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

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.

Buying a Television for Christmas?

If you're husband is anything like mine I'm pretty sure he would love to receive a fancy new flat screen for Christmas, however sadly for him ours is in perfect working order and we don't need a new one! However, if you are thinking of buying a TV for Christmas have a read of this article to help you make the right decision.

Guide to a Buying a Television this Christmas

Guide to a Buying a Television this Christmas

Most people are over the moon to receive a television as a Christmas gift. This is especially the case in the age we are living in now when cutting edge technology gives you the ultimate viewing experience. However, with the advancements in TV technology there is inevitably lots more choice of television model. Every type of viewer is now catered for making it an even better option for a Christmas gift. This TV buying guide along with the following tips will give you some idea on how to choose the right telly for your chosen recipient.

Who’s it for?

This is the question to ask yourself throughout the buying process. You will need to consider such factors as their viewing habits and whether they are sports nut, a film fanatic or more casual viewer. Both film fans and sports enthusiasts will be served well by a big screen HD LED television in the region of 42”. For those who are keen surfers of the net, your best option is to plump for a Smart television which allows them not only to access on demand programmes but also social media and other websites.

What room is it going in?

The dimensions of the room the television is likely to go into should definitely be a factor in your decision making. If a room is on the smaller side, it will be a waste of space and money to splash out on an extra-large screen. A much more sensible option would be a moderately sized television which can be wall-mounted and therefore saving valuable floor space.

How much are you willing to spend?

Another key question is undoubtedly around budget. You can almost spend as little or as much money as you want on a television. You can get a large screen HD LED television complete with freeview for a little as around £250 which is perfect for a casual television viewer. If you are buying for someone who is altogether more serious about their film or TV viewing, you can spend upwards of £2000 on the ultimate in HD technology (4K Ultra HD) or a curved screen television for superior immersive experience.

Need any extras?

If you want to complete the experience for your friend or loved one this Christmas or you have found out they already own their perfect television you may want to go with accessories which will improve their viewing. An extra few pairs of 3D glasses will be welcomed by a sports-mad owner of a 3D TV who wants to invite more friends round on match day. A popcorn maker will complete the cinematic experience for a movie fan while a simple foot stool might improve that Coronation Street addiction.

Silent Sunday - 23/11/14

Pregnancy Update - 19 weeks

Baby is the size of an heirloom tomato.

So you may or may not have noticed that I have skipped a week of  my updates, 18 weeks is in the distant past as I spent the majority of Friday through to Sunday struck down with a gruesome stomach bug. Never a good thing pregnancy or no pregnancy,  that pretty much wiped me out for a few days and I'm only just starting to eat properly again and get my energy back.

I am now 19 weeks (20 on Sunday) and baby has made leaps and bounds in growth this week, particularly the brain which is rapidly developing. The baby is also starting to be covered in a protective vernix  (covering on the skin) and it also consists of lanugo (downy hair) which preemie babies can be seen covered in this substance.

I am finally starting to feel a bit more energised (thankfullky!), apart from the recent illness I'm starting to go to bed a bit later and actually feel I can do some jobs in the evening rather than just collapsing on the sofa! 

This week I have also had a second Consultant appointment to discuss the birth, after my previous birth (very long labour, baby turning back to back and a 3rd degree tear with a large blood loss) it's clear to see why I'm a little anxious! Both Consultants have said they would prefer me to labour naturally over offering a cesarean but a c-section won't necessarily be ruled if I feel that I would prefer that. If I labour naturally it will be quite a controlled and medical labour which is a bit of shame but I would much rather be in the right place with the right equipment should it be needed! Plus I've got a little while to wait to think about it more but I don't really want to offer myself up on the operating table to be willingly sliced open if I can help it.

Bump is steadily growing and in the picture above it looks massive but I think it must be the angle I took the picture. I will get round to some proper bump pictures after I've had my roots done on Saturday, 10 weeks and my hair looks a right state!

How were you feeling at the halfway point of pregnancy?

You can read my 17 week pregnancy update by clicking here.

Turn Your Bathroom into a Scented Haven

It's always so lovely to walk into a clean and fresh smelling bathroom so here is an article filled with some great tips to keep your bathroom in a fresh and pleasant environment.

Improving the Scent of your Bathroom

We all have unwanted smells in our bathrooms from time to time, and if they occur often, it can feel really unpleasant and even leave you feeling a little worried when you have guests over.

There are lots of different things you can do though to eliminate those unpleasant bathroom smells, and replace them with beautiful scent solutions. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best tried and tested ideas to hopefully help you on your way to a great smelling bathroom!

Keeping the space ventilated

Keeping your bathroom well ventilated is really important for avoiding the build up of things like mould and mildew, but also so that the smells of the bathroom will have a chance to leave the space, and therefore fresh air can replace them. Invest in a good bathroom fan and maintain it well, and keep the door open where possible.

Give it a good clean from top to bottom

Cleaning your bathroom from top to bottom is of course the best way to eliminate odours as you can get rid of mould and other factors that will cause a stink in your bathroom. Use freshly scented cleaners and sprays that fit in well with the rest of your home. Don’t neglect things like storage units when it comes to cleaning too, as germs can harbour here easily which can lead to bad odours. If they’ve seen better days, it may be well worth investing in some new ones to rid yourself from mould smells.

Essential oils used to add scent to toilet rolls

Adding a few drops of your favourite essential oils to the cardboard of your toilet rolls is a great way to scent the room delicately and naturally. You can do it to each toilet roll and a standard bottle of oil lasts a significant amount of time which is great in terms of saving cash, too. Essential oils can be used in the bathroom in other ways too; such as adding those to the toilet bowl after you go to the loo to help eliminate those unwanted and unpleasant odours.

Scented candles are always a winner

Scented candles are a lovely way to improve the scent of any space and the bathroom is no different. The bathroom in particular is a great space to use candles in as they add an element of luxury and relaxation to the room which you of course can’t get from things like aerosols. Yankee Candles are a really popular choice and they’re good values for money too as the scents are incredible and they last a long time.

Using mason jars with baking soda

Baking soda works really well as a deodoriser as it attracts bad smells and eliminates them. Add a generous scoopful into a mason jar and add something to improve the smell of the space after the baking soda has eliminated it (essential oils, lemon juice etc). This is a great, quick, easy and cheap solution!

Silent Sunday - 16/11/14

Drinking up a Storm with Drinkstuff

I'm so excited to share these amazing items from one of my favorite websites,  drinkstuff. This website is your first and last stop for anything related to drinks, bar accessories and party ware. 

These gorgeous and quirky items are bound to cheer your dining table. First up is the 'Dig In' Salad Serving Set I just think this is so kitsch and quirky I absolutely love it. Designed to look like garden equipment the set consists of a bucket, spade, trowel and watering can for drizzling oil. Just imagine the look on your guests faces when they see this sitting on the dinner table with salad leaves in it, certainly a talking point.

With Christmas fast approaching how fab would these make as a gift for a green fingered relative? Retailing at a very reasonable £19.99 these would be a delightful gift for a budding gardener or foodie.

Talking about Christmas what dining table wouldn't be complete with a beautiful set of wine glasses. I love having good quality wine glasses to drink out of, as much as I hate washing and drying thin wine glasses I have to admit I think they make the wine taste better in a weird way and these glasses are beautifully designed.

One of my favourite brands of glassware is LSA, it's been a brand I've loved for a fair few years now and the latest collection that now adorns my cupboard are the beautiful LSA Polka Wine Glasses. Crafted in thin, delicate glass and hand painted with a pearl lustre these glasses are so chic and eye catching that I just adore them.

As you can see in the pictures below they really are beautiful glasses, modern yet with a vintage touch to them.  They will add decadence and glamour to your meal times and are ideal for alfresco dining or posh sit down dinners or simply just on a Friday night, after work in front of the telly!

Retailing at a very reasonable £29.99 for a set of four you simply cannot go wrong, I can't emphasise the high quality of these glasses and they are a welcome addition in my cupboard of wine related paraphernalia. 

For more information on any of the items featured please visit the amazing website dinkstuff, packed full of classic and unique items I guarantee that there will be something that will take your fancy.

Does anyone else love wine glasses as much as I do?

* Please note I was kindly sent the items to review in exchange for an honest review, all the thoughts and opinions are that of my own.

Silent Sunday - 09/11/14

17 Weeks Pregnant - Update

Baby is the size of turnip.

Here is my latest pregnancy update, we are now at week 17 and baby is the size of a turnip! I don't think I've grown massively this week but I am definitely feeling more than snug in my work uniform, those maternity tunics and dresses better turn up soon! I've started to browse for some new maternity clothes as I had sold a fair bit from my last pregnancy, the only things I have bought so far are some over the bump leggings, there seems to be a bit of lack of decent stuff that I like at the moment which is annoying.

I have continued to feel quite tired this week, but on a plus my appetite has improved some what. I have been feeling a little bit queasy again this week which is random but this seems to be when I'm hungry, so as long as I have some snacks with me I'm usually ok. I've continued to check the baby's heartbeat using my doppler this week as reassurance, it's such a lovely sound to hear. 

I have been craving all sorts of naughty food over the last few days, anything that is removtely bad for you I want!! I have been making sure I have plenty of fruit juice in the house to make sure I'm drinking something reasonably healthy, I'm also making an effort to take at least an apple to work to try and counteract the bad stuff! Currently Cadbury's Turkish Delight chocolate is rocking my world!

What did you crave during pregnancy? Anything weird?

Silent Sunday - 02/11/14