident
28. Blog regularly
29. Go to the DENTIST
30. Be braver with my clothes and style

I will be crossing things off as I go along on the master list here.

Everytime I complete something I will also be blogging about it. Stay tuned! Only 26 weeks to go! Arghhh!

[ . . Wonderful Wednesday . . ] Exciting 2011 ahead

[ Found on h4ndz's flickr here available to buy on Etsy here ]

I am feeling very energised about 2011. If you are a regular reader you will know that it is going to be a busy year with the arrival of our first bundle of joy - Baby B.

The other big celebration (and I say celebration through gritted teeth) is that I will also be turning 30. This is fine, but becoming a mum and turning 30 in the same year has daunted me a little I must be honest.

In an attempt to take my mind off this fact, and as I haven't done any New Year's resolutions for 2011 I have decided to do a 30 before 30 list. I'm hoping this will enable me to focus, just a little bit, on me and make sure that my identity doesn't get lost in the mummy-craziness!

I was hoping to get the list completed to share with you today but that in itself appears to have been too ambitious as I haven't quite been able to come up with 30 things yet. Worringly I also worked out last night, that in fact there are only 26 weeks to complete these 30 things in - and of course that is to include the arrival of Baby B in February/March.

The list will include some of the normal things to achieve before a landmark birthday but others may just be those things that I never quite get around to doing. With the baby being due in the near future there are some clear restrictions. In another life things on the list may have included things like wear hotpants in public, dye my hair pink, or as Mr B suggested learn to surf but I have to be realisitic :)

So, I will share the list with you in the coming days. If you have any recommendations for me then please leave a comment below. I will consider them all (within reason!).

Happy 2011!