Grown Up Style

I have spent a busy weekend sorting out my wardrobe, and painful as it was, I now have several bags of clothes to take to the charity shop.  It turns out that the last time I cleared out my wardrobe was quite some time ago and as well as having two children in those years, I have also changed body size, body shape and style.  I am no longer a carefree student but a mother of two.

I don't believe that being a parent should change the way I dress, but it does.  Some things just aren't practical any more and some things I just feel far too old for.  Although I still love to throw on a pair of baggy jeans and a slogan T-shirt, or a little summer skirt and vest, I now have to check that what I wear is easy to breastfeed in and is practical for running round after a toddler and bending down to pick him up.

My staple winter wardrobe appears to be skinny jeans, vest, and baggy jumper and whilst it is certainly comfortable, the 'me' of five years ago would have found it incredibly boring.  My summer style is looking to be pretty summer dresses with cropped leggings or vests and shorts, so that I can happily keep up with my troublesome duo.

It is inevitable that our style will change as we grow up, and sadly my days of cropped tops are long gone ( thanks to the two 8lb+ babies I carried!)  but I am determined not to dress old before my time.  My wardrobe now resembles something more fitting for my lifestyle rather than looking like I am still at Uni, and I am wondering whether I should buy a few bits to fill all the empty hangars now?!

Have you found your style has naturally evolved since becoming a parent or do you still dress the same as ever?

Disclaimer: Sponsored Post

JJ Cole Changing Bag Review

With a double pushchair not always being practical, my love of babywearing has grown and I often take a single pushchair and alternate between Archie in a sling and Dylan walking.  As Dylan can go further and further on foot, we occasionally venture out hands free and it feels quite liberating to not have a pushchair with me.  

It does mean I have nowhere to hang the bags though and finding a bag that is compatible with babywearing is not always easy.  I have recently been sent the JJ Cole Mode bag to review and it is the perfect answer.  

It comes with 3 options, a long cross body strap, two clips to attach onto the pushchair (an option I love for single handle buggies as the bag doesn't slide down), and two long shoulder straps, that are significantly longer than other handbags I have used.  These longer straps are perfect for babywearing as you don't end up with the bag uncomfortably tight under your shoulder.

The bag has plenty of compartments for all your needs (12 in fact), and a changing mat and is made of a very handy wipe-clean canvas material.  As well as being incredibly practical, it also looks fantastic and comes in a gorgeous grey woodland design.

I highly recommend this changing bag as it looks and feels high quality and has enough pockets to stay organised even with two little ones in nappies!  The bag retails at £45 and you can buy it here.

Disclaimer:  I was provided with this bag for the purpose of a review but all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

'That Mum'

 I am 'that mum'. 

The one who dresses her children in silly outfits for her own pleasure.  I know full well that by the time they reach their teens they may hate me for all the photos, but I am hoping that it gives me a bit of levarage when we are battling about homework to threaten to expose the picture of them as a baby in bunny ears.

I doesn't help that there are so many gorgeous little outfits out there nowadays.  

If we were not supposed to dress our babies up then they really shouldn't sell these things!

What are your views on babies in silly outfits?

A Mile in Memory of Matilda Mae

This weekend we visited the Rare Breeds Centre in Kent to join in on a sponsored walk in memory of a beautiful little girl, Matilda Mae who was found sleeping at only 9 months old.

We Joined Matilda's family and friends to walk a mile in memory through the beautiful bluebell lined paths around the park and it was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate a life.  We helped raise money for the Lullaby trust who provide support for families affected by cot death.

Dylan walked with Grandma and Grandpa

The rain held off and after our mile, we blew bubbles up to Matilda.  We met the animals on the farms, we played in the park and we enjoyed a family day out. The only thing missing was Matilda Mae.

If you would like to donate, you can do so on  Matilda Mae's just giving page 

Aldi Mamia

I have to admit that until recently, I had never shopped in Aldi.  There is no particular reason for this, I have heard nothing good or bad about the supermarket and it is just as local as the other major competitors.  I was invited along to an event to have a look at the Aldi Mamia range and I was curious to see exactly how their products would compare to the major brands.

Aldi sell

Four

Becoming a family of four means giving each of my boys a best friend

This post is an entry into Limetree's family happiness competition

The Hard Days

Not every day is easy.  

Sometimes I wake up in a bad mood, Archie is having a growth spurt or Dylan has too much energy and doesn't know how to express it.

Sometimes we get hungry or tired and take it out on each other instead.

Sometimes we struggle to communicate.

Sometimes there are tears and tantrums.

Sometimes I count down the hours until bedtime.

Sometimes all I need is five minutes to myself and there are two tiny people preventing this.

Sometimes I witness a special moment that takes away the stress of a hard day and reminds me of the wonderful people that I share my life with.