29 Week Pregnancy Update

How far along? 

30 weeks and 1 day

Maternity clothes?

I stocked up on the most comfortable maternity bras, Emma Jane. They have been an absolute lifesaver! Jo Jo Maman Bebe offer a brilliant measuring service and stock various maternity bras but the Emma Jane bras really are the best.

Stretch marks?

None - I am so obsessed with the Mama Mio stretch mark oil, it smells heavenly and literally has magical powers when it comes to softening the skin!

Sleep?

This week sleep has been pretty bad, my pelvic pain has been horrendous and on Sunday night during my many loo trips my pelvis decided to give way and 'crunch' the pain was horrific, it made me feel like I was going to throw up instantly and I cried so much with the pain :(  I only hope labour isn't as painful as that was!! Bump is also getting much heavier so rolling over in bed is becoming challenging to say the least. 

Best moment this week?

We had our first Hypnobirth session this week and it was amazing!! I felt completely relaxed and so much more confident about the birth after the session.  I am definitely someone who benefits from any relaxation technique so it was hugely beneficial and inspiring, I would highly recommend it! We have two more sessions left and I have to practice everyday.  We also had our first NCT class yesterday which was  brilliant and so fantastic to meet other couples in the same position, so I am really looking forward to the next one.  

Worst moment this week?

Just my pelvic pain, my physio has helped but it is still so painful!

Food cravings?

Nothing really but I am still ravenous all the time and it feels like my life is revolved around food!  I am also drinking a huge amount, I always drink masses of water but I have been needing to up my intake this week.

Miss anything?

I am missing being able to do simple things with ease like, putting on my shoes or getting up from a chair and I miss not having continuous aches and pains!

Movement?

Lots of wonderful kicks and prods this week, sometimes it feels like baby is having a rave in my tummy!  Baby has also had lots of bouts of hiccups this week, so much so I wanted to call the midwife to check it was normal!  I feel so bad for them when it happens, poor little angel! 

Symptoms?

This week I experienced my first Braxton Hicks!  They didn't hurt just felt quite uncomfortable and so bizarre when your belly completely tightens, it was like baby was being vacuum packed!  Everything is starting to feel very real now, I can't believe I am going to be a mummy in two months! My heartburn has also returned this week, which is horrible, everything just feels extremely squashed now! The third trimester tiredness has decided to make itself known too this week, growing a human being is hard!!

General mood?

So happy but quite impatient to meet this little one now! 

Looking forward to?

More Hypnobirth and NCT classes and hearing baby's heartbeat again on Monday at my 31 week check up.

Emi xx

Skin Boosting Face Masks

There is no greater joy in life than pampering yourself with a luxe face mask.  These are some of my absolute favourites that completely banish winter dull, dry skin and leave you with nothing but a glowing radiance.  As a complete product junkie I have tried pretty much every mask out there from drugstore to high end and these really are the goodies that I come back to again and again. 

First of all the daddy of all the masks on the market at the moment - Glamglow.  I can not rave enough about this mask!! I bought it initially on a whim before my wedding as I was sold on the 'instant results' and it's claims to leave you with radiant skin three days after application.  Well ladies it does this and so much more! It does feel like you are applying actual mud to your face as it is made up of sea clay, active tea leaf and volcanic rock but the smell sure does make up for the bizarre texture, it is gorgeous!! It is suitable for all skin types, is paraben free and completely natural  - music to my ears, but what makes this mask so outstanding are the results. Immediately I had the smoothest, flawless complexion all my blackheads had diminished and I looked like I had spent the week at a detox health spa - I kid you not! It does feel slightly tingly when you have it on as it is an exfoliant treatment, but I quite like the feeling of a mask 'working' away on my face.  It is quite pricey so I only use it on special occasions or if my skin really needs a pick-me-up but it is certainly worth every penny for how it can completely transform your skin.

Another instant results mask is the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. I am a huge fan of REN products and this mask has to be their very best, it is an absolute godsend for congested, damaged and dull skin.  After discovering the skin goddess Caroline Hirons I learnt about the importance of using acids on the skin to balance and improve the thickness of the dermis, and what a difference it has made to my skin! This mask contains Glycolic acid and it is beautifully gentle but extremely effective at exfoliating away dirt, grime and it actively dissolves the bonds that hold dead skin build-up to reveal a healthy glow.  A definite must have!

A mask I couldn't miss out was the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. Bloggers have raved on and on about this mask for years, and for very good reason.  It is an overnight treatment so perfect for slathering on and really letting the product work its magic with no need to rinse off.  It feels heavenly on the skin, gorgeously rich and luxurious but not too thick or clogging. It feels more like a rich night cream rather than a mask and doesn't transfer to your bedding which is always a worry when using any overnight treatments.  The smell is divine, refreshingly citrus and what is so wonderful is you wake up the next day and your skin feels beautifully plumped and noticeably hydrated.  I have dry to combination skin but I would say this would be suitable for all skin types as the formula isn't at all greasy or too heavy. 

Last but not least is the Nude Miracle Mask which contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and is formulated with rice beads so double the exfoliation! I massage this into my skin for about a minute and then leave it to work its magic for a further 5 or so before removing with warm water.  Used once a week this mask not only softens the skin but also deeply cleanses without causing any irritation or redness. Warning,  a little goes a long way with this mask so gently does it on the massage front.  As with any products that contain AHA you will need to wear an SPF and be careful with your sun exposure, but again, it does wonders for the complexion and leaves you with noticeably brighter, flawless, youthful and toned looking skin.  

Emi xx

28 Week Pregnancy Update

Sorry for the wellies! We were walking the doggies

How far along?

29 weeks today

Total weight gain?

I still have no idea but I have definitely noticed it in the thigh and hip area and possibly in my face! Waaaaa!!

Maternity clothes?

Nothing new but I have got some gorgeous things for baby. The Little White Company is a dangerous place! 

Stretch marks?

Still nothing - I am applying every oil and cream religiously! My Linea nigra line is getting stronger and it's wonky!

Sleep?

Sleep hasn't been too bad this week thank goodness although I still have the lovely midnight loo trips and I am definitely noticing the weight of baby now when I roll over. 

Best moment this week?

It has been a really nice and relaxed week this week, I had a wonderful birthday and got super spoilt -  it was just so nice to relax with my husband, going for country walks and having cozy nights in watching baby moving around in my tummy.  Also our moses basket arrived this week and it is so so beautiful, it is from Emile et Rose - I can not wait for baby to be here now!

Worst moment this week?

On Monday night my pelvis decided to give up on me! I simply couldn't move and the pain was excruciating! I had to be carried upstairs, which was a drama in itself as I am not as light as I used to be! The pain has only just subsided after a lot of rest! Three years ago I was unfortunate to break my hip and although I am fully recovered and my surgeon said my pregnancy won't be affected I feel that my pelvic pain is a result of the weakness in that area as the pain only really occurs on the side where I had my fracture.  I have decided to try some antenatal physio next week and hopefully that will help relieve some of the pain!

Food cravings?

I am still hungry all the time, even though it is getting harder and harder to eat a lot as my stomach is getting so squashed!

Miss anything?

I just miss my old body - being able to move, pick things up and walk without waddling and getting really out of breath! 

Movement?

Heaps of movement this week, the kicks and prods are getting so so strong - no more scary moments of quiet this week that is for sure! I have felt baby hiccuping for the first time this week and it is the cutest thing ever! Sometimes they can last for 15 minutes at a time and I feel bad there isn't anything I can do to help stop them!

Symptoms?

I have a delightful list of symptoms this week!  Backache, pelvic pain, heartburn, itchy tummy, period pain like cramps, tiredness, sore feet and when baby decides to rest on my bladder - a million loo trips! 

General mood?

Despite all my aches and pains I am very happy!

Looking forward to?

Starting our NCT classes in one week today!  I can not believe how quickly the third trimester is going - two months time I am going to be a mummy!

Emi xx

27 Week Pregnancy Update

How far along?

28 weeks and 1 day

Total weight gain? 

Unfortunately my midwife didn't weigh me at my 28 week appointment so I still have no idea, but this week I have noticed some weight gain in the thigh area. *cries a little*

Maternity clothes?

I was lucky enough to receive some Jo Jo Maman Bebe vouchers at Christmas so I am going to buy some Emma Jane nursing bras next week as I have read these are super duper comfortable. Just what I need right now!

Stretch marks?

Nope - long may this last!

Sleep?

Sleeping this week has been a bit hit and miss, after my acupuncture appointment last week I have definitely noticed an improvement in my pelvic pain (thank goodness).  However, this week I have had to go to the loo a lot more at night, I am really hoping it is just baby resting on my bladder as it is so tiring hauling out of bed 3/4 times a night - thank goodness for an en suite! 

Best moment this week?

This week there have been so many amazing moments! Firstly on Saturday the husband and I did some serious damage in John Lewis (it has to be the best place for everything baby).  We managed to buy a lot of the main items for baby like a moses basket, car seat, rocker, nursing chair and the most exciting of all, the pram!! I had every intention to buy the Bugaboo Cameleon 3 simply because it had been recommended by every mummy I know and we wanted a buggy that can go through all types of terrains.  That was until we saw the UPPAbaby Vista and compared the two, and the Uppababy just blew the Bugaboo out of the water in terms of extras, usability and general design.  I will do a full review of this pram once baby is here and I can give it the best test drive - serious inner-girl in me excitement! 

The second amazing thing that happened this week was hearing baby's heartbeat at my midwife appointment, I am so overwhelmed every time.  Baby was head down and measuring a little on the small side but my midwife said this is just because I am so tall! Baby has also started to really push out on my stomach so you can see big lumps and it gives my bump such a peculiar shape which is so funny to watch! I love watching this little darling growing everyday it has to be the most awe-inspiring experience.  

The last brilliant thing that happened this week, was I finally got my hair done after 7 looooong months, so ignore my awful before hair in these pictures! 

Worst moment this week?

I had two scary days when baby decided to not wriggle around as much as I was used to.  Thankfully I was due to see my midwife the following day so it was a momentous relief to hear that little heartbeat! She has said this can be fairly common especially if you are dehydrated or running around doing a lot, it is such a scary and anxious time when baby goes quiet I really hope it doesn't happen again.

Food cravings?

I am still wanting to eat everything and anything this week but I have also been really craving pineapple.

Miss anything?

Nothing really just my old pre-pregnancy body and being able to wear my old clothes!

Movement?

Apart from those scary two days when baby was quieter than normal, movement has been crazy this week! This baby definitely likes pushing up against my belly! I am really looking forward to being able to identify different body parts when this happens.  I have also witnessed some amazing flips and kicks.

Symptoms? 

Thankfully after the miracle that is acupuncture, my pelvic pain has subsided - woo hoo! However my lower back pain seems to have increased along with the good old acid reflux, bleurgh.  It definitely feels like everything is getting more squashed now and sometimes it feels like my stomach is up inside my lungs!  Also in the evenings my nausea has returned (please no) but it doesn't last long thank goodness, I really really hope it doesn't rear it's ugly head again as I have read it can in the third trimester - ah the joys! 

General mood?

Really happy this week

Looking forward to?

It is my birthday on Sunday so I am looking forward to being with my gorgeous husband and family and eating lots of cake!

Emi xx

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream

I have never been a huge fan of all these BB and CC creams and with every brand releasing them to death the mind does boggle as to which one is actually worth it! I have been on the look out for a brilliant 'no fuss' tinted moisturiser that I can use once baby is here - as I will have zero time for anything and I'm sure in desperate need of a skin boost! After I saw Lisa Eldridge rave on about this one I thought it has to be worth a try and well, this is definitely worth it!

This wonderful cream comes in four shades to choose from and contains three colour correcting pigments; apricot for anti-fatigue, green for anti-redness and white for anti-dark spots.  All of this does seems a little bit too good to be true but somehow it does absolute wonders for my tired pregnancy skin.  It gives you fantastic coverage without being heavy or 'mask like' and leaves your complexion flawless and super radiant - a subtle glow that I've only ever noticed after a facial.

The texture is beautifully lightweight and really blendable, Bourjois have this nailed down to an art form with most of their products - Bourjois Healthy Mix and Happy Light are incredible foundations.  On the skin it feels almost undetectable and gives superb hydration all day without being greasy in the slightest, so perfect for all skin types and it also contains SPF 15.  All this for under £10 - what's not to like?! 

Buy it here

Emi xx

Week 26 Pregnancy Update

Apologies for the horrendous picture quality! iPhones are dreadful cameras

How far along?
27 weeks and 1 day today

Total weight gain?
I will find out early next week at my 28 week midwife appointment, but it has to be a lot I look like I have swallowed a beach ball!

Maternity clothes?
Nothing new but I definitely need to buy some maternity tops now.

Stretch marks?
Nothing, yay!

Sleep?
This week sleeping hasn't been great, my pelvic pain has increased! Every slight movement in bed wakes me up with excruciating pain which means I still need an extra cat nap during the day!

Best moment this week?
Probably getting to know baby's routine, it is so nice to know when they are active and when they are resting.  Although this week they have discovered my ribs!

Worst moment this week?
Just this horrible pelvic pain and not being able to take painkillers.

Food cravings?
Nothing this week - I just want to eat everything and anything! Food is all I think about, which is so weird for me.

Miss anything?
I really miss my old pre pregnancy body and I miss being more mobile, things are definitely getting harder as I am getting bigger.

Movement?
Loads of movement this week which I absolutely love, there is honestly no better feeling in this world than feeling your baby moving inside of you.  The kicks and jabs are definitely getting stronger every week which still never fails to take my breath away.

Symptoms?
The absolute worst symptom this week has to be the pelvic pain! It feels like my pelvis is actually broken and any slight movement is torture, I am having acupuncture later today so hopefully this will help relieve it.  Still have bad acid reflux and heartburn this week and in the evenings I have been getting period pain like cramps, but they don't last long.

Gender?
We know but we want to try and keep it a surprise which is so hard, especially with baby brain!

General mood?
Generally this week my mood has been great but I still get the random bouts of crying that come from nowhere and I just feel really emotional and teary for no reason! I know it is just the pesky hormones but I feel like a crazy person when it happens.

Looking forward to?
I can not wait for the weekend as the husband and I are going baby shopping for quite a few big baby items like the moses basket, the pram, car seat etc - super exciting!

Emi xx

Juicing

My acupuncturist first mentioned I should try juicing as a fantastic way to benefit from essential vitamins and minerals while I struggled to hold down food.  It sounded like the perfect solution, as I was worried about baby not being able to get any nutrients while I was so horribly sick.  From that day on I have not looked back and I am now totally obsessed with juicing!  I  have a juice a day now and not only do they taste sublime, but I feel nicely reassured baby is feeling the benefits too.

All you need to get started is a juicer (prices can vary from £30-£500) and of course the ingredients.  I use the Magimix Le Duo Plus XL Juicer which is perfect and does a great job.  If you wanted something more versatile (for sauces, chopping, soups) I would recommend the legendary and incredible Vitamix, which is reflected in the price and definitely the king of all juicers - serious lust!

My must have ingredients to serve as a base for the juice are apples, spinach and celery ( I use all of these in every juice).  I sometimes add ginger or cinnamon to boost the taste and if you like your juice to be very runny I would add some bottled water, coconut water or ice.   If you wanted to make it more of a smoothie simply add some dollops of natural yogurt and sprinkle seeds or goji berries - so yummy!  
You really can invent any recipe you like and it is so fun to think and create new ones.  If you wanted to follow a recipe book for juices I would highly recommend Jason Vale's The Juice Master book, which is crammed full of wonderful different juices to try and he explains in depth all the health benefits that comes from juicing and a really informative section in the back on each fruit and vegetable's vitamins and minerals and what they can be good for - it really is a brilliant and inspiring book!

My current favourite recipe:

A large handful of spinach -  1 celery stalk -  a good handful of kale - 2 peeled kiwis - two apples - 2 handfuls of blueberries - a good handful of blackberries - half a small peeled pineapple .

 Et voilà! 

Emi xx