Tips for New Mums

Can you tell I didn't have access to straighteners in hospital?

Becoming a mum for the first time can be an exciting and daunting experience. Your pregnancy days fill you with worry from that very moment you take that pregnancy test and gives you that positive result you have been hoping to see. Those first, crucial 12 weeks being the upmost worse whilst you wait for your first scan to tell you your little speck is okay and wiggling about in there. The worry doesn't even stop when you have your baby in your arms, you lean over your baby's crib to check they're still breathing, if they're warm enough etc. You have to learn to adapt to a new sleeping pattern, discover what each of your child's cries means, maintain your house for when guests come round to prove you are coping. It can all get a bit much, especially if you have little or no baby experience. 

Being the eldest of twelve grandchildren on my mum's side of the family means I have always grown up around babies. At the age of 15, my parents had two little surprises in the form of twin boys, meaning I had the opportunity to practice changing nappies and all the fun of cuddling little ones with the pleasure of giving them back when they cried! 

Aren't they fab? (Even if this was taken 3 years ago so they look dead young!)

When people asked me if I was nervous about becoming a mum, my answer was always no. I realised I was very lucky in the fact I had a very big family with a lot of younger siblings and cousins to give me that bit of experience before I became a mum to my own little bundle of joy. Now I'm not saying I'm a baby expert, far from it! I Google like the best of us and always refer to my family for some advice, but I want to share my experience and tips for all your new mums out there.

DON'T FEEL PRESSURED TO BREASTFEED

This is one thing that is hammered into expectant mothers everywhere, yes, breast is best, but if you cannot do it, do no worry. Hospitals are unable to tell you if it is realistic or not for you to breastfeed because they have to promote it. George was a 9lb 14oz baby, with a slight tongue tie and he couldn't latch on. After trying it a few times, I decided it would be best to put him on the bottle. You have to do what is best for you and your baby. 

DON'T LISTEN TO WHAT OTHER PEOPLE TELL YOU

Whilst getting advice from other people is important and can be beneficial, nobody should EVER tell a new mum what to do. You will soon find your own routine and only you know your baby better than anyone. There is too much pressure on mothers on how to raise their child, nod along to those people and do what you want to do. 

IT'S OKAY TO SAY NO TO VISITORS

I have a lot of family so we had visitors almost every day when George was born, which didn't bother me at all, even though I was pretty exhausted. I enjoyed the company and the fact people wanted to come and see this little human that I had created, I wanted to show him off because I was proud. Not everyone is that way inclined, some parents just want time to themselves with their newborn and that is okay. If you want time alone, people will understand! 

HOUSEWORK CAN WAIT

Okay, this one comes very naturally to me because I hate tidying up, but your house is in no rush for a polish or a vac! Take your time to recover, leave the washing for another day, spend a day on the couch cuddling your baby. It takes a while to adapt to the sleepless nights whilst dealing with the demands of a newborn, so when your baby sleeps, don't feel pressured to tidy up. Have a sleep yourself.

STAY CALM

Babies pick up on the atmosphere around them, so remember, if you feel stressed your baby will also be stressed. Go through these steps: is he hungry? is he tired? does he have wind? does he need his nappy changing? These will eliminate most of your baby's needs. If your baby is still crying they may suffer from colic and I highly recommend Infacol. You just give it to your baby before each feed and it helps them bring wind up and reduces the risk of colic. It's great! 

Being a first time mum is a complete learning curve for us all and is the best thing that can happen to a person. It can be stressful at times (especially when it comes to the dreaded teething stage) but it's something to be enjoyed and with these tips, I hope you can reduce some of the new mum stress in your life.

Rachael xo

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Sunday Summary | #011

It has been a while since my last weekly update post, our Sundays have been relatively busy, or perhaps they have just seemed busy and we actually haven't done anything. I always feel busy lately even though I haven't done anything, I guess that's what being a mum does to a person. January has mostly consisted of trying to stay healthy (however I'm not doing very well), all grey everything, lots of tea and a teething baby boy. This month I rediscovered my love for reading and it's been pretty great! Pete had been working a lot this week which has meant lots of mummy and George cuddles. I was hoping for a lazy day today but I need to go to the shops to buy baby milk. Exciting right?

Anyway just a quick post as I'm typing this on my brand new iPad that Pete bought for me as an early birthday present. I'm a very lucky girl and needless to say, I absolutely love it! 

Rachael xo

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Good Reads

I have always had a love of books, ever since I can remember and I think that stems from the fact my mum used to read to me every night before bed. One of my earliest memories is when I was 4 or 5, I sat on the floor of the reception class room in Cole Street Primary School and read The Gingerbread Man out loud to myself. The whole book. My teacher was so impressed, she sent me to my would be teacher when I reached year 1 with a note to tell her, and I was given a sweet. Isn't memory a funny thing? 

As we grow older it is easy to forget the things we love, life gets in the way of things. I know in the past year or two I haven't read as much as I would have liked to. I think that's because there hasn't been a particular book I have wanted to read and I cannot say I've made the effort to go and find something new. I miss that.

When I was in college, I used to get the bus to an outlet village just to visit the book shop there (I cannot for the life of me remember the name of it. It's closed down now and I think it's a Next instead. If you know what it's called, please let me know in the comment below!) The book shop was huge and I would spend hours wandering each aisle, reading the blurb of ten books before I decided on what I wanted to buy. It was then that I bought Twilight and fell in love with the book (I know, the books are actually really good), I must have read it in the space of a week when I went on to buy New Moon.

Another trip to this book shop resulted in me buying City of Bones by Cassandra Clare to which my friend said "another book about werewolves and vampires?!" My emo, teenage self was very much into books about vampires (you can blame Darren Shan for that one!) It was nothing like Twilight at all, I was sucked into a world of Shadow Hunters, warlocks, weapons and demons. If there's one thing I love in a book it's a good series to get stuck into and the Mortal Instrument is fabulous. In June last year, I went to meet an author and ended up buying four different books, I read the Zom-B books by Darren Shan, but neglected my Mortal Instruments series.

Last week, in one of my temper tantrums (seriously, Disney basically stole my personality and look and called her Merida), I went upstairs to our bedroom and decided to read. Nineteen days into 2015 and I am onto my second book already (okay the Darren Shan books aren't that long). Each night before I go to bed, I've been spending between thirty minutes and an hour just reading. It is by far the best way to wind down after a busy day of mum duties and I remembered just how much I love reading. I am all for me time and once George goes to bed for the night, it's just all about getting lost in a good story. 

I am also hoping that reading more books and indulging in one of my favourite past times it's going to improve my writing skills, another love of mine which has definitely been neglected (you can probably tell by reading previous blog posts that I can be a lazy writer).

If you have any recommendations for a good book, let me know in the comments below!

Rachael xo

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Tag | Me Time

I was tagged by the lovely Danielle over at Underland to Wonderland to participate in the Me Time Tag. I was really glad went I received her tweet last night to let me know I'd been tagged as I haven't been in the mood to blog this week so it was just what I needed! Thanks Danielle. Having a baby means "me time" is limited (I wouldn't have it any other way) so I will answer these questions the best I can!

1. What do you watch or read during me-time?

I can binge watch programmes on Netflix all day, but chick flicks are my ultimate go to for me time. Pete won't watch them with me (even though he owns the Bring It On DVD), so when he isn't home and I am baby free, I will definitely watch a decent girlie film. Who doesn't love Mean Girls? I read whatever series I'm into at that time, at the moment I'm reading City of Heavenly Angels by Cassandra Clare.

2. What do you wear during me-time?

PJs. Always. My friend once called me the Queen of Pyjamas. I don't tend to get dressed if I'm not going out which is why there is an absence of outfit posts of my blog, despite me wanting to post more OOTDs!

3. What are your me-time beauty products?

I don't really have any me-time beauty products. I will sometimes put on a Montagne Jeunesse face mask and whatever hair mask takes my fancy at the time whilst I'm in the bath. I mostly pamper my hands though, I'll file my nails, treat them with some OPI Avoplex and Nail Envy, then paint them with whatever Barry M nail varnish takes my fancy.

4. Current favorite nail polish?

At the moment I am loving Cardomom and Chai by Barry M. They're both really cool toned colours which make the perfect nail colour for January.

5. What do you eat or drink during me-time?

Nothing beats a good cuppa tea and chocolate, although I'm trying to cut down on the amount of chocolate I eat!

6. Current favorite candle?

My family went to America in September and brought me back an apple scented Jolly Rancher candle and it smells amazing. I will be so sad when it eventually burns down.

7. Do you ever have outdoor me-time?

I'm not an outdoor person at all and if I ever go outside, it's normally to meet friends or family and obviously, I always have George with me so I'm never really on my own. I do want to start making use of the outdoor gym equipment in our local park though.

8. Would you ever go see a movie alone?

I always say I wouldn't and it makes me sad when I see people on their own in the cinema, but it is really silly because you don't go to be social, you go to watch the film. I think it's just nice having company though.

9. Favorite online shop?

ASOS is my favourite shop in general. I am a premier member, so I get next day delivery and it's great, especially for when I need an emergency outfit for the next night.

10. Anything to add? What else do you do during me-time?

I like to blog during me time, even though I'm not a regular blogger, I guess I write when I feel inspired. Pete is good because he lets me go upstairs and write where it's quiet. Sometimes I like to play with makeup although I'm not very good with it, but it takes practice.

And I tag:

Lojo Vs The World

Almost Emily Jane

Blue Monday

Blue Monday is traditionally the name given to the last week in January, "the most depressing day of the year." Today marks the day that George started teething therefore little sleep was had last night after a 2am wakeup call resulting in me sleeping at the other end of our bed.  I have mostly been running on empty today, I had my first cup of tea in the bath at 7pm! I know right. I have had one grizzly little boy, but with lots of cuddles, playtime and some medicine, he's still given us lots of smiles.

Chewing mummy's hands makes me feel better

When Pete got home, I jumped at the chance to run myself a bath and up I went with a cuppa tea in my hand. Is there anything a good cup of tea and a long soak in the bath can't fix?  I'm guessing the only reason for this post is that I am really feeling Blue Monday and even more so an early night. I've lost my blogging mojo after having so many ideas for posts. I guess that's what lack of sleep and a poorly baby does to you. 

Rachael xo

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Haul | Primark Edition

I mentioned previously that Primark have been on top form this year so far, so on my last few visits I have not left empty handed.  I saw a top and some shoes on their Instagram account and knew I had to have them. I've learnt my lesson with Primark, if you want something you have to get it as soon as you see it or you'll be disappointed. So with that in mind, I went over to Liverpool with my nan on Friday and managed to pick up the things that I wanted and more (unfortunately, I forgot to photograph the other two tops I bought, but they'll definitely be appearing in some outfit posts). 

First things first, I saw these shoes and immediately I wanted them. flatform pumps. How cute are these for Spring? I'm not a fan of flat shoes, but have wanted some slip ons for ages, so these were a perfect match for me. I have a thing for ugly shoes.

I am very much a hat person and after seeing a recent haul post by Amy Valentine where she had purchased a grey fedora, I went in search for one myself. Unfortunately they never had the grey one in store, but I got this gorgeous black one instead. After all, it's my signature colour. 

Say goodbye to florals this Spring because colour blocking is taking over and what better way to embrace it than with these gorgeous blazers? There is so many different colours to choose from, but I went for this cool grey colour and amazing green. I am so tempted to purchase more already (I know, I'm so bad) and cannot wait to rock them when I finally go back to work in May.

After staring at these culottes every time I stepped inside Primark, I finally plucked up the courage to purchase them. It was quite brave of me to go for something to far out of my comfort zone but I'm ready to embrace them and I am really looking forward to styling them.

I picked up this gorgeous red, scalloped top to go with the culottes, how nautical (I even have a pair of blue peep toe flatforms on the way to go with it). This top is going to be so easy to dress up or down and I absolutely love the scalloped hem. This is going to be the most versatile item of clothing in my wardrobe from now on. 

Onto my bargain coat next! Would you believe this beauty was only £10 in the sale?! I saw it last Friday and put it back, then when I got home I regretted my decision instantly. Whilst I was on the train on Monday, I told myself if it was still there, I would buy it. Upon entering the shop, I went straight to the coats, there were two left, a girl had hold of one, the other one was a 14. I was sad. The girl put hers back. I picked it up. It was my size. Hallelu! You could say it was fate. 

Finally, some more practical additions to my wardrobe. With the adult decision to start getting fit this year (mainly so I can fit into my outfit for George's Christening) I thought I should buy some actual gym clothes. Primark have some absolutely gorgeous things, girls were practically fighting over the clothes (no, I'm kidding). I got these fabulous little grey and teal items and they are actually making me excited to work out. Who knew?

So that's how I've spent my Christmas money this year anyway.

What do you think of my haul?

Rachael xo

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Fashion | Primark Top Picks

Primark have been spot on lately and I've practically been living in their clothes. My local Primark isn't very big, so today I popped over to Liverpool to pick up some things I saw on their Instagram. In addition to all the knitwear I bought before Christmas, the chunky slip ons have been added to my wardrobe (I'm a sucker for ugly shoes) and I can't wait to style them with some tights and shorts come Spring. 

Owl have been a recurring theme within my house since I picked up some adorable own cushions (also from Primark) and I absolutely love this candle, it's amazing. The chunky shoes are fabulous, so classy and I don't own a classy shoes so I think another purchase may be on the cards. I'm really into knitwear at the moment, I'm all for being warm and snug so this little cardi may sneak it's way into my wardrobe shortly too. 

What do you think of my picks?

Rachael xo

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