lamp lust - update ...

I gave into my greed today and purchased the lovely lamp, I know it won't make my life amazingly better and I shouldn't be spending money on things like that with our new arrival imminent ... but gosh it makes my living room look lovely and more importantly it makes me smile every time I see it! I'm looking forward to when the baby is a little older and watching disney films - it will be like we have our own giant pixar lamp in the house.

Not sure where the final position will be but right now it's next to our Florence-Knoll-esque sofas and in front of the obligatory ikea Audrey Hepburn canvas. Next on the list of greed and 'in the style of' furniture is the ikea docksta dining table, a pocket friendly version of the classic tulip table, here it is looking lovely as ever over at apartment therapy.

Cx

autumn shades

I feel a bit ridiculous posting with this title as we are still having really humid weather here in Durham but I just can't help it. I'm the type of person that gets attracted to the new season rails as soon as the sales start, and this year it has been especially the case given that these are the clothes that I'll be wearing when I'm done with the maternity clothes.

I have had loads of fun finding really nice maternity clothes, and experimenting with items in my pre-pregnancy wardrobe, but as d day approaches I'm really looking forward to getting some new non maternity wear! I'm particularly coveting the lovely knitwear that is hitting the shelves, especially in my favourite autumnal hues of chocolate brown, dusky pink and rust. With that in mind these are two looks I've come up with ...

The first is more relaxed, something that I would like to wear when we have visitors or for that first and short trip out. I have these jeans, they are skinny indigo maternity jeans from new look and they are fab. As they don't have an over the bump panel I think they will be great for the transition as everything (more or less) returns to normal. I've also bought some looser fit basic tees, this one is from topshop, I think they will be great to have on over a nursing vest while I'm still tummy conscious. The lovely cardi is from dorothy perkins and is top of my shopping list at the moment. In the house I would team this outfit with some trusty slipper socks, outside I'd still go for comfort and opt for some pretty ballet flats, these are lovely and a bargain from garage shoes (I love garage shoes!). I'm planning to keep makeup very simple and have added a lovely tinted balm from topshop and good old falsies mascara, also some dry shampoo might come in handy! Now this watch is well out of my reach at the minute, it's Marc by Marc Jacobs ... one can only dream! I do have a lovely gold watch but had to put this one in the pic because it is just so pretty!!

This outfit looks like you've made more of an effort, even though the emphasis is still on comfort. I love the style and colour of this knitted dress, again from dotty p's, they seem to have got it spot on so far with their new season collection for me! I would team this with some fab riding boots, these are another bargain from the fabulous garage shoes (look past the naff gladiators and stripper shoes and you too will see the genius of this shop). The knitted dress would be quite forgiving on a mummy tummy and as I regain my waistline I'll be making the most of it, emphasising the new shape with a skinny belt like this one from dorothy perkins. To save the outfit from becoming too drab in hues of rust and tan, I'd bring some colour in. These earrings from topshop are lovely, as is the sunny yellow/mustard nail varnish. Again I would keep the makeup light and fresh, tinted balm and lashings of mascara will suffice.

I'm practically salivating at the thought of a shopping spree for non-maternity wear but I suppose the next spree for clothes won't be for me! We've saved money so that we can splash out on a fab new wardrobe for the baby once we know whether we are shopping for blue or pink ...

Cx

33 weeks!

So yesterday I was 33 weeks through my pregnancy ... and on day one of my last week of work!


Over the last week I've been so busy at work that I haven't really had time to sit back and take in the fact that I haven't got long to go at all. I'm busy making sure that everything is up to date and what can be is handed over properly. To be honest I'm looking forward to next week and taking time to relax and mentally prepare (or at least that is what I'll say I'm doing!). I'm planning to meet up with friends who have babies just so I can have a sneak peek into what their routine is like now ... it will be great having people on maternity leave the same time as me!


That said, I'll be leaving my lovely team who have been great over the past few months ... putting up with mood swings and looking after me. I've just been to the shops tonight and put some goody bags together for each of them as a way of saying thank you.


I'm actually feeling great, the iron supplements have really helped out with the tiredness and have also eased some of the other pregnancy related issues (sorry for TMI but I'm referring to constipation!). I do have lots of energy and I'm not feeling weighed down by my bump at the moment. I'm also starting to make lists (a favourite pastime of mine) and collect things that I will be taking to the hospital with me ... like I've said before though, I'm not one to pack lightly so I can see this going terribly wrong and poor hubby ending up like a pack horse in the middle of the night!


I've finally brought myself up to speed with technology and traded my cheap and cheerful mobile for a snazzy fandagled one (sony ericsson experia arc). I'm still getting up to speed with it but I was desperate for a phone with a decent camera, so I can share baby photos and videos quickly. Hopefully I'll be using it to post soon ... watch this space! Seriously, you would never think that I work for an IT provider!


Sorry for the light update! Hopefully will have more for you next Monday when I'll be 34 weeks and have had my scan to see the position of the placenta. Fingers crossed it's moved :)


Cx

bag lady

Shopper, hold all, hobo, clutch, messenger ... I've been totally confused at to what is the perfect changing bag. Being a first time mum I wasn't too sure what to look out for and once the search began I just got more and more confused.

I know I would want something with plenty of room for all the 'essentials', which from what I've read is everything but the kitchen sink for a newborn. I also want something with plenty of pockets to keep everything organised and me sane. Ideally I wanted something that I could put on the pram, so it wouldn't have to be carried everywhere. But, ultimately I wanted something pretty! These are the some options I came up with ...

Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack - Tea on the Thames £130. This is beautiful and well made, ultimately I couldn't justify the cost so this one was ruled out.

Skip Hop Dash Deluxe - Blossom £52. I really like the striking pattern of this bag, and it's a great price but it just wasn't me when I tried it.

OiOi Tote - Ikat Tapestry £69. Lovely bag!

Pink Lining Yummy Mummy - Grey Bows £75. For each sale of this limited edition bag, pink lining will give a donation to the NSPCC. Unfortunately it's sold out ... and I don't think I could carry round something that said Yummy Mummy!

What did I choose I hear you ask? I absolutely fell in love with the prettiness of the pink lining range, but I also had in my head my list of criteria - space, pockets, carrying etc. So I went for ...

Their messenger style in 'grey doves', I love the mint green background which keeps the bag nice and neutral. The fabric has prints of pairs of grey doves, hearts and daisys ... how pretty! The hubby would say that the best thing is I had a discount code which meant I got 25% off the usual price tag of £75! It hasn't arrived yet but I'm tempted to pack it as soon as it does!

Cx

sun, sea and stretch marks ...

I know I've mentioned before that I keep fantasising about a summer holiday, somewhere warm and a nice place to relax ... then I think about what warm means and the fact that I haven't been coping too well with the warmer weather we've had here in blighty.


Anyhoo ... if I was to go on holiday there is some great summer maternity clothing out there so I thought I would bring a collection together of items I would pack for this fantasy summer holiday, just for fun!


So I'm thinking of stretches of lovely white sandy beaches with the odd pair of sun loungers here and there, a perfect place to relax and catch up on some reading.

Shirt, tankini, sunglasses and nail varnish from Topshop. Mascara from Benefit - there is a reason why this is a classic. Sandals from Dorothy Perkins and Bag from River Island. I've made sure to include my essentials in there too - the bible (as it is known when pregnant) what to expect when you are expecting, factor 50 sun protection and a big bottle of water.


I'd like to go somewhere historic, preferably with plenty of sightseeing opportunities.

Dress, hat and earrings from Topshop (as above). Bag and shoes from ASOS. I love easy to use, practical products. The last time we were away we bought some sport sun protection in an aerosol. It's so easy to apply and transport, feels really light when you put it on, and because it's designed for sports withstands those 'glowing' moments. As I seem to melt in the heat I've also included two great products - water face mist to cool down and the long lasting NARS multiple, to make sure you are camera ready.


One thing I love about being away is the lovely fresh food. I'm imagining a small restaurant by a harbour at night, with plenty of outdoor seating.

Top, earrings, bag and sandals from Topshop (as above). Sunglasses and palazzo pants from Dorothy Perkins (as above). Bangle from River Island (as above). I love the nude and muted colours that are in all the shops at the moment, but being me I have to bring in some shots of colour. This time it's coral, introduced through the shoes and earrings and continued through the makeup. It's a lovely strong colour and works really well with a tan. I always like to treat myself to a new scent when we go away - preferably on the way there and then I wear it while away which means when you get back to reality the smell transports you back on holiday (for a brief moment) - this year it has to be Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh. It is so light and refreshing, and more importantly my heightened sense of smell still loves it!


What a lovely fantasy holiday. The reality is, when not at work or out and about I'm far more comfortable in a pair of lounge pants and an oversized t-shirt. I'm using a gradual tanner to get that sin kissed look (garnier summer body is the best for my ridiculously pale skin) and have filled the house (and office) with fans to ensure there is always a breeze! Oh well, there is always next year ...


Cx

ikea rant

DISCLAIMER - this post may will contain some hormonal induced complaints.

We've taken some time off to do some work on the nursery, including shopping for some of the key items. So after a really successful start to the day we headed off to ikea, shopping list in hand.

Today's main purchases were the malm three drawer dressers and lack shelves to go above, in white. However we noticed a small sign on the display dresser which outlined that ikea currently stock two versions of white, the newer one being much fresher and brighter than the older version. Great, nice bright white furniture exactly what we wanted! However, when we came to load our goodies on to the flat bed trolley there were obvious differences in the finishes of the malm dressers and the lack shelves. One in lovely pristine white, the other a mucky nicotine stained colour in comparison. When hubby asked for advice we were told that the stores were gradually moving to the new white as stock of the older version decreased. Aaaargh! There was no way that we could get the mismatching items, so we bought the dressers and put the shelves back ... back to the drawing board on that one! It just seems silly to me to have a product labelled white which obviously isn't ... and as so many people mix and match from ikea I'm sure we'll not be the first to come across the issue. Of course my hormones don't help, a mini strop soon followed and we spent the rest of the day looking for alternatives!

And another thing ... they seem to have stopped selling my favourite light (and the one I was planning on getting for the nursery) in our local store. It's on the website but you can't buy online ... grrr!!

Rant over!
Cx

pregnancy essentials

As promised I thought I would do a roundup of my top ten essentials for the second trimester ... here goes!

(Clockwise from top left)

1. Gaviscon

Or any other suitable heartburn remedy! I've been getting heartburn quite regularly and during the second trimester as your bump develops and expands it does wierd and wonderful things on the inside resulting in many women getting heartburn. I've heard some old wives tales that heartburn is an indication of the baby developing hair, the amount I get I may gve birth to a wolf baby, the truth of this remains to be seen!

2. Bump Bands

These really are fantastic, especially for that in betweeen stage where you don't quite need to wear maternity clothes but are a little self conscious about wearing your usual tops for fear of bump flashing. I also find they are great for a little bit of extra support around the bump as you get bigger. A friend of mine also recommends them as a tummy cover up for breast feeding. You can pick them up at most maternity sections and are well worth the small outlay!

3. Dream Genii
I know I've mentioned my love for the dream genii before ... but I'm going to mention it again. I think it's a fantastic product, and if like me you suffer from SPD a must have. I use mine every night and even take it away with me whenever I'm away from home. You can also use it as a breasfeeding pillow when the baby arrives so I'll certainly have had my moneys worth by then!

4. Carmex
I'm a bit obsessed with lip balm and always have to have some in close proximity. Carmex is my favourite (in the little pot), shortly followed by the little vaseline tins ... pots are more satisfying than tubes! I've used loads during the second trimester as my lips seem to get really dry ... along with the rest of my skin which brings me to.

5. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
Gosh! I've used loads of this ... the smell can be a little off putting but it really works on dry skin. I've used it on my hands, elbows and knees and anywhere I get a patch of dry skin. It helps to releive any itching when the skin tightens because of dryness too. I also like to pop some on my eyelids to give a light sheen to them some days ... makes me look like I've had more sleep than I have!

6. Bump Support Belt
I was given one of these by the physio after I was referred because of SPD. I try not to use it all the time but can really feel the difference when I do. I usually put it on after we have been for a long walk or more recently after long DIY sessions! You can buy them online and from specialist shops, I've seen that places like jojo maman bebe also stock things like support pants and tights which I think I'll be giving a go in the next few weeks!

7. Leggings
They are everywhere still, and thankfully pregnancy friendly! I haven't felt the need to buy specific pregnancy leggings, I just bought some one size up and they are doing the job great! I tend to wear them with longer tops or tunics and what is really great is they can be dressed up or down.

8. Accessories
OK it is very general but hear me out! I made the decision early on, rather than spend a fortune on trendy maternity clothing I would buy some really good basics in plain colours and accessorize them. I've been embracing the world of oversized scarves, colourful tribal jewellery and patterned flat shoes. It's a great way to keep your 'look' up to date without spending a fortune!

And some that aren't in the picture ...

9. Forums
Online forums, such as babycentre, are a great place to chat to people who are going through the same things you are. And, as I've found out, you can ask people anything and they always get back to you! Many also have really useful tools such as pregnancy trackers so you can see where you are up to and the development stages. I've even been linked up with a bump buddy who lives in the same area and is due around the same time as me, we have been emailing each other updates and may even meet up for tea and cake sometime!

10. A journal
I've been using this blog as my journal of sorts, its a great way for me to jot down my thoughts and current obsessions. It will also be great to look back on at the end of my pregnancy and see what a long way I've come, the changes I've gone through ... and probably laugh at my obsessions! Pregnancy is such a special time I think we should all take the time to record our experiences, both good and bad.

So that's it from me! I'd be really interested to see what your essentials are/were!

Cx

necessity?

I have to admit that as first time parents we are sometimes lost in what you need for a baby, what is a nice to have and what is ridiculous ... some of the products below highlight this point!

Diaper Genie

There are loads of nappy disposal systems on the market, some parents (including very good friends of ours) hail them as one of the ultimate must haves for a newborn, some on the other hand highlight their issues (with quite graphical stories and mishaps). I just cant help thinking that they are a little icky ... some hold up to 30 nappies ... 30 nappies sitting there all wrapped up until the system needs emptying. From what I've heard of newborn poo that can't be a good thing, even with sealing and carbon filtering! I'll be disposing of my nappies straight away thank you very much!


Changing Table

I have to say I was in the for camp for this one ... until I spoke to every other parent I know. Some had made the purchase and used them for around three weeks and others had been put off due to safety issues. Many I know actually change their babies on the floor due to both safety and preference. Also, when the baby becomes too big/wriggly to change on the table you end up with a totally redundant piece of furniture. Most furniture ranges include a drawer unit which incorporates a removable changing top - after weeks of research I think that these are the best option if you are still dead set on a dedicated piece for changing. I think we'll be going for a straight forward chest of drawers and adding a changing mat on top which we can then move when the baby gets bigger - without paying a premium.


Nursing Chair

Now ... it's not the concept of these that I don't get, it's the purpose designed chairs - all the nursing chairs/gliders that I have seen are just plain ugly! I think it's a great idea to have a dedicated chair and area to nurse and soothe the baby, somewhere that becomes familiar and relaxing to baby, and is also comfortable for the parents. I've opted for an ikea poang chair and matching footstool, something that we can move to the living room as the baby grows.


Moses Basket

One of our friends has let us borrow their basket and stand (we'll be getting a new mattress) which is great but from what I've heard they aren't really worth purchasing. Until your little one arrives you're not really certain of their size which can determine how long they will be in a moses basket for (some of what I've read states this as briefly as two weeks), also many babies won't settle in a basket - preferring to move straight to a cot. A friend of mine who splashed out on a M&P basket and stand to go with the nursery decor will openly tell you that they are 'a load of rubbish ...  precarious and not sturdy enough for a newborn baby', when born her son weighed 5lbs11oz.


Wipe Warmer

I don't think I need to go any further!


I realise what some people find ridiculous some people can not live without so, with all this confusion, I've been trying to compile a list of items to purchase for our new arrival, I think I'm on the 18th version ... I promise I'll post version 19 when it is complete!.

Cx