Special Ways to Make Your Pregnancy Feel Less Overwhelming and More Memorable

Pregnancy is an incredibly special time in anyone's life. But let's be real... it can also feel completely overwhelming . Between doctor appointments, baby registries, and trying to keep up with normal life and a lot of expecting moms feel like they are running on empty. Having gone through two pregnancies myself, I know first hand how amazing but also stressful this time can be.  Here's the honest truth Most Pregnancies are full of both ups and downs, it can be a rollercoaster, both mentally and physically, and it's ok to be honest about both the parts you enjoy and the parts you don't, thats normal. You also don't have to just "survive" pregnancy, there are ways to slow down and make this season something you'll actually treasure, even when it's exhausting, because one day you will look back fondly on the memories you created during this time. So let's jump in and discuss * Why Pregnancy Feels So Overwhelming * Special Ways To Make Pregna......

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Street Style Sunday - Printed Dress

I bought this Mela Loves London dress at the start of my pregnancy and only got to wear it a few times before it no longer fit but with it being buttoned all the way down it actually means I can wear it while I am nursing Baby G so it was in fact a perfect maternity and post maternity buy. I am trying to wear more prints, espeically as we come into summer and I love this almost oriental bird and flower print. I have paired it up with a jacket from M&S my well worth patent Clarks brogues and a Ralph Lauren bag. I am still struggling a little bit with adjusting to "normal" clothes after the pregnancy but it only means I have to be slightly more creative with what I wear. I really hope you can come and join in with Street Style Sunday - anything fashion related goes including what has been inspiring you this week or what your little ones, family or partner has been wearing. An InLinkz Link-up ...

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Street Style Sunday - Finding Normality

Wearing - Brookhaven leggings, H&M Mama tee, M&S jacket, Carlos bag, Nike trainers So around three weeks ago I gave birth to a cute little man which has meant some body changes have followed of course. I am slowly getting back into my pre-pregnancy clothes and although I am not quite there I am at least on course. I have been mixing up maternity and normal clothes together especially as I am breast-feeding and need loose tops to wear. I have been enjoying these soft Brookhaven leggings and treating my feet to these super comfortable Nike trainers. All I know is I cannot wait to go shopping and pick up a few new bits and bobs.  I am also really looking forward to spring and summer and warmer temperatures and I feel like this year is going to be all about Breton tops and sunglasses. Until then I am just enjoying being able to get back into my jackets and chambray shirts. Enjoying being back in my pre-pregnancy clothes  Also don't forget to ......

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Mums making the move - Working from home

A beautiful home office, a creative place to work ( image ) A couple of years ago I came to a cross roads, my maternity pay was coming to an end and I was doing some freelance photography work as well as copy writing and blogging but nothing to really write home about. I knew I didn't want to go back to full time employment with a child under one and thought it was the perfect time to make the leap and really pursue my freelance work and I am so glad I did as even with the stress that comes with working from home and in the back of your head knowing you don't have a regular income it's been such an exciting journey as well as having the amazing opportunity to spend a lot of time with my son, which no matter what the future holds I will forever be grateful for. My work game face Now I know for some women working from home will simply never be an option, perhaps because they have amazing careers that they worked long and hard for and should be very pro......

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Street Style Sunday - Beachside Casual

Last weekend we decided it would be a good time to have one last break away being 38 weeks pregnant it would be our last mini-break for at least the next 6 weeks or so. We decided to jump in the car and head to Tenby in West Wales for a night and wow we were so lucky with the weather and had an amazing time exploring the coast, playing mini golf and running on the beach, at one point it was so mild we took our jackets off! Of course it's been a little harder the past few weeks to find clothes that accommodate the bump in a comfortable and stylish way but these stretchy skinny black trousers from Mothercare are so soft and since I am a huge fan of black I have been wearing them a lot lately and paired it up with a Asos Maternity slouch tee and Ralph Lauren denim chambray, Timex watch and gifted snood. Laura wears Ralph Lauren chambray, ASOS maternity tee, Mothercare skinny jeans, Moorlands Boots It was lovely to spend some quality time outdoors with the family, by the......

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Street Style Sunday - Skinny Maternity jeggings

As my pregnancy has gone on it's been harder to find clothes and feel as comfortable but still stay to my own personal style as Cardiff does not have the biggest selection with regards to maternity so picking something up on a whim has not really happened, so when Mothercare asked me to try out a few things from their online selection I was over the moon. For some reason I have struggled more this time round - I think perhaps because Mr A was due at the end of summer which meant I could wear a lot of flowing dresses and loose tees but coming to the end of my pregnancy during winter has been a different journey altogether, although the one plus has been all the chunky knits but it was nice to be back in a pair of skinny style jeggings which are super soft and comfortable to wear and paired with the monochrome blouse it made me feel bit more like me again. Laura wears - Mothercare jeggings and blouse, Esska shoes, M&S jacket, Paul Costello bag I really hope you c......

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Pregnancy Update...33 weeks

Wow so time is really flying by and I cannot believe that on Tuesday next week I will be 34 weeks pregnant. The bump has gotten a little bigger since my last pregnancy post at 31 weeks but I have been dressing it up in my Bibee maternity tunic and pairing it with my new jacket to have something this is very comfortable but not too frumpy either, plus you can interchange the front "bibs" making these dresses very versatile. Great news I also have 15% off any bible dress for my readers, just use the special code side street  Wearing - Bibee Maternity tunic, M&S jacket, Morlands boots and Carlos bag The past month I have also been enjoying some of the delights on offer in my monthly Nonabox which has been a real treat through my pregnancy and it's always lovely receiving a little surprise each moth, especially as things become more uncomfortable as you get further into a pregnancy. it'a also a great way to get a selection of products that you may not......

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Pregnancy update - 31 weeks

Wow I literally cannot believe that I am already 31 weeks pregnant - time has flown by unlike the first time round which seem to take forever but now I feel like I am running out of time to get things sorted such as the nursery and finishing the house. Saying that this week is all about relaxing and enjoying our last Christmas as a family of three and I thought I would make a little vlog about what has been happening over the past few weeks and the lovely things inside my ProjectB box this month as well as getting a few things in place such as the Totsbots reusable nappies which I cannot wait to use, especially the newborn birthday printed one - it's so cute. How cute is this TotsBots reusable newborn nappy  We used reusable nappies for around 6 months with Mr A but they ones we bought kept leaking all them time and we struggled with finding the correct size as Mr A had a really small waist - it meant they were fine for when we where at home but not practical out......

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Street Style Sunday - My Kipling

Laura wears - Joules dress, HM jacket, Converse shoes, gifted scarf, Kipling backpack Another lovely instalment of Street Style Sunday and I can't believe its another week later and I am now 27 weeks pregnant - ahhhh where is the time going. The bump has grown loads in the past 3 weeks and I am now officially squeezing out of my normal clothes into maturity clothes, except in this outfit post which may be the last of me in non-maternity fashion. I love that my Joules dress naturally fits my growing bump and it's lovely and thick and perfect for Autumn and Winter. I also picked up this jacket from H&M in Amsterdam when we were there a few weeks ago, it just has such an autumn feel to it. The lovely people over at Kipling also sent me this backpack as part of the #SheWearsKipling campaign. I am a regular wearer of backpacks simply because they compliment my busy lifestyle running after a little outdoors as well as a great way store my camera but someti......

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Must have style items for busy mums

If you are a new mum, or expecting to be soon, and you are worried that your style halo might be about to loose its sparkle, here are five great maternity buys to ensure you will be in style heaven, even after the stork has made its delivery. MY WINTER BOX from the fantastic Parisian maternity brand, Envie de Fraises, is a sleek collection of three maternity pieces that will see you through your pregnancy and into the months that follow. The kit includes a flattering, soft, long-sleeved dress with matching leggings and a contrasting wrap belt. The combination has that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that will add a touch of French chic to your maternity wardrobe. My Winter Box from Envie de Fraises The Babymel Big Slouchy changing bag looks as good on the outside as it is useful on the inside. Almost as cute as your new baby, this bag comes in a range of designs (including bang-on-trend tweed), has plenty of pockets inside and out and ingeniously tucks away a coordina......

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Street Style Sunday - Maternity Casual

I have to admit this week has been a bit of a difficult one for me, my bump has suddenly had a growth spurt leaving me with very few clothes that fit well. I had a rare free day to roam the shops to look for something to wear and discovered Cardiff offers very little in terms of maternity wear choice and it's going to have to be an online shopping experience I am afraid. The only thing I managed to find was a pair of maternity jeans so at least that was something but at a time when so much is changing I think it's important to feel good with how you look and not being able to find something to accommodate my changing shape left me feeling a bit down. Luckily I came across this stretchy grey maternity top from my last pregnancy and pairs it up with some leggings and my aztec cardigan and converse and it made me feel more like myself, casual and fun and a spot of lipstick to put the world to rights. Wearing RL Cardigan, M&S top, H&M leggings, Converse trainers ......

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19 Weeks Pregnancy update

Well one more week and I will be half way through this pregnancy and only two weeks until we find out if it's a girl or a boy - time really does fly the second time around. The bump has grown even more - I promise next week to show you all. I am starting to look a little fuller in the face and have been struck with sweet cravings and paired with my birthday and the little mans this month I have to admit I somewhat over indulged...oh well. My hair is feeling thicker and fuller and I am enjoying wearing it down. I also bought my first piece of maternity clothing in the form of an organic pair of leggings from H&M for the bargain price of £7.99 and oh wow they are seriously comfy. After some unexpected bills this pregnancy is going to be very much on the frugal side of things and luckily I still have a few pieces from last time, although mainly summery clothes but have also been enjoying looser tees I had packed away a while ago as well as a pair of jeans that the other ha......

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How to Buy Maternity Clothes on a Budget

Me around 25 weeks pregnant the first time round in a lovely dress I picked up for a bargain Buying maternity wear can be an expensive exercise, sending your modest bank balance into shock, as it distributes cash left and right, completely blowing itself of all proportion as you snap up an adorable booster seat you just HAD to have. Most Mum’s will scour the shelves in search for the perfect outfit for their soon-to-be-newborn, clutching at jumpsuits and cooing over little shoes, entranced by the design possibilities. While we want our babies to be blessed with the best (that we can afford), you may consider yourself for a moment and account for your changing body. Your clothes won’t fit at some stage in the nine months period; in fact, a growing belly and swelling boobs pretty much guarantee at least two areas will need to be accounted for, not to mention your butt and thighs. It is possible to spend minimally on a few essentials with the following tips: Me throwing a......

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