Bump Fashion - week 15

Slowly I'm getting over this horrible cold and finding a little more energy to dress nicely again.  Thought I still feel like living in PJs really..  I can't bring myself to drop Ethan at preschool or do the food shopping in them though!! I've seen people who do and I'm not a fan... Anyway, I digress.. Today I'm going to show you the other pair of skinny jeans I got from ASOS:

Stripe vest top - Asda

Plain vests - H&M

Batwing top - New Look

Maternity Jeans - ASOS

Kensington Ugg Boots - Cloggs.co.uk

Necklace - charity shop

I love the colour of these jeans, just as I love the green pair.  It's so lovely not to feel drab and dowdy when pregnant.  The only issue I have with both pairs is that they tend to get baggy and fall down.  I'm not sure if that's because I need a size bigger because the legs are quite thin/tight so maybe not staying up as well as they could.  I used the adjustable sides to make them as tight as possible at the top which helps a little but they aren't perfect.  Perhaps I'll buy another pair and try the next size up just for comparison..  For £11 though I'm happy with them.

What do you think of this top?  It's not a maternity top.  It is a bit of an odd item I think, a bit like a net bag or string vest.  I like it enough though.  It's working quite well with my bump I think because it's baggy.  I can wear it over tight vests/tops but not feel like I'm shoving my bump in everyone's face!  It was only a fiver so worth it.

Again I'm rocking my Kensington Uggs from Cloggs.  I am really really loving them.  Over a week of wearing them and they are so comfy and so cosy.  I was wearing them today walking to and from preschool and was very glad of my toasty toes.  They are coping well in rain showers as well.  Love them.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde today :)  Thanks for reading!

15 Weeks

OK, so I'm a bit more than 15 weeks now, but only by a few days.  It's a good title for this post anyway.  I want to start recording this pregnancy before I get much further into it.

So, here we are, definitely in the second trimester now.  I'm still feeling tired and I'm still getting nausea.  Perhaps 16 weeks will herald a change.

This pregnancy is very different from the last one (Ethan).  I don't know whether it's down to being 4 years older, having a 3 1/2 year old, faded memory or just different symptoms, or maybe all of those, but it seems different to me.  This pregnancy is proving far harder.  I am SO much more tired than I was with Ethan, even though I was working.  I suspect that in general my days are much busier and more physical than they were when I was working.  Though of course I had to be in work, I was mostly sat at my desk all day which, whilst uncomfortable as I got bigger, was easy.  There's so much more day to day housework (house-maintainance!) these days, walking Ethan to and from preschool, picking up toys all day long.  Plus, there's my blog, my Stella & Dot work and all the Christmas craft I'm trying to fit in.  I'm done in.  If my blog is quieter these days, please bear with me because that's why.

On top of tiredness, I seem to have cold after cold and this current one (now on day 8) is still dragging on.  I can't breath through my nose well so nights are proving hard. A good reminder of what's to come!

Last pregnancy, I was tired, but not this tired.  My allergies cleared up, this time they haven't.  My skin was great last time, this time it's terrible.  My boobs are MUCH MUCH sorer and have got bigger even quicker. I am generally bigger much earlier than I was last time.  My nausea is worse, far worse.  Part of me would love to tell myself "it's different because this time it's a girl!" but I'm not going to tell myself that.  I would love a girl, really really love it.  But I keep telling myself it'll be a boy.  We plan to find out at my 20 week scan.  Talking of which, I need to book that!  No one told me when I was at the hospital for my 12 week scan that I needed to book my 20 week scan whilst I was there.  It's only since I've spoken to friends that they've told me that's what I was supposed to do. Why did no one tell me?!!

I'm opting for a home birth this time round.  As long as nothing goes wrong, that's what I should get.  Just have to hope this little one doesn't come as late as Ethan did otherwise it'll cause problems with a home birth.  I need to start getting my butt in gear, finding out about hiring a birthing pool.  Anyone reading, did you have a home birth, in particular a home water birth?  I don't know many people who have.  Everyone I tell makes a face at me... a "are you mad?!" face.  Perhaps I am, but I know I don't want to be in hospital unless necessary.

I'm definitely showing now, although some people insist I'm not.  I think it's because they only see me when I have my (baggy maternity  coat on or a dress and a cardi.  I definitely am though.  The bump gets bigger as they day goes on and is really quite comical by the end of the day.

I'll show you a comparison photo so you can see I'm bigger this time.  I couldn't find a 15 week photo for last time, I managed to find an 18 week one and I'm still smaller than I am now.  Also, I'm wearing the same pj bottoms in each photo... hehe!!! The mirror has changed though.  See what you think:

At least the pjs are still going strong even if I feel a wreck.

I've got to sign off for the night now.  I don't think I'll manage a Trendy Tuesday tomorrow because I'm going to be busy, got to try and get some Christmas shopping and crafting done.  It's all getting a bit too close for comfort and I don't feel very organised!

Bear with me whilst the blog is in flux!

Hippychick all in one waterproof review

I've been writing over at Direct2Mum today.  You can check out my review of a fantastic Hippychick waterproof over here!

Kensington Uggs - my new "go to" boots

I won't deny I like Ugg boots.  I know lots of people hate them, think they are chunky, unattractive and impractical   Each to their own - though I do suspect many people who hold that opinion are basing it on a) fake Uggs they've seen on people, the ones that tend to go baggy and make people scuff along the floor when they walk and b) have never worn a (genuine) pair.  They are just so comfy.

I bought my first pair of Uggs (short classic in a tan colour) when we were on honeymoon in America.  I knew I'd be able to get them for a good price there due to the exchange rate (there's no denying that Uggs are pricey).  I bought them in Macys in San Francisco.  They travelled through 9 different states with us and then came back on the plane, keeping my feet lovely and snugg.  I still have them now and still wear them.  I have looked after them very well and they are still in good condition.  I don't think I could ever part with them due to where they came from and where they've been....

Whilst I love my classic Uggs, it has to be said that they don't fair well in the rain.  I don't wear them in the rain at all.  If it even looks like it might rain, I won't put them on.  Even though they don't go in the rain at all, I still keep them protected with sheepskin protector.  Just in case!  However, I've always lusted after a pair of Ugg like boots that would keep my feet toasty but that I wouldn't have to worry about (so much) in the rain... I then discovered the Kensington Uggs on Cloggs.co.uk.  Now, these are leather boots, not suede and as such, won't go sopping wet in the rain.  I don't suppose you could call them "waterproof" exactly.  They are leather and we all know leather can stain and be affected by water, buuuuuuuuuuuuut they are infinitely more practical that classic suede Uggs.  You can even polish them if you want to make them repel water!

Glasses - Gok @ Specsavers

Earrings - Room.31

Cardigan - New Look (old)

Dress - ASOS Maternity

Necklace & Ring - New Look (old)

Navy tights - H&M Maternity

Kensington Uggs - Cloggs.co.uk

I'd read online that you should by the size up from your normal size, but I didn't because in my experience  when you wear Uggs, the wool inside gets flattened down over time, moulding to your feet and if you buy the next size up, within a couple of weeks you could have a saggy wobbly pair of boots.  I'm glad I stuck with this choice because when they arrived on Monday and I slipped them on, they were perfect.  They went on like a dream, I didn't have to yank and pull to get them on.  They are firmer and hold their shape better than classic Uggs due to the leather being stronger.  I've already worn them out in the rain and they coped well.  I think you'll be seeing a lot of these boots on my blog from now on!!

I couldn't be happier with my new boots!!  I have to say I'm very happy with the customer service I received from Cloggs as well, I've used them quite a few times over the last few years and I've always been pleased.  My packages come quickly, everything is well packaged.  Most of all though, they have great prices.  Their Ugg boots are often a good £20-£25 cheaper than on other sites and they have free postage which helps.

I'm linking up today with Transatlantic Blonde, The Pleated Poppy and Everybody Everywhere.  Thank you for reading! x

***All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.  Cloggs.co.uk very kindly offered me 40% off my new boots in exchange for a feature on my blog***

Trendy Tuesday - Hatley & Emma Levine

Have you seen Hatley children's clothing?  I'm sure you have, even if you didn't realise.  Their clothes are perfect for children with their cute designs and repeating patterns.  Admittedly it isn't a "cheap" clothing brand, but if you're buying something like a coat which is going to be worn a lot and over a 6-12 month period (or longer if you are Ethan, he's not big!) I think they are a good brand to choose.

About two years ago I spotted a gorgeous Hatley coat with a tractor design in a shop that was closing down.  I was able to snap it up for a bargain because they were closing (sad that they were closing, but what can you do?!) I believe I paid £14.99 which is about half of the RRP.  The only thing was Ethan already had a coat, and one in the next size up, so I bought it in age 3.  I do that a lot...  Anyway, the time has come for him to wear it at last!  His apple print coat from Smafolk still fits him and is fine, but it's a thin material.  It's getting quite chilly here at the moment and that's where the Hatley coat comes in handy.  It's waterproof but has a nice cosy terry lining as well to keep out the chill.  Ethan is enjoying the tractor print as well!

What do you think?  Do you like?  I belive Hatley are stocked in lots of different places from large department stores like John Lewis, online retailers like Amazon and from lots of independant shops (such as the one I got Ethan's from).  I will admit I'm hankering after some more Hatley items...  For example, they have a lot of clothing with moose on them, and I LOVE moose:

Image source: Amazon

I'm a bit mad over this waterproof suit, it's gorgeous.. Maybe something for the new baby.  I think it'd be ok for a boy or a girl.  I know it's perhaps leaning a little more to the "girly" spectrum, but what the heck!

Image source: Amazon

I've had my attention brought to another gorgeous children's clothing brand, Emma Levine.  This brand started up in 2011 catering for girls aged 0-9 initially, but as of this Autumn/Winter, they now cater for boys. The ethos behind Emma Levine is to provide designer quality and style but at a fraction of the price.  I think they do a good job.  Yes, they aren't Primark prices, but if you are after a gorgeous knit or a special outfit, I think they are worth baring in mind!! Here are my top picks:

For boys: 

   

For girls:

 

You can look at the whole range here.  Images are from the Emma Levine website.

Right, that's enough rambling from me!! It's over to you now.  It's Trendy Tuesday so I want to see what the young trendies in your life have been rocking.  It's simple to do, write up a blog post and follow these rules!

1) Link your blog post to the linky below.

2) Please display my badge (to the side) and your blog or in your blog post and link back to my blog.

3) Please comment on this post and visit as many of the other linked up posts and comment too.  We all love a comment!

4) Tweet me the link to your blog post so I can retweet it!

Easy!

Thank you for reading!

Alex

x

**This is not a sponsored post, I haven't been paid to mention these companies, I am just expressing my own thoughts and opinions!**

Bumping with style?!

Hello folks!  Last time I was writing about my lack of (nice) maternity wear and what I would by (from ASOS in particular) if I could afford it.  Well, my Mum very kindly handed my Christmas money last week, so as soon as I'd paid it into my bank account I was straight on the ASOS website.

In the end, I didn't go for quite the same pair of skinny jeans, I found some other pairs that were reduced, so for the price of one pair, I got two, a pair of green skinnies and a purple pair.  I also ordered a stripy short sleeved dress because I thought it'd be more practical than other items and get more wear.  I think I will invest in one gorgeous (smarter) dress soon though.

My purchases arrived on Friday (if you follow me on Instagram you may have seen me post a quick pic of them!) and I'm very very happy.  The jeans are a great fit.  They are a true skinny, so if I get a bit swollen/bigger as I go on, I might have to buy the next size up, but they only cost £11 so I'm fine with that.  When I was pregnant with Ethan, the only skinny maternity jeans I could find were from Topshop and we all know their jeans aren't cheapy cheap (not mega pricey either, but for a pair of jeans you might only wear for a few months, nearly £50 is more than I really want to spend).  The dress is a little longer than I would like, being a shorty, but again, it was in the sale (£12.50) and it may well shorten as it gets taken up by bump!!

The other item I was in desperate need for was a winter maternity coat.  After all, I'm due in May and if you live in the UK, you'll know as well as I do that it can be coat weather long into May (sometimes I never even get round to packing away winter coats!!).  My lovely yellow duffel coat no longer does up, well, not without making me feel like a tightly packed sausage.  It's my boobs more than my bump at the moment, but the bump isn't far behind!  It's too cold not to have a warm coat.   I've been making do with a coat I found in a charity shop 15 years ago.  It's an original 1960s swing coat and is lovely, but a little frail with age and not very warm... I liked the ones on ASOS but had very little budget yet.

Berret - H&M (last year)

Coat - Charity Shop (a long time ago, 60s original)

Dress - Jojo Maman Bebe

Tights - H&M Maternity

Boots - CAT

I'd heard the Debenhams 25% off sale was on though, so took myself down there. My my, for a large department store they have a TINY maternity range.  It was basically one rail at the back of the shop, all Red Herring (which is a decent enough brand, so that's fine!).  There was one coat on the rail.  One.  Size 16 (UK).  I was so disappointed   I knew they'd have more online, but something like a winter coat I really prefer to try on there and then. I did a quick check around the area and then noticed that one the shop dummies was wearing a maternity coat.  I had a feeling it would be my size and thankfully it was!!  I located a shop assistant (whilst asking my friend to guard the coat and "beat off any coat desiring pregnant bitches"!!!) whilst I disappeared   I would have taken the coat off myself, but I couldn't get it passed the arms.  I glad I asked for help in the end because it took two SAs and the removal of the poor dummies' arms!!  It was worth it though, the coat fitted and looked lovely.  It's really soft to the touch as well and has a stylish removable faux fur collar.  I wish I had a full picture of it to show off! I will do soon, I'm sure..

Maternity coat - Red Herring Maternity @ Debenhams

Skinny Jeans - ASOS Maternity

So... all in all, I'm feeling a lot more settled in myself this week.  I'm fully in maternity clothes on my lower half, but at least I have stylish, bright and comfortable items to wear.  This cheers me up no end!!  I'm well passed the 12 week mark (14 weeks today) and my mood seems to be balancing out a bit.  I'm still quite low on energy and I still retch my way through the entire day.  My skin itches and my boobs are sore, but I'm ok!!  I think my bump is a bit smaller - I suspect some swelling/water retention is to blame for the huge bump I was sporting until this week!!

Linking up today with Watch What I'm Wearing, Sunday Style and Visible Monday.

Bump makes an appearance

I am so relived that we've been able to tell everyone our news this week because I have been having a hard time disguising my bump!  It's almost impossible now, unless I have a baggy top or coat on.  This being my second pregnancy, things are popping out much sooner and MY BOOBS ARE VAST!!!  They aren't small normally, but they are crazy now.

I'm struggling a lot with the comfort virsus style factor at the moment.  I need the help of pregnant fashionistas (or failing that, ASOS Maternity to take sympathy on me, sponsor my blog and offer me a few gorgeous outfits to stomp around in - beg beg!!).  Talking of ASOS, have you seen their maternity selection?  I am in serious lust.  Most places offer a few pairs of skinny jeans (standard denim blue and black) some leggings, a pair of tights, some bump bands, a couple of basic tees and maybe a dress.. that's about it!! ASOS have normal fashionable clothes but with bumps in mind! Love it...

These are on my want list:

                  

                  

I could go on... there are so many items of clothing I love on there.  This is the kind of maternity wear that makes me feel excited about my changing shape.  Most maternity wear makes me want to close my eyes whilst running off a cliff shouting "lalalalalalalaaaaaaaaa".  I am going to be getting at least one pair of bright maternity skinnies for sure.

Anyway, in the meantime, I'm making do with what I have.  I don't love much of the mat wear I have from last time.  Just a few pairs of skinnies and a few tees.  The rest of it mings a bit.  I'm trying to stretch normal clothing (haha) as far as I can for now...

I won't be able to for much longer though.  Thank goodness my Mum has given me my Christmas money early.  I'm broke and I need a maternity coat and a few other essentials SOON!!

Dress - charity shop

Cardi - New Look (last year)

Belt - ebay

Tights - H&M Maternity

Shoes - Matalan

Bling - Stella & Dot

Broach - from a street sale

Linking up today with Transatlantic Blonde and The Pleated Poppy.

Thanks for reading!  Don't forget that I'm planning a giveaway when I hit 100 subscribers, so if you want to be in with the chance to win some Stella & Dot bling, subscribe away!!

Trendy Tuesday - Surprise!

A little deviation this Tuesday, don't worry, I still want you to join in and link up your trendy children - it wouldn't be Tuesday without that!  I just want to blog about something else today..

Yes, finally, FINALLY I'm able to share the news.  We are expecting a brother or sister for Ethan, due in May 2013.  We don't know the sex yet (the onesie I'm "modelling" is one I bought when I was pregnant with Ethan, I've never minded if a boy wears pink or a girl wears blue).  We've known for what seems like forever so it's a relief to share the news.  We are planning to find out the sex this time (we didn't last time) and I can't wait to find out.  It'll be a couple more months before we can find out though.  Feel free to take a look at my scan pictures and have a guess!!

I've made a couple of purchases for the new baby though I've restrained myself.  After all, we don't know the sex yet and we have loads of stuff from when we had Ethan.  I got the gorgeous star print onesie from Boys&Girls - who doesn't love stars!  I got the baby a new blanket by Maxomorra from Bebaboo.com because I'm pretty sure that Ethan won't want to share his blankets!  It's nice for the baby to have some new things though, stuff that's "just for them".  I also got a Gloworm on ebay.  Ethan loves his so I want this baby to have one too.  This one is an earlier model (2002 I think!) than Ethan's.  I don't want them to be too similar.

Pink & Yellow stripe bodysuit/onesie - Brights & Stripes (was Ethan's) similar

Star print bodysuit - Boys&Girls

Blanket - Bebaboo.com

I suppose I ought to share a few photos of Ethan so he doesn't feel left out (something I'm concerned about since becoming pregnant!!).

No.. we haven't had any snow.  One of the garden centres near us does Christmas in a big way and I always take Ethan along several times in the run up to the big day.  This year they've outdone themselves with fake snow everywhere and an ice rink (or ice drink as Ethan says).  Ethan did a good job skating.  He fell backwards and hit his head but we managed to get him back on it again after a few cuddles.  You can see him with his "Aunty" Luc (my fantastic friend who I've known for over 23 years!).  Doesn't he look cute giving a polar bear a kiss!!

Hat - Metoo (at TKMaxx a couple of years ago)

Coat - Smafolk via bebaboo.com

Jeans - H&M

Converse - ebay

So... there we have it!  In a good few months from now we'll have a new little person to show off on Tuesdays! In the meantime, you can enjoy pictures of my growing bump (it's popping out far quicker this time!).

Please do join in with the linky, don't forget to link back to my blog and share the badge on your blog post and comment on this post and others who join in!

Thank you!

xx

Cosy Winter Hat - WIWW

Hello there style buddies!! Are you keeping warm?  I got myself the cosiest winter hat the other week and it's been very useful ever since.  It's not quite so cold today, but we had a frost the other morning and whilst we were away at the weekend, parts of the UK were hit by a snow storm!  We missed it by a few miles only, just got hail instead, but it was still very much hat weather.

Do you like my new shirt.  It's not "proper" new, I got it on ebay, but I'm pleased with it.  I like the pattern, quite timeless, but also very in at the moment!

Hat - M & Co

Coat - ebay (a few years ago)

Shirt - ebay

Vests (underneath) - H&M

Belt - New Look (old)

Jeans - Primark

Boots - C.A.T

Charm Necklace - Stella & Dot

I still love my faithful winter duffel coat, it's bright and cosy, but I think this year might be the year I get a replacement.  Or at least something new.  I'm not quite sure yet.  I was looking at Modcloth, but I'm worried about paying a huge customs charge (a postie told me recently that all packages coming in from the USA are being lumped with big customs charges). So... I'm not sure, I'm looking around.  Ideally, I want something bright, an orange, purple, green or blue.  Something like that!

I've reached 71 subscribers via google reader now which is fantastic - just a little reminder that when I get to 100 I'll be doing a Stella & Dot related giveaway!! So, if you want to be in with a chance, subscribe!! :-D

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy & Transatlantic Blonde.

Boo! Crash! Trendy Toddler Tuesday.

Welcome to Trendy Toddler Tuesday!  If you've not taken part before and you have some trendy children, why not join in today?  I'm always looking for new people to join in and it's such a fantastic way to get inspiration for children's clothing!

I thought I'd share some Halloween and Firework photos today.  Not the most exciting outfit wise, I'll admit, but I've not taken many photos of Ethan in cool outfits over the last week so it's the best I can do for now - will try to have something more "trendy" for next week!

Last Wednesday was Halloween and Ethan attended a party at a friends house with all his other little friends (all from our antenatal group - it's nice to be in touch still, 3 and a half years down the line!).  He had a fantastic time.  It was a lovely afternoon, no tears, no one fell out, no fighting over toys.  The children all had their faces painted.  Ethan wanted to be a scary dog, but the colours were limited, so please excuse my face painting skills, it looks a little strange!!  Plus, as always, he sweated bits of it off!!

For Halloween, Ethan wore a cute Bat costume I got from a charity shop in town.  It only cost me £1.25.  I didn't realise until I got it home that it was 18-24 months.  It just about fitted him though, it's fine for dressing up!  Ethan loved flapping his bat wings around.  Great fun!

This weekend just gone we visited my Uncle and Aunt in Dorset and whilst we were there we went to a firework display.  Ethan is somewhat obsessed with fireworks.  He doesn't like the hanging around though.  The display didn't start until 8pm (which is pretty normal for firework displays I find) and if it weren't for Angry Birds on Daddy's phone, I'm not sure what we would have done!  Once it started though, he was entranced.  Bangs don't seem to phase him at all.  It was so cute, he was making lovely "Ooooo" and "Wow!" noises and describing the fireworks as various different things like wiggly worms, or trees with stars on them.  Lovely.

Ethan's pair of Slugs & Snails tights came in very handy again for keeping him warm - he wore them under his trousers.  To keep him extra snug and to save his clothes from mud he wore an all in one suit from Hippychick.  I am loving this all in one.  It's waterproof, windproof and big enough to fit plenty of layers underneath.  Another great thing about it is how adjustable it is on the wrists, hood, waist and bottom of the legs.  I can see this fitting Ethan for a good while.  You can machine wash it as well!!

All in one - Hippychick

Hat - ebay

Scarf - H&M (similar)

Gloves - Christmas present from last year.

Did you do anything for Halloween and Bonfire night?  I hope you stayed warm!

Now for your part - it's easy to join in with Trendy Toddler Tuesday.  Simply write a blog post about what your child/ren have been wearing, include some photos and link up below!  There are a few rules:

1) Please display the TTT badge (available to the side) and link to my blog in your blog post.
2) Tweet me your link so I can RT and share!
3) Please comment on this blog post and visit others who've joined in and comment on theirs - share the love!

Thank you to all who join in!

Alex
xx

Hama Time!

I can't help say that... hama beads.  Have you heard of them?  I remember them from my childhood, I remember them as an activity on Brownie Pack Holidays in particular.  They were right up my street then, and they still are now!

A few weeks ago, DKL Marketing Ltd offered Ethan and I the chance to try out and review a Hama Beads set on my blog.  I knew I'd love it, I wasn't sure if Ethan would or not.  Turns out he loves "Hama Time" as we now call it.

We were sent a "My First Hama Beads" set which is suitable for ages 3+ and are the largest sized Hama Beads.  Bigger than the ones I was used to as a child (but I was much older than Ethan when I used them!) but just right for his grip and fingers.  The set includes three peg boards onto which you place the beads (three designs, a whale, a bear and a tortoise) and enough beads to make at least two of each.  As soon as Ethan saw the box he wanted to have a go.  As it turns out, Hama Beads are the perfect half term entertainment!!

The first design Ethan wanted to have a go at was the whale.  I was surprised by how well the beads kept his attention and how well he was able to follow the guide picture.  He stuck to the design (with some guidance from me) apart from one difference - he wanted his whale to have pink lips.  That was fine with me!! I'm all for following a design, that's a skill in itself, but I also want him to have his own creative flair!

It took Ethan about 15 minutes to get his design finished  and then we went into the kitchen so I could do the "adult" part of the craft - ironing the beads.  This is essential.  The heat of the iron melts the beads together so your design can come off the peg board and be played with/looked at/enjoyed/mounted in a frame.  Don't worry, you use special paper (rather like greaseproof paper but provided by Hama) between the beads and your iron.  Otherwise you'd have a real mess!  I found this bit easy easy.  You have to do it quite slowly, moving your iron in circular movements, but it's easy to do.  You can tell when the design is melted together sufficiently because it's much clearer to see through the ironing paper.  Once you've ironed your design, that's it.  You can't use those beads again.  But why would you want to when you have such a lovely craft item to show off!!!

Ethan is very proud of his whale and we have since made a bear.  We'll have a go at the tortoise next.  I'm planning a purchase of beads for myself because I think I'll be able to make fab tree decorations for Christmas with them!!

I think this is truly the craft for us.  It's bright, fun, easy for Ethan to do with quick results and it's pretty mess free (a great thing in my book!).

***This is not a sponsored post.  We were provided the Hama Bead set free of charge from DKL but all opinions are my own***