Wednesday 24 December 2014

Pregnancy Update - 23/24 Weeks


Baby is the size of an ear of corn.

So I have now reached what is commonly known in the baby forum websites as 'v day', or viability day. Once the 24th week of pregnancy has been reached if baby was to be born now (but will hopefully hang on for a few more weeks!) there is good chance of survival thanks to the medical advances and equipment available today. I'm fairly sure that this baby will not make an early appearance I was 10 days over with Alfie and being early doesn't run in our family so I'm not too concerned for an early arrival!

Last week I was struck down with flu, from Tuesday through to Friday I felt absolutely terrible and was bed bound for two days, thankfully I am now better although still slightly snotty! I can't tell you how awful I felt and the only thing I could take was paracetamol and lots of hot drinks, it completely wiped me out, I haven't felt so ill in a very long time. Generally though apart from that and feeling quite tired  some of the time I'm keeping well, I am starting to get slight acid indigestion in the evenings but nothing compared to my first pregnancy where I could barely eat and was popping Rennie's like they were going out of fashion, I'm hoping I don't suffer too badly with it! I had a midwife appointment a couple of weeks ago and the heartbeat was heard and my measurements were just slightly under what they should be so I'm pleased with that. My weight gain up till now has been 0lbs! In my past pregnancy I lost weight due to various factors (indigestion, struggled to eat food, lack of booze etc) this pregnancy I feel I am eating better but perhaps not as much as normal and with being ill last week I've actually lost around 3lbs, maybe the key to me losing weight is to be pregnant all the time!

Baby is roughly around 30cm in length now and is starting to fill out, the brain continues to develop as well as taste buds, the skin is translucent and thin but will begin to change soon. I am now starting to feel lots of movements and can actually see little ripples and jabs through my stomach, I forgot just how incredible this part of pregnancy is, it constantly amazes me that I'm growing another little life inside me.

You can read my last pregnancy update by clicking here.




Thursday 18 December 2014

My Little Box (December) - Review

I couldn't wait to receive the December edition of My Little Box, after receiving the November box (you can read that review here) I was eagerly anticipating what was inside this months and I wasn't disappointed!



This month sees a wonderful collaboration with Brit based fashion and beauty blogger Fleur de Force. Everything from the design of the box to the products included are fantastic and what I love about My Little Box is the mix of beauty, fashion and lifestyle items that have been chosen. I have to say it but this is by far the best beauty box I have ever subscribed to and certain other subscription services should definitely take note!


What did I receive in the December My Little Box?

On opening the box it was clear to see that it was packed to the brim with goodies! The first items I picked out were this little selection of wrapping aids. The cutest little labels and wrapping string and a small pack of sticky tape and to help with how to use these are some fantastic ideas in the My Little World magazine. Just adorable!


The next item came in a beautiful box with 'present for you' tastefully written on it, so exciting! Inside I found a lovely sparkly silver headband, I absolutely love it and as I never wear hats and am much more an earmuff girl in cold weather this will be perfect to wear out on chilly days


I then went on to sneak a peak inside the lovely bag that the other items get sent in (such a lovely way for them to arrive). I was greeted with three fantastic items that I was over the moon with.

First up a 15ml pot of L'Occitane Precious Creme (RRP £45 for 50ml), what a gorgeous treat to receive, I love L'Occitane products and this cream is no exception. Designed with essential oils and including active molecules it will (hopefully) help create a younger, firmer and smoother skin.


Next was a 100ml (RRP £18) bottle of Cowshed Body Lotion, yet another brand that I love and can't wait to use. This item is packed with all natural ingredients and has the delightful scent of lemongrass, ginger and rosemary, definitely a festive treat.


The final item was a beautifully packaged My Little Beauty lippie. I adore the cardboard packaging in a gentle pink shade, it's just gorgeous and the shade received is lovely. On first impressions it looks like a bright red shade but in actual fact it's a little bit sheer with pinky undertones and has been created to suit all skin tones and I love it, a welcome addition to my lipstick collection.
  



There we have the wonderful selection of items included in the My Little (December) Box in collaboration with Fleur de Force. I am so pleased that I have subscribed to this box and can't wait to see what the January box holds. 

Have you signed up to My Little Box yet? Are you tempted?

Thursday 11 December 2014

Pregnancy Update - 21/22 Weeks


Baby is the size of a Spaghetti (?!) Squash.

I forgot my 21 week update, I shall blame it on baby brain so thought I'd combine the last couple of weeks together. I have taken a recent bump picture but I have to apologise for the poor quality as my husband was out on his Christmas do and I had no one else to take it! I don't think it is a great picture of my bump either but you can sort of make out the pregnancy podge that I am developing! 

The past couple of weeks I have been feeling ok but the last few days I have been having several bouts of dizziness and my blood pressure has been a little low which may account for that. Tonight when putting Alfie to bed and turning the light off I had a huge dizzy spell and had to cling on to the wall for a few seconds while it passed, not ideal! Slightly concerning when I drive around during the day!

Baby is roughly around 8 inches in length and weighing around 1lb at the moment and continues to make rapid developments. It is beginning to look more like a newborn baby with lips, eyelids and eyebrows starting to become more distinct.The eyes have formed but the irises of the eye lack pigment. 

I am still not feeling massive amounts of movement but it is starting to increase daily, it is such a shame that I have an anterior placenta as my husband hasn't yet been able to feel the little one yet. The movements are very different to when I was carrying Alfie, the midwife reassured me that once baby grows bigger I'll definitely be feeling like I'm being kick boxed from the inside!

I have finally started to buy a few bits and pieces, I have purchased a beautiful moses basket as we borrowed one the first time round, I have also bought some new bottles and some gorgeous new babygro's which I can't wait to see the little one wearing! Still lots to buy and I'm sure last time I had was much more organised!

I will try and remember to do an update next week but in the meantime you can read my last update by clicking here.

Wednesday 10 December 2014

Glossybox December 2014 - Review

So here we are, the final box of the year from Glossybox. I was genuinely looking forward to receive it, I was certain that it would be full of festive cheer and marvellous items. Well how wrong was I? I fear this is the end of the road  for me with Glossybox and here is why......




Surely in a December box there should be some reference to the festive season? In this months selection of items I see none of that, what I see is a mish mash of random products that I feel have no thought put into them whatsoever, add to that yet ANOTHER brow colour from a brand that I really dislike (terrible, cheap packaging and dreadful quality) to a spot stick??? I mean come on Glossybox what's going on?!! Compare this box to the 2013 box (you can read that review by clicking here) and I think it's fair to say that this years box is a big, fat let down. The only redeeming feature I can see are that 4 out of 5 the items are full size and the packaging is cute (plus the only festive thing to be seen!).

What did I receive?


So Susan Cosmetics Dual Brow Powder (full size received RRP £11.95), I cannot believe I have been sent another brow item I only just received a brow mascara in the September box so why am I being sent another?! Plus the packaging on this item is something I would expect to pay 99p for in a pound store it is incredibly cheap feeling so the RRP in my opinion is shocking! Dislike.


The next item is SkinPep Wrinkle Clear Peptide Serum (RRP £29.99 for full size 30ml, sample size received), I like a serum, I really do but it's another one of those 'meh' items that is neither here or there and does not have me jumping up and down with festive cheer! It feels like Glossybox are trying to push this brand also as it has been included recently in another box, again not a fan.


Possibly the best out item sent in this box? Possibly? Hmmmm, maybe not. Anatomicals zap! zap! zap! Gets that Chap Day & Night Spot Stick (RRP £3.79 for full size received). Cute product I guess, I like that it's double ended for use either in the day or evening but again not exactly a thrilling item for a Christmas box! 


Fourth item was another brand that I actually do quite like, Bellapierre Cosmetics Cheek & Lip Stain in Shade Coral (RRP £12.99 for full size received). This is a 2 in 1 item and can either be used as a cheek stain or lip tint, quite a nice item in a pretty shade, I think this the best item received out of the box.


Final item received was the Tresemme Renewal Hair & Scalp 60 Second Treatment Shots (RRP £4.50 for pack of 4). These shots are designed to nourish the scalp and renew your hair, Tresemme are a brand I'm not keen on, I don't find they are a benefit to my hair so these may be heading in my Mum's direction! 

That sums up the December Glossybox, perhaps I'm being slightly harsh but I did expect more, I really feel that Glossybox have lost their way a bit over the last few months, they keep promising the world and never seem to deliver, the thing is I really love the idea and my finger is hovering over the cancel button but part of me wants to see what the January box will include! What to do?!

What did everyone else think of the latest Glossybox?

Thursday 4 December 2014

My Little Cosy Box (November) - Review

If you are a regular reader you will know my love for a beauty/gift box. Having been subscribed to Glossybox for over a year now and feeling a bit disappointed at times I had been on the look out for a new one to try. Every so often on my Facebook feed I would see an advertisement for a new box that I hadn't heard of before. My Little Box has recently launched in the UK after being very successful in France, on reading a few reviews and checking out the website I immediately subscribed and couldn't wait to receive the first box. 

My first box was the November Cosy box, when it arrived I was looking forward to seeing what I received and I have to say I was definitely not disappointed!


The look of the box is super cute, it immediately made me want to sit down with a cuppa and get cosy on the sofa! I love the personalised ribbon used to tie the items up, so sweet.



What did I receive in the November Cosy box?


On opening the box I was blown away! The box was crammed full of goodies and from a quick glance full of some fantastic items! Also included were a little magazine, a cute little illustration with quote and little product cards.All of this beautifully presented and the products thoughtfully selected and you really get a feel that care and time has been put into creating a high class box.


One of the first items that I looked at was a gorgeous little espresso cup with a sweet quote. Really very sweet, I'm guessing you could use it as an actual espresso cup or as a decorative item, I think I shall be doing the latter as it's really cute. 


The next product was encased in a gorgeous little bag and inside was something I've not used in a very long time! A little warming cushion, you simply pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds and they stay warm for an age, this is such a lovely item to receive, I love it!


I then received a full size black mascara, this looks like it has been specially made to feature in the box so not a particular brand. It has gorgeous packaging, applies beautifully and is a really nice product that will definitely be used up.


The next item was a French brand that again I have not heard of , Arcancil. This also was beautifully packaged and applied like a dream. I generally wear just black eyeliner so this is perfect to add to my collection.


The final item was a mini Essie nail polish in the shade 'Cute as a Button', very pleased to receive one of my favourite brands of polish and it's a gorgeous colour.


So there we have the November Cosy Box and I'm delighted that I subscribed, I can't wait to see what the December box holds and for a price of £14.95 (inc P&P) this box is certainly a box to rival the others out there.

Has anyone else subscribed to My Little Box? What are your thoughts?

Sunday 30 November 2014

Pregnancy Update - 20 Weeks


Baby is the size of a small banana.

I actually can't believe I am now at the halfway mark of my pregnancy already, it's insane! The last few weeks have just flown by so quickly and I'm pleased to say that I am feeling pretty good, quite big on the bump front but otherwise well in myself, I started taking some multi-vits with Iron rather than without and they seem to be helping with my energy levels also. 

This week I have had my 20 week scan which is the anomaly scan, performed to find any major defects with baby and to check growth (and gender if desired!). Thankfully everything seemed to be ok, the Sonographer had a bit of trouble getting decent images due to my anterior placenta (basically my placenta is at the front nearest my stomach rather than posterior towards the back). I had my suspicions that I had a anterior placenta due to baby's movements feeling slightly muffled and quite different to my first pregnancy, it shouldn't cause any problems it just means that there is some extra cushioning at the front! You can see in the picture above little bean is throwing its head back ad pouting, quite a cute scan picture I think.

This week baby continues to develop rapidly and is swallowing more, meconium is also being produced which is the black, sticky stuff involved with digestion. Baby is weighing around 10-12 ounces too! 

I still haven't taken any proper side on bump pictures as yet, everything just feels so different this pregnancy, I'm terribly unprepared!! Come January I definitely think I need to start picking up a few things!

You can read my 19 week update by clicking here.

Silent Sunday - 30/11/14



Tuesday 25 November 2014

Glossybox November 2014 - Review

I seriously cannot believe that we are on the November edition of Glossybox, I think it has been a mixed bag of boxes over the last few months but one thing I think that is noticeable with Glossybox is that, at times it can be a little repetitive items that are included. That been said there has been some decent items included over the months and I continue to look forward to seeing what is in each box. 


My initial impressions of the November box were it looked a little sparse, the products appeared to look very lonely! I also noticed that we have reverted back to the original product card instead of being sent it via email, I'm guessing that was clearly not a popular option!




What was received this month?

The first item was the spoiler item that was featured in last months box, Lollipops Make Up Eye Pencil (full size received RRP 14 Euros), a retractable eye pencil which provides a deep colour with a long lasting result. This is a lovely item, I do have a ton of black eye liners but you can never have too many, right?! I also love the cute packaging too.


Second item in the box is a Burt's Bees Lip Shine in Shade Whisper (full size 14g received RRP £6.99). This is a lovely little item to receive, it's a perfect colour for me to use day to day at work and it's lovely to apply, I would definitely consider purchasing this if I saw it in the shops.


Third item was a brand that I have never heard of before and is available from Marks & Spencer meaning it's quite accessible to repurchase. The H2O+ Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment (8ml tube received, RRP £27.50 for 50ml), this oil-free moisture gel is designed to deliver deep hydration while at the same time minimising fine lines. This is quite a nice item, smells quite perfumed which some people might not be so keen on. 


Next item was by Monu, I really do love these products but was a little disappointed to see it was another oil sent as I'm not a huge fan of facial oil but I will give it a go. Monu Skincare Firming Fiji Facial Oil (30ml received, RRP £26.00 for  100ml), this smells exactly how products used in spa's do, it has the beautiful herbal, natural scent to it, delightful! This particular oil is designed to nourish and protect as well as firming and toning the skin.


The last item included was another oil but this time a hair oil, don't get me wrong I love a hair oil but I recently received a different brand a few boxes back so again I get the feeling that there is quite alot of repetition with these boxes of late. Anyway, I digress this particular oil is Natural World Coconut water & Hydration & Shine Weightless Hair Oil (25ml received, £9.99 for 100ml). The best thing about this item is the gorgeous smell, it's scent is divine and I can't wait to try it out, coconutty goodness! 


The last little treat/extra received was a £20 off when you spend £60 or over at a website called Best Secret, it's not a website I'd previously heard of but after a little look around it seems to offer a fair bit of designer gear, I hope that I might be able to find something to spend it on. 



So there we have the November Glossybox, I'm neither disappointed or overly thrilled with this month's selection of items but I do have high hopes for the December box!

Did anyone receive anything different this month?

*Glossybox is a monthly subscription service costing £13.25 per month inclusive of P&P.