When Stickerscape reached out and asked if we would be interested in trying some of their kids wall stickers, I jumped at the opportunity. We moved into our home 3 weeks before Mackenzie was born. Just a few months prior we had relocated from Australia to England. We had no furniture and just basic home wares, which meant that our little girl was never given an Instagram worthy nursery. She recently turned 2 and is quickly becoming a ‘big girl‘. So I thought it was the perfect opportunity to create a beautiful toddler bedroom with some kids wall stickers from Stickerscape.Continue Reading
An Essential Packing List for Travelling with a Baby
Looking for the ultimate travel packing list for a baby? Well you have come to the right place! Travelling with a baby might seem like a daunting prospect, but it definitely doesn’t have to be. Sure, there are a few extra challenges, but with the right equipment and a calm mind, you can expose your little one to all the amazing wonders of the world. Our daughter traveled to 10 countries in the first 12 months of her life, so I would safely consider ourselves somewhat of experts when it comes to traveling with a baby.Continue Reading
Breastfeeding Essentials for Every New Mum
Lets talk breastfeeding essentials! Whilst pregnant I figured that I would ‘give it a go‘ when it came to breastfeeding, and quite literally did not give it any further consideration. I just thought I would whack the baby on the boob, they would feed merrily and I would get on with my life. Wow, did I get a rude shock! I did not enjoy the experience at all and recall desperately wanting to give it up. Unfortunately for me, my daughter refused to take a bottle, whether it was expressed milk or formula. And whilst I am pro-breastfeeding, I also very strongly believe that fed is best. Because happy mum = happy baby. So if you want or need to stop breastfeeding for WHATEVER reason, that is okay too.Continue Reading
How to Feel Sexy After Motherhood
Feeling sexy after motherhood – is there such a thing? The answer is, yes of course! In those early days of becoming a mother it is very difficult to see how. Your body is no longer your own as your recover from birth and (quite literally) give life to your newborn if you choose to breastfeed. Maternity bras, pads the size of a surfboard and that pouch affectionately known as the ‘mum tum’ do not exactly scream sexiness. However, like everything with pregnancy and motherhood, it is all a phase and will soon pass. Before you know it, you will be back to feeling somewhat like your old self … or at least enjoying your new self. So, how do you feel sexy again after motherhood?Continue Reading
Product Review | Klorane Quinine Keratin Fortifying Spray
Photo Credit – Escentual
Earlier this year I was asked by Escentual to partake in a 3 month trial of the product, Klorane Quinine Keratin Strength Fortifying Spray. This spray is a thinning hair treatment said to strengthen hair which has suffered from thinning as a result of things such as stress, seasonal changes and post pregnancy.Continue Reading
10 Tips to Help you Sleep Better During Pregnancy
Squad Goals – 2 Days after Mackenzie was Born
Many mums-to-be struggle to fall to sleep and stay asleep during pregnancy. As your body changes, the hormones go into overdrive and the little person inside you grows, it can definitely lead to you staring at the ceiling and desperately counting sheep. I remember experiencing insomnia to some extent during my pregnancy. I would also wake through the night either because I was hungry or uncomfortable. So I thought I would compile a list of items and suggestions to help you sleep better during your pregnancy.Continue Reading
Mummy Daughter Photo Shoot with Framed by Laurie
Recently Mackenzie and I had the pleasure of participating in a mummy daughter photo shoot in York City Center with the lovely Framed by Laurie. Laurie was looking for some ‘models‘ for her portfolio and I thought it was an excellent opportunity for Mackenzie and I to have some photographs to help us remember our time in York (and where she was born!). The results are beautiful and I wanted to share my favorite captures with you all. They are very special to us and as my husband put it, they have captured ‘every emotion‘ of our little girl.Continue Reading
10 Toys to Occupy a Toddler on a Plane
This year has already seen us take several flights with our toddler, both short haul and long haul. Whilst I love traveling and exploring as a family of three, I also always slightly dread the flight with my toddler whom is 21 months old. We have been fortunate enough to fly Business Class on the long haul flights so that does give us a bit more room and comfort, however it is still very difficult to entertain a little one who is incredibly active but cant quite yet communicate. As such, I have spent a lot of time scouting Amazon for toddler friendly toys and activities. I pack them into our carry-on luggage to keep her entertained during the flight and then use them throughout the holiday. Here are the top 10 toys that I have opted for to help keep my very busy toddler occupied.Continue Reading
Bump & Baby Expo | Gift Bag Review
Myself and Vicki Psarias aka Honest Mum
Recently I attended the Bump & Baby Expo in York where I was very kindly given my first ever ‘Blogger Access’ to the expo. This event, which was organised in collaboration with Avocado Events, featured over 60 exhibitors with ‘bump and beyond’ products and services. We were gifted a very generous gift bag full of lots of lovely items – many of which are from local or small female mum businesses. I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight the things I received so that you can look them up and perhaps try them out for yourself. I am all for finding new amazing products as well as supporting small businesses where possible. Everything is linked below so you can find it easily online.Continue Reading
Why I ate my Placenta
Mackenzie’s First Outing – 10 Days Old
It sounds rather gruesome and barbaric doesn’t it … eating ones placenta post childbirth. However don’t be too alarmed – I didn’t fry it up in my kitchen or turn it into a smoothie – I had my placenta encapsulated. So okay, that sounds a little more humane and easily digestible but the question is WHY did I do it? And the reason I did ingest my placenta is simple – I was terrified of suffering from post natal depression after the birth of my daughter. I have experienced small amounts of anxiety in the past – I think this has mainly been a side effect from taking the contraceptive pill and stresses such as work. Its never been quite bad enough to seek any kind of professional help for it but I was really worried of post natal depression from very early on in my pregnancy.Continue Reading