In true Codie style, I have not kept up with a monthly series I wanted to do! It seems I am too much of a free spirit and cannot be tamed by my own schedule. To make up for my all round uselessness, I’ve decided to review the most recent books I’ve read since my last proper book blogger post.
Howl’s Moving Castle (or trying to leave behind your favourite fictional worlds) – Bethan
Bethan is suffering a pretty bad book hangover – she’s not ready to leave behind the world of Howl’s Moving Castle and the only way to ease the pain is to blog about it,
February Book Roundup
Once again, late to the party (a book reading party?! That would be the best!), here are my February reads! Thanks to long bubble baths and equally long, but less fun train rides, I’ve managed to plow through a decent amount this month! A few of these have been sent to me from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. …
January Book Roundup
It’s halfway (ish) through February and I decide that I want to start doing monthly round ups of the books I’ve been reading. This is the kind of idea that should have come to me in December so I could start it off nice and fresh and on time, but sadly that is not the way my brain works. So …
The Book of Everyone
Just before Christmas, the lovely folks at The Book of Everyone, kindly gave me the chance to make my very own Book of Everyone! As someone who never found her name on anything in a gift shop, and therefore is a little obsessed with anything personalised, this is such a wonderful idea! Basically, The Book of Everyone, gives you the …
Best Books of 2015
Look, it’s technically still January (is it just me or has this month lasted forever?!) so I feel like doing a ‘books I read in 2015’ roundup post is kinda okay, right? I know not all of these books were released in 2015, but that’s when I read ‘em, so hopefully you’ll find something to tickle your fancy (oh-er) on …
#BEDN: What you Left Behind – Jessica Verdi
An advanced copy of this book was kindly sent to me for review by the publishers.
This book follows super popular, football star (of course) Ryden as he navigates life with a small baby after the death of his girlfriend to cancer. So, it’s pretty heavy, though ultimately enjoyable to read.
What We Left Behind – Robin Talley: A Review
It’s important to preface this review by saying that I, personally, do not have any experience of being transgender, and therefore cannot comment fully on whether this book is an accurate representation or not. I do, however, have a few trans* friends, from whom I have learnt as much as possible, and so I can only really base my critique of that part of the story, on the knowledge I have picked up through research and conversations, and not through lived experience, which of course, would be far more valid.
The Scorch Trials: Book VS Film
Today’s post was written by a dear friend of mine, Rachel Hatton. Rachel has amazing taste in books and films, as well as being a hugely talented writer, and so she’s easily the best person to write this comparison between the Maze Runner series of books and the recent film, The Scorch Trials
Carefully Everywhere Descending – L.B Bedford – Review
I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of this book ahead of its release on October 1st by the lovely people at Harmony Ink Press.
#BEDM – Why I’m Taking Part (and You Should Too!)
Whether you’re a blogger stuck in a writing rut, or someone wanting to start a blog and needing a push – Blog Every Day in May is the way to go, trust me.
So, I Quit my Job…
So… I quit my job! Okay, there’s a little bit more to it than that. It wasn’t a dramatic, slamming doors, “I quit” moment at all. In fact, I shakily handed in my letter of resignation, after spending a good while considering my decision and of course I still have to work my four weeks notice, whilst my boss tries …
North West Bloggers Meet: 13th July!
On Sunday 12th July, I found myself in a room full of people, frantically swapping business cards, taking arty pictures of bowls of popcorn and tweeting incessantly. This was my first blogger meet!
AD| Paint Pop Paint Sticks
Look, I like to think I’m a fun Mum. The set-up-a-Tuff-Tray-of-messy-play kinda Mum. The spends-far-too-long-cutting-shapes-out-of-fruit-for-a-picnic kinda Mum – and I love getting creative with the kids. But there is something about the absolute faff of getting out the paints that fills me with dread. I always squeeze too much into the pallet, water always gets spilt, the paper is so …
#Ad Celebrating Earth Day with Eco Plush Toys
I’d like to think we’re a pretty eco family. We’re vegan, we use cloth nappies, we do our best. But one thing I think can be easy to fall down on, is toys. So many toys are made of plastic and the guilt is real. So when we were sent these amazing Eco Plush Toys, to celebrate Earth Day on 22nd April, and found out that they are made from 100% recycled material, we were really excited.
Alternative Gifts for Easter
It’s almost Easter and I’ve been hanging ridiculous carrot bunting along my fireplace and looking up some fun Easter crafts for the kids to fill up the holidays. However, I’ll be honest. Ruben still has a few Easter eggs left over from last year, and Indiana can’t have normal chocolate because he has an allergy to cows’ milk protein – plus Steven & I are vegan, so I think we’ll leave the chocolate egg buying to the grandparents.
#AD Peppa Pig Weebles Review
“Weebles Wobble but they don’t fall down!”- This has always been ingrained into my subconscious and sometimes I genuinely find myself just saying it out loud for no apparent reason. I never had any Weebles of my own, so when we had the chance to head to Smyths Toys Superstores and check out the new Peppa Pig Weebles, you better …
#AD: Cats Vs Pickles New Reversible Plushes!
Hey cool cats and pickles! One thing I didn’t predict to be a big part of life with a 3 year old is kissing several squishy cats and cuddley pickles from his Cats Vs Pickles collection goodnight every night – and this boy has a lot. So imagine his absolute delight when we were gifted two of the amazing reversible …
AD: Toy Story 4 Plushies
My husband’s two favourite films are The Notebook and Toy Story. We’ve not yet introduced by two year old to Noah & Allie’s love story, but from the moment he first watched Toy Story, he was absolutely besotted. To the point that we spent a good 6 months watching the 4 films over and over and over and over and …
AD: My Spring Etsy Faves
Seeing as we can’t exactly go window shopping right now, I’ve found myself doing a whole lot of online window shopping. I spend hours idly browsing through sites and adding stuff to my favourites from the comfort of my home. Etsy is one of my favourite places to do this, because you just don’t know what you’re going to find.
AD| Men’s Gift Guide*
It can be so hard to buy for the men in my life. I want to get them something cool, but there’s either nothing they want, or they have super expensive taste that just doesn’t align with my meagre budget. Still, this year I’ve found some cool stuff that I think will be much loved. Watercolour portrait This might be …
Women’s Gift Guide*
Some of the items in the gift guide have been gifted in exchange for a review, others are affiliate links, but all are things I love. It was hard to not just make this a list of things I want for Christmas if I’m honest! I tried to do a good mix of things, thinking of the different women in …
AD| Teenage Boy Gift Guide
I genuinely think that teenage boys are the hardest to buy for. I am not, nor have I ever been, a teenage boy and if I thought I was out of touch with teenage girls, it’s nothing compared to this. That said, I have to try because there are a few teen, and pre-teen nephews on my shopping list, and …
AD| Teenage Girl Gift Guide
It’s been a long time since I’ve been a teenage girl, and I am very out of touch. Thankfully I had a helper or two to give me some advice on this one! Soph x Skinnydip Astro Wash Bag This wash bag is so beautiful and would make such a cute gift for a special teen in your life – …
Children’s Gift Guide*
We buy for a LOT of Children for Christmas. Between niblings, Godchildren and little besties there are around 16, ranging from 1-16! So not all of them will fall in this category, but a lot do! Here are some things we recommend. How to Spot an Artist This book is stunning! It’s visually beautiful, as you would expect, but also …
Toddler Christmas Gift Guide*
I can’t believe my little Roo is going to be 2 just before Christmas! A lot of the presents we got him are from the Aldi wooden toy sale but here are some other bits and bobs that I think would be great for a toddler.
Baby Christmas Gift Guide*
For Ruben’s first Christmas, he was only 10 days old, and so his main Christmas present was the gift of life after a 3 day back-to-back labour. We did get him a few little bits, and last Christmas we did buy quite a few more presents. Here are some of the best gifts for a baby in your life this year.
AD| Spooky Treats you can make for a Halloween party at home
So, it looks like Halloween is going to be pretty weird this year and I have to admit, I’m a little gutted. That said, I’m determined not to let the Rona ruin everything, so if we can’t go out to parties, or Trick or Treating, let’s bring the fun home and make the whole of October full of spooky snacks and games.
Getting Control of my Finances*
I have always been a little bit rubbish with money. My parents were rubbish with money and it seems it rubbed off on me. There was a point in my late teens where I had to resort to payday loans, to, y’know, eat and stuff, so my credit rating isn’t the best. That said, I am determined to buy a …
What is a Life Coach? and are they worth it?*
We have one life, it’s very precious, and it deserves our fullest attention – Lauren Iles. When it comes to investing in myself in anyway, I’m a little stingy. I always find something that Ruben would like, or the house could use, and talk myself out of spending money on myself. So when Lauren Iles asked if I wanted …
AD| Planning our dream home
We’ve been wanting to buy our own house for years now, and there always seems to be something in our way – right now, it’s Corona and the banks changing their lending to a max of 80%, leaving us to find a 20% deposit! That said, because we have been looking and lusting for so long, I feel pretty confident …
Precious Keepsake Ideas for your Babies
Some of these products were gifted, but the words and opinions are all my own! I’m a sentimental person – even more so since having a baby. Just last week it was Ruben’s first hair cut and you better believe that I chose a salon specifically based on the fact that they provide you with a certificate and a lock …
AD| My Favourite Easy Veggie Meal for the Whole Family
This is a sponsored post with the supermarket, Jacks. But all words and opinions are my own. When it comes to deciding on weekly meals, I always try to find at least a few dishes that we can all have together – partially because it’s nice to all have the same thing, and it encourages Steven and I to eat …
Two Months of Two Children
I’ve been a mother of two now for two months. Two months sounds like forever and also no time at all, all at once. In some ways, Indiana feels brand new, but he also feels as though we’ve always had him. It’s strange, and wonderful – which is how I’d describe most of parenthood to be honest. Indiana Hugo Atlas …
Summer baby essentials
Some of these products were gifted, and this post may contain affiliate links – neither of these things affect my content. My first born Ruben was born in December – the frostiest of winter babies! My worries were all about keeping him warm enough, especially making sure that he didn’t get cold in the carseat, knowing that they can’t wear …
AD: Toy Story 4 Plushies
My husband’s two favourite films are The Notebook and Toy Story. We’ve not yet introduced by two year old to Noah & Allie’s love story, but from the moment he first watched Toy Story, he was absolutely besotted. To the point that we spent a good 6 months watching the 4 films over and over and over and over and …
An open letter to my first born, before you become an older brother
The teeny-tiny love of my life. I’m watching you sleep, your little toes buried in the squishy flesh of my thighs, something you have done for as long as I can remember, almost as a way of knowing I’m here even deep in slumber. Long dark eyelashes resting on the softest cheeks. Cheeks that are no longer quite as chubby as they once were, now that you are growing.
Visiting Thomas Land in 2021
Thinking of going to Thomas land at Drayton Manor and want to know what the rides are like? Or what the COVID situation is? I got you! I am an incredibly anxious person, which is totally at odds with the fact that I’m a huge adrenaline junkie who LOVES theme parks, and also someone super spontaneous. Which is how I …
My Baby was a Super Late Walker
My son didn’t walk until he was almost 2 years old and I spent every day for weeks googling. “When should you worry when your baby doesn’t walk?” “My toddler isn’t walking” “How to help my baby learn to walk” “Medical reasons for baby not walking” “Am I the worst Mum ever because my baby just will not walk?” And …
My Experiences with a Pandemic(ish) Pregnancy
I really intended to document a lot more of this pregnancy, especially with it being during a global pandemic. I imagined I would be one of those amazing bloggers who manages to post entertaining and informative weekly updates to look back on, but honestly, between a toddler, a business, gallstones and life I’ve barely managed to snap a few bump pictures!
Private scans: Are they worth it?
How does a private scan work? Are private scans worth it?
Why I’m terrified about having Baby Number 2
In July, I will become a mother of two. Two boys to be exact. Me. A woman who laughs at fart jokes and always spills her food down herself. As thrilled as I am, I’m also absolutely terrified, for so many reasons, and as I pride myself on being honest, I wanted to note them down. I’ve been mentally writing …
5 Reasons I love using cloth nappies (Plus a competition!)
I’ve been using cloth nappies with little Roo since he was 6 weeks old and I bloody love them. I love chatting to other cloth bum Mums and also to those who are just curious about the realities of using cloth – I know for sure I have converted a few families into cloth nappies and I love spreading the …
Pre-Christmas Getaway Ideas*
As we will have a baby by Christmas(!) I am deffo feeling rather consumed by wanderlust. Sure, summer is great for holidays, but I love taking trips outside of the school holidays as things are quieter, cheaper and all-round better. I think if you only ever travel in the summer, you’re really missing out on seeing some beautiful places in the snow, or enjoying a bit of winter sun, and besides, the world is too big to limit when you visit! So, I headed over to Cickstay to check out some of their villas, apartments and holiday rentals to put together some dream destinations.
Haute Dolci Luxury Desserts*
When it comes to luxury, I am not a fancy lady at all. I don’t wear designer clothes, and I’m happy enough in a budget hotel, however, one luxury area I can get on board with is desserts, so when I was invited to try out Haute Dolci and their range of deliciously decadent desserts, I didn’t hesitate in saying yes!
A Week in Menorca – Where to Stay, What to Do
We just got back from Menorca and it was a dream! Check out where we went, and lots of pictures.
Why The Florist is the Ultimate Night Out
I was recently lucky enough to be invited to The Florist for their pre-launch weekend and it was incredible. Here is why you need to include The Florist for your next night out, boozy brunch or big event.
Family Festival Traditions (+ A Family Ticket Giveaway!)
I’m giving away a family camping ticket to Down by the River Festival!
Mind, Body Soul Experience Manchester Giveaway
Win one of 2 pairs of weekend tickets for the Mind, Body, Soul Experience in Manchester!
The Low Down on LA
Read all about the LA leg of our big honeymoon road trip!
Bongo’s Bingo – Does it live up to the Hype?
If you haven’t heard of Bongo’s Bingo, where have you been? No longer just a hobby for the blue-rinse-brigade, Bongo’s combines the number-daubing game, with music, drinking and dancing on benches, plus a whole load of weird and wonderful prizes. I recently attended a Bongo’s Bingo event for the first time in Leeds the other week and it was… interesting!
Planning a Trip to Toronto? Check Out These Hot Spots
There are several diverse communities in Toronto, each with its own architectural style and attractions. Real Estate in Toronto was already hot before the pandemic, but in the last two years, prices have skyrocketed amid a frenzy of house buying in the Canadian capital. Check out Kensington Market and The Danforth if you’re searching for a great vibe and lots …
AirBnb – Is it worth the hype?
For NYE we tried out Airbnb for the first time, and here’s what we found out!
Tween Christmas Gift Guide*
Disney The Little Mermaid Kiss The Girl Pink Sweater With Sleeve Print I love this sweater, but there is no way I could pull it off. I imagine as a tween you could absolute rock this while filming Tiktoks and singing along to Ariana Grande (my knowledge of Tweens is limited as you can imagine). I love that the image …
Win! A 50inch Smart TV!
Tis the season for giving, and you know I love an epic giveaway! This time I’m teaming up with some of my favourite bloggers to give away this huge TV – perfect for watching those Christmas classics this festive season. I’m talking Home Alone 2 – Lost in New York on the big screen. I’m thinking sobbing at Love Actually …
AD| Magical Touches for Christmas this year
I don’t think it’s unfair to say “What. A. Year”! I think we all need a little extra festive cheer this year, and so, before I start with my gift guides, I have put together this little Etsy guide of little touches for making Christmas extra magical this year. This post features affiliate links. Christmas Sensory Play Kit I love …
How I set myself up for a good week – Sometimes*
This post contains a gifted product A Sunday well-spent brings a week of content, or so they say. The way I see it, the more you can plan and prepare, the less terrifying the week might be (*depending on children/sleep/current events etc) and I’ve been working to hone this routine – it’s a work-in-progress but here’s where we’re at. Meal …
Ad| How To Stop Feeling Guilty About Your Divorce
Pexels – CC0 License As a parent, it can be challenging to stop feeling guilty about your divorce. You want it to be over quickly, but there is an emotional toll that it takes on you and you worry about how it might impact your kids. The trick to solving this problem is to go through the proper emotional work. …
#Ad – Personalised Socks with my face on?!
I don’t know if it’s because I’m someone who never found her name written in glitter on headbands, or on keyrings in gift shops – woe is me – but I am all about personalised gifts. So when Printsfield asked if I wanted to order some personalised socks with my FACE on them, I was super excited! I didn’t know just how much I wanted to see my mug on a pair of socks, until that email landed in my inbox and now it feels like a lifelong dream!
Looking for Resilient Flooring Design
As the fresh season approaches you no doubt will be looking for a spring in your step to match the glow of the weather. That means that your home is about to get some serious attention to create the perfect feel for your sunnier mood. That means that that carpet you have been trampling over for the last year could …
Why I’m making Yoga a priority in 2020 – and you should too!
View PostMusic In Unison – A Must-Try Class
Some people are wine connoisseurs (I personally like ‘em sweet and cheap – like me.) while others know everything there is to know about designer handbags, but me, I like to think of myself as somewhat of an authority on baby classes. I bloody LOVE a good baby group, whether it’s messy play or Makaton, a majority of my hard-earned …
Am I a mummy blogger now? Rebranding!
I’ve never really known where exactly (if anywhere) I fit into the blogosphere. I’m certainly not a beauty blogger – I barely remember to take my make up off, and just a quick look at my dinosaur dress will tell you that I am not a fashion blogger. I do write about travel, but let’s be honest, I don’t have …
Lush Haul!
I filmed this in March, I am rubbish! Figured I’d get it edited and published before I get my booty from the Oxford Street Store – Watch this space! Tooth Tab Review: https://codiekinz.co.uk/review-lush-toothy-tabs/ Please like, comment and subscribe for free rainbows! Tweet me: @Codiekinz Instagram: @Codiekinz Snapchat: Codiekinz Blog: www.codiekinz.co.uk
I freaking LOVE Slam Poetry!
If you follow me on Twitter (@Codiekinz), you’ll know that when I am doing anything creative, I obsessively listen to slam poetry. I am in love with the words, passion and feelings that come with this particular type of poetry and so I felt as though it was time to share my favourite Youtube playlist for anyone else who may …