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Dear Daisy, It is your first day at school...

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A Pinterest addiction

I've always liked making things but never really had the time to do much. The only thing I've done really apart from all the bits for my wedding two years ago is upcycling my furniture for our home. 

I still don't have time to do much it would seem! When Daisy is awake I either want to spend time interacting, cuddling or walking etc with her and when she isn't I tend to have other things that need doing like having a shower!!! (Or hoovering the dog hair carpet up !!) 

However I've found a new love for Pinterest recently and this just encourages me to do some! First up is our garden.. It's a lovely big garden that Ben has worked hard on this year and it's really starting to look lovely, however there's still lots of room for personalising it and making it "lived in". 


This was made from an old piece or greenhouse staging (a pallet would be good!) painted with Sandtex outdoor paint which actually paints on lovely considering it's a gloss. I don't usually have the patience for it, I find gloss gloopy and it takes ages to dry!

We got the brackets and pots from Amazon and then to fill them and make them look pretty. Pretty easy but I love it and think it looks really effective! 

Some other tasks I'm working on (I seem to have too many thinking about it!) are getting the play/ spare room sorted and lovely, finishing some upcycling on furniture in the house and more for the garden. These are some bits I've seen on Pinterest that I love at the moment; 


You can find my boards here.

 I am now busy planning a party for Daisy as a bit of a welcoming garden party and am busy doing some crafty bits for this... I'll share when they're complete :) I don't want to give it away just yet! Those who know me personally will already guess it's vintage themed! 

Other than Pinterest does anyone use anywhere else for inspiration?

Lots of love,
Hayley xxx


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GIVEAWAY time!

Well I never set out to grow my blog into something lots of people would read, it was something to fill some spare time when away and vent a little about pregnancy etc but it's still going strong and it's really evolved into much more in just a few months.

So I hit 15,000 views not so long ago and to celebrate I said I'd do a give away.  As part of some of the great reviews I've had chance to do I thought I'd share some of the great brands with the lucky winner and have been and got some of my favourite bits... 


The lucky winner will receive all 6 of these items from MeMeMe Cosmetics, Make up revolution, FACEB4, Batiste and Colorsport. 

So see below on how to enter!!


Lots of love,
Hayley xxx
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Thrifty Lollies #2 Lazy Rhuby Rubys

My last lolly post was a success with lots of you saying you were going to give it a shot, you won't have gone wrong it was easy peasy!!


At the moment I'm all about using everything that we buy and being careful not to throw food away, we can't afford to and it's such a waste. But something we often do, for example bananas go over ripe and I wont eat them and can't stand the smell!! Yuk! So in the bin they would go.. Not anymore. 

We had Jamie Oliver's "Save with Jamie" book and it's great!! If nothing else it teaches you how to use everything up. So we now freeze ripe bananas in freezer bags ready for a milkshake or smoothie!! Anyway back to lollies....

So these are lazy, really lazy. But just show what you can do for hardly any money at all and no time! 

This week I fancied something refreshing rather than creamy and after a scavenge of the fridge saw that we had raspberries that needed using so firstly I threw 5/6 into each holder. I then popped in a mint leave, more for appearance really but it adds a tiny tang of freshness too. 

This is where it gets bone idle.. Using a pre mixed soft drink fill up the cups. In this case it was Aldi's Rhubarb and apple sparkling fruit crush drink - super cheap and you won't need much. As long as the drink is red and goes with raspberry you will be fine, cranberry juice may go well. Then you are done, in the freezer they go!!

Ta-daaaaaa! 


I mentioned something more exotic like Pimms last week- I promise next up will be!! 

Lots of love, 
Hayley xxx
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Thrifty lollies recipe #1 Banana & Coconut

Recently we have got into a bit of a habit of having ice cream most nights, I wouldn't say it's a bad habit!! It's summer and who doesn't love ice cream?! Well my waist for a start I'm sure, not sure how much longer I can keep saying well I'm breastfeeding- I need the calories!! Also as much as I don't generally buy expensive ice cream it's still a luxury that can be avoided sometimes. 

Ben came home this week with a pressie from Lakeland, ice lolly moulds!! I love them! They remind me of my mum using them when my sister and I were young! 

So here goes, idea #1 Banana and Coconut lovelies 

Super, super easy....

(I'm not much on strict measurements, I'm too lazy but you can't really go wrong here)

Ripe banana (great way of using them up)
A dollop of yogurt- I've used low fat Greek yogurt 
A splash of milk (if you have any coconut milk you could use that here)
A squirt of honey for sweetness
A few raspberrys for colour
And a handful of desiccated coconutfor taste   but also texture 


Throw it all in a processor, no messing around. 


Ta- daaaaa! 


Some summer yummyness and no nasties whilst being cheap and cheerful! 

Wonder what I will come up with next? Mmmmmm I'm thinking Pimms perhaps!!

Lots of love, 
Hayley xxx
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2 months update, what we have been up to...

Can you believe Daisy is 2 months old already?? I can't! 

She's still a tiddler and very much my tiny girl! She got weighed a week ago and was 8lb 8oz , moving in the right direction and even jumped up a line in her little red record book so she's no longer on the very bottom line. I'm sure you've noticed in her photos how much fuller she is, people often comment on her chubby cheeks and double chin! I'm sure she's thinking "look at your own fatso"! Cheeky girl.


I've now packed away all the tiny baby clothes and she's comfortably in her newborn wardrobe! I have dressed her in a few 0-3 month frocks though as they're too cute not to. I want to make the most of them even if she's some growing to do to fill them!! How cute is that little Matalan dress from one of her aunties? 

Sleeping is still going well at night and I'm enjoying the routine we put in place, it gives us quiet time before bed and I do love her bath time! In the day she often has full days awake, I do wonder how she does it!!! I struggle must days!

 These past two days she has a nasty cold :( it really upset me to see her so poorly and droopy looking. Thank god for our ear thermometer (Braun) as I've become slightly obsessive over ensuring she's cool enough. Also thankfully she's old enough for Calpol infant suspension now so yesterday when it peaked it helped and also gave her a bit of respite from nasty cold symptoms. 


 She's spent lots of time with family including her cousin Mollie who is just 7 months old, a lovely gap! Daisy talks to her and Mols is certainly intrigued with Daisy, although her mum thinks she may think she is a dolly!! 


She smiles beautifully and really interacts with you now. Her latest trick is to imitate things such as sticking her tongue out, it's her favourite game to play with her daddy! She is cooing and gurgling now and really focusing on your face and voice. 

She now has the ability to grab things such as toys, muslins and my hair!!!! I'm on the hunt for suitable toys for her they she can hold while she's tiny and are safe to go near her mouth as that's where they end up near by! 

We've done our first messy play session when we made Bens Father's Day pressie. It was ummmm interesting and uhh messy! 


Hopefully this cold will clear up as Ben is off work this week and it would be nice to get out and about together, perhaps to one of the National Trust places on our to go to list or just some nice walks with Bob the dog in the sunshine. I've ordered a baby wrap, shame I didn't order it earlier for this week as I'm sure it would be useful. 

Any tips for a cold in such a little baby??

She is planned to have her jabs tomorrow, will they do them if she's unwell??
Lots of love,
Hayley xxx


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Is life really flipped upside down with a newborn?

Bit of a different post today.. 



When you don't have children all anyone tells you is make the most of the time you have before you have them, almost as if life will end the day you do go for the plunge. Not exactly encouraging! 

When you start to announce you are expecting there are two camps of people to pass comment; one lot saying the same as above and then the others saying how life will never be the same, but for the better. That's not something unexpected for anyone I don't think? You don't exactly decide to expand your family based on a thought that life will become much worse!




When pregnant I loved my bump (most of the time), during the aches and pains I cursed but really I loved it and knew I would love my baby before she was even here. But I must say I look at Daisy now and really struggle to link the two together! Somehow I can't get my head around that Daisy was my "bump"! A bump with a tiny little nose, big blue eyes and what seems to be curly, fluffy hair! 


It's crazy!! I wonder if it's just me that can't associate the two? How is it possible a little girl so pretty was squashed in my tummy for nine months?!? 


Anyway back to life being flipped upside down. So the people who say life changes were right. Life has changed already, we have a little person that depends on us for everything and that feels like a lot of responsibility. But in a good way!! But even though our day to day lives have altered slightly, we don't get to do what we like when we like to an extent, I still wouldn't say life is upside down. 


Yes we can't sit and watch our programmes all evening but mainly just because we sit down later as we have Daisy to entertain and settle or visitors to evict first before we can spend the rest of the evening as the three of us. But those things you notice that have changed like having to go to bed when she does, eating your tea and drinking your tea freezing cold are the small things, and in their place are better things like snuggles, bath time and being a little family. 


I know it's early days and life can't be the same as before but so far I'm loving the change and so far the transition is not as dramatic as I thought it could be. Most things just take a little planning and consideration and a little more time usually. 


The camp that said make the most of the time that you have before babies are right too though in some respects, we are lucky to have enjoyed some brilliant exotic holidays and do things that some couldn't. And we both have good jobs and are settled in our home. But that doesn't mean you can't do these things when you have children either, who says you can't go away, or move up the ladder at work or buy your own home when you have children? It may be a little more difficult, but it doesn't mean everything is on hold completely! 


But of a deep post today but one I've been thinking about whilst Ben was away in London so I thought I'd write it down! It's something I thought about before having Daisy and something that played on my mind when I was pregnant. 




Lots of love,

Hayley xxx


(I own the copyright to all photographs used in this post)
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Daisy and her first few weeks in the world

Little Daisy is now 3 whole weeks old, how did that happen? People always say time goes quickly and they grow up too fast, but maybe it's really true! 

Daisy seems (so far) to be a content little lady, she sleeps a lot, feeds well and doesn't generally cry much! Let's hope it continues. I thought I would blog first about her first 2 weeks in the big world. 



The first week of her life was celebrated by having lots and lots of visitors, lots of cuddles and millions of pressies. She was really sleepy this first week and no doubt most of it passed her by, we ensured we took hundreds of photos so she can see when she is older and we can look back on the memories. One special moment was Daisy meeting my Nan before she sadly lost a long battle to cancer, it was very emotional but so special seeing her face light up when I walked into her room with her new little great grand daughter, a memory I will be sure to tell Daisy all about one day,Its as if she had held on to meet her and daisy had come early for that reason too. 

Other regular visitors we had those 1st 2 weeks were midwives and health visitors. Daisy was a mini 5 lb 12 when she entered the world but dropped down to 5 lb 3 in the 1st week which lead them to worry and pester us every other day. It was for baby's well being I understand but firstly they don't give you a time and it could be anytime that they arrive and secondly they do have a knack of making you feel not that great about feeding her. I thought they were all about encouragement of breastfeeding, good job my family and close friends are so supportive and full of advice to put your mind at rest and ignore the negativity. She is now 6 lb 1 and so is now storming ahead of her birth weight. I do think part of the weight loss was due to her having a bit of a traumatic arrival, leaving her a little sleepy. 


She was a little jaundice during the first few days but it is all part of being a little early and it soon cleared up thankfully. The only other real worry we have had since birth is the hearing screening that they do at home within the 2nd week. Right ear - no problem, all good, left ear - no response. The health visitor came back again a week later saying it could be birth debris or just too much background noise possibly and that a week can make all the difference. Again - no response. Although deep down I knew she could hear us (she startles with loud noises and follows your voice) it leaves you with some worry, naturally. The neonatal hearing team then came out and did an AABR test, of which came back all clear within seconds. Relief! 

The rest of the first two weeks was much nicer! We had events like Daisy's first bath - which she loves once she is actually in the water - getting undressed is not a favourite past time!! Bathing her was a learning experience and now doing it alone when Ben is at work was a little nerve wracking to start with! 

We had some lovely days out at places such as Attingham Park and Powis Castle, both National Trust property's with beautiful gardens and cafes for lunch and cake. We were lucky to have nice weather and so ensured we made the most of it, it was lovely to have our first family days out. (And finally get to use my lovely Icandy Apple!)





All  photos above are from Powis castle. 

Those first weeks flew by and before we knew it Ben was back at work. Its now all about trying to get into some kind of routine. I don't mean getting Daisy into a strict routine, I mean just in general for us both and the house etc. For example she sleeps until about 10 - 11am once she has been fed first thing and so instead of dozing until then I try to get up and have a shower or bath, put some washing in, have breakfast etc. Although I have snoozed a few times, why not! But I really need to make the most of at least an hour or so as then she could be awake for a few hours limiting what I can do. 

Anyway I best get some tea sorted now, 

Lots of love, 
Hayley xxx
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A mini mummy haul

Today I actually ventured out on my own with Daisy, on my very own!!! I was a little nervous but I've no idea why, it was fine! It felt like I had done it millions of times. 



I had a voucher to spend in Boots that I'd had for Christmas (how have I kept it this long?!?) and a few things to take back or exchange too for baby. It's been a nice day too so I thought we could have a wander around the retail park for an hour or so.


First up we went to Boots and got these lovelies:


I was most excited about the Barry M pastel Gelly polish in Sugar Apple, I have been after this shade for AGES! Well since it launched anyway and no where has had it in stock when I've been in to get it. For £3.99 I think these are a steal as I find them good quality and long lasting. The only variety I don't really rate are the Aquarium as I don't find they are all that easy to apply. 

Batiste is a brand I buy a lot, for everyday freshness but also I use it more than anything for volume purposes. I find it a perfect lift for flatter, limp hair that sadly I'm gifted with! This variety I've not seen before and oh my god it smell amazing, think cherry Chapstick and you'll be close. These were on offer for £2.99 for the big can and on a 3 for 2, I wish I'd stocked up now but I don't have much storage space really. 

I usually buy Estée Lauder foundation but I had a money off voucher for boots own brand No7 make up and it was also buy one item and get a second item half price, I couldn't resist! I've used their make up before but I must admit it does usually take me having a voucher to be enticed to that corner of the store. I got the Essentially Natural foundation for £9.95, and with the Intense volume mascara at £9.95 and then half price it's not bad for high street make up. You get a good sized tube for the price too and actually it's of good quality. I've only used it once quickly but I was pretty impressed actually, the consistency is good and it's matte which is what I like on coverage. The only thing I'd say is I couldn't find a shade that was the perfect match, so I went a little lighter in warm beige and I'll just use bronzer to shade and contour in. 



As you can see the coverage is not heavy but light, the packaging claims its light - medium but I would definitely say its light. Perfect for an every day mummy foundation actually. The mascara is also good, they all claim to have extreme, intense, wonderful volume on the high street and in reality they can be a flop. I've had better mascaras but I've had much, much worse. For the bargain price there were no clumps, sticking etc and I like the brush on this one. I would have liked a bit more volume and a slightly thicker consistency but you can't have everything!


After Boots I popped to Sainsburys for some burgers, buns and general boring foody bits!  But whilst there I had my usual wander around the TU department. I couldn't see much I fancied but was desperate for button opening tops or casual blouses, as I am feeding Daisy but I also don't want to look like a mumsy from the office. I found a nice flowery blouse £14, not bad! It's bright and cheery and I'm sure will make me feel a little summery! I have it on in the photos above! 

Also I treated myself to some new bright pjs! Not maternity, bump holding pjs but some cute frilly shorts and a vest, I may actually feel like a girl again in these! These again were a bargain at £8. 

That's my little haul, not overly wild but some nice little gems to share. 

Lots of love,
Hayley x x x
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My first week postpartum and labour must have list


Like all ladies waiting patiently for their baby to come I packed my hospital bag, it wasn't finished when it was needed and did leave me in a bit of a panic but I'm not convinced a can of water spray would have made all that difference in labour anyway, so I wouldn't stress too much as long as you have the essentials! My biggest gripe was my stupid, scruffy slippers with holes in that ended up being picked up and being passed to me to wear! I would not have taken them by choice in a million years, they probably aren't as bad as you are picturing now but it's safe to say they're now in the bin and I now have a cute new pair! 

I read lots of blog posts and essential lists by mamas and papas of what to take in my bag for baby and me and what I would need after delivery but I thought I'd share some of my saviour items from labour and this first week with you as some of my lovely friends who are expecting have been asking.

(1) moist toilet tissues- sounds very glam huh! Well believe me it isn't and these were a life line, much more soothing and cooling than rough old tissue paper

(2) disposable knickers- self explanatory really. I was bought these for Christmas and I pulled a bit of a face at the time but what a great idea! No hassle just chuck away and you feel far cleaner. I had these from Emma Jane, worth every penny. 

(3) salt for the bath- I always knew things would be a little uncomfortable but not like they actually are! Again soothing but helps you heal after, avoid all perfumes etc as you don't want to irritate anything. 


(4) glucose tablets for labour- after hours and hours, days in fact I was exhausted and fairly early on into labour lost the ability to snack and it's really important you keep some energy reserves. I used the lucozade tablets and they were good for a little pick me up when I needed it! 

(5) snacks and lots of them! When you are recovering and even pretty much straight after delivery I was starving! Even more so now I'm feeding Daisy. Now isn't the time to be worrying about calories, you need all you can get! Make the most of it, you'll burn them off anyway. Biscuits and sweets have been my comfort along with my cups of tea! I'm still on a mix of normal and decaf- I don't fancy baby being up all night!!! 

(6) Lansinoh Lanolin nipple cream- again so glam! But miracle cream! Starting to breastfeed can be hard work on your poor sensitive boobs! Especially if like me it takes a little longer for your milk to come in so baby has to try extra hard to get their supplies from you. This was recommended to me by a few people and it really does make all the difference! 


(7) Carbs-for a few days after I'd have Daisy I felt a little weak once the adrenalin had gone! I was told when leaving the hospital I'd need to build back up again and lots of pasta and carbs in her real definitely helped in getting me back up to fitness! 

(8) my Peekaboobtique nursing scarf- see my last post on why here

 They are just a few things that I couldn't have gone without this week but everyone will be different, the usual Vaseline, straws, maternity pads etc are all must haves too but these are a few extra that I needed!


Lots of love,
Hayley xxx
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Peekaboobtique and that 1st week of breastfeeding

Daisy arrived slightly earlier than planned but as you will have read in my latest post all was good and the little dot is healthy and content. Before she arrived I had decided to breastfeed but at the same time put no pressure on myself to do it if it didn't work out. As new parents we already put far too much pressure on ourselves and i think we need to make it as easy as possible if we can. But ideally in my mind I'd feed her myself for 6 weeks at least, knowing how good and beneficial it is for new babies in that time period. 


The thought did worry me a little, I have always been so shy about my chest area, it probably comes from being quite large early on at school and feeling a bit uncomfortable with it whilst the other girls caught up! I don't know but what I do know is that I am not one to flash them about. So this uneasy feeling did make me doubt myself and if I could feed Daisy or perhaps I would find it too strange. 

Peekaboobtique are a company I found on Etsy and contacted in my last few weeks of pregnancy. Don't you just love the name?! 

I had heard of nursing scarves and seen various options in stores such as Mothercare but to be honest they always looked drab and really not my cup of tea, yes they do a job but when you've just had a baby anything that makes you feel more dull and frumpy will just annoy you and should be avoided! These nursing scarves are so funky and actually you wouldn't think to yourself it was a nursing scarf. There are various colours and sizes and I was lucky enough to receive the grey and coral edition. Find it here for just under £22 (depending on exchange rate). 



When I've been wearing it this first week I've loved it as a top, with my black comfy leggings it's been the perfect outfit choice for me and I haven't taken it off! It's now in the wash you'll be pleased to know. I love it as it's got nice shape, it's covers lumps and bumps when worn as a top, adds a bit of colour to me and the obvious reason is that it allows me to feed a little more privately. And actually not that it should matter but it allows any guests we have to feel a bit more comfortable around me when feeding as they don't have to see anything, without me having to suffocate Daisy in the process!

I have had so many compliments on it and people haven't realised what it actually is, so I would say it's gone down well! Some products like this can be so expensive but for just over £20 it's a bargain, you'd struggle to find a top or kimono you'd like for that price. They are sent from the USA but this was sent to me really quickly so don't let that put you off.

It's been a bit of a saviour item for me in the first week and I am sure it will continue to be whilst I feed Daisy. If you've ever fed before you'll know that it's not as easy as latching baby on and away you go (well if that happened to you then you are lucky!!), it takes a bit of faffing and routing around so if they're hidden under a scarf/ top you feel a little less obvious in those uncomfortable situations. I know that some people will say it's natural and who cares if anyone can see etc but for a new mum who is experiencing it for the first time all I can say is I wish it was that easy!! 


There are a few other uses that Peekaboobtique mention on their site:

  • Wear it around town as a poncho, shawl, or scarf.- the obvious and the use I love much. I don't feel like a frumpy mum desperate to hide my baby
  • Use it as a nursing cover when it’s time to feed your baby- obviously!
  • Keep it in your diaper bag to have a soft baby blanket or changing pad on hand- personally it's too nice to change baby's bum on!! But to have a snuggle in is perfect! 
  • Slip it over the car seat or stroller to provide extra shade for your baby.

    Have you tried any products like this? If so I'd love to hear about them. 

    The company are offering a fab discount code for you all to get 15% off - bargain! I will be ordering myself another colour definitely. Coupon: "PEEKVIP" enter at check out at http://www.etsy.com/shop/peekaboobtique
lots of love, 
Hayley xxx


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19 days left.. How did that happen?

19 days?!!!!!! So it could be longer if she stays comfy and I go over but the end is definitely in sight. 


I have had a few days this week where I thought my initial idea of her coming early was going to come to light, but the pains went as fast as they came. I'm now on to the idea she is teasing me and will be late anyway!! Not only have had I had the strong, sharp lightening pains but the tightenings around my back and tummy are strong and I can barely bend to get into a more comfortable position. Braxton Hicks I'm guessing. 

If you have read my post on the home birth you will know I have seen the midwives this week. All tests were good, haemaglobin levels were a little off but nothing to worry about. They had a good feel for baby and well would you know it all the pains have been for something as she is fully engaged now. It's just a waiting game now for when she could arrive. Could be days, could be weeks! Luckily I also had my hair done this week so hopefully won't scare her too much when she sees her mummy for the first time!! It's amazing how a little thing like having your hair lifted and trimmed can make you feel. I guess it's not as if I can go treat myself to something nice to wear at the moment which is what I would usually do! 

I'm hoping for a few days to a week before baby arrives, I'm ready now and feeling like I want to get the last push (no pun intended!!!) done and have a cuddle. My bump has shrunk and changed shape again so she must be lower and in a different position now. My belly button actually goes back in sometimes, and then often pings back out- gross! It's made me start thinking this week when my belly goes a bit softer at times what will it be like after???? A bowl of jelly I expect? A mummy tummy! 


Sleep is still proving tricky, waking at 5, 6 am and not getting back off is so frustrating. It doesn't help that I get up at about two as well for a wee break! Thank goodness I have no work now!! Finishing for maternity hasn't really sunk in yet, I think with Easter weekend starting it off has made it feel surreal because everyone else around me is off too. I'm sure it will hit me once everyone goes back to work tomorrow! Then what will I do?!? How am I going to fill my time?!

My fingers have started to puff up in an evening now, nothing like elephant balloon hands but big enough to make my rings uncomfortable, so the wedding ring has come off now, I don't fancy it being cut off! My engagement ring is slightly bigger and so that is comfy and staying put for now, I feel lost without them! 

I wonder how many more weekly posts I'll be uploading? Even though I say how ready I am I know she will only come when she is and when it's her time to say hello! No pressure baby, I've been waiting for and growing you for almost a year, what's a few more weeks! 

Off to have my hot cross bun and cuppa while I'm still in bed now :)


Lots of love,
Hayley xxx

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