Hair Problems And How To Fix Them



Your hair plays a significant factor in your overall appearance and as such, is an important part of feeling good about yourself and feeling confident. Having healthy hair is not a guarantee for anyone, in fact, some people suffer from hair loss and other problems that can lower your self-esteem. Let’s look at some of the most common problems and how to resolve them.

Hair loss – Hair loss can happen to anybody. Young or old, male or female, hair loss is usually a very unwelcome experience. There are so many different causes of hair loss; it can be genetic, it can be caused by stressful events, or you could even suffer from conditions such as alopecia. There are a number of alternative treatments for hair loss, for those with lots of money to spend, you could always try a hair transplant. For those with a more limited budget, there are lots of products available that will help hair regrowth. Examples include hair-thickening products such as sprays, shampoo, and conditioners. Hair loss can be embarrassing for some people, so any help available should be tried to see how effective it is in restoring hair growth. When trying any new products, it's vital you check the reviews and components of the product to ensure you know what you're using. Something similar to the Awakening Mist ingredients is perfect.  Hair loss can be embarrassing for some people, so any help available should be tried to see how effective it is in restoring hair growth.

Grey hair – For some, going grey is all part and parcel of getting older. There are many celebrities that have totally mastered the more distinguished, grey hair look. George Clooney is probably one of the most well-publicised ‘silver foxes’. For many other people, going grey is not a nice experience and sometimes, grey hair can also make your skin look washed out. Luckily, there are loads of ways you can disguise or improve the appearance of grey hair; from an all-over dye to having some highlights that break up the grey.

Greasy hair – Often greasy hair can look as though it hasn’t been washed for a while, but some people can get greasy-looking hair straight after they have washed it. The causes can vary from a product build-up that can clog up both the scalp and the hair strands, to over-washing and even hormone changes in the body. If you touch your hair too often and are constantly brushing it, this can also make it look greasy quickly. You should try to wash your hair a maximum of every 2/3 days to prevent it from starting to look greasy.

Damaged hair – If you have had a lot of colouring done to your hair or you haven’t had it cut regularly, it can lead to damaged hair such as split ends and frizz. The best way to treat this is to get a special repair treatment and to make sure that you have regular trips to the hair salon. Bad diets and sun exposure can also have a big impact on the health of your hair, so conditioning treatments are a good idea. If you have a lot of hair damage, you might be best to opt for a shorter haircut until it starts looking healthier.

- This is a PR collaboration. 

Top Board Games For Easter Half Term With University Games - Competition


Easter half term is just around the corner and University Games have pulled together its top games to keep the family entertained across the Easter holidays. Whether it’s stealing carrots from the bunny’s burrow, drawing with googly glasses or naming the first three things in 5 seconds, University Games has something to suit all ages.


Bunny Jump
The fast and furious family game Bunny Jump will leave little ones eagerly waiting in anticipation to catch bunny when he randomly jumps from his burrow to protect the carrots growing in his garden! Catch the bunny and gain extra carrots - the player to collect the most, wins. Aged 4+ years. For 2+ players. RRP £19.99 available at Toys R Us, Argos and Amazon.

Yeti In My Spaghetti
This game is as crazy as it sounds! Take turns to carefully pull away the squiggly spaghetti sticks from the bowl, but be careful not to let the yeti that is sat balancing on top tumble into the bowl. As the intensity rises with each draw of spaghetti, the player who makes the yeti fall is the looser! Ages 4+. For 2+ players. RRP: £19.99 available from Amazon.

Don’t Rock The Boat
Fancy yourself the challenge of balancing a crew of 16 pirate penguins? Take turns to balance the pirate penguins on the ship without making it tip! Be ever so careful, if you rock the boat and send the penguins overboard, ye might have to walk the plank! A fun balancing game for all buccaneers! Ages 5+. For 2-4 players. RRP £14.99, available at Amazon, Toys R Us and Argos.


5 Second Rule Jr
The super popular, lightening fast game of 5 Second Rule is sure to unleash everyone’s competitive side! Players have to answer with the first three words that come to mind before the 5 second timer is up. This Jr. version makes it suitable for the smaller members of the family too. Ages 5+. RRP £19.99 available from Argos, Amazon and Toys R Us. 

5 Second Rule Mini
The UK’s no.1 selling mini game! Perfect for any road trips of days out you have planned this half term. Age 8+. RRP £7.99 available from Tesco, Amazon and John Lewis.

Googly Eyes
Googly Eyes is the hilarious drawing game involving crazy, googly glasses that challenge your vision and leave you googling for more. Simply put on the zany, vision-altering Googly Eye glasses and start to draw whilst the team tries to guess what you’re drawing – and on a time limit! Ages 7+. RRP £19.99 available from Amazon, Toys R Us and Argos.

Word Has It!
Challenge the wordsmiths in the family to this race at great speed... the tallest word is what you need! This new word game from University Games is sure to put the fun on the rise - simply create the tallest word under the time limit to win! Ages 7+. For 2 - 4 players. RRP: £19.99 available from Amazon.


Competition time! How would you like to win one of the games mentioned above? I have three games to give away to three different winners and the winner gets to choose their prize! Which would you choose if you won? To enter all you need to do is use the Gleam form below. Good luck and don't forget to enter my other blog competitions

.
1 of 3 University Games

Terms & Conditions.                                                                                                 
1. There will be 3 winners who will each choose 1 game each.
2. Prize sent directly by the PR. 
3. Competition ends 26/03/17
4. Incomplete entries with be disqualified. 
5. UK entries only.

Mummy & Me - February



When writing last months Mummy & Me post I was convinced that when it came to my February Mummy & Me that our baby would be here by now and that we'd finally be a family of four! She had other ideas in mind though as I'm currently 5 days overdue. As I type this it's the 25th of February and as the month draws to a close I've decided to go ahead with these two photo's from the February as she may now be born in March! The first photo is a slightly candid photo of myself on the birth ball while having a tender moment and big cuddle from Noah. He insisted on sitting on my knee and I just had to ask Nick to take a photo. It's a photo I'm going to treasure forever and one that I'll be showing both children. The second photo is my bun in the oven who has decided to keep us all waiting by being overdue. Come on little one, we can't wait to meet you! 


Nicola... Life Through My Eyes

Project 365 - Week 8/52


19th February - 25th February

19th February 2017

20th February 2017

21st February 2017

22nd February 2017

23rd February 2017

24th February 2017

25th February 2017

Another week has flown by in the blink of an eye. Noah was back at nursery after half term so it was nice to get some normality and structure back into our week. He still only goes three afternoons a week, nine hours per week but having some sort of routine seems to make our weeks easier. On Monday I had my 40 week midwife appointment, on my due date. Everything went great with both the baby and I and at the appointment and I was offered a stretch and sweep which I of course accepted. I had one with Noah but it wasn't half as painful as this one was but I think it was because I wasn't dilated yet. I was absolutely gutted to find this out as I've been having so many pains for the past few weeks that I would have thought I'd been somewhat dilated. At least knowing that I didn't have high expectations of going into labour anytime soon and just came to terms with the fact that this baby is going to be overdue. My Mum visited a few times this week which was nice as I was able to relax quite a lot. Nick and I enjoyed a nice lunch out just the two of us earlier in the week which was really nice. We go out for a meal around once a week but of course usually always take Noah. It was strange not having to entertain a toddler though I have to admit. We are now drawing to the end of the week and our baby is showing no sign of making her appearance, I'm now 5 days over due! Lets hope by next weeks post she will be here and we will finally be a family of 4. Wish me luck! 

What have you been up to this week?


5 Ways To Make A Memorable Baby Shower

Baby showers are a celebration that the UK mums and dads has recently adopted from our American cousins and they've become all the rage over the last couple of years. They seem to grow in popularity every year and it's no surprise as to why. They are a great way to celebrate your pregnancy, they add to the excitement of the lead up to your new arrival, they are the perfect excuse to have a party with your friends and family, receive lots of thoughtful gifts and eat a truck load of indulgent snacks. What's not to love?


I had a baby shower when I was expecting Noah which you can read all about here. It was hosted by my mother in law and all my closest family and friends were invited. I was in two minds about having a baby shower at all, as I'm not one to be the centre of attention, but I'm so glad I did as it was a very special day for me and one that I remember fondly. I was surrounded by people that I love and I laughed so much that a few times I thought I may actually force myself into labour!

Not only did I have an incredible time at my baby shower but I also received some really useful gifts too. My favourites being a baby bath, baby towel and a whole hamper full of Pampers Sensitive Wipes and Pampers Premium Protection New Baby Nappies. I used both the nappies and wipes as soon as Noah was born as I knew they are the only newborn nappy endorsed by the British Skin Foundation, so would be kind and gentle on his newborn skin which was great for my peace of mind. It also helped me a lot as a new Mum, as I didn’t need to buy any wipes or nappies for the first couple of months. As lovely as baby clothes, shoes and toys are you can’t beat receiving the necessities and Pampers were just that to us. If you want to really treat an expectant parent to the most useful gift of all then I would recommend looking at pushchairs. A great idea would be for everyone to chip in and splurge on one - I know I would have really appreciated it!

If you’re thinking of having a baby shower or wanting to plan one for a friend, then I really can't recommend one enough. Today I thought I'd share a couple of tips which could help you create a baby shower to remember.

1. Invite the right guests
This could make or break a baby shower, it really could. Do your research on who your expectant mother would like to attend as you really don't want a sour face relative or arch enemy turning up for the event. She'll want to be surrounded by her nearest and dearest so it really is all about quality and not quantity when it comes to your attendees.

2. Be organised and prepared
When hosting, it certainly pays off to be organised and have some sort of itinerary to work with. You want the baby shower to run smoothly and avoid any stress which other guests or expectant mother may pick up on. You also don't want to be running around like a headless chicken and will want to enjoy the party yourself.

3. Plan lots of fun games
A highlight of my baby shower has got to be the games! There are so many fun games that you can plan for a baby shower, some are ice breakers, some bring out people’s competitive side and some are downright hilarious. A favourite of mine has got to be the chocolate nappy game where you add different melted chocolate bars to different nappies. They are then passed around and the guests have to guess what chocolate each nappy contains by sniffing it. The person who guessing the most correctly wins!

4. Provide lots of food and snacks
Imagine turning up to a baby shower and there being no food! There would be a lot of unhappy guests and well not providing food to a pregnant lady is just the epitome of cruel, how could you do that to her! Sacrilege! A buffet style spread would suffice but make sure there is lots and lots of cake!

5. A thoughtful gift or two
A good place to start are the essentials that any new parent will relish as a present – a healthy supply of Pampers nappies and wipes to get them started, it definitely helps having them on hand! A very personalised and thoughtful way to end a baby shower is to also present the expectant mother with a memento to mark the occasion. There are so many options when it comes to a thoughtful keepsake, especially online and most don't cost very much either. I was given a crystal heart decoration with a blue ribbon and it was one of the first items I put inside my son’s memory box. I still treasure it three years later.

For more tips and advice on throwing the best baby shower possible read this article brought to you by Pampers. Do you have any tips or ideas when it comes to hosting a baby shower?


- Wrote in collaboration with Pampers as part of The Pampers Baby Board.


My Pregnancy - Questions & Answers


Today is my due date and to mark the occasion I decided to set up a little Q&A with my readers and friends. I thought this would be lovely to look back at one day, to reminisce and remember all the up's and down's of this pregnancy. I put out a call out over on my Facebook page and here are some of the questions that were thrown my way. 

As you're having a different gender, do you feel like your pregnancies were different? 
This is actually a really good question but one that's quite difficult to answer too. In some ways the pregnancies have been similar but then in other ways they've been totally different. My bump has been pretty similar I think, both times I've popped pretty early, been covered in stretch marks and measured big. My main cravings in both pregnancies have been cereal and oranges but different to last time I've been obsessed with beetroot and jelly too! I definitely found pregnancy easier the first time round as I've had a lot more aches, pains and complaints with this pregnancy.  

What will you miss the most about being pregnant?
I'll miss my bump and feeling her move around inside. We have decided to stop at two children so knowing this will be my last pregnancy does make me feel a little sad as I will really miss the kicks and movements. Pregnancy is one incredible journey, warts and all. 

What are you most nervous about second time around labour and birth wise?
It has to be the recovery. The first time around you don't need to worry so much about the recovery and how long it will take, you can take it easy. This time I have a toddler to take care of as well as a newborn baby so this makes me feel a little scared and nervous. Thankfully Nick will be taking time off work to help and hopefully the two weeks will be all I need to recover. 

Are you planning on skin to skin? Delayed cord clamping?
I hope so! I'd planned on instant skin to skin with Noah but couldn't have it for very long as he'd pooed in his waters during delivery. Pretty soon after he was born they had to check his breathing and lungs to make sure he hadn't inhaled any, which thankfully he hadn't. It depends on the birth but I really hope so this time. I'd also love a water birth too as I wasn't able to have one when I was induced with Noah.

How did you find sleeping at night? What do you find helped you get a better nights sleep?
I struggled with sleep, just like when I was pregnant with Noah. As you get bigger and bigger it's so hard to get comfortable and then there's the pregnancy insomnia too! I found my Theraline pregnancy pillow an absolute godsend and have pretty much used it the entire pregnancy. It also helped to have plenty of Rennies and Gaviscon on my bedside table as I would often wake with awful heartburn and indigestion in the night.

Do you feel like you know the signs of labour to look out for? 
Having been induced with Noah I've not yet experienced going into labour naturally so although I think I know what to look out for it will all be totally new to me. With an induction things go from 0-100 very quickly with the pessaries, gel and then the drip, it's not as gradual as natural labour is. I've already had a few moments where I thought things may be starting but so far it's just been the baby getting ready for her big entrance I think!

What have you enjoyed the most and least about pregnancy the second time around?
I've loved feeling the baby get stronger and stronger as the weeks go on. The feeling of baby kicks is one of the best experiences in the world and I'll be sad to never experience that again once she's born. I also really enjoyed our scans, especially the 4D scan I managed to win in a competition! I also loved our gender scan and predicting the gender right for the second time! This time around I've felt sick and lethargic pretty much for the entire 9 months so I would have to say that is the part I've enjoyed the least.

What are you most looking forward to after the birth?

It's got be setting eyes on her for the first time and all those newborn cuddles. I'm so excited yet at the same time it still doesn't feel real, it's so surreal. I'm also looking forward to enjoy a very small glass of wine, I have to admit! Not right after the birth of course but we will have to wet her head!


So there you have it, those were the questions and here are my answers. I can't believe today is my due date. This pregnancy has flown by in the blink of an eye and I am bursting in anticipation to meet our baby girl. I cannot wait to become a family of four! 

Project 365 - Week 7/52


12th February - 18th February

12th February 2017

13th February 2017

14th February 2017

15th February 2017

16th February 2017

17th February 2017

18th February 2017

We've all had a great week! No signs of baby just yet but we've not let that stop us getting out and about and enjoying the time we have left as a trio. It's been half term this week so we've had a lot more one on one time which has been lovely but at the same time it's been strange because we've had no structure to the week. The no structure has been quite nice though! On Sunday the weather was miserable so we decided to take Noah to the cinema for the first time, to see Lego Batman of course! I didn't think he would sit still for very long but he did better than I thought he would even though he asked to go to the park half way through, ha ha. Monday my Mum came to take Noah out for the afternoon which gave me some time to blog and take a nap! Tuesday was Valentines Day but we didn't have much planned, just a nice chilled out day for Noah and I as he didn't have nursery. Wednesday was much of the same, we spent some time outdoors when the weather perked up a little. I don't like venturing out far without Nick as I think I could go into labour at any moment. On Thursday my Mum came over for the afternoon again but this time we all went into town together rather than her take Noah to give me some free time. It was nice to get out and about with her and although it was painful to walk around for so long at nine months pregnant. We thought it may encourage her to make an appearance, though that didn't happen! Friday and Saturday was mainly spent relaxing with both Nick and Noah, shopping, visiting family and so on. The baby's due date is just two days away now and I wonder if on my next update we will be sharing her very first photo and announcing her birth! We will have to wait and see! Hopefully she won't keep us waiting too much longer!

What have you been up to this week? 

38 & 39 Weeks Pregnant - Baby #2



Baby
My baby girl is now estimated to be between 19.75 to 20 inches long and may weigh roughly 6.8lb to 7.25lb. This of course vary's from baby to baby and is an average so we'll have to wait to see how much she actually weighs and measures when she's born. 
She is continuing to build layers of fat and the placenta is still working hard to provide the important antibodies to help protect her when she's arrives into the world. Our daughter is now also considered full term and she's totally ready to be born. 


Mummy
As I write this I'm 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant. This pregnancy has flown by but as we reach the final hurdle it's like we've hit the brakes and now it feels like I've been pregnant forever! I decided to write this double post a little earlier than planned this week as I have a feeling I won't be pregnant for much longer. Lets hope Mummy's intuition is correct and it's not just wishful thinking. I've had quite a few tell tale signs that labour may be imminent so I'm trying to remain focused that it won't be long now. As much as I love pregnancy I'm ready to trade in the none stop nausea, heartburn and aches and pains for our baby! I'm so ready to meet our baby girl now, so much so that it hurts!

See you next week? Maybe? Will there be a 40 week update or will the next post I write be our daughters birth announcement? I guess we will all have to wait and see!

Top 3 Travel Essentials For A Family Holiday Abroad



The days are becoming brighter but the cold days remain the same so lately I've found myself dreaming all about our next holiday abroad. I'm currently heading towards the end of my second pregnancy and although our daughter hasn't been born yet we already have a holiday abroad booked for this summer. She will only be three months old at the time but as we are travelling with extended family it makes me feel a lot more comfortable about taking such a young baby abroad. I may not have taken a baby abroad before but last year we did take Noah abroad for the very first time. He was two years old at the time and I imagined it to be extremely hard work but in all honestly it was very easy. With this in mind I thought I would put together a travel essential checklist that certainly helped us on our first family holiday last year.


Travel Insurance
Number one on our list has got to be travel insurance, especially when travelling abroad. It's a no brainer really. You don't know if you are going to need it or not but unfortunately we can't glimpse into the future. I know for a fact that I personally wouldn't travel abroad without it, it's great for peace of mind. You can find some great deals online and in depth advice at jefferies-solicitors.com.

Medicine and Sun Cream
I've heard that some people don't pack these and choose to buy them when they are on holiday but I wouldn't recommend it when travelling with young children. Prices are so much more expensive abroad at the moment, especially when it comes to sun creams. You also don't want to get there and realise you've not packed any of the children's medicines and none of the local stores or pharmacies stock it. I also found packing swim nappies and toiletries saved us a lot of euros too.

Activities for the Kids
As I mentioned earlier our holiday abroad with Noah last year couldn't have gone any better. I had dreaded the flight and the long transfer time as I could picture him getting frustrated and bored. I had nightmares about being that parent on the flight with the tantrumming toddler but thankfully I managed to avoid it. I'd taken some advice from fellow bloggers who recommended packing an activity flight bag for him. Inside I packed everything from snacks and toy cars through to surprise eggs and colouring books. It kept him busy and entertained and a few people actually commented that they didn't even realise we had a toddler with us, he was so quiet!


What are your top three travel essentials? 

- This is a PR collaboration. 

L.O.L Surprise! Dolls - Review & Competition



They're here! L.O.L Surprise! have hit the UK after taking the USA by storm! Surprise eggs and blind bags are all the rage at the moment and if you have a child you've probably watched endless unboxing videos on Youtube already!  

L.O.L Surprise! is basically a large, colourful surprise egg which is filled with 7 surprises. There are 7 different layers to unwrap and with each layer comes a surprise which gets bigger and bigger. It's just like unwrapping a gift when playing pass the parcel as your excitement grows and grows with every turn. Inside you will find a range of different surprises from secret messages, stickers, baby bottles, a pair of shoes, outfits, accessories and then the best surprise, a super cute L.O.L doll. Both Noah and I really enjoyed this element as it's something I've not seen with surprise eggs or blind bags before, it's a totally unique concept. 



Inside our L.O.L Surprise! was Roller Sk8tr who is part of the athletic club and is of the fancy variety. She came fully equipped with a dummy, bottle, outfit and little roller skates. As you can see she's super cute and colourful, we absolutely adore her!

There are over 45 dolls to collect and these aren't your average dolls. These fashion forward characters are packed with personality and are super cute too. From rockers to mermaids, each L.O.L Surprise! comes complete with bathtub, doll stand, hangout and the ball even doubles up as a purse!

The surprises don't just end there. After you've dressed you're doll it's time to reveal their secret feature. To do so all you need to fill the baby bottle with water and feed the doll or bathe her and she will reveal her special secret. Some dolls cry, some spit up, some wee and some even change colour! Ours cried little tears! Aww. 


L.O.L Surprise! is going to be extremely popular and become the next collectable craze here in the UK, I can tell. L.O.L Surprise! Series 1 are suitable for children from the age of 3 and cost £7.99. They are available to buy from all good toy retailers such as Argos, Asda, The Entertainer, Smyths and Tesco. For more information visit 
https://lolsurprise.mgae.com/

How would you like to win a L.O.L Surprise? I have 3 to give away to 3 lucky winners! To enter all you need to do is use the Gleam form below. Good luck and don't forget to enter my other blog competitions


3 L.O.L Surprise! Dolls (3 Winners)

Terms & Conditions.                                                                                                 
1. There will be 3 winner who will each win 1 L.O.L Surprise! Doll.
2. Prize sent directly by the PR. 
3. Competition ends 12/03/17
4. Incomplete entries with be disqualified. 
5. UK entries only.

My Top Fashion Styles For Baby Girls


Baby clothes have always been a weakness of mine. Even back when I wasn't a parent I'd often find myself in the baby aisle admiring and cooing over all the little outfits and teeny tiny shoes. Now that I'm a parent of a toddler and with a newborn on the way that weakness has turned into a fully fledged obsession. When I have any spare money I don't tend to ever spend it on myself, it always goes on clothes for my children. I get such a joy from buying new items of clothing and piecing together new outfits for them. 

Buying baby clothes doesn't need to be expensive, it really pays to shop around and I often use Love The Sales to find the best offers online. With my baby daughter due any day now I decided to put together a little wishlist of all the pieces that I'd like to buy her that I've found over on the website. 




John Lewis Blue Stripe and Floral Sleep Suit 
As much as I adore pink I love girls in blue just as much. This floral and striped sleep suit from John Lewis is utterly adorable with the mix of stripes and floral prints. It features a round neck, long sleeves and popper fastenings which are a godsend for parents. 

Emile et Rose Baby Pink Velour Coat
This is a brand that I discovered on Love The Sales. Ever since I've been totally obsessed with Emile et Rose and have already bought the baby a coat from their range. This lightly padded velour coat won't just keep her warm but keep her looking very chic and utterly adorable too.
 

Monsoon Sienna Dress
I can't put into words how stunning this floral dress is! It would be perfect for a whole range of different events throughout the summer, from weddings through to garden parties. I love the mix of subtle colours, the textile flowers and the contrasting blue sash just completes the dress.

John Lewis Elephant Cardigan
There's nothing as perfect as seeing a baby in cosy knitwear and this hooded cardigan from John Lewis is high up on my wishlist. It's made from a soft cotton knit blend, fastens with buttons at the front and has a hood too. I think the combination of colours is dreamy and the elephant motif is just darling.

Ladybird Long Sleeve and Chambray Dress
Ever since finding out that baby number two is a girl I haven't been able to stop buying dresses. I'm a dress kind of girl myself so it's no surprise that I've been utterly obsessed with them for my daughter too. I think this dress from Ladybird would be lovely for a British summer with it's long sleeves and soft jersey top. Not only does it look very cute but it also looks very practical. 

Esprit Animal Print Outfit
A refreshing break from all the pretty dresses, here is a lovely little outfit from Esprit. The long sleeve pink top and animal print trousers are made from 100% cotton and look extremely comfortable for our little ones to wear. 

TOMS Ditsy Print Crib Shoes
My list wouldn't be complete without a pair of shoes and these ditsy print slip ons from TOMS are just the ticket. They are made from a canvas material and have soft foam padded lining. They would go with so many different outfits and would be super comfortable too.

Which item on my wishlist is your favourite?


- via Love The Sales. 

Project 365 - Week 6/52


5th February - 11th February

5th February 2017

6th February 2017

7th February 2017

8th February 2017

9th February 2017

10th February 2017

11th February 2017

Another week, another Project 365. Another week that's just flown on by! As these weeks pass us by it brings us closer to our daughter who's due to be born on the 20th of this month! So exciting! This week was again nothing out of the ordinary as we stuck to our routines. Noah had nursery which he's still really enjoying. He adore's his key person and even has two best friends, it's so cute! I had my 38 week midwife appointment on Monday which went as well as it could do as all my checks were spot on and the baby is engaged! The rest of the week was spent visiting family, shopping and so on. At the moment I feel like I'm on tender hooks waiting for the babies arrival so I'm a little scared to venture out for too long or too far and when I do my stomach and pelvis starts aching after a while. Who knows, next week I might be posting all about our new arrival! You'll have to watch this space! 


What have you been up to this week?

Ideas For My Daughters Nursery



With our daughter due any day now and an another home renovation just around the corner I thought it would be rather fitting to put together a post all about my nursery decor ideas. We are planning on expanding into the attic this year which will give us another room which Noah will then move into. He will really enjoy a bigger bedroom and the extra space. Once this is completed we will then be redecorating Noah's room into a nursery for our baby girl. As you can tell, 2017 is going to be one busy year for us.

Having undergone
 a full house renovation two years ago I'm quite good an envisioning what I want rooms to look like. I don't need to look around for much inspiration as it just seems to come to me and the same can be said when it comes to planning my daughters room.

Pink Butterfly Mobile
I already have the colour scheme for her room all planned out. I want hints of pink and lilac mixed with subtle grey and white. I think this is a great way to be feminine and enjoy pinks without it being too overbearing. I've been looking at handmade cot and ceiling mobiles on Etsy and have totally fallen in love with the butterfly designs. I'm going to have to order one soon.  

Miffy Nightlight
Every child's room has got to have a nightlight and I really adore the character themed ones. Miffy has been a favourite character of mine since I was a little girl so I'd love to add some Miffy touches here and there for my daughter to enjoy too.

White Sleigh Cot
When I was pregnant with Noah I chose pine nursery furniture as it was our favourite when looking around the shops. It also matched the colour scheme I'd planned for his nursery so it was the obvious choice to go for. This time around I'd love to go for a white theme, just for it to be different to what we've had previously. I've had my eye on this sleigh cot for quite some time now and I may have to order it once she is in her own room.

Made to Measure Curtains
Our house is quite an old build and we've noticed that the windows and doors are all irregular sizes. This can make buying new doors and curtains quite tricky and that's where made to measure curtains come in. I've been looking at the lilac ones for her bedroom or perhaps some grey ones.

Handmade Art Work
I've taken some inspiration from Pinterest here and really want to create some artwork with the baby. I love the idea of using her hands and feet to make decorative prints. Not only would they look gorgeous but they would make the most lovely keepsake too. 

Star Storage Box
One thing I've learnt from being a parent these last three years is that you can never have enough storage! These little people that we create sure need a lot of things! I'm constantly buying toy boxes and storage towers so I'd definitely have to buy some for her bedroom too. 


Did you have a theme or ideas in mind when decorating your child's nursery?

- This is a collaborative post. 

37 Weeks Pregnant - Baby #2




Baby
Wow, 37 weeks! I'm aware I'm not going to have many of these pregnancy updates left and although I'm really excited to meet our girl it feels so surreal too. At 37 weeks she should now be roughly 19 inches long and weigh around 6.3lb. She's a fully fledged little baby in there now and I just can't wait to cuddle her. She is now considered term but isn't actually full term until 39 weeks. Her organs are pretty much fully developed now and it's all about when decides to arrive now. She's so very active and strong, especially at night and she quite often hurts me the little monkey! I'm so excited to meet her!


Mummy
I'm going to hold my hands up and admit that I'm at that stage now where I'm counting down the days until my due date. As much as I've loved pregnancy and everything that comes with it, it's been totally different this time around and a lot harder work. I don't think there's been a day that I haven't felt totally exhausted or sick and I know I'll be even more tired once she's here but I'm looking forward to the nausea and heartburn going away! I'm still struggling to sleep and my pelvic and back pain has now returned with her being head down and beginning to engage. I don't feel overly huge bump wise but it must be bigger than I was with Noah as I have brand new stretch marks to add to the collection. My bump is also really sore at the top and I think that's because I've been lifting Noah and have been bending down instead of squatting. I've felt a lot of pains down below over the last week or so and they've been that strong that at times I've felt like I'd be going into labour soon but so far it's all just been false starts and her getting ready for the big day!

I wonder how many days we have left now? Hopefully she won't be keeping us waiting much longer. We can't contain our excitement and just want to meet our baby A. 

See you next week!