Trendy Thursday

Last week it was half term for us, so there wasn't a great deal of time for me to blog.  I didn't write a Trendy Thursday post, I wanted to enjoy my time with both of my boys at home.  It's lovely when they are both home together, it's great for them to have more bonding time and seeing them start to play together as Felix grows.  However, it does make me very busy!  Normally, I blog during the day when Felix naps and Ethan is at school.  I often blog late into the night as well, but I was extra tired in the evenings last week!

Well.. things are very much back to normal this week.  It's funny how quickly you slot back into the normal routine.  It's nice to get back to the blog after a "week off" as well.

One of the other lovely things about time off school is that Ethan isn't limited to his uniform.  Last week, both boys received a pair of gorgeous dungarees from Grubbies (review to follow soon).  Ethan loves his and asked to wear them almost every day!

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Our order from Handmade is Haute also arrived just before half term, so there was a lot of funky legging action over the holidays as well!

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I am SO happy with these leggings.  I really think they are fantastic value and it's so lovely knowing they were handmade by a WAHM.  It's worth following Handmade is Haute on Instagram because she posts when she gets new fabric in and things sell out very quickly!!

So, what about your little style stars?  Link up what they've been rocking below.  Don't forget to comment here and keep checking back to see who else joins in and visit them - share the love!

Caitlin Charles-Jones for George at ASDA

Buying your clothes in the supermarket.  It's not glamerous, is it, but it's very handy!  These days it's much improved as well and you can really pick up some fantastic stylish bargains.

I was shopping at ASDA online last week, needing a new step stool for the Ethan to use, and I thought I'd take a look at the latest clothing.  I came across a knitwear range by Caitlin Charles-Jones who had won the knitwear award at the Graduate Fashion Week.  Her collection jumped out of me - very bold colours and simple designs with a geometric flare.  ASDA listed some amazing knit dresses, but unfortunately, they didn't have my size.  I decided to plump for an orange jumper and a black panel dress.

On picking up my order from my local store, I excitedly rushed home - the clothes did not disappoint!

I've worn the panel dress once, it was comfy and looked fantastic with leggings.  Today however, I am rocking my orange jumper.  I love it.  It's a perfect mix with my zigzag leggings and it really lifts my mood.  It suits the sunshine that has popped out today!

I hope Caitlin brings out another range with ASDA or they get more stock of the dresses - one thing is to sure, she's on my "to watch" list!

Linking up today with Transatlantic Blonde for What I Wore Wednesday.

The Last One

Ever since giving birth to Felix I have been plagued by some rather unexpected feelings. You could almost say unwanted feelings! No. Perhaps that's too strong. Surprising maybe.

You might have an inkling about what I'm going to say, especially if you've had more than one child.

I am plagued by a creeping sadness. It comes on at unexpected moments.  It takes me by surprise.  Why sadness? A good question. I feel so much joy in being mother to my boys.  But it is bitter-sweet.  Every day I love them more.  Every day they grow a little more independent.  I am struck with the realization that they won't always rely on me so heavily.  Every day Felix does something new, it feels like the last time.

We don't plan to have more children.  We haven't 100% ruled it out, but 2 is probably it for us.  In fact, having Ethan was such a shocking change of lifestyle for us, it took us over 3 years to feel ready to try again.  However, it has been easier to adjust the second time around, and now, despite knowing how hard it all is, despite never wanting all the horrible parts of pregnancy again, I feel sad.

Each time Felix grows, I give away or sell most of the clothes.  Already he has out grown some toys which have been gifted to friends.

The baby bouncer- gone.  The bumbo- gone.  The baby gym- gone.  The list is endless.

These days are SO precious.  I swear, most days slip through my fingers before I have a chance to think.  To pause.

Tonight, Felix has woken several times already.  Each time I have gone in and held him close.  Breathing him in.  I wish I could bottle his scent.  The most precious memory.  I physically need my boys.  I can't bear the thought that one day I won't be able to hold them like this any more.

I think it's the hardest lesson as a parent. Loving them but knowing you have to let go.

How can a heart feel so full yet breaking at the same time?

 

Justafit by Infasense - the onesie with sense!

There's a problem with all in one sleepsuits, isn't there - baggy feet & legs - babies slipping and tripping themselves up.  Something my children have never needed any help with as it is!

Well, the folks at Infasense have designed something to help with this very issue - an adjustable sleep suit (or onesie as they are calling it).  It's such a simple idea when you think of it - adjustable wrists and ankle fittings so you can make them fit tightly, stopping those droopy baggy feet and sleeves hanging in the way allowing your baby to get around freely and more safely.

I'll let Infasense give you some information in their own words:

A NEW British brand, Infasense has created an innovative, patent pending, adjustable onesie for babies and toddlers.  The Justafit has been specially designed to eliminate the hazards posed by conventional, off-the-shelf onesies, by providing a safer, more hygienic, comfortable and economical alternative.

  

The product is the inspiration of Mumpreneur Caroline Driver, whose attention was drawn to the dangers of ill-fitting onesies during a routine visit from her family health visitor.  Previous to this, she had witnessed the ‘flipper feet’ that emerged once her children began to crawl and toddle, and the ‘daily dunking’ of overly long sleeves in the breakfast cereal.  The unique adjustable cuffs and ankles put an end to these problems, whilst ensuring the child’s safety; no more nasty trips, slips or messy cuffs caused by excess fabric.

"We all recognise that no two babies are the same, it’s therefore equally comprehendible that one size won’t fit all.  Parents often experience a point in their child’s life where the shelf size doesn’t match their child’s growth rate; some 12 month old babies will require an 18-24 month sizing, whilst others a 9-12 month sizing,” explains Caroline. “The Justafit adjustable onesie provides a simple solution to this problem, and in turn, helps reduce risks posed by ill-fitting onesies, whilst enabling for growth with the child”.

Made from quality hypoallergenic breathable cotton, the Justafit comes in five colourways and is available in five sizes from 6-months to 3-years.

So.  What did we think of the product?  Well, it's nice and soft for one thing, which is important.  The colour is bold and vibrant.  It's easy to put on and easy to adjust.  Really, it's just like putting on any other sleepsuit apart from once it's on, you use the velcro on the sleeves and ankles to loosen or tighten the fit.

Does it work?  Yes!  No droopy saggy extra fabric.  Felix is able to get around comfortably in it.  He isn't bothered by the velcro straps.  There is something I would recommend to Infasense to improve the product - grippy soles on the feet.  After all, the idea behind these suits is to make it safer for baby to get around by stopping those saggy extra bits of material that bunch up and hang down if a suit doesn't fit correctly.  This isn't really too much of an issue until your baby is pulling up to stand and walking though.. and if they are doing that, grips on the feet would be very useful as well to help aid falling over.  It's only a small thing though, that could be easily added!

Infasense have provided a video to tell you a little about the product which can be found on YouTube

You can buy from Infasense direct here.  They also have a Facebook page and Twitter account so you can stay up to date!

***This product was provided for review purposes but all views expressed are my own***

Sorting my skin out with Soap & Glory

I'm a long term fan of Soap & Glory products.  Their hand creams have been my go to favourites for years now (Hand Food and more recently, Endless Glove) and Scrub Your Nose In It is the best face scrub I've used in a long time.  They are staples in my life.

Despite this, I've never branched out to their other skincare ranges.  I decided recently that it was time to try something different for my skin.  I'm nearly 32 and with the birth of Felix, I've noticed some changes in my skin.  Not good ones.  It's probably down to late nights, early mornings, disturbed sleep and age, but I've noticed the fresh face disappearing (if it was ever there!) and wrinkles creeping in.  I think I'm quite lucky really, before now, there's been little sign of age on my skin, but it has to happen!

I've always looked after my skin, washed it twice a day, moisturised twice a day, always used an eye cream (since age 11!) but I thought it was time for something more appropriate.  I wasn't quite sure what to go for, but very helpfully, the folks at Soap & Glory provide an online Skin Diagnosis Tool which is very kind!

I have combination skin and am quite prone to break outs, so after completing the questions about my skin, I got a recommendation for quite a mixture of products, some to protect against ageing and some to prevent break outs.

After having a good read up about all the products recommended, I decided to plump for Make Yourself Youthful Super Serum (online reviews really raved about this but also mentioned it hadn't caused acne), Make Yourself Youthful Rejuvenating Eye Cream (need to combat those under eye wrinkles!), Beauty Sleep Accelerator (something to use at night to work hard on my poor skin!) and The Fab Pore Purifying Mask & Peel (something to use a few times a week against those spots).

I ordered my products through Boots and had them delivered to my local store.  On Friday they were ready for collection, so, very excitedly (me that is!) I dragged the boys into town to pick up my products.  The evening could't come quickly enough so I could get the boys in bed and drink wine try the products out.

I washed my face and used the mask first, leaving it on for a good 15 minutes so it could do it's work.  It was easy to apply and smelt nice.  I liked that it didn't go hard and uncomfortable whilst on and was quite easy to wash off.  My skin felt really soft and fresh afterwards.  I followed it with all of my new creams.

Every single cream smells lovely.  They all sink into my skin easily and none of them feel heavy.  You don't need to do loads of rubbing, just massage them in gently.

I've been using them for 4 days now and personally, I feel my skin is looking brighter.  I have had a few new spots appear, but that is most likely my skin just adjusting.  I've certainly not had a major break out or bad reaction.

Happily, the creams all work well under my make up so I don't have to wait ages after applying them before I can put my make up on.  This has been an issue with other creams in the past.

All in all, I'm very happy. Soap & Glory - I love you!