Spotted! My Hospital Bag – fab ready-packed labour bags.
A pre-packed labour bag?
My first instinct was to roll my eyes and sigh at the silliness.
But then I looked.
And found myself in the unheard of position of admitting I was wrong.
I actually really love this idea.
One of the really common frets of a first time mum is “what do I need to take in my bag for the birth?”.
And running my oh-so-experienced (well, I’ve done it four times) eye over the packed list of ‘ingredients’ in these bags?
I’d say there’s little I’d want to add. They’re well thought out, have good quality items, and pretty much cover all the bases.
At £85 it doesn’t sound cheap, but once you tot up everything you’d buy yourself to go inside, I don’t think it’s a lot at all. And that’s a large amount checked off your pre-birth To Do List in one easy purchasing click.
My one criticism?
Snip those horrible bows off the side of what was a very nice holdall!
The bags are available in a variety of colours (and there’s a twins version too), and are available direct from My Hospital Bag
Read MoreBabaslings – gorgeous new prints!
Love love LOVE the new limited edition floral prints from Babasling. – perfect for summer (don’t laugh. the sun wil shine. One day).
Available in three colours, but only for a limited time so get in quick. We liek the Dahlia best, but go see because the other two are a bit gorgeous as well…
the BabaSling®- Print is available now from www.thebabasling.com and is priced at £44.99.
Read MoreSpotted! Brand new Koochu Capri Changing bag *flutters*
LOVE this bag!
I don’t even use a baby changing bag any more, and I still *want* it.
Not released until the end of June, the Koochu Capri is available on pre-order from Mummy & Little Me. All that pretty, and yet it’s a totally practical and sensible Baby Bag too.
Brilliant.
Koochu Capri Changing bag is £130, available now on pre-order from Mummy & Little Me.
Read MoreGorgeously Practical Maternity Coat from Vertbaudet
REDUCED! Down from £99 to £74!
When I first found I was pregnant with baby #2 and my regular clothes started to nip in places they hadn’t before, my first stop was to search out my “pregnant” clothes from last time round. I despaired! Have styles and fashions (and my tastes!) REALLY changed that much in just 3 short years?! Er, yes. They have. So, it was back to the drawing board for my 9 month stretch in maternity wear. This is where the lovely Laura steps in and asks if I could possibly review some maternity wear from Vertbaudet. YAY! Lifesaver! (My bank manager also applauds you my dear!)
So, what did I get to review? Some bootcut jeans, a long-line cardi and a winter coat. Now, I’ve had them for some time, and they formed my core wardrobe for the duration of my pregnancy, so my thoughts are based on washing and wearing repeatedly, not just occasional wear.
When I opened my parcel, I was like a child on Christmas morning. Seriously, I’m sure if you had been a fly on the wall you would have laughed at my squeaks of glee at the selection I received from my wishlist. I was particularly pleased to have been blessed with the addition of the wool-cloth coat to keep me and the bump warm in the colder months. I can confirm now – it did its job well! I am a fuss-pot when it comes to coats. I admit it. I am desperately hard to please in that department (same as with jeans, but we’ll get to that later!) so when I say the coat was great, it really must have been. At first viewing, I thought it might be a bit lightweight should the weather be VERY cold, but despite the lack of weight, it was cosy and comfortable. A roomy fit around the bump, with plenty of room for expansion (even at the very end) but nicely fitted at the top to give some definition to the shape of the wearer – none of this waddling around looking like a blob thank you very much! The style and cut impressed me further by having “moveable arms”. Yes, I KNOW that seems like a small ask, but am I the only one who has a pet hate for these stylish but non-functional coats and jackets that you have to take off before getting in the car to drive? Grrrrr! Vertbaudet have it all worked out though – I happily drove around wearing the coat with no restrictions on my movement. Well done designers! So, for all the good things I have to say, I will add a small negative – it has no hood. I may not actually use a hood that often, but I do like a nice winter coat to have the option to keep my head dry should I need it. Take this coat and add a hood and I would be a VERY happy lady indeed.
Maternity Wool Coat now reduced from £99.99 down to £74.25 (that’s 25% off!). Bargain.
Read MoreStunning Isabella Oliver Luxe Tie Maternity Sweater
Contrary to popular opinion, I am not currently pregnant (yes, sadly, that baby belly is all me, me, me). But fortunately the lovely Nicole (rather unwillingly, as you can imagine) stepped up for us, and offered us the use of her delicious 34 week bump to drape the Isabella Oliver review over…
When I was asked to review the Isabella Oliver Luxe Tie Sweater I immediately went on their website and emailed a picture of it to my husband – could I, too, look as elegant and poised as the lady wearing it on the website? I had glamorous images pervading my mind of lovely days out in the city, and coffee with the girls… This vision I have to say rapidly crumbled when I took a look around me at the washing that needed doing, and the children that needed feeding… However I continued to look forward to my parcel with high hopes.
The day it arrived I eagerly opened the package and came across a lovely box with tissue paper – isn’t it funny how much you already know you’ll like what’s inside when something arrives wrapped in tissue? Any expectant mum would be delighted to receive such a package (a point to remember for the husbands!). I then took the sweater out and modeled it in front of the mirror.
WIN me by clicking here!
The luxurious wool was so soft to touch, the large neck was sumptuous, and I looked forward to being able to show off my new item of clothing to my friends. Unfortunately this is where my lack of girly shopping days in lovely cafes was at fault… The weather turned cold and dreary, and this delicious piece of clothing did not benefit from being paired with paint splashed dungarees, frequent downpours of rain on the school run and the weekly Sainsbury’s trek. I substituted, and showed my family instead, safe in a warm house, and got a lot of oohs and aahs (they’re very good). Truly, the sweater simply looks and feels fantastic.
I have since come to see this as my ‘ John Lewis’ attire – and indeed it is lovely for wandering around the shops. For me, it’s far too lovely for a practical day to day piece for dashing in and out of cars and managing a family.
Having said that, naturally THOSE mums who are able to look glamourous in the playground (you know who you are…) would carry it off with style, so please don’t take this as the fault of the tunic – just me!
It is perfect for spring and autumn type weather, an instantly glamorous touch when things get chilly. I have washed it and dried it as per instructions (purely for review purposes, and nothing at all to do with an accident with a dunked digestive… *ahem*) and it looks as good as new. Overall a lovely item to have, and to make you feel even more special throughout those precious months of pregnancy.
The Luxe Tie Sweater is currently reduced from £115 to £80.50 over at Isabella Oliver.
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HUGE sale from Mummy & Little Me (BIG discounts on maternity wear)
We love the range at Mummy & Little Me - and when they have one of their sales one we love them all the more!
Just take a peekety-peep at these bargainous lushes:
Paisley Tunic by Noppies reduced by FORTY pounds to just £19.99
This fabulously versatile Maternity Cardigan from Noppies is half price at just £25!
Or maybe you'd like a whopping £25 off this pretty Maternity Bra by Anita, now just £9.99
So – we suggest you take a rather rapid meander over to Mummy & Little Me, and see what you can nab for yourself!
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Bestest christmas Gift guide – Pregnancy Photography by the Pregnancy Photographer
Pregnancy Photography. Gorgeous.
Recording your bump, your pregnancy, this stage in your life – who doesn’t want to stop and hold on to these memories? Whether you’re loving your pregnancy, or hanging on by your fingernails for it all to be over, this is a time that won’t come again – and recording it with a portrait can be a really special thing to do that comes to mean more and more as the years go by
As Courtenay Hitchcock says “Because every bump is beautiful, every pregnancy unique.”
And yes, okay, it’s too late to have a portrait session booked in before Christmas now.
But.
A voucher is a wonderful thing – and a fab idea to leave hanging under the nose of a husband or a sister still floundering over what to get you…
A session with The Pregnancy Photographer starts from £125, and he can arrange exclusive 5* Babymoons too…
Read MoreFabulous Matenrity dress from Vertbaudet – reduced to £14!
(reviewed for us by the lovely Claire from Being A Mummy. Who is handily pregnant. Which we’re not. Which makes us bad reviewers. But she’s a good reviewer. *nods* We’ll be quiet now…)
It’s easy to dress well in the early stages of pregnancy. However, once you get past the six month mark people start commenting along the lines of ‘you look like a ship in full sail’ and ‘don’t you look well considering…’. Sometimes you need to feel a little bit normal, a little bit ‘not pregnant’ and a little bit like yourself.
I’ve been hunting for a nice dress, a sort of smart casual one which I can wear on those days when I want to look nice for myself and also when I am going out for dinner in the evening. I wanted a dress where I didn’t look hugely pregnant, one which didn’t cling to the bump, one which just looked nice. Vertbaudet have provided me with the solution. They sent me this lovely floral cross over lined dress to review and to be honest it looks so nice and I have had so many positive comments that I am hoping I can adjust it when I am no longer pregnant. Quite literally it’s the nicest dress in my entire wardrobe. I love it.
In terms of fit, the dress is a little big on top for me, but I think this is more to do with my shape than anything else. It’s well made from nice material, hangs properly and is finished properly. I have found it really comfortable and versatile as it seems to go with a variety of different coloured cardigans.
Sometimes you just want something normal and nice. This is it, perfect for all occasions, a great price (even better now, as it’s HALF PRICE in the sale) and really easy to wash and wear. I’m off to check out the rest of the dresses in the Vertbaudet Maternity Range.
Floral maternity dress now £14 in the Vertbaudet sale!
Read MoreMummy & Little Me – 5 Year Anniversay!
The wonderful Mummy & Little Me maternity and baby shop is celebrating it’s five year anniversay and has a 15% off discount code for you.
EXPIRES: Monday 28th November 2011
Read MoreMaternity Winter Coat? Look no further…
Finding a reasonably priced winter maternity coat can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Believe me, I know; I’m on my third pregnancy, and haven’t had much luck in finding one which meets my essential criteria of style, value for money AND warmth.
In fact, I couldn’t find one suitable for any of my previous pregnancies.
One of the considerations is cost – you don’t want to spend a fortune because let’s face it, you won’t be wearing it for more than one season!
That’s where Vertbaudet come in; unbeknownst to me they sell some really stylish maternity wear, at great prices. Who knew?
I was given this grey wool winter coat to review, and not only is it reasonably priced, it’s exceptionally warm AND looks great. I can honestly say that I no longer feel embarrassed on the school run because my coat is too tight. This coat is stylish over the ever growing bump, and I can do it up properly (hurrah!). It fits perfectly and is actually flattering, I have even had lots of lovely comments.
I love it! My confidence has been given a real boost at the school gates (and I have been totally convinced that a maternity coat is a must-have purchase, rather than a larger normal coat!).
In terms of cost this coat represents really excellent value – it feels really good quality, and the stitching is perfect. You can choose from grey or black, and with two young children I especially like the fact that it is machine washable!
I haven’t seen a better maternity coat this season. In fact, I’m quite disappointed Vertbaudet don’t sell women’s wear now…
Best of all – the coat is currently reduced over at Vertbaudet down to just £74.25. Bargainous!
(reviewed for us by the ever-lovely Claire from Being A Mummy)
Read MoreFlash Sale! Mummy & Little Me – 15% Off!
Quick, get over to Mummy & Little Me as they are offering 15% off everything for 48 hours – to mark the end of their sale and the 15% can even be off sale goods (only bugaboo does not apply).
Some beautiful maternity dresses to be found you know….
Spotted! The Birthing Dress
LOVE this idea. When I gave birth, I found a button-through brushed cotton plain nightie for my hospital bag. Functional – but dull and oh-so-unattractive. I used it all four times, and whilst it gained a fond place in my affections (we went through so much together) I never did actually LIKE the bloody thing.
But oh how I would have LOVED to have this in my bag to put on. Super pretty, promisingly comfortable AND really practical – and fab for after the birth too. Total winner in my book.
Available for a smoosh under £43 from the always-fab Mummy & Little Me.
Read MoreQuick! 50% off Maternity Wear!
Yes! Everything! Mummy & Little Me have never had such a huge sale on – be quick, once it’s gone, you’re out of luck.
Personally I'm loving this gorgeous blue silk maternity dress from Attesa - now just £45.99
Or how about some fab Noppies slim fit maternity jeans? Just £30
Oh, and would you LOOK at that beautiful floral skirt by Linique? £23! Bargainous!
Hot foot it over to the little-bit-brilliant Mummy & Little Me yourself, snap up a bargain or two…
Read MoreOur Shopping Directory
Look… over there… to the right —->
Can you see it??
It looks like this -
Our Shopping Directory!
Look at all those great categories – you just know there is going to be something under there that you want/need. Go on, have a browse, you really will like it. It’s stuffed full of absolutely wonderful companies selling their gorgeous wares on the internet, particularly companies that you may not have heard of before with things that are just that bit different from the usual samey-samey stuff you’ll find on the high street (I personally have an aversion to cookie-cutter stuff, am always on the look out for things with a little unique flair to them).
Take our Maternity & Birth section which includes Maternity Wear, Maternity Lingerie and Pregnancy & Labour Stuff. You will find websites under there that are selling maternity related things that will make you happy.
For example, in the Maternity Wear section – you’ll find a company called Mummy and Little Me who have got some BEAUTIFUL maternity dresses. I particularly love this one…
Mummy and Little Me - Maternity Drape Dress
So, next time you are looking for something, whatever it may be, have a browse in our shopping directory – you just might find the perfect thing.
Read MoreThe Robe Around review – a towel specially made for pregnant bumps.
Have you ever struggled to get a towel to cover your er, modesty?
As a fit and healthy man who runs every day this wasn’t an issue that I’ve encountered, but my wife realised that a standard towel rapidly becomes ineffective in this regard once you pass about 20 weeks of your pregnancy. So I volunteered her services for the Robe-Around review – I thought she would be the ideal person.
Essentially this is a towel with a Velcro fastening at the top to prevent it falling down and a pleated section at the front that provides that important extra space for ones bump. Sounding good so far right? In principal a great innovation, that addresses a real and practical need for pregnant women.
But what about in practice? Well firstly you need to wash the towel quite a few times to get rid of that new-towel fluff; initially we only washed it twice which resulted in a rather fetching covering of black fluff for my wife!
Secondly, while the Velcro is very useful for when walking about in the towel and certainly better than the classic tucking in method, it isn’t so great when you are actually drying yourself. Velcro on bare skin isn’t pleasant and trying to avoid it when you’re not as flexible as normal due to the bump is easier said than done.
Finally if you are tall like my wife (5’10”) then this towel may not be quite long enough, she would have preferred it to reach below her knees (and yes I intentionally dodged any reference to ‘a few more inches’).
So in conclusion we’d give the Robe-Around 6/10; it really is a good idea, but needs some fine tuning. It’s great for walking around in, but not so user friendly when you actually want to dry yourself.
The Robe Around costs £20, and can be bought direct from Sporty Bump.
Reviewed by God(dess) Ben, ably assisted by his lovely wife Alexandra. Though that’s not her up there in the towel. You can see more of Ben over on Mutterings Of A Fool.
Read More50% Off All Womama Rosie Maternity Range at Happy Tiny Babies
The wonderful Happy Tiny Babies website has some gorgeous ranges of maternity lingerie. The Womama Rosie range is especially lovely and very feminine.
Are you looking for a beautiful maternity gift for someone who is blooming? Happy Tiny Babies will also give you free delivery AND free gift wrapping. How fabulous is that?
Read MoreThe amazing Womama Birth Dress – at 50% off!
What a totally brilliant idea this is – a dress designed for your labour and birth! I scoured the shops for a button-up nightie to give birth in, which allowed ‘access all areas’ (*ahem*) but kept me decent on my moaning, huffing, getthisbabymoving walks of the maternity unit.
But how much nicer is this ‘Birth Wrap’? (on top of which it’s a versatile look that you can use for more than just your Big Day). And the rather lovely Ann at Happy Tiny Babies has it on an amazing 50% discount for just a few days – get over there quick and snaffle one up for yourself at the bargain price of just £30.
“This beautifully light, practical wrap is made from super soft cotton and allows for quick easy access for skin-to-skin contact as soon as your baby is born.
Easy to move and be monitored in, you’ll feel feminine at home or in hospital, knowing you are fully covered when you want to be.”
OFFER: 50% off Womama Birth Wrap dress
CODE: none needed
EXPIRES: 31st October 2010
Read MoreSpotted! Pretty maternity wear (that’s not).
Okay, so this isn’t actually maternity wear… but these Kimonos from Caro London would be
simply fabulous for drifting around the house on a summers afternoon, when you have that hot, twitchy pregnant feeling and absolutely NOTHING is comfortable to wear. And I can’t think of anything nicer to roll up into your hospital bag, or to slip into in those early days when a small thing like wearing something pretty can feel so very cheering.
And that’s not all – the achingly pretty kaftan night dress would be just perfect for receiving post-birth visitors (breastfeeding access provided!).
Read MoreMaternity Wear in Leeds
Look! I want to shop HERE!
The brilliant Vicky and Tracy who are ‘Mummy and Little Me‘ have recently opened their third shop (count ‘em!) – and it looks just stunning from what we can see. Anyone visited yet? It’s in the Corn Exchange Leeds - finally a place to find beautiful maternity wear in leeds. Inside you’ll find their usual great range of maternity wear, nursing bras, baby changing bags and cute babywear and gifts.
If, like us, you simply live to far away – not to worry, there’s always the website http://www.mummyandlittleme.co.uk. Not quite as nice as the new shop, but close enough – though you’ll have to make your own tea.
Read MoreCasha Poncho – just plain fabulous!
The gorgeously pregnant Alics has been reviewing the Casha Poncho for us – it’s not actually maternity wear, but is so perfect for a quick cover up with or without a bump.
In the Casha Cashemere Poncho, Alice says
“Hark! What’s this? Why, it’s something that fits over my enormous bump!
Quality-wise it is lovely, really soft, a beautiful shade of grey, and well constructed. It is really very sophisticated and smart. Completely fine for turning up to work meetings… it has really come into its own is as an emergency layer. It folds down really small and is so easily slung in my handbag, so is great for this unpredictable British weather. Rather than wondering whether or not to take a bulky cardigan out or not I can now just grab the poncho… perfect!”
You can find Alice over at Backstitch, a brilliant place to stop by if you’re into fabric and patterns.
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