October Snapshot

October Snapshot

I’ve been blogging a lot less than I wanted of late, it’s been busy. I’ve been getting into strides with college work, epidemiology is kicking my ass, and when it isn’t, my body is deciding to take over. And that’s all before dealing with the junior tyrant who resides in our house half the time. It seems he’s on a job share with our very sweet, funny four year old. An eternal balance that I’ll write about at some stage when I figure out what exactly I’m doing (he may be 18 by the time I figure that one out). October has been a month of lots of change. Here’s just a snapshot of what we’ve been up to.

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Listening To

I’ve been listening to lots of podcasts of late that I’ve gotten fully sunken into.

The people from Spotlight in the Boston Globe (yes, the same people that the film is about) are doing an excellent investigation into the case of Aaron Hernandez, the NFL player who was convicted of murder and died by suicide in 2017, called Gladiator. It goes beyond the case itself and looks into Football Inc to see what exactly caused the horrific acts which took place and what could have been done to prevent them.

CBC have done an incredible podcast series called “Uncover: Escaping NXIVM” which I’ve barely been able to stop listening to – but definitely isn’t one for in the car with kids as it contains some VERY adult themes. In the investigative podcast series about the “wellness” group which the authorities have now labelled a cult, they look into its leader, Keith Raniere, and one woman’s journey to get out.It discovers what drew Sarah Edmondson to Raniere and his followers and how she ended up turning on him. Not one for the squeamish but definitely a compelling story.

On a less serious side of things, Eliott has been OBSESSED with the song Shotgun by George Ezra. It’s been playing here A LOT. I still can’t believe his face matches his voice, but whatever, it’s a VERY catchy song. And very cute when my four year old, who knows three lines, is singing it happily.

 

Watching

I’ve finally immersed myself in The Crown. I know, I know, I came SO late to this party but I LOVE it.

We’ve also been watching the third series of The Good Place. We’re rather resentful for the weekly wait between episodes, because we arrived rather late to the game and got to binge watch the first two seasons. So it feels AWFULLY forking unfair to have to wait a week between episodes. But they are TV gold and so so worth it. I NEED a Janet in my life.

For the coming month, we’re getting stuck into the final series of House of Cards. (For those not up to date, please be aware that the trailer is for the final series of the show and therefore may have spoilers!)

 

Reading

I’ve been doing a lot of academic reading this month as the Masters is proving to be VERY full on (as I probably should have expected). However, I have had a few good reads which I will compile into a much fuller book review post. Here are just some of them in brief

The Importance Of Being Aisling – the much-awaited sequel to Oh My God What A Complete Aisling. I have a lot to say about this book, but in short – I thought it was even better than the first. Total heart warmer of a read.

All American Murder by James Patterson. Yeah, this one wasn’t such a heart-warmer but it was fascinating. It also dealt with the case of Aaron Hernandez. I’d read the book before starting the podcast so I’m kind of getting a 360 look at the whole case. As a crime writer, Patterson certainly knows how to use the language to keep people gripped and at times it feels difficult to remember that this all happened, it’s all real and these are actual people’s lives and deaths.

The Magic Moment by Niall Breslin. This one was a kids book purchase, introducing children to mindfulness and giving a way to deal with fears, like a fear of the swimming pool. I thought it was a really charming read and a good introduction for kids, one which our four year old is learning day by day.

 

Drinking

A whole lot of coffee. And probably not enough water. Must strive to do better. Next month will be better!

october snapshot coffee

Wearing

Layers. Because between the changeable weather, buildings that have blasting heat on one second and walls made of glass letting out heat the next and medication causing hot flashes, I seem to be an every-season-in-one-day kinda girl these days. Much as I love my wooly jumpers (and I LOVE them, so cosy), having to attempt to discreetly pat down my forehead from sweat-gate while in a meeting with people I would like to work with is MORTIFYING and not worth it.

Eating

I’ve recently discovered a penchant for Massaman curry. I don’t do spicy food, so curries have never really been my thing, but oh my god, I have found the food for my death row meal. Now if I could just figure out how to make my own perfect one from scratch so that the local Thai place doesn’t wind up just setting up a direct debit, that would be wonderful. Any suggestions for a good recipe?

 

Working On

In September, I started a part time masters in Public Health. It’s very full on and I’m currently trying to get my head around epidemiology, which is basically statistics on steroids. It’s not been easy, and hasn’t been helped by the brain fog that I’ve been experiencing, but I am enjoying having something to focus on that isn’t my pain levels or my frustrations at life. I’m also looking forward to getting to get stuck into my chosen research topic over the next few months – how I’m going to juggle it with work, parenting and everything else is yet to be determined but fingers crossed it will all fall into place.

Excited By

Last month, I got a rather incredible surprise by being awarded Best Parenting Blog in the Blog Awards Ireland! I wasn’t able to make it to the ceremony, thanks to a pesky presentation in college, so the very lovely Sinead from Bumbles of Rice collected the award on my behalf.

I am beyond thrilled that my little corner of the internet has been considered to be something more than just the place I put my ramblings. I started writing this blog almost five years ago and never really saw it becoming what it has done then. Back then I was just pregnant, hormonal and needing a place to vent. It’s become a place where I’ve shared my experiences, gotten to meet others who have been there, done that and had their t-shirt puked on. I’ve met incredible people who have not only become online friends but some of them “real life” friends as well. So winning the award has really put a smile on my face and I am so thankful that others out there like what I write.

Blog Awards 2018_Winners Gold October Snapshot

Enjoying

Darker evenings encouraging the Netflix binges of new shows and reading of books, once we manage to get the little man to get into bed.

Hallowe’en this year was also a bit of fun, given that it was Eliott’s first that he properly got into. He dressed up as Catboy from the PJ Masks in full costume and had a ball trick or treating!

Not Enjoying

Cold weather (well, changeable weather) has a habit of making my muscles and joints seize in not fun ways. So, there’s that. Also, the seemingly unending whinge. If anyone fancies taking on a four year old, perhaps as a tool for an abstinence-encouraging part of a sex ed programme in secondary schools, he’s open for bookings. He’s lovely really. There are just a LOT of emotions built up in his tiny frame. And he’s not exactly rocking this whole “extra hour” thing by any means. But who needs sleep?

So, that has been me for the last while – how have you been? Let me know in the comments, over on Facebook or over on Instagram, I’d love to hear from you!

What We’re Watching On Netflix Now That The Heatwave’s Gone

What We’re Watching On Netflix Now That The Heatwave’s Gone

It’s officially Autumn and our heatwave, for the most part, can be declared dead and gone. We can’t say we didn’t get a Summer! It’s not every year that we can say we got a proper Winter (remember Snowmaggedon?) and a drought in six months in this part of the world. Personally, I’m glad that the majority of the humidity seems to be taking a reprieve. I’m simply not built for the sticky hot weather above 25 degrees! It’s not to say I don’t love the heat, but let’s just say, it takes some getting used to. Now that we’re back to status quo, which in Cork is rain, I can guilt free stick on a Netflix series and binge to my heart’s content, without the FOMO that came with sunny weather! So, what have we been watching, and what have I got lined up?

What we're watching on Netflix this august

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24 True Crime Documentaries on Netflix for lovers of The Staircase

24 True Crime Documentaries on Netflix for lovers of The Staircase

If you’ve been here any reasonable amount of time, you might have noticed that I have a bit of a thing for true crime documentaries, podcasts, reconstructions, the lot. It’s been somewhat of an interest of mine since I was a young teenager, sitting up late with my grandmother watching Forensic Detectives when I probably should have been gone to bed. The advent of podcasts, Youtube and Netflix has made it all the easier to pursue my not-as-creepy-as-it-sounds hobby. (I should really get to writing the crime novel so that I have a fully fledged excuse for all of it…). In the meantime though, I’ve been catching up on lots of documentaries on Netflix. They’ve just added a lot more true crime documentaries, including the much acclaimed The Staircase. A previous post last year went down well, so I thought I’d compile an up to date list of 24 True Crime Documentaries available on Netflix UK in July 2018.

 

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13 Reasons Why You Should Be Watching Netflix This May

In my inbox, this week, came some great news – the announcement of Season 2 of 13 Reasons Why. The show made a big bang last year when it hit our screens with hard-hitting scenes telling the story of Hannah Baker and the tapes where she recorded the “reasons” that she was no longer here from beyond the grave. With that in mind, I’ve been inspired to write my own 13 Reasons Why You Should Be Watching Netflix this May – and the weather is an extra one (where is all that sunshine gone?).

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How To Survive Snowmageddon with the Kids At Home

How To Survive Snowmageddon with the Kids At Home

The Beast from The East has been making its way across Ireland. The street value of a sliced pan is high, motivation to go into work is low, and there’s talk of red alerts meaning nobody is going anywhere. Which means the schools are closed, and it’s debatable as to what the escape options are over the next few days. If you’re at home with the kids, this all sounds brilliant for the first 24 hours (or if it’s a threenager, 24 minutes). However, after a while, cabin fever may well kick in. I’ve asked other members of the Irish Parenting Bloggers what they’re planning to do to stave off the crazy cabin fever over the next few days of Snowmageddon – here’s what they’ve come up with.

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21 Valentines Day Date Night Movies on Netflix

21 Valentines Day Date Night Movies on Netflix

Since Valentines Day falls midweek this year, it’s possible that any plans, if you’ve got them, will be centred around the weekend. Alternatively, you might just be planning a lovely quiet evening at home. Either way, Netflix has you sorted out with a menu of love stories and romance to snuggle up to this Valentine’s Day. Who knows, the kids might even stay asleep for the whole date night! Grab some microwave popcorn and chocolate, and get stuck in. Here are 21 romantic date night movies on Netflix, ready for your choosing this Valentines Day. Read More

15 Christmas Classics on Netflix this Festive Season

Christmas is a time of spending time with family, eating far too many nice treats, and hopefully watching some classic movies. These days there’s no need to hope that the television networks put on our favorites to celebrate the season, they’re all at our fingertips through streaming. Netflix has got you covered this Christmas with a selection of Christmas Classics – both festive themed and ones you may associate with crowding around the tv with the family to watch. Here’s a look at the best of Netflix for Christmas 2017.

15 Christmas Classics On Netflix This Festive Season

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14 Spooky Treats On Netflix This Hallowe’en

One of the best parts of Hallowe’en is getting stuck into the scary movies while tucking into some pilfered treats, right? Thankfully, Netflix has lots of content fit for the perfect Halloween movie binge, with stuff for all ages and tastes. What will you be watching this Hallowe’en? Here’s some of the best of what Netflix have got for you to stream.

14 Spooky Hallowe'en Treats On Netflix

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What I’m Looking Forward To On Netflix This September

The kids are back to school, the evenings are getting shorter and it might be time to think about putting the heating on once in a while. September is here, my favourite month of the year. I’m looking forward to getting to snuggle up under fluffy blankets and watch my shows, without feeling like I should be outside enjoying the sunshine! Here’s what I’m looking forward to getting stuck into this September over on Netflix (blanket at the ready!).

What I'm Looking Forward To On Netflix This September

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11 Coming Of Age Movies on Netflix That Everyone Should Watch

Sometimes, you just need a day of vegging with a movie that was part of growing up to get by. Last weekend, I had a rather unpleasant pain management procedure done, so have been trying to take it easy as much as possible. In chats with other friends, we got to talking about the essential “tween/teen” movies which stuck with us, many of which are on the same comfort-watch list. I had a look through Netflix to see what they had to offer and was pleasantly surprised by the selection available. Here’s a look at a few of the Coming Of Age Movies which everyone needs to see at least once.

11 Coming of Age Movies on Netflix that Everyone Should See

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17 True Crime Documentaries For Netflix Detectives

I’m quite a fan of the True Crime genre. Himself is a little bit paranoid about my obsession, as if it’s research. I’ve always found the psychology behind the cases and the investigations into them fascinating. In another life, I might have gone into law enforcement, but as it stands I wouldn’t pass the medical! So, instead, like any good armchair detective, I look into the cases that have already been sorted out (or have a story behind them). I’ve written before about the true crime podcasts that I’ve been listening to, and it seemed to really appeal to readers, so now I’m sharing the documentary list. Or rather, the 17 True Crime Documentaries that I’ve loved over on Netflix.

17 True Crime Documentaries Netflix

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Netflix Tag 2017

What have you been watching lately? Are you stuck into a marathon, or looking for something new? This is a tag post I took part in a few years ago, which I thought definitely could do with freshening up. So, here’s my 2017 Netflix Tag. I’d love to see others taking part too, so there’s a linky at the end!

2017 Netflix Tag

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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

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Earth Day on Netflix: 8 Environmentally Friendly Documentaries You’ll Love

Today, Saturday 22nd April is Earth Day. It’s a day where we look a little bit more at how we treat the environment and the impact it has on the world around us. In particular, this year it’s a prominent topic, with climate change denial being part of the current American administration. While this terrifies me, as it will inevitably lead to years of damaging policies ahead, I am thankful for the tireless work of the scientists who are working to save our planet.

Over on Netflix, they’ve got a variety of documentaries which should definitely open up your eyes to what is going on with this planet of ours. They’ll open your mind, get you thinking and hopefully make a change in what you do. These are just a few of the ones to look out for this Earth Day.

8 Eye Opening Documentaries on Netflix this Earth Day

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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

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9 Educational Shows For Your Kid on Netflix

Ah, television, the great divider of opinion. I, along with many parents, prior to becoming a mother was a “My child won’t watch it” type. All I can say to my former self is Ha. Ha. Ha. We worship at the church of Netflix some days to get by, it’s just how life is when it’s hectic and the toddler needs distraction so we can make dinner. However, that doesn’t mean I’m happy to stick him in front of just anything – there’s definitely stuff I don’t want him watching.

Since E doesn’t really watch conventional television, most of his watching is Youtube or Netflix based, which makes things a bit easier to monitor. I’ve been thinking a lot more lately about the content of what he’s watching, and after taking a look, have found a lot of options both entertaining AND educational. So, here are 9 Educational Shows that will appease both parent and child on Netflix.

Educational kids Shows On Netflix

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Political Dramas On Netflix To Distract From Real Life

The world is filled with commentary about the recent inauguration of Donald J Trump as US President Trump. The executive orders, the tweets, the Muslim Ban – all of it is filling up our news feeds and media. When we’re not hearing about that, we’re hearing about Brexit. Or Putin. Or Syria. Our own politics here in Ireland is not making many waves (aside from the Health Service) in comparison. We’re fascinated. It’s like Car Crash Watching – just so awful but we can’t turn away. So, in the spirit of not quite looking away but finding a distraction from the doom, I’ve found alternatives. Here are 9 Political Dramas on Netflix to satisfy curiosity but protect from the doom.

political dramas on netflix to distract from the current doom - Badmammy.com

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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.

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Festive Picks on Netflix Christmas 2016

Have you got your Christmas watching thought out yet? Tradition is to buy a copy of the Christmas RTE Guide and a big marker, staking out your claim on the tv for whatever is on. However, as network television can be a little lacklustre at this time of year at times, Netflix is to the rescue. If you’re looking for movies to chill out with as a family, Christmas specials to enjoy with the kids in bed or simply something to pass the hours lazily, here’s a guide to what you can check out.

festive-netflix-picks-2016

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10 Scary Picks for a Halloween Movie Night

Halloween falling on a Monday this year (albeit a bank holiday, but still) means a lot of plans for outings had to be relegated to the weekend. However, it’s still good to be able to celebrate the night itself in the traditional way – lots of junk food (or healthier treats like these cookies if you’re that way inclined) and Halloween movie . This may work better if you’re lucky enough to be off for the midterm, or if you’re off for the Bank Holiday Monday to start your marathon on the Sunday! Gone are the days of needing to head to a shop to rent the scary DVD, Netflix has a range of horror and scary shows and movies, ranging from those suitable for the kiddies, to those you’ll be sleeping with the light on after. Here are a few picks which are on my list (for watching behind a cushion, with popcorn, of course).

Halloween movie picks for a fright night - BadMammy.com - Netflix Stream Team

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Autumn Netflix Picks for evenings under blankets

So, Summer is officially gone, the rain has set in, it’s cold and it’s cuddle under blanket time. Happily, this allows a lot of time to check out whats new (and not so new but loved) on Netflix while soaking up the warmth. When I’ve got free time at the moment, I can be found snuggled up in my fleecy blanket I got last winter in Penneys, looking for new shows. Lately I have not been disappointed. Here’s a look at what we’ve been enjoying on Netflix lately.

Autumn Netflix picks -BadMammy.com

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Food for the Mind: Thought Provoking Documentaries on Netflix

I’m a big fan of non fiction and documentary, in both visual and written media forms. I like true crime, factual accounts of people’s lives, adding knowledge and new experiences to my mind which can change the way I think about things. Fiction is great and all, I get very invested in the lives of people who don’t exist, but there’s something special about learning about the real people and feeling the real emotions, knowing more about the world around me. I’ve found Netflix to be great for providing new documentaries for opening my horizons – from stuff on what we’re eating, to different religious cults, to treatment of women in different parts of the world. It all informs who I am as a person, and who I am raising my child to be. This month has definitely been one with thought provoking watching, not easy watching, but documentaries with important messages that everyone should see. Food For Thought - Thought Provoking Documentary on Netflix UK - BadMammy.com Read More

Can’t Stop The Beat Bugs: Music Education on Netflix

As anyone who has a toddler living in their home will know, you wind up with a lot of rather ear-worm type songs stuck in your head. Just this morning, I’ve already been humming “Mummy Finger, Mummy Finger, Where Are You?” and the all-time classic “The Wheels on The Bus”. As singing plastic enters the house and adds new lyrics to older songs (I’m looking at you VTech), the list of Top Toddler Hits grows and grows. At any time, I can be found to regale you with a feisty rendition of the Big Balloon song from Peppa, the Fireman Sam theme tune or, and I’m NOT proud of this, The Pup Pup Boogie. Yeah, this is parenting life, we’re very cool with our music.

You Can't Stop The Beat Bugs - Music Education on Netflix - BadMammy.com Read More

New on Netflix this July

It’s been a little while since I’ve done one of these, I’ve spent much more time binge watching than I’d like to admit. However, the offerings this month are ones I want to rave about, so to save the people in my life from my endless ramblings, I may as well ramble on here. With the Summer in full belt (someone tell the weather please!), theres a bit more time on hand for most people to check out something they’ve maybe been intending to watch for a while. For me, it’s somewhat the opposite – as everyone else is taking a break I’ve returned to the workplace and so am busier than ever. I’ll choose that to mean that my downtime should only be spent doing things I really enjoy – and Netflix has definitely taken care of that this month.

New On Netflix This July - Netflix UK - BadMammy.com Read More

Netflix Picks for Rainy April

Happy April, it’s the first of the month, and the Internet is filled with April Fools jokes. Some better than others, admittedly, but this is not one of those posts. Instead, I’m sitting looking out at the horrible rain outside and planning all of the lovely television I can catch up on with Netflix this month. Who needs to head outside in this weather when there’s so much to catch up on?

Netflix Picks April 2016 - BadMammy.com Read More