tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44629398833178289312024-03-19T07:16:41.072+00:00Call Me AmyCall Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.comBlogger365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-83313332113672983752024-03-03T08:00:00.002+00:002024-03-03T08:00:00.139+00:00February Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiLPOczpfOtjsM2rK6REsgdE0RiiKRt_P6wVpBxDhUBRHl0OWuouOdbR5SyAeWngZaGi1ES_nEkefvVOTj1jLXCfWOHX6A0e7JtyLDmJfT8Mb7G1wNDw3ix8huybmco5y1ITATRP3T_zWhycsdqE80rhBRkBqpE_oRkfuiSN7Je75icp2-teb4dwzLM8E/s4608/jess-bailey-X5gDoysLbBc-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="white background with two books face up" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiLPOczpfOtjsM2rK6REsgdE0RiiKRt_P6wVpBxDhUBRHl0OWuouOdbR5SyAeWngZaGi1ES_nEkefvVOTj1jLXCfWOHX6A0e7JtyLDmJfT8Mb7G1wNDw3ix8huybmco5y1ITATRP3T_zWhycsdqE80rhBRkBqpE_oRkfuiSN7Je75icp2-teb4dwzLM8E/s16000/jess-bailey-X5gDoysLbBc-unsplash.jpg" title="February Books" /></a></div><br />I'm still on track with the <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2024/02/january-books.html" target="_blank">#52bookclub</a> challenge with a book a week although I think I need to start reading shorter books if I'm going to keep on track! February's reads haven't been as strong as January, but I would still recommend them all I think. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell // </b>Based on vaguely true facts about William Shakespeare, this is about his son Hamnet, who apparently inspired him to write Hamlet after his death. The story centres a lot around his wife, who I really liked as a character so I got really into this. I rated it 3.5 stars because although I liked it I couldn't rate such a sad book any more than that!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Book of Fire by Christy Lefteri // </b>Set both during and after a fire that tears through a village in Greece I found this quite different from the other books by Christy Lefteri. It was a really good read, but there was something about the vibe that I couldn't quite get to grips with, perhaps because fire is something that makes me uncomfortable! I rated it four stars because it was so well written and I love a book set across two different times, but I usually rate her novels a five!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Big Sky by Kate Atkinson // </b>The fourth book in the Jackson Brodie series, which isn't a series I've loved, but oddly I really quite enjoyed this one. Set on the Yorkshire coast it delves into a trafficking ring and brings lots of characters together. Obviously not a very nice subject so I'm not sure why I enjoyed this more than the previous ones, but maybe because the characters are familiar now so it felt like quite an easy read. I rated it 3.5 stars.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Perfume Garden by Kate Lord Brown // </b>After her mother's death Emma relocates to Valencia to a house her mother left her, but she doesn't know anything about. She sets about renovating the house, building up a new perfume business from scratch and discovering secrets. Set in both 2001 and 1937 the novel follows Emma and her grandmother Freya, who found herself at the same house during the Spanish civil war. I absolutely <i>loved </i>reading this book and thought I would end up rating it higher, but the ending was a bit of a let down to me as it felt like the plot just got a bit silly. In the end I rated it 3.5 stars. </div><div><br /></div><div>Amy x </div>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-30380120248959028782024-02-11T08:00:00.006+00:002024-02-11T08:00:00.137+00:00How To Get Your Toddler Interested In Nature<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpZ6hAlJX4GtOdboZeGGVIN39cNGvc0p5oYsd23iPhbJP3KEKJMLhVzLieFe5iQUoPaRfdI7kwMvmdOxk3YZ9NOkXh4laFt4dOl_pvxmzvTkRGONk0TX_TbKa3O39aMfAOE39HXuRP3hGGVccJbeTnkRy0J8-C8ocVOa5Y0asGBa55KpaogUERy6OtPPK/s4032/getting%20toddler%20interested%20in%20nature.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a toddler and his dad are walking away from the camera hand in hand. They are walking alongside a huge lake in the sunshine" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpZ6hAlJX4GtOdboZeGGVIN39cNGvc0p5oYsd23iPhbJP3KEKJMLhVzLieFe5iQUoPaRfdI7kwMvmdOxk3YZ9NOkXh4laFt4dOl_pvxmzvTkRGONk0TX_TbKa3O39aMfAOE39HXuRP3hGGVccJbeTnkRy0J8-C8ocVOa5Y0asGBa55KpaogUERy6OtPPK/s16000/getting%20toddler%20interested%20in%20nature.JPG" title="Getting your toddler interested in nature" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>If you're a frequent reader of this blog or if you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/callmeamye" target="_blank">Instagram</a> then you'll know that I'm all about sustainable living (or I'm trying to be, at least) so it will come as no surprise that I've already been thinking about how to get my toddler equally interested in the planet. I definitely don't want to force him to be interested or be overly pushy and he's obviously far too young to understand sustainability so I'm starting with the basics; nature. </p><p><br /></p><p>I adore being outside and I've also always loved animals so I think a tendency towards more sustainable practices comes naturally to me. My little boy has always loved the outdoors so I'm making an effort now he's a toddler to help him spend time in nature and to learn about it as we go along. My thinking is, if he loves nature as much as I do then his tendency may be to want to protect it too. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Get outside every day // </b>This is definitely easier said than done because hello England and hello rain, but so far this year we've actually managed to get outdoors every day. I'm trying #1000hoursoutside, which is a challenge where you have to spend 1000 hours outside throughout the year (duh) and it's really motivated me to get us outside for at least an hour every day. </p><p><br /></p><p>On the days where the weather has been less than desirable it's actually still doable to pop outside quickly simply to explore the weather. Wind and rain may be my worst enemy, but for my toddler they're actually pretty fun (he finds wind hilarious) and it's all learning. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Collect things to bring home // </b>As I've mentioned before, Bobby got a tuff tray for Christmas and it's so handy for doing sensory/exploratory play in. While we're out and about we try and collect small things like sticks and different leaves so that we can use them for sensory play at home, either mud kitchen style, for painting or simply for exploring. I'm trying hard to leave my 'mud is dirty' mindset behind and let him explore the outdoors properly!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Go for toddler led walks // </b>These are walks where Bobby is basically in charge (sort of). I let him choose the way (within reason), we can stop and look at whatever he wants, explore whatever he wants and talk about what he's interested in on the way. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Find some local wildlife // </b>We are very lucky in this respect because we live right next to a river where we can see ducks, geese and swans then around the river there are fields with horses and sheep aplenty. There was even frogspawn near the river last spring. Bobby loves a little trip to see all the animals and we often do a little loop to see them all. If you're not as lucky in terms of variety as us there are at least birds to see everywhere!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>On the to-do list // </b>There's still so much I'd like to do with Bobby to get him interested and learning about nature; forest school, mud kitchen play with the tuff tray in the garden, more farm trips. If there's anything you think I should add to my list please let me know! </p><p><br /></p><p>Amy x</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-72763718618800625242024-02-04T08:00:00.000+00:002024-02-04T08:00:00.160+00:00January Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmGoqWYCKJPptc7WP2os7MBe63_FRDljUYDeoskTsPhbNr2OOjRwc-H8YrCOHwcY9OSSGayn0zRJ8i5p1tgL3dNP8J1uHUxDDliHa3VQ8zz_xxqdnaBfJne8fpCmy498CEAbeOPyYBZ9ZVG1PhdzmsvoRrNjDLqbWHvZqsvHj7xzL4R4Hdjr_ohDIlDFh/s1334/January%20Books.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a line of books on a windowsill next to a vase of dried flowers" border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmGoqWYCKJPptc7WP2os7MBe63_FRDljUYDeoskTsPhbNr2OOjRwc-H8YrCOHwcY9OSSGayn0zRJ8i5p1tgL3dNP8J1uHUxDDliHa3VQ8zz_xxqdnaBfJne8fpCmy498CEAbeOPyYBZ9ZVG1PhdzmsvoRrNjDLqbWHvZqsvHj7xzL4R4Hdjr_ohDIlDFh/s16000/January%20Books.JPG" title="January Books" /></a></div><br />Another year, another new reading goal! I'm attempting the #52bookclub challenge, which I attempted last year, but only made it to 30. The idea is you read 52 books in 52 weeks and each one has to fit a prompt set by the founders of the 52 book club (<a href="https://www.the52book.club/" target="_blank">prompts here</a> if you fancy giving it a go!). Amazingly, I am actually on track and have read a book a week so far so I have a pretty good feeling about this year (as long as I can find a book for each prompt that is!)<div><br /></div><div><b>Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin // </b>The first read of the year was an extremely strong one! I feel like everyone else read this last year and it was one of those that I was apprehensive to read because sometimes books don't quite live up to their hype. This one definitely did though. It follows the relationship of two childhood friends, Sadie and Sam, as they fall out, make up, create world famous video games together, then fall out some more. I think it says on the blurb that it's not a love story, but a story about love (or something like that!) and that couldn't be more true. I rated it 4.5 stars (thank you StoryGraph for the half stars), but looking back I'm not really sure what it lost that half star for because I really did love it. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Offing by Benjamin Myers // </b>Set just after the Second World War on the Yorkshire coast, this is the story of an unlikely friendship between Robert, a 16-year-old boy who has just left school and doesn't know what he wants to do with his life and Dulcie, an eccentric middle-aged woman whose wild cottage he stumbles upon. It started a little slow, but the second half really picked up in pace and depth and it was actually quite moving. I rated it 3.5 stars. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah // </b>I always love Kristin Hannah books and this one was no exception. I found it quite different to her other novels and to begin with I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it as much, but I really got into it. Set in Alaska where the Allbright family has fled for another 'new beginning', Leni grows up in the harsh wilderness of the state and in the presence of her increasingly volatile father, who was a POW in the Vietnam War. She loves her life in Alaska, meets the love of her life and finally feels like she belongs, but her father's violence overshadows everything. There was something in the very atmosphere of this book that I loved and I definitely want to visit Alaska now! I rated it 5 stars. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Ruthless Lady's Guide To Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner // </b>Not quite my usual read, but it's definitely refreshing to try something different now and again. It took me a good long while to get into this because the language is quite stylised and a lot of the fantasy elements aren't really properly explained so you have to wait to work out what they might mean! I did enjoy it once I got past those hurdles though. Dellaria Wells is a poor firewitch who takes a bodyguarding job because she's behind on her rent and it ends up leading her on a bit more of an adventure (and earning her a lot more money) than she first envisaged. I quite liked the genre in that it wasn't fully fantasy, but sort of a historical/fantasy hybrid. I rated it 3 stars. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck by Sarah Knight // </b>I feel like this book has been around for ages and I am one of the last people to read it. I don't know if it's a case of too much hype, but I wasn't really a fan. The general concept of caring about things a bit less and prioritising your own happiness was something I liked, but the book itself was very simple, very repetitive, not entirely realistic and also not really that funny. I rated it 2 stars. </div><div><br /></div><div>Amy x</div>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-90314309129496775682024-01-28T08:00:00.001+00:002024-01-28T08:00:00.130+00:00Sustainability Goals For 2024 <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0JQBdwB4oWGZ7LWAnySx1Kdc0-Fa3G3VFmWzom-AkbjoSEI8NzTxwEKIbqY74CgZmNAUJJ0-9yOMrd55A0ifKxzNpOe2ugct0vDJZRvYcO4IcsXZEgpGnJ1PXZR7kXuV_GL8DK6jY9-SZYAllKgw9mh7JxEX3hvwcTN320c-4H68DNa-lNaU7GVb9br4/s1334/Sustainability%20Goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Amy is walking away, silhouetted against a sunset next to a river" border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0JQBdwB4oWGZ7LWAnySx1Kdc0-Fa3G3VFmWzom-AkbjoSEI8NzTxwEKIbqY74CgZmNAUJJ0-9yOMrd55A0ifKxzNpOe2ugct0vDJZRvYcO4IcsXZEgpGnJ1PXZR7kXuV_GL8DK6jY9-SZYAllKgw9mh7JxEX3hvwcTN320c-4H68DNa-lNaU7GVb9br4/s16000/Sustainability%20Goals.jpg" title="Sustainability Goals" /></a></div><br />I realise it's now the end of January and 2024 is essentially in full swing, but I tend to use January as a month for getting prepared for the year ahead as well as living a little slower and cutting myself some slack (because January is hard enough without having millions of goals to achieve as well amiright?).<p></p><p><br /></p><p>I've looked back at my <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2023/01/sustainable-habits-for-2023.html" target="_blank">sustainability goals</a> from last year and have to admit that the results are very poor. I could probably simply rewrite that post and publish it again for this year. I think I was perhaps being a little overambitious especially as 2023 was my first full calendar year as a parent; the fact that I had put 'reduce food waste' as a goal clearly showed that we hadn't started our weaning journey yet.</p><p><br /></p><p>I am going to write different goals for 2024, both because my expectations and my focus has shifted. While I didn't do well at the goals I set last year there were other areas I did excel in so I'm going to focus more on what I think I can achieve rather than what I'd love to but most probably won't. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Reusable baby wipes // </b>For the first year of parenting we were pretty solid at using reusable wipes at home (for both bum and face - separate wipes I hasten to add!) and only used baby wipes when we were out and about. Just past the year mark I'm ashamed to say we gave up on reusable nappies; partly because the ones we have don't really seem to fit Bobby anymore (despite the fact they're supposed to be birth to potty training nappies) and partly because disposables last longer and toddlers don't exactly love having their nappy changed. There was absolutely no reason for us to also give up on reusable wipes, but for some reason we never got round to sorting a system for disposable nappies with reusable wipes, which is something I am absolutely going to change this year. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Become more active in writing to my local council/MP // </b>I hate the fact that we live in an area where food waste can't go in our brown bin. We bought our own small food waste bin, but are yet to even use it because we're a little clueless when it comes to composting and don't really have the time or money to invest in any sort of composting system ourselves. So first on my list is writing to the local council to ask them why and if they'd consider collecting it. I'd also like to write to my MP about environmental issues, which is something I've never done before. I'm the type of person who sits quietly in the corner and makes my own changes without causing much of a fuss and I suppose I'd like to make more of a fuss this year! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Make my own cleaning products //</b> We've used <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2022/09/sustainable-kitchen-swaps.html" target="_blank">Smol</a> for our cleaning sprays for a couple of years now (you buy the bottles at the start of your plan then simply buy solid refills that you mix with water, reducing single-use plastic and also pollution from shipping as the refills are so much smaller and lighter), but I'd like to cancel our subscription and use our existing spray bottles to make our own cleaning products. Despite being sold heaps of chemicals, it turns out that most of the time you only really need vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda to keep your house clean. </p><p><br /></p><p>I'll leave it at three goals; less than last year, but hopefully that means I've got more of a chance to actually give them a good go!</p><p><br /></p><p>Amy x</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-46326991233625185102024-01-21T08:00:00.001+00:002024-01-21T08:00:00.162+00:00Easy Tuff Tray Ideas For Sensory Play<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjlfnETCpBMJiyN39fb4fOKYYDHVwPYd0oPyIXZzGto_-vOg_InwM3ObzMdtIOZKoeUS6uAZgYS_PaGcFHXn0XvAPhDQy8V0RINzZdtedQdsTGoxbJyyg8E2Nx1gvMjx2-b7Ln2XsIZlaIsPn6zBpv0UQxi6LjR7oK_K5dAypzgGITctXLtUVXn6vyUyU/s3251/Tuff%20Tray%20Books.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A tuff tray set up with a book called 'It's Mine' then a mat set out with various wooden or soft animals on the mat or hidden underneath leaves on the mat" border="0" data-original-height="3251" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjlfnETCpBMJiyN39fb4fOKYYDHVwPYd0oPyIXZzGto_-vOg_InwM3ObzMdtIOZKoeUS6uAZgYS_PaGcFHXn0XvAPhDQy8V0RINzZdtedQdsTGoxbJyyg8E2Nx1gvMjx2-b7Ln2XsIZlaIsPn6zBpv0UQxi6LjR7oK_K5dAypzgGITctXLtUVXn6vyUyU/s16000/Tuff%20Tray%20Books.jpg" title="Tuff Tray Sensory Play Books" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1QziGCl8YwYsfA6FBhguu33PjnuAET_DDiF2HgynVOpS_9vQi0AmgEi47ik_v_nsf_GuWX8XQVRgpatIdmYQ_V5OCGOBhPePKPcldHu1S7AFyHnE5jBPORCwTWdheK-vZphM1KaYVxT-2SOAjN3wFiqoUaPnnx1qjbQZPNHcg51gPFnK58ploIruHkBu/s4032/Tuff%20Tray%20Sensory%20Water%20Play.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="from above POV of a tuff tray filled with water, bubbles and foam with various buckets and pourers in it" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1QziGCl8YwYsfA6FBhguu33PjnuAET_DDiF2HgynVOpS_9vQi0AmgEi47ik_v_nsf_GuWX8XQVRgpatIdmYQ_V5OCGOBhPePKPcldHu1S7AFyHnE5jBPORCwTWdheK-vZphM1KaYVxT-2SOAjN3wFiqoUaPnnx1qjbQZPNHcg51gPFnK58ploIruHkBu/s16000/Tuff%20Tray%20Sensory%20Water%20Play.jpg" title="Tuff Tray Sensory Play Water" /></a></div><br />Bobby's Christmas present from my Grandma this year was a tuff tray because I've been dying to try out some of the amazing ideas I've seen on Pinterest and in Facebook groups. I've seen entire farms made from various materials, underwater masterpieces and car washes for toy trucks. While I had visions of recreating these sorts of ideas, the reality is I'm usually after something a little quicker to set up and easier to clean up especially while Bobby is at the age where he can be kept busy with a bowl of water and a spoon for a good ten minutes so the grander creations will probably be more appropriate when he's a bit older. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>That was one way of me saying don't expect anything amazing and grand from the following ideas; what you're getting from me is some quick and easy set ups that will hopefully keep your toddler entertained for a bit while you manage to clean/cook/have a rest! (Or joining in is also quite fun I have to say). Also bear in mind that my little boy is 16 months so these are ideas for younger toddlers.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>FOAM/WATER // </b>I don't know what it is about it, but kids just love water don't they? I filled our tuff tray with a mixture of water and foam (blended half and half water with bubble bath) then added various jugs from the bath and utensils from the play kitchen and it kept Bobby busy for a good half hour just pouring and stirring. He also came away from the activity a lot less wet than I'd expected!</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>PAINT // </b>I'm sure there are plenty of very imaginative ways to do paint play in a tuff tray, but the only time I've done it myself I simply splodged (is that a word?) different coloured paints around the tray and spread out some paper, a bit of bubblewrap I had going spare from Christmas and various brushes and tools. At Bobby's age that's all he really needs to keep him entertained painting wise, but my Pinterest board is full of ideas for older toddlers for when he's ready! </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH // </b>I followed <a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/playdough-recipe" target="_blank">this playdough recipe</a> for making my own playdough. I can't really comment on how good the recipe is as it's the only one I've tried; it didn't feel like the playdough of my youth, but I didn't really expect it to and it seemed to do the job! I only made one ball to try because I didn't want to commit if Bobby didn't even enjoy it, and I popped that in his tuff tray along with some wooden utensils he got for Christmas so he could roll, stir and chop to his heart's content!</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>OATS // </b>Oh man oats is a messy one, but my little boy absolutely loves it. The set up is similar to the water one, but with less jugs and more utensils. He just loves scooping them up into containers then tipping them out again, it really keeps him occupied for ages. It does, however, result in lots of oats on the floor, which then end up sticking to little socks and being trampled round the house too. I'd say it's worth it. Also make sure you save your oats in a tub somewhere as 'play oats' so they don't go to waste (I just wouldn't recommend eating them...)</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>BOOKS // </b>My little boy absolutely <i>loves </i>books and there are so many cute little set ups you can do with a book or two and some props. Luckily I have a very talented mum and for Christmas she bought him some books and some props (including some handmade ones) to go with them. You'd be surprised how well toys you already have can fit in with stories too. The set up in the photo (above) was using the book 'It's Mine!' by Rod Campbell with a hand sewn (by my mum) mat with flaps to hide animals underneath. For the animals I used a mixture of soft toys and wooden animals my little boy already has. We've started doing this as a first thing in the morning activity and it's a very cute way to start the day. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>Amy x</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-10586205159329576572024-01-14T08:00:00.001+00:002024-01-14T08:00:00.160+00:00Beating The January Blues<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUpMzn8jrZZ1arVuamJqw_jD73GF-u_rfWhKo89-fWRRn0aIN_zFU1b7I8ARLPAwRBf3wrJs3pMiYV6DybiQ80_kAvICNSzwyZotrJEAtZgneyCjkJVKzL-I-l86-zvp3xfPZK_qaJMP_M2vO5Fkb3mkFeOc5M6CpEFh-Uh2BvXSD3EfGobjbw5OLESo3/s4032/Beating%20the%20January%20Blues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A forest scape in winter; the sun is just poking through the almost bare trees and the muddy forest path is littered with brown leaves" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUpMzn8jrZZ1arVuamJqw_jD73GF-u_rfWhKo89-fWRRn0aIN_zFU1b7I8ARLPAwRBf3wrJs3pMiYV6DybiQ80_kAvICNSzwyZotrJEAtZgneyCjkJVKzL-I-l86-zvp3xfPZK_qaJMP_M2vO5Fkb3mkFeOc5M6CpEFh-Uh2BvXSD3EfGobjbw5OLESo3/s16000/Beating%20the%20January%20Blues.jpg" title="Beating the January blues" /></a></div><br />I am <i>really </i>not a fan of winter. It's just so bloody long. I can just about cope with the cold weather and dark mornings while I've got the distraction of Halloween then Christmas, but when January arrives and brings yet more cold weather and dark mornings with what feels like no end in sight I start to feel a little blue. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>This year I'm putting some plans in place early doors to give January a bit more of a purpose and lift my spirits until spring finally arrives and my spirits are lifted permanently (until it's winter again that is...)</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Try to get outdoors everyday // </b>I added 'try' to this because although I am fairly well equipped for all weathers, there are just some days that make getting outside pretty near impossible (torrential rain and wind I'm looking at you). I do usually tend to get outdoors most days, but I've definitely found that habit lacking a little recently with all the busyness of December so January will feel fresh if I make it a habit again. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Wear an outfit I love everyday // </b>It's very easy when I don't have very many plans aside from looking after a toddler all day to just shove on the same comfy and practical outfits every day (with washes in between just to clarify...) Wearing an outfit I love and feel great in is always guaranteed to lift my mood so in January I'll be doing a bit more digging through my wardrobe and experimenting with my style again. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Make lots of time for getting cosy and reading // </b>I always try to read a little before bed and it's a habit I love, but all too often I run out of time to settle down and read properly because I'll have been doing jobs/work/watching telly. I'd like to make some time to intentionally sit down and read a little earlier in the evening with a nice cuppa and a candle lit. One thing I can embrace about the colder weather is the opportunity to get cosy. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Make lots of plans // </b>Something that will definitely lift my spirits is keeping busy. I'm going to try and make plans for every day in January, even if those plans only involve myself and my toddler. As well as plans for the month itself, I want to spend January making some plans for later in the year too, maybe even booking in a little spring holiday. Planning exciting things to look forward to is a real mood booster. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Look after my body // </b>I hate making any sort of 'resolution' when it comes to my body because for years I always used the new year as a way of starting a new fad diet, but I can't hide from the fact that my body takes a bit of a battering in December from all the Christmas food and no time for exercise. For me it's now about how I <i>feel </i>and I know that if I take a bit of time to look after my body, eat nutritious food and move around a bit more I'll feel a lot better in my mind too. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>Amy x</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-76556415961070359432024-01-07T08:00:00.002+00:002024-01-07T08:00:00.149+00:002024 Travel Hopes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0twdkau-KCdZ_BL0e5xv1ruVLuoXo8lwxHIN2An2FSHa96phfacEAcal-Y689Q77BSWc4AzkrtkVyE2EybaPoHcdIvid71JVX-h50qNF_qXS_pRGxIl40ByUZEgFEUcce9xaWoGExEegP9HNTwCXFMHIMdGM1r-mnuhgKunDKMpNn3PKZ87-mb_kMfAS/s1920/ACS_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Amy is standing in front of a view of Staithes, North Yorkshire. She has her hand up to her blue gingham sun hat and is wearing a yellow blouse. There are flowers in the foreground" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0twdkau-KCdZ_BL0e5xv1ruVLuoXo8lwxHIN2An2FSHa96phfacEAcal-Y689Q77BSWc4AzkrtkVyE2EybaPoHcdIvid71JVX-h50qNF_qXS_pRGxIl40ByUZEgFEUcce9xaWoGExEegP9HNTwCXFMHIMdGM1r-mnuhgKunDKMpNn3PKZ87-mb_kMfAS/s16000/ACS_0147.JPG" title="2024 Travel Hopes" /></a></div><br />I last made a <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2022/02/a-tentative-2022-travel-wishlist.html" target="_blank">travel wish list</a> at the start of 2022 and seeing as I spent that entire year either pregnant or with a new baby I'd say that the fact I ticked off two out of four places on that list is pretty good going. I didn't bother making one for 2023 because I knew we'd be staying fairly local for holidays and/or not having very many! I know people travel here, there and everywhere with babies, but I am not one of those people; it took me long enough to get to grips with parenting on home turf never mind somewhere else. Now that we have a toddler though, and the prospect of going a little further afield seems more feasible I thought I'd list some travel hopes for this year...spoiler, they're still not the most exotic destinations in the world. I just love a UK break and can't take the eco guilt of flying anymore.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>WALES // </b>This was on the 2022 list and we didn't make it because we decided to go to France instead (I'd always choose France to be honest) so I'm reinstating it on this year's list. I feel like it would be a lovely place to go on a little family holiday, particularly North Wales as it looks so picturesque. Luckily my little boy has inherited our love of the outdoors so a potter about there sounds idyllic. Now to wait and see whether we make it happen. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>THE LAKE DISTRICT // </b>It's probably going to end up being one or the other between Wales and The Lakes, but we visited back in 2021 and it was such a <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2021/10/lake-district-staycation.html" target="_blank">perfect holiday</a> so I'd love to take the little one with us too, plus I feel like there's so much more to do and see than we managed to - you only really scratch the surface of somewhere with one visit don't you!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>FRANCE // </b>Ok, so France was on my 2022 list and we did manage to tick it off, but here it is again. I do love France. I would potentially have chosen somewhere different in Europe, but I feel like France is an easier place to get to as if we go abroad we'd be thinking of either driving like we did <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2022/05/blog-post.html" target="_blank">last time</a> or getting the train (both for environmental and toddler reasons). I don't know where specifically in France as it would depend whether we were driving or getting the train, but I have learnt over the years that France is always a good idea!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>CENTRE PARCS // </b>This one is most likely not going to happen, but I love Centre Parcs and I would love to have a little family holiday there, maybe in the autumn because the trees will look all lovely. I remember going as a child and have such lovely memories of those holidays so I'd definitely like to give my own child that experience at some point too! I just find it a really calm, mind resetting place; anywhere outdoorsy is a winner in my eyes. </p><p><br /></p><p>Amy x</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-87323527488510585682023-12-31T08:00:00.001+00:002023-12-31T08:00:00.136+00:00December Books<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5dqMzZBuOtd6ryfQRv8Hbt8japgEkI540quDmuy3sQ_CYFTv4BD_Q3S71b2OS1w_hn66FrltJZJCH0oav3AiF1fo_PfFIxChPp76SJSftmmiAQeNEHKM-ECKMsHYsM42myYNE78NztfwEhIO21k6rIrOnDYCM9KY49lE8K_znYceJd8hwozH9aoKceVF/s3999/tim-wildsmith-o2fc-C-Uotw-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="books upon books stacked on a bookshelf, pages facing outwards" border="0" data-original-height="2771" data-original-width="3999" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5dqMzZBuOtd6ryfQRv8Hbt8japgEkI540quDmuy3sQ_CYFTv4BD_Q3S71b2OS1w_hn66FrltJZJCH0oav3AiF1fo_PfFIxChPp76SJSftmmiAQeNEHKM-ECKMsHYsM42myYNE78NztfwEhIO21k6rIrOnDYCM9KY49lE8K_znYceJd8hwozH9aoKceVF/s16000/tim-wildsmith-o2fc-C-Uotw-unsplash.jpg" title="December Books" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@timwildsmith?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Tim Wildsmith</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-wooden-book-shelf-with-books-o2fc-C-Uotw?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></span></i></p><br />As I mentioned in last month's <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2023/12/november-books.html" target="_blank">book</a> post, I downloaded a new book tracking app called <a href="https://thestorygraph.com/" target="_blank">Storygraph</a> so I'm now using their rating system, which I much prefer to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> because not only can you give half stars, you can even give quarter stars so it's much more accurate (and I can stop rating every book under the sun a four!)<p></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah // </b>After a slow start I thought this was going to be a weaker book from Kristin Hannah, but boy was I wrong. After their father's death two sisters attempt to get to know their mother, who they believe has never loved them. What they uncover about their Russian mother's past living under Stalin during the war is harrowing and heartbreaking. Another one of those fiction books that is probably similar to a lot of people's truth and the development of all three main characters is superb. I rated it 4.75 stars - it lost that .25 because of the slow start! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Death of Mrs Westaway by Ruth Ware // </b>Hal is a tarot reader on Brighton Pier, lonely after the death of her mother and owes a lot of money to a sketchy loan shark. She receives a letter about an inheritance that she decides can no way be legitimate, but finds herself chasing it up regardless leading to her getting far more involved with a family than she was planning to. I vaguely guessed where this was going fairly early on, but still enjoyed reading it and rated it 3.75 stars. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Sustainable(ish) Guide To Green Parenting by Jen Gale // </b>I read The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide yonks ago and really enjoyed it and my parents bought me this for Christmas last year (really should have read it sooner seeing as I am now over a year into parenting). I loved this for the same reason as I loved her first book; it doesn't make you feel too guilty because she's very understanding of the fact that life happens and we can't always be as sustainable as we'd like. It also has fairly practical and easy solutions in there. It has definitely given me a kick up the bum and made me realise that some of my sustainable habits have become a bit lax and now that I've kind of got the hang of this parenting thing there are definitely things I could be doing better! I rated it 4 stars, it lost a star for the slight repetition of some elements from the first book.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Girl, Forgotten by Karin Slaughter // </b>Set both in the 1980s and the present day, this book follows Emily, who is ostracised from her friends and society after falling pregnant at a party she doesn't remember and Andrea, the US Marshal who is trying to find out who murdered Emily 40 years after the crime. This is a fairly heavy book with some pretty nasty characters, but I do love a book that doesn't shy away from getting heavy and I was hooked on this one. I rated it 4.25 stars. </p><p><br /></p><p>Amy x</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-68828025804964413212023-12-24T08:00:00.002+00:002023-12-24T08:00:00.137+00:00Self Care For Busy Parents<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuJglzHmnG4s40Gah7WuqnKYTMzKc2nPY7NZJJFmoeLMWZY5BqjeUTrbPXpIqfAiRQmaaKsXxRw-icx7rqQd1BllVE7oxXBzhvfyPiauUnS0Yhx-ROtC5gL3TrynmhbjJCiqsTU9sMS8EkfS7yUXIDW83Q4r4HTUzdjMOao1UWrvHHpnZHijjEmhQpYO3/s4032/self%20care%20busy%20mum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="orange autumn leaves on a tree against a blue sky, view from below" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuJglzHmnG4s40Gah7WuqnKYTMzKc2nPY7NZJJFmoeLMWZY5BqjeUTrbPXpIqfAiRQmaaKsXxRw-icx7rqQd1BllVE7oxXBzhvfyPiauUnS0Yhx-ROtC5gL3TrynmhbjJCiqsTU9sMS8EkfS7yUXIDW83Q4r4HTUzdjMOao1UWrvHHpnZHijjEmhQpYO3/s16000/self%20care%20busy%20mum.jpg" title="self care for busy parents" /></a></div><br />There is so much emphasis on mothers making sure they're taking care of themselves (happy mum happy baby and all that), but very little advice out there on how to actually do so. They say you can't pour from an empty cup, but I don't think that's necessarily true. As a parent you continually pour from your cup, however full or empty it may be. But obviously yes, it <i>is </i>important to make sure you take care of yourself. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>For me, self care is the first thing to drop off the end of my to do list. It often (almost always) seems impossible to fit in looking after a toddler, maintaining relationships, trying to earn some form of income, keeping a clean and tidy(ish) house, exercising (what even is that?) and having some sort of social life. You can see why it's self care that drops off the list. </p><p><br /></p><p>What I've gradually come to learn is that there are small ways I can work self care into my week and that it doesn't haven't to look like what it used to. Gone are the days of long leisurely baths, lazing around in front of the telly in the morning or enjoying a coffee to myself in a cafe. But there are less extravangant ways I can show myself some self care. This is what self care as a busy parent is for me:</p><p><br /></p><p>It's taking the time to do a proper skincare routine at the end of the day. </p><p><br /></p><p>It's choosing to sit down and put my feet up for five minutes while my toddler has a nap. </p><p><br /></p><p>It's creating moments <i>with </i>my toddler that fill my cup just as much as his; baking together, getting out and about in nature, having a little coffee date together. </p><p><br /></p><p>It's making sure I get outside for some fresh air every day. </p><p><br /></p><p>It's the moment when everyone else is downstairs and I choose to sit and scroll on my phone instead of putting the washing away. </p><p><br /></p><p>It's reading a chapter of my book in bed before I go to sleep every night. </p><p><br /></p><p>It's making sure I keep myself properly hydrated throughout the day. </p><p><br /></p><p>It's having proper conversations with people whenever I can. </p><p><br /></p><p>It's a little time spent reflecting on the life I have and appreciating how lucky I am. </p><p><br /></p><p>And I'm sure it's more than those things and it will certainly be different things for everyone, but they're what spring to mind immediately for me. I went from initially feeling like self care as a parent was not something I would never have time for to realising I was gradually carving out little moments for it as time went on. I have faith that those moments will only get bigger as my child does. </p><p><br /></p><p>So if you're a new parent in the chaotic throes of the early days, you will find time for yourself again. It will look a little different, but it will fill up your cup enough for you to keep on going. </p><p><br /></p><p>Amy x</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-42722170107900175262023-12-17T10:42:00.002+00:002023-12-17T10:42:00.139+00:00Tips For Attending A Clothes Swap<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXK8sX0FLfRv9y-1cQ9TyWGtpqb0ROAJhOiDXgtyNiMoCqeQ9ReTJPmuZnRWIir5N_9DHndnpjzq0cer-7FTlsgoZ7_gGXUVCJpaj0LDsP1NfJBur5K6FhNYY1cgtU54ztPCeJF2teR8_U_xioL7I3ni48-HEhKiQDEIWeWgTMFAOLSUr9eQzRXWbxvQKI/s4971/Tips%20for%20a%20clothes%20swap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a long wooden clothes rail along a white wall filled with different colourful garments" border="0" data-original-height="3320" data-original-width="4971" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXK8sX0FLfRv9y-1cQ9TyWGtpqb0ROAJhOiDXgtyNiMoCqeQ9ReTJPmuZnRWIir5N_9DHndnpjzq0cer-7FTlsgoZ7_gGXUVCJpaj0LDsP1NfJBur5K6FhNYY1cgtU54ztPCeJF2teR8_U_xioL7I3ni48-HEhKiQDEIWeWgTMFAOLSUr9eQzRXWbxvQKI/s16000/Tips%20for%20a%20clothes%20swap.jpg" title="Clothes Swap Tips" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>It's no secret that I <i>love </i>a clothes swap. I've been an advocate of slow fashion for a good few years now and my own way of clothes shopping has evolved along the way as I'm learning. Although I love a good <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2022/04/slow-fashion.html" target="_blank">sustainable clothing brand</a> (I mean, I do own <a href="http://wearenovaco.etsy.com" target="_blank">one</a> myself!) I'm way more into second hand shopping and clothes swapping these days (this is also partly to do with budget I'm sure!) I've been to a couple of different clothes swaps and would highly recommend them so thought I'd put together some tips on how you can make the most out of them!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Don't take too much // </b>Most clothes swaps (if not all) will have a limit on how many items you are allowed to take (it's usually 20). The first one I went to I took my limit, but what I didn't consider was whether there would actually be 20 items I'd then want to take home with me! Luckily they run a system where you can carry over your tokens to next time, but I've still got lots to use! If it's your first time maybe start with just a few things so you can get in the swing of it. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Don't take things nobody will want // </b>I set this rule for taking things to charity shops too; don't take anything that's in a condition that you wouldn't pick up! If everyone did that there wouldn't be much point in attending because there wouldn't be anything anyone would want. Nothing with holes, stains or that is just generally too worn to be useful to anyone. Things that are in that condition can be recycled instead.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Use them to experiment with your style // </b>I often pick things up that I would never buy, maybe because I feel like it's a little too bold for me or that it simply wouldn't suit me, but a clothes swap is a great way of trying new styles out. If you decide against it, you can just take it back to swap again next time (something I have done multiple times now!). </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Think outside the box // </b>What else could you do with the clothes you pick up? My mum looks out for prints and fabrics that she could turn into something else like a different item of clothing, a scarf or a bag. You're not restricted to just using the clothes as clothes if you're creative! This is something I haven't done yet as I usually manage to pick up a lot of children’s clothes for my little boy, but it's something I'd definitely like to do. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Stick around // </b>The whole point of a clothes swap is that there are people constantly turning up throughout the day and therefore a frequent rotation of stock. It's worth doing a few loops of the room rather than just looking round once. It's also worth keeping an eye on the stock coming in if you can; a hack I've learnt is watching out for people coming in with a similar style to me as there's a strong chance they'll have brought something I'll like. </p><p><br /></p><p>Amy x</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-39222292911371792152023-12-10T08:00:00.002+00:002023-12-10T08:00:00.146+00:00Please Can We Normalise Breastfeeding A Toddler?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6TVhwK_xZZm8tLobALih64CEm1SY08I8xvKjbQAcIbjKUwyUZHkFx30tl5rcpryeet2aB1MY6be7JxdO0tQ7Cq8ZqfDR9OfNf1PGoMQlIWt4zI08MWLm0po7-yyPdPtPHCDF8dO-uW3HsdkfKyWeeCcAYPHgDkRcsuCIMU62QYSIIuM86-Dok__TjLG8/s4032/breastfeeding%20a%20toddler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a toddler is running away into a forest wearing a tiger striped snowsuit and yellow wellies" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6TVhwK_xZZm8tLobALih64CEm1SY08I8xvKjbQAcIbjKUwyUZHkFx30tl5rcpryeet2aB1MY6be7JxdO0tQ7Cq8ZqfDR9OfNf1PGoMQlIWt4zI08MWLm0po7-yyPdPtPHCDF8dO-uW3HsdkfKyWeeCcAYPHgDkRcsuCIMU62QYSIIuM86-Dok__TjLG8/s16000/breastfeeding%20a%20toddler.jpg" title="Breastfeeding a toddler" /></a></div><br />I would say I've been pretty lucky with my breastfeeding journey; no real issues getting started, no supply issues and no nasty comments when feeding in public. Breastfeeding has been a really positive experience for me; it's convenient, cheap and easy plus it obviously has heaps of benefits for both my baby (now toddler) and myself. I've always been confident just feeding whenever, wherever without feeling at all self-conscious or like I needed to cover up. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>That is, until my son turned one and I suddenly felt like everyone was judging me. </p><p><br /></p><p>The mum guilt is sky high for feeling this way because why should I feel embarrassed for providing my child with nutrition, comfort and antibodies? The thing is, I know it's not actually irrational to feel like people are judging me because I know for a fact that some people will be. It feels like 'breast is best' (an expression I hate anyway because all it does is pit mothers against each other) until all of a sudden it's not and it becomes weird just because your child can walk. The unfortunate truth is, I don't always feel comfortable breastfeeding in public anymore and it makes me quite sad. </p><p><br /></p><p>I love the fact that I can provide comfort for my toddler when he is poorly or hurts himself and if he's poorly and off his food I feel reassured that he's at least getting some nutrition from breastmilk. I'm not planning on stopping anytime soon so I suppose I'm just going to have to get over myself aren't I? The one good thing I do think when I am breastfeeding in public is that in doing so I'm hopefully in some way helping to normalise breastfeeding past the age of one and that maybe some of the people throwing glances my way are actually doing so out of appreciation and not just judgement. </p><p><br /></p><p>I feel like it's difficult to 'normalise' anything in the parenting world because there are so many different approaches to parenting that probably everyone feels like they are doing it the 'wrong' way in other people's eyes. But normalising something doesn't mean that's the one right way, it just means it's one of many equally respected ways of doing things and that's how I'd like to feel. </p><p><br /></p><p>I'm hoping I can regain my confidence with breastfeeding in public and maybe this post is the start. I want to put it out there that it's totally normal to be breastfeeding a toddler, but if you're feeling the same way as me you're definitely not alone. There's something nerve-wracking about admitting a lack of confidence when it comes to something motherhood related, but from now on I'm going to fake it til I make it and stick two fingers up to the haters (not literally, I'm far too polite and non-confrontational for that). </p><p><br /></p><p>Amy x<br /><br /></p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-72837688805516050832023-12-03T08:00:00.002+00:002023-12-03T08:00:00.134+00:00November Books<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXvm1PGGET92a5EoAwjFC1ylfIc9fVqRZiG1qbXHjbJEm0pal3Xlf10OLo8pnQ2OkQuOYk8q7kVZE4Cz_hh8FWPpYErCeEDkf3ISnFFmhh6dwDSfbn5xqYpsOm3y6q36QiR1juX2OC7bTwNeSP9gZhiRX46eLHjByaf04-_xlFa6UnhUgaeLoOweWsQUv/s6000/rey-seven-_nm_mZ4Cs2I-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="books laid open showing the inside pages, the light is casting shadows across them" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXvm1PGGET92a5EoAwjFC1ylfIc9fVqRZiG1qbXHjbJEm0pal3Xlf10OLo8pnQ2OkQuOYk8q7kVZE4Cz_hh8FWPpYErCeEDkf3ISnFFmhh6dwDSfbn5xqYpsOm3y6q36QiR1juX2OC7bTwNeSP9gZhiRX46eLHjByaf04-_xlFa6UnhUgaeLoOweWsQUv/s16000/rey-seven-_nm_mZ4Cs2I-unsplash.jpg" title="November Books" /></a><br /><br />This month I downloaded an app called Storygraph, which is similar to Goodreads but I much prefer the interface and information, plus you can give not only half stars but quarter stars too! I haven't properly started using it so the below are still rated 1-5 stars without decimal points, but I'm so excited to be able to rate books a bit more accurately! I'd definitely recommend it if you currently use Goodreads, as you can transfer your books over too (although I haven't actually done that yet...)</p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman // </b>This is the third in the Thursday Murder Club series of books and to begin with I really wasn't into it. I think it felt quite samey to me and almost too much of an easy read. I maybe just wasn't in the mood for it because once I made some headway with it I started to love it. The Thursday Murder Club are looking into another old murder case while also having some present day potential murders to worry about. Some parts were maybe a little silly, but I think that's kind of the point of these books. If you've read and enjoyed the first two, you'll enjoy this one too. I rated it four stars. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson // </b>Set in London in the 1920s the Coker family led by their mother Nellie run a variety of clubs mixed with various levels of corruption. Gwendolyn Kelling has come to London to search for two missing girls, who ran away to London to seek stardom but may have ended up starring in the Coker's world instead. I was absolutely hooked by this and almost rated it a five, but it takes a lot for me to rate a book a five so it received a solid four stars (but a high four stars!).</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus // </b>The story of Elizabeth Zott, a chemist in the 1960s who finds herself the host of a daytime TV cooking show. She doesn't come across as a particularly likeable person, yes this somehow makes her likeable. She stands up for women in an extremely patriarchal world, falls in love with a fellow chemist with an equally liberal view of life then ends up as a single mother. I was all set to rate this a five, but found the ending a little bit rushed so another four from me. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Bees by Laline Paull // </b>Flora is the lowest class of bee in the hive and works in sanitation, although her unusual attitude means she ends up working in countless other jobs around the hive, including briefly with the queen. She is desperate to serve her hive, but she's also desperate to be a mother, something absolutely forbidden for anyone other than the queen. An interesting read that felt way too long and probably had a huge societal message that I totally missed, it maybe just wasn't really for me. I rated it three stars because it was too good for two! </p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-24903587054413288822023-11-28T08:00:00.003+00:002023-11-28T08:00:00.132+00:00ad The Sustainable Gift Guide<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>This is a sponsored post, all opinions and words my own.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_z3hjkZenpiohmF6EZ7JROcSh4MD6EVwTo1mV9oN1I1X_SC-BnCiYBOJiInuV2GlM1wXidyOlA4pEVxTVtSjcQcnwA_TtM-7t4Qp6OlTIcvw0mM0Q70gWe_ewwRo2aPidbpInGOH6IpsFL3nz5L_4m5QrkoUewOgTVWyhyphenhyphenLWv6slfx2e2YvwwFIqZOhG/s3112/juliana-malta-YwutubGmzSU-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a flatlay of various christmas gifts all wrapped in brown paper and tied with red and white string. Someone's hands are tying one of the bows." border="0" data-original-height="2334" data-original-width="3112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_z3hjkZenpiohmF6EZ7JROcSh4MD6EVwTo1mV9oN1I1X_SC-BnCiYBOJiInuV2GlM1wXidyOlA4pEVxTVtSjcQcnwA_TtM-7t4Qp6OlTIcvw0mM0Q70gWe_ewwRo2aPidbpInGOH6IpsFL3nz5L_4m5QrkoUewOgTVWyhyphenhyphenLWv6slfx2e2YvwwFIqZOhG/s16000/juliana-malta-YwutubGmzSU-unsplash.jpg" title="Sustainable Gift Guide" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /><i><br /></i></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The consumerism of Christmas really grinds my gears especially when I think of all the waste; wrapping paper thrown in the bin, food going to waste and gifts that people don’t want. One way I try to get around that last point is to shop more sustainably and not buy into the same old stuff that’s churned out every year that people probably don’t actually want that much.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel like each year the gifts I buy people get more sustainable as I gradually add more sustainable practices to my everyday life. This year I’m focussing very heavily on <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2023/11/handmade-christmas-gift-ideas.html" target="_blank">handmade gifts</a> myself, but still wanted to write a guide to sustainable gifts for if handmade isn’t really your bag (plus I’m definitely not hand making everything!)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Experience gifts</b> // I don’t know many people who wouldn’t like a spa day or afternoon tea and the potential plus with this one is they’re going to need someone to go with right?! You can even buy someone a voucher where they can choose the experience themselves to ensure they do something they're really going to enjoy. Or you don’t even necessarily need to buy a ready made experience; you could always invent your own and write out a voucher to make something even more personal.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Vintage jewellery</b> // We all know a jewellery lover, but you can make a jewellery purchase much more sustainable by buying second hand. There are some gorgeous <a href="https://www.acsilver.co.uk/shop/pc/Rings-c88.htm" target="_blank">antique rings</a> out there that are one of a kind rather than made by the bucketload. Extra points if there’s some sort of story behind it that’s relevant to the recipient! I have an <a href="https://www.acsilver.co.uk/shop/pc/Rings-c88.htm" target="_blank">antique ring</a> I bought with some money left to me by my Great Grandma and the design matches some jewellery my Grandma wears. I definitely wouldn't have found that on the high street!</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sustainable clothing </b>// Everyone needs clothes right? If you're buying someone clothing for Christmas this year there are heaps of sustainable clothing companies out there who use eco-friendly materials and enforce fair working practices (spoiler, this is unfortunately not standard on the high street). I have some recommendations for sustainable clothing basics <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2022/04/slow-fashion.html" target="_blank">here</a> and for more standout pieces <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2021/10/slow-fashion-brand-recommendations.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Cruelty-free cosmetics </b>// Something I find is usually a fail safe for my mum is nice toiletries or skincare. If cosmetics are something you usually buy for someone, make your purchase more sustainable this year by making sure you're buying from a cruelty-free brand (unfortunately something that is also not standard!). A few of my favourites are Lush, The Body Shop, E.L.F and Barry M. There are heaps more smaller and more luxurious brands too. Look out for the leaping bunny logo that signals that a product is cruelty-free certified by PETA. </p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And remember you don't always have to give something physical; another really sustainable way to gift is by giving the gift of your time! Anything that you're good at that someone else needs would always be appreciated I'm sure (just need to find someone to make my garden look pretty...)</p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Amy x</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-35544764652764233642023-11-26T08:00:00.001+00:002023-11-26T08:00:00.131+00:00Free Christmas Activity Ideas For Toddlers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGMRQ8GZGlO7ciO2vOhB9_UqTIpPWbsIrRSvRojtkcI875sUlLGpw9bNYL-ANnzNlZ7nW7Fn5KlyO1gJcd8TmQuqV2MnJhpQ2gEUoIhw4Dc2auws00BWZl3LshZCTgDWHN3T_idJvZ5rSm_WRyLFjCvDnruOspC5uVWq4nKGFJQQkxBdksNYinYby4bdY/s6000/jeffrey-wegrzyn-WjqEDAsn_nI-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="two snowman ornaments in front of some christmas lights" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGMRQ8GZGlO7ciO2vOhB9_UqTIpPWbsIrRSvRojtkcI875sUlLGpw9bNYL-ANnzNlZ7nW7Fn5KlyO1gJcd8TmQuqV2MnJhpQ2gEUoIhw4Dc2auws00BWZl3LshZCTgDWHN3T_idJvZ5rSm_WRyLFjCvDnruOspC5uVWq4nKGFJQQkxBdksNYinYby4bdY/s16000/jeffrey-wegrzyn-WjqEDAsn_nI-unsplash.jpg" title="christmas activities for toddlers" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Christmas is expensive for everyone, but I've come to realise just how expensive it can be as a parent because you get sucked in to <i>all the activities. </i>Luckily I haven't really bought into the consumerism (this year anyway...) because my one year old is going to get just as much joy from the free things I can do with him as he would if I paid to do every event and workshop under the sun. (Absolutely no shade if you have done that, these are just some ideas of things to do if you don't want to spend all that money!) </p><p><br /></p><p><b>VISIT THE GARDEN CENTRE // </b>My toddler loves a trip to the garden centre at any time of the year, but Christmas is a whole different ball game at the garden centre isn't it? And the good thing is <i>there are so many garden centres. </i>That means heaps of different Christmas displays to look at and plenty to keep a toddler occupied without having to pay to visit Santa in his grotto. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>WANDER THE STREETS IN THE DARK // </b>On the face of it, that sounds weird and boring, but there are usually so many amazingly decorated houses on our estate during the festive season that there is plenty to see just on a little loop of the streets. And I'm sure that's the same for every estate so if you want to mix if up, visit the estate up the road instead!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>LIGHT SWITCH ONS // </b>Taking the excitement up a notch from the last point, you could tour round the light switch ons in your area as these are always free and there's often music or some sort of entertainment on around them too. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>CHRISTMAS CRAFTS // </b>Technically not entirely free because you have to buy the materials, but the Christmas craft ideas are endless, just scour Pinterest. The first thing I've got on my list is making salt dough decorations (not sure how these will turn out with a one year old, but I won't know til I try). </p><p><br /></p><p><b>CHRISTMAS BAKING // </b>As above, you'll need to buy the ingredients, but if you have most things in anyway then a bit of baking is a good free activity (I say this, but baking with my toddler generally ends in a lot of mess and me baking while my toddler eats some sort of mixture). </p><p><br /></p><p><b>THEMED MESSY PLAY // </b>We haven't done heaps of messy play yet (a tuff tray is on Bobby's Christmas list), but I'm obsessed with looking through themed messy play ideas. Some of the things people create are honestly mind blowing and I can't wait to create something Christmas themed for Bobby, which I'm sure will look nothing like what I've seen on Pinterest, but a girl can try. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>INVOLVE THEM IN YOUR CHRISTMAS PREP // </b>Whether it's decorating the house, going to choose a tree or Christmas shopping (I'm aware the last two are not free, but they are arguably things you're probably going to be doing anyway) take your toddler along with you instead of leaving them at home and dashing round on your own. I feel like my toddler will love choosing between presents for people, although I am yet to attempt any Christmas shopping with him so it may actually end up being a nightmare who knows...</p><p><br /></p><p>Add any of your own ideas below!</p><p><br /></p><p>Amy x</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-33602340858304960172023-11-19T08:00:00.001+00:002023-11-19T08:00:00.140+00:00Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4jDihimU6AUU2MvUdvyl1SanweyL5KI8zcoP94Eczl-IIuVdx0_A1rMEyL62ensIA_TC0T47tKfodLdMChpCEv3dXEuREpbqMcR54-s5R0hz-vXROzebTDVHv7iq4gRq7jnI8QTP2-k2kqDYa117R_uALPYV8GKwBEg9rjIvlg6hpi6_fTJ6GH5CmSQ1/s5290/priscilla-du-preez-YSyNQqw0y8M-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chunky cookies flatlay surrounded by wrapped christmas presents and kitchen paraphenalia" border="0" data-original-height="5290" data-original-width="3527" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4jDihimU6AUU2MvUdvyl1SanweyL5KI8zcoP94Eczl-IIuVdx0_A1rMEyL62ensIA_TC0T47tKfodLdMChpCEv3dXEuREpbqMcR54-s5R0hz-vXROzebTDVHv7iq4gRq7jnI8QTP2-k2kqDYa117R_uALPYV8GKwBEg9rjIvlg6hpi6_fTJ6GH5CmSQ1/s16000/priscilla-du-preez-YSyNQqw0y8M-unsplash.jpg" title="Handmade christmas gifts" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@priscilladupreez?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/cookies-on-black-tray-beside-brown-cookies-YSyNQqw0y8M?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></i></span></div><br />I've previously written about <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2021/11/how-to-be-more-eco-friendly-this.html" target="_blank">how to be more eco-friendly at Christmas</a> and I'm going to delve a little deeper into one of the aspects of that post; Christmas gifts. There are a few ways to be more sustainable with your gift giving, but I'm here to focus on handmade Christmas gift ideas. This kills two birds with one stone; they're more sustainable and also less expensive, plus there's the added bonus of them being more personal and thoughtful. <p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>KNITWEAR // </b>It's fun to learn a new skill or if you can knit already then you're sorted! I personally would love to receive a knitted hat, scarf or gloves (or even a jumper!) and if you're feeling super crafty you could personalise it too. Handmade knitwear is pricey in the shops or from Etsy so if you can do it yourself you can create expensive looking gifts for much less and fully personalise the colours for each person you knit for. It doesn't have to stop at clothes; you could knit little animals for kids (or big ones if you're feeling ambitious).</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>FOOD // </b>There is the slight disadvantage with a lot of baked goods that they obviously have a shelf life, but there are still lots of things you could make a little in advance that would last. One thing I'd love to try my hand at is chocolate bark, which would last longer and could be wrapped really nicely too. I've seen a similar idea for a homemade hot chocolate bomb on a spoon where you'd be able to choose someone's favourite flavours! A very inexpensive idea (and a great one for kids) is homemade cookie mix in a jar. These are pretty expensive in the shops, but easy to make at home with just a few dry ingredients, an old jam jar and some cute handwritten instructions. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>GREENERY // </b>I once had a business idea of buying old antique cups and saucers and potting little plants in them to sell. I never did it, but it would definitely make a cute Christmas gift for the plant lover in your life! Or if you've got a garden full of flowers (which unfortunately I don't, unless weeds count) you could press and frame some in unique arrangements or dry some out to arrange for someone. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>SOMETHING FRAMED // </b>If someone has taken a special holiday or had an occasion happen like a big birthday party or a wedding you could make a little photo collage in a frame for them (top points if you also add things like ribbon for that extra touch). Or if you're skilled with a pencil you could even draw someone their very own personalised print! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>SKINCARE // </b>Things like body scrubs are really easy to make with a few simple ingredients and you can add the recipient's favourite scent to them! Other ideas could be a mini mason jar of bath salts (buy your own epsom salts then add some of your own scents), homemade moisturiser or hand cream using coconut oil or you could even try your hand at making your own soap (although I expect that is much more time consuming! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>HAMPERS // </b>I toyed with putting this under food, but a hamper doesn't have to be just food does it? One year I bought all my parents' favourite things (food and non-food items) and made them a hamper each. Much more personal than a shop bought hamper and cheaper too! </p><p><br /></p><p>Have you ever made your own Christmas gifts? </p><p><br /></p><p>Amy x</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-90802732500726161572023-11-12T08:00:00.004+00:002023-11-12T08:00:00.126+00:00Building A Sustainable Wardrobe For Your Child<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj540EwoHf-h2ZfGYrceAzWnWffQGCExC_yl2tAMGPn1e-G9V8czTvZ_nbAo0b3WS9zDtDTVa_D-Cud72Zfv0ChrcpyHWOL9Suyrc5ZltYGPKcwA-hPIxd67t4gxGJpsvV9I75bB6wYfXGIbqIfio9YTRlnr9Ff8rx-ULHQySz2RrwHIHr6dSs1kQUj2z3Y/s3704/signature-june--iKnGdW24yM-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="flatlay of a baby's neutral coloured dungarees on a hanger with some gypsophila laid next to them" border="0" data-original-height="3704" data-original-width="2470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj540EwoHf-h2ZfGYrceAzWnWffQGCExC_yl2tAMGPn1e-G9V8czTvZ_nbAo0b3WS9zDtDTVa_D-Cud72Zfv0ChrcpyHWOL9Suyrc5ZltYGPKcwA-hPIxd67t4gxGJpsvV9I75bB6wYfXGIbqIfio9YTRlnr9Ff8rx-ULHQySz2RrwHIHr6dSs1kQUj2z3Y/s16000/signature-june--iKnGdW24yM-unsplash.jpg" title="Sustainable kids clothing" /></a></div><br /> Babies and children have a pretty hefty carbon footprint without even trying and it's up to us, as parents, to make of that what we wish. In my case, I like to try to minimise it as much as I can like I do with my own. This is by no means perfect and I don't think it's viable to act as though it ever can be; it's better to stick with the things you can do rather than worrying too much and ending up not doing anything at all.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>One thing I feel like I can confidently say I do very well with is my child's wardrobe. Almost his entire wardrobe is second hand, minus a few things bought as gifts from other people. There are certain 'staples' that I feel like you need in a child's wardrobe so there are a fair few different ways I source second hand to make sure I have enough vests, sleepsuits then general outfits in each size. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>HAND-ME-DOWNS // </b>I am in the very fortunate position of having both family members and friends who have had babies before me so have been in receipt of a fair few hand-me-downs, which really go a long way. The majority of these tend to be nice outfits, jackets etc so make up a lot of my son's everyday wardrobe. Once I'm done with these I either return them to whoever gave me them so they can pass them onto someone else or I pass them on myself. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>CLOTHES SWAPS // </b>I love a good clothes swap and the one I attend most frequently, run by @hu5withfriends, has some great kids clothing. I've found some absolute gems there, (most notably a Ralph Lauren baby jacket!) and again these tend to be nice outfits or jackets. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>CHARITY/COMMUNITY SHOPS // </b>There's a great community shop in Wakefield called My Eco Baby, which is absolutely full to the brim with clothes, toys and accessories for babies and children. They have 20p tubs full of vests and sleepsuits, which I rifle through and basically pick up everything I can find in my son's size. Their offering of outfits is great too, but I often find I already have enough from hand-me-downs and clothes swaps so rely more on here for basics. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>VINTED // </b>And this is where I go for everything else! If there are any gaps in his wardrobe, he needs any more basics and for things like shoes now I know his size (we did buy his first pair new) I head to Vinted and try to find a bargain. I also use it for anything he might need for a special occasion and will most likely only wear once. I also use Vinted for selling the clothes he's outgrown that I'm not giving back, passing on or donating. </p><p><br /></p><p>So that's how I maintain a fully sustainable wardrobe for my child. It's definitely no harder than shopping new and it's certainly much cheaper! </p><p><br /></p><p>Amy x</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-89894747463659389942023-11-05T08:00:00.001+00:002023-11-05T08:00:00.145+00:00October Books<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWe__r7UnARvoCCOV0sBfAnAnh6vu0pkz4JTNxhLlcx0LJNtxXsirHKGVmi7b2GdsqvSzzQTPYlVKEX4a35mGmbObP6oVNv4TpVF6wTGN1RIpC-sBsQHduN0kFYxWEQSczZ755tei6QanR2s1NCl1sejd3q2JDXYNecE8KqEqiXESTyKcjPvCjOhjBdpi/s5580/autumn%20books.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="flatlay of an open book next to a scarf and some autumn leaves" border="0" data-original-height="3720" data-original-width="5580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWe__r7UnARvoCCOV0sBfAnAnh6vu0pkz4JTNxhLlcx0LJNtxXsirHKGVmi7b2GdsqvSzzQTPYlVKEX4a35mGmbObP6oVNv4TpVF6wTGN1RIpC-sBsQHduN0kFYxWEQSczZ755tei6QanR2s1NCl1sejd3q2JDXYNecE8KqEqiXESTyKcjPvCjOhjBdpi/s16000/autumn%20books.jpg" title="October Books" /></a></div><br /> October really feels like the start of book reading season. I mean, I read the same amount of books all year round, but October brings the cosy curled up by the fire vibes (hypothetically anyway, I don't actually have a fire so I guess it's the cosy curled up by the candle vibes for me). Despite me forever harping on about how autumn simply leads to months of harsh winter that I'm not a fan of, there are definitely some positives to autumn and that kinda hygge feeling you can create in your home is one of them. Anyway, these were my cosy reads from this month...<p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman by Denis Theriault // </b>I wasn't sure what to make of this when I started it, but quite liked the slightly odd vibe (note to self to stop using the word vibe because the word itself is definitely not a vibe), but on reading the whole thing I loved it. I don't quite know how to describe it without giving away the whole thing or making it sound not as good as it is, but it's basically about a postman who opens people's personal letters to read before posting them. I rated it four stars. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie // </b>This is the story of Ifemelu, born and raised in Nigeria before moving to America away from the military dictatorship, leaving behind her boyfriend and family. The story starts as she's decided to move back to Nigeria after thirteen years then rewinds back to tell the story of her life in America before she comes to that decision. It includes snippets from Ifemelu's blog, which gives the perspective of racism in America from someone who previously never had to think about race. I found it a really interesting and gripping read so despite it being a fairly hefty read I actually sped through it and rated it four stars. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Book Club by C.J. Cooper // </b>Lucy has recently moved to a quiet village in the Cotswolds to escape her London life where she had been having an affair with her boss, a married man. A few months later Alice moves in next day, apparently doing the same thing, but there is something a little bit suspicious about her. She starts a book club and with each book a different secret is revealed and village life starts to unravel. I was totally gripped by this and I really couldn't tell where it was going at some points. Another four star read. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Postman's Fiancee by Denis Theriault // </b>The follow up to my first book of the month, this starts where the first book leaves off and is told from the perspective of a more minor character in the first book, Tania, who is in love with the postman. I did enjoy it, but I thought it massively took away from the whole point of the first book and would definitely have preferred that one to be standalone because the ending just worked too well! I still rated it three stars. </p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-50127262452764487272023-10-29T08:00:00.000+00:002023-10-29T08:00:00.152+00:00Things I'm Worrying Less About<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvm4nYckcJpGB4KUiSfPV9actdBxg5Qb-qDGbbrJKC8BX99laBNo8ebonX2kvKZFNNOL5kvi3VhrT54lut-oikerg41RiXXFPggXbmjlDRynlq2FLGUQQPoVjwuAryHIG-xsjf96yAjamBAaezObcv6mdjFIs3AAiR4UDm0PzMckRv_3RDWZf1_HkEI1T/s1814/ACS_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Amy is standing underneath a bridge next to a canal, looking to camera. She is wearing cream linen trouser and a grey long blazer" border="0" data-original-height="1814" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvm4nYckcJpGB4KUiSfPV9actdBxg5Qb-qDGbbrJKC8BX99laBNo8ebonX2kvKZFNNOL5kvi3VhrT54lut-oikerg41RiXXFPggXbmjlDRynlq2FLGUQQPoVjwuAryHIG-xsjf96yAjamBAaezObcv6mdjFIs3AAiR4UDm0PzMckRv_3RDWZf1_HkEI1T/s16000/ACS_0380.JPG" title="Things I'm worrying less about" /></a><br /><br />I am, unfortunately for me and the people around me, a worrier by nature. My brain simply doesn't settle and I have a tendency to overanalyse both the past and the future. While I'm sure it's my partner's favourite thing about me (jk), I'd love to be able to relax a little bit more because I'm pretty certain it makes for a <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2023/05/minimising-my-life.html" target="_blank">simpler and happier life</a> (and that is what I'm <i>all </i>about this year). </p><p><br /></p><p>I've made a pact with myself to worry a little less about certain things. I use 'a little less' because I'm not about to pretend that I'm going to stop worrying overnight, but I can certainly commit to trying. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>MY APPEARANCE // </b>Pre-baby I had a lovely long skincare routine and time in the morning to do both my make-up and my hair to a standard I was happy with and made me feel good about myself. Plus I had time to try on a few outfits before settling for what made me feel my best that day. Nowadays my time is <i>limited </i>and it's left me feeling not quite as confident in myself as I maybe was before and also a little lost as to what my 'style' is. Rather than worrying about this, I've decided to try to embrace it; wearing less make-up certainly fits with the whole simpler life ethos and I'm working towards more of a capsule wardrobe for easier styling, but that hopefully still feels like me. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS // </b>I watched a reel the other day that said after becoming a parent you change from being a serial people pleaser to not giving a crap as long as your child is happy and I definitely feel that. People are different and I've never really understood why anyone feels the need to judge anyone else on their decisions or the way they live their life (or the way they parent for that matter). As long as everyone is doing what's best for them that's the important thing so I'm doing what I think is best for my little family and turning a blind eye to opinions. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>MY DECISIONS // </b>I am one of the most indecisive people you will ever meet; from huge life decisions to what I fancy to eat I am constantly doubting whichever choice I make. Since I've been making most of the decisions for a small person too that doubt has only intensified. So I'm going to start making snappier decisions, dithering less and generally believing in myself a bit more! Let's face it, if I eat something only to afterwards decide I'd have enjoyed something else more it's not exactly going to affect the rest of my life is it? (I may still take huge life decisions seriously though...)</p><p><br /></p><p><b>THE NEWS // </b>This one seems a little different to the first three, but I wanted to include it anyway. I used to work in the news, which meant I saw the news headlines multiple times a day every day. Since <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2023/07/building-life-i-love-i-quit-my-job.html" target="_blank">I quit my job </a> I haven't watched the news once and the impact on my mental health and general day to day stress levels has been <i>so </i>positive. I know it's probably important to vaguely keep up with what's going on in the world, but I'm pretty happy in my little no news bubble right now.</p><p><br /></p><p>Amy x</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-23052986211129644262023-10-22T08:00:00.001+01:002023-10-22T08:00:00.148+01:00Ways To Use Your Pumpkin Guts<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3DIgs9xcxn5nRdVz4Gg7q4bHFUp7ocmv8E8wDmMs92ny5vbByVYXoaOwWPj4lC6So9LiM6FuBI98MTHRAI4ZUcb9vPvKDnr3RDzINLm2zmukXe0GV7F3NuVsykwSVoJKw3TQPro0hjo1JFZJwUUw26MsP2RoSIOhKn_h7-HqDb9Np0vYujf2jMTHt5qW/s4032/marius-ciocirlan-T9pdHqCsyoQ-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="close up of a pumpkin in a pumpkin field" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3DIgs9xcxn5nRdVz4Gg7q4bHFUp7ocmv8E8wDmMs92ny5vbByVYXoaOwWPj4lC6So9LiM6FuBI98MTHRAI4ZUcb9vPvKDnr3RDzINLm2zmukXe0GV7F3NuVsykwSVoJKw3TQPro0hjo1JFZJwUUw26MsP2RoSIOhKn_h7-HqDb9Np0vYujf2jMTHt5qW/s16000/marius-ciocirlan-T9pdHqCsyoQ-unsplash.jpg" title="Ways to use your pumpkin guts" /></a></div><br />I have a confession; I actually hate carving pumpkins. It's smelly, it's messy and it's actually quite difficult isn't it? I'm certainly not very good at it so the end result often leaves a lot to be desired. The thing I hate the most though, is how much pumpkin must get wasted every year when the guts get thrown in the bin (and probably the entire pumpkin after halloween) so I'm here with some ideas of how to use your guts (and the rest).<p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>ROAST THE SEEDS // </b>Pumpkin seeds are delicious, I usually pop them in homemade granola, but you could also add them to salads or even just have them as a snack. Simply rinse to get rid of any leftover stringy guts, soak in water overnight, leave them to dry, then roast in the oven with your favourite herbs/spices. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>USE THE PULP IN RECIPES // </b>I'm not here with the actual recipes because there are already heaps of those on the internet and I tend to wing things rather than follow a recipe, which I wouldn't necessarily recommend. I also can't really say I've made many recipes with pumpkin pulp because of my hatred for carving them in the first place. Use your pulp in soup, sauces or probably a multitude of other things, just don't waste it!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>ROAST THE FLESH // </b>When you're done with your carving masterpiece, roast the bits of flesh you've carved out (they are bloody delicious!). I love a roast veg medley served with cous cous and maybe some halloumi. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>COMPOST // </b>If cooking isn't your thing or you simply can't be bothered you can compost pumpkin seeds/pulp/flesh instead. At the very least pop them in your food waste bin for the council if you have one (I am still seething that we don't since we moved area). You can also do this with your carved masterpiece once Halloween is over. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>DONATE // </b>Some places will take pumpkin guts and/or carved pumpkins to compost themselves or to turn into animal feed so it's well worth having a look around for somewhere near you that does this. Probably the easiest option and it still stops it from going to waste! </p><p><br /></p><p>Amy x</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-13708119728002038962023-10-15T08:00:00.002+01:002023-10-15T08:00:00.139+01:00Rainy Day Activities With A Toddler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmobdlFyGexTmMxZbocBH6UxwVfGHN5Dk8YTQzp0cpeEnHOxVE7zvcIg71dTvMfVRDHUuvvRIDx5mMVAvGVyLWjuUvQFrHN3l_Cy1KmtwGhje_0F6fvRzVOfErN89b0hsfhDd6a0vEvKd4PW457pVx33KSYQSrR7gDv3lg5AGnAG7TPkQnMqyqUS8jPiiA/s3615/rupert-britton-PBkPXCBECQ4-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a child's wellies splashing in a muddy puddle" border="0" data-original-height="2012" data-original-width="3615" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmobdlFyGexTmMxZbocBH6UxwVfGHN5Dk8YTQzp0cpeEnHOxVE7zvcIg71dTvMfVRDHUuvvRIDx5mMVAvGVyLWjuUvQFrHN3l_Cy1KmtwGhje_0F6fvRzVOfErN89b0hsfhDd6a0vEvKd4PW457pVx33KSYQSrR7gDv3lg5AGnAG7TPkQnMqyqUS8jPiiA/s16000/rupert-britton-PBkPXCBECQ4-unsplash.jpg" title="Rainy Day toddler" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br />Everyone seems to be digging autumn these days, but I'm sorry to say I'm in disagreement. Autumn leads to winter, which means months of it getting colder, rainier and darker and I am <i>not </i>a fan. Having a child has only reinforced my love of spring/summer. The early wake-ups are easier when it's light, the days are longer for getting out and about and the struggle to bundle a constantly moving small human into millions of layers is non-existent when layers aren't needed. <div><br /></div><div>My preference of spring and summer over autumn and winter isn't really what this post is about though, although it is to prepare me for those cold and rainy days that are going to need filling with entertainment somehow (not sure the park/a picnic/the seaside will quite cut it will it?) I've been digging round in my brain (ouch) to find some ideas for rainy days with my toddler that I will probably use multiple times over the next few months. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>GET OUTSIDE ANYWAY // </b>I have to say, this is my preference so I hope my child doesn't mind the rain. Bobby has just started walking so I'm hoping by the time the cold and wet weather is truly upon us that he's toddling around confidently outside and is up for some puddle splashing. Fresh air always does me the world of good and I always feel the urge to get us out everyday at least for a little bit so here's hoping I can continue to do so! I've also made a mental note to myself to start carrying something round with me that I can wipe down park equipment with when it's been raining (that's proper mum right there isn't it?).</div><div><br /></div><div><b>CHECK OUT THE LOCAL MUSEUMS // </b>Museums may sound like a really lame and boring idea for a toddler, but you may be surprised at what you can find on offer! We recently visited The Leeds City Museum, which has a whole toddler play area so even if your child isn't interested at looking at any of the actual exhibits there's something there for them. Art galleries often have a children's area too and the bonus is they're all free!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>HEAD TO THE LIBRARY // </b>Also free and an excellent way of killing a bit of time outside of the house when it's raining. Bobby is well into books so this is a great one for us. Most libraries do some sort of story/rhyme time for under 5s which is well worth checking out, but even if it's just you, your child and a shed load of books it's a fab little activity. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>IN THE HOUSE ACTIVITIES // </b>I'm lumping these all into one because staying inside all day is my least preferred option, but inevitable at some point over the long winter months I'm sure. I've done a tiny bit of painting and baking with Bobby so far, but now he's getting older I'll be able to ramp up the arts, crafts and cooking. I'm kind of looking forward to it, kind of anticipating a whole load of extra mess. Pinterest is full of ideas for indoor sensory play and the like so I'll be heading there for some inspiration too. </div><div><br /></div><div>A rather pitiful list so if you're a more experienced toddler mum than me please send some ideas my way!</div><div><br /></div><div>Amy x</div>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-87792606525385640942023-10-08T08:00:00.000+01:002023-10-08T08:00:00.148+01:00My Favourite Baby Led Weaning Recipes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zl411ijryZyp8YzEMaMoSDkz3eREFVAC7quGgL8dsnyC_K4LoxPX1L6KaLnNV9wvbQKP5LHcWZrbYMsEV7X_7xol6pGquZDupoHDOKyVlQjgfoh0e-R4bkO4ZTnqrk47CUOKRhsA0NbYk3SrPFhDhy-4k4MTk6RH6RU7bn6rvBIpqpudLxUiOnpaDs9U/s3264/reinaldo-kevin-UrqPUe3zUzw-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="close up of some brocolli on a chopping board, with carrots in the background out of focus" border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zl411ijryZyp8YzEMaMoSDkz3eREFVAC7quGgL8dsnyC_K4LoxPX1L6KaLnNV9wvbQKP5LHcWZrbYMsEV7X_7xol6pGquZDupoHDOKyVlQjgfoh0e-R4bkO4ZTnqrk47CUOKRhsA0NbYk3SrPFhDhy-4k4MTk6RH6RU7bn6rvBIpqpudLxUiOnpaDs9U/s16000/reinaldo-kevin-UrqPUe3zUzw-unsplash.jpg" title="baby led weaning recipes" /></a></div><br />If you follow me on <a href="https://instagram.com/callmeamye" target="_blank">Instagram</a> you may have noticed I've become a little bit obsessed with baby led weaning, mainly because my baby wasn't really eating. Now that he is though it makes all the recipes I've been cooking all that more fun. I've never been a huge fan of cooking or baking, but I've suddenly become a meal-planning batch-cooking nutrition-obsessed woman overnight. I thought it was about time that some of my baby led weaning content made it onto the blog so thought I'd start with three of my favourite recipes I've made so far. <p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>MICROWAVE OAT BARS // </b>I can't remember where I first saw these because pretty much every baby led weaning Instagram account has some variation of them. They're so easy and you can pretty much put what you like in them flavouring wise so they're great for using up last bits of fruit/veg etc. I don't measure, but if you prefer an accurate recipe there are heaps on Instagram!</p><p><br /></p><p><i>Recipe: </i></p><p>2 mashed bananas</p><p>Oats </p><p>Splash of milk</p><p>Flavourings of choice (mashed berries, apple, courgette, chopped spinach, cinnamon, spices etc etc)</p><p><br /></p><p><i>Method:</i></p><p>1. Mash bananas in a microwavable tupperware. </p><p>2. Add oats, milk and flavourings of choice then mix. </p><p>3. Press down with a fork until the mixture is spread evenly in the tupperware. </p><p>4. Microwave for 4ish minutes depending on microwave power. </p><p>5. Cool then cut! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>EGG MUFFINS // </b>Similar to the above you can add pretty much whatever you like to these. My little one isn't especially keen on them yet, but I am persevering! I first used a recipe from @minimonkeysworld for ones with broccoli, but I basically just adapt it to whatever I have in the fridge. The recipes are often made with cream, but I would end up wasting the rest of a tub so just use milk instead. </p><p><br /></p><p><i>Recipe: </i></p><p>5 eggs</p><p>60ml milk (100ml if you are using cream)</p><p>Chopped vegetables of your choice </p><p>Small handful of grated cheese </p><p>Herbs/spices of choice </p><p><br /></p><p><i>Method: </i></p><p>1. Whisk the eggs and mix in the milk. </p><p>2. Add any herbs/spices you'd like to use and stir (I usually use garlic granules and mixed herbs)</p><p>3. Mix in the chopped vegetables and grated cheese</p><p>4. Divide the mixture into a greased or silicone muffin tin</p><p>5. Bake for 20ish minutes until golden brown</p><p><br /></p><p><b>LENTIL BOLOGNESE // </b>There probably are proper recipes for this, but I freestyled it. It's <i>so </i>quick and easy and my little boy loves it. </p><p><i>Recipe (serves 3-4):</i></p><p>1/2 an onion, chopped</p><p>1 garlic clove, chopped</p><p>Handful of mushrooms, chopped</p><p>1 can chopped tomatoes</p><p>1 can cooked lentils</p><p>1 tsp dried basil </p><p>Spaghetti </p><p><br /></p><p><i>Method:</i></p><p>1. Put the spaghetti on to boil in a pan</p><p>2. In a little olive oil fry the onion and garlic for 5 minutes</p><p>3. Add the mushrooms and fry for a further 2 minutes</p><p>4. Add the chopped tomatoes, lentils and basil and simmer, stirring occasionally </p><p>5. Drain the spaghetti and serve</p><p><br /></p><p>If you have any recommendations of accounts to follow then do let me know, I'm obsessed with finding new recipe inspo!</p><p>Amy x</p><p><br /></p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-6402675884531324692023-10-01T08:00:00.003+01:002023-10-01T08:00:00.143+01:00September Books <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlVAalFdPLLxapXF89-Ey0jOclFkSMBsnow9KF43k7DZ7UTPo2Mze9imfW4hmbV_0QYO8KYvrwcKy2ZuN0PNVoEjgkL36-jwG7HNj2TvfNa3WuFnlvLOFQskrrASKD2rtjfUaQKLDCwAE9wEqHaMi8cuIUTaPAOsZZvdw7s_MyaMY5NhrrtPfuCKgiqaF/s3282/lesly-juarez-EW2cPMEp0mI-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="an open wooden bookcase filled with books plus decorative items. there is light streaming through a window casting beautiful shadows" border="0" data-original-height="2188" data-original-width="3282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlVAalFdPLLxapXF89-Ey0jOclFkSMBsnow9KF43k7DZ7UTPo2Mze9imfW4hmbV_0QYO8KYvrwcKy2ZuN0PNVoEjgkL36-jwG7HNj2TvfNa3WuFnlvLOFQskrrASKD2rtjfUaQKLDCwAE9wEqHaMi8cuIUTaPAOsZZvdw7s_MyaMY5NhrrtPfuCKgiqaF/s16000/lesly-juarez-EW2cPMEp0mI-unsplash.jpg" title="September books" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jblesly?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Lesly Juarez</a> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/EW2cPMEp0mI?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Unsplas</span>h</a></i></div></i><p></p><p><br />I didn't do quite as well in September as the <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2023/09/august-books.html" target="_blank">August </a>or <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2023/07/july-books.html" target="_blank">July</a> with reading, but I still managed two books and seeing as I feel like I have zero time in a day for anything, I think that's a pretty good achievement, although my ever increasing TBR pile would maybe disagree. Here's what I read in September: <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>This Is Not A Pity Memoir by Abi Morgan // </b>This is actually non-fiction, although it's not immediately obvious because it is definitely fiction material. It's the first book by screenwriter Abi Morgan, whose partner doesn't know who she is when he wakes from a coma. I was absolutely gripped by this because it's one of those real life stories that you hear and think <i>how on earth did that person keep going?</i> I also liked the way it was written; some of it felt like she'd just written it on the day and never edited it (although I'm sure she probably had!) and she just came across as very <i>real </i>(which I know she is, but I more mean she didn't edit herself either). I rated it four stars. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Four Winds by Kristin Hannah // </b>I absolutely loved <i>The Nightingale </i>so was very excited to read another book by Kristin Hannah. Set during the Great Depression in America, it's the story of a mother and her children who live in the Texas 'dustbowl' and what they do to try to survive. It's similar to <i>The Nightingale </i>in that although it's not a true story, because so much of it is based in historical fact there must be plenty of real life stories out there that are just like this one, which is heartbreaking. Although a heavy read it had quite short chapters which made it easier and I found myself almost falling asleep reading it some nights because I hadn't wanted to put it down! I rated it four stars. </p><p><br /></p><p>Here's hoping I finally catch up with my TBR pile at some point this year!</p><p>Amy x</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-74898840092850386862023-09-24T08:00:00.002+01:002023-09-24T08:00:00.138+01:00Second Hand Isn't Just For September<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVriAcTLah3I3kb0nJOn8s9Ipqlu4AKxlXVbsAtmsNgfp6dYx6c0xDqgO8bO8jfKbBfnRFuzfmXjkYLnsc1ZAEIn_HQEJqc9MRSS4tjSknzhBYWpcN8oDn1ukjrHLtfa7ccg5mc5Qn938pH26uLNgSSRlSs3OZ0JcGOHzXJxAyZIc1_rFylPfALhG8l17t/s1920/ACS_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Amy is standing in a field of sunflowers, she is wearing a floral shirt and denim dungarees and looking to camera smiling" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVriAcTLah3I3kb0nJOn8s9Ipqlu4AKxlXVbsAtmsNgfp6dYx6c0xDqgO8bO8jfKbBfnRFuzfmXjkYLnsc1ZAEIn_HQEJqc9MRSS4tjSknzhBYWpcN8oDn1ukjrHLtfa7ccg5mc5Qn938pH26uLNgSSRlSs3OZ0JcGOHzXJxAyZIc1_rFylPfALhG8l17t/s16000/ACS_0322.JPG" title="Second Hand September" /></a></div><br />Whenever things like second hand September or slow fashion season come around I always want to create heaps of content for them because <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2021/05/a-beginners-guide-to-slow-fashion.html" target="_blank">sustainable fashion</a> is something I'm really passionate about, but when the time comes I often find myself at a loss of what to actually post, I suppose because I'm already doing it. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>A few years ago I embarked on <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2020/06/slow-fashion-season-no-more-new-clothes.html" target="_blank">slow fashion season</a> and posted about it a lot because it was a challenge for me that I could share my progress on. But now that's kind of just my life. Slow fashion (primarily <a href="https://www.callmeamy.co.uk/2022/03/a-guide-to-second-hand-clothes-shopping.html" target="_blank">second hand</a> nowadays) is just the norm for me. So while second hand September is a great way to get involved in second hand fashion and discover a new way of shopping, it's not just for September. </p><p><br /></p><p>So how do you make it stick?</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>THE WHY </i>// </b>I think for me, the fast fashion crisis was simply something I could no longer ignore and once I realised that I didn't actually need to contribute to it at all there was no way I could look back. Once you have that in mind it's much harder to enjoy shopping on the high street and much easier to see shopping sustainably as a new and fun challenge. There are obviously issues with accessibility and shopping second hand, limited sizing ranges being the main one, but if you have the privilege of your size being readily available then you'll have absolutely no trouble shopping second hand at all. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>MAKE IT FUN </i>// </b>The main way I think I managed to make it stick was by making it fun, and it is fun. You have to find a whole new way to shop and put outfits together and it's so much more enjoyable than just spending an afternoon on the high street wasting money on clothes you'll go off in a few months. You also get the opportunity to reinvent your style a little because you're thinking more about what you actually like rather than what the high street shops are telling you to like. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>SET CRITERIA </i>// </b>Before buying a new (to me) item of clothing these days I always first think: what will it go with in my current wardrobe? is it practical enough that I'll wear it frequently? do I already own something similar? I oddly find myself being more mindful in my purchases now that I shop sustainably than I was before. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>ATTEND A CLOTHES SWAP </i>// </b>I may do an entire post on why I love clothes swaps so much, but they are the exception to my criteria because I find them a great way to try out styles that I maybe wouldn't usually go for or to pick up something that I may only wear for one season because the beauty is <i>you can just swap it back</i>. I'd really recommend finding a local clothes swap as they're popping up everywhere now. I can highly recommend the HU5 With Friends clothes swap in Hull! </p><p><br /></p><p>If you've taken part in second hand September and loved it, why go back? </p><p><br /></p><p>Amy x</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-33452616510875704312023-09-03T08:00:00.004+01:002023-09-03T08:00:00.143+01:00August Books<p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZpByWu_BT5kJxgKNXkimUlFawdHA0kf-i0sSNknJyk8G8fbraGQTK7PK2-6Qqpo7aVq3LTCFZieVrawRDRfi7-U0LutMcBAvY-UkDs_oo3p_HN2B6gt57RjfjM8YU0283z3Snd_oeLmqmdTFzYgZT47ZNK7bdDCmFkHSE6PeyZst6GntUKQBpKUDm9SS/s5184/olga-tutunaru-plbb7pkEjkQ-unsplash%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="an open book close up, pages splayed" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZpByWu_BT5kJxgKNXkimUlFawdHA0kf-i0sSNknJyk8G8fbraGQTK7PK2-6Qqpo7aVq3LTCFZieVrawRDRfi7-U0LutMcBAvY-UkDs_oo3p_HN2B6gt57RjfjM8YU0283z3Snd_oeLmqmdTFzYgZT47ZNK7bdDCmFkHSE6PeyZst6GntUKQBpKUDm9SS/s16000/olga-tutunaru-plbb7pkEjkQ-unsplash%20(1).jpg" title="August Books" /></a></div><br />I didn't think I'd read that many books in August until I sat down to write this post and realised I've managed three again. So despite me feeling like I'm constantly busy I'm happy to see I clearly must be at least taking the time to slow down a little at the end of each day, which is when I read. <p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>How To Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie // </b>Well the title says it all, sort of. Grace is writing the story in prison of how she's killed her estranged family, while she's actually serving time for killing someone she didn't...Dark humour at its best and despite the rather unlikeable main character (who, strangely, I found myself almost rooting for at times) I really enjoyed this. It's one of those very hyped books where you wonder if you'll actually enjoy it as much as you're supposed to, but I definitely did. I rated it four stars.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins // </b>I loved <i>The Girl On The Train </i>so had very high hopes for this by the same author. At the time I absolutely loved it and sped through it and I did rate it four stars on Goodreads, yet when I was looking back on what I'd read in August I'd already forgotten what it was about and was wondering why I did rate it four so maybe it's a three really. A sort of whodunnit where a young man is murdered on a canal boat, the story follows the lives of all the people who could have murdered him.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou // </b>Despite having heard of this book <i>a lot </i>I didn't actually realise it was autobiographical until I started reading it. It follows Maya Angelou's childhood in the Southern US and while I did find it a good read, it was also quite a difficult one in parts and for that reason I only rated it three stars. </p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4462939883317828931.post-74685452004193381292023-08-31T08:00:00.005+01:002023-08-31T08:00:00.138+01:00One Year Of Motherhood<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDifKnomxaOAAl7QQqb8mrLLKISz-5SW-TKij-jrivlMCUTLLPuXfJXQ6A0G2zgk6v6DEtlDWM0adsHg6VDAwAOlyVz34JjxjA10U0QLqIrkVHA8j7_z1ajq7-X0Iq8mO4C4KfV20eWAeB5qr7QoWCqRH46eIAYIlQuQz2m-AcBZXHJxQcjo_33O0V0qm3/s1083/ACS_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a baby is standing up, you can just see his feet and legs. He is wearing grey socks and dark blue shorts" border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDifKnomxaOAAl7QQqb8mrLLKISz-5SW-TKij-jrivlMCUTLLPuXfJXQ6A0G2zgk6v6DEtlDWM0adsHg6VDAwAOlyVz34JjxjA10U0QLqIrkVHA8j7_z1ajq7-X0Iq8mO4C4KfV20eWAeB5qr7QoWCqRH46eIAYIlQuQz2m-AcBZXHJxQcjo_33O0V0qm3/s16000/ACS_0328.JPG" title="One Year Of Motherhood" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />And just like that my baby boy is one. A toddler, no longer a baby. Time is abstract when it comes to motherhood; the days can be so very long yet you still find yourself wondering where the months disappear to. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>I'm not sure it's really possible to sum up the first year of motherhood, there is simply too much to say. I never knew I could survive on so little sleep, but I also never knew I could love this hard. </p><p><br /></p><p>Arriving home from the hospital when Bobby was two days old, we stood in the living room and cried. Cried with relief at being home with our healthy baby, cried with a newfound rush of love and protectiveness we didn't know what to do with yet and cried with absolute overwhelm at the task ahead of us. We made pasta and sat at the table with our baby and the cat. </p><p><br /></p><p>I found the early days difficult and *grits teeth when saying something that may make me appear anything less than grateful for my baby* not altogether enjoyable. Night times were chaos, day times were filled with Friends reruns while my baby was constantly attached to my boob and the so-called fourth trimester had me good and proper. </p><p><br /></p><p>Next came the endless pounding of the streets, come rain or shine, to get my baby to nap. The sudden spells of more awake time that took me by surprise when I realised I didn't know how to actually entertain a very small baby. The small smiles and proper eye contact that got me through the day. </p><p><br /></p><p>From then on it just got better and better. Some people say the best day of their life was the day their child was born. I don't think this is true; I've had so many more days since that day that have trumped it by far. Watching my own child develop over the first year of his life has been an absolute honour. Seeing how pleased he is with himself when he manages to learn something new, knowing what is guaranteed to make him laugh, which is my favourite sound in the world, and watching him develop relationships with the people I love is so special. </p><p><br /></p><p>The first year really is filled with all sorts of emotions, struggles and joys. Reflecting on it is bittersweet because I can't help but think <i>I wish I'd worried less and enjoyed it more</i>, but there's a lot of pressure to 'enjoy every moment of motherhood' and that simply isn't the reality. What I know for certain is it gets easier and it just keeps getting better, so rather than focusing on the past I'm excited that this is the first of many birthdays for my little boy and I can't wait to continue seeing him thrive. And despite what I've just said, the past year has been the best year of my life so far. </p><p><br /></p><p>I have so much I could write, but it all comes back to the same thing; my heart is so very <i>very </i>full.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy birthday my sweet boy xx</p>Call Me Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004291410985059850noreply@blogger.com0