50 Questions.

1. What's your favourite candle scent? 

I'm not a big fan of candles (shocker), However at chirstmas I do buy the christmas scented ones simply because I adore the smell of christmas.
2. What female celebrity do you wish was your sister?

I can tell you right now one I would hate to be my sister and that is Miley Cyrus, yes she has alot of fans but honestly every time I see her I just want to tell her to "Put it away love". As for being my sister, there's not one I look at and think "I wish you were my sister".
3. What male celebrity do you wish was your brother? 
Will Smith, just because.
4. How old do you think you'll be when you get married? 
Around 27-30 years old.
5. Do you know a hoarder? 
*waves* ME! and my mother.
6. Can you do a split? 
Nope.
7. How old were you when you learned how to ride a bike? 
6 or 7 I beleive.
8. How many oceans have you swam in?
One.
9. How many countries have you been to?
One. At least I've never left this one.
10. Is anyone in your family in the army? 
My brother was, he had to leave due to medical issues. I remember the day he was sent to Afgan, my mother was so upset I just remember being so excited for him. I don't think I was aware that there was a war going on or that alot of people had been killed out there. My grandad was also in the Army, he joined just after the second world war ended.
11. What would you name your daughter if you had one? 
If I had another one, I'd call her Afia or Molly.
12. What would you name your son if you had one? 
Boy's names are the worse! For another boy though, I do like the name Ostin.
13. What's the worst grade you got on a test? 
I believe I got a D in R.E which is fine by me, it's not like I need that subject in my life.
14. What was your favourite TV show when you were a child? 
Friends. I still adore it now.
15. What did you dress up as on Halloween when you were eight? 
I have never dressed up for Halloween, ok I did one year but I was about 12 years old then and I dressed as a devil. Mainly because I owned alot of red clothing.
16. Have you read any of the Harry Potter, Hunger Games or Twilight series? 
I have read the first Harry Potter book and all of the Twilight series.
17. Would you rather have an American accent or a British accent? 
British. Although I do love the way American's pronounce some words.
18. Did your mother go to college? 
Yes she did.
19. Are your grandparents still married? 
My mother's mum died when my mum was only 6 years old, my grandfather never remarried or even dated anyone. He remained in love with her until the day he died. On their grave are the words "mum and dad together again".
20. Have you ever taken karate lessons? 
Nope.
21. Do you know who Kermit the frog is? 
A green frog.
22. What's the first amusement park you've been to? 
Does west midlands count?
23. What language, besides your native language, would you like to be fluent in? 
I would love to learn Indian.
24. Do you spell the colour as grey or gray? 
Grey.
25. Is your father bald? 
No.
26. Do you know triplets? 
I know some twins..
27. Do you prefer Titanic or The Notebook? 
Titanic, although I've never watching the notebook (Insert shocked faces here)
28. Have you ever had Indian food? 
Real Indian food, nope. The kind Indians have realised us Brits love, yes.
29. What's the name of your favourite restaurant? 
Teddington hands.
30. Have you ever been to Olive Garden? 
Nope.
31. Do you belong to any warehouse stores (Costco, BJ's, etc.)? 
Not that I am aware of no.
32. What would your parents have named you if you were the opposite gender? 
Carl. My mother honestly believed I was a boy, when I was born minus the man parts she just stuck a Y at the end I become Carly.
33. If you have a nickname, what is it? 
I have many. Beany, or Bee are the main ones. They are used so often my boss doesn't even call me by first name anymore.
34. Who's your favourite person in the world? 
*people. Eva and Archie, my children. They are my favourite mini people.
35. Would you rather live in a rural area or in the suburbs? 
I love london, but I live in a market town in the country and I love it here more.
36. Can you whistle? 
Yes.
37. Do you sleep with a nightlight? 
Nope.
38. Do you eat breakfast every morning? 
I try to, but find it hard to eat anything in the morning. I tend to drink tea instead.
39. Do you take any pills or medication daily? 
Nope.
40. What medical conditions do you have? 
None at all.
41. How many times have you been to the hospital? 
I go in 6 times a week for work. For medical reasons, I don't know.. over night stays. 3 times - once when Eva was born, again a week later when she needed phototherpy and last year when I was admitted when they thought I'd had a stroke.
42. Have you ever seen Finding Nemo? 
Of course.
43. Where do you buy your jeans? 
New look, Asda. Anywhere that sells my favourite skinny jeans.
44. What's the last compliment you got? 
"You hairs looks nice"
45. Do you usually remember your dreams in the morning? 
I dreamt I was wine tasting for my wedding.
46. What flavour tea do you enjoy? 
I love "fresh" tea, or Earl Grey.
47. How many pairs of shoes do you currently own? 
Alot. But not many, I mean I have few pairs but I only wear one or two pairs of them.
48. What religion will you raise your children to practice? 
I'm not religious at all, but my daughter talks alot about god and Jesus. I have no problem with that and certainly won't tell her there is no god, just because I don't believe in something doesn't mean it's not there. Children should be able to choose if they want to take that path in life.
49. How old were you when you found out that Santa wasn't real? 
9/10 years old. I remeber being more upset that I wouldn't have a stocking that year, rather then finding out he wasn't real if I'm honest.
50. Why do you have a Blogger? 
It's my place to come and moan, to talk and share my thoughts. My own personal little world that I don't have to worry about someone judging what I say. What ever is on my mind I can write about, I'm learning it's just alot of fun.

20 things about me.

1. I am carly
2. I got my nickname 'Bee' from a family friend
3. I am twenty five years old.
4. I have one older brother, Mark
5. I began dating my boyfriend on 04.05.06
6. We've been together 8 years.
7. I have two children, Eva and Archie
8. and two pets, Kiara (rabbit) and Frankie (budgie).
9. I read alot.
10. and love to write.
11. I take far too many photos.
12. I like watching The Big Bang Theory while drinking a cup of tea and eating Galaxy chocolate.
13. I work two jobs.
14. I no longer have red hair.
15. I couldn't tell you what colour it is now!
16. I'm stubborn / positive / impatient
17. My fears are driving next to lorries, being in a shop at closing time and spiders.
18. I want to be a police officer 'when I grow up'
19. I have a slight obsession with cleaning.
20. I spend too much time dreaming.

A girl called Eva.

Eva Ann Hopkins,
Age 5 years.
Favourites-
TV show : She's crazy on anything to do with animals, always has been, her favourite being any David Attenborough documentary. Cartoon wise she adores Tom and Jerry or Scooby doo. 
Food : Jacket potato. She could live off them given half the chance.
Colour : Pink. She does like purple too but pink is always her first choice.
Animal : She's Owl crazy, I think her obsession with them began as a toddler when she saw a barn owl for the first time. By the age of 2 she was able to tell you all the breeds. Her favourites still remains the barn owl.
Dislikes-
Having her hair washed. Flys or spiders. Meat. Wearing trousers. Dirt. The wind blowing her hair. Not getting her own way. These are the main things that can cause a melt down. She's beginning to get that teenage temper already, many days I've had her bedroom slammed in my face! She's a diva that's for sure.

My 25th birthday

Half way to 50 day!

25 years ago on march 24th I was born (10am) I came out so fast that the midwife wasn't ready and I rolled across the bed and almost fell off - the midwife caught me at last second. I was a healthy 9lb baby, long and chubby. I also took one look at my mum and cried, that amuses me no end.

Anyway to my birthday 25 years on. I woke up at 6:15am with my gorgeous son snuggled up next to me grinning away, my daughter came running in shouting HAPPY BIRTHDAY and a pile of presents awaited me on the dinning table. This year boyfriend put some thought in to what he got me - although it did amuse me when he said "there was loads of things with mummy written on them it was amazing" yes he completely forgot that it was also almost mother's day! - I didn't take a photo of what the kids got me, I have no clue why though I love them! A small little statue of a tatty teddy holding a heart saying "mum" and the base reads "I love you" along with a pair of bright pink socks which say "Super mummy" ; although I am guessing the socks were chosen because I am always nicking the boyfriends and it annoys him. 

Presents from everyone else - I did photograph -

 Tesco finest chocolates in a jewellery box - from boyfriend.

I don't actually have any jewellery but now maybe boyfriend can start buying me some.

 Slow cooker - from my mother.

I squealed opening this.

 A slow cooker cook book - From my mother.

Thorntons dessert collection - from my mother.

These are my favourite range of chocolates by them.

Boyfriend also took me out for a meal at the weekend.

I had Ham terrine starter, rack of lamb main and blueberry brulee for dessert.

Top and jeans from New look, heels were brought a year or so ago but I believe they are also from New look.

This year it the first year as a mother of two, this was a pretty surreal feeling as it feels as though Archie's been here far longer - to think I was 15 weeks pregnant on my birthday last year - Anyway the plan was to go out for the day, shopping of course, however with Eva off school with the chicken pox this was impossible. Instead the boyfriend took us all for a long countryside drive, then I popped to Tesco to do the weekly shop and in the evening while the kids and boyfriend headed to his parents I headed to the gym with my mother. First time in over a year! An hour in the gym, 30 min swim followed by a steam ; I was looking forward to a soak in the hot tub but it seemed all the hairy old men were out that night *shudder*

Over all I had a lovely day, here's to another year!

I am Bee

Name : Carly

Birthday : March 24th 

Hobbies : Photography, Baking and Knitting

Likes : Drinking tea, watching crime shows, The Big Bang Theory and being a mummy.

Dislikes : Dust, arguments and moaning.

Fears : Spiders, lifts, Lorries and being in a shop at closing time.

Relationship:

I have been with my boyfriend Sean for almost 8 years, we met back in February 2006 through friends and began dating in May. Since then we've had two children and have a house together.
Children:
Two. I have a daughter, Eva who was born prematurely in March 2009 and a son Archie who arrived 6 days late in September 2013.
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My blog is based on my life, I write about my opinions, my children, myself and day to day life. I love to write, I hadn't realised just how much until I began this blog, I'm my own worst critic though and can say, that I'm not overly pleased with how my other post's have been written and will probably at some point re-read them, edit or delete them. It's kind of an OCD thing, I like things to be 'just so'. I have a thing about dust, it annoys me. If I can see dust on anything in my house even if I am about to leave the house I will have to get a duster and clean it. You may think that means I live in a super clean house, wrong! It's clean yes, but I have two children. My house is as clean as it can be with them and their muddy boots.

The mummy tag.

  I found this while looking through some other blog's and thought I'd give it a go.

1. Are you a Stay at Home Mum, or a Working Mum?

I'm on maternity leave at the moment, but I consider myself both as normally I am at home all day then once my boyfriend is home I head out to work for the evening.

2. Would you have it any other way?

Now I know some mum's are all for 'this stay at home' stuff but honestly, I love working, I love earning my own money and having a little bit of freedom away from home to talk to adults and have a bit of time to myself.

3. Do you co-sleep?
Yes I do. I've done so with both my children. I plan to write a blog post on this in the future.

4. What is your one must-have item for your baby?
A noisy toy or his white blanket. 

5. How many kids do you plan on having?

Once we'd had our son we said "no more",  5 months on we are now talking about having a third. I'm not sure when or if this will happen but I always said I'd like 3 children.

6. Date night? How many nights per month?
We don't really do the whole 'date night' thing. We go out normally around once a month if that, and only when there are special dates, the rest of the time the kids are with us. We're fine by that and our relationship isn't suffering in anyway.

7. Your child's favourite show?
Eva loved Peppa pig until about 6 months ago, now she's more a fan of Tom and Jerry. Archie doesn't watch TV to have a favourite show yet.

8. Name one thing you bought before you had your baby and never ended up using?
 A bumble bee car seat wrap thingy. He wore it once or twice but that was about it.

9. Your child’s favourite food?
Eva loves Jacket Potato's. Archie is yet to be weaned so Milk.

10. How many cars does your family have?
Just the one.

11. Weight gain before pregnancy, during and after and now?
Before my first pregnancy I was 8st just over, afterwards I'd gained only a stone. At the start of my pregnancy with Archie I weighed 9st 7lb and by the end I'd gone right up to 10st 10lb, which stayed for two weeks afterwards. I am now around 9st 2lb.

12. Dream holiday with your kids?
Disney Land.

13. Dream holiday without your kids?
New York, although I'd love to take the kids with me here to, but one child free day to just shop would be amazing.

14. How has your life changed since your baby has been born?
I've matured, my whole way of thinking has totally changed.

15. Finish the sentence: 'It makes my heart melt to see … '
My children laughing together.

16. Where do you shop for your kids?
Mainly Asda living.

17. Favourite makeup and skincare products?
I don't wear makeup. I wear a Nivea face cream.

18. Huggies or Pampers?
I used Huggies with my daughter as I found Pamper's leaked with her. Huggies are no longer around, we did manage to get some before all the shops sold out but they leaked so I use now mainly Morrisons little big.

19. Have you always wanted kids?
Yes. But not until I was in my 30's. My mum was a young mum and I watched her struggle on her own.

20. Best part about being a mum?
Hearing my daughter tells me she loves me, it makes everything worth while.

It would seem..

That after 5 months I have hit that broody stage once more and I never thought that day would ever come. Maybe it's because so many people around me are having babies or are pregnant, Or maybe it's because Archie is no longer a new born, he's lost that new born smell and is slowly becoming a "real baby" (what ever that means) I'm shocked that I ever got to this stage again, seeing as I am still in pain from his birth and I'm so not ready mentally to go though pregnancy any time soon. But every part of me aches for another baby. I want to pee on that stick and see that second line, to lay down on that couch while some women puts cold gel on my swollen tummy and searches for a new life in my womb, to feel first kicks, hiccups and stretching.. I can't say labour is something I ever want to put myself through ever again. It hurts ALOT! (that I do remember) however, bringing a new life into the world is very much something I want to do. Maybe not now, but in the years to come. Adding to my family would be amazing.

A book of life.

I was talking to my mother about my grandfather (her dad) who died two weeks before my 9th birthday, about wishing I'd asked more questions and learnt more about his life. But as a child, I didn't care.. I didn't think to ask who his first love was, or what was the war like. I was in this bubble where, people didn't die they lived forever as I'd never had someone close to me die. Of course I'd heard about death but not experiencing myself meant I had no clue what it actually meant. It got me thinking, If I died tomorrow, what parts of my life would my children remember? what stories would they hear? There's so much I'd like to share with them, tiny moments that mean the world to me. So I got searching for something that could be used and kept for my children to read when I'm no longer around, something for them to laugh about, cry about and remember me. I found this book on Amazon called "All about me" (£7.99) it seemed perfect so I brought it. This little gem is going to filled with so many things, I'm excited about getting started!