Femme Luxe- day to night fashion!

If there's one thing I've been doing a lot more over the last 15 months, it's been relaxing in comfortable clothes! After having recently had a baby, my tolerance for tight, uncomfortable clothes has been at an all time low so I've loved chilling out in super comfortable outfits. I've recently been introduced to the world of loungewear. Who knew that an outfit so luxuriously comfortable could be stylish too?! This month I have been trying out some more fabulous picks from Femme Luxe. I couldn't wait to explore some more lounge suits. 

Now that restrictions in the UK have been eased somewhat, it's time to start socialising again. And so I was excited to explore some items perfect for a night out too. Here are my top picks this month! 

The first item I picked was this super comfortable grey loungewear set. This is really soft to wear. I loved that the fabric wasn't too thick so it can be worn in the house without overheating yet it is also perfect for wearing when chilling outdoors. The fabric is ribbed which adds a unique texture. The top has a rounded neck and is in an oversized style. The bottoms are a skinny fit. I love that they have pockets! 

The next outfit I picked was this grey ribbed, belted loungewear set. This comes as a v-necked top with a belt and matching trousers. The trousers are in a super skinny fit. I was pleased that the top was long to cover my bottom a due to the skinny fit design of the trousers. After recently having a baby, I'm a little self conscious at the moment! I liked this item, it's a little different to usual loungewear sets and think it would look great with heels for a night out.

Now that things have started to open up, it's time to start thinking about outfits to wear for nights out. I picked these grey trousers which would be perfect teamed with high heels, a black vest top and red lippy. They are high-waisted and have pockets too. They are in a slim-leg fit and have a subtle grey tartan design. I usually wear jeans when out but I think these would look great for an evening out with the girls. 

This year I have a wedding to attend and so I've started to think about outfits to wear. This one-shoulder midi dress, might just make the cut. It is not something I'd usually pick but it's good to try new things from time to time. I picked the dress in beige but it is also available in different colours. The fabric is slinky and soft.  As it fits snuggly around your calves and comes with a belt to tie above your waist, it gives a lovely hourglass effect. It's super comfortable to wear. I really like the dress but the beige colour left little to hide behind; I'd feel a little more comfortable with some shapewear underneath if I can't tone up in time for the wedding. You need a strapless bra too due to the one shoulder design. It would look great when out for cocktails with friends or for more formal events like weddings!

To explore the range, head over to Femme Luxe today! 

*Collaborative Post

Shine bright this summer!

I'm a natural introvert and often feel a little nervous before going out to socialise. But after a year of lockdown, in which I had a new baby, I've been feeling even more nervous than usual. My anxiety is slightly aggravated by the fact summer is approaching. As summer arrives each year, I always find myself feeling a little mithered about the thought of wearing my summer clothes. After hiding away under loose, baggy clothes and plenty of layers over the cooler months, when warmer days arrive I certainly feel on show and exposed in my dresses, vest tops and shorts. This year is no exception. Very recently though, I read something on the internet that has changed my mindset. The quote stated that 'next summer isn't promised' meaning that we should embrace this very summer, the here and now and spend less time worrying about how we look and more time celebrating our individuality and the wonderful things that make us unique. It really made me think. Do I really want to spend this summer feeling self-conscious about my body or do I want to enjoy the warm weather, lazy summer days and adventures with my beautiful boys? They will never be this little again and I will never be this young again. Time to start celebrating the wonderful things in my life and the wonderful memories to be made!

After the recent 15 months, I think it's safe to say we are all feeling a little battered and bruised as we navigate our way back into social situations. After many months of only socialising via the internet, it's no wonder we are feeling a little nervous as we emerge from lockdown. So what does this mean when it comes to dating and meeting new people?

Meeting new people can be nerve wracking but it can also be a life-changing experience. Who knows, that person you have connected with online, or met in the pub and exchanged numbers with, might turn out to be the love of your life! Whilst you may be feeling nervous when dating new people, being kind to yourself, reminding yourself you are worthy and beautiful will surely give you the confidence to shine. What's great about dating in the age of the internet is that you can meet people via online dating sites and determine whether you have a connection with them before even meeting. Online dating sites enable you to meet likeminded individuals that share the same interests as you or come from your area for example. You can even use dating sites to meet individuals of a similar age to you or those who also have a disability, for example. SingleDisabled helps individuals with a disability meet and connect. I love how easy internet dating is, there are so many benefits!

This summer I'm definitely going to try and be kinder to myself. We should extend the same kindness to ourselves as we do to our friends and family; you appreciate and love them for the wonderful people they are and embrace their uniqueness, differences and individuality. So why not do the same for yourself?

So whether you're feeling a little nervous about a trip to the pub, a romantic restaurant, a day on the beach or a first date, remember to hold your head high and know that you're wonderful! 

*Collaborative Post

LOVELOX London Personalised Silver Heart Locket- a Review and Giveaway!

I love personalised jewellery. There is something so wonderful about knowing you are the only person that owns a particular piece of jewellery. They make such lovely keepsakes and can be treasured for a lifetime. I was so delighted when LOVELOX London got in touch to invite me to review one of their stunning, personalised, silver lockets.

I love lockets as they remind me of my nan. I always remember the locket she used to wear. As a child I would love sitting on her lap looking at the pictures inside it. LOVELOX London was created with the aim of making gift-giving more meaningful. They believe that there is no greater gift than a personalised one and so their beautiful lockets can not only be personalised with photographs, but can also be engraved with a message too.

I was given the opportunity to review their Heart Silver Locket, a beautiful sterling silver heart-shaped locket. The process of ordering could not have been simpler. You are given the opportunity to view your locket virtually so you can make sure it looks just right; I thought this was a wonderful feature. After selecting your locket, you insert the message you would like to have engraved on it. You can choose between three different fonts and can select the size you would like the engraving to be too. You are then able to upload the two photos you would like to have inside your locket. The virtual locket feature enables you to reposition and resize your images to fit perfectly. I loved the fact you could select photos and have them included as part of the service rather than having to source and fit tiny photographs yourself which is always a tricky process. Finally, you then select which size chain you would like.

When the locket arrived, in just a couple of days, it was beautifully packaged. It comes in a sturdy and luxury keepsake box. I love the stylish black and white theme of the packaging.

The locket itself is just perfect. The clasp and hinge are incorporated into the design seamlessly. The engraving is delicate and beautiful and the pictures inside are glossy, perfectly inserted and have retained the image quality of the original images.

I was really delighted with my locket from LOVELOX London. It is clear that the locket has been designed with care and attention to detail and it looks stunning too. I loved it!

To WIN a silver locket with personalisation and photographs worth £80, just enter below! Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Give Your Home a Makeover This Summer

We've all been spending a lot more time indoors as of late due to the pandemic and lockdown restrictions and so it's perhaps safe to say that we've all become a little tired of staring at the same four walls. You may have spent many days throughout lockdown vowing to change the decor of your rooms to give your home that much needed refresh. Luckily there are ways to brighten, lift and add a pop of character to each room of your house and what's more, this can be done on a budget. Just a few tweaks here and there and your home will look and feel beautiful! 

Cushions, throws and rugs
Cushions, throws and rugs can instantly add a pop of colour to your home. In spring and summer add bright, light and sunny colours and in autumn and winter you can opt for oranges, reds, browns and golds. 

Flowers
Fresh flowers can make a room look instantly brighter and more beautiful. Studies have shown that flowers can also  decrease stress and so introducing flowers to a room will certainly have a positive impact on your wellbeing. Their natural beauty alone can be enough to bring a smile to your face and they can be a fantastic feature within your home, reflecting your individual style. You can change them frequently, each time bringing something new and unique to the style of your home. Treat yourself to a fortnightly subscription delivery of fresh flowers or you could even source some gorgeous artificial flowers to display in your home.

 

A fresh coat of paint
I love a freshly painted room, it's amazing how much it can transform a room. Adding a lighter shade to your walls instantly brightens, refreshes and opens up the room. Perhaps you don't have the time to redecorate the whole room, if so, you could consider a statement wall to add a pop of colour and style to it.

Change the radiators

Radiators can often be overlooked in your room but actually updating them, or considering a different style can have a huge impact on your room. They are available in a range of different colours, shapes and sizes and can add a stylish statement to your rooms. Updating your radiators to a slimmer design can even open up your room, enabling you to save space in it. Trade Radiators have a range of traditional or contemporary radiators and heated towel rails to help you add a pop of personality to your rooms.

Adding prints and paintings
If you're looking to add some character, style and individuality to your home, one way is to consider adding some art to the walls. Nothing injects your personality into your home quite as well as displaying your favourite photographs, artwork and prints. They can remind you of happy and treasured moments in time and can invite feelings of joy.

*Collaborative Post

Extending Vs Moving- What to Consider

There may come a time in your life when your home no longer meets your requirements. Perhaps you've welcomed a new baby or your children are now in their teens and requiring more space. Whatever your reasons for needing more space, one thing is for sure, deciding how to make this a reality will certainly take some consideration. You may be weighing up the decision of whether to move house or to get an extension. Whereas both can be costly options, there are definite pros to each, as will be discussed in this article.

Here are some of the main points to consider when it comes to making that all important decision of whether to extend or to move.

Area
Considering the area you are currently located in, in comparison to one you may potentially move to, can help you weigh up the decision. If for example, your current home is in a great location with good schools nearby, you may be keen to hold on to it and explore the option of extending your home. If however, you can afford a home in a more desirable area to your current one, you may be keen to sell.

Disruption
It's worth considering the impact of the disruption that an extension or moving house will cause. When it comes to extending, you'll be living on a building site for several months which can be stressful, particularly if you have small children and pets to look after. Moving house however can be a lengthy and stress inducing process!

Requirements

Taking stock of what you currently have in your home against what you can potentially buy can help with the decision process. Perhaps your current home already has some desirable features such as a large garden, a driveway, storage space etc, but you simply need a little extra room. If this is the case, looking at what is available to buy in your price range will tell you if you can buy a house that still ticks every box with the addition of more space or if your current home is still the best option for you. 

Finance
When you are making the decision of whether to move or to extend, your finances will definitely play a part in the final decision. Having a look at what size mortgage is available to you will enable you to see what options you have. When it comes to remorgaging for a home extension for example, you take the amount left on your current mortgage, add the cost of your home improvement project, then apply for a remortgage for the total amount. Your repayments will then increase so it's important to factor this into your decision. Using a remortgage calculator can help determine if this is the right decision for you. 

Weighing up the costs of moving house against the costs of extending will also help you edge closer to that all important decision. When moving house, you have to factor in costs for legal fees, stamp duty, estate agent’s fees, building survey fees and the cost of removal services. With extending, there are building costs, fees for the architect and structural engineer, costs for the planning application and building regulations as well as the fitting costs for your new bathroom or kitchen, for example.

Determining just what options are available to you can help you weigh up the pros and cons of each decision. Ultimately, finding the answers to the following three questions will help you edge a little closer to that all important decision; Can you afford a bigger house, can you afford an extension and will an extension add any value to your home?

*Collaborative Post

Smoby 2 in 1 Reversible Scooter- A Review

If you have little ones, you'll know just how much they adore ride-on toys. I will always remember the little trike my eldest boy had on his first birthday; it was certainly well-loved and well used! As he got a little bigger, he was delighted to receive a scooter for his birthday; he had been admiring his older cousin's for quite some time. As our youngest little boy's first birthday approaches, we just know that a ride-on toy will make a perfect first birthday gift. So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered that we didn't need to choose between a trike or a scooter for him, due to the brilliant Smoby Reversible 2 in 1 Scooter.

As the name suggests this scooter can be switched between a three-wheeled learning bike to a three-wheeled scooter without the need for tools. For younger children, the three wheeled bike is the perfect introductory bike. It helps them develop balance and they can also have a go at steering. The large handles enable your little one to easily grip on and the wide seat helps them with their balance. The handlebar offers two different positions so you can tailor it to the height of your child. 

Once they are confidently riding around, you can then switch to the scooter which enables them to learn to balance standing up whilst also manoeuvring around. The standing bar is wide enough to help them easily keep their foot in place and again the handlebar can be positioned to two different heights. 

The scooter is available in two different colour combinations, blue and yellow or blue and pink. Both designs look really smart and will certainly be appealing to little ones. It didn't take long to put it together and once constructed, it easily switches from trike to scooter. It is great for both indoor and outdoor play. The Smoby 2 in 1 Reversible Scooter is suitable for children aged 18 months plus. My little one is a little younger than this but still enjoyed sitting on it- I'm going to put it away now ready for his first birthday and am looking forward to watching him enjoy it in the months and years to come. Find one here!

*We were kindly gifted this product in exchange for an honest review.

5 Fantastic Facts About Female Fertility

The basics of reproduction and sexual health tend to be taught in schools around the time of puberty, but since fertility remains a fairly taboo subject, many of us still have much more to learn. Many couples are able to conceive a child with limited problems, but others face complications that make the route to pregnancy a more difficult journey. With that said, it’s important that we understand as much as possible about fertility and how to increase our chances of conceiving a healthy baby, even if it’s not something we necessarily want right now. Here are five fantastic facts to get you started:

1. Ovulation is the Best Time to Try and Conceive
Women ovulate around 10-16 days before their period, so if you have a regular cycle, you should be able to determine the best time to try and conceive. There are other indicators that you might be ovulating, such as clearer and more slippery cervical mucus, tender breasts and stomach-ache. If necessary, you could use an ovulation test.

2. Oily Fish Can Boost Your Fertility
Salmon and mackerel are examples of oily fish that can help boost your fertility, because they are a great source of essential fatty acids and omega 3. This plays an important role in regulating the reproductive cycle. Other foods to add to your diet if you want to conceive are things like eggs, garlic and full fat dairy.

3. A Female Baby is Born with All the Eggs They’ll Ever Have
Around 1-2 million to be exact! Some people wrongly assume that a woman only loses one egg during their menstrual cycle, but actually roughly 3-5 thousand eggs are lost. Eventually, a woman will run out of eggs, but egg freezing could be an option if you would like to preserve your fertility and have a baby later in life.

4. Smoking During Pregnancy Can Affect the Unborn Child’s Fertility
It’s no secret that smoking and drinking during pregnancy is a hard no. Smoking while pregnant can lead to preterm birth, defects of the mouth and lip and low birth weight, but it can also harm the baby’s chance of conceiving when they’re older.

5. Excessive Exercise Can Impact Fertility
If a woman exercises too vigorously, they may affect their menstrual cycle or stop it completely, which obviously makes it difficult or impossible to conceive. If you’re hoping to become pregnant, it’s better to stick to mild exercise, such as walking or yoga.

*Collaborative Post

Deliciously Guilt Free Vegan Keto Brownies

I absolutely love chocolate brownies. In fact, a good brownie is the ultimate treat as far as I'm concerned. My nan makes amazing chocolate brownies, I remember her making them for my brother and I when we were little and to this day word quickly gets round the family if she has made a batch! Luckily for my waistline, she doesn't make them too often these days but it certainly doesn't stop me craving them! 

I've been trying to eat a little healthier over the past couple of weeks. With lockdown (during which I had a baby) I've certainly put on a few pounds and I am keen to shift a few before the summer. Sweet treats are my downfall and so I've been keen to limit these a little more. And so I was delighted to hear about Deliciously Guilt Free and the deliciously sweet treats they offer. 

About Deliciously Guilt Free
Deliciously Guilt Free was created after Dan and Basma started on a low carb and sugar free lifestyle. They soon found it hard to source sugar free baked goods with clean, natural ingredients so they decided to create their own! Deliciously Guilt Free was born, with a mission to hand bake the low carb, sugar free delicious treats made from natural ingredients that they had themselves sought previously. In 2020, their popularity and customer base was such that, in order to fulfil their orders, they moved into a closed café, then later a closed soft-play before luck struck and a commercial kitchen and warehouse space became available. The business is certainly going from strength to strength. 

Vegan Keto Chocolate Fudge Brownies

I was delighted to be given the opportunity to sample their Chocolate Fudge Brownies. When they arrived, I literally couldn't wait to try them. They were neatly packaged in a handy letterbox parcel.

There were 8 brownies in the package and they were generous sizes too. What struck me about the brownies was how chocolatey and rich they were; they certainly gave me that chocolate hit that I always crave. They had the right gooey consistency that a brownie should have- so many times am I disappointed if my brownie has a cake consistency! The brownies contain just 0.52g of sugar and rich dark chocolate. They are certainly sweet enough for you to satisfy a sweet craving, without being overly so. Because of the rich chocolatey-ness, I found half a brownie was enough to satisfy my chocolate craving meaning I could make them last longer. My little boy enjoyed his warm with some custard. Each brownie is 125 calories, is low carb and keto friendly and it suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

We enjoyed our box of brownies. At £10.99 per box or £9.98 when you subscribe to regular deliveries, this seems good value for money. They have a variety of different cake treats to explore or the mixed box of 8 enables you to sample a selection! 

To explore the range and order yours just click here. 

*Collaborative Post

Stylish and comfortable Loungewear from Femme Luxe

We've all been staying home a lot more in recent months and so being able to wear comfortable clothes that actually make us feel good too is essential for helping us to stay happy and relaxed at home. I've recently discovered the joy of loungewear sets; not only are they lovely to relax in when you're chilling at home but they can also be worn out and about. When teamed up with some accessories, lipstick and heels, they create gorgeous evening outfit too.

I was delighted to be given the opportunity to try some outfits from Femme Luxe. Femme Luxe have an array of stylish, fashionable and exciting clothing at great prices too. I decided to try two of their loungewear sets. 

Here are my top picks this month. 

Firstly I chose this grey loungewear tracksuit set. I really like this outfit. The fabric is really soft so it feels really high quality. I like that the fabric is light so I don't feel too warm and stuffy when wearing it. The Trousers are slim fitting and loosely hug your legs. They have an elasticated ankle, making them look really flattering. The top is just the style I like; not too tight and not to baggy.

What I really like about this outfit is how it can be worn for relaxing around the house, yet will look just as sleek when teamed up with some trainers for a day shopping with the girls. What's more, it can take you into the evening- with some heels, jewellery and red lippy it will be a comfortable and fashionable outfit for a night out.

The next outfit I picked was this Mauve hoodie and skinny joggers tracksuit set. I really like the colour of this outfit. The pastel colour is perfect for cool spring days. The set is really warm to wear and perfect teamed with pumps or trainers. I love the front pocket on the hoodie and the generous pockets on the trousers too. Loungewear hoodies are so snuggly and make a great understated yet stylish look.

 

This outfit is great for lounging around the house in but is also great to wear at the gym too. 

There are so many looks to explore at femmeluxe.co.uk. With an extra 15% off at checkout with the code STYLE15 and free delivery on all orders over £25, you get real value for money too. 

*Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. I was kindly gifted the above items in exchange for an honest review.

Birthday Fun With Care Bears Birthday Bear

I don't know about you but I just LOVED Care Bears when I was a child. I can still remember playing with all my cuddly Care Bears, they were my absolute favourite toys! Recently I was invited to review the new Care Bears Birthday Bear- you can imagine my excitement!

My boys and I love birthdays. As soon as a birthday is approaching in our house, my two older boys can talk of nothing else for weeks and they love to plan them down to the finest detail. The new Care Bears Birthday is the perfect companion for making birthdays special!

 

Birthday Bear is so snuggly soft. He is a beautiful bright yellow, dons a party hat and gorgeous cupcake on his tummy and what's more, he even smells like birthday cake too! He is 16 inches tall so is a really huggable size for little arms. He even comes with a special collectable coin which is perfect for children to hold onto or share with a friend, reminding them how important it is to be kind. 

My little boy loves Birthday Bear and enjoyed writing him his very own birthday card. He can't wait for Birthday Bear to help him plan future birthdays too! 

There are lots of other exciting Care Bears in the range such as Funshine Bear, Grumpy Bear, Good luck Bear, Wish-a-Lot Bear, Tenderheart Bear and Share Bear and Cheer Bear! 

You can find Birthday Bear on Amazon! You can also explore the range of Care Bears and many more fabulous Care Bears products at the Care Bears Store. You can also get an amazing 15% off your order by using the code SPRING15 at checkout!

*Disclaimer: we were kindly sent a Birthday Bear in exchange for an honest review.

Unique and Useful Baby Products

Life with a baby is all kinds of wonderful but it can certainly keep you on your toes. From navigating your way through sleepless nights, managing multiple nappy changes to beginning the weaning journey, the days can be varied and at times if we're honest, a little hectic (it's a good job they're so cute!) But whichever stage you're at, there's a product out there to help. Over the last few weeks, I've been trying out some fabulous products which make life that little bit easier. Here is a selection of some of my favourite. 

Beatrix Potter Changing Backpack
When you leave the house with a baby, you need to be prepared for every eventuality, making sure you have to hand everything the baby might need in the time you're out. This can include wipes, nappies, nappy bags, bottles, two or three spare outfits, snacks, creams... the list goes on and on! And so it's worth treating yourself to a baby changing bag as you will certainly get use of it. I really love the Beatrix Potter Changing Backpack found at Enesco. It is perfectly sized to fit everything your baby needs with room for your own things too. It is made with wipeable PU fabric and the backpack design is really practical, leaving you handsfree which is always a plus when tending to baby! It also has the most delightful design; people always stop us to tell us how much they love the bag. You can find one here. 

Nupeaa Bottle Warmer Active

I'm obsessed with the Nupeaa Bottle Warmer Active. It's a device that enables you to warm baby's bottles to the perfect temperature when you're on the go. Traditional bottle warmers are designed to be stationary meaning you can't take them out with you when you're out and about, resulting in you needing to pack flasks, bottles and other necessities. The Bottle Warmer Active however, is designed to be portable enabling you to quickly and easily warm baby's bottle. You can select the desired temperature and baby's milk will be ready in as little as 4 minutes. When fully charged it holds the temperature for 6 hours. It is slim, sleek and stylish, not to mention incredibly useful. It even comes with a one press formula dispenser so you can make the perfect bottle in no time! I wish I'd have had one of these when my first two boys were babies! Find out more and get yours here. 

SNOObear

A product that keeps your baby calm and settled whilst promoting sleep, is surely worth its weight in gold. Enter the SNOObear, a cuddly, snuggly bear with a white noise machine in its tummy. It plays the same sounds, plus some new ones, as the innovative and award-winning SNOO Smart Sleeper, helping baby transition from SNOO to a cot. It's also perfect just on it's own. The 6 soothing sounds it plays help settle baby and once the sounds have stopped, the bear 'pays attention' to any noises the baby makes so it can be ready to provide some more soothing sounds. It has finger holes in the arms so you can use it like a puppet which baby will love. It also can attach to baby's pram so they can be soothed on the go. We loved it! Find out more and get yours here. 

Minimani Baby Nail File

As every new parent will discover, cutting baby's teeny tiny finger nails can be particularly daunting. It's certainly not the easiest job to trim a wiggly baby's fingernails, particularly as many existing nailcare products such traditional nail clippers, can be bulky to use on tiny fingers and not to mention sharp. This is where the minimani comes in; it's a battery powered nail file which enables you to file baby's nails whilst they sleep or play. It is really quiet so won't wake them or frighten them. It has three different filing heads and 2 speed controls with left and right rotation options. It is safe and gentle yet effective too. I love that it has a light on it so you can file away when baby is sleeping. It is lightweight and comes in a handy storage box too. What a fantastic product! Find yours here. 

Munchkin White Hot Safety Spoons

Weaning baby can be lots of fun and even more so when you find a product to help make the process a little more smooth sailing. The Munchkin White Hot Safety Spoons have a patented White® Hot System where the spoon tip changes to white if the food is too hot for baby. The soft tips are really gentle on baby's gums and they also have long handles to assist in highchair feeding. They come in bright colours which your baby will love and this also encourages them to hold and explore the spoons themselves paving the way for self-feeding. Find out more here.

*Disclaimer- we were kindly sent the first four items in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Psoriasis: Natural Treatments & Home Remedies

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition which can be chronic and even lifelong for some but, rather than the long term use of synthetic drugs (with all their side effects), psoriasis home remedies can be a popular way to go. Recent research has shown that many chronic skin problems, including psoriasis, may be a sign of gluten or other food intolerances. So if this could be you, it is worth investigating further.

Safer Ways to Treat & Prevent Psoriasis

• Sunlight can treat and prevent psoriasis. While many doctors prescribe artificial ultraviolet light treatments to patients suffering from psoriasis, if you live in the right climate a “no cost” alternative is to get more sunlight. Depending on your skin tone, 15 to 30 minutes of daily exposure to the sun enhances the production of vitamin D which helps treat psoriasis (among many other conditions) while boosting your immune system. The darker your skin, the more sunlight exposure you need and the optimum time is to choose your minutes during those two hours either side of noon while wearing as little clothing as possible. A cold climate alternative is to take sizable doses of vitamin D3 in the form of a supplement.
• Salt water is a great home remedy for psoriasis. If you live close to the ocean, swim as often as you can or take sea water baths or apply seawater over the affected area once a day. Alternatively, bath in Epsom salts or oatmeal. Do not use chemical based soaps and other products as these will make the problem more severe and painful. Look for all natural products.
• Mud Packs will absorb and remove the toxins from the psoriasis affected areas.
• A daily dose of 200 to 800 IU of vitamin E has been found to reduce itching.
• Add 2 drops of calendula to 1 drop of oregano oil in a small cup of olive oil. Apply regularly to the affected area.
• Baking soda is an effective way to treat the itchiness associated with psoriasis. Dissolve 1/3 cup of baking soda in 1 gallon of water, soak a washcloth into this before wringing it out and applying directly to the affected skin. Repeat this several times.
• Cayenne pepper has wonderful anti-inflammatory properties and is high in capsaicin. Take regularly for psoriasis.
• Coconut Oil is yet another home remedy for relieving psoriasis. You can either take 2 tablespoons of coconut oil each day by adding it to your coffee or tea, or you can apply it topically onto the affected area 3 times per day. When starting with coconut oil, consume just a teaspoon per day and build up from there.
• Petroleum jelly is an effective moisturizer but, as the ingredients are not ideal when seeking a more natural solution, how about making your own natural jelly which can be applied to the affected areas each day. It is also important to apply moisturizer within a few minutes after a bath or shower to “lock in” moisture. The jelly is ideal for this.

Recipe for Natural Petroleum Jelly

• Place 1 oz. of beeswax in the top of a double boiler and heat slowly until it melts. Don't put beeswax in the microwave or in a standard saucepan, as it is flammable when exposed to direct heat.
• Remove the melted wax from heat and squeeze the oil from six x 400 IU vitamin E capsules into the wax. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties which nourish and protect your skin while acting as a natural preservative to prolong the shelf life of your petroleum jelly.
• Stir in 1/2 cup of extra virgin or cold pressed sweet almond oil. Stir the ingredients constantly as the mixture cools and thickens.
• While still slightly warm, scoop the jelly mixture into a dark glass jar and leave unsealed to cool completely.
• Keep in a cool, dark place, or in your refrigerator. Use it as you would use commercial petroleum jelly.

Part of the treatment for psoriasis using home remedies is to follow some simple rules. Avoid hot, spice and pungent foods as they are difficult to digest and can cause toxins in the blood. Reduce your intake of bad fats, animal proteins and especially sugars and artificial sweeteners. Avoid processed salts and curds as they can inflame the skin further causing greater itching. Natural salt is fine. Certain fruits and vegetables are beneficial for psoriasis including beets, grapes, cucumber, green vegetables and carrots while bitter tasting foods help purify the blood and facilitate the kidneys to flush out the toxins.

*Collaborative Post

How to Wear Brooches with Modern Fashion

Maybe you think brooches are old-fashioned, something only your granny would dare to sport. If that’s the case, it’s time to get our nylons and chunky cardigans, because we’re dressing like grannies today.

You heard that right, brooches are back, and they’re back with a passion. Let’s look at some ways we can wear brooches with modern fashion.

Shirts
Utilising a brooch on a shirt is one of the easiest and most understated ways of getting brooches involved in your contemporary style. Art Deco brooches are particularly good for this; their simple, clean, geometric styles complimenting a work shirt or a casual shirt equally well.

You can go for the typical style and use your brooch to accent between the shoulder and the breast of your shirt, or for something different, try wearing your brooch at the collar, like a very glamorous bow tie. This look is not only unique but turns a typically ‘old-fashioned’ accessory into something brand new.

Dresses
For those of us who are happiest in a dress, brooches can be used in a variety of ways, depending on the dress style. One example being, if you are able to get your hands on a duet brooch a.k.a a double clip brooch, you can accessorise a dress with straps wonderfully. The duet brooch breaks apart into two smaller brooches, which you can clip on to each strap of the dress; symmetrical and stylish.

Equally, if your dress has a V-neck, a well-placed brooch at the deepest point of the ‘v’ catches the eye and can even add some sparkle if you use a gemstone brooch. Shirt dresses can also utilise the double clip brooch to decorate the collar points themselves, adding a feminine twist to a more masculine style.

Coats

This example is a little more timeless, as a brooch being worn on a coat is as relevant today as it was a hundred years ago. Nonetheless, a brooch can add a touch of sophistication to a modern-style trench coat if you want something formal.

Brooches can also give a more casual jacket a bright spot of fun. Modern brooches, made with colourful acrylics in quirky designs and shapes are perfect for this. Something unique can be brought to your outerwear to show a little bit of your personality even when you have to cover up.

Hats
As an accessory, hats have evolved a lot over the centuries. Hats that were big with women in the 1920s were called cloche hats. Sitting very close to the face, cloche hats were often embellished with a brooch, adding some sparkle. Today, brooches can still be used on hats, whether it’s a baseball cap, a beret, or a bucket hat.

Whatever style you want, there’s a brooch – even a small, quirky enamel – that will be the perfect accent. Since bucket hats are the ones most recently revived to the position of ‘fashionable’, we’ll focus on them. A single large brooch or several smaller brooches can be used to accent a plain bucket hat and bring some colour and exciting designs.

Scarves
Another one that somewhat transcends time is using a brooch in a scarf. Brooches have been used to clip scarves in place for a long time, and the trend is no less relevant today. You can use a large brooch to help secure a chunky knit scarf to prevent it from getting in the way.

Equally, you can use brooches to clip headscarves in place. Whether you’re going for a conservative look or rocking out a bandana with skulls on it, a brooch can put it in its place and make sure it stays there. As an accessory, it seems unlikely that scarves are going to go out of style any time soon, so make sure you figure out which is the most stylish, aesthetically pleasing way to keep them where you want them.

These are only a few ways of utilising brooches in modern fashion. Although they can sometimes feel like they’re a little outdated, this couldn’t really be further from the truth. So, what do you think; which is your favourite wear to wear a brooch with modern fashion?

*Collaborative Post

TEACHING YOUR CHILD TO RESIST PEER PRESSURE

All parents worry about their children being influenced negatively by their peers, but it’s important for us to prepare our children and teach them how to handle it effectively. They often just want to fit in with their peer group, and can find themselves feeling pressured to behave in certain ways or do things they don’t want to do, so we need to teach them the skills to respond in a way which doesn’t compromise their values or their safety. Here’s some tips from an independent school in Sussex on how you can prepare your child for dealing with peer pressure.

Explain peer pressure
Some children might not realise when they’re being pressured into acting or behaving a certain way, so it’s a good idea to explain what peer pressure is and what it looks like. That way your child will find it easier to spot when it’s happening, which is the first step in dealing with it appropriately. You might be able to find an educational TV programme or a book which explains it in a way they’ll easily understand.

Identify values
Talk to your child about moral values and help them identify what’s most important to them in life. This will make it easier for them to recognise when they’re being encouraged to act in a way which goes against their values. Make it clear what your values are as well so they know what you expect from them, and make sure you model them yourself.

Celebrate difference
Help your child understand how everybody is different and unique, and that this is something to be celebrated rather than feared. Accepting their own individuality as well as other people’s will give them the confidence to stand up for themselves and what they believe in. They’ll also feel more confident asserting their opinions and boundaries, and respecting other people’s ideas and needs.

Explore compromise
Role play different scenarios with your child and explore a variety of ways they could respond when feeling pressured. Help them understand that they have a choice and sometimes it’s possible to find middle ground and diffuse the situation. The best way you can explain compromise is by demonstrating it yourself in your interactions with your child and others. They’ll then see what it means to work with someone to reach an agreement that suits both parties.

Peer pressure is inevitable at some point or another, but teaching your child strategies for managing it effectively will empower them to assert themselves confidently and make the right choices.

*Collaborative Post

HELPING YOUR CHILD DEVELOP CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

Getting into the habit of thinking critically about things will improve your child’s problem-solving skills and their ability to make sense of the world around them. Being able to ask questions and make judgments of their own accord will also boost their confidence in their decisions and actions. Here’s some advice on encouraging your child’s critical thinking skills from a primary school in Wirral.

Ask questions
Demonstrate critical thinking yourself by asking questions about things you see or hear, and encourage your child to do the same. For example, you could ask them whether they agree or disagree with something that happened at school and why they feel that way. This will prompt them to think about their own opinion and whether it’s justified or not according to the facts of the situation. Encourage healthy debate and discussion as much as possible so that your child gets used to evaluating events or actions and forming their own, informed opinion about them.

Identify fake news
Encourage your child to evaluate things they hear about on the news or from friends from a critical perspective. You could explain how to fact check by referring to the source of news and deciding how reliable it is. Teach your child to spot when arguments are obviously biased, and question why someone might be making certain claims. A key component of critical thinking is being able to research, so prompt your child to investigate to get to the bottom of something so they learn valuable research skills.

Resist rescuing
When your child encounters a problem or stumbling block, it can be tempting to jump in and save them; however, if we do this too often or too quickly, we don’t give children the chance to develop their problem solving skills and figure things out for themselves. Instead, it’s better to empathise with them and express our support and confidence in them, and give them the space to work it out. This way your child will learn to assess challenges critically and tap into the rational part of their mind which uses logic, rather than acting emotionally.

The ability to look at life with a critical mind is something which will always benefit your child in various areas of their life. By developing and deploying their critical thinking skills they’ll find it easier to approach problems or challenges logically and form their own opinions on things.

*Collaborative Post

THE BENEFITS OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

Encouraging your child to get involved in extra-curricular activities will benefit them in numerous ways, aside from teaching them new skills. As long as it’s something they enjoy doing, they’ll look forward to switching off from school work and immersing themselves in an activity which stimulates them. Here a private college in the UK explores the many benefits of extra-curricular activities for children.

Social skills
Engaging with children outside of their normal peer group at school will allow your child to develop their interpersonal skills and learn how to respond to different personalities and behaviours. They’ll build relationships and connections with children who share the same interests as them, and expand on their teamwork and communication skills. Having different circles of friends will also help them not become too reliant on particular friendships while teaching them that relationships change over time.

Discipline and commitment
Through having responsibilities and being part of a team your child will learn the value of being committed to a project and to other people. They’ll also learn about discipline and applying themselves to one thing with dedication and perseverance. This understanding of commitment might help them overcome any stumbling blocks with their school work or in other areas of life as they realise they have to keep trying and persist if they want to achieve their goals.

Building confidence
Taking part in activities outside of school can be a great way for children to increase their confidence, particularly if they find academic work challenging. Your child might find something they’re really good at away from the classroom, which will boost their self-esteem while helping them realise that academic learning isn’t everything. As long as you encourage them in their extra-curricular activities and praise them when they do well, they’ll feel good about themselves and their abilities.

Expanding their interests
Giving your child opportunities to try out different things will help them figure out what they most like doing and enable them to develop a passion for something (or several things!). We never know if we will like doing certain things until we try them, so provide ample chances for your child to give things a go with gentle encouragement and support.

Participating in extra-curricular activities is an important part of children’s overall emotional, mental and physical development. Being willing to try different things and expand their interests will reap numerous benefits for them as they grow and mature.

*Collaborative Post

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING STYLE

Everyone learns differently, and children are no exception. Recognising your child’s unique way of understanding information is the key to helping them thrive in their education. By knowing this, you’ll be able to help them study effectively and share this information with their teachers. This knowledge might also affect what extra-curricular activities you encourage them to participate in. Here an independent school in Buckinghamshire outlines how you can get to grips with your child’s unique learning style.

Auditory learners
Some individuals are drawn more to sound than other types of stimuli. Auditory learners respond best to verbal instructions and like to listen and absorb what they’re hearing. Look out for signs your child prefers hearing information aloud rather than watching or touching it, for example, they might love music and songs, or be very talkative and enjoy discussions. You can help an auditory learner by incorporating sound into homework activities, such as singing songs or making use of repetition. Your child will probably love being read to, and you can help them with their own reading by encouraging them to read out loud.

Visual learners
Visual learners process information they can see more readily than what they can touch or hear. They will often be highly observant of their surroundings and notice when their environment has changed in some way, whereas other children might not realise. If your child has a vivid imagination and likes to describe things they’ve seen in great detail, or if they love to look at images, they might be a visual learner. Help them by demonstrating ideas and concepts visually, for example, drawing diagrams or pictures to illustrate facts. They may also be drawn to screens, so harness this by finding educational games they can play on their tablet or kids TV programmes which explore a topic visually.

Kinaesthetic learners
If your child is quite physical and likes to express themselves through their body, it’s likely they’re a kinaesthetic learner. They’ll learn best by touching things and physically participating in activities. You might find that your child uses lots of hand gestures to illustrate what they’re saying. You can help a kinaesthetic learner by incorporating physical activity into learning tasks, such as dancing or singing to remember information or encouraging your child to get hands-on with creative tasks.

It’s likely your child learns through all of their senses to some extent, but one might be more dominant than the others. Recognising their individual learning style will enable you to encourage them at school and support them at home.

*Collaborative Post

Surviving the first few weeks with a newborn!

Congratulations, your little one is finally in your arms! As blissful as these early days can be, they can also be a bit of a blur. The first few days and weeks are all about survival as you get to know your new baby, begin to heal from the birth and settle into your role as a new mum. There are many products out there to help you during the first few weeks as a new mum or dad and here are a few of my favourites! 

Palmer's

Palmer's have some wonderful products for mums and babies. I used their products throughout my pregnancy to keep stretch marks at bay and keep my skin feeling soft, smooth and supple. Their range for babies includes their Baby Butter, Baby Oil and Nursing Butter. The Baby Butter which contains cocoa butter and aloe, is gentle enough for daily use and leaves baby's skin moisturised and soft. The Baby Oil is enriched with natural oils, cocoa butter and Vitamin E to help to protect baby's delicate skin. The Nursing Butter, which is a combination of cocoa butter and Panthenol, is designed for breastfeeding mothers, helping to soothe sore and cracked nipples. To find out more and explore the fabulous range, just click here.

Sanature

Pregnancy and childbirth can cause a weakened pelvic floor which can result in urinary incontinence or urgency. Sanature incontinence pads help to keep you secure and comfortable. They are made with 100% cotton, allowing skin to breathe as well as leaving you feeling dry and protected. Their sanitary pads are also perfect for postpartum bleeding. Find out more here.

Natural Birthing company

I love the range from Natural Birthing Company. Their products are designed and developed by midwives, aromatherapists and chemists so you can be confident that they are carefully tailored for use during pregnancy and following the birth of your baby. They contain naturally derived ingredients and help to relieve common pregnancy and postpartum symptoms. The Mama's Moments Maternity Kit has everything you need for this exciting time including Cool It Mama; a cooling body spritz which is just so refreshing to use during pregnancy, labour and for life as a new mum! It also includes breastfeeding oils, a wonderful postnatal compress solution, a perineal massage solution and two organic flannels!  Explore the range and find out more here!

Modibodi

Modibodi provide sustainable, reusable and effective underwear that replaces the need for disposable products such as pads, tampons, incontinence pads and panty liners. They use high quality fabrics with breathable, antimicrobial fibres with their own Modifier Technology™ and Modifier Air Technology™ to prevent against stains, leaks and odours. For both pregnancy and the postnatal period, Modibodi underwear is the ideal solution to help protect you from any leaks and keep you feeling comfortable. They even have a new detachable bikini which has a clasp at the side to ensure you can easily remove it and change when out and about. They can be washed, dried and reused meaning they are much more environmentally friendly than disposable products and more comfortable too! Find out more here!

SEAMS Couturiers Hand Cream

When you have a new baby, you will suddenly find yourself washing your hands a whole lot more (and especially during the current climate!) which can result in hands becoming dry, sore and cracked. SEAMS hand cream helps to keep skin moisturised, Its carefully crafted formula leaves hands feeling soft, supple and smooth. It is enriched with shea butter, rosehip oil and oat beta-glutan. It smells divine too! Find out more here!

The Positive Planner

Looking after your mental health and well-being is vital during pregnancy and the postnatal period. As wonderful as the motherhood journey is, with it comes a whole host of emotions and feelings. One minute you're deliriously happy cuddling your newborn and the next minute you can be crying from exhaustion. It's certainly not easy and that's why it is important to make sure you are taking care of yourself. The Positive Planner is one way you can manage your mental well-being. It has sections dedicated to daily reflections and mindfulness activities and offers positive and inspirational quotes. It also helps you to plan and manage your time effectively, offering organisational extras such as meal planners and shopping lists. This beautiful journal will help assist, support and lift you during this special time. Find out more here!

*I was kindly gifted these items in exchange for an honest review.

Gifts for new mums and babies

Bringing a little one into the world is a truly special time and a wonderful excuse for a celebration! If you're looking for that perfect gift to treat a new mum, mum- to- be or baby with then look no further than with my selection of unique, inspiring and beautiful gifts! 

Aska Maternity Movement Bracelet

Not only are these bracelets beautiful but they also have a very important function. They can be used to help you track your baby's movements and determine if there has been a change in the pattern or frequency of your baby's kicks. Any changes can then be reported to your midwife or local maternity unit. Once baby has arrived you can use the bracelet to help you remember which side you last breastfed from (just swap the bracelet to the corresponding wrist). These bracelets are made up of precious gemstones in three different designs, with a beautiful white freshwater pearl and sterling silver or gold plated sterling silver charm which can also be personalised. Both a stunning and practical gift, this will be a wonderful keepsake for her to treasure forever. Find out more and explore the range here.

Petit Jovial

Bumps and babies should be treated with the utmost care which is why Petit Jovial skincare products are perfect for any mum-to-be, new mum and baby (and of course for the other precious members of your family!) Each product is 100% vegan and natural, containing no nasty or hidden chemicals. They contain no palm oil derived products and the company also donates towards Orangutan conservation products in Indonesia! The range consists of Body & Scalp Massage Oil, Nourishing Balm and Nourishing Bath Oil. The products smell simply divine and are wonderfully luxurious; what a treat! Find out more here! 

Bickie Pegs Peggie the Penguin®

This award-winning teether from the company behind Bickie Pegs Natural Teething Biscuits has been designed to stimulate touch, vision and oral development in babies. The cute design helps babies to reach both the front and back gum areas in the mouth so they can find that much needed relief from teething discomfort. It is freezer, dishwasher and steamer friendly and even features a handy safety clip and ribbon. This will surely become a firm favourite of baby's, offering both comfort and stimulation, which as every busy mum knows, is worth it's weight in gold! Find out more here. 

Vital Baby Microwave Sterilising Bags

Why not give the gift of convenience to the new mum with these incredibly handy microwave sterilising bags? They enable you to sterilise baby's bottles, teats, dummies, bowls, cups and spoons with ease by just placing them in the bag, adding a small amount of water and then microwaving for three minutes. They are ideal for use when out and about, on holiday or if you need a quick and easy solution at home. Each bag can be used up to 30 times. What a useful product! Find yours here.

SnoozeShade

SnoozeShade is an ingenious invention designed to help babies sleep on the go as well as protecting them from the sun's harmful UV rays. Not only is it recommended by sleep consultants worldwide, but it has also won over 70 different awards! A SnoozeShade can be purchased for baby's carseat, pram, buggy and travel cot. The unique mesh fabric means that air circulates freely meaning your baby will remain in a well ventilated environment. A product that has safety at the forefront and also promotes sleep; it will surely be every parents best friend! Find out more here! 

Lamaze Toys

Lamaze Toys by TOMY have been carefully designed to encourage your baby to learn through play. They have been created in conjunction with child development experts, resulting in exiting and stimulating toys that support your baby's development. They are brightly coloured and feature a range of different sensory stimuli making them a favourite of babies, parents and experts! Explore the range and find out more here!

BetterYou Hair, Skin and Nails Daily Oral Spray- The Madeleine Shaw Range

Motherhood is a wonderful journey but it can certainly take its toll on your body,  leaving you feeling in need of a bit of TLC. BetterYou has teamed up with nutritional therapist, chef and mother Madeleine Shaw to create a range of nutritional oral sprays to support women throughout each stage of motherhood. The Hair, Skin and Nails Daily Oral Spray contains six nutrients to help you get your glow back after pregnancy. It has a mango, peach and orange flavour, is quick to administer and is safe to use during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding too! Find yours here.

Nurturally Hands Free Pumping Bra

When it comes to expressing milk for your baby, the process is often time-consuming, fiddly and leaves you little free time (or hands!) for anything else. The Nurturally Hands Free Pumping Bra is truly innovative. It has a sports bra design and sling bottle holding system enabling mums to maintain an efficient pump to breast connection. It comes with a clear pump bag so you can even use the pump whilst moving around!. It has been designed to prevent leakage of breast milk as the bottles become heavier, maintaining the efficient connection at all times. The clever design can be adjusted so it can fit sizes S to XXL. It's wonderfully soft, comfortable and stylish and what's more, it's packaged beautifully, making this a perfect gift for any new mum. Find out more here!

Personalised My Little Sudocrem
I adore these sweet little Sudocrem pots. As any parent will know Sudocrem is an essential; it is clinically proven to care for and protect delicate skin, soothing redness and dry patches, whilst keeping skin supple. The My Little Sudocrem pots are the perfect size for popping in nappy bags and can even be personalised with your baby's name with a choice of three different designs. What a handy, cute and individualised gift! Get yours here.

Disclaimer: we were kindly sent some of the items in this post in exchange for an honest review