tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76548664023627588702024-03-05T11:30:27.739+00:00There's Always SundayA British family and lifestyle blogThat's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-115139155947668832019-11-01T15:27:00.002+00:002019-11-01T15:49:34.045+00:00Wrap Up In This Season's Softest Knitwear With British Favourites Boden and Joules<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love all the seasons equally, but Autumn genuinely gives me butterflies! The colours, the change in weather, the food, the festivities and the fashion. I love fashion any time of year but feel most at home in knitwear and jeans. Putting on a soft cosy jumper is like the gentlest hug so I'm pretty picky about which ones become staples in my wardrobe.</div>
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I'm currently wearing four newbies on repeat, along with some of my favourites from last year. That's another essential of great knitwear: it's got to last season after season and why it's worth investing wisely.</div>
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My favourite 4 are from two of my favourite brands: Boden and Joules. I've been lucky enough to work with Boden this year as one of their brand ambassadors and it's definitely something I've been pinching myself about for months. The knitwear I've featured here is part of that partnership. Although I've also worked with Joules before the jumpers in this post are both sale snap-ups. I want to stress though that in both cases this came about because I've shopped with them for years and this post is something <i>I've</i> chosen to write.<br />
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The warmest of the 4 is the <a href="https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/cora-jumper-conker-melange/sty-k0264-brn?cat=C1_S2_G6">Cora jumper in conker melange</a> from <a href="https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb">Boden</a>. It ticks all the boxes: oversized, drop-shouldered, loose roll-neck, longer-line and has a touch of cashmere. I have the size small and find it true to size. The colour is fabulous, so rich and Autumnal but for some reason it's not a colour I've worn before and I'm now wondering why as it's incredibly flattering and goes with everything. If you want to see it (or any of the other jumpers featured in this post) head to my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theresalwayssunday/">instagram</a>. </div>
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Next up, I'm going in order of warmth for no reason other than it gives me some structure, is another Boden beauty that is pretty new to my wardrobe yet I've worn lots already and is a definite for Bonfire Night, not least because of the fun colourway: their cashmere crew neck jumper. It comes in 12 colours and they all look amazing but I'm in love with the <a href="https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/cashmere-crew-neck-jumper-saffron-multistripe/sty-k0242-dyl?cat=C1_S2_G6">saffron multistripe</a>. When I was copying the link over a moment ago I also got a bit distracted by the <a href="https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/cashmere-crew-neck-jumper-firework/sty-k0242-org?cat=C1_S2_G6">firework</a>, <a href="https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/cashmere-crew-neck-jumper-grey-melange/sty-k0242-gry?cat=C1_S2_G6">grey melange</a> and <a href="https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/cashmere-crew-neck-jumper-baltic/sty-k0242-blm?cat=C1_S2_G6">baltic</a> (which looks like a teal shade). Again, it's true to size, a more fitted shape than the Cora, with split seams at the hem which I love because I love tucking tops in at the front for a different silhouette. The saffron multistripe is 98% cashmere, the other 2% is due to the metallised fibre in the second stripe. It's hand wash only and I've yet to wash it because I don't think knitwear needs constant washing and it's held its shape really well despite having worn it several times already. This is a treat item for most of us but I honestly think cashmere, when looked after properly, lasts and lasts. The compliments I've had wearing it have given me a boost and the arrangement of the colours are so flattering as the pink sits perfectly next to your face while the grey cuff is a much more practical shade to have by your wrists and the green and saffron are so Autumnal. Can you tell I love it?</div>
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So, on to Joules. Both of the jumpers I'm including from <a href="https://www.joules.com/">Joules</a> are a lighter knit and that's something I think the brand does really well. I love the having knitwear that you can also wear indoors as silly as that might sound as, although our home varies in temperature wildly, often you go to houses dressed for winter and you're ready to peel the layers off within minutes. If that's your home, these are for you. </div>
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First up, a special buy that I don't think will be around for long the <a href="https://www.joules.com/Sale/Womens-Sale/Navy-Star/207484/Festive-Intarsia-Jumper?id=207484|NAVSTAR">navy star festive intarsia jumper</a> that I think you can wear all winter long. I've had a thing for stars for many years so I know I'll get lots of wear out of this. Like many Joules jumpers, this looks great layered over denim shirt which, with the crew neck, makes for a slightly preppier style which I love. Mine is a size 8 which is true to size for me in knitwear.</div>
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Finally, the <a href="https://www.joules.com/Women/New-In/Esha/Crew-Block-Jumper?size=8&id=205096|LOVE|8">Esha crew block jumper</a> which I had to search via my purchases and was worried I'd left it too late to include. It's massively reduced in the sale and there aren't many left so you'll need to be even quicker with this one. The red is vibrant and incredibly flattering, with side-split seams for that favoured front tuck into jeans. It's a slightly thicker knit than the previous Joules jumper (so I haven't quite gone in order of thickness after all!) and, again, looks great layered over a denim shirt. The LOVE intarsia means, for those who think red is a festive colour, that you can wear it any time of the year. That's not me, btw, I think red looks brilliant all AW as it not only brightens your complexion but any grey day and will definitely find you with lots of compliments!</div>
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So, that's it, for now. I'm off to pick one of my four favourites to wear today as it's chilly and I'm off out shortly.</div>
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That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-31388045568199015152019-05-15T20:28:00.002+01:002019-05-15T20:28:43.000+01:00Flowers and Fairies 3rd Birthday Party: Entertainment and Party Favours<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is the second in a two-part post on the flowers and fairies birthday party theme. You can find the first part <a href="https://thatsmybabyblog.blogspot.com/2019/05/flowers-and-fairies-3rd-birthday-party.html">here</a>.<br />
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The concept for the party started with wands and pink fairy wings as party favours. I had ideas of the wings hung off the back of chairs at the table. They're so girly (exactly what Holly wanted) and I knew the girls would actually use them. I loved the idea that the girls would all leave the party wearing and holding their party favours rather than using party bags full of items that would be thrown away before the weekend was over. I bulk bought the party wings from Amazon (they worked out at just over £4 each) and the quality is really good.<br />
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Jo from <a href="http://sweetenchanted.com/">Sweet Enchanted</a> designed and made the most amazing cookie wands for the girls to take home and they were all eyeing them up as soon as they saw them! No sooner had we handed them out to each girl as they left, than the wrappers were lifted off and they were swiftly gobbled! Seriously, they were delicious and looked absolutely stunning too. Jo designed them so well that they stayed firmly on the stick until the last mouthful and she had packaged them so carefully that they arrived in perfect condition. I've followed Jo for ages - her designs are stunning and her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sweet_enchanted/">instagram</a> feed is full of colour.<br />
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I wasn't too sure where to go with the wands but knew they had to be involved somehow. I really wanted to avoid too much plastic so spent ages searching on Pinterest for ways to make them at home, or better still, get the girls involved in making them. Eventually, I decided to forage for suitable twigs from our garden and my sister (a Forest School leader) gave me some amazing tips for whittling them down (we used a potato peeler to remove the bark and sanded the ends to make them smooth). I bought lengths of ribbon in 10 different colours and cut them to 40cm each, printed off 2 dozen blank stars on card, bought <a href="http://www.scolaquip.co.uk/Chubbie-Paint-Markers/">Scola chubby paint markers</a> and glue dots and put them all in our <a href="https://www.gltc.co.uk/products/carry-caddy-confetti-spot">GLTC caddy</a>. I used our waxed table cloth to set it up on the floor and packed all of our <a href="https://www.babybjorn.co.uk/kitchen/long-sleeve-bib/?attribute_pa_color=turquoise">Babyjörn long-sleeved bibs</a> to protect their party dresses. I was really nervous about how this part would go or whether any of the mums would think we odd for choosing such an activity but they loved it! The girls make a bee-line for the creative table at nursery and they made the wings as enthusiastically.</div>
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In terms of entertainment, I wanted to have lots of options that allowed them to be little and have fun. I bought a bubble machine (mains and battery operated) that we've used lots of times since, made a pass the parcel (always a good back-up), put together a playlist (a mix of nursery rhymes and soundtracks) and we hired a face painter who was just brilliant (we've used her a few times before and she's always been a hit).<br />
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For the playlist I really wanted to find songs that the girls would jump up to but it was surprisingly difficult! They're only 3 so I was really keen for it to be age appropriate. Thankfully, they loved it and jumped up at the first song so I thought I'd share a few of the favouites: Sleeping Bunnies, When Will My Life Begin (<i>Tangled</i>), Baby Shark, Let It Go, Do You Want to Build a Snowman, For the First Time in Forever (all <i>Frozen</i>, obviously!), Be Our Guest, Beauty and the Beast (<i>Beauty and the Beast</i>), Where You Are, You're Welcome (<i>Moana</i>), Hakuna Matata (<i>Lion King</i>), The Bare Necessities (<i>Jungle Book</i>), Welcome to New York ( <i>Secret Life of Pets</i>), We're All in This Together (<i>High School Musical</i>), Happy (<i>Despicable Me 2</i>), Faith and Don't You Worry'Bout a Thing (<i>Sing</i>)..<br />
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Foodwise, I tried to avoid too much sugar, so it was ham or jam sandwiches, a huge bowl of berries to go with the theme (strawberries, blueberries and raspberries), little boxes of raisins, carrot sticks and pom bears with a few naughty treats thrown in (party rings, pink wafers and jelly pots). I wish I'd taken some pictures of the food before we served it but it was too busy so you''ll have to trust me that very little went to waste.<br />
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I wanted to make sure that I put on some special treats for the mums too. I tried to think along the lines of afternoon tea, so bought lots of sweet cakes from M&S, vegetable crisps for the savoury option and packed all our Cath Kidston mugs for tea (although I needn't have as the venue had quite a few), used Happy Confetti's gorgeous water urn and set it up with some of our picnic glasses.<br />
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<i>I was so lucky to have been gifted the cookie wands, but the praise for them and Jo's (from Sweet Enchanted) skill is entirely genuine. I appreciate how fortunate I am to be in the position to have anything like this and fully understand that I wouldn't be if it weren't for your readership so I would never dream of abusing that by writing about anything insincerely or inaccurately. I hope that, and the fact that I wouldn't take a chance with my daughter's birthday party, reassures any of you jaded by gifted items to us bloggers. I definitely don't take that for granted.</i></div>
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That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-90594044748027154232019-05-15T20:14:00.001+01:002019-05-15T20:29:47.010+01:00Flowers and Fairies 3rd Birthday Party<div style="text-align: justify;">
Girls' birthday parties take me out of my comfort zone; boys' party ideas come easily to me (bouncy castles, things with wheels, superheroes...you get the idea) but I was a bit nervous about hosting a girl's one. It was our daughter's first party with her friends; for her 1st and 2nd birthdays we had family parties but for her 3rd it was time for her to celebrate with her friends and she was really excited about it for weeks beforehand.<br />
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Surrounded by boys (we're totally outnumbered at home - even the dog is a boy), I was really keen for her to have a girly party: she's outgoing and plays happily with boys or girls but gets very excited about anything girly. She loves flowers, pink and makes a bee-line for anything creative so these gave me the starting point plus I had an image of a white table and chairs with fairy wings on the backs of each as party favours which was enough to get started.<br />
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I took my ideas to Sinthy at <a href="https://happyconfetti.co.uk/">Happy Confetti</a> (a gorgeous independent toy and party store) and she ran with my ideas to create the <i>most</i> beautiful party set-up. I was keen to avoid lots of bubblegum pink and Sinthy showed me through their stock of paper tableware (it was all so stunning that I could have picked anything and Holly would have been thrilled) before we settled on Ginger Ray's <a href="https://www.gingerray.co.uk/rose-gold-foiled-floral-paper-plates-ditsy-floral.html">rose gold foiled paper plates</a>, co-ordinating <a href="https://www.gingerray.co.uk/rose-gold-foiled-polka-dot-paper-cups-ditsy-floral.html">polka dot paper cups</a> and <a href="https://www.gingerray.co.uk/rose-gold-foiled-floral-paper-napkins-ditsy-floral.html">floral napkins</a>.<br />
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Ash, from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bitemecreatives/">Bite Me Bakes</a>, made stunning rose gold calligraphy place names for the girls which they took home. It was a really sweet detail as many of them recognise their names and were excited to see them looking so beautifully presented.<br />
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Next, for Sinthy to work her magic on the balloons; she suggested one huge round confetti balloon, bunches and an arch (their Instagram feed - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/happy_confetti_/">@happy_confetti_balloon_bar</a> - is beautiful and full of lots of different ideas ). We went for a mix of pinks and white and Sinthy designed a stunning paper and lace tassel for the confetti balloon. I'm writing this more than a week after Holly's party and our balloons are still going strong: I've strung the arch across the top of our dining room window next to the confetti balloon so we still feel like we're celebrating every day!<br />
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I had originally planned to host the party at home but the numbers grew. There were a dozen girls and their mums so I was keen to avoid a venue that would make the girls feel swamped yet was still big enough. Luckily, we've a gorgeous new venue locally that was the perfect size: the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/epacentre_official/">Eastbourne Performing Arts Centre</a>. It's a light and bright uninterrupted space with a kitchen and is located a short walk from town so was perfect. Ingrida, who owns and runs EPAC has created a beautiful venue and was so hospitable.<br />
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I love baking but the finishing touches aren't my forté. Thankfully, Ash from <a href="https://www.bitemebakes.co.uk/">Bite Me Bakes</a> has that in spades. We had a quick chat about the type of thing I was looking for, she sent me some images and we merged the final design from two of these. She listened to exactly what I asked for and created a stunning cake that was just as perfect when you sunk your teeth into it. I'm turning 40 towards the end of the year and I'll definitely be calling on Ash to make my birthday cake.<br />
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This is already such a long post that I've been desperately trying to figure out how to cover everything and the only way that I think works, is splitting it. So the follow-up piece (<a href="https://thatsmybabyblog.blogspot.com/2019/05/flowers-and-fairies-3rd-birthday-party_15.html">here</a>) is all about party games and favours. It's packed with ideas so worth reading if this post has been of any inspiration.</div>
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<i>I was so lucky to have been gifted many of the items in this post (venue, decorations and cake) but I was under no obligation to write the glowing review they all deserve. I appreciate how fortunate I am to be in the position to have anything like this and fully understand that I wouldn't be if it weren't for your readership so I would never dream of abusing that by writing about anything insincerely or inaccurately. I hope that, and the fact that I wouldn't take a chance with my daughter's birthday party, reassures any of you jaded by gifted items to us bloggers. I definitely don't take that for granted.</i></div>
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That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-13396906148955371072019-03-04T20:22:00.003+00:002019-03-04T20:22:39.936+00:00Shrove Tuesday: Pancakes all the family will love<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pancakes are one of my favourite things to eat. I'll eat them in most forms but, give me a leftover lemon and I'll be wanting to pair it with <a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2907669/easy-pancakes">crêpe-style pancakes</a>, drenched in its juice and carpeted in sugar. If you want to mix things up a bit though, this Shrove Tuesday, I can recommend pulling out two favourites that I've posted about before: for the grownups, Jamie Oliver's <a href="https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/berry-good-pancakes/">berry good pancakes </a>and for the younger ones <a href="https://www.annabelkarmel.com/">Annabel Karmel's</a> yoghurt pancakes (recipe on the <a href="https://www.annabelkarmel.com/apps-books/ak-baby-toddler-recipe-app/">app</a> although there are similar recipes on her website).</div>
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I have to admit, as a creature of habit, the first time I made berry good pancakes, I wasn't sure they were going to live up to their name (I thought the blueberries might make them a bit soggy) but the mix of textures alongside the sweet and savoury flavours are absolutely delicious. I said these are for the grown-ups but blueberries are firm favourites in our household so I've served them without the trimmings (streaky bacon and maple syrup) for our children but a dollop of yoghurt works well too. As with every pancake recipe I've tried, this one is so easy you can get the children involved too; I usually find that when my sous-chefs have helped they're just as keen to be chief tasters!</div>
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Although I have a keen sweet tooth, I normally find maple syrup too sweet and considered leaving the final drizzle but it's a great contrast with the bacon and the stickiness is really lovely.</div>
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Now for the Annabel Karmel's yoghurty pancakes. They're the same American-style (smaller and thicker) as Jamie Oliver's and are so similar but the yoghurt gives them a really subtle sweetness that means they're happily gobbled on their own. I don't know a child that doesn't like yoghurt and there are so many lactose-free yoghurts for children with dairy allergies (Sainsbury's has a good <a href="https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/dairy-eggs-and-juice/dairy-free-yogurt-#langId=44&storeId=10151&catalogId=10123&categoryId=387937&parent_category_rn=387873&top_category=387873&pageSize=48&orderBy=FAVOURITES_ONLY%7CTOP_SELLERS&searchTerm=&beginIndex=0&hideFilters=true">online selection</a> to get you started) that you can easily switch in. I've got Annabel Karmel's app (it's got its own shopping list feature which has saved me lots of times) and this recipe is particular to it but she's got a lovely blueberry and yoghurt recipe on her website too.</div>
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In the past, we've added a drizzle of honey to ours along with a handful of blueberries and some banana but I'd go with whatever fruit you want/have in the house because that's one of the joys of pancakes: the ingredients are ones you're unlikely not to have at home so why complicate them.</div>
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Although, I have to confess, I tend to choose a crêpe over an American pancake on Shrove Tuesday, I really love both recipes especially for Sunday brunch or a lazy breakfast when you've got guests staying. However you eat yours this Pancake Day, I hope you've made enough!</div>
That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-84672227342824130212019-02-24T12:50:00.000+00:002019-02-24T12:59:18.059+00:00Britax Römer Car Seat Review<div style="text-align: justify;">
None of us take choosing our child's car seat lightly: it's one of those items that you know you've just got to get right. So, I want you to know that I don't take writing a review for one lightly either. Afterall, it's one of my babies testing it out.</div>
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For transparency, I should tell you that I was gifted the <a href="https://www.britax-roemer.co.uk/car-seats/toddler/advansafix-iv-r/9006.html">ADVANSAVIX IV R</a> car seat but there was no obligation to write a review and this is not a paid post. In fact, I only agreed to try it because we already own two <a href="https://www.britax-roemer.co.uk/">Britax Römer</a> car seats (the <a href="https://www.britax-roemer.co.uk/car-seats/toddler/evolva-1-2-3/1350.html">Evolva 1-2-3</a>) and they are great.</div>
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So, back to the review...</div>
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The ADVANSAFIX IV R is a forward-facing seat from 9 months to 12 years. I know that forward-facing car seats divide opinion and that's not for me to advise you on. If you prefer rear-facing, I've got a competition on my blog (closing midnight 02.0319 GMT) to win a <a href="https://www.britax-roemer.co.uk/car-seats/toddler/dualfix-m-i-size/3017.html">DUALFIX M i-SIZE</a>. Having three children in car seats and with limited leg room (my husband is <i>very</i> tall) forward-facing was the only option. What settled me on ours were the safety features: v-shaped adjustable headrest; SecureGuard protecting the abdominal area; advanced side impact protection; top tether; 3 position easy recline.</div>
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Unlike other car seats we looked at, it was the only one we felt fully supported and protected our boy. He likes a snooze in the car so the recline and v-shaped adjustable head rest are ideal, plus he clearly finds the very comfortable.</div>
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The seat was so easy to install which not only removes any frustration but also means we know it's installed correctly as there are no convoluted installation instructions (you know the type I'm referring to).</div>
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As he gets older, the seat will grow with him and the safety features such as the high-back booster and SecureGuard which holds the lap belt in place on the three-point harness so there's no need to get another stage car seat.</div>
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I, honestly, think the ADVANSAFIX IV R is first class and we could not be happier for our youngest to spend his drive time in a seat we completely trust.</div>
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That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-16713680912863630962019-01-20T23:22:00.000+00:002019-01-20T23:43:29.830+00:00Merifor Tranquillity Mattress Review: "It's Just Right"*<div style="text-align: justify;">
*Goldilocks and the Three Bears, in case you couldn't quite place it.</div>
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I don't know about you but, I'm fussy when it comes to what I sleep on. It's not that I have expensive tastes, more that I know what I like and my entire night's sleep can be made or ruined by a pillow that's not quite right: too firm and I'll likely end up with a headache.<br />
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Head to your nearest bed store and they'll analyse your sleeping position before telling you which mattress is right for you. So, why don't we do that for our children, especially considering how much of their early life they spend asleep?</div>
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Our youngest is a total sleep thief so, although he was already in a cotbed, when we were offered the chance to review a <a href="https://merifor.com/">Merifor</a> mattress, I jumped at the opportunity wondering whether it would be the one to solve all our sleep dilemmas. Having said that, he already had a nice enough mattress so, I wasn't sure how it would be better.<br />
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I opted for the <a href="https://merifor.com/product/tranquillity-cot-bed-mattress/">Tranquillity mattress</a> and it was immediately obvious: the quality of it is so much better than what we already had and I found myself wishing Merifor did an adult version! It even arrived in style, in a protective box that made you realise Merifor really care about what your child sleeps on.</div>
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I popped it in his cot ready for his afternoon nap, held my breathe and waited for him to have his usual brief snooze but he slept like...a baby. Now, I'm not saying it solved all our sleep woes just like that - he's slept through the night a handful of times and there are lots of other reasons for that...colic being the main culprit - but his sleep has genuinely improved since we switched his mattress and he is clearly so much more comfortable and content to settle and snuggle in.</div>
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Why? </div>
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<li>It's got a luxury twin interior mattress with memory foam and micro pocket springs - you flip sides depending on the weight of your baby so it's incredibly supportive as they grow.</li>
<li>The outer cover is removable and washable - we all know how useful that is, don't we?! - and it's heat regulating, moisture wicking, breathable and anti-allergy.</li>
<li>The inner is sealed and waterproof - I don't need to say much about how great that is really, do I?</li>
<li>It's a Loved By Parents and Made For Mums award winner and it comes with a 4 year guarantee.</li>
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I honestly think this mattress is brilliant and I'm so thrilled to have had the chance to review it. I only wish I knew about Merifor with our firstborn as the Tranquillity is in a league of it's own and I feel so much happier knowing our baby is sleeping on something of such great quality. I'd have been just as positive even if we weren't kindly gifted it. Now, Merifor, if you can just develop your range for toddler bed size I'd be ordering one today.</div>
That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-26651887544961897302018-12-13T16:03:00.001+00:002018-12-13T16:03:05.265+00:00My Top 7 Festive Tops<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't need much of an excuse to don festive gear. In fact, whatever the season I'll fully embrace it but Christmas is extra special isn't it? My winter wardrobe consists of numerous Christmas jumpers and while you might think it extravagant, I have a number that are older than my children so I think they're a wise investment if you buy right.<br />
I'm typing this wearing one of the Breton's in this feature and all we've done today is go to the doctor's and the supermarket before heading home for a relaxing day with toys and a movie (<i>Coco</i>, if you're interested) but I really don't think you need an excuse. In fact, as one of my go-to and featured brands, Boden, says I like to #owntherunup because that's half the fun! I'll keep this short and let the pictures and links do the talking...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4jXKb4BOFZbtVg4UtOeAMyeG4iTVyS1texJ5_d-Ze5cnQSGbQBts0ozImyauok9bd9s0rrpVOZUQ21prjlKSvWdSPoaKWZNdm1TZVJHcXP25HiAxjST7S6UZBZX9XdRE1dok8f5LEnaV/s1600/IMG_9627.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4jXKb4BOFZbtVg4UtOeAMyeG4iTVyS1texJ5_d-Ze5cnQSGbQBts0ozImyauok9bd9s0rrpVOZUQ21prjlKSvWdSPoaKWZNdm1TZVJHcXP25HiAxjST7S6UZBZX9XdRE1dok8f5LEnaV/s1600/IMG_9627.jpeg" /></a></div>
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I've had this Joules <a href="https://www.joules.com/Women/New-In/Miranda/Intarsia-Jumper/Red-Terrier-Dog?id=Z_MIRANDA|RDTERRI">miranda red terrier jumper</a> for a few months now and love how light it is. The colour is stunning and the knit is such lovely quality that I can see myself wearing it for years to come. It's great for layering and won't leave you overheating. I've gone for an XS and that's about right for me in Joules.<br />
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Next up is a <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-tops-t-shirts/long-sleeved-tops/j0303-pnt/womens-gingerbread-man-fun-breton">Boden breton</a>. I love that Mrs Claus has red glasses like mine so couldn't resist. It's the lightest fabric of all of the tops and jumpers in this feature and has enough stretch to mean it will be comfortable when I'm eating all those mince pies, but is smart too. It's true to size and, as I like things fitted, I've gone for an 8.<br />
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Next up is a brand I fell in love with a few years ago and every time I wear one of their jumpers someone comments and asks me where it's from. <a href="https://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/">Mint Velvet's</a> jumpers have a distinctive style and shape (loose and v-neck) which I love so this <a href="https://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/product/ink-embroidered-star-sweat/16580">ink star sweat</a> is a little different and a bit out of my comfort zone but I absolutely love it. Technically, not a Christmas jumper but the stars make it subtly festive and mean I can keep wearing it as long as the weather is chilly (I have a thing for stars). It's nicely fitted on the sleeves but loose around the body and the quality of the fabric makes it cosy and smart.<br />
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Back to <a href="https://www.joules.com/Women/Tops/Harbour-Printed/Jersey-Top/Navy-Multi-Yule-Slogan?id=Z_HARBOURPT|NVYYULE">another Breton</a>, this time from Joules Harbour collection. It's fun slogan puts a smile on my face and I really like the mixed navy and red stripe but they have around a dozen different designs ranging from small scattered stars to different slogans and the colour changing star featured further on in this post. I guess, what I'm trying to say is there is a design for everyone! They're a cosy thicker fabric and roomy enough so size down if you like things fitted.<br />
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The next two are from Boden. It's rude not to include a cosy fair isle knit and this one is so soft you won't want to take it off. Now the weather has turned it's perfect for when you're out and about. The colours are really soft so you'll love this is you prefer and more subtle look. If you want to come marching into Christmas like me though, you will adore this <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-knitwear/jumpers/k0106/womens-romy-jumper">romy</a> one with it's merino will blend and loose cut around the waist (perfect for those feast-filled days!).<br />
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I'm not used to twinning as we're a male dominated household (even the dog is a boy), so I am trying to seize the opportunities whenever I can and these Harbour luxe tops are so gorgeous! My <a href="https://www.joules.com/Women/Tops/Harbour-Luxe/Jersey-Top/Cream-Star-Stripe?id=Z_HARBOURLX|CRMSTRS">luxe cream star jersey</a> and Holly's <a href="https://www.joules.com/Girls/T-shirts-Tops/Harbour-Luxe/Jersey-Top-3-12yr/Pink-Stripe-Tree?id=Z_ODRHARBLX|PSTREE">pink stripe tree jersey</a> have reversible sequins that make them even more fun.<br />
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I hope you like my round-up of favourites and found some you're tempted by or that, whatever festive tops you're wearing this Christmas they put a smile on your face. Now, if I could just decide which one to wear to work for Christmas jumper day on 14th!</div>
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That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-65316557530915958662018-11-30T00:57:00.000+00:002018-11-30T00:57:01.709+00:00A Nostalgic Christmas - Traditions Old and New<div align="center" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whether you fully embrace the festive season or not, we all have memories of it that make us smile and, for me it's those memories that form the basis of what makes our family Christmas now. They say it's all about the children but there are a few ideas thrown in for us grownups too.</span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Twelve Traditions for Christmas</span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Make a Christmas family playlist - music triggers so many memories so why not put together all of your favourites?</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Make your own wreath - I keep meaning to sign up for a class but I tend to buy a real one and decorate it with things I've collected over the last few years.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Christmas fairs - there are so many to choose from but, local to us are, Little Chelsea's Little Christmas, Meads' Magic and the Christmas Market in town as well as countless school fairs.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Visit the man in red - are you ever too old for this?</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Christmas lights - so many National Trust properties and RHS gardens put on beautiful displays that are well worth a visit. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. Snowdog Trail - remember these from a few years ago? Well, some of the Snowdogs are currently at Nymans.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7. Bake - our children love helping to bake Christmas cupcakes or gingerbread. If you're not a baker, cheat and buy a ready-made mix. Who cares?</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8. Choose your tree - I'm desperate for a real tree but we've got a crawler. If you don't, why not make a family outing of it? Two local spots on my radar for the future are Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm and Bedgebury Pinetum. We're heading to both anyway as Catsfield sells decorations and real wreaths and we've booked onto one of Bedgebury's Christmas events.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9. Decorate the tree together - whenever you put yours up, making it a family event can mark the start of Christmas in your home. If you've got small children, divide the decorations into those that are fragile and out of reach and those they can hang themselves. Don't worry about where they put things, that's part of the fun!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9. Go ice-skating - the outdoor rinks are the stuff of my dreams. I'm rubbish but I still love it!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10. #twelvebooksofchristmas - simply put together a box of (you've guessed it) 12 books and read one each night at bedtime. Wrap them, or don't, buy them, get them from the library or (as we tend to) reuse them from previous years. We finish with <i>The Night Before Christmas</i> on 24th (I've read it every Chirstmas Eve since I was a child). If you're looking from ideas for baby and toddler books, I've a post on it <a href="http://thatsmybabyblog.blogspot.com/2016/12/from-bookshelf-twelvebooksofchristmas.html">here</a>. It's also a great alternative to an advent calendar.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">11. Christmas Eve boxes - they're a Eurpoean tradition and I love them. It might sound indulgent but they can contain lots of recycled items from previous years (dvdd, books, Christmas mugs), reindeer food (basically dried oats with special glitter), Christmas pyjamas (after all what's the use if you can't wake up in them on 25th?) and a treat for us adults.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">12. Carol services and pyjamas - midnight mass is too late for our children so, last Christmas Eve, we went to a local children's carol service with friends and we're doing the same again this year. Otherwise, it's a day for pyjamas and a Christmas movie before the chaos begins; like many of you, we travel about a lot over the holidays so it's great for everyone to have a relaxing day between the end of term and the ensuing chaos! Once the kids are in bed we watch our two all-time favourite Christmas films: <i>Home Alone</i> and <i>National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. </i>They're films from our childhood and we've watched them every year since we first lived together.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As always, keep an eye on the blog and my social media (@thatsmybabyblog) for ideas.</span></div>
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That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-7791004802543728062018-10-30T23:56:00.000+00:002018-10-30T23:56:58.338+00:00Bedgebury Pinetum Gruffalo Trail<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been on my list for ages to complete the Gruffalo trail but, somehow a visit to Bedgebury Pinetum has always slipped through the net. It's one of the Forestry Commission's many Julia Donaldson trails and the stories are as popular in our house as, I'm sure they are, yours.</div>
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If you're like me, you've found this post while you've been researching and planning a day to Bedgebury and what you're looking for are a few key facts and pictures to give you an idea of what to expect, so I won't spend any longer waffling!</div>
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<u>What you'll want to know:</u></div>
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The characters are wooden sculptures dotted around the forest.</div>
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The shortest route is 2.3 miles (approx. 3.5km) and it is reasonably hilly so plan your route according to the ages of your children. We skipped a few characters as ours were getting tired.</div>
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You can pick up a map at the visitors' centre which has lots of lovely other information and activities.</div>
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The paths are pram friendly but many of the sculptures are off the paths (ours was fine on either).</div>
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Entry is free but you pay for parking* (we paid £13 as it was peak time as it was half term - school holidays, weekends and bank holidays) and there's lots of it.</div>
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You can take dogs (see the Friends of Bedgebury <a href="https://lovebedgebury.org.uk/">website</a> for more information.)</div>
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There's a cafe/restaurant near the Visitor's Centre and car park - it got very busy when we were there so plan lunch/breaks wisely if you're going at peak times.</div>
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The Friends of Bedgebury Pinteum have their own <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovebedgebury/">Instagram</a> which is worth a look for the gorgeous photos showcasing it throughout the seasons. </div>
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There are lots of other things to do at Bedgebury, including playgrounds, Go Ape, horse riding and bike hire. </div>
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As one of the rare days out that the entire family can enjoy (including our pup), we all returned happy and pooped after a day walking in the fresh air.</div>
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*from 30th November you can buy your real Christmas trees from Bedgebury Pinetum and, if you do, you're parking is free. See their website for more info.</div>
That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-35309605383957768052018-10-29T01:29:00.001+00:002018-10-29T01:29:06.113+00:00Halloween: No Tricks, Just Treats<div style="text-align: justify;">
Halloween is the start of a slippery but, oh, so delicious slope that lasts until after Easter and it's all thanks to naughty treats! I'm not complaining really but, I just don't have the willpower to say no to a sweet treat.<br />
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I love baking with my children and they love it too so Halloween is always the perfect excuse to dust off their aprons and let them join in. As the weather gets colder, baking's a great activity (if you don't mind the sugar highs that follow, that is!).<br />
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Cupcakes are so easy to make. I swear by the <a href="https://hummingbirdbakery.com/collections/gifts-books/products/the-hummingbird-bakery-cookbook">Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook</a> recipes but play around with the icing and decoration to suit the season. We use rubber spatulas and I have small ones for my toddlers to use: they spoon in the cake mix and spread on the icing. If the thought of letting your children loose with either sends you into a spin, limit them to a cupcake each or just involve them in the finishing touches. I pour sprinkles into bowls and let them dip the iced cupcakes. This Halloween, I also bought some edible cake toppers for them to add.</div>
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If you're not a baker, Betty Crocker has so many cheat's baking packs that are pretty straight forward. I'd not tried them before but bought a <a href="https://www.bettycrocker.co.uk/products/chocolate-chip-cookie-mix">cookie one</a> for a stress-free half term activity the other day and was really impressed with the results. We added mini-marshmallows for extra chewiness and they were delicious. It's a bit of a tenuous link but, I called them Cookie Monsters.<br />
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Gingerbread is ever a favourite in our household but I've not perfected a batch that doesn't go hard if they're not eaten fresh! The supermarkets have lots of great kits with ready-made gingerbread and decorations. I found these pumpkin ones in <a href="https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/search?query=gingerbread&icid=tescohp_sws-1_m-ft_in-gingerbread_ab-226-a_out-gingerbread">Tesco</a> while I was doing my weekly shop (I can't find them online). They don't take long to decorate but they're pretty fun. Precise decoration is not really my forté so I decided not to get too hung up on it, as these gingerbread skeletons were never going to hang around long, so I let the kids do most of the decoration themselves.</div>
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If you're looking for more cookery ideas, creep your eyes peeled (I'm here all day folks!) for more coming on the blog soon. There are already some goodies though; you'll find them in Lifestyle - <a href="https://thatsmybabyblog.blogspot.com/2018/10/sunday-brunch.html">What's Cooking?</a> or search <i>cooking</i> using the magnifying glass on the top right tool bar.</div>
That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-86707479400622610432018-10-29T00:27:00.001+00:002018-10-29T00:27:22.447+00:00Winter Woolies<div style="text-align: justify;">
By far, the hardest working items in my wardrobe are winter woolies. Living by the coast (and with a dog and three children) they earn their place in the premium listing that is my small hanging space in the wardrobe - I'm always getting ready in such a hurry that I try to keep to something that resembles a capsule wardrobe. Plus, isn't storage an issue in every household?!</div>
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Anyway, enough exciting wardrobe chat. There are four jumpers that I'm snuggling up in now the weather's turned and they'll all see my through this winter and beyond.</div>
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I was after <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-knitwear/knitted-jumpers/k0108-blu/womens-heritage-blue_silver-melange-lowick-jumper">this Boden knit</a> in one of the two other colour ways but ordered too late. I'm actually glad I did now though, as it pushed me out of my comfort-zone and the colours are really flattering: the ochre is a nod to Autumn but far enough from your face and anything else you'd pair it with that it doesn't dominate or limit you. It's such a soft cosy jumper thanks to the touch of cashmere, I've got a small and it's plenty big enough, but I really like that it's roomier than I would normally go for. If that's not for you though, go a size down.</div>
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I absolutely <i>adore</i> this <a href="https://www.joules.com/Women/New-In/Miranda/Intarsia-Jumper/Red-Terrier-Dog?id=Z_MIRANDA|RDTERRI">Joules red jumper</a>. They bring out such lovely intarsia's each season and this Winter is no exception. It's a lighter knit that's perfect for layering a jacket or coat over and the crew-kneck style is very me. I am *ever so slightly* obsessed with dogs, so this chap in his wooly hat is spot on. The colour and slimmer fit are so flattering and, now we're edging closer to December, it will be cheering up my wardrobe more and more. Joules have got lots of other designs and colour ways too, all just as lovely. I *might* have to order another one myself!<br />
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I wouldn't normally think of buying winter woolies from River Island, but this <a href="https://www.riverisland.com/p/dark-grey-colour-block-turtle-neck-jumper-724771">jumper</a> has already made me rethink that. Its lightweight knit is deceptive as it's very warm and perfect without a jacket even on chillier days. Even better, when you've got washing piled up, I've thrown it in the wash a number of times already and it's still looking good.<br />
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Talking of chillier days, and another Boden number, this is perhaps <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-knitwear/knitted-jumpers/k0117-grn/womens-pine-tree-melange-daisy-jumper">the warmest jumper I have ever owned</a>. The high neck and thick knit make it perfect for the when the mercury really drops. The colour is so lovely and, again, not one I would have picked but I think it would suit anyone. Plus, unlike lots of really warm jumpers, it's still incredibly smart (just what you'd expect from Boden) and would look lovely with trousers too.</div>
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I hope you liked this post; it's the first non-maternity fashion post I've done in a long while (thanks to being pregnant for most of the last five years!) and a move back towards fashion on the blog. So, hopefully, you liked it as you'll be seeing more of it from now on!</div>
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That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-41316839519917213652018-10-13T07:07:00.004+01:002018-10-14T15:08:54.131+01:00Sunday Brunch<div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were days when Sundays were spent recovering from a night out, with all the magazines, in pjs, watching Sunday TV for hours on end and food was at the centre of it. Sundays might be a bit more hectic nowadays but food is still at the centre of them and I have a firm favourite: poached eggs on rye. This one’s got tomatoes for that added sweetness and contrast but you can just as easily leave them out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Ingredients:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Two fresh eggs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oven cooked tomatoes (find my all-time favourite recipe <a href="https://thatsmybabyblog.blogspot.com/2018/10/oven-roasted-tomatoes.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 avocado</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rocket</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rye bread</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fresh lemon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dried chilli flakes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature so you really taste all the flavours.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How to:</span></u></div>
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<li style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cook the tomatoes (see link in ingredients). </span></li>
<li style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Half, stone, scoop and smash the avocado with a fork. Add a squeeze of the fresh lemon, stir through and put aside. Tip: don’t do it too soon or it will discolour. If you’re only using half of the avocado, put it in the fridge in a tupperware with the stone and it should slow down any discolouration. </span></li>
<li style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Toast the rye bread.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Assemble first half (this is key to making sure you don't let the eggs sit too long once </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">they're ready): spread the avocado on the toast, add a handful of r</span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ocket, a squeeze of the fresh lemon and pile a spoonful of the tomatoes on top.</span></li>
<li style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Poach the eggs. There are so many methods and I can’t say I’ve perfected them but I tend to stick to <a href="https://www.deliaonline.com/how-to-cook/eggs/how-to-poach-an-egg" target="_blank">Delia Smith’s tips</a> when it comes to poaching eggs.</span></li>
<li style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Finish assembling: add the poached eggs and top with a sprinkling dried chilli flakes.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rye bread might sound like a bit of a trendy faff but, I promise you, it’s worth it and the thing that pulls it all together is the tomatoes so, even if you only try them once (and, if you do, I doubt it will be the once), it’s worth it. I batch cook them and put the leftovers in bolognese (it raises the bar) or use to make bruschetta.</span></div>
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<br style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" />That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-69422937116606332872018-10-13T06:55:00.001+01:002018-10-14T15:08:54.154+01:00Oven-roasted tomatoes<div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I’m a huge tomato fan and they’re the base for a lot of my cooking so this recipe is one I use <i>a lot</i>. It’s so easy and yet the results make it seem as though you’ve spent ages preparing it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I use it for bruschetta, pizza topping, puff pastry tart, I put it in ragu and with, my favourite, <a href="https://thatsmybabyblog.blogspot.com/2018/10/sunday-brunch.html" target="_blank">poached eggs on rye</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">I batch cook it so it’s a great way of meal planning a few days ahead (ours never lasts long so I couldn’t tell you exactly how long it keeps for!). It’s a crowd pleaser and it wows so it’s great for entertaining (bruschetta starter or tart) and it will give your weekday bolognese a winning edge. It's a great recipe for getting the kids involved too.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Ingredients:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cherry tomatoes* - if you’re using bigger tomatoes you may need to adjust cooking times</span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Garlic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Honey </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Salt and pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*make sure they are are at room temperature so you really taste all the flavours.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJyqwV6PqNNY7uk8xSkrsDXo579ITsFilBF7ObeCCbOhe4LsXhaEDvDtJt9ZRRRu0OXQyagezm4HJ0nlGI7J89hoanUkIWo_t3qRcYCTDGn3ODmDYxr_WGjVJA_JnPANQehbTu5chuZBN/s1600/Roasted+Tomastoes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJyqwV6PqNNY7uk8xSkrsDXo579ITsFilBF7ObeCCbOhe4LsXhaEDvDtJt9ZRRRu0OXQyagezm4HJ0nlGI7J89hoanUkIWo_t3qRcYCTDGn3ODmDYxr_WGjVJA_JnPANQehbTu5chuZBN/s1600/Roasted+Tomastoes+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How to:</span></u></div>
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<li style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Set your oven to 190.</span></li>
<li style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wash, dry and half the cherry tomatoes.</span><u style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></u></li>
<li style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Drizzle olive oil in a dish (you want them tightly packed).</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Arrange tomatoes skin side down.</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Crush garlic (1 to 2 cloves) and mix with 3 table spoon of olive oil, 1 of honey and grind salt & paper to taste. Mix. <span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Spoon over tomatoes.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Cook for 30 minutes in the oven.</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They're tastiest warm, especially for the poached eggs and <span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">bruschetta, but I'll happily eat them any temperature!</span></span></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-72061968376333529392018-10-12T15:25:00.003+01:002018-10-14T15:09:40.639+01:00"You've Got Your Hands Full!" - 5 Top Tips for Coping with Three Under Three<div style="text-align: justify;">
If I hand a pound for every time someone said that to me, I'd have no money worries for a very long time! It's true, things are busy but there are plenty of people who have more children than I do and they seem to manage it brilliantly so I tend to deflect any comments like that. Nonetheless, as my youngest nears his 1st birthday, I thought I would put together a little post all about the things that have helped me juggle three young children.</div>
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1. <u>Allow yourself time to readjust</u>. There's no doubt about it, every time you add a new member to your family, it takes a while to get used to the new dynamic and I think that would be my first tip: don't put too much pressure on yourself and take your time as a family to work out which routines are still manageable and the ones that really aren't worth stressing over. Our youngest was born a month before Christmas last year and my husband didn't take paternity so it wasn't until the holidays that we actually managed to pause, come up for air and take stock. You'll find <i>your</i> own way and the thief of any joy in that is comparison.</div>
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2. <u>Don't sweat it</u>. There are days when things just won't go the way you'd imagined and it's important to go with the flow otherwise it's a bit like fighting the tide. When you can, give your little ones the space to make their own agenda for the day and you'll all find it much more enjoyable.</div>
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3. <u>Get outdoors</u>. It's so hard in those early days to get everyone dressed and out of the house but, cabin fever may be the very reason why everyone is finding things a bit of a struggle. Who cares if you all look like you've dressed in the dark?! Own that with confidence because it's amazing how much of a difference a trip to the park or local playground can make. Partially, because they can make as much noise or run as wildly as they want to and it doesn't matter.</div>
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4. <u>Plan ahead</u>. I always think parenting three children is a bit like watching a duck swimming: on the surface they seem to have it all sussed but underneath they are working away to make things happen. In truth, I'm often less like a duck than I would hope! Still, the key is to make sure you are organised and, once I've checked the weather forecast, I tend to put out clothes, baby carrier and restock the changing bag (nappies, beakers, snacks, bottles, a few small toys/sticker books/colouring and spares) the night before. If I'm heading out in the car, I try to make sure the pram is in the boot too as there's nothing guaranteed to get you stressed like heaving that into the boot first thing in the morning while you've got three children making demands of you.</div>
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5. <u>Get organised at home</u>. We have toy buckets of different sizes in almost every room. They're inexpensive ones I get from Home Sense which are open and have handles so I can take them to another room, the garden or put them in the car if we're visiting friends and family. It's a simple concept but an effective one and the only two crucial aspects are organising the toys so that you're happy with them being played with in each room (no ball games or toys with small parts that our youngest mustn't play with in the one in the lounge, for example) and make sure they go back again at the end of the day. Because they're open-topped, ours dip in independently and can help tidy up. Every now and then, particularly when I think they're growing tired of them, I'll rotate them so the toys at the bottom see the light of day.</div>
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I could definitely go on, but these are currently the ones that are giving me breathing space and allowing me time to enjoy with my three. If there are any you swear by, pop them in the comments as I'd love to hear them and I'm always looking for new tips.</div>
That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-69031893886349408032018-10-12T14:49:00.002+01:002018-10-14T15:09:58.513+01:00Hello Autumn!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't know about you but, once I've got over the fact that Summer is done for another year, I begin to remember just how much fun Autumn is. As a teacher, I always see it as a new year and the chance for a fresh start. It's a time to get back to routine and, as much as I'll be bemoaning that in a few months time, there's something to be said for it. I can't deny, the fact that it rolls into my favourite time of the year (with three birthdays along the way) is pretty exciting too!</div>
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After <i>the</i> <i>most</i> spectacular summer though, I have to admit that I've become very lazy when it comes to entertaining our three children, having come to depend on the fact that we were outside almost every single day, and feel slightly lost for things to do now that Autumn's blowing in (although the weather is still being kind). It's the same every year, and with each new season, until I look online at the UK calendar for inspiration.</div>
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It was Harvest Festival for our little ones last week, so I thought it was about time I dusted off my keyboard and shared some of our plans in case you are looking for inspiration now Autumn is well and truly here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJCbLZCGnjJrZW9Ngiqr8lFYP_Klxvc-M1Mz84Tz7ghVDrvVeu1DAG-FqZqFLlG8-BUFwR4s48XY5wXcCnvKXCqST2OQnwkNHcVj-XM48fgSBjdLBN6iQvDWGSWRggf2Ms8BQnrt3OU4M/s1600/FullSizeRender-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJCbLZCGnjJrZW9Ngiqr8lFYP_Klxvc-M1Mz84Tz7ghVDrvVeu1DAG-FqZqFLlG8-BUFwR4s48XY5wXcCnvKXCqST2OQnwkNHcVj-XM48fgSBjdLBN6iQvDWGSWRggf2Ms8BQnrt3OU4M/s1600/FullSizeRender-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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1. Get down to your local farm/farm shop. Yes, I know it's October, but there's still plenty that's ripe for the picking! Harvest festival was a great excuse to get my children talking about food and yesterday we paid a visit to <a href="https://www.sharnfoldfarm.co.uk/">Sharnfold Farm</a> so they could choose their own and they loved it. It's the activity that keeps on giving as it gives you the perfect chance to get your little ones involved in the cooking and excited about eating fruit and veg too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTnc9jQvgSF46uqi0Xi3hK2OAxOTC9w72_23ywsuZ3ojYcEgQHTAwE2pZ3lrh5ZlR2xUlw1elu82y1AnU2HlJM2JBSEd3pojJ7QjtDs7VNo9Oov0hsaYnnyo-Ji2I99ISES4DCB5A9ndQ/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTnc9jQvgSF46uqi0Xi3hK2OAxOTC9w72_23ywsuZ3ojYcEgQHTAwE2pZ3lrh5ZlR2xUlw1elu82y1AnU2HlJM2JBSEd3pojJ7QjtDs7VNo9Oov0hsaYnnyo-Ji2I99ISES4DCB5A9ndQ/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" /></a></div>
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2. The <a href="https://www.forestry.gov.uk/england">Forestry Commission</a> is great at putting on <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/highwayrat">trails</a> featuring some favourite Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler characters. This Autumn it’s the turn of The Highway Rat (if you're in the South East look for Bedgebury Pinetum, Jeskyns Community Woodland and Alice Holt Forest) and there are activity packs online (see the trails link above) to give them some fun activities to do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXCiq_AIUKFh3UMvfgP58axlC-c7qnEYe1DyniYq2guv4VNfj0n3JcVfIefUy_6tm-dGGHktdpC6N68Hj5roJ-uMIsFIZ7PX1vaXPwluS36KEMOhyCQn712GinhlWJmJq1iTrXU5XXLAN/s1600/DSC_1017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXCiq_AIUKFh3UMvfgP58axlC-c7qnEYe1DyniYq2guv4VNfj0n3JcVfIefUy_6tm-dGGHktdpC6N68Hj5roJ-uMIsFIZ7PX1vaXPwluS36KEMOhyCQn712GinhlWJmJq1iTrXU5XXLAN/s1600/DSC_1017.jpg" /></a></div>
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4. The leaves are turning and the blasts of recent windy weather mean they're starting to flutter down already. Collect them and get arty, just like when you were a child, with leave painting, making Autumn garlands, a collage or take some paper and crayons to the park and do a tree rubbing. If you're looking for somewhere to go where Autumn really reveals itself, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden">Sheffield Park</a> is a must; we've been each Autumn for the last few years. Keep an eye on social media to see when the best time is as it changes every year.</div>
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5. I've got a *bit* of a pumpkin obsession and if you can’t go pumpkin crazy in October, when can you? We are getting more and more spoilt for choice with pumpkin patches, trails and events but we are regulars at Sharnfold and the trail this year is their best display yet. Ours raced around it for most of yesterday morning and we're going back again next week. In all honesty, ours are too young to carve pumpkins so I let them draw a design on before I (attempt) it myself and, if you want to light them, why not use electric tea lights as a safer option.</div>
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6. As the evenings get darker, make the most of the clear coastal skies and go stargazing. We don’t venture farther than the garden, the next full moon (the Hunter’s Moon) is 24th October, so fingers crossed for clear skies. If it's past bedtime, look out for good sunrises and sunsets as the days get shorter - there are some absolute stunners at the moment.</div>
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7. Pop on your wellies and go hunting for puddles to splash in. Actually, that's easier said than done in the South East at the moment, but there are still a few to be found and, no doubt, I'll have jinxed it writing this so there'll be lots soon!</div>
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These are just a few old favourites of ours but they’re just as much fun year after year so I hope I’ve given you some ideas. I’ll have more on my social media if you fancy a peak (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatsmybabyblog/?hl=en" target="_blank">@thatsmybabyblog</a>).</div>
That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-81152511323217317782018-03-05T12:19:00.001+00:002018-03-05T12:19:26.018+00:00Pay It Forward JoJo Maman Bébé's FAMTA campaign<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hands up if you've got boxes full of baby/children clothes that are sitting in your loft or cellar? Yep, us too. We've got boxes of them and, although there are definitely certain pieces that hold sentimental value, most are just going to sit there, no longer used, and taking up space until we inevitably get rid of them.</div>
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It's a shocking stat that, here in the UK, we dump almost a third of our unwanted clothes in landfill. If you like your figures, that equates to 350,000 tonnes every single year! Here's another stat for you: if we can just extend the lifespan of our clothes by three months we can reduce carbon and water waste by up to 5-10% each year. For us adults it's largely about getting good use out of our clothes but children seem to grow at a rate of knots so it's pretty difficult to do that once you're family is complete.</div>
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Step forward <a href="http://www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/" target="_blank">JoJo Maman Bébé</a>, who started their FAMTA (From a Mother to Another) campaign in 2015 which has distributed 125,000 pieces of clothing and 21,000 pairs of shoes to children living in crisis in Lebanon, Turkey, the UK and Ireland.</div>
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If you want to get involved, you have until 18th March, Mother's Day so it's time to get sorting. They're looking for clothes aged 0-6 years and children's shoes organised into labelled bags containing 4 pieces (i.e. 1-2 years, boys, summer) that can make up one or more outfit. There's a complete checklist on their website, so follow this <a href="http://www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/famta" target="_blank">link</a> for all the information. It's such a fantastic well-thought out campaign and, I know I'm a soppy dote, but the fact that you can help another mother look after her children gives me a lump in my throat, especially when you look at images like the one at the start of this post of a girl in a snowy refugee camp in Jordan with ill-fitting shoes, no coat or even tights/socks. After the weather we've had in the last week, I dread to think how cold she must be.</div>
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Anyway, enough of my emotions. Time to get sorting!</div>
That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-1430573444868803642018-02-05T06:33:00.000+00:002018-02-05T06:33:13.912+00:00Kicking Colic's Bottom<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's no two ways about it, colic is mean. Two of our three have suffered with it, but our third has really struggled so I took to the 'gram for advice and everyone was so kind in what they shared that I had to pay it forward and let you know what they recommended/has worked for us. I'll keep it short and sweet because, I know, you'll be desperate for a fix to soothe your crying newborn.</div>
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<b><u>Top Tips for Kicking Colic's Bottom</u></b></div>
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1. Pay careful attention to winding - not just the conventional back rubs but baby massage. Think clockwise tummy rubs, leg movements, massaging the feet (a tip from our healthy visitor) etc. There are lots of videos online demonstrating the best techniques and we relied on massage <i>a</i> <i>lot. </i>Doing it at nappy changes or after bathtime is a really lovely way to spend time together and bond - our 2 month old loves it and sees it as his time to chat to us.<br />
2. A warm bath - we tried to time baths with those times (mid-afternoon onwards) when we knew colic really kicked.</div>
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3. Keep your bubba upright - during the day and for a while after feeds as the bubbles are thought to form more when babies are flat on their backs (which they are most of the time, helpfully). We used our <a href="https://www.babybjorn.co.uk/baby-carriers/" target="_blank">carrier</a> and <a href="https://www.babybjorn.co.uk/baby-bouncers/" target="_blank">bouncer</a>, tilted our crib and just simply cradled ours (often in the colic hold).</div>
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4. Cut dairy from your diet - there's a theory that colicky symptoms can be a sign of dairy intolerance.<br />
5. Anti colic drops - the ones we've tried or have been recommended are <a href="http://colief.com/" target="_blank">Colief</a>, <a href="http://www.infacol.co.uk/" target="_blank">Infacol</a>, <a href="http://www.boots.com/woodwards-gripe-water-150ml-10006777" target="_blank">Gripe Water</a> and <a href="https://www.dentinox.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dentinox</a>. We tried the last three and found that Dentinox suited us best.</div>
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6. Anti-colic bottles - these were the last thing we tried as we umm'd and ahh'd about whether they would do enough. I know of two types: <a href="http://www.drbrowns.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dr Brown's</a> (recommended by many friends but an online purchase) and Tommee Tippee's <a href="https://www.tommeetippee.co.uk/product/advanced-comfort-bottle-kit" target="_blank">advanced comfort</a> which are the ones we went for as they sell them in the supermarket so I grabbed them when we were at our wits end. I really wish we hadn't hesitated as they were a game changer for us.</div>
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I've got to stress that I have no expertise but am writing this based on my own experience so, if you want a medical view, I'm not your gal. I <i>really</i> hope some of them work for you though as it's so tough when you can't soothe your little one. Do let me know how you get on! xx<br />
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P.s. Thank you to everyone who offered us tips!</div>
That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-19851950056593343502017-12-18T23:03:00.001+00:002017-12-19T06:35:18.695+00:00Feeling Festive with Boden<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love Christmas and nothing says the festive season has properly started quite like dressing the tree in your seasonal jumper so, when Boden sent through some of their most gorgeous knits for the whole family, I couldn't resist sharing our afternoon decorating the tree in a blog post.</div>
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We have a three week old in our house so I decided not to book a trip to see Father Christmas this year as I wasn't sure how much energy we'd have for it. Instead we took a trip to Standen House National Trust a few weeks ago to see their trees on one of their twilight weekends. It was stunning and really got us in the mood but, I have to be honest, taking the trip with a 1 week old whose feeds were entirely unpredictable and two toddlers who wanted to touch every light and decoration going was a mistake! We were truly outnumbered.<br />
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Nonetheless, the traditional decorations gave me inspiration for our tree; I'm normally a glass bauble kind of girl but, with a 1 and 2 year old, I knew things had to change so fully embraced the more durable toys like Nutcracker soldiers, post boxes, gingerbread men and the like. So, while our older two napped in the nursery and our newborn snoozed under the tree, I popped all the baubles on (out of reach) and set out the toddler-friendly decorations ready for Charlie and Holly when they woke. I wasn't quite expecting the reaction we got so was thrilled that they fully embraced it.</div>
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I was fully expecting, at least, one of them to decide they didn't want to change into their Christmas jumpers (you never know with toddlers!) but they were both so excited to pop them on and get started with the decorating. Charlie loves the fact that his jumper has Rudolph on and the excuse to sing the song, while Holly is <i>obsessed</i> with her <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/girls-leggings/g0090-nvy/girls-school-navy-robin-appliqu%C3%A9-leggings" target="_blank">Robin leggings</a> and the hood of her <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/girls-trousers-jeans/sweatpants-leggings/g0090/girls-appliqu%C3%A9-leggings" target="_blank">poncho</a>. Our newborn looked absolutely adorable in his cosy fox adorned knitted playsuit (<a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/baby-rompers-play-sets/rompers/y0115-oat/baby-oatmeal-marl-bunnies-hop-along-knitted-playsuit" target="_blank">similar</a>) and the fact it's so soft means it doesn't irritate his delicate skin. </div>
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Not to leave us out, the lovely people at Boden sent the <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/mens-knitwear/knitted-jumpers/m0056-nav/mens-winter-fair-isle-fair-isle-crew" target="_blank">hubs</a> and I <i>the</i> best <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-knitwear/christmas-jumpers/k0053-ivo/womens-ivory-fair-isle-anouk-fair-isle-jumper" target="_blank">Fair Isle jumpers</a> that we're finding every excuse to wear (Christmas jumpers all month, I say). In fact, all of our festive knits are so popular that they've already been through the wash lots of times and look just as good as the first time we popped them on. We all love ours so much that I'm going online to snap up some others in <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/" target="_blank">Boden's sale</a>.</div>
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We have a gorgeous big front door and traditional Victorian porch that is crying out for a real wreath at Christmas, so Holly and I hung it while Charlie was finding the best spots for his gingerbread men. Our local florist had some lovely bunches of mistletoe so the hubs hung that over the door and we each stole a few kisses with our girl before heading back in to warm up in front of 'The Snowman and the Snowdog' and admire our handiwork.</div>
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The excitement of Christmas is strong in our household; both our toddlers have their favourite decorations (me too!) that they're allowed to play with and get really excited each morning to turn on the tree lights and seek them out. In fact, I don't know what we'll do when we have to take the tree down or it's no longer acceptable to wear our Christmas jumpers! </div>
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That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-7897828914525056022017-11-12T07:27:00.000+00:002017-11-12T07:27:47.815+00:00Why Recording Your Pregnancy Is So Important<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not normally one to spend time in front of the camera, partially because I <i>love</i> taking pictures and I'm never without a bag full of toddler bits so a camera is hardly a burden to carry. If you follow me on instagram, however, you'll have noticed more pictures of me than ever and I have to admit it's a conscious decision. Not because I suddenly think I'm really photogenic or anything (I'm more than likely laughing or looking away from the camera as I can't quite master the looking-straight-down-the-lens shot), but because I know in years to come I will regret not capturing myself pregnant.<br />
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No matter how our bodies take to pregnancy, we all change a lot during those 9+ months so it's understandable that we might feel camera shy. If you're like me, you'll have been through the early stage where you assume strangers just think you're carrying a bit of extra weight around your middle, to the weeks where you're quite happy show-casing your neat bump, before returning again to the self-conscious final month where people comment on your size in a way that they'd never consider doing to someone who wasn't pregnant.</div>
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Regardless and given that this might be my last pregnancy, I've cherished watching my bump grow knowing already how wonderful it is to look at your children after they're born and eagerly anticipate the bonds that will develop between them. Of my three pregnancies, that nostalgia (can it already be?) has meant this is the one where I've actively sought photographs of me to be taken and, whenever I look between my bump and toddlers, I'm in awe of what our bodies can do.</div>
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This is also the first pregnancy where I've had a bump in the summer and I was pretty determined that I was going to enjoy baring it on holiday. The freedom was wonderful: no restricting waistbands or heavy layers confusing me as to whether I was hot or cold. It's much easier to photograph your bump in the summer as you often just feel bundled in coats during the winter months, but it really is worth taking the time to do it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5R_IOhAAUABDAJB6Ul0fFv4hYlShYV_tl8PnUXRgIe1ouI5XJjn6hmuKJbioYjPgoWVqTf3xOlg44ki7LD87KRhMSh-nyVof1_5TOzqqMwhMml2TdvPV88vH_St-brTlgOc__IMx17lEm/s1600/IMG_2600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5R_IOhAAUABDAJB6Ul0fFv4hYlShYV_tl8PnUXRgIe1ouI5XJjn6hmuKJbioYjPgoWVqTf3xOlg44ki7LD87KRhMSh-nyVof1_5TOzqqMwhMml2TdvPV88vH_St-brTlgOc__IMx17lEm/s1600/IMG_2600.JPG" /></a></div>
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As much as I hate to admit it, I'm afraid I'm a superficial soul when it comes to having my photograph taken, quick to poke holes in how I look, so I've tried to ensure that I've retained some sense of myself in my maternity wardrobe or that, at least, my hair looks tidy enough to hide behind! My advice (if you want it), is to ensure that you do or wear whatever it is that makes you feel the happiest version of yourself so that, when your other half or a friend try to take photographs of you, you'll willingly oblige, let them take lots and be pretty happy with the results. After all, your children will want to look at those pictures one day and you'll be glad of them.</div>
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I know how frustrating it is to find maternity bits that you like, so I've added a few links to the genuine maternity pieces below in case any of what I'm wearing is what you're after:</div>
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<a href="http://www.seraphine.com/camel-roll-neck-maternity-nursing-jumper.html" target="_blank">Camel draped jumper</a>; <a href="http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0294076007.html" target="_blank">black skinny maternity jeans</a>; <a href="http://www.asos.com/asos-maternity/asos-maternity-vertical-stripe-shirt-trouser-pj-set/prd/8054439?clr=mono&SearchQuery=maternity+pyjamas&pgesize=36&pge=0&totalstyles=64&gridsize=3&gridrow=9&gridcolumn=3" target="_blank">humbug striped pyjamas</a>; <a href="http://www.seraphine.com/maternity-clothes/knitwear/white-cable-knit-nursing-jumper.html" target="_blank">white cable knit jumper</a>.</div>
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That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-29626968210245189882017-11-08T15:09:00.000+00:002017-11-08T15:09:11.137+00:00Autumn Photo Diary<div style="text-align: justify;">
This Autumn has been so special: the weather has been a-may-zing, our tinies have been such fun and it's been really special watching my bump grow as we await the arrival of no3. I've not done this before, but it seemed fitting to do an Autumn photo diary looking back at some of my favourites.<br />
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Normally, by mid-September we expect to get a few more days on the beach but it's been so mild we've spent hours down there and, even on days where we've had to wrap up, it's been so dry that we've really made the most of it; the Sunshine Coast has been living up to it's name.<br />
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Of course, with October came the excuse to go hunting for puddles and, although there haven't been many, on the days where it's rained it's really bucketed it down so it's been trips to the park, Nymans and Sheffield Park (thanks to our handy National Trust membership).<br />
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Our pup has loved all the family time outdoors and I've made the most of the chances to don my Hunters and cosy maternity knitwear (usually without the fuss of a big coat as it's been so glorious).<br />
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As far as I'm concerned, it's not October, if there aren't lot of pumpkins involved so the obligatory pumpkin PYO, spiced (decaf) lattes and naughty Halloween treats have been a bit of a theme. I wasn't sure whether, at 1 and 2, ours were too young to get into the spirit of pumpkin PYO, but they loved it as much as I did and were so excited to choose for themselves (you'll probably be able to guess whose is whose!).</div>
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Our days snuggled at home when the weather's not been quite so nice have been just as wonderful, with a few lazy pyjama-clad mornings thrown in, playing with toys together or snuggling on the sofa in front of a cartoon.</div>
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We've been so spoilt and, now that November is underway, we can't help but get excited about the arrival of no.3, our second little boy (third if you count the pup and who wouldn't?!) and the weeks leading up to Christmas <i>(</i>this year is going to be even more special).<br />
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I may be a bit presumptuous here but, when I read blog posts, I usually hope they've linked some of the items in it, so I've popped a few below in the hope that some of my favourites are yours too:<br />
My <a href="http://www.seraphine.com/maternity-clothes/knitwear/camel-roll-neck-maternity-nursing-jumper.html" target="_blank">camel draped jumper</a>, <a href="http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0294076007.html" target="_blank">skinny black jeans</a>, hat (<a href="https://www.frenchconnection.com/product/woman-collections-accessories-scarves-and-hats/shiak/wide-brim-fedora-hat.htm" target="_blank">similar</a><span id="goog_1908601368"></span><span id="goog_1908601369"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>) and <a href="https://www.hunterboots.com/gb/en_gb/womens-tall-wellingtons/womens-original-tour-gloss-wellington-boots/black/1122" target="_blank">wellies</a>; Charlie and Holly's <a href="http://www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/wellie-rain-boots-b3544.html" target="_blank">wellies</a> and <a href="http://www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/fishermans-rain-coats-b5762.html" target="_blank">fisherman's rain coats</a>; Charlie's <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/boys-coats-jackets/coats/y0058-mul/boys-multi-vintage-cars-cars-printed-duffle-coat" target="_blank">car print duffel coat</a> and scooter (<a href="https://www.mothercare.com/bikes-trikes-scooters-and-ride-ons/yvolution-y-glider-3-in-1-scooter/141908.html?cgid=bikes_trikes_rideons#prefn1=brand&prefv1=Yvolution&start=2" target="_blank">similar</a>); Holly's <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/girls-coats-jackets/jackets/y0083-pnk/girls-almond-blossom-pink-cosy-cord-jacket" target="_blank">pink cord jacket</a> and <a href="http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/girls-knitwear/knitted-cardigans/y0081-ecr/girls-ecru-marl-bunnies-fun-cardigan" target="_blank">cream cardigan</a> (just seen); <a href="http://www.asos.com/asos-maternity/asos-maternity-pyjama-set-with-striped-bottoms-and-ruffle-shoulder/prd/8197403?clr=blue&SearchQuery=maternity+pyjamas&pgesize=36&pge=0&totalstyles=64&gridsize=3&gridrow=3&gridcolumn=3" target="_blank">mine</a> and Holly's <a href="http://www.thewhitecompany.com/Winter-Fairy-Pyjamas-1-12yrs/p/fairy-winter-pyjamas?swatch=White" target="_blank">pyjamas</a>; <a href="http://www.thewhitecompany.com/Wooden-Rocking-Horse/p/RHUWT?swatch=White" target="_blank">rocking horse</a>; Charlie's <a href="https://www.joules.com/Boys/New-In/Animate/Character-Top-1-6yr/Ocean-Blue-Dog?id=X_YNGANIMATEB|OCNBDOG" target="_blank">dog t-shirt</a> and <a href="https://www.joules.com/Boys/Trousers-Shorts/Jimmy/Joggers-1-6yr/French-Navy?id=X_YNGJIMMY|FRNAVY" target="_blank">joggers</a> and Holly's <a href="https://www.joules.com/Girls/T-shirts-Tops/Ava/Applique-Top-1-6yr/Rose-Pink-Hipster-Dog?id=X_YNGAVA|RPNKDOG" target="_blank">puppy in glasses top and leggings</a>; Charlie's pyjamas (<a href="http://www.thewhitecompany.com/Mini-Gingham-Flannel-Pyjamas-1-12yrs/p/mini-gingham-red-flannel-pyjamas?swatch=Post+Box+Red" target="_blank">similar</a>); and <a href="http://www.seraphine.com/maternity-clothes/knitwear/white-cable-knit-nursing-jumper.html" target="_blank">my white cable knit jumper</a>. </div>
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That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-40283566268077278442017-10-23T12:13:00.000+01:002017-10-23T12:13:02.941+01:00Sleep: How to Get More of it With a Newborn<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US">The lack of sleep is the one thing about having a baby that no one can prepare you
for. Those first few months are shattering and I was nervous about going
through it a second time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Before writing this I totted up the average hours of sleep I had per night in the early weeks. It’s not particularly encouraging and
left me wondering whether I’m actually qualified to write this post! Still, if
nothing else then, hopefully, you’ll feel less alone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">All the advice you’ll be given about taking naps during the day or
ignoring the mounting piles of washing up and laundry are, largely, impractical
and will undoubtedly result in everything unravelling when you realise your kitchen cupboards
resemble Mother Hubbard’s or nobody has anything clean to wear, but there are a
few key time-saving tips that saw us through with our first and I knew I'd depend upon with no.2. to steal back a few invaluable hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US">Save Time, Rest More</span></u></i></b></h3>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">1. Set up a changing station on
your bedside table. Ours has several nappies, wipes, nappy cream, a few changes
of clothes, muslins and bibs. We also popped a night-light adaptor on to the
bulb of our bedside lamp. All of this helps ensure your baby isn’t stimulated
into staying awake by unnecessarily bright lights or movement.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">2. Babies crave interaction and
feeds are a perfect time to do that so they’ll often seek eye contact, but as
they have no body clock you’ll need to help them distinguish between
interactive day feeds and sleepy night feeds. So, try feeding with your eyes shut
at night. Your baby will eventually mimick you, thus encouraging them (and you)
to get back to sleep quicker.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">3. If you wake at the slightest
noise from your bubba (I can almost see your wry smiles as you read this!), take it in turns to have a lie-in; taking them to another room at the weekends can give
you the peace of mind to nap. It might not always work out if the baby wants an
unexpected feed, but that’s where tip no.2 comes in handy. Besides, at this
stage, even a 10 minute nap isn’t to be sniffed at!</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">4. Shop online. Our supermarket
shop is saved so that I only have to pick from our favourites and did that
during a night feed with ease. Make sure that you include plenty of easy meals
– as a rule, I only cooked meals that took a maximum of 15 minutes – and
keep stocked up on tea/coffee and snacks for your visitors.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">5. Keep a list of your baby’s
feeds. There are plenty of apps if you’d rather - I tried a number of free ones and my favourite was baby feeding log due to it's simplicity - but I'm also a fan of just listing them on my
phone. It may sound time-consuming, but it will allow you to begin to understand routines and patterns so you can estimate when you
can steal a few hours sleep several times a week. I found the best time was
before the dream-feed. It’s worth it, even though it meant missing quality time together in the evenings, or your favourite programme (I recorded mine to watch when our
newborn dropped a night feed and I had more energy) and it's only for a short while before your baby begins to sleep for longer.</span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">6. If you have an older child to look after and have any help, write up their feeds/routines and pop it somewhere in plain sight (our was stuck on the fridge).</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">7. Label the kitchen cupboards as guests (family or otherwise) may feel shy about rummaging and this will prevent you having to point everything out, allowing them to feel at ease making cups of tea while you put your feet up for a few minutes. It might seem excessive, but a few post-it notes can make all the difference, especially as your visitors will want to be of some help rather than causing you extra work.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">8. Despite being such little people, newborns seem to double your laundry! Investing in bibs and muslins reduces it significantly and, as you can purchase them cheaply, I go by the adage that you're better of having too many rather than too few.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">9. Even getting washed and dressed in the mornings takes up valuable time, so streamline your wardrobe to a few key, comfortable items that you can easily grab. This is especially key if you've had a C-section. Minimise your make-up routine to the essentials that will make you feel that bit perkier (even a few drops of gradual tanner in your face moisturiser can be enough to fake the glow of someone who's had a good night's sleep!) and, if you don't have time to wash your hair, use dry shampoo. Having said that, you'll be surprised at what babies can sleep through: I dried my hair with our first dosing beside me and the white noise was such a winner that I did it again with our second (it's the same with the hoover, washing machine, dishwasher...). Whatever it is you do, it's definitely worth doing something as it will lift your spirits and you'll feel secretly chuffed that you, at least, look ready to tackle the day ahead.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">10. If you have a baby carrier/sling, pop your little one in it while you're doing chores. They'll love feeling so close to you and being upright helps wind them (apparently, this is also great for establishing feeding routines as a well-winded baby has more room for milk thus encouraging daytime feeds and reducing night ones when they're ready).</span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;">I really hope these tips help you as much as they helped us, but they're far from an exhaustive list. So, if you have some tips of your own, please share them so we can all give them a go.</span></div>
That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-28013709924929387752017-10-15T19:34:00.003+01:002017-10-15T19:34:58.768+01:00Pregnancy Update: Essentials to See You Through All Three Trimesters<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now I'm in the final weeks with no.3 (how did that happen?) and having been pregnant for much of the last four years, I feel as though I've got the essentials for each stage sussed. I had intended to write a series for each trimester but soon realised I was repeating myself and that, if I was reading, I'd want a quick checklist so have whittled it down to the true essentials based on my experience. So, here goes...<br />
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<b><u>My Pregnancy Essentials</u></b></div>
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<b>1. Dealing with nausea</b> - my 'morning' sickness has ranged from mild nausea to extreme sickness for much of the pregnancy (think 7+ times a day every day and you're about there). While I was commuting I kept a bag of dry crackers in my bag which kept me going long enough for my train to pull in to Waterloo! When we went on holiday this summer I took <a href="https://www.myrtleandmaude.com/product-page/mum-to-be-peppermint-oil-bon-bons-enriched-with-b6" target="_blank">Myrtle + Maude's mints</a> and, although I didn't have any extreme bouts they certainly helped; I'm keeping them in the car for any more wobbles. I'm a big tea fan, or at least mint and green so I kept a bag of fresh mint in the fridge at work and a pot of jasmine pearls in my desk draw. This time around, I've also been loving <a href="https://www.myrtleandmaude.com/product-page/mum-to-be-pregnancy-tea" target="_blank">Myrtle + Maude's</a> which is such a gorgeous blend and ever so refreshing. There's something incredibly settling about all three and they take the edge off my nausea.</div>
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<b>2. Head aches</b> - I have always suffered with head aches (if I don't take something they get worse rather than petering out) so this was a tough one. I kept Kool 'n' Soothe's <a href="http://www.boots.com/kool-n-soothe-migraine-4-pack-10029380" target="_blank">forehead strips</a> at home and work and always ensured I had my <a href="http://www.boots.com/4head-stick-3-6g-10024996" target="_blank">4head</a> stick in my bag. The hubs bought me a decent water bottle and reminded me to get some fresh air whenever I was struggling. If all of those failed, I followed <a href="http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2397.aspx?CategoryID=54" target="_blank">NHS advice</a> on pain relief after talking to my midwife.</div>
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<b>3. Pelvic girdle pain (or PGP)</b> - I suffered from this in both my previous pregnancies so it was no surprise that I've got it again third time around. Anything medical is, obviously, beyond my remit but I benefitted from a support belt and a pregnancy pillow. The belt is something you'd need to talk to your midwife about (I was measured for mine by my midwife) but lots of my friends invested in pillows. I've tried two but am currently using <a href="https://www.pregnancypillows.net/pages/u-shaped-pillow" target="_blank">SnuggleUp's U-shaped pillow</a>. It's incredibly soft and yet really holds it's shape so is very supportive. I wasn't really sure what use pregnancy pillows were before I tried one, but the relief they give my joints (especially my hips) ensures a much better night's sleep and fewer aches in the morning.</div>
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<b>4. Maternity clothes</b> - I've written a cheat's guide to maternity fashion <a href="http://thatsmybabyblog.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/dressing-your-bump-cheats-guide.html" target="_blank">here</a>; if you don't want to spend a great deal on maternity clothes, this post is for you, but I do think you need to be comfortable lounging at home and I, along with lots of my friends, are quick to pop on pyjamas early in the evening so some comfortable ones are a huge bonus (the ones I'm wearing here are from <a href="http://www.asos.com/asos-maternity/asos-maternity-bright-floral-shirt-trouser-pj-set/prd/8055220?clr=pinkorangefloral&SearchQuery=&cid=5813&pgesize=32&pge=0&totalstyles=32&gridsize=3&gridrow=11&gridcolumn=1" target="_blank">ASOS maternity</a> and are gorgeous).<br />
<b>5. Skincare - </b>your skin goes through a lot when you're pregnant and it always amazes me how it bounces back, but I still think it's worth taking extra care. I'm a devotee of <a href="http://www.clarins.co.uk/" target="_blank">Clarins</a> for many reasons not least because their products have never let me down (I've used them with each pregnancy), but they're very natural in their ingredients so avoiding the dreaded heavy scents that made my tummy queasy (I had an issue with strong smells when I was pregnant with my first, in particular) and they really do last so are a good investment. I've tried lots of their products and their website is worth a browse, but my all-time favourite is their <a href="http://www.clarins.co.uk/tonic-body-treatment-oil--firming-toning-/0051210.html" target="_blank">treatment oil</a>. It's divine. It does take a while to sink in so I tend to apply it at night and pop an old t-shirt but it helps me sleep and with insomnia kicking in during the second trimester I was pretty grateful. If oils aren't your thing, <a href="http://www.clarins.co.uk/stretch-mark-minimizer/0158120.html" target="_blank">Clarins stretch mark minimiser</a> is really great and sinks in fast.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodno54xDZ5Mm0fatqSPjMP_jsXu4N5qSsFoIYQd-8AuS5Skd1Xy9sFMFrsWi-tS_tP1MZK0p_QnUGhxVvKE8GG5odZW_nxsT95ZV4OiONDDc16futyhelZymeBeNDnEoFpuqjfSs2frVs/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodno54xDZ5Mm0fatqSPjMP_jsXu4N5qSsFoIYQd-8AuS5Skd1Xy9sFMFrsWi-tS_tP1MZK0p_QnUGhxVvKE8GG5odZW_nxsT95ZV4OiONDDc16futyhelZymeBeNDnEoFpuqjfSs2frVs/s1600/image2.JPG" /></a></div>
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I know each pregnancy is different, there are certainly other side effects(?) of all three of my pregnancies that I haven't gone into here, but these five are pretty common among my friends too. I really hope that this quick rundown is of some help and, as always, if there are other things you relied on to deal with whatever pregnancy threw at you, please share them!<br />
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Disclaimer: I was sent samples by Myrtle + Maude, SnuggleUp and Clarins to review but I <i>promise</i> that they wouldn't have appeared in this post if I didn't genuinely rate them highly. </div>
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That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-52347659117429508602017-08-27T22:11:00.002+01:002017-08-27T22:11:50.143+01:00SPF: Summer Pregnancy Favourites <div style="text-align: justify;">
Although this is my third pregnancy, it's my first heavily pregnant through summer so I've been taking care to ensure I look after my skin in the sun. Each of our bubbas have had their passports stamped twice before they were born; no.3 has been to Majorca and Venice. Although I'm loving all the sunshine and heat while pregnant I also know the sun can play havoc with your skin: chloasma gravidarum, itchy skin, breakouts, swollen tired legs and stretch marks. It can be quite cruel really! With our current heatwave (UK-style), I thought it was about time I did a round-up of some of the products that are permanently on my dressing table and tips that have been getting me through...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4rOYp6ts74sHPPOPeLceFVqBA5U5lVN1Yz3wItjuZqdoOU-GgxwevVNtBeDsxQaJtOYrKTyDQzoRhTLMLTFNqMgTcaF7T6pgP02TNBEUozU61fDuedanN2Hu27mx0LOwyPYEvIRWGWEr/s1600/IMG_1254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4rOYp6ts74sHPPOPeLceFVqBA5U5lVN1Yz3wItjuZqdoOU-GgxwevVNtBeDsxQaJtOYrKTyDQzoRhTLMLTFNqMgTcaF7T6pgP02TNBEUozU61fDuedanN2Hu27mx0LOwyPYEvIRWGWEr/s1600/IMG_1254.JPG" /></a></div>
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<b>Sunscreen</b> - my days of a low SPF are long gone but I've upped it to 50 wherever I am as I've been concerned about the dark patches (or chloasma gravidarum) that plague pregnant women in the sun. I've been applying <a href="http://www.clarins.co.uk/sunscreen-care-milk-lotion-spray-very-high-protection-uvb-uva-50-/0145410.html" target="_blank">Clarins SPF 50 sunscreen spray</a> to any areas that are exposed to the sun and donning a sunhat. I've still tanned, not burnt once and haven't noticed any patches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76ThpRwpcOAx1wP7xNjWwhkErB42FZhvKOMICeyF1QKM6rM4XzrmYD2JtGdoVwgjWLB-rzhV5TlKnEipgyD64l4n0JXid4xEN5eSeCj5Mh016CrhmGrrTS5jOyGXQ8zTZY0KP2KVruPaa/s1600/Snapseed-54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76ThpRwpcOAx1wP7xNjWwhkErB42FZhvKOMICeyF1QKM6rM4XzrmYD2JtGdoVwgjWLB-rzhV5TlKnEipgyD64l4n0JXid4xEN5eSeCj5Mh016CrhmGrrTS5jOyGXQ8zTZY0KP2KVruPaa/s1600/Snapseed-54.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Keeping hydrated and cool</b> - I guzzle water in a rather indelicate fashion and stick to the rule that you've only drunk enough when it runs clear! It's not always that exciting when you're out and about so I've been perusing the mocktail menus whenever we've been out and, particularly, on holiday. There's something about drinking from a fancy glass or something with a bit of fruit stuck to the rim that tricks my mind! I've also been spritzing my <a href="http://www.boots.com/liz-earle-instant-boost-skin-tonic-spritzer-200ml-10189834" target="_blank">Liz Earle instant boost skin tonic spritzer</a> on my face, décolletage, and anywhere that's overheating or feeling dehydrated. For added relief I keep it in the fridge! Like Clarins, I know that I can rely on their natural ingredients to be safe for pregnant skin.<br />
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<b>Achy limbs</b> - I did a lot of walking in Venice and I walk wherever I can at home too. The downside is achy legs (especially in summer sandals) so I've been rubbing <a href="https://www.clarins.co.uk/energizing-emulsion/C020301006.html" target="_blank">Clarins energising emulsion</a> into my muscles. It's also been great for my sore shoulders and back from carrying my 2 and 1 year olds around. I've had mine for ages, it really lasts, and sometimes pop some in the bath. The scent is revitalising too.<br />
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<b>Stretch marks and itchy skin</b> - I've pretty much been pregnant for the last four years and I know I'm putting my body through it so I'm taking care to look after my skin to try and avoid (or, at least, minimise) stretch marks. I've sworn by Clarins <a href="http://www.clarins.co.uk/stretch-mark-minimizer/0158120.html#prefn1=concern&prefv1=Pregnancy&start=1" target="_blank">stretch mark minimiser</a> and <a href="http://www.clarins.co.uk/tonic-body-treatment-oil--firming-toning-/0051210.html" target="_blank">tonic body treatment oil</a> for each of my pregnancies and they've not let me down. In case you haven't guessed, I'm a devotee of the brand and I wasn't prepared to change the formula this time around either!<br />
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That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-16811482973679636252017-08-20T22:50:00.000+01:002017-08-21T08:59:23.925+01:00Four Days in Venice: Gondolas, Canals, Coffee, Pasta and Sandals<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Ah Venice, you beauty. Last week, my mum, sister and I jetted off from Gatwick for four days in the land of gondolas, canals and pasta. It was my third trip to the city having stopped off there for a few days while inter-railing as a student and revisited with the hubs for our mini-moon (oh my goodness, that was magical), so I knew it was special.<br />
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When I was last there we took a private water taxi from the airport straight to our hotel; we loved it so much that we booked it for my parents when they spent Christmas in Venice a few years ago so were keen for my sister to experience that superstar feeling of stepping off a water taxi on to the hotel's jetty. It is much quicker, you don't have to wait for the scheduled departure and they are really smart. Expect to pay around 90+ euro depending on where you're headed. I would suggest booking ahead or keeping extra currency as you can only pay cash and it will drain your supplies pretty swiftly.<br />
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Made up of 117 islands and with over 400 bridges spanning its 150-odd canals, it's no surprise that gondolas, water taxis and vaporetto litter the waterways while pedestrians don sensible foot-ware to wander it's cobbled streets (at almost 7 months pregnant, I definitely stuck to flats!). It's a great deal larger than you might imagine, plus the maze of streets (many only really qualify as alleyways) often lead to dead-ends so you'll find it takes you longer than you think to get around; if you're not fussed about where you go and, let's face it, you won't be disappointed where you end up then wander aimlessly, otherwise you'd do well to pick up a map from your hotel and ask them to mark out the best routes for your destination.<br />
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Piazza San Marco is visually stunning and, if you don't mind the queues, the Basilica and tower are well-worth a visit, but it's also thronging with tourists and over-priced (albeit stunning) cafes and restaurants from which quartets play. Expect to pay around 15 euro for a coke!<br />
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For us, it was the smaller piazzas that appealed so, although we strolled through San Marco each day (our hotel, <a href="http://www.allangelo.it/en/" target="_blank">All Angelo</a> which we found in the <a href="https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_gb" target="_blank">British Airways</a> sale, was in an amazing location only a few minute's walk from it), we didn't hang around for long. Plus, with the <i>huge</i> cruise liners that dwarfed the city each afternoon (you feel like you need to run for high ground when you see them) came unbelievable queues of tourists who were on day trips from their short lay-overs.<br />
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If you venture away from San Marco to Campo San Barnaba, Campo Santa Maria Formosa or Campo Santi Giovanni e Paulo it's not that difficult to shake off your fellow tourists and enjoy coffee, lunch or dinner at a more reasonable price while you take in the beautiful architecture of a city that dates back to around 400AD. One of my favourite finds was Teatro Rossini where we took shade from the heat to enjoy one of our last coffee stops while listening to the operatic tones of the singers rehearsing in the theatre next door.<br />
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I'd also read about the 57th <a href="http://www.labiennale.org/en/art/2017" target="_blank">Venice Art Biennale</a> and the installations across the city, so couldn't help but keep my eyes peeled for some of them. We missed out on quite a few, but stumbled across some pretty striking ones; my favourite just so happened to be by an artist who's name I shared until I got married: <a href="https://www.lorenzoquinn.com/venice-biennale-venice-2017/" target="_blank">Lorenzo Quinn's <i>Support</i></a>. The Biennale runs until 25th November so, if you're heading to Venice before then, I'd recommend checking it out.<br />
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No trip to Italy is complete without several tastes of gelato (I love mine in the little cups) and, although we didn't do it this time, one of my favourite things to do in Venice is grab a takeaway slice of pizza followed by several flavours of gelato (always finishing with limone) and sit in a quiet square (not San Marco, where it's banned) watching people wander by.<br />
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I'm not sure there was much of the city we didn't wander around, from the northern tip of Cannaregio, to the southern stretch of Dorsoduro and the east of Castello. We crossed more bridges than I could count from the grand Ponte di Rialto, Accademia and Scalzi (3 of the 4 bridges crossing the Grande Canal to the smallest footbridges across little waterways. Accademia was pretty nostalgic as it was the bridge the hubs and I crossed several times each day from our hotel (<a href="https://www.sinahotels.com/en/h/sina-centurion-palace-venice/" target="_blank">Centurion Palace</a> - it's very special) while on mini-moon.<br />
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We didn't do it this time, but I would recommend taking a trip on a gondola. The price might put you off and you may want to avoid taking one during the heat of the day, but there is something magical about the whole experience. When the hubs and I mini-mooned in Venice, we grabbed a bottle of bubbles and a couple o glasses from our hotel beforehand; it very civilised and pretty special. This time, we looked on at the queues along Piazza San Marco aghast, but you there are plenty of other places to hop on one so keep your eyes peeled. We dined alongside the ... one evening where several passed with their passengers being serenaded and it sounded pretty wonderful.<br />
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If you have enough time, a trip on the vaporetto to one of the other islands is a great way to explore Lido, Murano or Burano among others. You can get a day pass for 20 euro or single trips cost 7.50. We spent a day on Burano which we all loved and I've done a separate post on as it <a href="https://thatsmybabyblog.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/four-days-in-venice-day-trip-to-burano.html" target="_blank">here</a> really deserves it's own space; even if you don't read a word of my post, you <i>must</i> look at the pictures as you won't want to miss out on a trip there.</div>
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That's My Baby Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281943406727701555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7654866402362758870.post-7710240700537012592017-08-18T08:24:00.000+01:002017-08-20T23:04:49.909+01:00Four Days in Venice: A Day Trip to Burano<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are lots of islands worth a visit from Venice and you'd be surprised at the size of them: Lido is 11km long, hosts the Venice film festival and, as you'd expect from the name, has a beach that runs the length of it; Murano is home to the famous glass of the same name; and Burano is renowned for its lace and colourful houses. As time was precious on our four day trip to Venice (read about it <a href="http://thatsmybabyblog.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/four-days-in-venice-gondolas-canals.html" target="_blank">here</a>), we decided to opt for one, Burano, and it didn't disappoint.<br />
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Our hotel was a few minutes walk from Piazza San Marco on the edge of the San Marco and Castello districts so we had the option of taking a vaporetto (small ferry) from San Marco which we were told could take up to 2 hours or take a 15 minute walk to the south eastern edge of Cannaregio and stop Fondamente Nuove, hop on the no.12 (which leaves every 20 minutes) and be there in around half an hour. Of course, we went for the latter and were really glad we had.<br />
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I'd read a great deal about Burano and it was my suggestion to go so I was nervous about taking my mum and sister on a trip that wasted a day of our four day visit to Venice. I needn't have worried: every house was painted a different colour and we spent hours wandering before and after lunch choosing our favourites and then finding new ones! Residents have to ask permission if they want to paint or change the colour of their home so no two sitting next to each other are the same and the story goes that the tradition started so that the fishermen of the island could spot the bright coloured houses through mist.<br />
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Many of the houses had their washing hanging on lines from the first floor windows and, even this, seemed carefully co-ordinated. I'd read the post Lisa from <a href="http://www.thewanderinglens.com/burano-the-most-colourful-village-in-europe/" target="_blank">The Wandering Lens</a> wrote on Burano and, in it, she mentioned following the smell of fresh laundry. Although we didn't get quite as lucky, there was one small street in particular that drew me to follow my nose and down an alleyway from it I spotted <i>the</i> most spectacular blue that I decided was my favourite (now for).<br />
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We stopped off for lunch at San Martino Sinistro which sits in a quiet piazza where the fish didn't disappoint and the owners encouraged us to stay as long as we liked before exploring the gorgeous lace, linen and cotton on offer in the shop opposite (I didn't get the name, but it was our favourite on the island); I couldn't resist a beautiful pale lemon dress for Holly but, honestly, I could have bought her entire next summer's wardrobe from one of the shops. In the same shop, I fell in love with an angelic white dress but wasn't sure it would fit by next summer so the owner offered to alter it for me there and then - she couldn't have been more helpful and she was clearly incredibly talented.<br />
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It was a shame to leave Burano but we had a reservation at a restaurant in Venice to get back for. While we waited for our vaporetto, we couldn't resist some more delicious Italian gelato while we deliberated which house we'd snap up if we had a chance!<br />
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