Paediatric first aid review

Image via: Early Years First Aid

As a parent, and just in general, I'm a bit of a worrier. People can't walk on walls or go up a ladder near me without a constant 'oh please be careful', 'you're going to fall, you're going to fall'. 
So in preparation for everything that I imagine will go wrong with being the parents of a toddler and a newborn Jamie and I attended a half day paediatric first aid course run by Early Years First Aid.

5 Super Cool Mama's on Instagram

I love Instagram. Like really love it. I might even be addicted. 

What sets it apart from every other social media platform is the real sense of community on it. There's something for everyone, especially mothers. 

I have connected (in real life as well!) with so many wonderful, inspirational women (who happen to take gorgeous pictures of their kids) who prove that there's more to being a mum than changing nappies and night feeds. 

Picking just five to include here is near impossible, as I have so many favourites from different kind of genres...if you get me... the stylish mums, the ones with amazing houses, the fit ones, the business women, the funny mums, and the ones that take the cutest photos. I could definitely do about 30 of these posts. I probably will; but for now here are five "insta-famous" mums that I look forward to seeing on my feed everyday:

1. @LauraLacquer

Sostrene Grene

Image via fashionary.dk

I might be a little late to the party with this one but I've only just discovered Nordic interiors store Sostrene Grene, which opened on Georges Street, Dun Laoghaire in December. 

Baby Friendly Dublin

Blas

My photos don't do Blas any justice at all. I was having an off day on the day I took them and was feeling a little self conscious so just took them quick so as not to draw attention to myself! But this place is beautiful! Set on the ground floor of The Chocolate Factory on Kings Inn Street, Blas has taken cafe interiors to a whole new level. Its big, its industrial, but its kinda homely and comfy as well. 

Baby Friendly Dublin

Two Fifty Square

Tucked away just off Rathmines road is Two Fifty Square. A bright, modern cafe, perfect for coffee nerds, and brunch enthusiasts. 

We first stumbled upon this place after a swim in Rathmines Leisure Centre. The cute little out door seating area, complete with dogs water bowls caught my eye, and I had to go investigate. 

Baby Friendly Eateries Dublin

Third Space 

In case you hadn't noticed, going for coffee and scones is my idea of a dream afternoon out. I know, I know, I am absolutely wild. 

When treating ones self to such luxuries when in the company of a toddler there are a number of considerations to be made. Space for a buggy, a high chair, changing room, staff that wont get upset about a child throwing food on the floor etc etc. 

At least once a week Lyla and I go for lunch or coffee, so I have been sussing out the best places to sip and eat in Dublin. We wouldn't be into the usual types of eateries listed as child friendly, Nando's, Milano's etc. We like something with a bit more life and a bit more style so I thought I may as well start reviewing* the places we go in terms of child-friendliness. Obviously just an excuse to keep going on lunch dates, but whatevs. 

So here is my first!

Third Space, Smithfield. 

"Third Space is a place for local people to gather & eat easily, inexpensively & regularly, with space for creative, cultural and community activities."

We first went to ThirdSpace when Lyla was just 8 weeks old. I had joined a mother-baby group in Stoneybatter and afterwards all 8 mama's and babies headed here for a coffee. When the staff cleared a big table for us and  helped bring our buggies up the two steps, I knew I had found where I would be hanging out with my baby for years to come. 

Third Space isn't overly spacious, but it is bright, warm and friendly. It has high chairs, a changing room, and even toys for kids. The staff are so friendly and have never once given out about the mess Lyla makes. In fact they are all smiles with her and go out of their way to say Hiya back to her 14546 times. 

The decor is modern and trendy but not over the top, and the clientele is a nice mix of locals, business-y types and stylish young people working away on their Macs.

They cover all basis with the food, with sandwich's, hearty meals and cakes - something for everyone and the coffee is great, with decaf on the menu for any pregnant ladies, or breastfeeding mums. 

It gets quite busy between 12.30-2 but before and after tend to be quiet enough.

*I have no idea how to actually review, so its more just a list of places, with what they have and pictures...everyone loves a good picture. 

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Dun Laoghaire

New York, Istanbul, Barcelona, Paris.... Every year Jamie and I go on 2-3 holidays. (I know, we love ourselves)

One big holiday , one city break and a weekend or two in London.

This year, for our city break, we packed our overnight bags, shipped Lyla off to her Nana's and jumped on the 46a to the glam coastal town of Dun Loaghaire, for a one night stay in the Royal Marine Hotel. 

We don't leave Lyla overnight very often and when we do we usually just catch up on much needed sleep. So we vowed to make the most of our baby free time and spent our 24-hours drinking wine, eating out, chilling in the spa and talking about non baby related things.

The Royal Marine Hotel is gorgeous,with old winding stair cases, chandeliers, and breathtaking views of the coast. We stayed in the new part of the hotel in a room with sea view. The bed was big and comfy, the spa in the hotel was dark and relaxing, the weather was perfect for a pier walk and best of all, the new Wetherspoon's was a two minute walk from the hotel. ;) 

 

There is no point to this post, other than it was nice to get away from being a mum for a night.

xx