Rachel Bustin

Family Diary

My Year – Looking back over 2018

Well where do I start? Looking back over 2018 it was a fantastic year on the blog. Up to the point of writing this I’ve had over 143,000 page views this year, and over 18,000 social media followers. With over 10,000 on Twitter alone. I’m chuffed to bits with these stats, and appreciate every follow and page view. Thank you.

I love writing round up posts, so I thought I’d write one for the whole of 2018. Plus it’s always lots of fun reading old posts and looking over photos to see how the girls have grown.

Looking back over 2018, my year in review

My Year In Review – Looking Back Over 2018

January

January is always one of those months where you feel a bit meh. Christmas is over, everyone has to watch the purse strings as it’s all been spent out at Christmas. I had the pleasure of working with a wonderful private chef called Dan who with La Belle Assiette provided us with a beautiful fine dining experience in the comfort of our own home.

Private chef experience, fine dining in your own home
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Books
The City of Second Chances by Jane Lacey-Crane

The City of Second Chances by Jane Lacey-Crane

Today It’s my turn to be on the blog tour for The City of Second Chances by Jane Lacey-Crane. You can read on for my review and then you have the chance to win 1 of 2 ebook copies for yourself. Book Description She’s already met The One, it was just that Mr Right came along at the wrong time….&…
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Pregnancy/baby
Thank You To My Midwives

Thank You To My Midwives

Eight months on, I’m now beginning to look back and reflect on the birth of my second daughter. The support my midwives gave me throughout my pregnancy was second to none. My dad was battling cancer throughout my pregnancy and sadly he passed away three days before I gave birth. This post is to say thank you to my …
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Gardening
5 Tips On Creating A Child Friendly Garden

5 Tips On Creating A Child Friendly Garden

As my toddler gets older she is loving the outdoors more than ever. This Summer the weather was amazing and she was outside before 9 am most days and didn’t come in until nearly bedtime. I have made sure that the garden is a child friendly garden by following these tips. Of course I’m sure you have your own …
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Health
Explaining To Your Daughter About Her First Period

Explaining To Your Daughter About Her First Period

I remember starting my first period at 11 years old. Mum explained it to me around a year before, plus I had an older sister. I think most women remember when they started theirs. I’ve a got quite a few years before I will have the talk with my daughters. With lots of raging hormones and body development, it can&…
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Kids
5 Tips To Save Money on Kids Clothes

5 Tips To Save Money on Kids Clothes

With another New Year upon us, January sees us as a month all spent out from Christmas. Now is the time to have a Spring clean, tidy out the kids wardrobes and make some money. I’m sharing with you my favourite tips on how to save money on kids clothes. Buy high quality It’s better to buy high …
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Lifestyle
Getting Your Car Ready For Christmas

Getting Your Car Ready For Christmas

Christmas is nearly upon us. The whole month of December is a busy month and things like making sure your car is ready for Christmas can be put by the wayside. But most of us will be using the car at some point over the Christmas period. Whether that means driving to family for Christmas dinner or heading to the&…
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Books
Thomas and Friends: My First Story Time Box Set Review

Thomas and Friends: My First Story Time Box Set Review

I was a huge Thomas the Tank Engine fan as a child, and I’m pleased to say my daughter is as well. Every morning I have to put Channel 5’s Milkshake programme on so she can catch up with Thomas and Friends.  So getting the chance to review the Thomas and Friends: My First Story Time Box Set …
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#LuckyLinky
#LuckyLinky Week 85

#LuckyLinky Week 85

Hello and welcome back to #LuckyLinky Week 85. This week will be our last #LuckyLinky of 2018! You can rejoin us on Monday 7th January 2019. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! As you all know I love to enter competitions and have been doing it for years, much longer than I…
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Seasonal
Video Calling Santa Claus with Portable North Pole (PNP)

Video Calling Santa Claus with Portable North Pole (PNP)

Christmas is a magical time of year. Since becoming a parent it’s become somehow much more special. When it was just Mr B and myself we would eat and binge watch Lord of the Rings or something similar. Now, especially as baby girl is getting older (nearly 3) I’m just a big kid along with her wanting to experience …
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Money Saving
Shopping Online This Christmas With Boom25

Shopping Online This Christmas With Boom25

Shopping online this Christmas is big business for retailers. With the change in technology, statistics suggest that around 42% of people do some shopping online. With many apps available on smartphones, a lot of these transactions are on mobiles. Large busy crowds and heavy shopping bags put people off going in to stores.  With the UK’s purse strings being …
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Product Reviews
Getting Prepared For 2019

Getting Prepared For 2019

Well we are nearly at the end of another year. 2018 you have been an up and down year for me. Losing my dad back in April then having my second daughter 3 days later was a complete emotional roller coaster. So I’m hoping by getting prepared and planning ahead 2019 will be less highs and lows and will be…
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Pregnancy/baby
Maternity Leave Second Time Around and How It’s Different

Maternity Leave Second Time Around and How It’s Different

I’m back to work in just 3 weeks. Maternity leave second time around has gone extremely fast. But then I’ve had a toddler and a baby to care for. Plus I lost my dad right at the start. Do I feel ready to go back to work? I do and I don’t. I do to have some adult …
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