18th November 2016

We've reached the halfway point of this pregnancy! At 20 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of an endive! She (yes, it's a girl!) is roughly 10 inches long and weighs about 10.5 ounces. I'll explain more about the jump in her length further on. Here's what's been going on during my twentieth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

20 weeks pregnant woman in 30s with dark brown hair wearing black and white stripey top holding bump with one hand and smiling

Pregnancy Diary: Second Trimester - 20 Weeks

18th November 2016

We've reached the halfway point of this pregnancy! At 20 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of an endive! She (yes, it's a girl!) is roughly 10 inches long and weighs about 10.5 ounces. I'll explain more about the jump in her length further on. Here's what's been going on during my twentieth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

20 weeks pregnant woman in 30s with dark brown hair wearing black and white stripey top holding bump with one hand and smiling
Jenni from Chilling with Lucas has tagged me to answer a few questions about our year.


The (Not Big or Fat) Quiz of the Year!

Jenni from Chilling with Lucas has tagged me to answer a few questions about our year.


When you think of pregnancy symptoms, a few come to mind straight away. Morning sickness for a start, a growing tummy, cravings. But what about the night time? No one really tells you that night time can be a whole other ball game! Now that I am over half way through my pregnancy, I am noticing more and more symptoms that occur during the evening and during the night. Perhaps it is because I am so busy during the day, that I am kept occupied and often distracted. I've been working with Secret Saviours as one of their brand ambassadors and they thought it would be a great idea to share some of the things I have been dealing with during the wee hours (no pun intended)! Can any of you mamas relate?

Bump in the night... A pregnancy confessional!

When you think of pregnancy symptoms, a few come to mind straight away. Morning sickness for a start, a growing tummy, cravings. But what about the night time? No one really tells you that night time can be a whole other ball game! Now that I am over half way through my pregnancy, I am noticing more and more symptoms that occur during the evening and during the night. Perhaps it is because I am so busy during the day, that I am kept occupied and often distracted. I've been working with Secret Saviours as one of their brand ambassadors and they thought it would be a great idea to share some of the things I have been dealing with during the wee hours (no pun intended)! Can any of you mamas relate?

11th November 2016

At 19 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of a courgette! She (yes, it's a girl!) is roughly 6 inches long and weighs about 8.5 ounces. I'm really feeling the strain of my changing shape now. Here's what's been going on during my nineteenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

Pregnancy Diary: Second Trimester - 19 Weeks

11th November 2016

At 19 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of a courgette! She (yes, it's a girl!) is roughly 6 inches long and weighs about 8.5 ounces. I'm really feeling the strain of my changing shape now. Here's what's been going on during my nineteenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

Last month I was busy visiting local schools ready for when Little N starts reception next year. One thing that really stood out was when a headteacher of one of the schools was talking about their use of technology, and how our children would grow up to do jobs that hadn't even been created yet, because technology is moving and developing so quickly. Even now Little N is learning about coding and he is only in nursery! 

Review: Hands on coding with Cubetto

Last month I was busy visiting local schools ready for when Little N starts reception next year. One thing that really stood out was when a headteacher of one of the schools was talking about their use of technology, and how our children would grow up to do jobs that hadn't even been created yet, because technology is moving and developing so quickly. Even now Little N is learning about coding and he is only in nursery! 

You might remember a few weeks ago I showed you a gorgeous breton striped maternity jumper that Jojo Maman Bebe had sent me; if you missed it, you can take a peek here! This time, I'm showing you another of the tops that was in the package of beautiful maternity wear: their fabulous adjustable rouched top.

Mama Style: Jojo Maman Bebe Adjustable Rouched Maternity Top

You might remember a few weeks ago I showed you a gorgeous breton striped maternity jumper that Jojo Maman Bebe had sent me; if you missed it, you can take a peek here! This time, I'm showing you another of the tops that was in the package of beautiful maternity wear: their fabulous adjustable rouched top.

Is there anything better than getting lost in a book? Getting completely wrapped up in the magic of a story? I have always had a love for books and it is something that I want my children to love as well. They love being read to, especially at bedtime, and we were sent these lovely three books from Penguin Random House and Britmums just in time for Christmas.

The magic of books for Christmas

Is there anything better than getting lost in a book? Getting completely wrapped up in the magic of a story? I have always had a love for books and it is something that I want my children to love as well. They love being read to, especially at bedtime, and we were sent these lovely three books from Penguin Random House and Britmums just in time for Christmas.

Preparing for the birth of your baby is an exciting time, but it can sometimes feel a bit daunting. Even though I am expecting my third baby, like a lot of mums I still have worries. My second birth experience was a straightforward natural birth so you would think I'd take it all in my stride. But my first birth experience was a very scary, very traumatic category 1 emergency caesarean section. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with what happened, and if I'm completely honest, I don't think I will ever truly get over it. I've been advised to plan for a home birth for this baby, which I love the idea of, but I can't help thinking, "what if this birth goes like the first?" That's why I've decided to do Natal Hypnotherapy's Online Hypnobirthing Class.

Why hypnobirthing with Natal Hypnotherapy is right for me

Preparing for the birth of your baby is an exciting time, but it can sometimes feel a bit daunting. Even though I am expecting my third baby, like a lot of mums I still have worries. My second birth experience was a straightforward natural birth so you would think I'd take it all in my stride. But my first birth experience was a very scary, very traumatic category 1 emergency caesarean section. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with what happened, and if I'm completely honest, I don't think I will ever truly get over it. I've been advised to plan for a home birth for this baby, which I love the idea of, but I can't help thinking, "what if this birth goes like the first?" That's why I've decided to do Natal Hypnotherapy's Online Hypnobirthing Class.

Music has always been a huge passion of mine. Before I had my children, I used to go to a gig or festival at least once a month, usually more. I had new albums being delivered all the time and loved discovering new bands. Of course, life has changed and I can't even remember the last time I went to see a band perform live. But I still love to listen to music so I can't tell you how excited I was to receive an Electric Jukebox device to review! 

Review: Electric Jukebox - Music Streaming Service & Device

Music has always been a huge passion of mine. Before I had my children, I used to go to a gig or festival at least once a month, usually more. I had new albums being delivered all the time and loved discovering new bands. Of course, life has changed and I can't even remember the last time I went to see a band perform live. But I still love to listen to music so I can't tell you how excited I was to receive an Electric Jukebox device to review! 

Have you heard of Hygge? It is the Danish concept of cosiness, calm and simplicity and it's such a simple idea that to Danes I am sure it must seem bizarre that we need to be told about it! I love the way we can embrace ideas from other countries and cultures and make them part of our own lives in some way, such as the way we do with music and food. Denmark is the happiest place in the world, so perhaps this lifestyle has something to do with it? 

How to Live a More Hygge Lifestyle + GIVEAWAY

Have you heard of Hygge? It is the Danish concept of cosiness, calm and simplicity and it's such a simple idea that to Danes I am sure it must seem bizarre that we need to be told about it! I love the way we can embrace ideas from other countries and cultures and make them part of our own lives in some way, such as the way we do with music and food. Denmark is the happiest place in the world, so perhaps this lifestyle has something to do with it? 

I've been vegan for almost a year now and it's always so surprising that people think I must miss out on all the good stuff, like cake. I don't! I just make it a little differently, and a lot of the time the recipes are even tastier than the non-vegan version I used to make. I Just Love It sent us a personalised baking kit so we could get busy in the kitchen creating a festive recipe. You can't beat a good brownie and these ones are super gooey, really chocolatey and have a hint of peppermint which makes them just perfect for Christmas! 

Recipe: The Best Vegan Christmas Brownies | I Just Love It

I've been vegan for almost a year now and it's always so surprising that people think I must miss out on all the good stuff, like cake. I don't! I just make it a little differently, and a lot of the time the recipes are even tastier than the non-vegan version I used to make. I Just Love It sent us a personalised baking kit so we could get busy in the kitchen creating a festive recipe. You can't beat a good brownie and these ones are super gooey, really chocolatey and have a hint of peppermint which makes them just perfect for Christmas! 

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 




Happy Days: Wow, wow, wow!

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 




I have never been good at packing a bag to take to hospital. With my first baby, I took quite a lot useless stuff. I read far too many "what to pack in your hospital bag" lists and packed virtually everything that all of them said! With my second, I'd got maternity pads and some nappy samples and that was about it, which meant Ian nearly missed the birth because he was at home trying to throw together some bits in a bag for me! Now I'm expecting my third baby, so surely I'll get it right this time, won't I?

Preparing for Baby: Little Bambino Bags

I have never been good at packing a bag to take to hospital. With my first baby, I took quite a lot useless stuff. I read far too many "what to pack in your hospital bag" lists and packed virtually everything that all of them said! With my second, I'd got maternity pads and some nappy samples and that was about it, which meant Ian nearly missed the birth because he was at home trying to throw together some bits in a bag for me! Now I'm expecting my third baby, so surely I'll get it right this time, won't I?

Welcome to #SundayBest! Hayley from Sparkles & Stretchmarks and I host this weekly linky to show off your favourite posts. We want to keep things nice and simple, there are very few rules and if we all play nicely then everybody benefits!

Sunday Best #16

Welcome to #SundayBest! Hayley from Sparkles & Stretchmarks and I host this weekly linky to show off your favourite posts. We want to keep things nice and simple, there are very few rules and if we all play nicely then everybody benefits!

On Friday the boys and I headed to our favourite woodland area here in beautiful north Hertfordshire, armed with a gorgeous feather-filled balloon kindly sent to us by The Feather Balloon Company, to do something very special: the gender reveal! Is the baby a boy or girl, what do you think?

It's a... Our Gender Reveal! The Video

On Friday the boys and I headed to our favourite woodland area here in beautiful north Hertfordshire, armed with a gorgeous feather-filled balloon kindly sent to us by The Feather Balloon Company, to do something very special: the gender reveal! Is the baby a boy or girl, what do you think?

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 


Happy Days: Giggles, Tea & Vlogging

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 


4th November 2016

At 18 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of a sweet potato! He is roughly 5.5 inches long and weighs nearly 7 ounces. I'm getting bigger by the day and I'm losing sight of my feet! Here's what's been going on during my eighteenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

Pregnancy Diary: Second Trimester - 18 Weeks

4th November 2016

At 18 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of a sweet potato! He is roughly 5.5 inches long and weighs nearly 7 ounces. I'm getting bigger by the day and I'm losing sight of my feet! Here's what's been going on during my eighteenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

For years, I used to share what I received in my Birchbox beauty box every month but for some reason I stopped doing it. I don't know why because I still get them and still love them as much as ever! It is my little treat to myself each month, and I thought I would start sharing the contents with you again. So, if you'd like to know what I received in my December Birchbox then do read on! 

Beauty Spot: December's Birchbox

For years, I used to share what I received in my Birchbox beauty box every month but for some reason I stopped doing it. I don't know why because I still get them and still love them as much as ever! It is my little treat to myself each month, and I thought I would start sharing the contents with you again. So, if you'd like to know what I received in my December Birchbox then do read on! 

I remember when I was writing my post about the 2016 Stick to Stigu Planner I had thought my life was busy. And it was. Two children, two step-children. Wedding planning, holiday planning. Volunteering and blog life. Well, 2016 ended up being even busier! With the start of school for Little N, another baby on the way and working from home added to my ever growing schedule. The need to be organised is a priority, but so is the need to switch off for five minutes. And that's where the Stick to Stigu Planner comes in.


Review & Giveaway: Stick to Stigu 2017 Planner

I remember when I was writing my post about the 2016 Stick to Stigu Planner I had thought my life was busy. And it was. Two children, two step-children. Wedding planning, holiday planning. Volunteering and blog life. Well, 2016 ended up being even busier! With the start of school for Little N, another baby on the way and working from home added to my ever growing schedule. The need to be organised is a priority, but so is the need to switch off for five minutes. And that's where the Stick to Stigu Planner comes in.


Do you have any family Christmas traditions? It's only since becoming a mama that Christmas has become an important time of year for me; I want to make it the most wonderful and magical day for the children and create special memories! Each year I have discovered something new that we enjoy doing and that adds a bit more magic to the festive season.


Our Family's Christmas Traditions

Do you have any family Christmas traditions? It's only since becoming a mama that Christmas has become an important time of year for me; I want to make it the most wonderful and magical day for the children and create special memories! Each year I have discovered something new that we enjoy doing and that adds a bit more magic to the festive season.


28th October 2016

At 17 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of a pomegranate and is about 5 inches long. The weeks are really flying by now, especially with antenatal appointments and checks to take up the time! Here's what's been going on during my seventeenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

Pregnancy Diary: Second Trimester - 17 Weeks

28th October 2016

At 17 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of a pomegranate and is about 5 inches long. The weeks are really flying by now, especially with antenatal appointments and checks to take up the time! Here's what's been going on during my seventeenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 


Happy Days: Hello December

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 


Santa Claus has arrived at Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne Woods, where he will be from now until Christmas Eve. Everyone is welcome to come and visit him as well as seeing the park's reindeer, including the herd's new addition, Aurora! As ambassadors for Paradise, we are really excited about visiting the Park this month and getting to see Santa!

Santa's Grotto at Paradise Wildlife Park!

Santa Claus has arrived at Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne Woods, where he will be from now until Christmas Eve. Everyone is welcome to come and visit him as well as seeing the park's reindeer, including the herd's new addition, Aurora! As ambassadors for Paradise, we are really excited about visiting the Park this month and getting to see Santa!

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