BLOGMAS | Christmas with I Love...

Available from Boots, Argos, Sainsburys & Asda - not online

I was super lucky to be sent some of the gorgeous Christmas range from I Love... I remember I Love from when I was in school and I always got the gift sets for Christmas. I think I even got my youngest step sister one of the sets for Christmas last year. They really are great for any age. All the scents are SO mouth wateringly delicious! 

I think my favourite is the Raspberry & Blackberry scent. I've tried this before so I'm very familiar with this set, I love it. 

I've never tried the Strawberries & Cream range, but if you're a lover of sickly sweet scents this one is for you. I'm a sickly sweet lover (think snow fairy x10) so this is one I love.

Lastly there is the new (I think?) scent, Chocolate & Caramel. You should all probably know I'm a bath bomb lover so these are right up my street, and in fact these smell so chocolately, my dog was licking them when I got them out. The Miniature treat box are also such lovely gifts, they would make perfect secret santa presents! And how gorgeous are the heart shape soaps?! They'll keep you going for a while! 

Unfortunately I'm not sure of the prices of these, and I can't find them online anywhere! Most of these are exclusively available to buy from Boots.

xxx

BLOGMAS | Introduction & Christmas Decorations

NOEL WOODEN DECORATION | RED PHONE BOX BAUBLE | SKIIER BAUBLE | PINE CONE DECORATION | GOLD PINEAPPLE BAUBLE | LONDON BUS BAUBLE | GRAND CLOCK BAUBLE

So, call this a massive cop out but I really didn't think about how hard Blogmas would be with a newborn. I'm not kidding when I say I've been trying to write this post ALL BLOODY DAY! It's not even a real post! How has it taken me so long?! Anyways, I promise I do intend to make the rest of Blogmas better so please bear with me... oh and if you haven't already realised, I'M DOING BLOGMAS!! 

(how nice are all these decs????)

xxx

My Labour & Birth Story

Isabella Jayne Nicholls 13.11.2016

I'll start by apologising if this post is very long... I was induced over 3 days so of course lots of things happened over those days. I've missed out small bits that don't really matter, but please bare with me!

For a bit of background, after a few complications throughout my pregnancy and mainly towards the end, I was booked to be induced on my due date (15th November), however the last 2 weeks of my pregnancy was the worst and I was in hospital every single day so they decided to bring my induction forward to Friday 11th November. I had been having stretch and sweeps in the last 2 weeks too, I had a total of 3 sweeps however they didn't affect me. I will just also mention here none of this post will be particularly glam, sorry about that.

I had to call the hospital at 8.30am on Friday 11th November to find out what time they wanted me in for. I gave them a ring, and they said to be in between 10.30-11am. This was perfect as it gave me some time to get everything ready, take the dog to a family member and even manage to get a last minute Costa! I made my way to the hospital for around 11am, I ended up being a bit late although it didn't matter. I was shown to my bed, which happened to be by the window thank god and was told to make myself comfortable. I knew that inductions were known for taking a long time so it was well over an hour before the midwife came back to me. When she did come back, she explained to me how everything would be done, step by step and all the processes they would try. She also explained all the bad bits which did scare me a little, but she was just following procedure of course. 

First of all I had the 24 hour pessary. The midwife examined me internally to check how I was getting on. I was really disappointed to hear that I hadn't made any progress from my sweep, I was still 1cm dilated and my cervix wasn't soft. Damn. The pessary was essentially a small tampon (with a string and everything) which is put up you *I did warn you, not glam* behind your cervix. It was uncomfortable but not unbearable. Once she had done this I was told to go for a walk to the car to get my bags. I got my bags and made myself more 'at home' in my little bed on Bay A. As I suspected, nothing was happening so I told K to go home as I wanted a little rest anyway. We had discussed and decided there wasn't any point in him staying over night with me, he could just stay at his mums which was 1 minute down the road and I'd call him if I needed him so I didn't expect to see him until the Saturday. I had a rest Friday afternoon and had my checks every 4 hours; b o r i n g.

Friday evening my mum, nan and auntie came to visit me for some company. We were sat in the cafe just having a drink when some pains started happening. It took me quite a while to notice they were anything - after all I didn't have a clue what I was really waiting to feel as I hadn't suffered with braxton hicks much. After a while of them happening every few minutes, my nan decided to start timing them. They were very random, lasting anything from 20 seconds to 1 minute and coming between 3 minutes to 10 minutes. Although I knew this was nothing, I had hope that it was the start of something at least! I let K know what was happening so he decided to come back as he felt useless sitting at home, bless him. I also started to time them on my app where they were becoming more frequent, lasting a minute at a time and coming every 4-5 minutes. As I was talking, walking and acting totally normal quite a few of the midwifes told me it was nothing except probably braxton hicks. 

I was monitored at about 11pm and thankfully my contractions were showing on the monitor. I felt like I had to prove they were real and not just braxton hicks, so I was relieved they were showing up well. However, they were too far and not consistent enough to be labour and I was informed this was early labour. That night I didn't sleep. I was offered pethedine which is a relaxant, however I'm so petrified of needles I turned it down. I had a bath at about 2am, which helped massively however it really slowed them down which isn't what I wanted so I got out pretty quickly. K went at about 7am to get some sleep and said he would be back for my examination which was to be done 24 hours since the first, around midday on Saturday. I had mild contractions every 10 or so minutes all morning, until they went to every 20 minutes and eventually fizzled out to pretty much nothing. 

My next examination was a bit better. I had dilated a bit more, only to about 2cm but she did inform me she could break my waters if they needed to. I wasn't 100% what she meant, but yay, it sounded like we were heading in the right direction. I had my next pessary, a 6 hour one inserted and once again was told to walk. My mum came up and we got some lunch, did a bit of walking but there is only so many times you can walk the hospital corridors! The contractions were back but again, a bit random and nothing to get excited about. On our last walk around, I felt like I had a lost a bit of fluid however upon telling the midwife when we got back, she basically told me that it wasn't anything and to 'keep an eye on it'. GREAT!

My third examination was at around 11pm, by which point I was having bad contractions lasting up to 2 minutes every 4 minutes or less. She put me on the monitor and came to do my examination to give me another 6 hour pessary however when she done the examination, I could tell by her face something was wrong. She quietly told me that there had been quite a bit of blood loss, and during the examination babies heart rate was going up to 210 (which is crazy high) so I had to have a doctor come out and check me. Babies heart rate base line was much higher than it should have been, the doctor said it could be down to dehydration so they decided I would need a drip of fluid. I had also gone a bit weird at this point, everything was orange tinted, my eyes were rolling and I was swaying. I could barely talk which again could have been down to dehydration. The doctor decided that I was having pethedine as I was so exhausted my body wasn't coping well at all so I had the injection and managed another hours sleep. It was a stressful few hours to say the least! 

During the night, my contractions were getting stronger and stronger, I had 2 baths that night but each time the bath was slowing them down so the midwife was certain it wasn't labour as the bath shouldn't slow them down. At around 6am, I was laying on my side during a contraction and I decided to try and turn over when I felt a pop. It wasn't loud, like I was expecting but I felt it. Followed by water. Lots and lots of warm water - my waters had gone! I made K go and get the midwife, and he returned to tell me she wanted me to put a pad in and she would check in half an hour... check?! Check what! My waters had gone!! After half an hour she came and checked my pad, but as I hadn't lost any more fluid there was nothing to show and she told me my waters hadn't gone. Oh but yes they had, I got up and showed her my bed which to her shock I was sat in a puddle. Yep, they had gone. 

After my waters went I felt like the contractions had ramped up massively. It was like as soon as they went, it started. I was in massive amounts of pain and felt like I was pushing already. The midwife that didn't believe me finished her shift at 8.30am and it felt like she was holding off checking me for some reason. I'm glad she did though, as I didn't like her! The next midwife to come on shift came straight to me and I explained everything that happened. She told me a doctor was coming straight away to check me, had a feel of my tummy and confirmed I was in labour. The doctor came out pretty quickly and sat down with me to tell me I'd probably need another pessary as I wasn't going to be far enough along to be taken to the labour suite. She examined me, and to her amazement I was actually 5-6cm dilated and this baby was coming soon. I was rushed to the labour suite within about 5 minutes of her examination! K made a panic call to my mum to get her to the hospital, as none of us were expecting it to move this fast! Kayne didn't even get a chance to tell anyone I was in labour it was all so quick.

I was taken to my room, room G and given gas and air. I was being told to breath through my contractions, however these weren't just contractions like before, I felt like I was pushing. I can't even describe the feeling, it was horrendous. The delivery midwife told me I'd probably be monitored for 2 hours then I might need a hormone drip if they werent strong enough, because I was still able to talk they thought I was still all okay. I'm not sure how long I was on gas and air, it wasn't very long at all, but I was laid on my side when they asked if I had any pressure in my back and felt like I needed to push. I had needed to push since my waters went! Little did I know my body was already doing the pushing. Yikes!! 

The doctor had to come in and quickly change the plan, as I was giving birth and she was coming!!! I started pushing near enough straight away. If you know me, I can't even have an injection without having a panic attack, I had planned to 'take all the drugs they offered' (as everyone told me to), I was also desperate for some time in the birthing pool during labour but sadly, I had no choice. I was actually falling asleep during pushing, my mum kept having to wake me up and talk to me to keep my eyes open! It's so strange how your body deals with certain pains. It was a pain like I couldn't even describe, but it really is true when they say something takes over and you just forget it all.

I could write about my story for ages and ages. After everything I went through during my pregnancy, I had the most amazing labour and birth which I am SO thankful for. Well done body! I requested an early discharge and was released home the same day! I was in Tesco the next day doing the food shop... I just can't believe it is all real and my baby girl is now here with us. Isabella was born on her daddy's birthday and is now the 5th generation of ladies on my mums side. She is my whole world.

xxx

My Baby Shower

When I found out I was pregnant, a baby shower was (I hate to admit) one of the first things I thought about. The thought of having all my family and friends around to celebrate my baby was an exciting thought. I'm not sure when you usually have a baby shower, I have seen anything from about 28 weeks but I was pushing it fine being nearly 38 weeks pregnant at my baby shower.

Initially it was all going to be a surprise, all organised by one of my best friends Dani, however she knows I'm a complete control freak and I love things like this, so when she asked if I would prefer to help arrange it of course I said yes. Although I would have loved a surprise, I'm glad I got to be bossy as it was all exactly how I wanted it. 

The venue was my mums house, which was never even a question as they've just had a huge kitchen renovation and it was the perfect place to host it. I have several large families, as well as a large friend/family friend base as I have my parents, step parents and then K's family too so the space was perfect. 

I had been pinning tonnes of baby shower ideas and decided to try and make some of the DIY treats I had seen so many times on there. I made oreos, marshmallows, pink wafers and doughnut cake pops. They all looked so lovely and actually didn't taste too bad either! 

My mum put on a huge spread which was enjoyed by everyone. There was so much food! 

We had a pink and gold theme, of course. The lovely people at www.talkingtables.co.uk SO kindly sent me over loads of things, including these hat props, loads of plates, cups & straws, bunting, and the gorgeous pineapples. I am so grateful as honestly it wouldn't have looked at pretty without having all the extra bits there! 

We had a few games like guess my waist size, which one of my childhood friends won. We also had baby shower bingo, which was really fun. We had a 'guess the babies arrival date', which I am excited to see who wins that. Somebody had guessed today, but I'm afraid there hasn't been any signs yet!

I am SO grateful for everybody that came to my baby shower, I received some gorgeous gifts (which I'm thinking of doing a separate post on?) and generally had a lovely day. Little baby Nicholls is super spoilt already, what a little madame! 

Have you had a baby shower? Did you choose not to have one?

Daisy xxx

The WORST Things To Say To A Pregnant Person

When you become pregnant, one thing I wasn't warned about was the amount of unwanted questions and comments you would get. Don't get me wrong, most the time they are completely unharmful and the person saying it doesn't mean anything by it but everyone seems to think they know what your pregnancy is going to be like, and everything you will go through. Every person is very different and no two pregnancies are the same (please, take note!). I wanted to share a few of the worst things you could possibly say to a pregnant person, and probably even worse, a heavily pregnant lady counting down the hours.

Have you not had that baby yet?!
Nope, you caught me! I'm still huge, complaining every day about symptoms but yep, she is sat at home without me! Ooops.

Wow, your huge, are you sure your not having twins?
Strangely, I've had this one quite a lot. I think I look 'big' because I'm quite small naturally, I'm not sure, but I find this one so rude. Unless over the 5 scans I've had, they've missed something, there is only one baby in there, trust me.

Have you thought of a name yet?
Yep, we have a few in mind but I'm going to tell you 'no' because I don't want to tell you. Nosey.

Get your sleep whilst you can! You won't be sleeping when she is here.
I cannot count how many times I've been told this recently as I've got later in my pregnancy. Pregnancy insomnia is a thing and a lot of my mummy blogger friends suffer too. No matter how many times I am told to get sleep now, it won't make me suddenly fall asleep. So just don't say it. All I'll reply to you is 'I can't'.

Was it planned? Have you been with the dad for long?
K & I recently went to a family party and I was asked this a lot. I think its probably a huge stereotype, as I am 20 years old and about to give birth to a human. No, she wasn't planned, but I'm not sure if how long I've been with the dad is any of your business..... but in case you did wonder, we have been together for 5 years.

You shouldn't be eating that...
Luckily I haven't had this much as everyone around me knows I'm a very fussy eater, so their view is as long as I eat something its better than nothing (thanks family).

However, I will never forget when I was around 30 weeks pregnant during our heatwave, strolling round a car boot and I got a screwball ice cream (if you don't know what that is, essentially a Mr whippy in a plastic cone with a bit of bubblegum at the bottom). I had read all about avoiding Mr Whippy ice creams, but decided I wouldn't bother as there isn't actually much evidence to show its harmful... I was happily eating my ice cream when some fat, bald, old man comes up to me and says 'just to let you know, you really shouldn't be eating that'. He didn't even say it in a nice way, which made me even angrier. I simply replied 'I will eat what I want, but thanks for the concern'. If it isn't bad enough being judged for everything you eat/drink by your closest family, some complete stranger has just come up to me and told me what I should and shouldn't eat. Safe to say he got a death stare and he quickly popped off.

Baby will come when she's ready!
Thanks for reminding me. I dare you to tell me, a heavily pregnant very fed up hating life whale lady, that baby will come when she's ready. I am very aware she will take her time, and come, WHEN SHE IS READY!!

Now I've got that off my chest, I am feeling better already. PHEW.
Did you get any of these whiles you were pregnant? What was your worst one? Would love to hear your experiences!

Why I've Hated Every Minute Of Pregnancy

Okay, maybe a bit of an exaggeration but I can't be the only person to say I really, really dislike being pregnant. I never for a minute thought I'd be one of those people who loved every minute of pregnancy, but I can't really remember a minute I have enjoyed. I think I peaked at around 26-28 weeks when I felt normal, but before that and after that it's not been a good run.

My mum always says that I'm a drama queen (obviously this isn't true *princess emoji*) and pregnancy probably hasn't helped that. The problem is, you become a worrying wreck during pregnancy. Any kind of movement (or lack of in my case), any strange coloured liquid that comes out of you TMI or anything that feels slightly different is a panic. I, and a lot of pregnant people I know have been back and forth to the hospital like its our second home. 

I've been blessed to not have too many symptoms, except constant exhaustion. At the start, I had constant nausea, which although it isn't nice it is manageable. I haven't had sickness, my nipples haven't leaked yet, I haven't had any stretch marks (except my boobs), and I have had a fairly smooth ride. I have developed SPD, which is crippling so I guess it makes up for the other symptoms. But I really do feel for those who have suffered with anything and everything, as I've struggled with my few symptoms. 

When I lay in bed having woken up for the 194357th time that night, sweating buckets whiles being very uncomfortable and struggling to breath I do wonder what on earth was going through my mind when I decided this baby would be a good idea. I can't wait for her arrival, don't get me wrong, but I can't lie and say I've enjoyed the run up to it. The best bit has been buying cute clothes and I can't say I'd recommend pregnancy to anyone, EVER. Just don't do it to yourself.

Are you pregnant? Did you enjoy your pregnancy? 

Daisy xxx

My 4D Scan Experience

From the minute I found out I was pregnant, I knew I always wanted to have a 4D scan. When I was researching in to it, my brain was mushed by 3D/4D scans, all the different packages, all the extras you could buy, all the places that do them I honestly didn't have a clue. I asked on Twitter and a few baby groups on Facebook and like everything else, everyone had their opinion and I was no further forward picking a location to have my scan. If I'm honest, I completely stopped looking for a good few weeks because I was so overwhelmed by it all.

I knew time was ticking as they won't do 4D scans after a certain amount of weeks so when I was around 24-25 weeks I started to look in to it again. I found a place in my own town, which I didn't know even existed, with Ultrasound-Direct (Baby Bond). There was a package called 'simply 4D scan', which was the cheapest I had seen a scan anywhere. It was £59, with the option to add on extras (photos, DVD etc). I booked it without even thinking twice. 

I was able to pay half and then the rest at the scan, which I think is really lovely as it can sometimes be a lot of money to pay out in one go. I also chose to add on a USB stick of pictures which was an extra £15 which I didn't mind as I would always have the pictures of my baby.

When we arrived we were shown to a lovely little room, it was very dark and quiet which was really relaxing. I decided to take K and my mum, as she hadn't been to any of my previous scans and it was something I really wanted her to see. The lady came out to let us know she was running a bit late but I didn't mind at all, I was so excited I had barely slept the night before! I can't remember exactly but I believe I was around 26+1 when I actually had my scan. The Simply 4D scan only offers from 25-28 weeks so I was perfect timing. 

The package included a 15 minute appointment, about 10 minutes of that is actual scan which doesn't sound like a lot compared to some packages where you get a lot of scan time but we all agreed when we came out that you couldn't have had much longer scan because we had seen all there was to see, I really don't think I could've sat there for much longer seeing it all over again! 

Luckily baby played nicely and let us see her really well, and also confirmed the sex as I still didn't believe she was a girl (and yes, she really is a girl, I saw her bits!!!!). We saw her beautiful face, hands and feet. She looks like her daddy already which is scary. I always thought people were mad when they compared a scan to a person but honestly, she has daddy's big nose and pouty lips like mummy! 

Baby Bond have studios all over the UK and offer so many different packages (although it can be scary picking them!). Everyone has their own opinions on 4D scans, some say its a waste of money however I would happily spend that money again to see our baby. I am actually desperate to have another scan before she arrives but I am running out of time!

Have you had a 4D scan? What did you think?

Daisy xxx

What does a baby actually need?

When I found out I was pregnant, before even knowing the sex we went to our closest Mothercare which is quite a large one. My baby was going to have e v e r y t h i n g brand new, everything. I wasn't going to compromise, she was only having the best of the best. 

The buggy we picked was £840 for just the base, it didn't come with a car seat (or anything else for that matter) and that was an extra £200+ on top but it didn't matter, that was the buggy she was having. 

I picked the furniture for her room, a room she didn't actually have as we both still live with our parents, but again that didn't matter because at least she would have nice furniture, and her room would one day be pretty. 

After a few months of picking up bits and pieces, an opportunity for a house came up. We went to visit the house about a month ago and fell in love with it. I was having the house weather it meant struggling, believe me. Now with just over 9 weeks to go, moving in to our first house with nothing and still lots to get for our little princess the reality is setting in fast. I can't afford that £1000 buggy, I can't afford the £700 three piece furniture set I so badly wanted and I am going to have to compromise.

The problem is, these days there is far too much to choose from. My mind is mush with all the gadgets and technology you can buy, but what does a baby actually need? Lots of people will tell you as long as your little one has a roof, clean clothes, food and love they have everything they need. I'm beginning to realise that this is very true, and although we will never struggle to support our baby, for the first few years she might not have everything in the world but that is okay, as we will be a family and at the end of the day thats all that matters. 

Top Picks of the Bury St Edmunds Food & Drink Festival 2016

After I wrote this post about the Bury St Edmunds food & drink festival (which was highly viewed, so thank you if you read it!) I promised that I would also tell you my top picks from the weekend. With so much going on, it can be confusing and overwhelming to know what you want to see, so I’ll help you out! 

Starting with Sunday 28th August, obviously the main act to see is Galton Blackiston. He will be doing 3 demonstrations, all completely FREE to watch! They are at 11am, 1pm and lastly 3pm. And, if you like anything you see Galton cooking, you can even get the recipes here to make at home! Couldn’t be easier.  If you aren’t able to make Galton’s demonstrations, there are several other local shops with cooking demonstrations including; Palmers Coffee Shop kicking the day off at 10am, the one I’m most looking forward to - Casa Del Mar at 12pm and Maison Bleue in the afternoon at 2pm. 

On Monday 29th August we have the lovely James Tanner joining us, again doing 3 demonstrations at the same times as Galton; 11am, 1pm and 3pm. You can find his recipes for the day here. We also have some great demonstrations from the brilliant Malcom Harradine at 10am, The Northgate Cookery at 12pm, new kids in town Giggling Squid at 2pm and finally Bens at 4pm. It puts me in a food coma just thinking about it!

If the cooking part isn’t for you and you much prefer the eating and drinking, over the whole weekend there will be over 100 food & drink stalls across town throughout the whole day with a local farmers market on Angel Hill too. All produce on the farmers market is from within 30 miles of BSE - right from your own doorstep! Like I mentioned in my previous post, it is a real day out for all the family as there is so much going on for the kids. The towns favourite pop up beach will be ready for some sandcastle building in the Arc, alongside fairground rides and a punch & judy show at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on both days. You will find a mini-farm on Abbeygate Street, and in Cornhill Walk you will be able to get your face painted too! 

The Cathedral grounds will play host to BSE’s very own Mad Hatters Tea Party with lots of Alice in Wonderland themed activities and although we may not have the heat of Brazil, the atmosphere will be alive in Langton Place where you will be able to get a feel of Rio. Speaking of Rio, how well did we do in the Olympics?! Amaze!!! Pop down there to get henna tattoo or two.

Hope to see you there!!

*Collaboration with Our Bury St Edmunds

Bury St Edmunds Food & Drink Festival

You may (or may not) already know that I live in the lovely little town of Bury St Edmunds, a small floral town in Suffolk situated between Ipswich & Cambridge and not too far from London*, and its an absolute delight living here!! It’s beautiful. 

We’re very lucky to have tons of events going on throughout the year, but one of the very best of the bunch has to be our annual food & drink festival which truly gets bigger and better every year. This year, not only do we have celebrity and local chefs, food & drink stalls and a farmers market, we also have a taste of Rio coming to Langton Place. With lots to look forward to, this years bank holiday is looking set to be a tasty one! 

Here’s what you need to know:

DATE- 28th & 29th August

LOCATION- Across Bury St Edmunds town centre 

COST- Absolutely FREE!

TIME- 10am-5pm

With a Rio carnival atmosphere, themed food, drink and dancing there will also be mask workshops throughout the day over at Langton Place.  Not only is there a huge selection of things to see and do for the adults, there is also a mini-farm, fairground rides, punch & Judy, henna tattoos, street entertainment, the beach in the Arc and a picnic area by Halifax. Phew, thats a lot to fit in! 

Celebrity chef Galton Blackiston joins us for the second year running on the Sunday. Galton is a regular on the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and has appeared on many other TV shows. Can you believe he has held a Michelin star for over 14 years?!

If you are a regular Lorraine viewer, you will know resident chef James Tanner… He will be joining us for the first time on the bank holiday Monday. You may also remember him from Ready, Steady, Cook.

Next week, as it draws closer I’ll be sharing my top picks of the weekend and what you cannot miss!   

*a complete lie by the way, its just the easiest way to explain where it is!

Collaboration with Our Bury St Edmunds

Baby Girl Clothing Haul

I have been so excited to do this post for such a long time. I've made it no secret I was very very shocked when I found out we are having a girl. I wasn't disappointed, I had just thought for such a long time my baby had to be a boy, it just took some time to get used to. K is awful at baby shopping, he hates looking at the girls stuff so I wasn't very excited about all the cute baby clothes. This, added with the fact she isn't due until November and the only thing in shops is summery, I couldn't really buy much. 

However, a few weeks ago I went shopping with my mum who obviously got me very excited. She loved all the little girls stuff and loved looking around for it (YAY!! Shopping partner!). I have got so many gorgeous bits which I would love to do more hauls with so please let me know if you'd like to see more!

Trousers & Bomber Jacket from Next

All above from M&S

Dribble bibs from Next \ Socks from M&S

Daisy xxx

Duty Free/Airport Haul

I recently went to Greece flying from Heathrow. I went to the airport with intentions that I was going to treat myself. I didn't go craaaazy, but if you've followed me for a while you'll know I have next to nothing in the way of 'high end' makeup (I didn't even really own anything MAC before this) so I wanted to get a few bits.

I started with MAC as I knew I wanted to get my first ever lipstick. I didn't even bother looking at the shades, I just asked if they had Velvet Teddy (£12.50) as I had tried my cousins a few months ago and loved it. She found it for me straight away and I was super pleased. Secondly, I wanted a highlighter. I was browsing them but if you've ever been to a duty free MAC, especially Heathrow North terminal, they are normally quite small with very few assistants so as soon as she was free I just asked her recommendation... She said the Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade (£20ish) was her fave, I swatched it and liked it, so didn't even think twice and purchased it. It was quite a rushed, panic buying experience! 

If you haven't seen Benefits new releases, you must have been living under the rock. I had the Benefit Brow Zings a few years ago and loved it, although since something put me off buying it again (I think it was the price...), however my mum bought it a few months ago in Duty Free and I always use hers so I decided to pick a new one up. I went for Benefit Brow Zings 04 (£20) which I wasn't sure would be the right shade as I haven't tried the new shades but its fine, it matches perfectly. The only thing I would say is I'm sure they have changed the product as it doesn't overwhelm me like my mums does when I use hers....

I got Bourjois Bronzer & Highlighting Duo (£7.99) from Boots, in the airport so it counts, but I really don't like it, soz. I know its every bloggers fave bronzer but nah, I don't like it :(

And lastly, just to sneak it in, I actually FINALLY bought Mary Lou Manizer (£17.50) (before holiday but it also counts). I've been eyeing it up for the longest time, but when FeelUnique sent me a discount code I ended up buying it for about £12!! BARGAIN!! And I ADORE IT! I actually have a full review coming soon so look out for that. :)

Have you picked up anything from Duty Free recently? Let me know if you've done a haul!

I just wanted to mention the new blog design and a slight name change too, I love love love it so would be grateful for any feedback! :)

Daisy xxx

22 Week Pregnancy Update & GENDER REVEAL!!

Ahhhh how the devil are yah? I read back on my 13-14 week update post just to see what kind of things I wrote about, and I said at the start I wanted to do WEEKLY updates!! Pahaha, who was I kidding. It's been 8+ weeks since my last update (which was actually my last blog post, I am terrible!!), so grab a cuppa as you know how I like to babble on.

So as I write this I am 22+1 day. If you follow me on Twitter you should already know as I haven't stopped talking about it but we are having a GIRL!!! As you can imagine this was a huge surprise, after the amount of times I said I would put money on my baby being a boy. He turned out to be a she, which was the biggest shock I've ever had in all my life and if I'm completely honest it still hasn't sunk in. 

I am obviously so over the moon to have my own baby girl, but I hadn't even looked at anything girly as I was so set she was a boy. I thought I would be obsessed with buying clothes straight away but if I'm honest it was the last thing I wanted to do. I liked girls clothes, but I loved boys clothes. I had already picked out bits I liked from certain shops so I had to take a while to get used to not going straight to the boys section. I have also realised I'm very fussy when it comes to picking her clothes so she hasn't actually got much so far, poor baby. 

I went shopping with my mum on Saturday just gone (haul coming soon...) and I tweeted that it was the first day I felt completely happy I was having a girl. I can't lie and say I wasn't a teeny, tiny bit disappointed (well, more shocked than anything) when she told me it was a girl but I am finally over that and I'm ready for my little lady.

We recently got back from our pre-baby holiday to Greece. It was stupidly hot, and I only managed two days in the sun before I had to retire to most the day under shade. I still really enjoyed it though, all I kept thinking about was next time we go away we will have a child in toe. The picture was taken at nearly 21 weeks but I feel I had a massive growth on holiday. I am now over that 'are you fat or pregnant?' stage, and have actually been asked a few times when I'm due. I love when people notice I'm pregnant, as before I used to just get looks of confusion. I haven't grown much since the picture, and I am forever being told how small I am, although I'm not convinced anyone can actually tell.

I have put on nearly a stone, and in my last update I said I had put on 4 pounds so its gone on quite quickly since then. I'm not too worried as Ive had people tell me they put on stones and stones, and I needed a bit of extra weight.

I still haven't had any cravings. I try and explain at work whenever somebody asks me... A craving to me is something you HAVE to have there and then. I've been told I would wake K up at night because a craving was so bad he needed to get me it, but i've had none of that. I've fancied stuff, but never NEEDED anything which I think is the true meaning of a craving.

My sleep is up and down. The past few nights have been awful. I have been getting 4-5 hours sleep, then I will wake up, usually at silly o'clock ready to get up for the day. It's like my body is just rejecting sleep and I don't know why. The thing is, I don't then feel really tired during the day, I just feel normal. It's really odd and I hope my pattern goes back to normal soon!

My sickness/nausea has gone completely, I never ever get it anymore *touch wood*. I have been getting acid reflux on and off, but I've only really had it about 3 times properly. It's a strange old thing! My back has been terrible but as I've mentioned so many times I do actually have back problems. And my boobs/nipples have been SO itchy I can't do anything to get the itch. Asides from those little bits, I have felt the most normal I have felt in 22 weeks. Everyone said to me I would start feeling better but did I believe them? Did I heck! 

I can't believe how much I've wrote for this 'small' update, I guess thats what happens when you don't do an update for such a long time!! I'll do better next time, I promise.

I also feel like my blog is becoming very baby based, which is just because I've had no time to do anything else. I love writing the baby posts, and I can write and write and write, however I promise I will be doing some more other posts soon. I want to get back to blogging as I miss it so so much!! And maybe a make over is on the cards too...

Daisy xxx

13-14 Week Pregnancy Update

I was certain that I would do at least weekly updates on here during my pregnancy, even if you don't like reading them, for my own viewing as I really want to be able to look back on my pregnancy. It's been a struggle to gain the energy to even write this one, which I have been planning to do for nearly 2 weeks now. I will do updates when I can, however I have come to my own conclusion that they will probably (almost certainly) won't be weekly!

Today I am 14 weeks + 3 days pregnant. I have been pregnant for 101 days. I am firmly in my second trimester and my baby is the size of a peach. I am not enjoying pregnancy, full stop. There, I said it! Call me a bad person, but I have not enjoyed a minute of it so far. *que the violins* 

One of my main and worst symptoms is sickness. I must admit, I haven't been sick once however I have all day every day nausea. It really starts to get irritating when you just cannot do anything to shift it. Some days its worse, some days I gag even when I talk and some days I just want to run to the toilet and make myself sick as its that bad. Obviously I have times where it passes slightly but there is always a niggling sicky feeling in my stomach somewhere. The recent weeks I was certain it was beginning to pass completely but nope, its back with a vengeance. I'm sure it's worse now than it was before.

How far along: 14 weeks + 3 days

Days until due date: 179!!!!

My bump: growing more every day! I look in the mirror every morning and I'm sure I get bigger by the hour.

Weight changes: I have put on about 4 pounds in the past month, ouch.

Cravings: food!!! The only thing I've really been craving is ice lollies. I think its due to the weather though! 

Sleep: Terrible. I usually sleep on my front so for the past few months Ive been trying to get used to sleeping on my back/side. Its really not going well meaning I have restless sleep pretty much every night. SAD TIMES.

Symptoms: sickness as mentioned above, I've had heartburn tonnes, my back has been aching, I have had a headache every day for the past 2-3 weeks but again, I think it could be due to the weather, sore boobies!

Gender: unknown at the moment (28th June I will find out!) however I'm certain it's a boy.

Mood: terrible. I'm always so snappy, exhausted and tired and if I'm 100% honest I've really struggled lately.

Looking forward to: our next scan and going on holiday the day after!! My holiday shopping is out of control.

I still have so much more that I could say, I feel like my pregnancy posts will all be one massive ramble as I can talk for hours about it! but I won't bore you now, maybe soon ;-)

I hope you like the update posts, please do let me know if you would like to see regular ones and I'll try my best for you!! 

Daisy xxx

My HUGE Announcement!!! | Lifestyle

Hi guys! Long time no speak. If you follow me on Twitter or are my Facebook friend you will probably already know I'M PREGNANT! Now its out in the open I just want to shout it from the roof tops. I have known for over 2 months so it feels so good to be able to let the world know too. As I write this, I am 13 weeks pregnant today, so yesterday I had my official '12 week dating scan' (which is the time that most people wait to share the news as you are in the safer stages!). I have so so much to say so I'm not sure weather I'll split this in to two posts or just one huge one! 

So the thing everyone loves to know, how did I find out? It was actually my boyfriend that was telling me to do a test. I had no symptoms whatsoever, and for some reason he just knew. I was at my best friend Dani's house and she had a spare test so she told me to do that one. Off I went upstairs to do it, I think if you're expecting it to come back positive you wait around nervously and time feels like its going by so slowly... I was the complete opposite. I did my wee on the stick (gross, I'm sorry) and just looked at it. Obviously I didn't expect it to say anything so I wasn't that bothered. Oh how wrong I was. I think the tests suggest you wait about 5 minutes or so, but my test was instant. Instant isn't even the word, it didn't even take a mini second. It was positive. 

My bestie wasn't expecting it either, to be honest we were both just doing it to shut K up as he had been going on for ages. I went downstairs and was nervously grinning. She thought I was just nervous, or trying to wind her up. I just turned it around and showed her. We were both in complete shock! We literally put on our shoes and went straight to Asda as I needed more tests to be certain. 

I splashed out on a Clearblue test (the one that says how many weeks) and a pack of cheaper Asda own ones. When I got home I did the Clearblue, which again came back straight away as positive but you have to wait a little bit longer for the weeks to come back. I also did one of the cheaper tests which yet again was instant. I was pregnant. It was certain. The Clearblue test came back as 3+ weeks (which is the most it says, so I could be anything from 3 weeks+). I kind of had it in my head I was around 5-6 weeks meaning my due date would be end of October/November time. I made my appointments with the midwife and got my first scan date through pretty quickly.

Forward on a few weeks, I was at work and had just downed quite a large drink of hot chocolate. I had incredible stomach bloating which was a bit sore and I mentioned it to a few of the girls. I went and sat in the back office for a few minutes which was followed by absolute immense abdominal pain. I kept my cool until someone I work with came in and said 'are you okay?' (you know thats the worst thing to ask someone if they aren't okay) and I just broke down. I had recently found out I was pregnant, I had no idea how far gone I was and was in SO much pain. I rung my midwife and she suggested I get myself to hospital if its that bad, better to be safe than sorry. Some of the girls at work made the decision for me that I was going to A&E. My mum met me up there followed by my step dad and boyfriend. I had some blood tests etc and the nurse felt for baby, all seemed fine. Then she told me to head up to ward F14 but no information was given, I didn't even know what F14 was! Turned out it was the EPU (early pregnancy unit) and I was having an emergency scan. I am so glad I got to have an early scan, although it wasn't in the best circumstances but it made me SO at ease and I've not had any type of pains since! She dated me which made my due date of the 19th or 20th November. 

Yesterday I had my official dating scan, which is the one where you get the scan picture and do it all properly, not in a state of panic. She changed my date again, but I think the 12 week dating scan is pretty accurate. My due date is now 15th November, so it's only changed by a few days. K's birthday is the 13th so I am making a bet it will come then.

I am conscious this is becoming such a long post so I think I might follow up with a 13 week update where I will go in to more detail about how I'm feeling etc. I am also obsessed with reading mummy blog posts, I love reading ones close to the same dates as me to see how everyone else is feeling! Please leave your recommendations!! 

Daisy xxx

PS- thank you SO much for all your kind words etc on Twitter!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!