Used up or given up on | November 2013

Sometimes it feels like it takes forever to get to the bottom of a product. I've had some items for years. 

I thought I'd start noting what I use up on a monthly basis, so here are November's empties. 

Used up

Firstly, it's my Loreal EverPure Shampoo and Conditioner. Usually, my conditioner lasts longer than my shampoo but this month they've emptied at the same rate. A friend mentioned to me that she avoids sulphates in products, especially hair, as they can strip it. I have to admit I never usually check the ingredients but I spotted these in Superdrug and gave them ago. I was worried they wouldn't later up, but the consistency was good and my hair felt clean and healthy afterwards. I've repurchased the shampoo, but I have a couple of other conditioners in the cupboard so I'm using them next. 

Dove purely pampering cream oil body wash. I'm not loyal to my shower gels and get a different one each time (I usually go for what's on offer). I enjoyed using the Dove, especially as my skin gets dry now we've got the heating on at home. I'm not consistent at applying moisturer, and my skin isn't dry so it's also a thumbs up. 

Given up

Sometimes you just need to call a day on products that don't work for you. This month I've decided to give up on my Wilkinson Sword Quatro razor.  It has protector bars across the razor but I find it just doesn't work well or remove my hair effectively. So although I'd bought the additional cartridges, I've decided to bin it. 

Second is a sample I got in a Glossybox a couple of months ago. Its a cleansing bar by Gamila Secret. Basically it's a posh bar of soap, and that was my issue with it. I used it a couple of times, and although it cleansed by face effectively, I just have no way of storing a bar of soap in my bathroom. I tried putting it back in the box, but this just made it soggy and left stains on my sink.  It also reminds me of my Gramdma and I just don't want to feel that old just yet. So, that has made it to my bin as well. 

See you in December (oh, just realised we are in December now! Eek better start Xmas shopping!)

Suzanne

X 

My everyday make up brushes

While I was on maternity leave, I treated myself to some new make up brushes from Real Techniques, Nanshy and Sigma.  My old brushes had seen better days and weren't making it easy for me to apply my make up easily or quickly. 

Here is a sneaky look at the brushes I use every day. 

I keep my everyday brushes in a glass jam jar on my dressing table, so they are easily accessible. I have more brushes which I store separately in an old Glossybox box. 

For my face I mainly use Real Techniques brushes. These are the best brushes I've ever used and I wish I had more! In fact I think Samantha Chapman has just brought out a new limited edition set called Sam's picks which I think I'll be adding to my Christmas wish list. 

From right to left

Expert face brush (£9.99) - I use this to apply my foundation (currently Bourjois Healthy mix)

Powder brush (£12.99) - funnily enough I use this with my powder (Rimmel stay matte) and bronzer (Too Faced bronzer)

Blush brush (£9.99) - I'm currently using a Sleek blush from a contouring palette

I bought the Real Techniques brushes from Superdrug. 

I bought the Nanshy brushes before the Real Techniques. If I had my time over again, I'd just head straight for Real Techniques. The Nanshy ones aren't bad, they just aren't as good. 

However, I do use the Flat Top Buffer brush occasionally for my foundation, the Angled Brush for contouring and the Pointed Foundation brush for highlighting. 

I bought the Nanyshy brushes from Beautystore4u.co.uk

I don't wear eye shadow every day, but when I do I use these brushes from Sigma.  I bought the Sigma Beauty Eyes kit from Cloud 10 beauty via Amazon for £53.95. 

From front to back

E05 - eyeliner brush

E65 - small angled (I use this for my brows)

E30 - pencil

E60 - large shader

E40 - tapered blending

P88 -precision flat angled (I bought this separately but have been disappointed with it.  I mainly use it to work in concealer but my fingers do a better job)

I curl my eyelashes every day.  I am currently using the Emite eyelash curler I received in a Glossybox. It does the job but I'm not fussy on my brand of eyelash curler. 

I hope you enjoyed the look into my make up brush collection. 

Suzanne x

Toe nail art, Sally Hansen Crackle

I think a lot (rather too much) about my finger nails, which I paint maybe once every two weeks. However, my toe nails are painted 365 days a year. I have this weird thing whereby I feel 'wrong' if my toe nails are bare. 

I rarely branch out from reds and pinks, but today I thought I'd give them some love and a festive feel. 

Apologies, if toes gross you out. Don't look down if you don't want to see.  I know they aren't the most attractive thing to look at! 

I went for Essie Good as Gold which I got last week for a bargain £2 from the Original Factory Outlet store in Nailsea, with Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat in the colour Ink Splatter 08 over the top. 

The black and gold feels festive and I like the look.  I think I'm going to be more creative with my toes in future. 

Sick baby, NHS 111 experience

This week has been really tough. My son got sticky eyes and a sickness bug last weekend, and after projectile vomiting on the rug twice, in his room and down me he finally stopped being sick by Tuesday. Wednesday night he was coughing quite a lot, but I put it down to a cold as he was able to sleep through it. Everyone seems to have a cold at the moment. So, Thursday he was back in nursery.  However when I picked him up he'd had a temperature and they had given him calpol. He was also coughing significantly more. He'd lost his appetite from the sickness bug, and it had never really picked back up again. Poor thing was really not very well. 

Thursday night was awful, he couldn't sleep.  He was constantly coughing and every time he did fall asleep he'd manage about 10 minutes before the cough woke him up. My husband tried walking him in the pushchair, as we thought a more unpright position might help. But again, every time he fell asleep he just woke up coughing. 

It was 12.30am by this point and Reuben was just so tired but constantly moaning with pain. We called  NHS 111 as he just wasn't right. The lady asked us lots of questions and decided he needed to see a doctor. She made us an appointment at a health centre about 5 miles away, and by 1.30am Reuben was being checked over by the doctor. 

He gave him a thorough examination, temperature, breathing rate, oxygen in blood, capillary test and listened to his chest. He diagnosed viral bronchiolitis. Unfortunately as it's a virus all we can do is wait for his immune system to fight it. The doctor did give us a salbutamol inhaler to help with Reuben's wheezing. 

We had never used the 111 number before, but we were so grateful to the quick way we got to see a doctor and the friendliness and professionalism of the doctor at 1.30am.

Our friends have been great offering lots of advice. I didn't realise warm, humid air helped but a friend just dropped over a humidifier for Reuben's room. 

Reuben is on the mend. He still isn't eating much and wants lots of cuddles but this morning he started pulling things out the the kitchen cupboards, his favourite game, which is a sure sign he is feeling better. 

Me, Roo and Panda having a duvet day on Friday. 

Moving from Apple to Android

So, I'm making to move to Android. I've had my iPhone 4 for over 3 years, it's been my best friend and companion since the day we met. I can't remember my life without it (or how I coped!). But, after years of good service, it has now seen better days. It crashes a lot, sometimes doesn't turn on, the home button doesn't work and well, IOS 7 the least said about this the better. 

I realise the market has moved on somewhat in 3 years and the alternatives to iPhones look just as good, if not better. I couldn't face parting with £629 for the 32gb iPhone 5s so I started to do some research. YouTube is my go to research tool and I saw a lot of new posts on the Google Nexus 5, which was launched on the 1st November. The reviews were very good, and I have a friend who has the Nexus 4 and loves it, so I was sold. At £339 for the 32gb, it seems like a no brainer against the iPhone 5s (I always go sim only). 

I got onto the Google play store but it was not available until the 22nd November. I carried on and ordered and I've just had an email to say it has been dispatched. I'm so excited! 

Don't get me wrong, I love Apple and I'm currently writing this post on my iPad but I'm excited to try something different. I'm hoping I won't regret it and my favourite apps will be available. 

Can you be both an Apple AND Android lover or do you have to choose? 

I'll let you know how I get on with my Nexus 5. 

Panasonic nanoe hair dryer review

I bought the Panasonic nanoe about a month ago and I've been using ever since. I'd had my old dryer for donkeys years, it was noisy and heavy so I thought I'd treat myself to a new one. I wanted one with either ceramic, tourmaline or nanoe technology. I'm not sure why, as I don't really know what they do, but they sound impressive.

I narrowed it down to either the Valera Professional Nano Dryer, Parlux 3800 Eco Friendly Ionic & Ceramic hair dryer and the Panasonic Nanoe. I got the Panasonic as it happened to be in offer in boots and I had an impulse moment!

So, what is nanoe?
Ok, so I've read the manual and I'm still not sure what nanoe is!  Something to do with water particles and electricity. I think your hair naturally becomes positively charged with electricity, this attracts the negative nanoe ions from the hairdryer which allows the particles to penetrate the hair with water.  Which seems a bit weird as you are drying your hair, why would you want to add water? I don't know, but it works!

What does it claim to do?
By adding moisture to the hair and scalp, it claims to prevent dryness and help to maintain smooth, shiny hair.

What do you get in the box?
A stylish black and pink hair dryer, with three heat and speed settings and a cold blast button. A 2.7m cord (which unfortunately does not swivel).  Three attachments, a quick drying nozzle,  diffuser and set nozzle.  The quick dry nozzle, enables the air flow to switch between strong and weak, which separates out your hair strands to dry your hair quicker.

You need to put the quick dryer nozzle horizontally as you look at the dryer.  This is in the small print in the instructions and could easily be missed.  Who reads instructions for a hair dryer?!

What do I think?
It's pretty good. It definitely drys my hair quicker than my old one. Which is good when I sometimes only have 5mins for hair and make up! 

I've recently started highlighting my hair and was worried about damaged.  My hair feels soft and smooth after using the dryer and I think it has made a difference. 

Another plus point is that it is so much quieter than my old dryer. I often get ready when Reuben is napping, so I try not make too much noise. This hair dryer is quiet and it doesn't make me worry about waking him up.

It's not all that light but I've built up my biceps carrying Reuben for a year, so it's not a problem. It also doesn't have a swivel cord, but I don't do a lot of fancy blow drying so that's not an issue for me.

Where can you get one?

I got mine from boots. It is currently on offer with £40 off and is £69.99.  I also had some advantage point offers so I got it a little cheaper.
http://www.boots.com/en/Panasonic-Nanoe-Hairdryer-EH-NA65-K895_1362787/

Do you have this hair dryer? What do you think? 

CND Vinylux review...5 days later

Wow, a normal style nail varnish that has lasted 5 days.  I applied two coats of colour and one coat of top coat on Monday. It's now Saturday and I have one chip on my left index finger and a bit of wear at the end of both middle fingers. 

They are not as shiny as they were, but I'm very impressed with how long they have lasted. 

Vinylux removes with normal nail varnish remover.  You don't need to use pure acetone or do any soaking. This is a real positive over Shellac, as I find the removal of Shellac at home difficult and damaging to my nails. 

So, which colour do I get next? Have you tried CND Vinylux? What do you think? Any colour recommendations for me? 

I bought my polish from Amazon, it was £5.48 for the polish plus £1.95 postage. The top coat was the same price. 

Check out my review on YouTube using the YouTube button on the right hand side of this page. 

Professional baby photos...how can you resist?

A professional photographer came to my toddler group last month.  I've never had any professional photos taken before, and i thought it would be a bit of fun.  

So, we got dressed up in our smartest 'casual' clothes and put on our best smile.  There was no obligation to buy the photos but when the proofs came through, how could i resist?

Here are a few of the photos. 

The photos were taken by Rebecca Wingrave, www.rebeccawingrave.com

November Glossybox

So it's Glossybox time again. I love it when my little surprise box arrives. Unfortunately, I'm so impatient that I've usually found out via blogs or YouTube what is in the box but sometimes you don't get exactly the same things. 

Here is my November box

This month I got...

Vichy - Idealia Life Serum. To improve appearance of skin. Apply morning or evening under moisturiser. Full size £29.50 for 30ml. I like trying new skincare products and don't have anything from Vichy. I've got a trip away next month so I think these will be good for travel. 

Emote make up - micronised eyeshadow. Free from oil, nickel, parabens (what are they?) and perfume, the pigment is micronised (what does that mean?) for a lasting result. Good for sensitive eyes. £16.80 for 1.48g.  This makes a good highlighter and I will definitely use it. Good size for travel as well so I think this will also be coming with me next month.

Yves Rocher - hand cream.  Cocoa smell and moisturising formula. £1.95 for 75ml. I love having hand creams in all my bags, at work, by my bed etc so getting another one is good for me. My hands get really dry being a mom.  I seem to be constantly washing them between nappy changes, preparing food, trips out and all that baby stuff. I'm going to keep this one by my bed, and maybe it will help me dream of chocolate! 

Elegant touch - rapid dry for nails. For busy a women on the go (that's me), dries nail polish in 60 seconds with added vitamin E it also conditions cuticles. £3 for 125ml. If you've read my previous post on CND Vinylux you'll know I'm always on the look out for nail products. I recently purchased the Seche Vite top cost and I'm wondering if this will work with that? I'm going to give it a go anyway. Christmas party season is on its way so I'm going to crack open the reds and sparkle. 

Scholl - dry skin exfoliation. To remove rough, hard skin and promote natural cell renewal to leave your feet feeling soft, smooth and conditioned. £4.49 for 60ml. I don't really get dry skin on my feet so I'm going to give this once to my husband to try. 

I'm happy with this month's box and there are lots of products which I will use. I also got the box for 'free' as I'd collected 1000 Glossydots. I have enough Glossydots for one more box then I'm not sure if to try Birchbox or You Beauty Discovery box. What do you think is the best beauty box? 

CND Vinylux nails...can they last a week?

As a mom, I'm constantly washing my hands and as a consequence my nail varnish chips within a day. I do shellac nails at home for special occasions, and although the last I find them quite damaging to my nails.

I recently heard about a new product from CND called Vinylux. It claims to last a week, but you don't need the uv lamp like shellac and you can also remove them with normal nail varnish remover. Sounded good to me, so I got onto Amazon and ordered one. 

It arrived yesterday and I couldn't wait to apply. So, while Reuben was napping on it went. You don't need a base coat, just apply two coats of the colour to your natural nails. I went for the colour 'married to mauve'

It was easy to apply but did take a little while to dry. You then apply one coat of the special top coat which gives a high shine and cures your nails with natural light. 

I'm now on day two nails and so far no chips.  

I'll wait and see before I give my full opinion, but I feel another visit to Amazon coming on! 

Have you tried Vinylux, what do you think? 

Reuben's 11 month update.

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Reuben's 11 month update

Weight: I haven't got him weighed this month. I'm planning to go after his first birthday. He has been eating well and it feels like he has put on quite a bit of weight so it will be interesting to see.

Height: not measured this month but don't think he is any taller.

Clothes: Mainly 9 - 12 months but some 12-18 months. He is long in the body, so 12-18 month vests but short in the legs so 9-12 month trousers, which generally still need turning up.

Feeding: 2 formula feeds at day, 6.30am and 6.30pm with a cows milk at 2.30pm ish.  Trying to transition him slowly to cows milk. Roo is stll on 3 meals a day plus a couple of snacks. He is really eating well. Although not giving home made at every meal, fish fingers and baked beans have been creeping in a lot lately!

Development: Roo is 'cruising' around all the furniture now. He can walk with his walker. In fact at a BBQ last week he walked around the garden with a child's pushchair several times. He has allowed me to hold his hand while he walks. He can stand on his own for quite a while but he has turned this into a game whereby he stands and then throws himself back on his bottom on purpose. He particularly likes doing this in his cot. He took his first steps unaided on 30th August and is now up to about 4 steps before he collaspes.  He is still babbling lots but no distinct words apart from Dada and mama and also up. He also likes to repeat games like throwing balls.

Activities: I feel like I am becoming a soft play guru. This month we have been to the gymnastics centre several times, portico play and kudacan on Gloucester road and jump at cribs. We have been going swimming on a wed but this week was the last lesson. Going to take him on my own from now on. I finally got round to booking him in the David Lloyd crèche. He has done 3 sessions so far. First two were fine but this week he was crying when I picked him up. He is also being really clingy and crying at bedtime and when I leave the room. According to wonder weeks he is in a stormy phase now. 

Favourite things Bruin wood and push walker (in the photo above), stacking cups, shape sorter, books, ikea panda cuddly toy, At the Zoo singalong CD

Poo: We are averaging 2 to 4 a day.

Nicknames: Roo, Sausage, Sausage dog, monkey

Routine:  Is still hit and miss. But generally looks like this. 

We generally get up between 5.30 and 6.30. On the whole its around 6am. 

6.30ammilk, 210mls from a beaker. He doesn't wake up hungry so is happy to wait for this. 

Breakfast is between 7.30 and 8am, depending on what time we get up. 

9am brush teeth and get dressed

Morning nap, anytime between not happening or 9.30 to 10.30. I think he will start to drop this nap soon. 

Snack of some sort at around 11

Lunch 11.30 to 12 ish. Today he had mackeral on toast, with melted cheese, some cucumber and a fromais frais. 

Afternoon nap, generally between 1 and 2 but he will no longer sleep in his cot in the day and this nap is generally in his pushchair.

2.30/3 - cows milk out of a beaker and small snack

Dinner at 5

Bath 6.20pm

Story, milk 180mls, brush teeth

7pm bed (in theory but we have had two nights this week when he has been up till 10pm and will only sleep in the bed with me). 

Purchases: Bruin walker. Lots of books from the charity shop.  Turtle shape sorter, tambourine.  Roof box and bike rack for the car and a cycle helmet for Roo.

Places we've been: We've been to Walsall a couple of times but that's about it. Off on holiday for Roo's birthday. 

See you at 1 year! 

Reuben's 10 month update

Reuben's 10 month update

Weight: 19lb 4oz (about 35th centile). Roo's weight has been progressing steadily and he is doing well. We are always a bit worried about his weight, as he has never been a good milk drinker and because we are doing baby led leaning he sometimes doesn't eat a whole lot either. But, he must be getting what he needs so we just need to chill! 

Height: 72.5cm 

Clothes: some 9 - 12 months but mainly 12-18 months

Feeding: 3 formula feeds at day, 6am, 2.30pm and 6.30pm. He takes between 150 and 210 at each feed. Roo is on 3 meals a day now and a couple of snacks. We are doing baby led weaning as Roo refused to eat from a spoon very early on and just wants to do everything himself! We are mainly doing recipes from the Gill Rapley book, combined with some foods we all eat and simple meals like beans or scrambled eggs on toast. 

Development: Lots has happened in 5 months since my last update. Roo is now crawling and pulling himself up to standing. He was very mobile from about 8 months where he would do continuous rolling to get where he wanted, with the odd push off with his feet on the door or sofa. The then started to drag himself along the floor, commando style from about 9 months. He started crawling properly at 9.5 months and pulling himself up at 10 months. He still only says 'dada', 'mama' and 'baba' but he recognises his name, can clap his hands, put shapes in a sorter (with help) and copy movements. 

Activities: Now that the summer holidays are here, a lot of the classes we were going to (rhyme time, swimming, boogie bop) have all finished. It's a real shame everything stops in the school holidays. Also, lots of the mums i've met are starting to go back to work. So we are just in the process of figuring out what our week looks like. I still want to try the crèche at David Lloyd, I want to take Roo swimming at least once a week and there are some soft plays I want to try out (particularly the one in Hengrove). 

Favourite things: stacking cups, shape sorter, books, ikea truck, tiger hand puppet, At the Zoo singalong CD

Poo: We are averaging 2 to 4 a day.  

Nicknames: Roo, Sausage, poppet, mommy's monkey

Routine: 

Our routine is all over the place at the moment, Roo is now harder to settle for naps and sometimes refuses his morning nap altogether. 

We generally get up between 5.30 and 6.30, but id say more often its 5.30! He then has his milk, 210mls from a beaker. 

Breakfast is between 7 and 7.45, depending on what time we get up. 

9am brush teeth and get dressed

Morning nap, anytime between not happening or 9 to 10. 

Snack of some sort at around 11

Lunch 11.30 to 12 ish. Today he had mackeral on toast, with melted cheese, some cucumber and a fromais frais. 

Afternoon nap, generally between 1 and 2 but today he slept from 10 to 12 this morning so just had half an hour at 4.30. 

Dinner was at 5, but we are trialling 4.30 as he can be sick in the evenings after his bath so we are seeing if this helps. 

Bath 6.20pm

Story, milk 180mls, brush teeth

7pm bed 

Purchases: highchair - another one. We didn't get on with the Joie Mimzy, so we've just got an Ikea Antolope. Ikea toys- truck and hammer and pegs (I couldn't just get a highchair), 12-18 month clothes, 1tog sleeping bag as its been rather warm. 

Places we've been: the photo above is taken on the beach at Weston-super-mare and was Roo's first time on the beach. We had our first holiday to Brixham and Cornwall, chek out our holiday video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrsRL36QfDY&sns=em

We are also trying out various soft plays, including 

Playport at Portishead http://www.theplayport.co.uk 

Playspace at Avonmeads http://www.playspace.co.uk/

Bristol gymnastics centre http://www.bristolgymnastics.co.uk/

The gymastics centre was by far the best for Roo's age.

See you at 11 months (which is less than two weeks away) 

Bristol cafe & changing series: #1 Bocabar

As a new mum I find myself in lots of cafes during the week, so I thought I'd let you know what I think of them in relation to how baby friendly they are and the changing facilities available. I'm not reviewing food/drinks as I generally only have a diet coke or tea! 

First in the series is Bocabar at Paintworks, Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol. 

Cafe area - 4/5 (one point taken away due parking issues)

This cafe is great, especially if there are quite a few of you with buggies. I generally meet my NCT friends there. The cafe is large and has loads of room for buggies. There are a lot large sofas which makes whiling away a few hours too easy! It also makes breastfeeding really comfortable and they are breast feeding friendly. There is also a good selection of yummy cake! 

On the downside every time I've been its been a nightmare to park. There are lots of offices/units close by which makes the car parking is quite confusing. The visitor car park is always full and its not always obvious where else you can park. However, having been a few times now I think I've cracked it. I turn left by the Dentamagic sign and you can park down the end of this row by the river. 

Changing facilities 2/5

My son had a poo explosion last week whilst I was there and he required a full change. It was a cold day (about 2 degrees) and the changing room was freezing. It's on an outside wall and not heated and as a result my son screamed the place down. 

It has one of those pull down plastic tables, however I think the strap might have been broken but I wasn't looking that closely due to the screaming!

On the plus side it was clean (if a little scruffy) and there was an adult toilet in there too. I prefer changing facilities with a toilet in them because if you are on your own it makes going yourself so much easier! 

Summary
Great pushchair friendly, comfy cafe. Brilliant for whiling away afternoons and even better if you live in walking distance. Changing facilities adequate but probably nicer in the summer! 

Post partum weight loss journey

So, its been 5 months since Reuben was born so I thought an update on my post partum weight loss was due. 

My pre pregnancy weight was 144lb, so not huge but not exactly skinny. I put on 32lbs during my pregnancy (I did go two weeks overdue), so ended up at 176lb. Here is a photo of me at about 41weeks (excuse the double chins!). 

I lost the majority of the weight relatively easily, having a 8lb baby was a good start and I think that breast feeding really helped. I got down to about 150lb but then stagnated. However, I was eating a lot of cake! 

At Christmas (3months post partum) I stopped breast feeding. Reuben had started to refuse to feed and was losing weight so we made the difficult decision to move to formula. I then realised I couldn't continue eating cake all day so decided to diet to lose the remaining 6lb. I did this by using the myfitnesspal app on my phone. It's basically just calorie counting but you can scan in all your food so it makes it really easy. It look me about 3 weeks to get back to 144lbs.

My ideal weight would be about 130lbs (I'm 5ft 4in tall) but I'm not sure how realistic this is.  I've stopped using myfitnesspal but I'm trying to eat healthy and do some exercise. I do an aerobics class twice a week and yoga once a week, and run round after Reuben the rest of the time.

I don't know if I'll ever make it to 130lbs (I'm currently 142lbs) but its always good to have a goal in mind to stop me from eating all those cakes...yum yum.

Reuben's 5 month update

Weight: 15lb 4oz (last weighed Mon 11 Feb)
Reuben is tracking well on the 25th centile.  Last week he got a cold and was just refusing to feed and literally just screaming any time the bottle went near him.  I didn't realise it was a cold at first and got a bit worried (we even went to the doctors) but once his cold came out his feeding improved.  Me and Rob then got the cold and felt awful so poor Roo must have been feeling pretty bad.

Height: 67cm (approx not offical measurement)

Clothes: generally 3-6 months, but 6-9 month vests and a couple of tops and trousers.

Feeding: 100% Formula (Aptamil First Milk with a scoop of comfort milk), around 25 -30oz per day.  I tried Roo on purees at around 18/19  weeks and he really enjoyed the tastes but then he got constipated so I got a bit scared about giving him too much so we got some comfort milk to help him poo.  I'm going to start the Gina Ford weaning plan from today, so this morning he had one teaspoon of baby porridge.

Development: Holding feet, he generally prefers his right foot but he can hold both feet.  He has started waving his arms up and down frantically and all the better if he happens to have a toy in his hand and can hit himself with it.  He can manage a couple of seconds sitting unaided.  Really reaching for and interacting with his toys.  He had a week of rolling from his back to his belly but has now got bored with that.  Blowing bubbles and making farting noises.

Activities: I'm still doing my exercise class twice a week and Roo is still enjoying lying on his Lamaze mat and watching mummy.  We have taken him swimming a couple of times which he has loved.  Other than that I meet up with friends and go to coffee mornings/walks.  I tried to do my own mini photoshoot at home (as worried about him pooing/weeing on the bed though - here is my favourite photo)

Favourite things: giraffe, blanket bear, dummy, Fisher price bouncer chair, M&P snug seat, activity gym, Lamaze travel mat, large puzzle toy, caterpillar, mirrors, At the Zoo singalong CD

Poo: We had a week of 7 a day (we got through so many nappies!), then he got constipated and now we are averaging 1 to 2 a day.  

Nicknames: Roo, Little Roo, Sausage, Saucisson, poppet, mommy's monkey

Routine:
7am get up and feed (he takes anything from 50ml to 140ml) then activity gym/tummy time/sitting in chair.
9 - 10/10.30 -sleep in cot. Last week he was doing 1hr 30mins at this nap but then not sleeping well at lunchtime and waking up at 4am so from this week i'm going back to Gina and just going to do a max of 45 mins
10.30 - top and tail and dressed for the day
11 - feed (anything from 70mls to 150mls) and from today 1 teaspoon of baby porridge
12/12.30 - nap - his lunchtime nap isn't going well and he only does about 30/40mins but will then have another 30mins at 2pm
2.30/3pm - feed 120mls-180mls
3-5 - play/activity gym/out for walk
5.30 - I start to prepare bath stuff, room for sleeping, formula etc Roo sits in his chair with Cbeebies on (i particularly like Grandpa in my pocket)
6 - feed - usually about 110mls
6.20 - bath
6.40 - remainder of feed - about 100-120mls
6.50 - story
7pm - Euan sheep on, night lights on and sleep!
We are no longer feeding in the night but he still wakes up around 1.30 and 4am and needs settling.

Purchases: highchair - we got the Joie Mimzy, wetsuit (from Two Bare Feet), Ikea hoodie towels (his newborn ones were too small), bowls/plates/bibs for weaning

Places we've been: West Bromwich Albion ground for my Uncles 60th (Roo did a wee on the carpet in one of the executive boxes as there wasn't a baby change facility and we didn't manage to catch the wee in time!), Brixham for a mini holiday over Valentines, Walsall and Burntwood to see my family (first overnight stay with my brother and sister-in-law), Portishead

Roo and Mummy in Brixham

Other milestones: Roo moved into his own room last night and slept well!

See you at 6 months!

February Glossybox: what I got...

In addition to loving my boy I also love beauty and make up.

I've just signed up to a 3 month subcription of Glossyboxes.  I had money left over from my birthday and Christmas and wanted to treat myself.

My first box arrived on Saturday and I was so excited.  The packaging is beatutiful.  I don't know if it is always pink (February is the Valentine edition) but I loved it.

This is how it arrived

These are the products close up

Helen E Cosmetics - Moisurising lipstick in Raspberry
Anatomicals - You need a blooming shower - Rose scented shower gel
Docteur Renaud - Raspberry soft cream facial moisturiser
Micabella Cosmetics - Mineral Blush Poweder in Terra Cotta
Modelco - Eyeshadow duo in Bronzed Goddess



The three month subcription was £35 including postage.  I think it is value for money as the products are a good size.  I'm hoping it will take me out of my comfort zone when it comes to make up.  You can set up a profile on the Glossybox site so you should get products which are tailored to your needs. I'm going to see how I get on, but I might sign up for the rolling monthly subscription :-)

Look out for a review at the end of the month to see what I thought of this months' Glossybox.

Travel system/pushchair review: UppaBaby Vista

Firstly, I want to start off my stating that I absolutely LOVE my UppaBaby Vista. There are a couple of improvements they could make but I would 100% recommend this travel system to any new mum. 

What do you get? Pushchair base, bassinet, pushchair seat, 2x rain covers, 2x mosquito nets, adapters for Maxi Cosi car seat.

The pushchair comes in a range of colour options.  Mine is Jake Black on the black frame.

Optional extras, Rumble seat (to add on an additional child), snack tray, snug seat newborn insert, cup holder, foot muff.

What you get (sorry about the quality of this photo)

This pushchair is not cheap. It retails around £569 to £629.  I managed to get 15% off mine with Kiddicare with voucher codes I found on babycentre. Kiddicare generally offer 5% off with the code Morrisons most of the time. You can also buy it at John Lewis at Cribs Causeway in Bristol and Trendy Baby in Clevedon.

What I love about it
It has a HUGE basket, great for shopping/carrying baby stuff around.  Its the largest basket of all the pushchairs I've come across.  Also the design of the axle means you don't kick your foot on the back of it when walking (or running!). I put this in as my friends will tell you I try and avoid running.

The pushchair seat can be parent and forward facing (can only be folded when seat is forward facing).  Its really light and easy to attach.  The seat is roomy, has a 5 point harness and the canopy can be lifted up to give more room as your child grows. 

There is a great peep through window in the top of the canopy which allows you to see your little one when the seat is forward facing.  I have friends who don't have this and they have to keep stopping and walking in front of the pushchair to check on their child. 

There is an inbuilt SPF50 sun canopy (see below in silver) which is great for the sun and to provide extra darkness if you are trying to get your baby to sleep. 

It is recommended the pushchair be used from 6 months but I've been using it with Reuben from 4 months as his head control is good and he wanted to be upright and look about.  You can buy a 'snug seat' insert to use from birth. 


Shows forward and rear facing, sun shade, rain cover and bug cover.



Large peek through window with magnetic closure on canopy.

The bumper bar can be removed and replaced with a snack tray which can be bought as an addition.
The handle is adjustable.  I use it on the lowest setting (I'm 5ft 4inches) but my husband extends it as he is 6ft so it is perfect for both of us.

It comes with a large bassinet.  I used this (and still do) as a moses basket downstairs for sleeping and for walks when I want Reuben to sleep.  It can be used for overnight sleeping or as a travel cot as it is fully ventilated.  It also has the built in SPF 50 sunscreen into the hood.

The pushchair is so easy to steer (which is good as it is on the larger side).  It has no pump wheels which are great over rough terrain and snow. We had a lot of snow last month and my Uppababy was brilliant.  It went through the snow like a dream.  I went talking with other mums and the snow was building up in their wheels stopping them from turning and their wheels were sticking - we had no such problems.

It comes with Maxi Cosi car seat adapters (you don't have to buy these separately).  The positioning of the adapters also means that your baby is quite high up and close to you when the car seat is attached which I loved.

Car seat not included in price.  I have the Maxi Cosi Cabriofix bought from Boots.  However the rain cover which comes with the UppaBaby does fit over this car seat.

Things that could be improved

When you have the bassinet on its really hard to get in the basket. It would better if the bassinet fitted in the Maxi Cosi adapters so that it was a little higher. 

I don't know if its just my pushchair but the break sometimes doesn't work first time.  The designed its not obvious to see if it is on or off.



Close up of break, puschair frame free standing when folded, Mothercare Universal footmuff.



Sometimes when I unfold my pushchair the process of unfolding locks the front wheels.  I'll go to turn a corner and then have to reach forward to unlock the wheels. I'd say this happens about 1 out of every 4 unfolds.

The raincover is designed for the pushchair (I think) but you can use it with the bassinet but there is nowhere to tie it into place (on the pushchair or bassinet). See close up, am i missing something?

The official footmuff (Babtyganoosh) is very expensive so I opted for a Universal Mothercare one.  I'm sure it's probably not as good (i.e it's not waterproof) but the Babyganoosh was around £80 and on maternity pay I just could justify this extra expense.

The pushchair is large and heavy (11.5kg) but i suppose this also makes it sturdy.  Its sometimes not the easiest to get through doors or between tables in cafes but you can't have everything!  I don't have a problem lifting it but I did have to get a bigger car as it didn't fit into my Peugeot 206 unless i popped off the back wheels.

The fold isn't the most obvious and you need two hands.  When we first looked at this pushchair in John Lewis we couldn't figure it out, then a lady walked past who had the pushchair and she helped us out!  Once you know how to do it, it's fine.  You need to hold a button on the left hand side of the pushchair with your left hand, the squeeze the handle with your right hand and push down to a white line on the right hand side of the pushchair (this is all so much easier if you have the break on).  I've folded other pushchairs (like the BabyJogger) and they are so much simpler and one handed.  I think UppaBaby could improve this element of the design.

I'm not sure I'm going to have much use for the bug covers in the UK.  Personally I think it would be better if it came with the snack tray instead.

However I 100% love and recommend this pushchair!

 

4 Month Update

Reuben's 4 month update

Weight: 14lb 1oz (last weighed Mon 7 Jan,16 weeks)
Reuben had not been putting on weight at his past two weigh ins, and had gone from the 50th centile to the 25th centile.  Our breastfeeding journey had been difficult from the start and at Christmas we made the difficult decision to move formula full time and he is feeding so much better and gaining weight again.

Clothes: 3-6 months, although depends on the brand.  We are finding Sainsbury's on the smaller side and M&S on the larger side. The Baggies vest in the photo above is 6-9 months!

Feeding: 100% Formula (Aptamil First Milk), around 25 -30oz per day

Development: Hand to mouth (can remove dummy and replace it into mouth), roll over from front to back, roll over from back to right side, increased vocal noises - most popular noise sounds like a cat being strangled, touching thighs (but not really found legs yet), grabbing toys with one hand, sitting in chair, giggling

Activities: Baby Massage and Sing and Sign started this week.  Both have been really good.  We started with the legs at the massage class but Roo just wanted to shout and roll over, it didn't seem to relax him but he enjoyed it.  Sing and sign we learnt the Makaton for Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Incy Wincy Spider.  I've really got to swot up on my nursery rhymes.  I do an exercise class twice a week where I take Roo along, at the moment he enjoys lying on his Lamaze mat and watching mummy exercise.  Not sure how long that will last!

Favourite things: Pop up surprise ball, wire toy, giraffe, blanket bear, dummy, Fisher price bouncer chair, M&P snug seat, activity gym, Lamaze travel mat

Poo: 4 a day!

Nicknames: Roo, Little Roo, Sausage, Saucisson

Routine:
7am get up (although he is often awake from 5.30/6), feed - he usually takes about 110ml, activity gym/tummy time.
8.30 rest of feed and upstairs to cot
9 - 10/10.30 -sleep in cot
10.30 - top and tail and dressed for the day
11 - feed (anything from 70mls to 150mls)
12.30 - rest of feed he didn't take at 11
1-3 - a bit of sleep/activity/classes - each day is different depending on if we are in/out etc
3 - feed - usually better feed 150-180mls
3-5 - a bit of sleep/play/watching TV/quiet time/activity gym etc
5.30 - i start to prepare bath stuff, room for sleeping, formula etc
6 - feed - usually about 110mls
6.20 - bath
6.40 - remainder of feed - about 100mls
6.50 - story
7pm - Euan sheep on, night lights on and sleep!
We do one feeding the night when he wakes up, this can be anywhere between 10 and 2pm

See you at 5 months!