Looking Back

                                       {this beautiful picture of my girl was by S.Spear Photography}

I've really missed this.  This afternoon I spent an hour looking back at previous blog posts.  I have the kind of memory that means I could watch a film once a year, every year and feel like I'm watching it for the first time.  So you can imagine, I'm having a complete out of body experience reading my own blog posts! Did I really write that?! 

I've let this year consume me.  The arrival of a baby - my first, was a CRAZY life change to say the least.  Not only that - my business took off completely and whilst both things are positives, I found myself being (rightly) overwhelmed. 

Getting back to the things I truly love - like writing in my diary (my blog) is something that I have to make time for.  Even just to save my own memories.

Mommore Changing Bag Review

Before we had our baby, I found choosing a changing bag one of the hardest things to do.  I had no hands on experience of what it was like to be a mum, so in turn I had no idea what my requirements in a changing bag would be.  Safe to say, when our baby Freya actually arrived I wasn't enamoured with the bag we were using (it came in a package with our pram).  So when I was contacted by Mommore to choose a bag to review I felt like I had nothing to lose.

This bag is a game changer.

It has SO many features, including one that I think is GENIUS (watch the video below to find out what it is).  The design is great and something me and my husband can both wear easily. It also comes in a couple of other colours which are gorgeous. I was also super surprised at the pricing - the bag only costs $62 (just over £45) which is amazing and a lot less than comparable bags on the market.  Check out the full review below!

Organic Baby Clothing by Naturally Tee

After what seems like the longest pregnancy ever (I went 16 days overdue - more on that in a future post!), little Freya Rose is finally here! 

Anyone who knows me, knows that I try my hardest in life to make what I feel to be the right choices in everything I do. So when Naturally Tee contacted me to review their products I immediately jumped at the chance! Naturally Tee uses Fair Trade, organic African cotton that is not only good for the environment but soft and comfortable for my baby's delicate skin.

I was very impressed with the feel and quality of the items, which included the sweetest hat (pictured on Freya here) a bib and a super soft t-shirt.  The quality and finish of the items are of great quality and just knowing that they're gentle on my baby's skin makes them even better.

Find out more about Naturally Tee and their values here: https://naturallytee.co.uk/about-us

Christmas Gift Guide - For Her | Under £25

So firstly, is anyone else really confused as to why 'Black Friday' has come a week early to the UK this year? Yep me too.  Not that I'm complaining of course, it just means that I can get deals on my Christmas shopping a week earlier than normal and this year (with impending baby) it is definitely needed!

For the first instalment of this year's gift guides I wanted to start with budget items - the stocking fillers and smaller items that look pretty but certainly don't break the bank.  Here's what I have for you:

1. Ouai Hair Oil £24.00 - Purchase here
Stylist to the likes of the Kardashians, Jessica Alba and Jennifer Lopez,  Jen Atkin launched the Ouai brand in 2016.  I've heard so many rave reviews about the line and this hair oil seems to be considered a must have. 

2. Skinnydip Cat Eye Sunglasses £25.00 - here
I'm a huge fan of cat eye sunglasses and these ones by Skinnydip are no exception.  An all-black outfit with a winter white or cream teddy coat and these? A winter outfit of dreams.

3. George Sequinned Flower Jumper £18.00 - here
Glitz and sequins are no better received than during the festive season and this jumper is definitely a more subtle way to wear them.  For the more conservative sequin-wearer this jumper is a must and with it's bell sleeve detail and grey knit, it couldn't be more on trend for the season.

4. Decleor Surprise Cracker Gift £12.00 - here
This little gift is perfect for someone you want to give a little touch of luxury to, but definitely don't want the luxury price tag to match.  Perfect for a colleague or as a cute stocking filler, it suits a woman of all ages.

5.  Estella Bartlett Fern Leaf Stud Earrings £18.00 - here
These studs are simply stunning and perfect for anyone who loves to wear jewellery.  They're subtle enough for everyday and are sure to be well received.

I found so much more whilst researching this guide - if any of you want a part 2 budget gift guide, please leave a comment below and I will get that post up as soon as I can! Happy shopping!

Candy Cane Christmas Tree

Ok, so I know it may be (is) a tad early to be decorating for Christmas but the truth is, I've been fighting the urge to decorate for a good month already! Blame the nesting (I blame everything on the nesting). But seriously, I have 2 legitimate reasons for starting the festive period early this year:

1. I have a human that I've been growing for the last 8.5 months arriving shortly and: 

2.  This gives you guys enough time to take inspiration for your decor this year!

So my theme started from the humble candy cane this year, and spiralled into something you see in these pictures! It's fair to say I did definitely go overboard with the oversized ornaments but I really think it gives my (otherwise sparse) tree a really full look and I love it! Another decision I made was to also forgo a star as my tree topper and use these giant glittery poinsettia flowers to add a little bit more of an impact. 

Click the video at the end of this post to see me decorate and explain in more detail!