Netflix Downloads have made travelling with kids SO much easier

If you’ve got a long journey ahead of you travelling with kids, you’ll know that it’s tough to keep them amused throughout. On our journeys to Wexford from Cork (2/3 hours in the car), we used to try to balance nap time, youtube videos and cow spotting. Sometimes, the lack of decent phone signal would cause a serious deterrent in the youtube use, which was a major pain.

The things we were able to set up for him to watch were also a bit more limited, inevitably the stuff he demanded wasn’t on there at the time. Also, with a ridiculously small data budget on my contract, it was super expensive for a few hours of streaming. So when Netflix announced that they were introducing the ability to download and watch later, we were thrilled. These Netflix Downloads have made road trips and upcoming flights seem a whole lot less intimidating with toddler in tow!

Netflix Downloads have made travelling with kids so much easier - BadMammy.com Parenting blog

Read More

April Snapshot : A Look At Last Month in the BadMammy House

It’s 1 May – which means that April is all over and done with. It’s Bank Holiday Monday, E is staying in his grannys, and my body clock has decided that being awake at 8am is still par for the course. Still though, it’s nice to have the time to sit down and reflect on the last while. I really liked the format used for the linky from Awfully Chipper a while back, so I’m going to use that again. Here’s a look at a snapshot of April in our house.

April Snapshot- A Month in the Life

Read More

Easter At Rathwood – The Experience

In the run up to Easter, it’s been great to see a load of kid-centric activities to fill up the holidays popping up. Egg hunts, fun days, these are the things that memories are made of. So when we were offered the chance to try out the Rathwood Easter experience, we jumped (bunny-hopped?) at the chance. Rathwood is a home and garden centre in Tullow, Co. Carlow. I’d been there a few times previously, but never taken part in any of their experiences (I guess 25 is not their target audience age), however armed with the three year old we decided to try it out.

Easter at Rathwood

Read More

Easter Activities for Kids In Cork this Midterm, April 2017

The school holidays are here, so it’s time to get out of the house to beat the cabin fever. If you’ve not got kids in Easter Camps, it may be nice to have some activities to look forward to as the week goes on. Here’s a look at what Cork has to offer in the way of fun for kids and grownups alike over this Easter Holiday season. Hopefully these Easter Activities will help keep your kids occupied and stave off the holiday rage!

Easter Activities - Days Out With Kids In Cork 2017

Read More

13 Reasons Why You Need To Bingewatch 13 Reasons Why

Binge-watching and Netflix go hand in hand, it’s an inevitability. The level of new content they’re creating of late is fantastic. It’s a great platform which is allowing creation of shows which may not have worked on a network level, and is changing the way we watch television. One of the more recent additions to Netflix is 13 Reasons Why, the adaptation of the Young Adult novel of the same name by Jay Asher. While it’s all about high school and the drama that ensues, the content is definitely something that all adults should tune into. So here are 13 Reasons Why you should be watching 13 Reasons Why (With No Spoilers).

13 reasons why you need to watch 13 reasons why - Netflix

Read More

He’s Three – A Snapshot of My Little Boy’s Life on his Birthday

On the 24th of March 2014, I became a mother. At 7.05 am, my son was born by emergency caesarean section. Since that moment, my life has changed forever. It’s been a tough journey at times, but it’s also been so, so rewarding. And now he’s three. THREE. A proper “big boy”, there’s no baby left here.

He's Three - BadMammy.com

So, what is he like at Three? I really liked the framework of the linky post I took part in recently with Awfully Chipper, so I’m going to use the same for him here. So, here’s a snapshot of my little boy, as he turns three years old.  Read More

Trigger Warnings: Are We Too Snowflake, or is Preventing Trauma right?

Trigger Warnings: Are We Too Snowflake, or is Preventing Trauma right?

I keep hearing about my generation, Generation Snowflake. We’re all very easily offended, supposedly. We get “triggered”. We can’t cope with the harsh realities of the real world. Or so it would seem, according to the general media. I’m a twenty five year old woman. Collins dictionary defines Snowflake Generation as “the generation of people who became adults in the 2010s, viewed as being less resilient and more prone to taking offence than previous generations”. I turned 18 in September 2009, so I would probably fit in just fine in there. But what is it about our generation that makes us so put-downable, so talked down to and spoken about in negative terms?

Trigger Warnings

Read More

Nine Memes That Describe Life With Chronic Pain

A picture tells 1000 words, right? With some topics that can be hard to discuss properly, pictures and memes can do a lot of the talking. This is definitely something I’ve found with chronic pain and mental illness – it’s easier to laugh from the outside than talk from the inside. I follow a lot of other Chronic Illness warriors on social media, Instagram in particular. Their sharing of memes and funny pictures, as well as inspiring quotes, keeps me going on rough days. I share them with fellow pain sufferer friends. As well as telling 1000 words, they open up conversation lines in ways that we normally can’t. So I’ve grouped together a few to give as examples of memes that describe life with chronic pain. If you’re a sufferer, or love someone who is, then you may relate.

memes that describe life with chronic pain

Read More

Family Friendly St Patrick’s Day in Cork 2017

Ireland’s national holiday, St Patrick’s Day, falls this Friday, 17th March. In celebration of St Patrick who got the credit for bringing Christianity to Ireland (apparently Palladius didn’t kick up enough of a stink about it), we have parades and family events as well as a bank holiday. St Patrick’s Day has a reputation for being linked with alcohol consumption, so I’m encouraged to see how many family friendly events are taking place this year. I did a roundup of the events happening in Cork previously and it went down well. As of yet I’ve not found a concise list of events in Cork, so this may be of help to you in picking what you are doing with your family that day.

Family friendly St Patrick's Day in Cork 2017

Read More

Playlist Of My Life – Music, Memories and Magic

I saw this brillant post from Nicola at Simply HomeMade that she’s turned into a linky and decided it was definitely time to get nostalgic. Music is such an incredible method of pulling back vivid memories in seconds. I close my eyes and I’m back ten, fifteen years. This has been a lot of fun to put together, and it’s gotten me listening to old classics again! Here are the songs on the Playlist of My Life.

playlist of my life - Music, Memories and Magic.

Read More

Pacing and Parenting: Not an Easy Combination

The word “Pacing” has come to mean something different to me since being introduced to the Chronic Pain community. Prior to that, I had linked it very much so with parenting – pacing up and down corridors waiting for news, pacing up and down the house with a crying infant. In the chronic pain/illness world however, pacing is a coping strategy, basically “to pace yourself”. It’s a skill that can be quite difficult to get the hang of. In essence, you find out what your limit is, and then figure out your schedule to what you can do.

And then parenting comes along. Boom. My toddler DOES NOT CARE for pacing. Parenting and pacing are not the easiest of combinations to master.

pacing and parenting

 

Read More

Baby Friendly Cork City in 2017 – Places I Recommend From Experience

I’ve lived in Cork City since 2009, meaning that this year is my 7th year here. In 2014 I gave birth to my son, which meant that I started to view the city in a whole new light – accessibility was a very real issue and I started to see just how accessible and inaccessible certain places were with regards to wielding my buggy around. I looked in envy at Mama’s whose babies were happy in a sling or structured carrier, as I wasn’t able to do the same thanks to a back injury and a disagreeable kiddo. I began to structure my almost daily wanders around where was best to have the buggy with me. It’s changed the way I look at the city, and am constantly on a search for different places to go, so in the nature of sharing the wealth, here is my guide to Baby Friendly places in Cork City in 2017.

baby_Toddler friendly Cork City

Read More

Boots Wants To Pamper The Mama’s Out There

What are your plans this weekend? Time with the family? Wrestling a toddler, or getting a newborn to sleep? Or will you take some time (five minutes even) for some me-time? It’s something that can definitely be neglected as a mama – we have a million and one jobs to do, and self care is put bottom of the list. There’s always another nappy, or another toy explosion, or the dishes, the school run…. We need to take a few minutes for us. As mums of small kids, it can be hard to be like the person you were before. There isn’t time for the full face of makeup, the well styled hair, before dashing out the door with a tantrumming child. Boots has apparently heard our plight, and is launching a special event for Mums this weekend.

Boots Wants To Pamper Mama's - You in?

Read More

Driving Me Crazy: A Tale of Three Driving Tests

I bought a car in August. I’d passed my theory test nearly two years earlier, then put off that whole learning-to-drive malarkey because of issues with back pain. So I kickstarted this whole right-I’m-doing-it-learning-to-drive thing in June, bought the car in August and applied for my driving test. Fairly simple, right? The six month waiting period was null and void because I’d gotten the licence almost two years before. So aside from the twelve lessons (and the many more besides), I was golden. How difficult can getting a driving licence be? As I’ve discovered, for me, very.

A Tale of Three Driving Tests

Read More

OJ, Unschooling and Valentines – LittleLoves

It’s Friday. This week hasn’t been like a normal week. I’ve been off work again with my back since the start of the month. It’s meant mid-day naps and discovering that folding clothes is a task that causes pain. To add to the fun, we’ve all got that super fun cough-cold thing going on. I’m praying it doesn’t turn full chest infection. However, I’ve got a coffee, it’s Friday, and it’s time to look at the positives of the week. Linking up again with Coffee Work Sleep Repeat‘s linky “LittleLoves”, so here goes. Here is what this Bad Mammy has been loving this week.
 

Read More

Valentines Day, Parenting Style

Oh, it’s that time of year again, where the shops are filled with roses and distressed looking men. There are cards to tell everyone you love them, from your husband, wife, lover, mistress, even your cat if you’re so inclined. Couples will be romancing to dinners by candlelight, men will endure 50 Shades of Torture, yes it’s Valentines Day. But, oh wait, you’re parents. And it’s midweek. Even your babysitter has plans… Time for a Plan B.

Valentines Day, Parenting Style Read More

The Next Four Years

Yesterday, 20 January 2017, Donald J Trump was inaugurated as President of the United States. He sits in the most powerful seat of the Western world, elected to there by the electoral college system, not the electorate. The last two years have been filled with moments where the world has wondered how anyone could put someone like him into that seat, but here we are. Four years to go until potentially someone else gains ownership of the seat. Four years is a long time to be anxious, but I fear that it all we have ahead of us.

The Next Four Years - Some thoughts on President Donald Trump - BadMammy.com

Read More

16 from ’16 – 2016 A Year in The Life

Here we are again, the start of another year. Bit of a dramatic one on a global scale, 2016, between Brexit, Trump and the size of Toblerones decreasing. The situation in Syria and across Europe is ever terrifying and anxiety creating. The attack in Istanbul has shown us that 2017 isn’t set to automatically be more peaceful. Life has been full of ups and downs, and it’s been great to watch the idiosyncrasies of E growing up into a proper little boy over the last year. As with other years, the lovely Sadhbh of Where Wishes Come From has hosted the 16 from 16 linky – here is my contribution. A look back on the year that was, while looking forward to the year to come.

Read More

5 Ways To Celebrate New Year With Kids

The end of 2016 is here. A year that certainly won’t be forgotten, that’s for sure. As with every year, bars and clubs will be filled to capacity, parties will be held around the world and countdowns shouted in every household. If you’ve got small kids in the house, you’re likely not in the night club ringing it in. If you’re looking for great ways to commemorate ringing in the New Year in a kid-friendly way, here are some ideas which might float your boat.

Read More

My Instagram Best 9 – A Photo Look Back on 2016

As the crazy days of Christmas come to a close, it’s got me feeling nostalgic of the year thats gone by. It’s a year that certainly won’t be considered boring to look at, that’s for sure. Politically, the world seems to have fallen on it’s head and decided that right wing is the right way to go. In the world of celebrity, the heroes of many have fallen to the will of death – David Bowie, Alan Rickman, and most recently George Michael and Carrie Fisher, with many more in between.

Personally, it’s been a mixed bag. I’ve returned to the workplace after being out for 17 months. E has grown up into a toddler with crazy energy. I’ve had work published, and appeared in other publications. I’ve had medical procedures that hurt like a mofo, and struggled to keep on top of my mental health with my pain. I bought my first car and learned to drive, but failed my first driving test. 2016 for me is a “Work in Progress” year. Lots done, more to do, to quote a certain political party.  Looking back on my Instagram, it’s a nice look at the year that was. Here’s my Instagram Best 9, and a bit of an explanation for each one.

My Instagram Best Nine - BadMammy.com

Read More

Busy B Busy Life Diary – Getting Organised in 2017

Life is rather hectic when you add a small person into the mix. Suddenly the days race past, the bedtimes all seem to be like Groundhog day and there just never seems to be enough time in the day. It would probably help if I was a tad more organised. It’s on the to do list, to sort my life out, to rid myself of the stress of “oh crap, I was meant to do that TODAY”. Yes, that happens all the time. I apologise profusely to those I’ve missed coffees with, handed in stuff late to, and completely forgotten to text you back. Life gets distracting. The lovely folks in Busy B sent me a Busy Life Diary to check out upon hearing my disorganised plight. I’ve seen them the last few years and thought they were ingenious.

Busy B Busy Life Diary Review and Giveaway - BadMammy.com

Read More

Tis the Season To Be Anxious: Christmas & Anxiety

This is a hard post to write. I don’t particularly know why, as it’s not the first time I’ve addressed it. I’ve written extensively about my experience with depression, with being medicated, with chronic pain. However, I decided this week that I would write about anxiety. Anxiety which has been exacerbated at this time of year. I wanted to share my story in the hopes that others would feel less alone in their feelings. I planned to write it for my Mental Health Monday post.  And then I became too anxious to write it. Oh, the irony.

tis the Season to Be Anxious - Christmas and Anxiety - BadMammy.com

Read More

Christmas Tag 2016 – Some Festive Fun

I’m getting into the festive mood now with so few days to Christmas. Having spotted this tag online, I thought I’d take part – lots of bits about what makes a fab festive holiday time. It’s certainly very different since having a child, there’s a lot more magic than it had for my jaded retail staffer self! I’d love to see other people’s answers to these questions. So, without further ado, here is the Christmas 2016 Tag.

The Christmas Tag - BadMammy.com

Read More

9 Secret Santa Perfect Gift Ideas Below €20

Secret Santa is great. Instead of having to buy lots of presents for a variety of people, the focus is placed on just that one present. Generally it’s also under a price limit which makes it all fair – and easier on your wallet. Lots of Secret Santa arrangements will be doing their swap this week, so if you’re looking for a last minute idea, here’s the post for you. Here’s a look at nine gift ideas for your Secret Santa under €20.

9 Secret Santa Gifts For Less Than 20 euros

 

Read More