New hair and Topshop purchase!

I’m so sorry I didn't post anything yesterday, I had such a hectic day! Straight after work I went to get my hair cut, then went out for some drinks (I went crazy on the apple juice – woop woop) and then to dinner! And I didn't get back until around half 10, and then Sam’s younger brother and sister came over to stay the night, so I literally had zero time. But enough with my life story… I've got a (sort of) fringe!

Yep, I went for it and got the chop – eeeeeek.

I brought in this picture to show my hairdresser what I wanted (love Alexa Chung too much):

And I came out with this:

What do you guys think?

I have to admit yesterday I was like “OH MY GOOOOOD” because the way my hairdresser styled it just wasn't ‘me’. I asked for it to be quite messy but she curled it a bit too neatly, and left the fringe to its own devices so it was all over the shop. Flicking, frizzing and generally trying to ruin my life.

But this morning I tamed it and straightened it a bit and now I’m super happy with it!

I love how thick my hair looks after it’s been cut and I’m glad the fringe is quite thick too, although next time I think I want it even thicker ha ha, and I'd also have liked it a bit more 'fringey', but I might go back and get it touched up a bit. I’m so picky with hair though and going to the hairdressers terrifies me slightly, as I've had a couple of horrific haircuts that have scarred me for life ha ha. So this was definitely a successful trip for me!

I’m also LOVING the chunky chain necklace I'm wearing at the moment. I bought it from Topshop the other day for £14 and I think it was totally worth the pennies. I love, love, love how it’s a mixed metal look as it’s so versatile to wear, and I basically haven’t taken it off since I got it ha ha. As it’s actually made of plastic (not metal) it’s so lightweight! Which is great when you’re already carrying some extra weight around with you ha ha.

Anyway, let me know what you think of my brand new, shiny (sort of, it’s quite dry ha ha) hair! I hope you guys like it :-)

See you soon!!

xx

Throw Back Thursday: Budget Holidays

I was flicking through old pictures on my phone looking for inspiration for a Throw Back Thursday image, when I stumbled across my holiday snaps from Cornwall.

I went to Trevone in Cornwall, near to Padstow, with my friends two summers ago and it was one of the funnest holidays I've ever had, despite it being on the cheaper side of life.

There was about 20 of us and we had so much fun - playing on the beach, swimming in the sea, cooking food together, having some cheeky bevvys and shopping for sunglasses and jewellery!

You definitely don’t need loads of money to have a good time, and I would recommend a holiday to Cornwall to anyone. Just grab a tent, some wellies and a bikini and you’re good to go for a week!

This year me and Sam’s summer holiday is going to England for two weeks, with money-saving in mind! It’s crazy that the smallest person ever is going to need SO MUCH STUFF. But she’s related to me so what do I expect ha ha. But with our little, expensive bean arriving in four short months we have to do everything on the cheap, so England it is.

I actually don’t mind this at all though, as I LOVE England, and there’s so much loveliness there that people don’t always realise.

I think cities can be just as stunning as beaches and forests - with the bright lights, tall buildings and inspiring fashion everywhere, so I'm mega excited to be spending half our time in London with Sam’s family, and then back to my hometown of Bournemouth for the other half! MASSIVE YAY.

I know I'm biased because my friends, family and dog (lol, she’s my first baby) are all there and I’m a homesick thing at the best of times, but I honestly LOVE Bournemouth so much! It’s got everything you need close-by – beautiful beaches, the New Forest, decent shops, good nightlife, and it’s a pretty safe place. What more do you need in life?

So I think this could definitely be one of the best holidays ever :-)

Hawaii can suck it… Ha ha.

Let me know where your favourite budget holiday destination is!

See you soon!!

xx

Surviving A Full Time Job Whilst Pregnant

There are no two ways about it, being pregnant is hard work. Combine that will a full-time job and it’s exhausting! But I have found a few things that help me make it to 5 o'clock alive (sometimes half 8 in the evening, boo-hoo. Just having a moment of self pity).

An easy hairstyle

This might sound weird ha ha, but it’s the first thing I thought of, as an easy hairstyle means longer in bed in the mornings! And I will do literally ANYTHING to avoid waking up in the morning ha ha. I've even mastered a leg lock to trap Sam in bed so he doesn't wake me up by getting up ha ha ha. My make-up takes me ages and there’s no getting around that because I'm obsessed with it being just right. But there are quick hair-dos that still look smart for work.

My favourite has got to be having my hair down and wavy, as it literally takes five minutes. I wash my hair every other day, but since I've been pregnant I've changed it to every other night – it’s all about the longer sleep ha ha. Once it’s washed and lovely and clean I put it into two plaits (still wet) and sleep on it overnight.

I'm blessed with a natural frizz to my hair – thanks Dad – so when I first wake up I do look a mess ha ha. But after a quick rub of Frizz Ease hair oil and a blast of salt spray my waves are tamed and shiny! DONE. I also have to quickly straighten my weird, grown-out fringe if it’s playing up as well, but that’s only another 20 seconds. I can handle that.

Some more of my favourites are a fishtail plait, low ponytail and half-up-half-down (very technical name) if I'm having a bad hair day!

Post-it notes

I can’t explain to you the number of post-it notes I get through a day ha ha. My memory was pretty horrendous before I got pregnant, but since I've started growing a baby inside my belly my brain has disappeared! So if anyone tells me ANYTHING, it goes on a post-it note and is plastered to my computer screen.

Until the air con comes on and blows them all down. Ha ha.

I also write it down in my notebook (loser) and sometimes on my hand as well for good measure.

P.s if you have bad morning sickness don’t do what I did and get scented ones ha ha. What a mistake to make.

Snacks, snacks and even more snacks

If there’s one thing I love more than sleep, it’s snacking! Especially now I'm suffering from energy loss. During my first trimester I was soooo tired all the time that I needed regular food just for energy purposes even if I wasn't hungry, and if I hadn't eaten for two hours I suddenly transformed into an ogre with anger issues. I once ripped open a Nutri-Grain bar with my teeth rather than my hands like a normal person would, because I couldn't get it open quick enough. While grunting and grrr-ing like a crazed lunatic. SEXY!

So it’s safer for everyone in the office if I keep a stash of snacks nearby at all times ha ha.

My favourite ones to keep handy are Oat So Simple porridge sachets, because they’re so easy to carry around and so easy to make! You just empty the sachet into a bowl, fill up the sachet with milk and pour that into the bowl, and then put the mixture into the microwave for two minutes. (And then add sugar if you have a sweet tooth like me ha ha).

If you don’t have access to bowls, microwaves or milk, another of my favourites are Kellog's Nutri-Grain bars, if you hadn’t already guessed! They’re really filling compared to a chocolate bar or crisps and much healthier, so I feel less guilty eating 20 a day :-)

Nap time

There’s a bit of a theme forming here – I love sleep and food ha ha. But naps are AMAZING. I don’t always have time for an after-work nap but when I do I feel a THOUSAND times better.

If you’re one of those who claim they can’t physically nap, even just lying down with my eyes shut listening to music or lying on the sofa reading a book after work does wanders. It helps my mind relax and I feel so much better afterwards, and then I can get on with my evening and not spend it feeling tired and miserable after a stressful day in the office!

Take beauty products to work

This might be another one that sounds random, but when I feel like I look tired (does that make sense?) I feel even worse! I might be tired on the inside but I don’t want everyone commentating on how tired I look on the outside as well!

I always make sure I have the following on me at work, which I slip up my sleeve or into my pocket and take to the toilets with me when I’m feeling like I need a beauty boost:

I just feel more awake once I’ve touched up my lips and eyes, and I feel like I can carry on kicking work in the butt.

Travel toothbrush and toothpaste

Morning sickness is the absolute worst, but when you’re suffering from it at work it’s beyond horrendous! I really feel for you if you’re suffering with this at the moment. I had super bad sickness which lasted up until around 18 weeks (don’t believe the lies people tell you that it ends at 12 weeks) and I still occasionally suffer now. And I was always so paranoid that I stunk of sick after I came out the loos! Delicious.

But if you keep a travel toothbrush and toothpaste on you, you can slip that up your sleeve and make a dash for the toilets, and come out smelling fresher than ever!

Last but not least…

Make sure you know where the nearest available toilet is at all times! Ha ha.

Even if you’re not suffering from “morning” sickness, you’re bladder is only going to get weaker I'm afraid, and when you gotta go you gotta go. Enough said :-)

Sorry this was a HUGE post, but as you can see I feel very strongly about trying to survive work at the moment ha ha. Thank God for holiday days :-)

See you soon!!

xx

Bump Update: Week 24

I took these pictures this morning before I went to the water park for Sam's younger brother's birthday, so sorry for the bikini and barely any make-up look ha ha! But I was in a bit of a rush :-)

For some reason I feel like my bump looks smaller in this week's pictures than in last weeks's! But in real life (lol) I feel like it's grown! Ca-razy shenanigans! Ha ha.

How far along? 24 weeks and 1 day! 

Total weight gain: Even though I definitely feel like bump's grown and I'm getting more uncomfortable (anyone who's 40 weeks pregnant please don't kill me for saying that already ha ha) I don't think it's as drastic as the growth from week 22 to week 23! Although I read that baby's about to have a growth spurt, so I could be a whale in next week's update ha ha!

Maternity clothes? No new stuff! I'm waiting 'till I'm back in England in SIX DAYS - woop woop - before I purchase any other clothes :-)

    Sleep: Hmmm mixed reviews!! I've been sleeping much better than last week, but stomach acid, the heat, and my weak-ass bladder has kept me up a few nights! But much better overall :-)

Best moment this week: OH MY GOD HAVING A DAY OFF WORK. Praise the Lord! I finished my ten day stretch working (HORRID) on Friday, so having the weekend, Monday and today off has been amaaaaaazing. Dreading the 7am alarm tomorrow though ha ha.

Food cravings: None I don't think! I love ice lollies at the moment and I find it difficult to have one and stop ha ha! But I think that's just because it's so hot here. But my appetite is still gone at the moment so I'm not eating loads, not sure why.

Anything making you queasy or sick? It's more the thought of certain foods than smells that make me feel queasy now. Just thinking of having one sip of tea makes me want to throw up ha ha! And I used to love tea - booooo. Also the thought of chicken and alcohol makes me feel ill, as it has done for the last few weeks.

Gender: Bubba girl!

Labour signs: No ha.

Symptoms: Feeling too full to eat all the time, sore nose (who knows), a bit moody ha ha and stomach acid BIG TIME. Those are the main ones this week :-)

Belly button in or out? Still a weird levelly!! I think it's about to pop out any day now. I'm still fascinated by it and staring at it all the time ha ha, it's so freaky!

Happy or moody most of the time: Bit moody this week ha ha. I think the lack of sleep got to me and I've been a bit homesick! But yesterday I laughed more than I have in ages so still a happy chappy :-) and I love going into bubba's room and looking at all the little clothes when I feel a bit down! Can't wait for her to be here :-)

Looking forward to: Finishing work on Sunday and knowing I don't have to go back for two whole weeks! Can I get a woop woop?!

I love writing these updates so much, and I think they'll be so nice to look back at! I also love reading them, so link to yours in the comments if you do them too, and I'll definitely have a nose :-)

See you soon!!

xx

Overcoming Pregnancy Problems: My Battle For The Perfect Changing Bag

I've been on the hunt for the perfect changing bag pretty much since I found out I was pregnant. I'm borderline obsessed with bags and I get bored VERY EASILY, and let's face it, the changing bag is basically going to be my handbag for the foreseeable future... so I've gotta be in love with it.

And that's proving difficult.

The problems I face are that I want to invest in a good quality, practical and definitely fashionable bag, that is also suitable for Winter/Spring/Summer/Autumn, as I don't want to keep spending a fortune on new ones...

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE.

When I first started looking for changing bags that weren't disgusting (lots are ha) I literally didn't have a clue where to start. But I have found a couple of good websites after many moons of searching:

Storksak

Pink Lining

Baby Beau

PacaPod

To start with I was really loving the Pink Lining Yummy Mummy changing bags, but to be honest I think I want one that looks more like a regular handbag than a changing bag. And I also feel like they're more summery, but I can definitely see why people like them. 

I've now warmed a bit more towards the Not So Plain Jane collection by Pink Lining, but again I'm not sure if it looks a bit too 'changing bag-y' for me ha.

My favourite website to stalk changing bags on at the minute is Storksak, which is amazing... but pricey ha ha. But I did find one bag I really liked for £70, which is cheap for them - the Ashley bag in Coral. 

I couldn't decide whether to wait in case I found another one I liked better, or to just go for it and part with my mulla, and I finally decided to take the plunge and get it... to find it gone from the website ha!! So now I'm back to square one.

 Arghhhh it's just so difficult ha ha. I keep seeing ones I would love right now, but I worry that I'll go off the pattern/style/print by the time Winter properly comes around and I'll never use it ha ha. 

I think sticking to a plainer print is probably wise, and I really love some of the leather Storksak changing bags but they're just so expensive. Do I invest? With the risk that I won't love it in a years time?

PLEASE SOMEONE WISE HELP ME.

These are the few I'm loving at the moment, but they're all pricey! So I'm just not sure what to do. 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Please let me know in the comments which one (if any) you think is best, or if you have any other suggestions!

This is one pregnancy problem I haven't overcome yet, but I'm determined to do so soon!

See you soon!!

xx

Autumn/Winter 2013 Trends: Check And Tartan

Check and tartan print clothing is one of the Autumn/ Winter trends I've been most obsessing about, and I've found myself spending hours of my life trawling the internet drooling at it! I've been loving everything from jumpers to phone covers to bedsheets... it's taken over my life! Ha ha. 

I loved check and tartan last winter but this season it seems to have exploded, which makes me so happy ha ha. I just think it's such a cosy style - perfect for winter. And it's the type of print that you can either invest in a statement, stand-out piece or a bunch of items as it's also easy to match with other things. IN LOVE. 

So let's get on with... here's my check and tartan wishlist!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

I have to admit I've actually already purchased a couple of these ha ha! But I've ordered them online, so as soon as they've arrived I'll do a haul for you guys.

And I'm sure I'll end up ordering EVEN MORE. I think I might need help!

Let me know what you think of this trend, and if you're as obsessed as I am!

See you soon!!

xx

Back To Work/ School Outfit Ideas

Whether we like it or not the reality that summer is coming to end is upon us, and soon everyone will be back to school/ college/ university/ work after having a lovely summer holiday. So how can we cheer ourselves up?

With a brand new back to work/school wardrobe. Wahoo!

So here are some ideas of how to work the smart casual look this autumn/winter.

Tops

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Trousers & Skirts

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Dresses

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Shoes

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Accessories 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

I think it's pretty dangerous looking at all of these when I got paid yesterday ha ha! There are definitely some must-have items here for me. Oooohhhh I love shopping too much ha ha.

Hope you like these as much as I do!

See you soon!!

xx

Autumn/Winter 2013 Trends: Dusty Pink

As much as I love summer and constantly want it to be boiling hot, tanning weather, I actually secretly prefer winter!

Rain and wind are horrible, but feeling cold and snuggling up in a onesie and a blanket watching X Factor is just amazing! And Christmas is my FAVOURITE time of the year. Everyone's happy and excited and it's all so magical :-) but one of the main reasons I love winter so much is the fashion.

Big, knitted scarves, thick mittens, fur coats, chunky boots and loads of layers - it makes me SO EXCITED ha ha. So I thought I'd do a couple of blog posts on my wish lists for the autumn/winter 2013 trends I'm most excited for. Starting with... dusty pink!

This is one of the trends I'm loving the most as I'm a girly girl at heart, so anything pink gets me excited! And dusty pink is sooo beautiful. It's not too in your face and reminds me of the 50s for some reason! I think it looks lovely in lots of different textures, and it's an easy colour to work with. So here's my dusty pink wish list... so far! I'm sure I'll be adding to it ha ha.

River Island Cami | Barry M Nail Polish | Topshop Satchel | Topshop Skirt

I absolutely LOVE the Topshop Vinyl Pencil Skirt, but I'll definitely have to wait until I've birthed the bubba before I can fit in it ha ha. But its AMAZING! My favourite on the list.

I'm loving camis at the moment as well so this one from River Island is my close second favourite :-)

I'm still on the hunt for a dusty pink (fake) fur scarf/ stole, and either a jumper or a jacket! I can picture exactly what I want in my head, and now I just need to find it ha ha.

Let me know what you think of the dusty pink trend, and I'll be back with another wishlist in the very near future!

See you soon!!

xx

Throw Back Thursday

(creasing at my outfit ha ha!)

This is me and Grandad when I was younger (obviously ha ha) just doing some marching with really long sticks, as you do! He was the best Grandad ever! I have so many great memories with him and miss him a lot.

He is such an inspiration because he came from a really poor family, which was just him and his Mum as his Dad had left them when he was little. In those days it was unheard of to be a single Mum, so they struggled a lot. However he was super clever, and went from rags to riches big time!

He ended up inventing something science-y (I'm not sure exactly what ha ha) and sold it for lots of moneys, and even got an OBE from the Queen for it!

Looking at pictures of me and him reminds me of how important it is to take loads of photos all the time, as it's always so much fun seeing old pictures (even ones just from a year ago) and it always brings back happy memories. I definitely want to have that feeling when I look back at my time being pregnant, and even more so when bubba arrives!

So I've given myself an August resolution (ha ha) to start taking photos on a (mostly) daily basis! I got a Nikon 1 camera for Christmas last year and I have been using it, but no-where near enough.

I've got this weekend off work and plan to do some fun activities, and I'm going back to England for two weeks soon, so I've got plenty of excuses to whack out the camera. So watch this space!

See you soon!!

xx

Shoe Shopping: Topshop & Mothercare

So me and bump went shopping today :-D ha ha

I managed to persuade Sam to go to town after work to see if there was anything new in the shops for bump, and me and bubba ended up both getting some new shoes! It's like we're besties already ;-)

I absolutely love the little baby booties!! They were from Mothercare and cost £8, but I can't find them on the Mothercare website to link for you guys for some reason. I think £8 is a bit expensive, but I just love them!

They're so cosy and they're all fluffy inside for extra warmth :-) and the little pink cheeks and ears are so cute! Because she'll be born in December these should keep her tootsies nice and warm! Totally worth £8!

(Until she kicks them off the first time she ever wears them and they're lost forever ha ha)

(little 'n' large!)

Oohhhh and the shoes for me are sooo beautiful!!! I can't stop staring at them ha ha. I first spotted these bad boys about a week ago but I resisted the urge to buy them, but I wasn't strong enough today!

They're from Topshop and cost £32, which I don't think is too bad for Topshop. I love the T-Bar and I actually ordered some similar black ones from Asos the other day (I'll do a blog on my many Asos purchases when I get them) so I'm kinda obsessed with the T-Bar at the moment!

I also LOVE the colour. I think red is going to be everywhere next season so I'm sure I'll want to wear them all the time :-D and I'm already planning my outfits! They'll look so great with a cute girly dress, or some leather leggings and a t-shirt! I think you can do a lot with them, even if they are bright red :-) ha ha.

I can't wait to do Mummy and daughter shopping for real now, it's going to be so fun!

Let me know what you think of the shoes, hope you like them!

See you soon!!

xx

Bump Update: Week 23

I've been sooo looking forward to doing this week's Bump Update because I feel like loads more has happened this week than previous weeks, so I couldn't wait to blog about it all :-)

When I compare these pictures to last week's bump update I can see how much my bump has grown in just a week! It's mental-ness!

P.s sorry about the really nice bin next to me ha ha!

How far along? 23 weeks and 1 day! 

Total weight gain: Like you guys know I don't actually own scales ha ha, so I won't know this answer unless the midwife weighs/measures me, but you can see my bump has grown SO MUCH! It's crazy haha. Bubba's definitely had a growth spurt this last week and I'm loving it! I actually look pregnant now rather than the awkward stage when people can't really tell ha ha.

Maternity clothes? I'm going back to Bournemouth (in the South of England) where my mamma, dad and brother all live in around 2 weeks - MASSIVE YAY. Literally can't wait! So I ordered a few bits online to my Mum and Dad's house ready for when I arrive :-) I mostly got tops in a bigger size than normal, and one pair of maternity leather-look leggings I think - literally can't WAIT for those! But I'll do a haul when I'm back and show you all :-)

    Sleep: Urgh don't even talk to me about sleep ha ha. It's sooo hot here at the moment so I'm stupidly uncomfortable at night. Plus needing to wee a million times a night, having a growing bump, and the fact I'm in the middle of working 10 days straight (currently on day 7 and dying), I'm sooo desperate to have a lie-in. But only 3 more days to go until I get one... please hurry up... ha ha.

Best moment this week: Hmmmm my best moment this week was probably when Sam drew me this really cute picture of me, him and our future bubba and put it under the toilet door when I was in there hahaha. It was so cute and funny!

Food cravings: None at all, and I've pretty much gone off food!! I don't know if it's because baby is squashing my stomach but I just haven't been that hungry this week. Normally I want to stuff my face all day long ha ha!

Anything making you queasy or sick? Still chicken, unless it has breadcrumbs on! Ha ha. The smell of coffee is disgusting and the thought of drinking red wine makes me feel soooo ill, but I have no idea why!

Gender: Girlyyyy :-D woop woop!

Labour signs: No thank you :-)

Symptoms: Massive belly! And I've been having the most vivid but freakishly weird dreams ever! Last night I dreampt that I had a really bad nose bleed at work but I wasn't allowed to go home hahaha but it was really morbid and grose! Freaked me out ha ha. I've actually been having small nosebleeds all the way through pregnancy (and a constant cold) which might explain the dream!! And bleeding gums which is horrible. Ermmm... many, many wees ha ha. Loads of really attractive things HA. Poor Sam!! 

Belly button in or out? Oh my God it's sooo wierd! I don't have an inny or an outy - it's sort of levelled out to blend in with the rest of my skin hahaha. I've got a levelly! It's one of those things I really don't wanna look at but I can't help it - I'm constantly staring at it!

Happy or moody most of the time: I've been stressed at work! But overall super happy! I even had a FUN Morrisons shop today which never happens, it's my worst thing to do ha ha.

Looking forward to: Having the weekend off in 3 days time!! I hardly ever get a whole weekend off work, but I booked this one off because Sam's younger brother and sister are staying with us :-) so if anyone has any ideas of how to entertain a 14 year old and almost 13 year old then please let me know!! Ha ha.

I hope you enjoyed reading this because I'm really loving writing them! :-) let me know if you did or not!

See you soon!!

xx

Overcoming Pregnancy Problems: Weight Gain Worries

From Flat to Fat ;-)

Before I got pregnant I was never bigger than a size 8 or 10 (UK size), partly down to my Mamma's genes and partly down to not letting myself get any bigger than that. So going from caring a lot about having a flat stomach to the idea of having a massive stomach was pretty scary to me.

I know it's for a good reason and definitely all worth it, but I think going through such huge changes to your body is a pretty normal thing to worry about. However I didn't find that much helpful information out there. (Although I'm pretty bad at using Google ha ha, if that's even something you can be bad at!)

I went through a "too much McDonalds stage" (as I called it) to begin with, where I didn't look pregnant, just like I'd eaten three McDonalds on the trot ha ha, and that was pretty annoying.

But once I started to get a proper bump it did get easier :-)

I still find it hard sometimes and get so jealous looking at skinny clothes, like crop tops and high-waisted shorts!! I miss them!! But getting my little baby at the end of the nine long months will soooo be worth it. And I think girls are tough. We just put up with the extreme exhaustion, horrendous morning sickness, stomach pains, cramps, and hormones invading our brains, and just get on with it. But sometimes it's nice to have some advice or to know you're not suffering alone :-)

So here's some tips that helped me to rid my gaining weight worries (almost, anyway)!

Frame Of Mind

This is one of those easier-said-than-done things, especially when you have a loads of unwanted hormones making you cry just at the thought of not eating dippy eggs (it's a horrible thought OK, haha). But it really does help to remember why you're doing this, and focusing on the end result. It's only nine months of your life where you lose control of your stomach, and then you'll have a crazy little baby making you run around everywhere, which is bound to shift a few pounds!

And remember - curves are sexy! And your boobs get bigger :-)

Clothing

Back in the olden days (probably around 10 years ago, ha ha) the only maternity clothes around were big baggy tops and dresses, to try and hide your bump. However that only makes you look bigger, and figure-hugging clothing can be much more flattering, which are everywhere these days! Yay! There's so much more choice with maternity clothes now, and my favourites are Asos Maternity and Topshop Maternity :-) although just buying clothes in a bigger size is do-able for ages, and I've only bought about three maternity things so far.

Maxi dresses and bodycon midi-dresses are a personal favourite of mine, or a baggier dress with a middle belt above my tum, as they highlight your bump and don't make you look frumpy! By highlighting your bump it takes the focus away from other areas (my hips!!!) and shows that you still have skinny parts left ha ha. And it shows everyone what a sexy preggo you are :-)

Black and also striped clothes are good at giving the illusion that there's no extra fat there, which is amazing in the first stage of pregnancy when you don't have a nice bump to show off, just a bit of a gut ha ha.

Pamper Yourself

If you're feeling a bit down about your weight, then focus on other parts of yourself! Go to the hairdressers and get a new, flattering hairstyle, spend a bit of extra time on your make-up,  and go and get a manicure or pedicure.

Your state of mind is really important when you're pregnant so you shouldn't feel guilty spending extra time or money to make yourself feel better, and you'll be amazed at how much it can boost your self-esteem and make you feel better about your changing body!

A Healthy Diet

Not only is it important to eat healthy for the growing human in your stomach, it can also help control the amount of weight you gain. The old wives tale about eating for two is actually untrue, as you only need an extra 300 calories a day, and only in the last trimester. (But obviously check with your doctor, I'm not a qualified health professional ha ha).

So if you want to have some control over your weight gain, make sure you eat plenty of fruit and veg, lean protein (meat and fish), complex carbs (bread, pasta, brown rice, wholegrain cereal, broccoli, cauliflower etc), high-fibre foods (fruit, veg, grains, cereal, pasta etc) and drink plenty of water!

A healthy and balanced diet helps give your babba the best start in life, as well as making yourself feel better and healthier! Rather than feeling like an obese whale ha ha.

But don't feel guilty eating anything bad - I'm OBSESSED with mint chocolate icre-cream and orange chocolate ha ha.

I hope this was helpful to any fellow preggos out there, and didn't sound moany! I love my little bump but the idea of weight gain can be tough for girls, especially when all you see everywhere is flat tums and skinny pins! Ha ha.

See you soon!!

xx

Hairspriration

I'm so bored of my hair at the moment - it feels dull, dry and desperately in-need of a cut! I know I want a change, but I'm just not sure what change that is ha ha. So in-need of some inspiration I started looking at the Fall/Winter 2013 hair trends and found some that I love.

The side plait, low pony, low bun and tucked in styles all look amazing, and I'll definitely be trying them out! But they're more hairstyles, rather than cuts.

Another big trend seems to be wet-look shine, but I think it's a bit too out there for me ha ha

(Prada F/W 2013)

However one hairstyle/cut that kept re-appearing that really did catch my eye was the fringe!

Alexa Chung has always been a huge hairspiration to me, as I love her effortless look. And I have previously sported her ombre style, her overgrown bob cut, and a fringe (stalker). However I've always gone for a block fringe, rather than the more choppy Alexa Chung style. And it's always looked so bad ha ha.

Arghhh I love her hair so much!!! Ha ha.

So I think I've decided I AM going to try out a fringe like this (almost definitely, maybe, probably), however it also makes me want to go back to ombre as well. But that's been so overdone I really don't need to go down that route again... step away from the ombre hair kits Ellen...

So what should I do with my colour?! A darker blonde? A white blonde? Stay the same? Please let me know!!!

(this my lame-o hair at the moment)

And I'll let you know if/when I make the fringe chop!! Wish me luck!

See you soon!!

xx