tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92083492198124533332024-02-08T02:55:48.264+00:00Thoughts Of A First Time DadFrontline parenting from a new dad out of his depth.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-69119886219030611922019-02-10T20:32:00.000+00:002019-02-10T20:32:13.318+00:00To My Daughter on Her Third Birthday…<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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To Mara,<br />
My darling daughter.<br />
<br />
I can’t believe it has already been three years since you arrived and forever changed our lives for the better. Three beautiful, amazing , magical, wonderful, drama-filled, chaotic {in the most fun way} years.<br />
To say this past year has been a challenge would be an understatement. </div>
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You have shown me a lot about myself, parenting, how much patience I have, and don’t have. But the most amazing thing that has developed this past year is your BIG personality. <br />
Sure, you have many shades of shy when it comes to strangers. You’ve been friendly but ever so cautious since day one and it’s just your nature. But when it’s just us, you are anything but shy. </div>
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My Lil’ Chip, you are something special <br />
In many ways, we are a lot alike: You love music, and using your imagination. You are fiercely independent and couldn’t care less what anyone thinks of you. You love to put together wacky outfits. Twinning is winning or Disney Princess for the day. You are one of a kind.<br />
You are such a bookworm and love a story. If we’re hanging out at home, you always have a book {or ten} by your side, and you are always ready for a bedtime read. I hope you keep this trend up. Keep reading and imagining. I’m a believer that if you can read well, you can do anything well. Reading can take your mind places you never knew existed.<br />
But regardless of those smarts, you are stubborn and this year has had many ups and downs. You’re definitely mine, you have my temper, and strong resistance to do what’s good for you. Medicine and sleep to name a couple.<br />
You have grown up SO much this year. I’m highly aware that we’re entering “threenager” territory. Just when I’m about to pull my hair out, you do something unbelievably cute or funny and it makes the tough times melt away. Thankfully you are about 80% cute and only 20% trouble.<br />
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A bit more about who you are at this very moment:<br />
• You are not a morning person, however you could get that from your mum! <br />
• You love to sing. Let It Go, You’re Welcome, Rain, Rain Go Away and <span class="markkd4i73wo9 _2Th5e9ZyZUAFfXZXt-uLkQ" data-markjs="true" style="background-color: #deecf9; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 90, 158); border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(0, 90, 158); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(0, 90, 158); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 90, 158); border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: #005a9e; font-family: &quot; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14.66px; font-stretch: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Happy Birthday</span> are often in your repertoire.<br />
• You love giving cuddles to Babe & Pap each night before bed. And you’re such a wee chatterbox stalling for time. There's no-one thirstier than you at bedtime.<br />
• You are such a little mummy to ALL of your dolls, making sure they’re dressed and fed and comfortable in their beds!<br />
• You love being outside, playing in the snow or splashing in puddles <br />
• You love watching movies and cuddling in on the sofa. We’ve watched Frozen, Moana, Brave and Tangled too many times to count. And we’re still watching Lava, must be a thousand times at least now.<br />
• You love to draw, colour and paint, we’re building up quite the collection.<br /> • You love ice cream, Cheerios and Happy Hippos. <br />
<br />
You are currently doing the dance between still being our baby and needing us next to you at all times, and wanting so badly the big girl independence. Please know that mummy and I are here to hold your hand every step of the way. Keep on laughing and learning in the year ahead. <br />
<br />
Love always,<br />
<br />
Daddy</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Gateside View, Lesmahagow, Lanark ML11 0QX, UK55.6266146 -3.875185600000008955.6221321 -3.885270600000009 55.631097100000005 -3.8651006000000088tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-45831882510192758362018-09-16T20:26:00.000+01:002018-09-16T20:26:47.798+01:00My New Role Explained - Scottish Ambulance Service Community First Responder<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As you are probably aware now, since we moved house, I wanted to find a way to get involved in the local community. After Mara was born and with the time she spent in hospital it made me rethink a lot of things and my priorities changed, not only as a new parent. I wanted to do something that mattered. This is where my new post as a Community First Responder with the Scottish Ambulance Service comes in to play. A few people have asked me what exactly it is I do, others had never heard of such a thing, so I thought it would be a good idea to use my platform here and any influence I may have to explain it in as easy a way as possible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In a medical emergency, split seconds can mean the difference between life and death. Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) Community First Responders (CFR) are essential to making sure help gets to the patients in time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In 1990 Dr Richard Cummins from Seattle, USA discovered if a series of events took place, in a set sequence, a patient suffering from a heart attack stood a greater chance of survival. These events are now known as the "Chain of Survival."</span></div>
<ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Early Recognition & Call for help</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Early CPR</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Early Defibrillation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Early Advanced Care</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Community First Responders are an integral and valued link in the "Chain of Survival" in areas that experience an extended journey time, as they can provide essential simple treatments in those crucial first few minutes prior to the arrival of an ambulance.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Who and what is a Community First Responder?</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Resuscitation Council (UK) states that a CFR is "a person trained as a minimum in basic life support and the use of a defibrillator who attends a potentially life-threatening emergency." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are local volunteers who agree to undertake the aforementioned training. This enables us to provide life saving treatment to those people within the community who are critically ill. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We book on with the Ambulance Control Centre (ACC) as being available at home, and then we are contacted by radio and despatched to deal with any 999 emergency calls in our area that are deemed appropriate as part of the ambulance service. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are asked to commit to around 12 hours of on call availability each month.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The type of incidents we can expect to be sent to are:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Chest Pain</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cardiac Arrest</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Difficulty in Breathing or Choking</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Medical collapse or Unconscious Patients.</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What made you chose to become a CFR?</span></u></b></h4>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As mentioned at the start, the time we spent in hospital when Mara was born made me reprioritise a lot of things. It’s only now that we are in some kind of routine and she is a bit more settled and independent that I’ve had the time and the opportunity to work on this. Caroline has been a great support throughout my time studying and training.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’ve always had a keen interest in first aid itself. I’m one of the first aiders at work, I used to volunteer with St Andrews First Aid for a bit before Caroline and I got married, and anyone who really knows me knows that I’m forever injuring myself one way or another so ideally, this is the best possible position for me! If I can’t sort myself out I can always talk someone through it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkG415RCa04DSTgqjPZ_YBznmt3F3YKr9h-fPPTgyvi62CNJ46XmMmCn5pgNLDJtslZ4aNypwNIJ1K3Zjx0tKXiJC1-VBBBRe9HM97jS_xYyPEkWX8tml72hrYbTF1DUl8JeYSJ_qOVM/s1600/CFR+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkG415RCa04DSTgqjPZ_YBznmt3F3YKr9h-fPPTgyvi62CNJ46XmMmCn5pgNLDJtslZ4aNypwNIJ1K3Zjx0tKXiJC1-VBBBRe9HM97jS_xYyPEkWX8tml72hrYbTF1DUl8JeYSJ_qOVM/s320/CFR+3.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuewMZdUWgC2gaysPxTsu2CoHUW0u4QMYUQbGUHsUSEKUrU2Q3ff9pi2tKhmppHdRc9KdkoGQhouWFv-R0u5H6aXTTte7ISJR5xSNmbLSGZOI7teh_-UHvwhyphenhyphenHaqMVeg_yBl_XJZobjCg/s1600/CFR+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuewMZdUWgC2gaysPxTsu2CoHUW0u4QMYUQbGUHsUSEKUrU2Q3ff9pi2tKhmppHdRc9KdkoGQhouWFv-R0u5H6aXTTte7ISJR5xSNmbLSGZOI7teh_-UHvwhyphenhyphenHaqMVeg_yBl_XJZobjCg/s320/CFR+5.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What was the training like?</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
After an initial interview with my co-ordinator, and the enhanced Disclosure Scotland checks to ensure that I was safe to work with children and vulnerable adults, I attended a 4 day course over two weekends at Motherwell Ambulance Station. It was quite an intensive course with a lot to take in, and was obviously much more in-depth than any first aid training I’d had before. Day 4 was the written and practical examination part, which although daunting was incredibly stress free.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I also had to do a 3 hour course on how to correctly use the radio’s we are provided with as CFR’s.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Training doesn't stop there though, we have ongoing monthly training alongside the Forth & Lanark CFR groups at Lanark Fire Station which keeps us up to date with all protocols and procedures.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What is the job like?</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
I love my role as a CFR. When the call comes in there is a weird mix of excitement and fear as you rush off to help. We respond in our own vehicles without any blue lights or anything, so we have to observe all traffic laws. We have no right to speed despite our roles. We are an integral part of the ambulance service and it’s our job to get to people early since early medical intervention saves more lives, and more often than not we are first on the scene before the ambulance crew arrives. We do what we can to stabilise a patient and, if needed, assist the crews in transferring the patient to an ambulance for transfer to further medical help in hospital. We work alongside ambulance technicians, paramedics and ACC who all form part of the emergency care team.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Every call out is different and you have to think fast, keep calm and respond professionally. We may only be volunteers but while we are on call we are representing the Scottish Ambulance Service.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You need to have real people skills to enable you to deal with scared patients in pain or trauma, or relatives who may be in shock or distress. It’s a massive contrast to my day job, but it grounds me in the real world and provides a lot of satisfaction actually helping people in need while getting involved in my new local community at the same time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I volunteer with Clydesdale Community First Responders covering Lesmahagow, Kirkmuirhill, Coalburn, Blackwood and the surrounding areas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you think becoming a CFR with the Scottish Ambulance Service is something you could get involved in within your local area then check out the following website for more information -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.scottishambulance.com/yourcommunity/responders.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.scottishambulance.com/yourcommunity/responders.aspx</a> or use a search engine to find out about your own area if you are based elsewhere.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask and I’ll help out as best I can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mark @ TOAFTD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/thoughts.of.a.first.time.dad"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.instagram.com/thoughts.of.a.first.time.dad</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/TOAFTD"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.twitter.com/TOAFTD</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/ThoughtsOfAFirstTimeDad"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.facebook.com/ThoughtsOfAFirstTimeDad</span></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Gateside View, Lesmahagow, Lanark ML11 0QX, UK55.626154799999988 -3.876040099999954755.621672299999986 -3.8861250999999548 55.630637299999989 -3.8659550999999546tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-32152188024562033492018-09-02T20:17:00.000+01:002018-09-02T20:17:42.600+01:00Whats happening?!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey everyone!</div>
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Sorry that its been a while since my last post, we've had a hectic few months here at TOAFTD HQ!</div>
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If you've been following on Instagram you'll have see some posts about what we've been up to but even that hasn't quite scratched the surface of what's been going on.</div>
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So, where do I begin...</div>
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Mara has started going to nursery two days a week. She's settled in really well and seems to be enjoying it. The first day that Caroline dropped her off she didn't even get a backwards glance or a "bye mummy", Mara was straight in and off to play with the toy kitchen! I get to pick her up some days if I get away from work early enough and its just the best when she comes rushing over to give me a hug.</div>
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She has been there for about a month now and in that time we had hoped her eating might improve a bit, what with her being around all the other children and seeing them eat, but we're still waiting.</div>
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The nursery staff have their concerns too, but we made them well aware when we went to view the nursery that she wasn't the best eater, and she's also not the worst in the nursery going by some of the stories they've told us. She'll get there, eventually, but right now we just have to keep doing what were doing.</div>
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Mara is also coming out the end of a bout of tonsillitis. The fun just never ends in this house! The coughing, spluttering, screaming, snotting fun... The shoulders on all of my shirts and tops look like I have a pet slug hiding somewhere.</div>
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Have you ever tried to get a two year old who is reluctant to put anything in her mouth at the best of times to take penicillin? No, me neither. Daddy got creative though...</div>
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Mara thought all of her dreams had come true when she was suddenly getting four milkshakes a day, even being woken up in the middle of the night for one. Little did she know, there was a dose of medicine in there being masked by the taste of strawberries! High fives all round!</div>
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We booked a last minute mini break to Chester at the start of August. Caroline has wanted to visit Chester Zoo for as long as I've know her (which is a long time FYI) so we bit the bullet and drove down.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZInAWPfBY0TDTW2QnSvDxk6xFKpx2w3TD0ZyTiQf7n92zaReLDTNVRehXRhm7RPC8yK9s-wYOJ9pOvfm91ApTIkRgS7_FqAmkYrpNKIlolHmf4orwjwKq3Bg-L-RoSdnTR4_ftkmSkc/s1600/Blog+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZInAWPfBY0TDTW2QnSvDxk6xFKpx2w3TD0ZyTiQf7n92zaReLDTNVRehXRhm7RPC8yK9s-wYOJ9pOvfm91ApTIkRgS7_FqAmkYrpNKIlolHmf4orwjwKq3Bg-L-RoSdnTR4_ftkmSkc/s320/Blog+5.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexySS2hCLEwN48Lx_zRSaSMAfSAtOELAzr0ctPu5zSnQ25_BybENYZmlMNUDknwZJB3yYNWO8cgJrSKmzs5ABAiG_-pogyk2w-AbbTNtAbOJzrL8hoGhLv-HIYTtRHZUyaYyqEdHPTec/s1600/Blog+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexySS2hCLEwN48Lx_zRSaSMAfSAtOELAzr0ctPu5zSnQ25_BybENYZmlMNUDknwZJB3yYNWO8cgJrSKmzs5ABAiG_-pogyk2w-AbbTNtAbOJzrL8hoGhLv-HIYTtRHZUyaYyqEdHPTec/s320/Blog+7.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zpEMSb4Xl_TpmhzzKaRDsjvZorBxCoxtZkkmmsmYlyN0fT0RGk0layzCTUxAjvi3wYfojItZDLlH1Oi1XuMaBtSYXXGynlmm1rhV4zxuIDVdYyQchOHEVQ8QSHTuG3tCQTgcAl3UvuY/s1600/Blog+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zpEMSb4Xl_TpmhzzKaRDsjvZorBxCoxtZkkmmsmYlyN0fT0RGk0layzCTUxAjvi3wYfojItZDLlH1Oi1XuMaBtSYXXGynlmm1rhV4zxuIDVdYyQchOHEVQ8QSHTuG3tCQTgcAl3UvuY/s320/Blog+6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We stopped off in the Lake District on the way. It's only around 90 minutes from where we live now, so we may need to start visiting more often as its a beautiful part of the country.</div>
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We stayed at Rowton Hall Hotel which is just on the outskirts of the city in a quaint little village.</div>
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An ideal base for getting around and minutes from the motorway.</div>
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Chester Zoo was probably my favourite part of our holiday. I understand that zoos aren't everybody's cup of tea as the animals aren't in their natural habitat and whatnot, but aside from Audobon Zoo in New Orleans which Caz and I visited on our honeymoon, this is probably the best zoo I have ever visited. The animals had huge enclosures and free spaces to roam around, each one catered to their specific needs, and there were loads of baby animals too which was unexpected! Mara loved the elephants and ducks - I'm not 100% sure that the ducks were residents of the zoo, I think they just rocked up and staked claim to one of the lakes and shrub areas! She was fascinated by the penguins though. The squeals of delight from Mara as they went shooting past the viewing windows of their pool were amazing. Even the non-animal areas like their cafes and play areas were exceptionally well thought out and designed. It pains me to say but our local, Edinburgh Zoo, could really do with a revamp, it just looks a bit sad in comparison.</div>
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We also visited Gulliver's World in Warrington... A theme park for little people... Represented by 6 foot tall mice who greet you by dancing to the Cha Cha Slide on arrival and massive fibreglass sculptures (?!) of slightly terrifying people dotted around the park who probably looked cutting edge when the park opened in the late 80's. Granted there weren't loads of rides Mara could go on, but she fair enjoyed the ones she could, particularly in the Dinosaur themed part of the park. Lots of cries of "Daddy Raaawr!"She loved the Lazy River too, which was the first ride we went on. A massive tyre with 4 built in seats floating along a waterway coloured by cistern blocks and fenced in by concrete animals dotted around the perimeter. If one of us had fallen in to the water, we would have come out looking like a Smurf!</div>
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We finished our day here by walking through the ghost house with Mara. Think 1930's horror movies, you know the ones with really dodgy acting and figurines, and you're almost there. Personally, I've dealt with much more terrifying nappies!</div>
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Granted, its not the usual type of holiday we'd go on. Usually it would be all cocktails and food and not that acrid smell of fairground donuts that hangs in the air, but these are just some of the sacrifices you have to make for the little ones I suppose. When she's old enough to go on all the big rollercoasters with me I might change my mind! Disney Land - are you looking for any bloggers?!</div>
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On our last day, we spent the morning in Chester itself and visited the miniature railway in Grosvenor Park before heading to the Cathedral grounds for the Birds of Prey exhibit they have. Both hits with Mara until she started getting tired. We took that cue to head back to the car and begin our drive home. We took a detour though to a place called Grange-Over-Sands, a different part of the Lake District that we'd never heard of before. We had a late lunch in one of the local diners before buying some bird food and taking a walk around the lake to feed the ducks and geese and taking some nice photos. It was a well earned break for the three of us and we can't wait to plan our next visit Chester Zoo.</div>
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On a slightly sadder note, again if you've been on Insta, you may have seen that we had to have Elvis put to sleep at the end of July. Our little bunster just wasn't well. He was special to us in that he was our first family pet, but also with the fact that he only had three legs. He was the most affectionate rabbit I've ever known and was so good with Mara in the short time that she knew him, but as difficult as it was we had to put what was in his best interests before our own feelings and let him go peacefully. Given that he only had three legs, he wasn't able to clean himself enough and wasn't able to use his litter tray properly. We noticed that he was struggling to walk properly, that he wasn't as affectionate as he once was, and that he was starting to shun his food. The vet told us that rabbits are a very proud species and pride themselves on their cleanliness, which we knew, but because he wasn't able to groom himself it was stressing him out and to look at him you could see in his eyes that he wasn't himself. He just looked sad and the sparkle was gone. That's when we knew it was time to let him go, we didn't want him to suffer unduly. It hurt like hell having to walk away from the vets without him, but it was the right thing to do.</div>
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Its been six weeks now and I can still hear his little ball with the bell inside being chucked around, he loved to play with that ball.</div>
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After his cremation, the day that I brought him back home from the vets, I randomly kept finding little bits of Elvis fluff in every room I went into in the house, even ones he hadn't ventured into himself. It was kind of comforting in a way. Elvis was probably the best birthday gift Caroline has ever bought me. I miss his little lick on my forehead, the way he ate raspberries and our tussles with a tea biscuit though, but I know he's off causing mischief somewhere.</div>
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Lastly, I passed all of my training to become a Community First Responder with the Scottish Ambulance Service in our new area.</div>
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It was pretty tough going, and I still have a lot to learn, but the team of people I'm now working alongside when I'm able to sign on shift are a great support. It wont be long until I'm out on call myself, which is scary and exciting in equal measure. I've done 3 shifts so far and had one call out, which was pretty harrowing for a first call to be honest but that's part of the job and you have to just leave your emotions at the door. The role of myself and my team is to provide life-saving treatment in those minutes before an ambulance crew arrive, every second counts. I'll do a separate post on my CFR role and try and go into as much detail as I can.</div>
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Now that we've caught up, normal service should resume shortly. I'll get back to the sporadic posting that you've come to expect from me of late! What have you been up to?</div>
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Laters,</div>
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Mark</div>
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To follow us on Instagram, click <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thoughts.of.a.first.time.dad" target="_blank">HERE</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com1Gateside View, Lesmahagow, Lanark ML11 0QX, UK55.626154799999988 -3.876040099999954755.621672299999986 -3.8861250999999548 55.630637299999989 -3.8659550999999546tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-15662857774622612532018-07-07T19:16:00.000+01:002018-07-07T19:16:42.832+01:00Organ Donation<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> What would you do?</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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Should the worst ever happen, and you were to die, where do you stand on donating your organs?</div>
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This is in no way meant to be a controversial post or anything, just thought provoking.</div>
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The reason for this post? Given that we've recently moved house, we took steps to register ourselves with our new local doctors surgery. We had to fill out forms and such, and one of the questions was "In the event of your death would you like to donate your organs?" It suggested all usable tissues or gave a selection of items that could be harvested.</div>
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Me personally? Well, I give blood on a regular basis and I am on the Anthony Nolan & DKMS bone marrow registers, but I'm a bit funny when it comes to my organs. Don't get me wrong, if a family member or friend needed a new kidney or liver tissue I'd be at the front of the queue to be tested and see if I could match for them, but my eyes, lungs or heart? I can't put my finger on what exactly it is, but it scares me a little to think I wouldn't have them, like somehow a part of who I am would be, for want of a better word, missing. Don't ask me to explain it, I honestly can't.</div>
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Caroline, on the other hand, says that "they" can take everything that would still be viable. </div>
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In the event of her death she would want someone to benefit from our tragedy. Yet, she doesn't give blood or anything as she is terrified of needles. Maybe her faith has something to do with her decision. Who knows?</div>
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We talked about Mara too, and decided that this should be a decision she should make when she is old enough to make it and understand what it means. </div>
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IF anything was ever to happen, and Mara required a transplant of some kind, would we want her to have it? Of course, what parent wouldn't? </div>
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I know that there are some who wouldn't based on their religions and which deity they follow. I'm not trying to lambast anyone's faith, and I respect other people's beliefs, these are just the thoughts that have been rattling around in my head since we filled out the forms.</div>
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At any one time, due to a shortage of organs, more than 500 people in Scotland are waiting for an organ to become available to give them the transplant they desperately need. </div>
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Having done a bit of research, I know that the government are planning to move to a policy of "presumed consent." A 2017 consultation found that 82% of respondents favoured the move.</div>
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A soft opt-out policy - similar to the one introduced in Wales in 2015 - would allow parts of an adults body to be used in transplants in the absence of express permission. However, the wishes of the families and next of kin would continue to be respected, so removal of organ would not go ahead without their support.</div>
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I'm not being sponsored by anyone to write this post, they're just simply my thoughts.</div>
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Is it something you have thought about?</div>
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Back to my first question - what would you do?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Gateside View, Lesmahagow, Lanark ML11 0QX, UK55.626154799999988 -3.876040099999954755.621672299999986 -3.8861250999999548 55.630637299999989 -3.8659550999999546tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-72437006617691519082018-06-17T21:13:00.001+01:002018-06-17T21:13:22.771+01:00The One With The Water Palace<div>
So, it might be time to move house again...</div>
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Let me set the scene.</div>
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Mara and I went swimming at Hamilton Water Palace yesterday morning. We set off early seeing as she'd been up since the crack of dawn - no change from the norm.</div>
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We park up, pay our fee and head down to the changing area. So far so good.</div>
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Seeing as this was our first visit, we spent a few minutes getting our bearings and seeing which areas were cordoned off for swimming lessons etc</div>
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This left us with 3 areas we could use:</div>
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<li>The infant pool with the pirate ship centrepiece,</li>
<li>The river rapids pool area,</li>
<li>The flumes.</li>
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Mara was practically giddy when she saw the flumes for the first time, but had a mini meltdown when I told her we couldn't go on them this time as she was too little. She grabbed me by the hand and hauled me across to the other side of the pool while frantically pointing at the water slide. Not the smaller of the two either. The one where you had to climb about 50 stairs to reach the entrance at the top. The one that winds its way outside the building before shooting you out into a designated splash zone. The one that would have caused Caroline to murder me if I took Mara on it. Thankfully I had my sensible dad hat on yesterday and we steered clear. Next weekend though sweetheart...!</div>
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We had a quick rinse at the showers before heading to the infant pool. The water basically came up to my ankles so I was bloody freezing after my shower but Mara was fine. There were lots of other mums & dads sitting around the poolside or in the puddle that made up the pool itself. She weaved her way in and out of the other kids in the pool and the daredevil that she is, she found the infant slide that was about 3 feet long at the far end.</div>
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This is where things started to go wrong.</div>
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She climbed the two stairs to the top and stood victorious taking in her surroundings and looking to see who was watching her other than me. She smiled at me. One of the pool side dads caught her eye and Mara winked at him. A full on head turned to the side, mouth open wink. The poor guy didn't know where to look. She sat down and slid in to the pool with a "wheeee.' Climbed out, made her way round to the steps up the slide and stood atop it again like she'd just conquered Everest, hands on hips and everything. And then she did it again. Winked. Not just at one dad though, to all of them and all of the male lifeguards in the vicinity. Cue some laughter, some mortified looks and a couple of the dads saying to me "Oh, she's very friendly/forward/confident." I didn't know where to look.</div>
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After splashdown we quickly made our way over to the river rapids. I thought, we'll just bob about here for a bit and do some floating and swimming. I check the time as we get in, noting that she was about half an hour away from needing something to eat. So, we're in the rapids, getting carried around on the current, floating, floating, floating...straining... She's straining. Oh f**k she's going to shit in the pool. I had visions of that scene from The Inbetweeners 2 playing in my head, except instead of the flume it would be getting whipped round the rapids like some sort of brown torpedo in a spin cycle.</div>
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All I could think was "Please, please don't shit in the pool babe." It was ok though, it was just wind.</div>
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Deciding it was time to leave and not chance our luck just in case there was a more horrific sequel we made our way back to the changing room</div>
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I got Mara dried off and dressed first so she wouldn't get too cold before I sorted myself out. </div>
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So there's me half wet, with my boxers on and in the midst of putting my t-shirt on when I hear a scream from the cubicle next door and an audible "Oh My Goodness!" I thought, poor woman is in there with her kids in the same situation as me and one of them has opened the door to the world. My head popped out the top of my t-shirt and there, looking up at me from the ground is Mara's little arse, with her head fully underneath the stall wall saying hiya to the lady next door. Mortified doesn't even come close to describing it. I knocked on the wall and said "I am so, so sorry." The lady replied nervously "Erm, its ok..."</div>
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Bugger getting dried. I pulled the rest of my clothes on and shoved everything else in my gym bag. Feet straight in to my Converse, sans socks, and practically ran out of the changing room, and the Water Palace, with Mara hog rolled under my arm.</div>
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We can't ever go back there.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Gateside View, Lesmahagow, Lanark ML11 0QX, UK55.626154799999988 -3.876040099999954755.621672299999986 -3.8861250999999548 55.630637299999989 -3.8659550999999546tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-59267864553623905342018-06-11T08:12:00.003+01:002018-06-11T10:50:01.716+01:00#FoxFathersDay<div>
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Ok dad's, when was the last time you got to watch an entire movie at home?<br>
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For me, we had not long brought Mara home from SCBU and were just starting to relax a little bit, what with having our little bundle of joy home with us at last, when she decided after a couple of days that she didn't really want to sleep... at all, in any way, shape or form unless she was being held by either myself or Caroline. Our way around this was to sleep in shifts, so for about 8 weeks Caroline's parents would come in and let us go to bed around 8pm, Caroline would get up at midnight and do until 4.30am and then I would take over until 8.30am before I had to get ready for work.<br>
During this time, I worked my way through a fair amount of movies with Mara in my arms.<br>
I don't expect she took much in at such a young age, but with a tiny companion in my arms we have viewed just about every movie boxset collection you can think of that's been out in the last 20 years.<br>
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Last year, on Fathers Day, I took part in a 10 mile Tough Mudder event with my mate Sean - NEVER, EVER AGAIN! This year, I plan on something more relaxing. I’ll be spending the day with Mara, maybe at soft play or at home painting pictures and having her serve me a plastic three course meal from her toy kitchen, before settling down on the sofa to watch some movies with Caroline. Seeing as its "my day" I will make her watch Deadpool again, whether she wants to or not. I love how different Deadpool is from all the other X-Men movies, that's what makes it so likeable, to me any way. Caroline's doesn't get it! I think it’s brilliant.<br>
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After that we'll cosy up to watch The Revenant - in case you haven't seen it, Leonardo DiCaprio & Tom Hardy, grizzly bears, horses, blood & gore and revenge, lots of it.<br>
Leo, is amongst my favourite actors and seems to get better with every movie he is a part of. I don't think I've ever seen a movie of his I didn't like, but The Revenant is up there as one of my favourites.<br>
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The Blu-Ray DVD bundle I received from Fox recently covers a lot of bases for Mara. There are the aforementioned favourites for me, movies like The Magnificent Seven for Mara’s Papa to watch (he loves a western) and, for us, some previously unseen titles including Kingsman & The Heat.<br>
That’s the next few weekend evenings sorted, we’ve got the popcorn in now all we need is for Mara to serve it up in a plastic bowl.<br>
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As parents our lifestyle has changed somewhat, nothing can beat cosying up with the family to watch a movie.<br>
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What would you chose? What would be your perfect Father's Day movie?<br>
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#FoxFathersDay<br>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-69095663631667196312018-05-26T17:50:00.000+01:002018-05-26T17:50:13.653+01:00Character World Teepee - Review<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mums & Dads!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What does every little Princess need?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Her very own teepee!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVIm6-qPWb2bSdNYmmE7PInjlijzTjhe-utIaxJdKKtZXK1x82t7oaTudDVHHhmVsJ7lqgbRQllqKVQ3GsJiaSzdrC4gR1rB3BaqsJ8gaFM-pcvX54RJquf0f3Dq5CkCpW3U73MNsNB4/s1600/Teepee+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVIm6-qPWb2bSdNYmmE7PInjlijzTjhe-utIaxJdKKtZXK1x82t7oaTudDVHHhmVsJ7lqgbRQllqKVQ3GsJiaSzdrC4gR1rB3BaqsJ8gaFM-pcvX54RJquf0f3Dq5CkCpW3U73MNsNB4/s320/Teepee+5.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The team from <a href="http://www.characterworld.com/en/collections/teepee-range/beauty-and-the-beast" target="_blank">Character World</a> were kind enough to send me one of their newly launched Disney Princess Royal teepee's in return for a review and I can wholeheartedly say that I'm not disappointed, and neither is Mara!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The teepee comes in its own little pack bag, perfect for stowing away when not in use.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You simply build up the poles, thread them through the fabric and tie them all together at the top. It literally took me about 90 seconds to build from start to finish, it was so easy and the instructions were very straightforward - and that's a big deal coming from me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVOra0-xGPtV0GcJ8vIKSOjehLdvcG4Jy0NWDaz2s-OtVNViB3Qg1UH4dJPWcsefcQ9JoJnmQo4-DLkXb0Lq8mbC7-quCm7iLFHNbiabrpi6FH7N2oNfT9g0A-znIoNDUT5EvoFX5hOE/s1600/Teepee+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVOra0-xGPtV0GcJ8vIKSOjehLdvcG4Jy0NWDaz2s-OtVNViB3Qg1UH4dJPWcsefcQ9JoJnmQo4-DLkXb0Lq8mbC7-quCm7iLFHNbiabrpi6FH7N2oNfT9g0A-znIoNDUT5EvoFX5hOE/s320/Teepee+1.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The fabric of the teepee is so cute too. Its an officially licensed Disney product and is adorned with images from Beauty & The Beast (the original, and best, not the live action one!).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There's Chip, Mrs Potts and the rose in the glass cloche to name a few. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What more could a young girl need?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc47u1ELY6MCZoMDfhfKPKtGFhEtiNwN6Dxt9lv8vBjuJ-UQA75aYMYMdezXzd_vdjDz95_1VHQJJyuJidFyW_-UqXrXIEP9iuBPtaAWULLPlEbV2Y4pIUqKp561m2ShsSEHaxR-gi-8/s1600/Teepee+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc47u1ELY6MCZoMDfhfKPKtGFhEtiNwN6Dxt9lv8vBjuJ-UQA75aYMYMdezXzd_vdjDz95_1VHQJJyuJidFyW_-UqXrXIEP9iuBPtaAWULLPlEbV2Y4pIUqKp561m2ShsSEHaxR-gi-8/s320/Teepee+3.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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Standing at just over 4 feet tall, there is plenty of room inside for Mara and I to cosy up and read some books before bedtime, but she is equally happy playing in it on her own, having a little tea party with her teddies or simply taking a well earned nap.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Given the nice weather we've had recently, we even had it out in the back garden to provide a shaded area for her, but with the handy tiebacks on the entrance Caroline and I could still see what she's getting up to inside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Also, in case there are any accidents, the entire fabric part of the teepee is machine washable so it can stay looking pristine and fit for any Royal engagement at any time.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitb0-R5poRD_S6nyqLAegXYI8YMegAr9RLqCsgPh0cDLamEY0SbYI1Kkwkj1OXGj1ZCJsSAcM_1x7wDvL3D5gdZKUPO_swP69jPZFpXZEtwM5xiZpKqnTNA00tbHg3i45IP0wMgRvttLc/s1600/Teepee+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitb0-R5poRD_S6nyqLAegXYI8YMegAr9RLqCsgPh0cDLamEY0SbYI1Kkwkj1OXGj1ZCJsSAcM_1x7wDvL3D5gdZKUPO_swP69jPZFpXZEtwM5xiZpKqnTNA00tbHg3i45IP0wMgRvttLc/s320/Teepee+8.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBD3ccT8vd3YagtOu4D8rejiIl8pJIiN57zJZu7edFPKdHbePUdrpz8gYqgOmC3TghHGaboEuUQIcqTPRZYeGNYc-ckDJRVdpOYF3d197aN6biF9al6sIDSH4kZr1CJH-ha5fGxtWO6w/s1600/Teepee+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBD3ccT8vd3YagtOu4D8rejiIl8pJIiN57zJZu7edFPKdHbePUdrpz8gYqgOmC3TghHGaboEuUQIcqTPRZYeGNYc-ckDJRVdpOYF3d197aN6biF9al6sIDSH4kZr1CJH-ha5fGxtWO6w/s1600/Teepee+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBD3ccT8vd3YagtOu4D8rejiIl8pJIiN57zJZu7edFPKdHbePUdrpz8gYqgOmC3TghHGaboEuUQIcqTPRZYeGNYc-ckDJRVdpOYF3d197aN6biF9al6sIDSH4kZr1CJH-ha5fGxtWO6w/s320/Teepee+10.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNve7ljZOPMp1HTG3pV1zYoyIDwJ9TMzkLXOP1wiAiN8DSofA8OQkIwDzKIIcfxPP6WDrY1S951BUOz1KXgh3rc0J0p97-AFor4CvIq0MwoJjxmr3OJqjO4MqFJMoiGzHnkzZJEAexq84/s1600/Teepee+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNve7ljZOPMp1HTG3pV1zYoyIDwJ9TMzkLXOP1wiAiN8DSofA8OQkIwDzKIIcfxPP6WDrY1S951BUOz1KXgh3rc0J0p97-AFor4CvIq0MwoJjxmr3OJqjO4MqFJMoiGzHnkzZJEAexq84/s1600/Teepee+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Character world haven't just catered for the little princesses in our lives, they have two other designs available for both boys and girls. There's a Paw Patrol one and a Star Wars one available too. I know a few dads who would be all over the Star Wars one for their daughters.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Disney Princess teepee is a dream come true and it's delightful watching my little girl playing away inside, getting lost in her thoughts and playing with her friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Retailing at around £35.00, its a purchase I can highly recommend for your littles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">BUT, to be in with a chance of winning one of these fab teepees, head over to my <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thoughts.of.a.first.time.dad" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for more details.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Click the highlighted link above or type in https://www.instagram.com/thoughts.of.a.first.time.dad</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Gateside View, Lesmahagow, Lanark ML11 0QX, UK55.626154799999988 -3.876040099999954755.621672299999986 -3.8861250999999548 55.630637299999989 -3.8659550999999546tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-37691641898856911892018-04-28T13:41:00.001+01:002018-06-15T19:31:11.783+01:005 Things I’ve Learned As A New Dad - Part 29<span style="font-size: xx-small;">c429684cd9c8405fc941aa9647af53b801e7ec9584191b5f18</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">1. Trying to move house with a toddler is stressful.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2. TRYING to move house with a toddler is stressful!</span><br />
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3. TRYING TO MOVE HOUSE with a toddler is stressful!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. TRYING TO MOVE HOUSE WITH A TODDLER is stressful!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">5. TRYING TO MOVE HOUSE WITH A TODDLER IS STRESSFUL!!!!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
But trying to move house with a Mara is THE most stressful of all!<br />
We fill a box, she empties it.<br />
We zip a bag or suitcase up, she unzips it and empties it.<br />
She keeps trying to pack herself in to boxes with Moana, Minnie Mouse, Euan the Dream sheep and some packets of Organix Banana Puffcorn!<br />
And despite there being about 50 boxes in our spare room, there are still toys, dolls and teddies lying around EVERYWHERE!!!<br />
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Aaaarrrrrgggghhhh!<br />
<br />
It won’t be long until we start our new adventures and I’m sure there will be some more frequent posts about us discovering our new part of the world.<br />
Stick with us, there’s lots of exciting things in the pipeline and I have a fab new giveaway coming up next month too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcyJLfrG8WV3tPNNufPEzzr54UL2gG2X0N67893jQko1PzmAurdTqSUPWxmtCt9PGlXEsGEqkT3ywYRPAGW31iy8E73wasd8OgephrA1PWvLp72odKAqvvZvkWahMAWnLRjNz_7Dd7Ek/s1600/DAD+29+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcyJLfrG8WV3tPNNufPEzzr54UL2gG2X0N67893jQko1PzmAurdTqSUPWxmtCt9PGlXEsGEqkT3ywYRPAGW31iy8E73wasd8OgephrA1PWvLp72odKAqvvZvkWahMAWnLRjNz_7Dd7Ek/s320/DAD+29+1.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJEIy5TsyBNLIqK3YOyVPdY9zaB4by3LqsGh_TXD_SlG2CWUMBPqI2u98ezn9936_nqKQcLBTU8jbtdB_s-uyyuFF9VDxr44Q6CQfhmlgKDcuAFAqNctko_fBILXUEsTMgo2iOGDgkMM/s1600/DAD+29+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJEIy5TsyBNLIqK3YOyVPdY9zaB4by3LqsGh_TXD_SlG2CWUMBPqI2u98ezn9936_nqKQcLBTU8jbtdB_s-uyyuFF9VDxr44Q6CQfhmlgKDcuAFAqNctko_fBILXUEsTMgo2iOGDgkMM/s320/DAD+29+8.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a> <u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br />
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<span style="color: #000012;">Don't forget to follow us on Instagram at <a href="http://www.instgaram.com/thoughts.of.a.first.time.dad" target="_blank">Thoughts Of A First Time Dad!</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-9459540664328541212018-03-21T21:23:00.000+00:002018-03-21T21:29:43.705+00:00What does it mean to be a dad?Fatherhood does not stop at conception.<br>
Fatherhood does not stop at birth.<br>
Fatherhood is a lifelong commitment.<br>
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A commitment to a child and a partner to be, at the minimum, present and at maximum a superhero.<br>
Hit any point on that spectrum and you'll be a hero to your child. In reality, you only need to hit somewhere in the middle to prove you are a dad of worth.<br>
<br>
You are not being called upon to be perfect.<br>
You are not expected to be unbreakable.<br>
Nobody requires you to have all the answers.<br>
<br>
All a child wants is to be loved. To be held tight and reassured that, no matter what, daddy has always got you.<br>
<br>
As a dad, you have it in you. You may doubt yourself, others may doubt you and in some cases your partner may doubt you. Your new baby doesn't. Your new baby already loves you. Your new baby will always love you. Your new baby just wants you to be there for them when they reach out their tiny hands. They want the comfort that you are able to give. They are fragile entities that need their parents to nurture them. Giving them life is not enough. Teaching them life is what is required.<br>
<br>
The boost in life that you can bring to your child if you just start with the basics is immeasurable.<br>
Be there. Be involved.<br>
Circumstances can be difficult. I'm not saying that every parent has an easy ride. This does not excuse you from being a dad though. If anything, it is a call for you to step up to the plate and not allow whatever the situation is to jeopardise your ability to be a dad.<br>
<br>
Forget about the statistics, and the surveys, the research and the experts that spout percentages about having both parents involved with the raising of a child. The text is not important. No baby or child cares about what is written in a book. No child cares about what outcomes a study has come by.<br>
A child just needs you to be there, and to want to be there. There is no replacing the love and affection that comes from a dad to his child.<br>
<br>
Choose to be present in the lives of your children, whether they be biologically yours, fostered, adopted, surrogated. The list goes on.<br>
Love them. Hold them. Let them be your world, because you are theirs.<br>
You, and they, will gain so much from having each other in your lives.<br>
Parenthood isn't easy, but the basics of being a dad are. Everybody has a different situation, but it all starts with the simplest thing of all, BE PRESENT.<br>
The stronger the bonds fathers form with their babies early on, the stronger their relationships will be down the line.<br>
<br>
Being a father takes little effort, it’s simple and does not require much in the way of emotional investment.<br>
Being a dad is a difficult, rewarding, lifelong responsibility.<br>
You become a father as soon as your child is born. To become a dad, well you have to earn that title through hard work and dedication to your children.<br>
<br>
Be the best dad you can be.<br>
<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLVdHuTeKGRsaufMxgHjVY3unCDK2YscjHC8j63M-KUme9tqTLm4fIB6TFFS1bUTHm0NUO8WZLeCo5CKCxIyGwuORR57Gqwzghf1sQyraKIjLN_Viwx22JXtjE63aECt6JK3wNMIKNUY/s1600/Dad+Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLVdHuTeKGRsaufMxgHjVY3unCDK2YscjHC8j63M-KUme9tqTLm4fIB6TFFS1bUTHm0NUO8WZLeCo5CKCxIyGwuORR57Gqwzghf1sQyraKIjLN_Viwx22JXtjE63aECt6JK3wNMIKNUY/s320/Dad+Quote.jpg" width="258"></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Merriweather,Georgia,serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 32px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">You can follow us on </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/ThoughtsOfAFirstTimeDad" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0%; background-position-y: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #7d0a9c; font-family: Merriweather,Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Merriweather,Georgia,serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 32px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">, </span><a href="http://www.instagram.com/thoughts.of.a.first.time.dad" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0%; background-position-y: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #7d0a9c; font-family: Merriweather,Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">Instagram</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Merriweather,Georgia,serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 32px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> & </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/TOAFTD" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0%; background-position-y: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #7d0a9c; font-family: Merriweather,Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Merriweather,Georgia,serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 32px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">. Come and say hi!</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-340438948352766732018-02-24T23:31:00.000+00:002018-02-24T23:31:43.982+00:00Teether.co.uk Personalised Pyjamas - Sponsored PostLive... Laugh... Love...<br />
"Too much of anything is bad, but too much cute clothing is barely enough."<br />
(I love this tag line!)<br />
<br />
Unless you are already way ahead of the game, I'd like to introduce you to <a href="http://www.teether.co.uk/" target="_blank">Teether Baby Boutique.</a><br />
They are a UK based company with an array of cute and unique products including occasion wear like Christening dresses, baby fashion and most importantly baby clothes which can be personalised, including vests and baby grows.<br />
<br />
They've recently launched their pyjama range and Ryan from Teether was kind enough to send Mara her very own set of personalised PJ's which arrived just in time for her 2nd birthday.<br />
He asked what I would like on them and I left him with the specification " Could they have some sort of dinosaur print with the word Marasaurus? She's obsessed with dinosaurs just now!"<br />
Ryan's response was "Not a problem."<br />
We eagerly awaited their arrival and they did not disappoint.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4NB1QSnzzuRQ3iKOchY73VxcppnTy25HlNEiSseHN3Uqj_m42oYBBT7BK0GV8Ex-X9xBXOgE1_fjbX0GpyYou6Nb1XGXQCB4DN6bcq9cIufzpFyPdyL9td9zq2TAY1GzXA8clVd-8kc/s1600/PJ1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="959" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4NB1QSnzzuRQ3iKOchY73VxcppnTy25HlNEiSseHN3Uqj_m42oYBBT7BK0GV8Ex-X9xBXOgE1_fjbX0GpyYou6Nb1XGXQCB4DN6bcq9cIufzpFyPdyL9td9zq2TAY1GzXA8clVd-8kc/s320/PJ1.jpg" width="239" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gYCKowWKyEJIHsIXAsOhRLjE0EtJaGplKleK8KuJ2eG8ClJ0IQukZR7L0_edLftjkO0hPt7XES1lZGP476k9XJ7MHeeNiFTp-oPHYshgaJ4fVJP92pqCrzxKqM5NT1MEK8LGB1vGfFM/s1600/PJ6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="959" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gYCKowWKyEJIHsIXAsOhRLjE0EtJaGplKleK8KuJ2eG8ClJ0IQukZR7L0_edLftjkO0hPt7XES1lZGP476k9XJ7MHeeNiFTp-oPHYshgaJ4fVJP92pqCrzxKqM5NT1MEK8LGB1vGfFM/s320/PJ6.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
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Mara is now the very excited owner of a pair of bespoke PJ's with a large, sparkly Triceratops and the phrase "Roar like a Marasaurus" printed on the front! She keeps pointing at the trike and saying "Rawrr" which means "I love you" in dinosaur... I read that somewhere and I'm sticking with it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbOAyqYNpaMjrsl4hE_oyTovBlV77l4AGj-dGwnbMQozIcJ2Zb3T6GhsLIdZiMSV6OZzhUssVd-I0d-NMCiN3g8Vy_U1lwWKlDSsWF5u0o_6Od1YPvr2v6Fs4GnEdISNN0bLY9_wz1Wo/s1600/PJ9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbOAyqYNpaMjrsl4hE_oyTovBlV77l4AGj-dGwnbMQozIcJ2Zb3T6GhsLIdZiMSV6OZzhUssVd-I0d-NMCiN3g8Vy_U1lwWKlDSsWF5u0o_6Od1YPvr2v6Fs4GnEdISNN0bLY9_wz1Wo/s320/PJ9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The pyjama top is white with pink stripy sleeves and the trousers are pink striped to match.<br />
They are a high quality make and the cotton is so soft. I'm really jealous that they don't come in adult sizes as I could totally get on board with that!<br />
<br />
The pyjamas cost £16.99, but Teether offers free shipping on any orders over £10.00.<br />
<br />
I'm sure we'll have a fight on our hands trying to get her out of them and dressed in the mornings now, but she loves them.<br />
<br />
Thanks very much Teether, and best of luck with everything!<br />
Its bedtime for a certain someone now.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAksNsMYcG-bsElSPpyUcoUVGT12mAf-4aihB3fz4NgVSeNLFTDE4hJUUZV5-_0AkiALSlIamZ7b2TUIl3KS-TFXwlfV1EzQHWAxWarPmNs7l825fopjMkjMFquma_uO0gnhU-hOU2fg/s1600/PJ10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAksNsMYcG-bsElSPpyUcoUVGT12mAf-4aihB3fz4NgVSeNLFTDE4hJUUZV5-_0AkiALSlIamZ7b2TUIl3KS-TFXwlfV1EzQHWAxWarPmNs7l825fopjMkjMFquma_uO0gnhU-hOU2fg/s320/PJ10.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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You can also keep up with Teether on their Facebook & Instagram pages by clicking the links below:</div>
<ul>
<li><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/teether.co.uk" target="_blank">Teether Instagram</a></div>
</li>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/teetheruk" target="_blank">Teether Facebook</a></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Curling Pond Ln, Longridge, Bathgate EH47 8FD, UK55.8431103 -3.68055670000001155.8408813 -3.6855992000000111 55.8453393 -3.6755142000000109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-16819129634484406632018-01-28T22:34:00.000+00:002018-01-28T22:34:45.993+00:00Pretty Gifted - Sponsored Post<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who doesn’t love a personalised gift? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know I do. There’s something endearing about it, knowing that someone put that little bit of extra effort in to getting something tailored to you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing I’ve never considered before was personalised wrapping paper to make your gift that little bit more special.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that brings me to introduce you to <a href="https://www.prettygifted.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pretty Gifted</a>.</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NEFYXD7XK_ztS9HzjL7riRNNgLBnTCIMA1VX_yDMZ4pw9Vm3cDNU3rjjbzqH1MrJCseJ_xN1OvLbpm8qVov_S1TXfD_RIQZ6bUBuRwe8_p4UbfYxOLRDIFgEvvHJ1tjqEg37Jel4H3E/s1600/PG9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NEFYXD7XK_ztS9HzjL7riRNNgLBnTCIMA1VX_yDMZ4pw9Vm3cDNU3rjjbzqH1MrJCseJ_xN1OvLbpm8qVov_S1TXfD_RIQZ6bUBuRwe8_p4UbfYxOLRDIFgEvvHJ1tjqEg37Jel4H3E/s320/PG9.jpg" width="220" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.prettygifted.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pretty Gifted</a> is a website that creates personalised wrapping paper for any occasion. Birthdays, weddings, new baby... you get the idea. Anything you can think of, they can do!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their website is so easy to navigate and the straightforward instructions will have your gift wrap designed in no time at all. The most difficult thing you’ll have to do is come up with a message!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To design your paper you there’s a few steps to follow:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pick your paper. Choose from Gold, Peppermint, Silver, Pearlescent, Black or Red.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pick a font for from a choice of Candy, Split, Monster, Arro or Lulu.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pick a foil overlay. Choose from Silver, Gold, Copper, Rainbow or Aqua</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Write your message (Max. 60 characters).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Decide if you’d like Small (5mm tall), Medium (8mm tall) or Large (16mm) font size.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Choose an icon. There’s a Star, Arrow, Lightning Bolt, Cocktail, Ice Cream, Key, Heart, Tree, Balloon, Crown, Bell or the option of No Icon.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Complete the steps above and you can preview your creation at the bottom of your screen. Then all you need to do is choose how many sheets of paper you’d like and sort out payment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are three buying options.</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 sheet - £7.95</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 sheets - £18.95</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 sheets - £29.95</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each sheet measures 70cm x 50cm.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Valentines Day right around the corner this was a great opportunity to do something a little different for Caroline. I’m not gonna lie, sometimes I can be pretty rubbish on the gifting front so this gift wrap will make my present look even better! I really hope she likes her iron... I jest!</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my design, I picked Black paper, Split font, Aqua foil overlay, font size small with a heart icon. My message says “Better Together / Love Me Like You Do”. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Better Together is my favourite Jack Johnson song and engraved on my wedding ring. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love Me Like You Do is a line from Paolo Nutini’s song “No Other Way” which was our first dance at our wedding and is engraved on Caroline’s wedding ring. Who says I can’t be romantic?!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The truth is, it took me a good wee while to come up with this!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-8hfdJJ3663h0piuqvU-00vPjVwOsDE3O69Znq0TSW5TP96YIpuBMBk4JfND4o0kET_ZDv1Zvv9P0xwpuJ9EhrPHiqXts519OIac5pjMC56iZI-RmYdCKC6wG-N5rgQFU8ixH6tuZos/s1600/PG5+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-8hfdJJ3663h0piuqvU-00vPjVwOsDE3O69Znq0TSW5TP96YIpuBMBk4JfND4o0kET_ZDv1Zvv9P0xwpuJ9EhrPHiqXts519OIac5pjMC56iZI-RmYdCKC6wG-N5rgQFU8ixH6tuZos/s320/PG5+.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNqKAdsCcvxsvSQYy9vQn-atywn2mrPq1yPebJThpoTNCZtAbWVhlX4jltZ2a1jAuZv2TDKhTYRCNjguqWPKxXkJmHMDDnxtv6koqdXiQF7zZklaLlJKhevQyckbILM9kUTHuyQDQCMM/s1600/PG2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNqKAdsCcvxsvSQYy9vQn-atywn2mrPq1yPebJThpoTNCZtAbWVhlX4jltZ2a1jAuZv2TDKhTYRCNjguqWPKxXkJmHMDDnxtv6koqdXiQF7zZklaLlJKhevQyckbILM9kUTHuyQDQCMM/s320/PG2.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FPGecoIDAHPCyg1uiu2ipzgJaN3k9JyleZnvTT9wR9sD4wxz8dm2ONWfqpRSdar0GGQxuuuFuKpNfbJFtVvT9PObv4oezTLyr-0Aj03d0LBRwseFcMip8DsthZm0nNB9ucp3_VWS528/s1600/PG6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FPGecoIDAHPCyg1uiu2ipzgJaN3k9JyleZnvTT9wR9sD4wxz8dm2ONWfqpRSdar0GGQxuuuFuKpNfbJFtVvT9PObv4oezTLyr-0Aj03d0LBRwseFcMip8DsthZm0nNB9ucp3_VWS528/s320/PG6.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The paper quality is great, no holes burst through through courtesy of my shoddy wrapping skills.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, it is recommended on the site to choose a smaller font if you have smaller gifts to wrap. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't tell you what I've wrapped for obvious reasons, but I'm happy with how the gifts have turned out. With every order placed, you also get a free gel pen and luxury tag to jazz it up a little bit more! What’s not to love?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To finish, if you’re looking for something a little more unique to wrap up gifts for anyone this year then I suggest you look no further than <a href="https://www.prettygifted.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pretty Gifted</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All I have left to do now is buy a new card seeing as the one I purchased yesterday is actually an anniversary card... That's what happens when you go shopping with Mara and she starts picking up everything you don't need, like an anniversary card!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I just have to hope Caroline doesn’t try and sneak an early peek at her gifts for Valentine’s Day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a special treat for you, Vic from <a href="https://www.prettygifted.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pretty Gifted </a>has sent me an exclusive discount code to be used on any purchases between now and midday on Friday 9th February - the cut off time for any V.Day orders.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Type in the code <b><span style="color: red;">mark18val</span></b> at checkout to get 10% off any orders.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Curling Pond Ln, Longridge, Bathgate EH47 8FD, UK55.8431103 -3.68055670000001155.8408813 -3.6855992000000111 55.8453393 -3.6755142000000109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-78148511267487932932018-01-20T15:32:00.001+00:002018-01-20T15:32:28.442+00:0010 Things Ive Learned As A Dad - Part 281) Mara lived quite happily in a tidy womb for 7 months but now cant leave a room tidy for more than 7 seconds.<br />
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2) That moment when you're wolfing down on Mara's leftovers and Caroline says "She spat most of that out you know..." Well...This DadBod wont maintain itself!<br />
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3) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Until quite recently Caroline hasn't ever thrown anything out, EVER. Mara appears to be heading in the same direction. She remembers that she gave you a ripped up tissue a fortnight ago and now wants it back. Cue a hasty hunt for a new tissue to rip up...</span><br />
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4) A toddler's mood can change faster and more unexpectedly than the temperature on an unfamiliar shower. Roll on the terrible two's.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ks_2M4-cEuVWLkC1DyPlvJj1dONrxO6DL8y9GT-Ka1U_0mDqDk02JDEoOArS2PcKCCxSNYuVkXxOZflWRIec-6bZWj6zCAziYNvu1PpizDN6QIRaIebDwB93sHjHxZ3vgTxwAz38BrI/s1600/28+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ks_2M4-cEuVWLkC1DyPlvJj1dONrxO6DL8y9GT-Ka1U_0mDqDk02JDEoOArS2PcKCCxSNYuVkXxOZflWRIec-6bZWj6zCAziYNvu1PpizDN6QIRaIebDwB93sHjHxZ3vgTxwAz38BrI/s320/28+1.png" width="240" /></a></div>
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5) You know what really compliments a nice meal? Wine & Cocktails? Ambience? Location? No. Changing a horrendous nappy halfway through eating. Cheers love.<br />
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6) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Hell hath no fury like Mara when you turn CBeebies off. Thankfully, we're over our Moana phase for now, but Mr Tumble, he's the current favourite. Yaaaay...</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
7) People can be right arseholes when they see that you've bagged the last good sledge in Morrisons and they're left with the choice of the one with the big crack in it or taking the kids out sledging on a bin bag. "You sure you don't want to just give me that sledge for the bairns mate, you don't look like you need it." Its a child's sledge moron, of course<b> <u>I</u></b> don't need it, it's for my f**king child.<br />
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8) Mara has more stuffed toys than I have pairs of socks! I really need to look in to buying shares in the Disney Store!<br />
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9) If you're following us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thoughts.of.a.first.time.dad" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ThoughtsOfAFirstTimeDad" target="_blank">Facebook</a> you'll have seen Mara's shenanigans recently (Aw Naw!) Move over Cameron Diaz, There's Something About Mara! Her comedic timing is everything.<br />
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10) Last night she slept in her big girl bed for the first time. It was quite emotional! My baby is growing up fast and I do and don't want her to in equal measure.<br />
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Its been a wee while since my last proper, unsponsored post hasn't it?!<br />
So, in case you've forgotten, you can follow our daily adventures on Instagram & Facebook using the links mentioned above in Number 9, or you can also catch up with us on Twitter, search for @TOAFTD.<br />
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Lastly, we put our lovely home up for sale on Tuesday!<br />
It's been great living here for the past 9 years, but its time for a change and we feel that now is the time to do it while Mara is still young.<br />
We'll keep you posted as to what's happening and where we end up, but no doubt there will be lots of new adventures to be had before, during and after the move, whenever that may be.<br />
As you can see in the pic below, Elvis isn't that bothered!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7QQOPWWC5sEufoRiz6-fVKxnw8kOAArc9FZJtgb4GLpUo3iaqt_DJdaDH0oW6df2n4pgYDOpmSBY1bEr41E-iafQTJE7g05yKd-GF9VAiL0Q5JLLQdZebD3GFFXWrP7skm7eDYpkdQ0/s1600/28+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7QQOPWWC5sEufoRiz6-fVKxnw8kOAArc9FZJtgb4GLpUo3iaqt_DJdaDH0oW6df2n4pgYDOpmSBY1bEr41E-iafQTJE7g05yKd-GF9VAiL0Q5JLLQdZebD3GFFXWrP7skm7eDYpkdQ0/s320/28+10.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-18422529012463428542017-12-12T08:01:00.001+00:002017-12-12T08:13:27.628+00:00Supernova 5k Run 2017 : Part 4 - Sponsored Post Well, if you're reading this, I'm obviously still alive!<br />
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In other news I ended up not falling into the lake on the way round the course so that's also cause for celebration!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NXgPJFfONmtVLfrkk5Tfu8FdG4X5PlfHuA6lt_3B30vijtHd4D8Z4dE3KUwmJbE72hydR1g6xgWT0brkYsQ18GGHv4YrH7fLFi2EWxqfb2ms7cE1WVmc5uGz4rX9wwKssmXv64DSlKE/s1600/Supernova+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIbbMBC8dN3B3JrxHKWNkvlpyVOdH38TIPPGeoEcGElXKFc7kJonKgjYlvULRxT7UhpyAOslBJ_n2k0dlwKBYa0S8JfaATCdnU2I3uuU9WBkT65_sS1W1d3CmyDTavPWH7LyO5-qXdKQ/s1600/Supernova+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIbbMBC8dN3B3JrxHKWNkvlpyVOdH38TIPPGeoEcGElXKFc7kJonKgjYlvULRxT7UhpyAOslBJ_n2k0dlwKBYa0S8JfaATCdnU2I3uuU9WBkT65_sS1W1d3CmyDTavPWH7LyO5-qXdKQ/s320/Supernova+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Let me set the scene...<br />
Its Friday 10th November 2017, its something ridiculous like 2 degrees outside and I'm standing in Helix Park, Falkirk with well over a thousand other people of varying ages, shapes and sizes, all dressed up in our best colourful (sometimes questionable*) running gear and costumes soaking up the electric buzz in the air in preparation for our run.<br />
Around the start line the music was pumping courtesy of Clyde 1, and 10 minutes before the run starts an en-masse warm up. Having been stood around in the freezing cold for half an hour I thought bits of me might drop off if I was too enthusiastic with the warm up, but I gave it my best attempt.<br />
When I registered, I put my estimated time down as 45 mins. Now, to you seasoned runners who can knock out a 5K in under 20 minutes, you're probably thinking "Pfffttt", but when you've done minimal training as you're currently at that stage in parenting where you can't even go for a pee in peace because you're being shadowed by a toddler, you begin to understand!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NXgPJFfONmtVLfrkk5Tfu8FdG4X5PlfHuA6lt_3B30vijtHd4D8Z4dE3KUwmJbE72hydR1g6xgWT0brkYsQ18GGHv4YrH7fLFi2EWxqfb2ms7cE1WVmc5uGz4rX9wwKssmXv64DSlKE/s1600/Supernova+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3OPnrWDcwN9-tN2DL9M1p8scM4oPuRr5Ka1Dai2FsrnK3K3bY0FHpb2xep_OQAiWHlkPiy6qT9VTehFy6UgwTJpaC5Daj6fHpUjn3xYiYiSn-eOBtwEOc126G689Wf9gv4zs0gHhCzY/s1600/Supernova+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3OPnrWDcwN9-tN2DL9M1p8scM4oPuRr5Ka1Dai2FsrnK3K3bY0FHpb2xep_OQAiWHlkPiy6qT9VTehFy6UgwTJpaC5Daj6fHpUjn3xYiYiSn-eOBtwEOc126G689Wf9gv4zs0gHhCzY/s1600/Supernova+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3OPnrWDcwN9-tN2DL9M1p8scM4oPuRr5Ka1Dai2FsrnK3K3bY0FHpb2xep_OQAiWHlkPiy6qT9VTehFy6UgwTJpaC5Daj6fHpUjn3xYiYiSn-eOBtwEOc126G689Wf9gv4zs0gHhCzY/s320/Supernova+2.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgigk3bVsBKiTAW2eqve9QfX0yI9Cf06x3AeTe_AfbBrW9FleqE0uHrHFbRqG9-z_RsVFKReLcDKQHyjzXyasf_qS8f4489CSQD2X0cy5umBqjQgYHTez_7tPudm3qBoaeayyk0_Bhm4/s1600/Supernova+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Headlamps switched on, countdown from 10 and we're off. I didn't fall running out of the starting line either this time, so - win! Seeing thousand of the headlamps bobbing around the course is pretty special in itself, but coupled with all the runners neon extravaganza's and The Kelpies looking resplendent in the distance it really is an incredible sight to see.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgigk3bVsBKiTAW2eqve9QfX0yI9Cf06x3AeTe_AfbBrW9FleqE0uHrHFbRqG9-z_RsVFKReLcDKQHyjzXyasf_qS8f4489CSQD2X0cy5umBqjQgYHTez_7tPudm3qBoaeayyk0_Bhm4/s1600/Supernova+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgigk3bVsBKiTAW2eqve9QfX0yI9Cf06x3AeTe_AfbBrW9FleqE0uHrHFbRqG9-z_RsVFKReLcDKQHyjzXyasf_qS8f4489CSQD2X0cy5umBqjQgYHTez_7tPudm3qBoaeayyk0_Bhm4/s1600/Supernova+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgigk3bVsBKiTAW2eqve9QfX0yI9Cf06x3AeTe_AfbBrW9FleqE0uHrHFbRqG9-z_RsVFKReLcDKQHyjzXyasf_qS8f4489CSQD2X0cy5umBqjQgYHTez_7tPudm3qBoaeayyk0_Bhm4/s320/Supernova+5.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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About 15/20 minutes in, I'm just approaching the 3K marker when I begin to see the serious runners heading back towards the finish line. Damn you fast people who are able to run and train on a regular basis while me and my dadbod plod along at the back blowing out of my behind!!! With The Kelpies in sight and knowing I was past the halfway point I started to pick up my pace and began enjoying my run along the side of the canal towards the towering structures. Before long, I couldn't even feel the cold, the only give away was the tears streaming down my face from the chilly night air!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NXgPJFfONmtVLfrkk5Tfu8FdG4X5PlfHuA6lt_3B30vijtHd4D8Z4dE3KUwmJbE72hydR1g6xgWT0brkYsQ18GGHv4YrH7fLFi2EWxqfb2ms7cE1WVmc5uGz4rX9wwKssmXv64DSlKE/s1600/Supernova+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NXgPJFfONmtVLfrkk5Tfu8FdG4X5PlfHuA6lt_3B30vijtHd4D8Z4dE3KUwmJbE72hydR1g6xgWT0brkYsQ18GGHv4YrH7fLFi2EWxqfb2ms7cE1WVmc5uGz4rX9wwKssmXv64DSlKE/s320/Supernova+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqqTQJYuqE0gMgp30IbF0BQJPQrjVQ07O-hdy0uEWu0bRb3jcBsGEVSCd3QzD8rIStmU_hU_3nKDHPDsTJQfopAQv31Rx0zcUmUUMHBS3xD35cS-glzC0t7TPzRuiOuuivHRcla3F6Ro/s1600/Supernova+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqqTQJYuqE0gMgp30IbF0BQJPQrjVQ07O-hdy0uEWu0bRb3jcBsGEVSCd3QzD8rIStmU_hU_3nKDHPDsTJQfopAQv31Rx0zcUmUUMHBS3xD35cS-glzC0t7TPzRuiOuuivHRcla3F6Ro/s320/Supernova+4.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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Last 0.5K in sight, towards the immaculately lit finish line, a final wee burst of energy along the bumpy grass lined with the cheering spectators who had been stood there for who knows how long and I'm done. Shuffling through the finishers area, I collect my medal, goodie bag and some well earned bottled water and post-run snacks. My phone pings with my official finish time, 00:34:54.<br />
Overall finish position: 705 out of 1300.<br />
95 out of 160 in my category (Male under 35<br />
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So, I ended up being just shy of 3 minutes slower than the previous year. Middle of the pack, which I'm ok with considering I stopped a few times to take photo's for this post and I've done nothing but eat recently. I'm hardly Usain Bolt! The closest I've really come to the gym this year is driving past it on my way to the Starbucks drive thru when I'm out with Mara on a Saturday!<br />
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I gave Samantha from the events team a call to say I was done and slumped over beside the first aid tent (I could have done with a few puffs of oxygen if I'm honest!) and she came to find me for some photos. I just want to take the time here to thank Samantha for all of her support and for this opportunity to work alongside her, it's been great fun!<br />
Once the photo's were done, it was time to drive back home, have a shower and grab a cup of tea to heat up and wind down... At least that's what I thought I would do! Mara was still awake (after 10pm!) as she wanted to see me before bed, so I showered, took her upstairs, read a couple of stories and promptly fell asleep myself!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiiB8WTBHXlS1tmKpw1sB4p6X3w4K2ZClbofmrKGhBFan1mwLBAmAV72CC1TB7ARuquXHCpcb3iy-IFdVxSHRD4qbE3P6G2-jWepaSw9zQJpGwT1BNtcPnrOvFFwIuhHSThs3f1-PFzg/s1600/Supernova+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="961" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiiB8WTBHXlS1tmKpw1sB4p6X3w4K2ZClbofmrKGhBFan1mwLBAmAV72CC1TB7ARuquXHCpcb3iy-IFdVxSHRD4qbE3P6G2-jWepaSw9zQJpGwT1BNtcPnrOvFFwIuhHSThs3f1-PFzg/s320/Supernova+6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The Supernova 5K was a real pleasure to run, especially with those magnificent horses as a backdrop. A visual spectacle with a superb atmosphere.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqqTQJYuqE0gMgp30IbF0BQJPQrjVQ07O-hdy0uEWu0bRb3jcBsGEVSCd3QzD8rIStmU_hU_3nKDHPDsTJQfopAQv31Rx0zcUmUUMHBS3xD35cS-glzC0t7TPzRuiOuuivHRcla3F6Ro/s1600/Supernova+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Thanks to the stewards and organisers for a well planned out and thoroughly enjoyable event.<br />
If you want to try a run that's just a little bit different from the norm, then find your nearest Supernova event. Tickets for 2018's events are already on sale. Visit here - <a href="https://www.supernovarun.com/" target="_blank">https://www.supernovarun.com/</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIroJPN4WblnPJA6GygeRgCoObB8UBuXbJsv6IaUxKy17YqKQdVzwHgKK_y6gQj3X6NUGFibsS9Y5rJYnXyU2sxBUg9i5V2g8N2_yXCgTOvzLG3sEhJ8HogMHmhDJ4nqi2ATEQgGahKg/s1600/Supernova+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="719" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIroJPN4WblnPJA6GygeRgCoObB8UBuXbJsv6IaUxKy17YqKQdVzwHgKK_y6gQj3X6NUGFibsS9Y5rJYnXyU2sxBUg9i5V2g8N2_yXCgTOvzLG3sEhJ8HogMHmhDJ4nqi2ATEQgGahKg/s320/Supernova+7.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
*I have some questionable running garments in my possession, I know!<br />
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Thanks for reading along these past few months, and I'll maybe see you next year!<br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-58137736443868766302017-11-06T17:59:00.001+00:002017-11-06T17:59:45.157+00:00Jos Von Arx - Sponsored Post<div style="text-align: center;">
*Ad *Sponsored Post *Review *Giveaway</div>
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I was recently approached by the team at Jos Von Arx to help spread word about the launch of the new ARX Men jewellery collection - Jewellery for men designed to express your personal style.</div>
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I received a ring and a bracelet from their new range to aid my review, and also a leather and steel bracelet as part of a giveaway.</div>
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Mara was most excited when her godfather Stuart, who heads up their UK office, dropped by with the jewellery boxes. Unfortunately she was quite disappointed when she found out she was getting nowhere near them. This cool stuff was for me and not for sticky fingers. Just because I'm a dad now doesn't mean I can't be stylish! I may be covered in jam, cheese and tears (sometimes Mara's, sometimes my own) but stylish nonetheless.</div>
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Firstly, here's a bit of history about the company.</div>
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Jos Von Arx began in 1995 when the brand was first registered by a leader in the jewellery and timepieces industry. They have more than 25 years of experience in designing and manufacturing products for many European watch and accessory brands.</div>
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The Jos Von Arx brand was created from a desire to devise a brand which ultimately addresses the needs and wants of men. They believe that men should be entitled to high quality accessories and gifts and that luxury should be accessible to everyone without having to compromise on quality.</div>
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Quality is the first priority for their products, ensuring the finest materials are sourced and constant attention is paid to every detail of the production process.</div>
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The ring I received is expertly made from extremely hard, but light, highly polished, high quality titanium. It has an etched centre piece, with an added diamond cut score design. On the inside of the ring it is stamped with the Jos Von Arx logo and is smoothly finished to ensure a comfortable fit.</div>
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The ring comes presented in a sporty looking grey and red gift box. A lot of the time, the packaging for an item of jewellery can be overlooked, but in this instance the packaging is as impressive and elegant as the product that waits inside. RRP £29.99</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSlLZVYjbTz8a-Q15c5LO-xarKwxyBoHyEw9DRJEwejneVeN00oTyDwQnxPjzu9pNSfh7k0SGKHOUh1GJ_tgk77ARqtLlb4ryDgV-hwkMi3vmV9kIVHeeU8xVmcjFjr7M1-19e5GRbUg/s1600/JVA1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSlLZVYjbTz8a-Q15c5LO-xarKwxyBoHyEw9DRJEwejneVeN00oTyDwQnxPjzu9pNSfh7k0SGKHOUh1GJ_tgk77ARqtLlb4ryDgV-hwkMi3vmV9kIVHeeU8xVmcjFjr7M1-19e5GRbUg/s320/JVA1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8L8q-wif2d8lAplOM0_Sqrbs9g170ypLSh2rP1Wx3gouZy5alpVjyd6Jk9w9YUopnEn7W6Ft17vPebstntGFy89zl_6U2NVskV_1EG5VKCx9eQCHqFLlNt0tgqsam6gV3PIC0p9Qp5c/s1600/JVA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8L8q-wif2d8lAplOM0_Sqrbs9g170ypLSh2rP1Wx3gouZy5alpVjyd6Jk9w9YUopnEn7W6Ft17vPebstntGFy89zl_6U2NVskV_1EG5VKCx9eQCHqFLlNt0tgqsam6gV3PIC0p9Qp5c/s320/JVA2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXulNo-H67z5d-ccfRXZXB_SKNLAaL19OgL_3fDkZg0HoA2i2mo9KTmvjqsxtJafFdkjkf-deLzzp5WCIbzwwFcKMZmxsvmkHKmftkYDr8dOoDfLJ_4kFcFspjM54IGHhtugLDtj-9HI/s1600/JVA3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXulNo-H67z5d-ccfRXZXB_SKNLAaL19OgL_3fDkZg0HoA2i2mo9KTmvjqsxtJafFdkjkf-deLzzp5WCIbzwwFcKMZmxsvmkHKmftkYDr8dOoDfLJ_4kFcFspjM54IGHhtugLDtj-9HI/s320/JVA3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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For the bracelet, we have a nautical/rope link design, accented with black tones through the interwoven steel. Again, presented in a stylish gift box which also comes with a spare clasp, handy for when you have a toddler swinging from your wrist trying, but failing, to break your new accessory. RRP £34.99 </div>
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The dark tones in the bracelet really bring out the bags under my eyes.</div>
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Be sure to visit their website - <a href="http://www.josvonarxshop.com/" target="_blank">http://www.josvonarxshop.com/</a> to view their full range of beautiful products. There's something there for every fashion conscious, trend-setting man in your life. From watches, bracelets, necklaces & cuff links to golf sets and executive pens to name a few of their items.</div>
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On to the giveaway now</u></b>!</div>
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I have a Stainless Steel and leather adjustable bracelet, inclusive of Jos Von Arx patent pending adjustable "Flexisize" clasp. This allows the bracelet to be re-sized so that one size can fit all.</div>
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It is presented in one of their classy gift boxes and comes with a key chain screwdriver to adjust the bracelet size whenever the need may arise. RRP is £62.99.</div>
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Should you win the giveaway it would make a great Christmas gift for a loved one. The winner will be selected at random and notified by myself. Once you have heard from me, then and only then will I ask for your address so I can send your bracelet.</div>
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Good Luck!</div>
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<a class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/FnoUS/jos-von-arx-giveaway" rel="nofollow">Jos Von Arx giveaway</a>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Curling Pond Ln, Longridge, Bathgate EH47 8FD, UK55.8431103 -3.68055670000001155.8408813 -3.6855992000000111 55.8453393 -3.6755142000000109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-5402239690121792152017-10-25T21:07:00.000+01:002017-10-26T12:17:00.366+01:00Scalextric BTCC Touring Car Battle Set - Sponsored Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
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When I was younger I always wanted a Scalextric set for Christmas but it never, ever materialised.</div>
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So, when Scalextric emailed out looking for Dad Bloggers to review the Scalextric BTCC Touring Car Battle Set I jumped at the chance.</div>
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I was so excited when I arrived home from work today to see the box waiting for me, as was my daughter Mara. She loves a delivery, and with the run up to the festive season they are becoming more frequent!</div>
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Having started in 1958, the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) continues to draw crowds with high octane racing, impassioned fans and iconic cars. It is also one of the best loved and most famous motor racing championships in the world. Only Formula 1 and America’s NASCAR stock car series have longer histories and all captivate millions of fans around the world.</div>
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This new edition set includes the cars of the last two BTCC winners of Britain’s most coveted motor sport prize, Colin Turkington’s #5 WSR BMW 1 Series and Gordon Shedden’s #52 Honda Civic Type R.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5l7OXfS7UDRuKtmqhiQ5T8jzR-BA4Sdug0tWelsNuxu0X1oVr-hwLJeJsRHB6v97_ORQ14uRCog7wdbUKN-4nc3UXKUetq1J8YzMiMS9KNy3pwvE9PFLzgaChJdnSWTRnND8o-Md1o3A/s1600/Scalextric+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5l7OXfS7UDRuKtmqhiQ5T8jzR-BA4Sdug0tWelsNuxu0X1oVr-hwLJeJsRHB6v97_ORQ14uRCog7wdbUKN-4nc3UXKUetq1J8YzMiMS9KNy3pwvE9PFLzgaChJdnSWTRnND8o-Md1o3A/s640/Scalextric+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This set includes:<br />
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<li>4 unique track configurations </li>
<li>Lap counter</li>
<li>Hand controllers with built in speed limiters</li>
<li>Super resistant cars</li>
<li>Scalextric Magnatraction System</li>
<li>Easy change pick-ups</li>
<li>Digital plug ready</li>
<li>Spare braid plates</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2add46rgG_9W5tRjgMy8WhxLNCAvcKlgHTkqxAqGMeVXxRzjal9jEgg-lSCLrFYwtY_lnNkxkpEskjS9U1ZqFvoc-_cepWwQeMqDSNLYg6cCCG6BlmxAHjdVicPInTmeBY0xp_puI_No/s1600/Scalextric+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2add46rgG_9W5tRjgMy8WhxLNCAvcKlgHTkqxAqGMeVXxRzjal9jEgg-lSCLrFYwtY_lnNkxkpEskjS9U1ZqFvoc-_cepWwQeMqDSNLYg6cCCG6BlmxAHjdVicPInTmeBY0xp_puI_No/s640/Scalextric+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Scalextric set is ideal for spending some quality family time and I'm sure over Christmas we will spend a lot of time having races and tournaments with family and friends. It brings everyone together and gets the whole family invested and competing. The box says that its suitable for ages 5+, Mara is 20 months and seems to love it already, but she may have to wait her turn while me and my wife get competitive.</div>
As the track is so easy to set up and change, the 4 layouts offered will challenge us on every lap. I really enjoyed building up the different tracks and seeing if there was any other track layouts I could come up with. Obviously when I saw which configurations were available, I had to build the one that included the bridges first!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuUi-Ap94rHLgOAfNfssFXLYvPUwk5yF7CvzPk39C1nzLUtNVbtDQ0vOExCV6ARiNdV9FUFypvbuReihWuM2WvPTynV8o5-bpccJ7II_8G2QBF1ikdiFfMlwrqf2MNdQUlxn1a6HUvnc/s1600/Scalextric+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuUi-Ap94rHLgOAfNfssFXLYvPUwk5yF7CvzPk39C1nzLUtNVbtDQ0vOExCV6ARiNdV9FUFypvbuReihWuM2WvPTynV8o5-bpccJ7II_8G2QBF1ikdiFfMlwrqf2MNdQUlxn1a6HUvnc/s640/Scalextric+10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Mara was so excited when we first put it together, squealing with delight as the cars zoomed past. She couldn't wait to have a go of the controllers and the first time she made the car nudge forward she thought it was hysterical! We'll probably have to alter the controllers with the built in speed limiters to make it easier for her to get the hang of driving and stop the race cars shooting off the track at every corner. </div>
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In my youth, a Scalextric set was THE must have, and I'm glad to say I finally have one, in no part thanks to Mara as I wouldn't be Dad Blogging without her! I'm getting to relive parts of my youth through her, and beside her!<br />
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Priced at a very reasonable £99.99 RRP, the BTCC Battle Set can be found at all good toy stockists nationwide, or direct from Scalextric at <b><a href="http://bit.ly/BTCCTouringCar">http://bit.ly/BTCCTouringCar</a>. </b>I'm certain this will be high up on the list for fans so be sure to order quickly before they sell out.</div>
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The <b>Scalextric BTCC Touring Car Battle Set </b>brings the thrills and spills of the BTCC into your living room and recreates all the drama and fun at home and is a must have item, especially if the BTCC is your thing.<br />
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If you'd like to see more from Scalextric, here are the links to their social channels:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/scalextric" target="_blank">Facebook - <span style="color: black;">https://www.facebook.com/scalextric</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/officialscalextric/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> - https://www.instagram.com/officialscalextric/<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/Scalextric" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - https://twitter.com/Scalextric<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialScalextric" target="_blank">YouTube</a> - https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialScalextric<br />
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Thanks again to Emma from Fetch PR, Scalextric & Hornby for providing the set for review.<br />
All photos and opinions are my own.<br />
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<b></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Curling Pond Ln, Longridge, Bathgate EH47 8FD, UK55.8431103 -3.68055670000001155.8408813 -3.6855992000000111 55.8453393 -3.6755142000000109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-27210420992990132652017-10-20T22:14:00.000+01:002017-10-20T22:14:53.654+01:00Supernova 5k Run 2017 : Part 3 - Sponsored PostHello again everyone, welcome to Part 3 of my Supernova Run Blog.<br />
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Its now only 3 weeks until I'm put through my paces at The Kelpies in this years Supernova 5k, and almost a year to the day since I completed my first. Handily enough, its also the same weekend as my birthday so the run is a little gift to myself!<br />
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Last year I managed a time of 0:31:58, so the aim for this year (I'll be lucky) is to make it under the 30 minute mark - no mean feat when you've got a toddler to chase around all day, plus work, plus little to no training time! I should be able to claim back a few seconds on my time though as not 2 minutes out of the start line last year and I slipped on the wet grass and landed on my butt. It took me a little bit to get back up and catch my breath again, so fingers crossed I start better this year!<br />
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I'm feeling positive about this years event, and can't wait to feel the buzz of excitement in the air, it gives you a little boost to push yourself harder. The Kelpies & Helix Park is part of a great regeneration project in Falkirk, and to see those magnificent water-horse sculptures lit up against the black sky as you come out of the park towards them is a beautiful back drop to run to. Once you're round them, its only another 1.5k or so to the finish line, and you can start to hear the spectators who have lined up to cheer on the participants.<br />
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One piece of advice I would give anyone who hasn't run in the event before, try and prepare for all weathers. It is a night time run, in Scotland in the middle of November!<br />
Gloves and thermal running gear under your outfit/normal running attire is strongly advised!<br />
Last year, the under-armour I wore was more suited to summer weather. It was designed to "keep you cool as you run" and I last used them when I ran a 5k & 10k in Las Vegas! Not much difference weather wise huh?!<br />
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As for my outfit, last year I was all in black with some glow sticks hung around my neck and wrists.<br />
This year will be slightly more neon thanks to Samantha from Supernova HQ who has designs on me wearing LED trainer clips, Glow in the dark Tattoos, LED glasses and Leg Warmers, and she also wants to take pictures of me dressed like this! Its all good, I'm up for it and compared to the effort some of the runners put in last year I'll be slightly underdressed in comparison!<br />
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I'll check back in post-run. I'm sure you'll be keen to see if I end up falling in the lake or not...<br />
Best of luck to everyone taking part this year, I hope the weather is good to us and thanks again to Supernova for staging, what I'm sure will be, another incredible night!<br />
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Mark @ TOAFTD<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Curling Pond Ln, Longridge, Bathgate EH47 8FD, UK55.8431103 -3.68055670000001155.8408813 -3.6855992000000111 55.8453393 -3.6755142000000109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-91492889459153009682017-09-07T11:30:00.003+01:002017-09-07T11:30:57.321+01:00Supernova 5K Run 2017 : Part 2 - Sponsored PostHi everyone, and welcome to Part 2 of my Supernova Run experience.<br />
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Since my last update not a lot has been happening, work and my daughter are a bit of a hindrance on my training. Mara is in something of a sleep regression just now thanks to the parenting delight that is teething.<br />
I should really try and get up in the morning before she does to go out for a run before work, but as she is currently waking up randomly between 1am and 6.30am on any given day it makes it a little harder to try and have a schedule and I'm doing all I can just to stay awake through the day. By the time bedtime comes I'm too knackered to go out so training for my Supernova event is very intermittent at the moment. Fingers crossed the sleep thing sorts itself out in the coming weeks.<br />
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In other news, I'm currently on vacation at Center Parcs in the Lake District - a very active holiday for those of you who haven't visited a Center Parcs before... Working well with the lack of sleep. I'm about 70% coffee!<br />
I have been doing a lot of swimming in the pool with Mara which will help me no end when I inevitably fall into the lake at Helix Park while trying to run around it in the dark.<br />
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Caroline and I have been playing a fair bit of badminton, aiding me in breaking in my new trainers for running. I'm currently getting whipped by my wife - she's better at badminton than she lets on.<br />
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Despite the swimming and badminton, my training is on hold this week while I eat my own body weight in the delicious cakes available at the deli - this DadBod won't maintain itself!<br />
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One top tip I have for all of you parent runners struggling with time - if you can afford it, invest in one of those fancy buggies you can go jogging with and take the little ones. If anyone would like to send one for me to review I'd be more than happy to oblige!<br />
It means I would have the opportunity to work on my fitness and spend some extra time with my daughter and not have to compromise.<br />
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Until next time.<br />
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<u>Mark @ TOAFTD x</u></div>
<b><br /></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Whinfell Forest, Penrith CA10, UK54.641965199999987 -2.664370100000041954.632776199999988 -2.6845401000000417 54.651154199999986 -2.6442001000000421tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-1159278409846831652017-09-01T20:39:00.000+01:002017-09-01T20:39:33.469+01:00Meals & FeelsMeal time in our house can be a difficult time for all of us as, more often that not, Mara just refuses to eat.<br />
To the extent that we manage to eventually get one spoonful in her mouth which she then spits back out and does some weird Haka to stop us giving her more.<br />
Short of force feeding her, which obviously isn't even a consideration as this is an important stage in her development and I don't want her to be scared of food or have a weird relationship with it, I don't know what to do and it really upsets and frustrates me.<br />
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Caroline has spoken to me about it and it affects her to, maybe more so as she experiences it on a more frequent basis as I'm at work full time and Mara's care from Monday to Friday is shared with her mum when the other is working.<br />
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Maybe, given her prematurity, it concerns us more to witness her refusal of food.<br />
Mara is 18 months old now, and weighs just over 18lbs. After a recent check up at the hospital, again because she was early, the Doctor said she was following her percentile trajectory in a satisfactory fashion, but maybe she would just always remain petite, but I don't want that for her.<br />
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I want her to be strong.<br />
I want her to be healthy.<br />
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I want her to eat more than food puree pouches, yoghurts, wafers or a little bit of grated cheese, as there is little in the way of nutritional value, and they are too young for her development, however we eventually compromise as she's at least eating something.<br />
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I often find myself getting so frustrated I need to walk away and just stand and watch her poke about in the bowl and not actually put anything to her lips.<br />
I look at other kids who are half her age and twice her size and it makes me feel that I'm doing something wrong. That I'm failing my daughter in some way.<br />
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When she was born we had to feed her through a nasal tube, by syringe, inside her incubator 1ml per feed. ONE millilitre. She weighed 2lbs 15oz and that was enough to fill her for a time. One millilitre.<br />
So I know that due to her prematurity she might always be wee and may always have a small appetite, but it kills me a little every time she refuses to eat.<br />
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I'm your typical 30 something year old, brought up on ping dinners, sauce out of a jar, take aways and turkey dinosaurs due to lazy parents who hardly ever cooked a home made meal from scratch, resulting in me being a fussy eater and having quite a limited palate. Since meeting Caroline that has broadened substantially but I still point blank refuse to eat anything that comes from the sea!<br />
We don't want to do that to Mara thought, and Caroline has always provided her with something healthy and home cooked, especially during the weaning phase.<br />
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Don't get me wrong she is happy enough and knows what she likes, but I just wish she would have more of it.<br />
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You can follow us on <a href="http://www,facebook.com/ThoughtsOfAFirstTimeDad" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TOAFTD" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thoughts.of.a.first.time.dad" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Come and say Hi!<br />
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<b></b><b></b><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Curling Pond Ln, Longridge, Bathgate EH47 8FD, UK55.8431103 -3.68055670000001155.8408813 -3.6855992000000111 55.8453393 -3.6755142000000109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-30183064597350063962017-08-26T10:20:00.003+01:002017-08-26T10:20:32.245+01:0010 Things Ive Learned As A New Dad - Part 271. Does anyone know what "didin" means? This is Mara's favourite word just now! Everything is didin. We starting to think she has an imaginary friend as she keeps looking beyond us into the distance, pointing and waving to something that isn't there! Either that or she's us the Jaws Theme, which is also a bit weird. Didin... Didin... Didin didin didin didin...<br />
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2. Children's TV shows should come with warnings at the beginning. <br />
"This programme contains songs and scenes that some viewers may find incredibly annoying..."<br />
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3. I hoovered our sofa the other day, rusk crumbs everywhere. When you hit the cushion it was like when you blow a dandelion! Bits of stuff dancing around. We're not gross, honestly, we have a toddler! Crumbs are the least of our problems!<br />
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4. You can either have kids, or you can have a lie-in. Caroline and I now talk about lie-ins like something from days gone by like Safeway, or Blockbuster Video.<br />
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5. Mara has recently discovered crayons. As have our walls, doors and radiator in the living room. Also, as I'm typing this, I've just noticed a streak of yellow across the laptop. FML.<br />
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6. Moana, on repeat, is life now. Every time I hear or read "You're Welcome" I start signing the song from the movie in my head. Occasionally I do it out loud.<br />
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7. People can be all kinds of rude. I'm still seething over that old crone in The Gyle the other week.<br />
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8. Mara has the Ella's Kitchen version of Cheerio's for breakfast in the morning, for some reason I've started referring to them as bagel seeds.<br />
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9. Parenthood is the most amazingly, beautiful trauma you will ever have the pleasure of experiencing.<br />
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10. Tiny Toes has started saying something that sounds like "Hi Daddy" and it hits me right in the feels every time. It's so genuine and lovely it turns me into a total melt!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Curling Pond Ln, Longridge, Bathgate EH47 8FD, UK55.8431103 -3.68055670000001155.8408813 -3.6855992000000111 55.8453393 -3.6755142000000109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-36154061506944991822017-07-20T20:44:00.000+01:002017-07-20T20:44:11.963+01:00Supernova 5K Run 2017 : Part 1 - Sponsored PostHi everyone!<br />
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This November I'll be taking part in the Supernova 5K Run at The Kelpies in Falkirk, and I'll be working alongside the organisers for the next few months with a few blogs detailing my progress in the run up to the event and beyond.<br />
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So, a brief intro.<br />
I'm Mark, aka Thoughts Of A First Time Dad, 32, married to Caroline and dad to our little girl Mara who is 17 months old just now. By day I'm a bathroom installer for our family's business and in my spare time (which is a luxury as a parent!) I like to write.<br />
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I'm really excited to be taking part in the Supernova 5K run again. I ran it last year and it was an amazing experience to run around Helix Park at night and see The Kelpies lit up in all their splendour. Some of the other participants actually gave the Kelpies a run for their money with their neon, flashing outfits!<br />
Don't get me wrong it was absolutely freezing, 8pm on a Sunday night in mid-November running around Falkirk in shorts!<br />
However, based purely on that experience, I have signed up to do it again this year and I can't wait!<br />
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I recently competed in one of those well known obstacle courses and it let me see just how unfit I've become, especially since I've acquired quite the "dad bod" of late, but since finishing that event its given me a bit of a boost in my training and I've started working out at home 3-4 times a week with Caroline.<br />
Granted, we're getting up stupidly early so we can get the work out done before Mara wakes up, but the early morning work out sets you up for the rest of the day. Unless it falls on a Saturday, and I do the workout on my own while Caroline is at work and have Mara laughing at me for half an hour, or worse, try to take part while I'm trying to do press ups!<br />
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Thanks for following my progress and I'll post another update soon.<br />
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Mark @TOAFTD<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Curling Pond Ln, Longridge, Bathgate EH47 8FD, UK55.8431103 -3.68055670000001155.8408813 -3.6855992000000111 55.8453393 -3.6755142000000109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-50222026730018456962017-07-16T19:52:00.005+01:002017-07-16T19:52:38.846+01:00*Review - Despicable Me 3 meets Arthur Price<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Bello!</span></u></b></div>
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To coincide with the release of the latest Despicable Me movie, Arthur Price HQ has been invaded by the Minions to launch a special range of children's cutlery and crockery, and Mara and I were lucky enough to be selected to review some of the items available.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAXFQvubugBAAVv50nSW_KdbMr3EGiV5Ftvf3LMgPpdAYCVthBrzTRg1axTLBMPQOMBXGatav330errroZzT-aBjqCqGeZbLueSm2Dx3Oq2vAFM7ZmGm4GhE2P1t7WXhtrybSJQaOYNE/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAXFQvubugBAAVv50nSW_KdbMr3EGiV5Ftvf3LMgPpdAYCVthBrzTRg1axTLBMPQOMBXGatav330errroZzT-aBjqCqGeZbLueSm2Dx3Oq2vAFM7ZmGm4GhE2P1t7WXhtrybSJQaOYNE/s400/IMG_1107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Despite the fact that it is aimed at children, I was so excited when I first saw the range and I'm 32!<br />
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At 17 months old, Mara is currently learning how to feed herself with cutlery and the little spoon is just the right size for her to hold comfortably and she manages to eat her meals with very little mess, which is handy as she doesn't really like to be too dirty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9HdkZ16qNmtZo05AJEmC5zBaPM2MKXXQPc7_NBYQ6jxq1Yg8Scbm_fHFObs9UmLMOWcynfm4XCmqVs7398vGkEeVHIs-0tIm73y1DdwWpSfWnyYFzy1dwy4I0mwsbpNxtCQtd5VX1Ic/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9HdkZ16qNmtZo05AJEmC5zBaPM2MKXXQPc7_NBYQ6jxq1Yg8Scbm_fHFObs9UmLMOWcynfm4XCmqVs7398vGkEeVHIs-0tIm73y1DdwWpSfWnyYFzy1dwy4I0mwsbpNxtCQtd5VX1Ic/s400/IMG_1105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvoCk5vy4gyVmaBu7K0j7avssGOGye6tSQ88aXfipo_VlfNjeVv4LT9UXAJdz9bkOSoH9VHgv9EsKAuPy9fHU_SOnwN0pqV7KGsFAqzaQPA0DYMrvpZyXNcRTsWyixtBi-95Y-0W1W68/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>The 'Expressions' four piece cutlery set retails at £24.95, comes in a great presentation box which is very appealing to kids, and are made of the highest quality (and shiniest) stainless steel emblazoned with the likes of Kevin, Stuart and Bob from the Minions series.</div>
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The bone china 'Sea of Minions' three piece breakfast set , also £24.95, has a china bowl, plate and mug. Each part can be purchased individually too starting from £8.95.</div>
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Mara loves the bowl! I think she's happy to have a noisy one like us grown ups rather than a plastic one for a change! This allows her to be a part of grown up meal time with proper crockery, but still has an element of fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK06rvJKfCBCNbo1JfqL-klK41yegd8VYvTcvHBQuQ524_6A7qZTwEmuzmVNgBb9iY0scLcbKWHWDFfX3e3X-zoAqBh8DAPFl1uPpAPm08GOoFDQP43GNpBuGHfVHXzo5Ewau2at3n_e8/s1600/IMG_1109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK06rvJKfCBCNbo1JfqL-klK41yegd8VYvTcvHBQuQ524_6A7qZTwEmuzmVNgBb9iY0scLcbKWHWDFfX3e3X-zoAqBh8DAPFl1uPpAPm08GOoFDQP43GNpBuGHfVHXzo5Ewau2at3n_e8/s320/IMG_1109.JPG" width="320" /></a><b></b></div>
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All in all, a fantastic range of top quality items that are designed to last, and will no doubt see Mara through the next few years. My only hope is that she loves the Minions & Despicable Me as much as I do!</div>
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Arthur Price is a family owned business, set up in 1902, supplying their goods to Royalty, Heads of State and the finest hotels, restaurants, airlines and cruise ships across the globe.</div>
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Please visit their website to view their great range of cutlery and gifts. <a href="http://www.arthurprice.com/">www.arthurprice.com</a></div>
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In the words of the Minions, </div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Tank Yu and Poopaye!</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMm05fD7fMwk7pGAWmRHeAH6PHDCmYf-hlYfOID3k8kiwOwMbWfKcragHm909I2gY6xswZbS7ExJ2h3GmHyD1iKHlPDhtGzuhkcw2kZIy-ce_wBk4xU3xblbac-uzJTPc3hhtebqo52Lk/s1600/IMG_3586.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMm05fD7fMwk7pGAWmRHeAH6PHDCmYf-hlYfOID3k8kiwOwMbWfKcragHm909I2gY6xswZbS7ExJ2h3GmHyD1iKHlPDhtGzuhkcw2kZIy-ce_wBk4xU3xblbac-uzJTPc3hhtebqo52Lk/s400/IMG_3586.PNG" width="223" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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Thoughts Of A First Time Dad was sent these sets in return for an honest review , all thoughts and opinions are my own.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Curling Pond Ln, Longridge, Bathgate EH47 8FD, UK55.8431103 -3.68055670000001155.8408813 -3.6855992000000111 55.8453393 -3.6755142000000109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-78198594415036059732017-07-09T22:40:00.000+01:002017-07-09T22:40:04.835+01:00Sulk HoganHere's a treat for you folks, Mrs TOAFTD shares her Thoughts Of A First Time Mum!<br />
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Welcome to Car Seat Fight Club.<br />
And yes we are going to talk about it.<br />
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We have recently binge watched GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling) on Netflix.<br />
Watching the satirical drama has led me to realise there is a wrestling match taking place every day in my life. Sometimes several times a day.<br />
Ladies and gentlemen may I introduce you to CROW (Car seat Refusal by Offspring Wrestling.)<br />
Through my extensive research via the aforementioned mock 80's show, I have learnt that you need moves, and most importantly a signature move. You can't just jump in there and punch the car seat.<br />
No. No, you need finesse, you need panache, you need DRAMA. And, luckily for the future success of CROW, Mara has drama in spades.<br />
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Bear with me while I talk you through some of her special moves.<br />
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There is the original "My Car Seat Is Trying To Eat Me." An oldie, but a goodie. Performed by arching ones back whilst placed in the optimum car seat position. The car seat is powerless to respond, its straps simply cannot fit around the waist when its so far away. Toddler edges ahead in the wrestling game.<br />
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Mara has upped her game in recent weeks by adding substantially to her repertoire. She now seamlessly moves from the "My Car Seat Is Trying To Eat Me" to "The Exorcist." This move involves a total 180 rotation. Car seat is helpless as toddler spins round and the ref (that would be me) frantically tries to catch toddler.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0GN2LYNNTUHNLkhJ7nQloobjYw24xbtTPP1L7I5Sqamwo95t6Ouee9N6LhDS41axkxmDQtljdGVPEP9ieb2gASXL3IyQOj9aHps9j8M0t-vJ1C2CbqySuvANzafxM_1SWSNAiuqYVo8/s1600/IMG_3426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0GN2LYNNTUHNLkhJ7nQloobjYw24xbtTPP1L7I5Sqamwo95t6Ouee9N6LhDS41axkxmDQtljdGVPEP9ieb2gASXL3IyQOj9aHps9j8M0t-vJ1C2CbqySuvANzafxM_1SWSNAiuqYVo8/s320/IMG_3426.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then it's time for "The Crucifix," propelling herself upwards, Mara stands in the car seat and prepares from the penultimate move. This is similar to a wrestler standing on the ropes. The crowd goes wild (her grannie pleads with her from the passenger seat) and Mara raises her hands to a "T" shape, above the headrest. She is now wedged in place, unable to be lifted above, unable to be pulled down. Ref is dangerously close to calling the whole match and heading back into the house. (Who needs groceries anyway?)<br />
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It is now that Mara tackles her signature move, the mother of all finishes, designed to take out her nemesis. Yes, here is "The Birth Canal." From her position in "The Crucifix" she pulls her arms in and shoots down the car seat as if on a flume. Ref struggles to stop toddler before she rolls right under the ropes and out of the ring (through her poor mothers arms and out the car door.) <br />
The car seat can't catch her, the match is over. Toddler emerges triumphant and hungry for a rematch.<br />
Luckily, a rematch is imminent as the ref carts her off to meet her new opponent... The Buggy!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Curling Pond Ln, Longridge, Bathgate EH47 8FD, UK55.8431103 -3.68055670000001155.8408813 -3.6855992000000111 55.8453393 -3.6755142000000109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-42498940552204592072017-06-08T22:24:00.000+01:002017-06-08T22:24:50.272+01:0010 Things Ive Learned As A New Dad - Part 26<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Post-Mara, half an hour on the couch with a HOT cup of tea is the equivalent of an all inclusive fortnight in the Caribbean. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Mara sure has a lot of attitude for someone who drinks her own bath water. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. Mara's a little bit unsure just now if her name is actually Mara or no.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. She's discovered how to give kisses! Basically, she opens her mouth like the wee beluga whale in Finding Dory and slobbers all over us, but the sentiment is there!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When did biting become a thing?! I'm not a bloody chew toy love!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7. Teething can fuck right off! I was about to OD on Calpol last week myself to see if it would stop the screaming.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">9. Mara's a feeder. She loves sticking her breadsticks/chewed raisins/sausages etc. in our mouths rather than eat them herself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">10. She's almost walking! Getting gallas as my gran would say!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-40707219568176188692017-05-16T19:18:00.002+01:002017-05-16T19:22:43.515+01:0010 Things Ive Learned As A New Dad - Part 251. Mara (or Pudge as I affectionately call her) has made it very clear that its our job to feed her, and she's not interested in holding her own bottle to feed herself.<br />
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2. Our house still isn't ready for "Dad Jokes"...<br />
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3. Nappies are about to become a 2 person job. Mara has discovered a penchant for trying to throw shitty nappies at us!<br />
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4. I've become increasingly excited about the new episodes of Elena of Avalor airing on Disney Junior on a Saturday morning. What is happening to me?!<br />
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5. Caroline and I usually go to bed between 11pm and midnight. If Mara could stop waking up at 3.30am EVERY morning, without fail, that would be grand. More than 4 hours of unbroken sleep would feel incredible.<br />
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6. My theory that Mara is part goat is proving true. We were at Mill Farm on Sunday and she was loving the goats there. Not only that, I put some YouTube videos of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU4yUEIMbDY" target="_blank">Goat Fails</a> on the TV the other night and she thought it was hysterical!<br />
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7. You know you're a modern parent when your kid is covered head to toe in what was supposed to be their dinner and you upload a photo to your Instagram account before bothering to clean them up. <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thoughts.of.a.first.time.dad" target="_blank">Click this link</a> to head to my Instagram to see what I'm talking about!<br />
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8. Justin's House is a new favourite. Not for me, for Pudge. I find it a little sinister.<br />
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9. Mara's current level of motion:<br />
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<li>About to fall over, </li>
<li>In the process of falling over,</li>
<li>Has just fallen over.</li>
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10. I've now decided its acceptable to leave the house with food stains on my clothes. Whether I slittered when I was eating, or Mara smooshes her food covered hands into my clothes, she gets the blame!</div>
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Its Blog Awards season and I'd really appreciate it if you could head over to <a href="http://www.britmums.com/nominate-for-the-bibs2017/" target="_blank">www.britmums.com</a> and nominate us in the Family & Lifestyle category (Number 13) if you have a spare two minutes! Thanks in advance you lovely lot!</div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial";"><i>I'm Mark, dad to Mara, sharing his views on being a modern father. There's no filter with me, I kinda just tell it how it is. Please click </i></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/ThoughtsOfAFirstTimeDad" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial";"><i>HERE</i></span></a><span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial";"><i> to head to our Facebook page and give us a Like. You can find us on Twitter too - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/toaftd" target="_blank">@TOAFTD</a></i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial";">Also, I'm an ambassador for <a href="http://www.thedadnetwork.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.thedadnetwork.co.uk/</a> - check them out or search for them on Facebook. Dads, get involved!</span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Curling Pond Ln, Longridge, Bathgate EH47 8FD, UK55.8431103 -3.68055670000001155.8408813 -3.6855992000000111 55.8453393 -3.6755142000000109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9208349219812453333.post-9393629264067918672017-04-25T20:30:00.000+01:002017-04-29T08:49:27.808+01:00New Lanark Heritage Village*Sponsored Post.<br />
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Set on the banks of the River Clyde, between two valleys and surrounded by woodland, <a href="http://www.newlanark.org/visitorcentre/index.shtml" target="_blank">New Lanark Heritage Village</a> is a great day out for all the family. Now a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site, the restored 18th Century cotton mill still has a population of residents on site, small businesses, a visitors centre, hostel and hotel. Caroline, Mara and myself had a great few hours strolling around the exhibitions and attractions.<br />
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Established in the late 1700's, New Lanark was built in the hope that the Falls of Clyde would power the mill. It was a hope that paid off, and for nearly 200 years the mill manufactured cotton. <br />
The Visitor Centre experience allows you to take a look inside the mill buildings, school, and the tenements where the mill workers themselves lived. There is also a roof garden giving spectacular views of the valleys, the Clyde and a view of the whole village from a different perspective.<br />
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On arrival to the visitor centre, we received a warm welcome from Anne on reception who pointed out some key areas to visit during out trip and also informed us of the recently established guided tours on offer. They run twice a day at 11am and 2pm and last around an hour. Our guide, Paige,<b></b><u></u><u></u><b></b> told us the history of the village, then took us into Mill 3. She informed us that it is still a working mill, with a spinning mule, but as we were there on a Sunday it was out of action for the day. I imagine it would be quite interesting to see it at work, stretching out the yarn and winding it onto bobbins. (I've literally just had one of those light bulb moments while typing this! The children's nursery rhyme "Wind The Bobbin Up" must have originated from children working in the textile industry! Huh, every day is a school day!)<br />
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We moved from Mill 3 over to the tenements where the staff lived. It was crazy to think that in one room there could be upwards of 10 people living there at any given time.<br />
It was during this part of the tour that Mara decided she was hungry so we had to excuse ourselves from the rest of the group and go for lunch.<br />
The café is sited upstairs in Mill 3, with an easy access ramp for wheelchairs and buggies. <br />
There is a lot to choose from, from soup and sandwiches to hot meals, cakes and coffees. Caroline had a tuna mayo baked potato, I had the days special pulled pork panini, Mara had her packed lunch that we brought but we bought her some jelly too.<br />
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From there we headed back outside and took a walk around the grounds. We had hoped to get up close the Falls of Clyde for a better look, but the path seemed inaccessible for a buggy - unless there was another route we weren't aware of. We hit the kids play park for a bit before nipping back into the visitor centre to go to the Annie McLeod experience. <br />
En route, we passed the rather impressive donkey engine, which was used to power the mill when the Clyde froze over in winter.<br />
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<a href="http://www.newlanark.org/visitorcentre/tour-annie.shtml" target="_blank">The Annie McLeod Experience</a> is told by the ghost of a young girl called Annie McLeod, a mill worker from 1820 who shares the story of her life with you as if you were really there in that time.<br />
Set in darkness, you are strapped into a carriage suspended from the ceiling on a rail that slowly guides you around, while holograms of Annie and her family are played to you with Annie telling you her story about life and work in the village. The ride lasts around 8 minutes and may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia or those afraid of the dark. Also not ideal for little children, as we found out the hard way half way through when Mara decided she wanted off! It is a very insightful experience though and definitely worth it.<br />
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After the ride was done, we made our way up to the roof garden which is beautifully maintained with breath taking views of the surrounding area.<br />
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On our way out we stopped off at The Mill Shop which has lots of Scottish products on sale as well as toys, homeware and other locally produced items, but the main attraction is really the wool which is produced on site.<br />
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<b><u>Fun Fact</u></b> - The wool produced at the New Lanark Mill was used to create the Christmas jumpers made by Mrs Weasley in the Harry Potter films. How is that for a claim to fame?!<br />
We concluded our visit with a couple of ice cream cones by the side of the river overlooking the Falls of Clyde before heading back up the hill to the car.<br />
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As well as all the usual things that New Lanark has to offer, there are also various events held throughout the year too. When we visited they were gearing up for some fun Easter activities.<br />
The next major event on the horizon is the <a href="http://www.newlanark.org/visitorcentre/brick-city.shtml" target="_blank">LEGO Brick City Exhibiton</a>. Held from June 28th to August 9th 2017, Brick City will allow you to "see the world in Lego Bricks." Another bonus feature of this event is that it is also Autism Friendly. They'll be offering quiet, sensory friendly morning sessions with very limited capacity (check website for details.) If you're a fan of LEGO, it sounds like an amazing event that shouldn't be missed.<br />
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One last thing I should mention. New Lanark is not that far away, especially if you live in the Central Belt. We live in Longridge, West Lothian, and it took us around 25 minutes to travel to New Lanark. It was a great drive through the country side on a lovely spring day!<br />
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Thank you to Melissa from New Lanark Heritage Village for the opportunity to visit and review. <br />
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If you fancy a day trip to New Lanark Heritage Village yourself, I have a free Family Pass up for grabs! A Family Pass covers 2 adults and 2 children under 16 (under 3's are free.) To enter, click the FAMILY PASS GIVEAWAY link below. Thanks for reading and Good Luck! Competition ends on Sunday May 14th 2017 and I will contact the winner.<br />
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<a href="https://gleam.io/fb/YFvmD" target="_blank"><b>FAMILY PASS GIVEAWAY!</b></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02441342843552345645noreply@blogger.com0Curling Pond Ln, Longridge, Bathgate EH47 8FD, UK55.8431103 -3.68055670000001155.8408813 -3.6855992000000111 55.8453393 -3.6755142000000109