Friday 27 July 2012
Friday 18 May 2012
My first donut bun...perfected
No gel or styling aids (I'm not a fan of gel and will most definitely have to wash my hair after).
This was my second attempt and I like it, very ballerina, smart and pretty. I can see myself wearing this style again soon. Massive plus is my ends ate protected.
This was my second attempt and I like it, very ballerina, smart and pretty. I can see myself wearing this style again soon. Massive plus is my ends ate protected.
Thursday 17 May 2012
Home made baby food: what to make?
If you want to do a sweet and your not into mixing fruit and veg like myself, then why not try Apple, Apricot and Vanilla. I like to introduce new taste to my son and the vanilla does just that. It's so easy to do, put the fruit in a tier steamer and the pod to boil in the water. Score an scrape out the insides of the pod and add it to your mixture before blending. You should be able I see the little black bits in the mixture. It's so good you'll probably want to eat the left overs or turn it into a mini fruit crumble. The consistency should be purée.
Monday 14 May 2012
How to make baby food
A few mothers I have spoken to seem to be put off by making there own baby food. They see it as a protracted proces and insist that is time consuming,; I'd like to change these opinions with this post.
It really is as easy as 1-2-3 and you can do it and still have time to chill with your baby in between.
Let me show you how I put my Munchkin baby grinder to work in this step-by-step guide.
Step 1- Decidee which vegatables you want to use
I am pretty health concious so I decided that my son's diet should consist of fruit and veg only and typically only those that are Alkaine (as opposed to Acidic). It isn't a fab diet, foods that neutralise or balance the bodies ph balance are healthier as acidic foods lead to most common health problems.
I chose Parsnip, Sweet Potato and Plaintain.
If you want a fruity combination why not try pear, peach and plum.
Step 2- Steam the veg/fruit
Chuck your veg into the stem until soft. This takes about 20 minutes with most vegetables, but it really depends on how soft you want them.
I decided not to give the potato or Carrot to my son as they are considered acidic, but they are an option you could chose.
Step 3- Introduce the food to the grinder
Step 4 - Grind!
Once completed I put the food in a container, here I'm using Brother Max Stage 2 weaning pots, then I mix to make sure there are no lumpy bits. I then move them into some smaller containers I got from Boots as they are just about right for each food setting with my son.
If you don't wish to use it right away you could quite easily pop the wening pot into the freezer.
It reall is that easy people! I urge you to reject preprepared baby foods and make your own; what kind of combinations do you try? I'm always on the hunt for new ideas.
It really is as easy as 1-2-3 and you can do it and still have time to chill with your baby in between.
Let me show you how I put my Munchkin baby grinder to work in this step-by-step guide.
Step 1- Decidee which vegatables you want to use
I am pretty health concious so I decided that my son's diet should consist of fruit and veg only and typically only those that are Alkaine (as opposed to Acidic). It isn't a fab diet, foods that neutralise or balance the bodies ph balance are healthier as acidic foods lead to most common health problems.
I chose Parsnip, Sweet Potato and Plaintain.
If you want a fruity combination why not try pear, peach and plum.
Step 2- Steam the veg/fruit
Chuck your veg into the stem until soft. This takes about 20 minutes with most vegetables, but it really depends on how soft you want them.
Step 3- Introduce the food to the grinder
Step 4 - Grind!
Once completed I put the food in a container, here I'm using Brother Max Stage 2 weaning pots, then I mix to make sure there are no lumpy bits. I then move them into some smaller containers I got from Boots as they are just about right for each food setting with my son.
It reall is that easy people! I urge you to reject preprepared baby foods and make your own; what kind of combinations do you try? I'm always on the hunt for new ideas.
Sunday 13 May 2012
You know your a mother when...
You spend Sunday evening ironing your 5 month old sons shirts, yes I said shirts! He has an impressive collection too.
Friday 11 May 2012
Tuesday 24 April 2012
I'm on a hair mission
Ever since I uncovered (not discovered) a book called The Science of black hair I have been on a hair mission. The goal of this mission is to return my hair to BSL or Bra Strap Length in a healthy state.
If you have looked at the quest to healthy hair (also part of the mission) then you will have seen the length of my hair when flat ironed. Well I had to chop off about 2 inches of damaged ends and I am continuing to do so.
Three weeks ago I embarked on this new regime with my new found knowledge and have been treating my hair better ever since, with a weekly deep condition and daily moisturising and sealing. In my normal style I've also gone way over board and purchased about 30 hair products. My favourite line is called CURLS, I'm loving the whipped cream and cleansing cream. Best of all it's high quality ingredient with no sulphates, parabens, mineral oil or lanolin; all of which are cheap product fillers or preservatives.
I am also taking homeopathic remedy to help with my hair falling, kali sulphur and silica. Vitamins, MsM, biotin and sometimes a vit B. It's too soon for mr to confirm that they are working for me.
However, what I can say is that I have had some growth over the last 3 weeks. As you can see from the picture my curly hair is growing out, you can see the texture difference between my natural curl and chemically straightened hair.
My biggest issue is hair breakage.
I hope to report weekly on my hair journey and it's progress.
Pic are of a few new hair products, my current hair length in two strand twists, I'm collar bone length and my hair growth over the past 3 weeks.
If you have looked at the quest to healthy hair (also part of the mission) then you will have seen the length of my hair when flat ironed. Well I had to chop off about 2 inches of damaged ends and I am continuing to do so.
Three weeks ago I embarked on this new regime with my new found knowledge and have been treating my hair better ever since, with a weekly deep condition and daily moisturising and sealing. In my normal style I've also gone way over board and purchased about 30 hair products. My favourite line is called CURLS, I'm loving the whipped cream and cleansing cream. Best of all it's high quality ingredient with no sulphates, parabens, mineral oil or lanolin; all of which are cheap product fillers or preservatives.
I am also taking homeopathic remedy to help with my hair falling, kali sulphur and silica. Vitamins, MsM, biotin and sometimes a vit B. It's too soon for mr to confirm that they are working for me.
However, what I can say is that I have had some growth over the last 3 weeks. As you can see from the picture my curly hair is growing out, you can see the texture difference between my natural curl and chemically straightened hair.
My biggest issue is hair breakage.
I hope to report weekly on my hair journey and it's progress.
Pic are of a few new hair products, my current hair length in two strand twists, I'm collar bone length and my hair growth over the past 3 weeks.
Becoming Equestrian...
Oh yes I feel a Riverside walk coming on, not that there is much decent Riverside in London. In my case it would be good old Camden lock! Or perhaps a day at the stables? No, ok shooting pheasants...no. Who am I kidding?
I am sure I'm not the only person who thinks it strange when Ole English cult brands become commonly fashionable, like Barbour and Hunter. Well, I decided a while go that I needed Hunters in my life. I couldn't have my son splashing about in puddles when he is bigger and not be able to join him.
My wonderfully beautiful mother has an eye for these things and selected for me the Regent Carlyle.
There is something strangely sexy about these wellies. I haven't had wellies since I was about 4 and I was never one to splash about anyway. I can't wait for these beauties to arrive, there's something Gucci-esque about them. They better last for the rest of my life, bloody expensive for slippery boots!
I am sure I'm not the only person who thinks it strange when Ole English cult brands become commonly fashionable, like Barbour and Hunter. Well, I decided a while go that I needed Hunters in my life. I couldn't have my son splashing about in puddles when he is bigger and not be able to join him.
My wonderfully beautiful mother has an eye for these things and selected for me the Regent Carlyle.
Thursday 19 April 2012
I've gone wean-ey mad- Munchkin babyfood grinder review
Wean-ey mad, get it? No, not funny? Anywho, yet again I became obsessive about buying, this time it was weaning stuff; cuos, bowls, spoons. Don't say the words Brother Max to me ever again. Oh I love it really and I will post a pic of all my weaning delights in due course so you can see how over the top I can get.
But this post is all about my latest weaning toy; The Munchkin baby food grinder
In my household we do not have a microwave (I don't like to nuke my food) and I generally shy away from too much electrical preparation when it comes to baby's food.
I do own a blenders/choppers/juicers but in an attempt to give my baby's food the human touch I thought I'd invest in something manual.
I've been eyeing this up for while, I think the RRP is £10 but I thought a fork would do just as well. Untill this week when I poped into Wilkinson and it was £5.98, fab, it was mine!
Since I have used it twice; on a kiwi which didn't go to well. I should have chopped it into 2/4 but instead I put the whole thing in the inner tube, silly me. I used it yesterday to puree some fruit I had steamed, a pear, plum and apple. I could have done them together but decided to grind each one seperately, put them into the Brother Max weaning pot and mix from in there. The result was good, nice consistency, not too much waste or bother and very easy to clean. It also appeals to me because it is portable and light, not like the oxo one which is massive and looks like a victorian tourture tool.
I would recommend this for half price but in my opinion it isn't worth a tenner when you can use a potato masher or something if you don't which to sell out. But it is function and I like it and can see myself using it often. Hmmmm, 4 out of 5 stars from onelove.
But this post is all about my latest weaning toy; The Munchkin baby food grinder
I do own a blenders/choppers/juicers but in an attempt to give my baby's food the human touch I thought I'd invest in something manual.
I've been eyeing this up for while, I think the RRP is £10 but I thought a fork would do just as well. Untill this week when I poped into Wilkinson and it was £5.98, fab, it was mine!
Since I have used it twice; on a kiwi which didn't go to well. I should have chopped it into 2/4 but instead I put the whole thing in the inner tube, silly me. I used it yesterday to puree some fruit I had steamed, a pear, plum and apple. I could have done them together but decided to grind each one seperately, put them into the Brother Max weaning pot and mix from in there. The result was good, nice consistency, not too much waste or bother and very easy to clean. It also appeals to me because it is portable and light, not like the oxo one which is massive and looks like a victorian tourture tool.
I would recommend this for half price but in my opinion it isn't worth a tenner when you can use a potato masher or something if you don't which to sell out. But it is function and I like it and can see myself using it often. Hmmmm, 4 out of 5 stars from onelove.
Baby post: Our approach to weaning
My son is 20 weeks and I considered weaning and eating solids to be a good thing to do round this age. As if I was fearful that he wouldn't learn to eat at some point in his life?
What was the reason to rush?
Coupled with mainstream advice and literature and the past experiences of others I made a decision that I would try giving him some food.
I am never going to be the type of mother that is happy giving my son what I call 'Jar food' which what you probably refer to as prepackaged/preprepared baby food. I can't stand the stuff, I mean as an adult I wouldn't eat preprepared or microwave dinners every day, in fact I don't eat them at all so why on earth would I give it to my son? Convenience, laziness, who knows but it definitely isn't an option for us. Even if it 'organic', is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and cleverly marketed here are the top 5 reasons we are staying clear:
1. It is processed food and not therefore not whole food
Which means the so called organic foods in some of these products have gone through some kind of process that has altered the molecular structure of the food it contains in order for it to be packaged, have a longer shelf life, taste so much unlike what it is supposed to be, which in turn affect the nutritional value.
2. It's full of preservatives
This stuff can stay on the self for up to 3 years in some cases, not something I want swimming round in the belly of my baby whose digestive system is so young and still developing.
3. The taste like ______ (fill in the blank)
I'm amazed at the amount of parents who are happy to give their children something they would never eat themselves. I actually find it quite funny. I'd never eat baby rice so I'd never give it to my son, besides white rice is simply a refined starch that is largely bereft of its original nutrients. You can read more about rice here.
4. We don't buy into clever marketing strategies
You'll have noticed that even baby food is now carefully marketed to different demographics. There are the regular brands that have been around for years, then I've also noticed some other brands that seem to be carefully marketed towards middle class mums with prettier and posher packaging, which can make one think that the ingredient is of a high standard than the cheaper brands. When the truth is they are probably all produced by the same companies and distributed in the same way but just packaged up differently.
5. You get more for your money making your own
Look at a small jar of baby food, which typically may have about 3-4 foods combined (i.e parnship and butternut squash) and now look at a packet of parsnips. At one popular supermarket (rhymes with fresco) you can get a bag of 6-8 parsnips for £1. Go figure!
I could go on but you get my mode of thinking. It's very much a personal choice and I can understand as well as appreciate why parents do opt for using baby foods instead of making their own. My aim in the choice that I have made is to ensure that my son is healthy and encourage him from a young age to value his body and be mindful about have he puts into his mouth. I want him to make better choices than what I have done. I have done this by go out there and seeking information so that I can make better choices for him and he in turn can do the same for his children.
Our approach
Recently, I have had a re-think about this and will wait a bit longer to give him food on a regular basis. The reason for this is recently I learnt about how giving food to early can lead to future problems when the digestive system isn't fully formed. We started with fruit and vegetables. I let my son taste/lick a few different fruits that I was eating; kiwi, pear, apple. I will continue with fruit and veg once in a while.
What's your approach to weaning and how do you feel about pre-prepared baby foods?
What was the reason to rush?
Coupled with mainstream advice and literature and the past experiences of others I made a decision that I would try giving him some food.
I am never going to be the type of mother that is happy giving my son what I call 'Jar food' which what you probably refer to as prepackaged/preprepared baby food. I can't stand the stuff, I mean as an adult I wouldn't eat preprepared or microwave dinners every day, in fact I don't eat them at all so why on earth would I give it to my son? Convenience, laziness, who knows but it definitely isn't an option for us. Even if it 'organic', is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and cleverly marketed here are the top 5 reasons we are staying clear:
1. It is processed food and not therefore not whole food
Which means the so called organic foods in some of these products have gone through some kind of process that has altered the molecular structure of the food it contains in order for it to be packaged, have a longer shelf life, taste so much unlike what it is supposed to be, which in turn affect the nutritional value.
2. It's full of preservatives
This stuff can stay on the self for up to 3 years in some cases, not something I want swimming round in the belly of my baby whose digestive system is so young and still developing.
3. The taste like ______ (fill in the blank)
I'm amazed at the amount of parents who are happy to give their children something they would never eat themselves. I actually find it quite funny. I'd never eat baby rice so I'd never give it to my son, besides white rice is simply a refined starch that is largely bereft of its original nutrients. You can read more about rice here.
4. We don't buy into clever marketing strategies
You'll have noticed that even baby food is now carefully marketed to different demographics. There are the regular brands that have been around for years, then I've also noticed some other brands that seem to be carefully marketed towards middle class mums with prettier and posher packaging, which can make one think that the ingredient is of a high standard than the cheaper brands. When the truth is they are probably all produced by the same companies and distributed in the same way but just packaged up differently.
5. You get more for your money making your own
Look at a small jar of baby food, which typically may have about 3-4 foods combined (i.e parnship and butternut squash) and now look at a packet of parsnips. At one popular supermarket (rhymes with fresco) you can get a bag of 6-8 parsnips for £1. Go figure!
I could go on but you get my mode of thinking. It's very much a personal choice and I can understand as well as appreciate why parents do opt for using baby foods instead of making their own. My aim in the choice that I have made is to ensure that my son is healthy and encourage him from a young age to value his body and be mindful about have he puts into his mouth. I want him to make better choices than what I have done. I have done this by go out there and seeking information so that I can make better choices for him and he in turn can do the same for his children.
Our approach
Recently, I have had a re-think about this and will wait a bit longer to give him food on a regular basis. The reason for this is recently I learnt about how giving food to early can lead to future problems when the digestive system isn't fully formed. We started with fruit and vegetables. I let my son taste/lick a few different fruits that I was eating; kiwi, pear, apple. I will continue with fruit and veg once in a while.
What's your approach to weaning and how do you feel about pre-prepared baby foods?
Tuesday 3 April 2012
April: Organising baby clothes/storage
I alway get a bit over stimulated (bit like a baby) at the beginning of a new month and want to achieve goals simply because the first of the month feels like a good time to kick things off.
I've got a few things on the go this month. Staying healthy, dropping baby weight, growing out my hair (this is a big one for me) and organising clothes and bits in the home.
The biggest issue in terms of organising for me is clothes; mine and my sons. We both have more than the space we've been allocated to put them in! I've become attached to some of his stuff, like his first outfits and presents from relatives and I really don't want to throw these out.
I have sorted through all of his 0-3 months pieces and split them into two piles, stuff I'm keeping and stuff that gots to go. It'll be charity shop or carboot sale for them. I'm really impressed that my mum has retained my childhood clothes and even some toys. How do you think things become vintage sweetie?
I started with the large drawers of the baby's clothes yesterday. Tackling bedding and towels tomorrow. Here is what it looks like post inspiration from Ikea. I'm not a big fan of Ikea furniture as I think it looks obvious and isn't built to last. I prefer older looking furnitures like good old strong pine from those random shops that sell it by the dozen. But they are the best for clever storage solutions, one off storage boxes and candles. Plus I can't stand the lay out of the store, annoying that you have to walk the entire store to get to one thing. Enough complaining here goes
I've got a few things on the go this month. Staying healthy, dropping baby weight, growing out my hair (this is a big one for me) and organising clothes and bits in the home.
The biggest issue in terms of organising for me is clothes; mine and my sons. We both have more than the space we've been allocated to put them in! I've become attached to some of his stuff, like his first outfits and presents from relatives and I really don't want to throw these out.
I have sorted through all of his 0-3 months pieces and split them into two piles, stuff I'm keeping and stuff that gots to go. It'll be charity shop or carboot sale for them. I'm really impressed that my mum has retained my childhood clothes and even some toys. How do you think things become vintage sweetie?
I started with the large drawers of the baby's clothes yesterday. Tackling bedding and towels tomorrow. Here is what it looks like post inspiration from Ikea. I'm not a big fan of Ikea furniture as I think it looks obvious and isn't built to last. I prefer older looking furnitures like good old strong pine from those random shops that sell it by the dozen. But they are the best for clever storage solutions, one off storage boxes and candles. Plus I can't stand the lay out of the store, annoying that you have to walk the entire store to get to one thing. Enough complaining here goes
 |
| Super tidy, my mother will be proud |
 |
| The dividers |
 |
| Storage boxes for hair products |
Monday 2 April 2012
Sunday 1 April 2012
M&S Limited collection S/S 2012...
Is actually very fashionable, believe it or not. I literally stopped in my tracks at some of the colours, brights and pastels and cuts, some tailoring and some form fitting. I'm not sure if they have recruited new designers or something but it looks good and I even brought something and took these pics to share with you
Needless to say I am impressed with what they have to offer, although some of the piece are a bit expensive for what they are. The hooded top with yellow neon chiffon set me bay £40.
I'm not really a S/S kind of woman I mush prefer winter fashion and find it difficult to pull myself away from dark colours and I'm not as in love with dresses as I used to. I look forward to see what they have on offer this winter and if it's of the same calibre.
 |
| Got myself this top, love the colour combination |
 |
| Cute with Jeans (on the wish list) |
 |
| This one is Per Una I believe |
I'm not really a S/S kind of woman I mush prefer winter fashion and find it difficult to pull myself away from dark colours and I'm not as in love with dresses as I used to. I look forward to see what they have on offer this winter and if it's of the same calibre.
Saturday 31 March 2012
My new flat Iron- GHD
After years of wearing hair pieces I've decided to give my hair a break for the summer.
My hair is natural, with a very tight curl. Yesterday I washed and deep conditioned my hair and left it in for 4 hours. After washing it I put in a leave in conditioner, moisturised and sealed with oil then allowed it to air dry in four loose pony tails. Later on I moisturised again and sealed with Jasmine oil.
My hair is quite difficult to so I put it in section and kind of rolled it and went to bed. Took it out in the morning.
When curly my hair is at the nape of my neck. I'm going to flat Iron it today (after using a heat protector of course) watch out for the before and after post.
I will only put heat on my hair once a week and always after a deep condition. My hair is very thirsty and I don't want to cause any further damage than I already have.
What is your hair type and what flat iron do you use?
My hair is natural, with a very tight curl. Yesterday I washed and deep conditioned my hair and left it in for 4 hours. After washing it I put in a leave in conditioner, moisturised and sealed with oil then allowed it to air dry in four loose pony tails. Later on I moisturised again and sealed with Jasmine oil.
My hair is quite difficult to so I put it in section and kind of rolled it and went to bed. Took it out in the morning.
When curly my hair is at the nape of my neck. I'm going to flat Iron it today (after using a heat protector of course) watch out for the before and after post.
I will only put heat on my hair once a week and always after a deep condition. My hair is very thirsty and I don't want to cause any further damage than I already have.
What is your hair type and what flat iron do you use?
Friday 30 March 2012
Celine, Chloe- Sally Havana, Driving shoes and shopping!
Not just french girls names, but also the places I choose to get my sunglasses this season. I've been rocking Marc Jacobs for about 4 years now, so to make up for the seasons I didn't buy any I got 2 pairs, yeh me!
My favourites are my second purchase, the Chloe's so let me write about them first. They are toooo cute. I love, love, love big sunglasses that take over my entire face (the Celine's are massive), but the Chloe's are big and still sophisticated whereas the Celine's in my opinion are just big. I know which one of the two I'll be wearing more of this summer.
Let me welcome my new Chloe sunglasses- Sally Havana
I love them! Oh yes and the Celine's, which I don't love as much. They are cool and were quite popular amongst American celebs I've been told
Pic's of me wearing my new purchase
I really do not need any more sunglasses this season, but I have a feeling I may come across another pair I might fall in love with x
On the same shopping trip I also got this cute shopper bag
It's encouraging me not to use plastic bags and carry this on my trips to the market or even round the shops. I wore it with my trainers this morning, a bit random, I know, but I worked it anyway.
Finally, I nabbed some driving shoes/quick dash but still cute Minnetonka Suede Moccasin Pump. I got them at TK Maxx so they were a lot cheaper than here. They were £19.99, a bargain. I love a bargain and very comfortable.
My favourites are my second purchase, the Chloe's so let me write about them first. They are toooo cute. I love, love, love big sunglasses that take over my entire face (the Celine's are massive), but the Chloe's are big and still sophisticated whereas the Celine's in my opinion are just big. I know which one of the two I'll be wearing more of this summer.
Let me welcome my new Chloe sunglasses- Sally Havana
 |
| ohh ohh what's inside... |
 |
| Peek-a-boo |
 |
| Pretty arms |
Pic's of me wearing my new purchase
 |
| Thinking...did I say I loved these |
On the same shopping trip I also got this cute shopper bag
Finally, I nabbed some driving shoes/quick dash but still cute Minnetonka Suede Moccasin Pump. I got them at TK Maxx so they were a lot cheaper than here. They were £19.99, a bargain. I love a bargain and very comfortable.
Thanks for reading x
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)