Last Minute Greek Getaway To The Sani Resort

Recently Jack, Alexander, Myself and Bump went on a week holiday to Greece. We had a super early flight 5.45am (which we nearly missed due to leaving booking reference in the hotel). Flights this early are chaos - another person on our flight managed to leave their passport at security and had to run back also only just making the flight. Alexander was a star though - the night before i gave him dinner and a bath at home so he fell asleep in the car and managed to get him in the hotel room still asleep. Operation success!!

We stayed at the Sani Club in Halkidiki, Greece which is a five star resort overlooking the Aegean ocean. The resort has three areas; the hotel, Sani club and the marina each offering different accommodation.

We loved our stay here. If you have children this is a must go as nearly all guests have children and the resort couldn't be more accommodating. The staff always go beyond expectations and the resort is completely set up for children. Some of the key features are gold buggies transport, many pools including a kind shallow pool, shallow calm seas, variety of foods and restaurants, a creche and kids club you can take your kids too and evening kids discos. Its great that everyone is in the same boat so no one minds or gives you death stares if you are sitting near them at restaurants.

The resort has three buffets which operate on a full board basis with a huge variety of foods. On top of this the resort has a 'dine around' scheme where you can book the fine cuisine restaurants many of which hold michelin stars. You get a 20euro allowance towards these and we often went for dinners. Some of the best were Dunes and Tomata. One of the best parts about this resort is you do not have to compromise on luxury just because you have kids. There are spas, daily activities and sports classes gyms and evening entertainment such as sunset cruises, live piano and of course the infamous white party which is just stunning!.

Here are some pictures below;

I was 16 weeks pregnant at the time.

20 Week Pregnancy Update

Hello,

Oh My Gosh!

I am half way through the pregnancy. I am getting so excited. If you didn't already see my post click here for my gender announcement and early gender theories.


We had another scan at the Tunbridge Wells Hospital. The scan took 45 minutes as we have the most wriggly stubborn baby who would not keep still for the sonographer to get the measurements. At one point she had enough (and I don't blame her and they press kind of hard) so she put her hand to push the ultrasound device away. At other points during the scan she would kick, turn, twist, sulk, suck her thumb and pose. My Mum says she is just like me and to get ready for no sleep, tantrums, attitudes and trouble.

Eventually (although I secretly like seeing her) we go the measurements and she looks like she is doing well. I don't want to get my hopes up but she is looking on the smaller side (instead of my 8pound surprise) which if she stays dinky will make labour easily. However Alexander piled on the pounds in those last few weeks.

Here is my little angel cuddling the placenta 

Mood wise I have been feeling ok. Pregnancy makes me often feel emotional for no reason at all so working on controlling this. The sickness has eased but I am now contending with reflux. I sleep with a pregnancy pillow to try and ease it. Apart from that my tummy is feeling very heavy and I am definitely growing. I carry so low so constantly needing to pee which is disruptive. For the scan you are meant to go on a full bladder. I tried drinking a glass of water before I left and within twenty minutes I was desperate to pee. By the time I arrived I rushed straight for the loo. Fail!!

Here are some pictures of the bump at twenty weeks. 

New look Maternity dress on sale here

Primark swimsuit (not maternity) but very flattering 

Topshop maternity and nursing dress click here

Thanks for reading. My next post will be a little baby girls haul as I am going to start doing some shopping. :) 

Engagement Story

Hello,

So if you do not already know what this post is about from the title.......

I SAID YES!!

Here is our story.. 

We woke up on our second to last day in the morning. Jack insisted that I go shopping as we were moving hotel for a birthday gift and he didn't want me stressed carrying bags. I found this a bit weird but was not going to refuse extra shopping time- what girl would?

Three hours later, three drugs stores and a beautiful Bendel bag I met up with him. Our plan was to go to central park as it was one of the only nice sunny days so we set off. Jack was meanwhile giving me a hard time for buying such as big bag at the beginning of the day and swabbing every eyeliner lip combo in Sephora resulting in my hands looking worse than my three year olds after a painting class.

I wanted to go to Bow bridge so we were walking through central park. Jack seemed in an odd mood suggesting we get on the horse and carriage (ugh horse smell) and giving me a hard time about my bags/hands. In fact all week he had been acting a big strange with his phone and going for walks when i was asleep. I was later to find out the real reason.


We finally get to the bridge and when we see the little row boats and he suggests that we go on them. I thought this was a great idea with such a beautiful day and the sun glistening. We go on and he asks " which side of the bridge I prefer" so i tell him the other side. He then tells me he wants a photo of me looking at the Rockefella as there is a photo of us looking at central park.

Jack is taking a long time taking the photo telling me he was changing the battery so i turn around.

I couldn't believe me eyes and was so shocked. I didn't expect it due to the pregnancy and how on earth did he pull this off without me knowing?  He told me he had a ring maker make the ring in New York and he had to sneak out to pick it up. It all made sense and I felt instantly embarrassed about my nails and hands. 

Other boaters on the lake clapped and congratulated. Some lovely girls got a photo of the moment which they sent. I will treasure the photo forever, so thank you again if you read this. I was so caught up in the moment which was the best moment of my life so far. No words can explain being on the row boat next to the Bridge in that moment. 

We got off the boat and had a lovely lunch in the waterside restaurant with a sneaky glass of Champagne (oops, well you only get engaged once).  I then requested that i get an emergency manicure at 7pm at night from some lovely ladies off fifth avenue. Later we went to our sky box room and then out to a rooftop.

New York Getaway

Hello everybody,

We were lucky enough after much persuasion and cookie giving to get away just the two of us. Our parents are great and looked after Alexander for a week to facilitate this for us :) *high fives for fantastic parents*.

New York was booked as a Christmas present for me which was so exciting especially for my shopping addiction. In the lead up I had been saving pennies, researching things to do, rooftop bars, and of course every shopping destination in New York. We chose our hotel based on the closeness to my favourite stores. Alas, I was 10 weeks pregnant so would not be needing my carefully mapped out bar and nightlife crawl.


Flying into JFK was amazing. I got a clear view of the city ahead. We flew Air Norwegian who recently opened flights London to JFK at budget prices. The experience was quite nice for a budget airline. The planes are all new, using state of the art technology and better efficiency resulting in the cheaper tickets. Planes mostly have free wifi and also use cleaner air technology (meaning you do not get the jet lag hangover), scenic changing interior lights, dimming windows and have a nice entertainment system. If you want an in flight meal you have to pay extra which I definitely didn't as I came armed with mints and small snacks.

Before the flight watching the Air Norwegian planes

New York was pretty damn cold in April. The tour operator said it was one of the coldest on record. Most of the time I spend snuggled under warm coats and scarves, sipping hot chocolate or (when i felt up to it) eating ramen. However, nothing could take away the magic of the big apple. I will share some highlights below. We decided to play a little trick on our son (which he found) highly amusing receiving photos and had a certain 'Georgie pig' stowaway in our bags :P

New York and Times Square in all its brightness. I honestly would find it hard to ever feel alone in the city that never sleeps. Although on that note the city certainly does sleep from about 3am-11am which us early risers found out. 

Some of the most beautiful architecture in the world. 

Seeing sights including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, High Line, Bus Tour, Cycling round Brooklyn and over Brooklyn Bridge. We even went to a Knicks game which reminds me of my cheerleading days. One of the most memorable harrowing experiences was the world trade centre and the museum. The have so many recordings of the day and really is worthwhile going to even if you do end up in floods of tears.

 Anyone spotted our little stowaway yet? If you are in New York you have to cheap out Sarabeths for breakfast and Chinatown for Ramen.

And if any of you are massive Gossip Girl fan like me then check these out...

The Met Steps

New York Palace Hotel where Serena lives

Grand central station 

Our trip was fantastic. I ended up spending so much time on fifth avenue especially Sephora and Henri Bendel. I love Macy's too and we both ended up spotting some great deals. And the most amazing incredible thiing happened which opened my heart even more to New York. Click here to find out what. 

Until next time, 

XOXO Gossip girl, Georgie Pig and DJ