The Babymel Jade Changing Bag

Babies have a lot of stuff and every time I step out the house, I take everything but the kitchen sink with me. When deciding on changing bags, I wanted something stylish with plenty of space and one that could be worn different ways, so both Arran and I would be comfortable with it. We already have the Babymel Robyn Convertable backpack but I wanted something that I could use where I could just unzip and grab what I needed when I'm on my own during the week.

Next Baby Clothing Haul

Next are amazing for baby clothes, it's the one thing I've heard from many a parent over the years but I didn't quite get it until I had Joshua. I'm a Topshop and Asos girl through and through, never really paying Next much attention but oh how that changed last year. I have fallen head over my new Next heels for them. The majority of my maternity wardrobe was from Next, they have the BEST maternity leggings and thanks to my mum's insistence of flicking through the catalogue last spring, I haven't looked back when it's come to buying for all the family now.

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Colour

When it comes to lip colour, it's the bolder the better for me so why it has taken until now to get my hands on the Revlon Ultra HD Matte lip shades, I don't know. I'm kinda disappointed in myself. I've been giving them a whirl the last couple of months after getting my hands on a gorgeous berry shade and two metallic lovelies and I have to say, I'm hooked.

Birchbox X Ohh Deer

To kick 2018 off in style, Birchbox have teamed up with British stationery babes, Ohh Deer to bring you a funky, flamingo print box full of treats. This months box is all about embracing you and ripping up the resolution rule book. I'm not about that resolution life personally and sometimes it's better to just sit back, relax and focus on number one because in the words of Birchbox, you're fabulous just the way you are.

The iCandy Strawberry Travel System

Choosing a pushchair when you have a baby is one of the biggest and most expensive decisions you'll make. There is so much to think about and it can be incredibly confusing. We didn't realise just how hard it could be. We had to think about storage, ease of movement and we wanted something that would last way past the carrycot stage. When we first found out I was pregnant, people watching turned to pushchair watching and one brand kept coming up for us, iCandy. 

L'Occitane x Rifle Paper Co

Are these not just the most beautifully packaged products you ever did see? I've been a huge lover of Rifle Paper Co products for years, lusting over beautiful journals and prints so their collaboration with skincare heroes, L'Occitane had my name all over it. Enter the prettiest products everrrrrrrr...

The Snuzpod 3 in 1 Bedside Crib

Sleep is a big topic when it comes to having a baby, from preparing for the lack of sleep to where the baby will sleep. It was something Arran and I had discussed at length and as direct co-sleeping wasn't for us, we looked at the next best thing. We decided on the Snuzpod2 3 in 1 Bedside Crib which has been one of our best decisions when it has come to big baby buys.

We decided on the Snuzpod because it was slim, sturdy, and fitted to a wide range of adult bed heights. We also wanted something that would fit our style and of course, something that would last baby for a few months before being moved into a cot. Once he had built it, I was ready to make the bed up with tiny baby sheets for the very first time. All our Snuz bedding is from the Cloud Nine collection and we also have the Snuzpouch which makes night changes super quick and easy. 

The Snuzpod2 3 in 1 bedside crib allows you to sleep, feed and be closer to the baby in those first few months. Designed from birth through to six months, the crib has three modes enabling you to be close to the baby day and night. We had my own bassinet as a baby in our living room and we kept our Snuzpod in our bedroom as we wanted that day and night bed difference for him. 

The crib has a zip down mesh wall for easy access during the night for feeds or to soothe bubba although you may just lay there staring at the tiny human you created instead which is what I did those first couple of weeks. We actually keep our crib at the end of our bed now and have done it since he was a few weeks old. We found it was easier for both of us, as we could then both look down at him when he made the slightest squeak or just stare, mesmerised by his little cheeks. 

Included is the luxury mattress which is quilted and has good support for the baby. In the beginning, we used our Sleepyhead Deluxe+ Pod but we have been starting to phase this out recently as he is getting so long! Joshua has slept well in the Snuzpod from the beginning so we're hoping this eventually transfers to the cot when we've decided on one to buy. As I mentioned above, the design is quite sleek and it's the minimalism about it that I love. There is space on either side to keep extra blankets or muslins, underneath storage and you can also buy the storage pocket which keeps everything you need through the night in arm's reach.

For us, there are no negatives. We loved our Snuzpod at the beginning and three months down the line, we still do. J is starting to get just that bit too big for the bassinet but we still have space in the Snuzpod. Had we bought a moses basket for him to sleep in, in our room then we would be looking at cots a lot sooner than we have been.

I will always cherish the memory of placing him inside his Snuzpod for the first time after having it empty for weeks, awaiting his arrival and I can't wait to have that feeling again when we one day bring home a sibling for him and use our Snuzpod all over again.

Features press samples - see disclaimer.

My Breastfeeding Journey

My breastfeeding journey never really started if I'm completely honest, a decision that has made me feel guilty since Joshua was switched to formula. Guilty, because breast is best is rammed down your throat from the minute you step into your dating appointment. Guilty, because I was so clueless when it came to choosing formula. Guilty, because the Government are more focused on pushing breastfeeding than it is on helping and educating people on fed is best. I wrote a post called 10 Thoughts I've Had About Breastfeeding and I wish I'd re-read this at the time and remembered what I'd said. 

Hello 2018

For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice

I'm not usually one for quotes that strike a cord but this one did, it seems apt for the start of a new year for me and of course a new year for my blog. Today, this blog turns four. Four years I've been sharing my thoughts, reviews and life online and my little hobby has fast become so much more.