Motherhood Archives - Page 3 of 3

10 Steps to a Happy & Healthy Pregnancy

November 12, 2018

You have peed on the stick (or 10) and it is positive. You have been to the doctors and weed (again) and its confirmed – your pregnant! Now what do you do after the initial excitement, fear, shock, morning sickness wears off? There is an abundance of information out there for expectant mums and everyone (I mean everyone) will want to give you their two cents worth. Many of my girlfriends are now falling pregnant too and just like I did with my dear friend who had a baby a year before me, they are reaching out for some realistic advice. She was definitely not one to sugar coat it and I greatly appreciated the valuable advice on pregnancy and motherhood that she gave me. I have never been overly maternal – I did not rush out and buy a wardrobe full of pink frilly dresses when we found out we were having a girl. I packed my hospital bag the morning I went into labor and over a year later, my daughter’s bedroom is still only half finished – Sorry Mack. So if you are anything like me i.e. somewhat in denial and have no idea what you should be doing, here are my top 10 tips towards enjoying a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Royal Ascot – 33 Weeks Pregnant

6 Reasons you should fly Business Class with your Baby

October 29, 2018

I have been asked a few times whether you can fly business class with your baby and the simple answer is, hell yes! Whilst you might get some disapproving looks from your fellow passengers, the reality is that you are just as entitled as everyone else to fly at the pointy end of the plane with babe in arms should you wish to. Our baby girl had only ever flown business and first class (check out ‘Travel Memoirs | Flying Solo with a Baby‘) until we took her to Dublin for St Paddy’s day on a Ryanair flight. Poor child – what a fall from grace!

Why you should fly Business Class with a Baby

Emirates A380 Business Class

My 5 Minute Mum Makeup

October 15, 2018

Okay, I call it my 5 minute mum makeup but basically it is my go to make-up when I don’t have much time and still want to make half an effort. So this is my make-up basics when I’m travelling, going for brunch, hungover or going for a Pilates class – the possibilities are endless. I am by no means a make-up expert or connoisseur but I often turn to friends or shop attendants for recommendations on products before buying anything. If you are anything like me, I don’t mind spending money on quality products provided that they work. My pet hate is spending money on something that doesn’t live up to its promise. Therefore, I wanted to share my favorite products and the basics that I think everyone should have in their make-up bags.

How to Make Mum Friends (and Build an Amazing Mum Tribe)

October 1, 2018

I moved to York 18 month ago and had ZERO friends. That’s right – I knew absolutely no one. Now that I look back at it, that is a pretty daunting prospect, especially at 20 weeks pregnant. But guess what, becoming a new mum is the absolute best time to make new mum friends and build an amazing ‘Mum Tribe‘. Whether you like it or not, you now have 101 things to talk and bond over, so you will naturally make wonderful new mum friends with like minded mummies along the way. I know many people whom are still friends with their mum friends years down the track, including my own mum!

AirBNB vs. Hotels – What’s better with a baby?

August 20, 2018

During our first year as parents we have stayed in a mixture of both hotels and AirBNB holidays lets with the baby. Both of them have their advantages and disadvantages and are worth considering when you are booking accommodation for your next family holiday with baby in tow. My comments below are very much a generalization as there are obviously such a wide variety of hotels and AirBNBs available all around the world offering different things. So AirBNB vs hotel with a baby – what is better?

How to take a flight solo with your Baby

August 6, 2018

I have flown with my baby multiple times as a solo parent. Not by choice, but because circumstances have changed last minute and my husband has had to fly off elsewhere. Generally it has been too expensive to change the flights or we have already paid for accommodation so I have decided to fly home solo with the baby. Besides, exploring different cities is far more interesting than flying home early to do laundry. So are you considering flying somewhere solo with the baby and want to know how I manage it? Most people call me crazy and proclaim they don’t know how I do it, but here are my tips for how to fly solo with a baby.

How to take a flight solo with your Baby

Heathrow Terminal 5

Monaco Grand Prix with a Baby – Would I do it again?

July 23, 2018

Many people laughed in my face when I told them I was travelling to Monaco for the Grand Prix with a baby. And again, I must admit it is not the first place that springs to mind when you think of things to do as a family of three. You will probably notice a theme with our travel, holidays and outings – we tend to just book the things we want to do and drag the baby along as opposed to looking for family friendly settings. So would I do it again … take the baby to Monaco for the Formula One? Truth be told, probably not, and that is mainly because we paid a small fortune for our tickets … think along the lines of one months rent! However, we had a fantastic day and made the most of the situation. So it just goes to prove that you can do whatever your heart desires once the baby arrives, you just have to accept that it might not be exactly as it used to be.

The Truth: How you will feel about your fur baby after the baby

July 9, 2018

A man’s best friend. Your fur baby. A dog is normally the pride and joy of many childless couples. This is all before the baby arrives. Its saddens me to tell this truth and I could never understand why so many people would re-home their dogs after they welcome their baby to the world. I am ashamed that I even have these thoughts but now I totally understand why people choose to do so. The truth is, the love for your four legged bestie will quickly dwindle when the baby arrives. Basically you will no longer have the time and energy to devote to fido and as a result they will let it be known that they still want to be numero uno. I have two beagles, and they are notorious for being strong willed and head strong at the best of times, but this year has been like no other. Let me share a few of my experiences with you.

Travel Memoirs | Flying Solo with a Baby

January 23, 2018

My heart begins to race, the cold sweats are setting in and the disabling anxiety is starting to take full control. Everyone is glaring at me, unwilling to help or offer up their seat. I can see the look on their faces and I know exactly what they are thinking. If I’m being honest, I used to be one of them. Somehow through my tunnel vision I manage to spot a familiar face and I know I am only moments from relief. And that was the terrifying moment that I entered the Emirates Lounge in Perth with my three month old screaming blue murder as she needed to be fed and comforted after enduring security. Here ladies and gentleman, are my travel memoirs of flying solo with a baby.

Perth Airport Departures