Top 10 | Christmas Movie Picks

It really is the most wonderful time of the year isn't it? I absolutely love this time of year. The Christmas playlist comes out as soon as Halloween and Bonfire Night are over and the spooky deccies are soon replaced with Christmas ones all whilst the girls are telling me it's "too early!"  I really am just a big kid at heart. Now the nights are dark and cold and we're all in Lockdown 2.0 : The Tier Months and can't go out for festive bevs (how I miss my annual Gingle Bevs email to the team); it's time to get on the couch with a Bailey's hot chocolate and watch Christmas movies to get you in the mood, so I've ranked my top 10 Christmas movies which was way way harder than it sounds: 

10.  T H E  P O L A R  E X P R E S S 

The Polar Express is an unreal movie and massively underrated. It's about kids who have stopped believing in Santa and are taken aboard a magical train ride to the North Pole on the Polar Express and a must watch! 

9.  E D W A R D  S C I S S O R  H A N D S

The story of the first snow might not be the most festive of movies and you probably wouldn't necessarily call it a Christmas movie but it's cute and sweet and dark all of which are my favourite things and as a massive Tim Burton fan it had to make the list.

8.  H O W  T H E  G R I N C H  S T O L E  C H R I S T M A S ( 2 0 0 0 )

My dad took me and my brother to see this in the cinema and it started off our annual, festive cinema trips. I love Jim Carrey as The Grinch and I know a lot of people hate this movie but I love it and The Grinch has some of the most relatable quotes ever. Love. Him.

7. H O M E  A L O N E

The McAllisters didn't get done for neglect which just goes to show if you're rich you can get away with just about anything. What list is complete without Home Alone though? It's a Christmas classic after all. It's not really a Christmas movie (fight me) but it's just tradition am I right?

6.  A R T H U R  C H R I S T M A S

This film is incredible and had to make my top 10! I force the kids to watch this every year and they definitely don't enjoy it as much as I do. Arthur is the son of Father Christmas and wants to deliver a bike to Gwen, the child who got missed, whilst his controlling brother, tries to stop him. BOSS.

5.  T H E  N I G H T M A R E  B E F O R E  C H R I S T M A S

Is it a Halloween movie or is it a Christmas movie? The most asked question from October through December. Well I have the only answer for you and it's BOTH. In fact I watch it all year round but that's just because I'm a massive goth. 

4.  M I R A C L E  O N  3 4 T H  S T R E E T

Before Mara Wilson was old enough to start spouting drivel on Twitter she was this really cute child actor who starred in Miracle on 34th Street - the part where Santa signs to the deaf child gets me all teary eyed every single time.

                                                                3. T H E  H O L I D A Y 

The Holiday > Love Actually. I said what I said. Two women with boy probs agree to swap homes for the holiday season where they each meet a local fella and fall in love. Jude Law is dreamy in this BUT Jack Black is the real MVP here (slightly biased because I love him! ) 

2.  E L F 

This is one of my absolute faves and I know so many people who hate it because of Will Ferrell but those people have no taste - it is fantastic and I won't hear another word! 

1.   T H E  S A N T A  C L A U S E 

Taking the top spot is the one and only The Santa Clause - I wanted to list the entire trilogy tbqhwy but I thought that would be cheating. I love Tim Allen so much even though my mate told me recently he is a massive Tory and ruined the illusion a bit. Scott Calvin takes Santa's place and turns from a crappy dad man to the world's best dad ever. This entire trilogy get watched every single year in our house without fail because I love it so much.

What's your favourite Christmas movie? 

Rachael xo

Top 10 | Ways to Survive Cold and Flu Season

 

Ahhh (chu) flu season is upon us and I'm not talking just your avergae cold here. Flu can be so nasty and leave you achey and unable to move from your bed. I have only caught flu twice in my life and twice I have been left absolutely wiped out. Now a new virus is amongst us which presents with very similar symptoms leaving us with the question cold or flu or Coronavirus? This is why if you do expereince any symptoms you should get yourself tested and stay the fuck home. However, if you're lucky enough to avoid Miss Rona but have been struck with flu, here are my top ten tips on how to survive: 

1. D R I N K  P L E N T Y  O F  F L U I D S

Water helps keep headaches at bay - the last thing you need when you're feeling lousy is to be dehyrdrated as well. Warm drinks also helo loosen mucus in your chest so get your fella to bring you all the cuppas to bed while you rest. 

2. C O L D  F L U  S A C H E T S  /  T A B L E T S

These are a godsend, trust me and the blackcurrant ones taste like warm Ribena and soothe the throat nicely. Don't forget though, they do contain paracetemol so remember you're actually drinking medicine and check the labels on anything you're taking because afterall, I'm no doctor! 

3. C A L P O L  P L U G I N

No this is not an ad but I am obsessed with my Calpol plugin. It's menthol of course so it's really good for those stuffed noses but it has lavender in as well so it's perfect for night time so you can relax and get some sleep. If you're lucky you might be able to find one at the mo in the middle aisle of Aldi.

4. E X T R A  P I L L O W S

Chesty coughs are nasty business and they get worse when you're lying down. This is because mucus is more likely to collect in the back of your throat. Prop yourself up as much as you comfortably can to get yourself that much needed rest your body needs.

5. P A I N  R E L I E F

Keeping on top of pain relief is important for any aches and pains and of course bringing down a high temperature. Don't forget to check those labels though ;)

6. R E S T 

This is one thing I think we are all guilty of neglecting but your body needs time to recover. If you can nap during the day then do it. Sleep is the best thing for poorly bodies. Those dishes can wait just concentrate on getting yourself better/ 

7. B A L S A L M  T I S S U E S

Another absolute gem of a creation. These are perfect for delicate noses. Who needs to deal with a sore, chapped nose on top of everything else? 

8. D I S I N F E C T

Clean your surfaces. Your door handles. And make sure you bin those snotty tissues as soon as you've used them to prevent the spread or reinfectio and of course don't forget to wash those hands. For 20 seconds. Whilst singing happy birthday or something. 

9. T A K E  A  M U L T I V I T A M I N 

Anything containing vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc is boss. Humans cannot produce vitamin C so we need a constant intake of it and of course we live in the UK and don't get that much sun especially in winter so get that vitamn D down your neck as well. Zinc also plays an important part in immunity so get boosting! 

10. S W E A T  I T  O U T

When you've got a high temperature it is your body's way of fighting something off so get the heating on, jump in a hot, steamy bath and sweat it all out. You might need a shower afterwards but it'll be worth it. 

So there you have it, my top 10 tips for surviving cold and flu season and I've got my fingers crossed you all stay healthier than I have because I've felt rough as toast this week with a nasty cold. 

Stay Safe

Rachael xo

Top 10 | Family Friendly Halloween Movies

Halloween is just around the corner and this year I will be in Amsterdam over Halloween weekend, so no party for us second year on the run! I didn't do one last year because I was pregnant with Henry and the thought of having people round was just too exhausting. When I was a kid, I was never a big fan of Halloween, still to this day I don't like masks (seriously though, what's the deal?) I guess it wasn't really a big thing back then but it's definitely a holiday that has grown on me. I love horror films and dressing up now, it's like I'm trying to relive my youth or something. George won't be missing out this year though as he is going to his cousin's for a little party and he got to choose his costume this year and I'm a bit upset I'm missing it to be honest! 

Anyway if you're not a big fan of Halloween why not stay in and watch a movie with the kids? All you need is your tv, big blankets, some toffee apples and treats and you're set! Here is a list of my top 10 family friendly Halloween movies: 

10. Monster House

When my little brothers were younger they were obsessed with this film, they used to watch it on repeat. It's about some kids who discover their neighbour's house is actually a monster. Clue is in the name right? 

9. Haunted Mansion

It's a Disney film and it has Eddie Murphy in it, need I say more? The spider scene scarred me for life - you've been warned. 

8. Beetlejuice

I freakin' love Beetlejuice! Such a classic. Just don't say his name three times! 

7. The Addam's Family

What list would be complete with The Addam's Family right? Wednesday Addams is my spirit animal.

6. Casper

Fun fact - this was the first film I saw in the cinema at the ripe old age of 5. My mum cried.

5. Coraline

Okay Coraline is super creepy but I love it anyway! Maybe not suitable for pre-schoolers! 

4. Paranorman

I actually really enjoyed this film, a rewatch is needed. I wish I was as cool as Norman to be honest. 

3. Corpse Bride

I went to see this in the cinema twice. What emo kid wasn't excited when this came out? I even donned a Corpse Bride tshirt back in the day. 

2. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Is it a christmas film is it a Halloween film? WHO CARES?! It is great. I can recite Jack's Lament as well. 

1. Hocus Pocus

Of course this took the number 1 spot. I adore this film, everything about it is fantastic. I used to fancy Max so much when I was a kid as well. 

What will you be watching this Halloween?

Rachael xo

Top 10 | Things I Swore I'd Never Do As a Parent

Let's face it, we all have ideas of what we will be like when we become parents, but realistically we're all just winging it! I like to think I know what I'm doing but really I don't have a clue, I'm just finding what works for us. Don't get me wrong, I've been doing this parenting shit for 2 and a half years so I think I've got a pretty good grasp on it but I'm still adjusting to life with 2 babies! Here's a list of 10 things I swore I'd never do as a parent. 

1. Let George eat a sausage roll in his pram 

I used to see kids in my local town centres scoffing sausage rolls whilst being pushed around in their pram and thought 'oh my god, how common!' Now, George can often be seen in his pram and scoffing a sausage roll. I call it a Birkenhead dummy! 

2. Swear in front of my kids 

I'm common, I'm from Birkenhead (a small town near Liverpool - Google it), and I swear like a sailor! I always vowed I would never swear in front of my children and whilst I do try to make a conscious effort not to do this, I often slip up. Especially when Pete has pissed me off! 

3.  Co-Sleep

Yes, yes, we have all been lectured on the dangers of co-sleeping and SIDS but George used to get in our bed all the time! Not when he was a newborn but when he was a couple of months old. We actually did this safely, he was never allowed under our duvet and we both used to sleep at the edge of the bed. Not that I ever slept properly when he was next to me but who needs sleep right? 

4. Use a buggy board

God I hate these ugly things, however, we recently bought one for George and whilst I do think they're a good idea, I still maintain that they're too bulky! I hate how they look, I hate how they stick out so far. Ugh I just hate them. We used ours this week and luckily George would rather walk.

5. Baby wearing

I used to think this was so hippy, but on recommendation from a family member, I tried it out with Henry and I love it so much. It's so convenient to pop him in the sling and not have to worry about dressing him to go outside. 

6. Go to baby groups

When I had G, I was a bit of a snob and turned my nose at the thought of talking to other mums at baby groups and to be hlonest, I quite liked it that way. Now he's a bit older, we've started going to a mums and tots on a Monday then Tumble Tots on a Saturday and I love it!  

7. Give my baby a dummy to shut him up

I'm not anti-dummy but I wasn't keen on using one in the beginning, but George was a baby who needed something to suck and Henry is the same way. I try to take George's dummy off him when I can, but admittedly I will give in if he asks for it continuously and I'm trying to get something done. Sometimes you just need a bit of a break you know? 

8. Tell my children to shut up in public

You've heard those mums screaming at their kids in the supermarket, before I had kids, I swore this was something I would never in a million years do. It's common, it's mean and it's unnecessary. I've done it many a time! Sometimes George screams for no reason, sometimes he talks on and on. I just consider it an accomplishment that I don't tell him to shut the fuck up. 

9. Give them sweets
I remember seeing mum friends give their kids sweets and judging them hard. Now George has sweets or chocolate almost every day much to his dad's dismay. However, he does brush his teeth twice a day and I have no fear over him becoming over weight as the only time he is still is when he's sleeping.

10. Use the telly as a third parent
Who doesn't love the telly? If half an hour of Paw Patrol lets me get a bit of housework done, then so be it. If watching Andy Day on every single programme makes George happy and teaches him about nature, it just has to be done!

What did you vow never to do when you had kids?

Rachael xo

Family | 10 Things I'd Like This Mother's Day

With Mother's Day fast approaching (this being my third, I know, how do I almost have a three year old?!) I thought I'd compose a list of 10 things I'd like this Mother's Day. Since becoming a mum of two, I barely get any time to myself, that was only to be expected though when I decided to have two babies! Although my boys (Pete) will have put a lot of thought into my present, there are somethings money just can't buy, so here are the things I'd most like this Mother's Day:

1. A lie in! This is every mama's dream yes?

2. The ability to drink a cuppa before it goes cold.

3. To have a song other than the theme tune to Paw Patrol stuck in my head.

4. Following on from that, to watch anything other than Paw Patrol.

5. Time to straighten my unruly hair.

6. To not wash and sterilise bottles - seriously, I hate that job.

7. Not to change a shitty nappy.

8. A meal cooked for me - since joining Slimming World, I've taken over cooking duties.

9. Time to read a book. I miss reading.

10. Not to be roared at - George really thinks he's a dinosaur.

So there you have it, a list of 10 things I'd like this Mother's Day. 

What would you like most this Mother's Day? 

Rachael xo