50+ Things To Do With The Family and Google Home

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Last month, Google made some exciting new announcements regarding their line of hardware across their Google Home and Pixel range. I watched in excitement as their key note speech detailed new software updates to current models of the Pixel as well as brand new hardware in their Google Home range. You can view the full keynote here:

Ever since the Google Home fell into our lives last year we’ve never looked elsewhere when it came to at-home AI. We’d used Alexa at a friends house and, to be honest, it was dull and quite often didn’t recognise what we were saying. Google just works and is still an impressive piece of kit. I didn’t know I’d actually need one until we got one.

Boring Disclosure Bit Before I Continue: This isn’t an advert. Honestly. I was gifted (something that is sent to someone with absolutely no requirement or expectation of a mention or review) a Google Home last year and have been using it ever since. This post comes from me because I love our Google Home and genuinely love the brand.

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Visibility: Why We Do What We Do

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Yesterday, I was invited to chat to Anna Foster of BBC Radio 5 Live about sperm donors and how there is now an increase in demand for them outside of the realms of the NHS. We talked about what we went through and what *should* be common practise when deciding to do at-home artificial insemination (AI).

It certainly wasn’t your average Monday and throughout the whole interview I was asking myself why on earth I was sharing such personal details about our son’t conception (legs up in the air and all). It was an experience, and whilst I was incredibly anxious about the whole thing I was driven by our story and getting it out there so that others out there could see some form of hope. That there are other options when it comes to conception.

If you would like to listen to the whole feature, you can skip through to 10:12 via the link above.
(I’m on at 39:00).

The main concern within the interview surrounded the regulation of certain Facebook groups where couples, usually Lesbian couples, can find sperm donors, and how risky this is. It also briefly explored how the NHS need to change their stance on when they offer support for same sex couples.

Basically, if the cost to have a baby wasn’t so high – then perhaps women wouldn’t be taking the risks to have a baby.

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Days Out: The National Show Caves, Wales

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When we were in Wales a few months ago, we decided to dedicate at least one day to an attraction outside of Bluestone. Primarily so we didn’t exhaust the resort, but also because we really enjoy Wales as a family location. Whether it’s Folly Farm or Tenby, there’s lots to see in the local area, and even more if you’re happy to travel further afield.

On this particular day, we decided to do just that and take a scenic drive to the National Showcaves; which is located between Swansea and Brecon, and around 90 minutes away from Bluestone.

In our opinion, and from previous visits, it’s well worth the drive. It’s incredibly scenic and the end result is just fantastic.

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The STEM Jr Range by Little Tikes {Review}

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A few weekends ago, we were invited to the Museum of Childhood in London to try out the new StemJr range by Little Tikes, which encourages children to get into the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects whilst playing at the same time.

During the event we played with Wonder Labs, made our own slime, and watched a science show – it was a lot of fun – but what T took the biggest shine to was the Builder Bot and following the event we were lucky enough to be gifted* a Builder Bot for T to play with at home. With this in mind, seeing as he loves it so much, I thought I’d share a quick review of it as well as another item from the StemJr range; the Tornado Tower. We’ve been a fan of Little Tikes for a number of years, so it was exciting to see them explore STEM. Continue reading →

I Heart Sundays

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The last two weeks saw a change in routine for us as I had a training course that I had to attend, meaning that Sharon and I had to do a switch when it came to childcare (which was easier said than done! Talk about military operation!). This meant Sharon did the nursery drop offs and I did pickups which, by the way, were uh-maze-zing. Driving home from my course was like driving home for Christmas. I couldn’t wait to see his face and talk about his day.

The change in routine also meant that I was able to be a part of a lot more bedtimes (something that I miss dearly as I work late shifts) as well as full weekends! This may sound odd, but to manage our childcare costs I work 80% late shifts; which includes weekends, and due to the pattern that I also have to follow so I can see my team I work most weekends.

I get one full weekend off in six weeks. SIX. That’s a lot of days out and family get-togethers missed. So when I was enrolled onto the course, the first thing I was looking forward to was the weekends and I was going to make sure we made the most of them!

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The Massage Company, Tunbridge Wells {Review}

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Last week, I was invited to The Massage Company in Tunbridge Wells to try out their new branch which has recently opened. Seeing as Tunbridge Wells isn’t that far from where we are, I thought I’d drop T off with his nana on one of my days off and treat myself. Plus, I’d never had a massage before – which is apparently quite odd – so this was a whole new experience!

I’ve always wanted to have a massage, however it’s not really something Sharon would want to do as a couple and the thought of a stranger touching me made me a little anxious; so I’ve never really got round to having one myself. Plus, I didn’t actually know you could get massages outside of the ‘Spa Day’ or Hotel Stay, however The Massage Company changes this. They believe in having regular massages as a form of therapy to help with stress or aid recovery.

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