tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86534862769036696942024-03-13T12:27:51.516+00:00LuckyPrettyI'm LauraClaire, a fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger with a passion for all things pretty. I chat about my latest outfits and hauls as well as giving honest beauty reviews and girly lookbooks.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy reading LuckyPretty.lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-37485649942542117652020-01-30T20:46:00.002+00:002020-01-30T20:46:12.836+00:00GUEST POST: Sarah from Tiny Touch Surrey<br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Importance of Nurturing Touch</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Human beings love to feel loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having physical contact with another Human
Being is as important to our wellbeing as the food we eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be touched is to feel loved, and this brings
with it security and nourishment for the body and soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nurturing touch to a baby, is even more of a necessity towards
feeling loved and secure, and acts as acknowledgement of their need to be held
and comforted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This in turn helps their
brain and organs to develop in a healthy way, balancing out stress hormones and
invoking a sense of calm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have the amazing honour of sharing the benefits of
nurturing touch through Baby Massage courses with parents and carers in Surrey,
and I have seen over 400 families strengthen their bond through massage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Baby Massage is often the first class that parents attend
with their babies. It encourages new parents to leave their house when they are
ready, to meet other like-minded carers in a safe environment where they can share
similar experiences as they embark upon parenthood together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The massage routine incorporates Indian and Swedish
techniques, reflexology and elements of baby yoga, all coming together to aid
the healthy development of your baby as they grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The massage invokes a sense of calm so that
your baby is encouraged to have a deeper more relaxed sleep; it assists with
symptoms of gas/colic and reflux and aids digestion; helps to flush toxins out
of the body; stimulates healthy blood flow and the development of muscles;
helps to reduce umbilical hernia; aids the release of oxytocin in parents and their
baby (otherwise known as the love hormone) and most importantly allows you and
your baby to spend quality time getting to know one another, strengthening the
bond between you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Massaging your baby helps you to familiarise with every coo
and gurgle, every freckle and frown, every wriggle and facial expression that
your baby performs, giving you confidence in your approach to their needs and with
how you hold and comfort your baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
feel empowered with skills that help your baby when they experience tummy
discomfort and that answers their emotional needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quite a feat of achievement given initially we
have no idea what their cries mean or just what it is they want from us at any
given moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As a new parent we are all doing our absolute best, and that
is all that really matters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether
we’re overjoyed with our new arrival, or overwhelmed with our new life and all
it brings, we all need the same thing – and that is to be reassured that we are
doing a great job and to have the support of those around us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Joining a class with your baby can be one way to finding a
support network, so if you haven’t already found an individual or group of
people with whom you can share parenthood, then I would highly recommend
joining a baby class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all……. we
are all in it together - for the long haul!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Sarah Millist is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor with
the IAIM – The only worldwide organisations solely dedicated to Baby
Massage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is also a Toddle Talk Baby
Sign Language teacher and teacher of Monkey Music.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>To find out more about Baby Massage with Sarah, visit her
Tiny Touch Surrey facebook page: <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tinytouchsurrey">https://www.facebook.com/tinytouchsurrey</a></span>
or email her at: tinytouchsurrey@gmail.com</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-76806395903214500702019-12-02T21:28:00.000+00:002019-12-02T21:28:54.191+00:00Christmas Party ready with Femme Luxe Finery GIFTED<span style="font-size: large;">Hi chickies,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Merry Christmas! It's officially December so I'm allowed to say that. I'm a 'Christmas tree up the second it turns December' kinda girl so I'm extremely excited around this time of year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love all the merriment of Christmas and how it brings people together. Speaking of get-togethers, I have two big Christmas parties I'm planning for this year. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Savannah Beige Femme Luxe One Shoulder Dress</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">The first is my NCT group. All the girls are going out for dinner and drinks, followed by copious cocktails and hopefully some merry dancing. As I am usually covered in baby food and baby snot I'm desperate to glam up and <a href="https://femmeluxefinery.co.uk/collections/christmas-party-dresses" target="_blank">Femme Lux Finery</a> had just the dress!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LyS9vTCIHJb_3QpmBo7CKaN-KPRLn4gtYrgyccitHsCLig7qNRBDMFWst_EoVDz2zbtffjH-YmluAN1Ldcu5qXkLucmKFg8eJBvG1AupLhGnN4fWvFfRCwqmF_kkjG_IO5XWa7NY9rAK/s1600/20191130_112310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LyS9vTCIHJb_3QpmBo7CKaN-KPRLn4gtYrgyccitHsCLig7qNRBDMFWst_EoVDz2zbtffjH-YmluAN1Ldcu5qXkLucmKFg8eJBvG1AupLhGnN4fWvFfRCwqmF_kkjG_IO5XWa7NY9rAK/s640/20191130_112310.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've never been a huge fan of shopping online for dresses. I like to see them up close, try them on then and there without worrying about returns and feel the quality so I wasn't a little out of my comfort zone when Femme Luxe Finery kindly allowed me to choose some Christmas party dresses as a gift. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCylt260YD6xbzJ2QTkPGCpoYAn51V4_SvEV_iksrREWht47EQC8TFQIYdEDaxKv4r6sWgpGGkpBjLROWlfGpCGUPVuq8y2fzAYPDq-0l6RQf2Ww4Jr63aeYyQpYb1kjR2bvdsmU-wtdXm/s1600/20191130_112352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCylt260YD6xbzJ2QTkPGCpoYAn51V4_SvEV_iksrREWht47EQC8TFQIYdEDaxKv4r6sWgpGGkpBjLROWlfGpCGUPVuq8y2fzAYPDq-0l6RQf2Ww4Jr63aeYyQpYb1kjR2bvdsmU-wtdXm/s640/20191130_112352.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm a new mum of an 8 month old and my figure DEFINITELY doesn't look anything like the gorgeous skinny model showing off the dresses on their website. 'She could make a bin bag look hot' I thought to myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">However, I finally decided on something a little longer and hopefully well fitting.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFtjjntJKOuqrNlSJp9hcMnFypcPBlUzEEbvcQ0usIe50UDJuqDG5Y5F9sy1E83kDNE_JviGo2E0maMtSBM_uOCYQr9V8c6pUS7ck7RYqn6KCaYA4PYJ_ErqCqnbcZo4uujnSkIHQSTml/s1600/20191130_112330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFtjjntJKOuqrNlSJp9hcMnFypcPBlUzEEbvcQ0usIe50UDJuqDG5Y5F9sy1E83kDNE_JviGo2E0maMtSBM_uOCYQr9V8c6pUS7ck7RYqn6KCaYA4PYJ_ErqCqnbcZo4uujnSkIHQSTml/s640/20191130_112330.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I must say I was a little skeptical, so I was totally shocked by the incredible quality of the two dresses I received. They were lined, thick and luxurious to the touch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm so so pleased with this beautiful caramel silky one shouldered dress. I felt a million dollars in it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Paired with an on trend leopard print head band and matching killer heels I danced the night away at the NCT mum's Christmas dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Emerald Green Femme Luxe Bardot Dress</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My second big Christmas party is my husband's work Christmas do. I go every year and it's always a great event. It's usually black tie so again, I need to dress to impress and Femme Lux delivered. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxQKiluuUpsBuVIn4oaZulMwxVY7Q2ZVptINIL6MawLJQGoX-0NKcm2-q7XJ3ngo2JWuDWGjAwB1Ko-RwkXxXwRALveC3p0b30rPxKBna3EePYfNZzB25-OwLblB3UjHkODfc5reQrbIy/s1600/20191130_112929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxQKiluuUpsBuVIn4oaZulMwxVY7Q2ZVptINIL6MawLJQGoX-0NKcm2-q7XJ3ngo2JWuDWGjAwB1Ko-RwkXxXwRALveC3p0b30rPxKBna3EePYfNZzB25-OwLblB3UjHkODfc5reQrbIy/s640/20191130_112929.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Usually I opt for a red dress and Christmas but I LOVE this emerald green. It's a gorgeous festive colour but not so generic as as my usual choice of red. I'd be surprised if anyone else rocked up in emerald green but they'll always be a few other ladies wearing red at a Christmas party. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6D0Elg5IaOr9NO39FtBLcQIyom6-AU0At0zjHDKFzUjc0R0Ae3zqsJP9Uul-kMjVH37z0rcS4g69_prEmzxcXT5XZ8LHSJ3iuze2kuyFEZRyrtca1a4ENTK9Sbgw487z58_-C6HO7sXq-/s1600/20191130_112944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6D0Elg5IaOr9NO39FtBLcQIyom6-AU0At0zjHDKFzUjc0R0Ae3zqsJP9Uul-kMjVH37z0rcS4g69_prEmzxcXT5XZ8LHSJ3iuze2kuyFEZRyrtca1a4ENTK9Sbgw487z58_-C6HO7sXq-/s640/20191130_112944.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The bardot style adds extra glamour with my hair in curls and I love the sleeve detail too. The length is demure, perfect for looking respectable in front of your husband's boss! But the gathered detail accross the silky stretch fabric is still sexy as well as flattering. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBY7ZolYU1OY1W7j1Tr7HtVjOzFt681GlEA_oILhQoRPbtxwQn1jv_yKpds7oXRGAiK88Mqbzd_kP_5ysJFyvEmksnABnjzDvfMUNtmDdYLG1M6id-jKkuvU8qXi4vW0_R7Wh_7gZsrhBd/s1600/20191130_113019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBY7ZolYU1OY1W7j1Tr7HtVjOzFt681GlEA_oILhQoRPbtxwQn1jv_yKpds7oXRGAiK88Mqbzd_kP_5ysJFyvEmksnABnjzDvfMUNtmDdYLG1M6id-jKkuvU8qXi4vW0_R7Wh_7gZsrhBd/s640/20191130_113019.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Any post-baby lumps and bumps were hidden nicely. That had to do with the thickness of the material and the lining. As I said, I was very impressed with the quality! This dress was my favourite of the two and I would definitely buy some more dresses from Femme Luxe now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the best bit? They were both stretchy, so totally comfortable, even after a three course meal and drinks. Glamour and comfort - what more could a new mum ask for!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not got your Christmas party dress yet? You can shop <a href="https://femmeluxefinery.co.uk/collections/christmas-party-dresses" target="_blank">Femme Luxe Finery Christmas Party dresses</a> now. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;">Love </span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;">LauraClaire</span>lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-48004659138731298042019-11-12T13:37:00.001+00:002019-11-12T13:37:56.997+00:00Top 5 Christmas Gift Ideas for New Mums<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christmas is fast approaching, and as a new mum myself I thought it appropriate to give you a little insight into what new mums <i>really </i>want for Christmas!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Here are my Top 5 'mum wants' this Christmas</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. New mums want time</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Think about it. It used to be just little ol' you and now every waking hour is spent with your gorgeous bub. Both incredible and knackering at the same time! As someone who likes their own personal space and 'alone time' this is a top gift for any mum.<br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaMm71idgMdd2AgkNEbxYJWbjKyYUhFymUooe0QfMaJCdZC-crfVPjdrpKzHHA9rKF6rRdoIg6T3UIFiZ6uGjVG3uKr2bCy0HnrjkOwsNhrRHOl6VaSRZJXGTMZJXlgaKbGj5CS09rBuN/s1600/IMG_20150228_110729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaMm71idgMdd2AgkNEbxYJWbjKyYUhFymUooe0QfMaJCdZC-crfVPjdrpKzHHA9rKF6rRdoIg6T3UIFiZ6uGjVG3uKr2bCy0HnrjkOwsNhrRHOl6VaSRZJXGTMZJXlgaKbGj5CS09rBuN/s320/IMG_20150228_110729.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perfect Christmas gifts are beauty treatment vouchers, paid for childminders or even a spa weekend away! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If that all sounds a little too pricey, something as simple as some beauty masks and scented candles would work. It's all about letting them know that mums are allowed time for themselves.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. New mums want to regain a sense of themselves </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So many new mums I've spoken to have said that when their baby came along they lost a sense of themselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Their body had changed, their priorities had changed and there wasn't the time to do all those things they used to do. That's tough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A new item of clothing that fits with their new mum status is a good gift idea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mkb.org.uk/" target="_blank">Mother Knows Best</a> have a range of cute mum slogan tops and sweats and offer <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MotherKnowsBestUK" target="_blank">free shipping worldwide on ETSY</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc8ORMpIiB6z-ZAYLotPn_w5p1iQMapHPFWKhfMkggeLW7Eu0EfJ_DIatFs9D-bFQA5IIzUf9LD57x7BX3Go1i805jHpkquNLfjJnkdy4nQCqjEB_fUVzfqbypzhiCAtXIkObReZY-7bR/s1600/20191024_195602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc8ORMpIiB6z-ZAYLotPn_w5p1iQMapHPFWKhfMkggeLW7Eu0EfJ_DIatFs9D-bFQA5IIzUf9LD57x7BX3Go1i805jHpkquNLfjJnkdy4nQCqjEB_fUVzfqbypzhiCAtXIkObReZY-7bR/s640/20191024_195602.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu-zrXNANxAjGQtfnq93evT_Fgla4otsI0yW9Qs-ekBaZFWBVhZhmEKa1vUBkqwvrYIsqkd1f_yRfG1-AEN6f9p1RAio5UmKG1DiFZ6DJHovolpEkFovdQxfNWpvdjhB2SDowwy-G52R2/s1600/20191024_204944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu-zrXNANxAjGQtfnq93evT_Fgla4otsI0yW9Qs-ekBaZFWBVhZhmEKa1vUBkqwvrYIsqkd1f_yRfG1-AEN6f9p1RAio5UmKG1DiFZ6DJHovolpEkFovdQxfNWpvdjhB2SDowwy-G52R2/s640/20191024_204944.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwJPYrybA-2Uv1RmPLi2cgFltvBVYPjuF8NE9yGEQmbvbJFx7rbGdtu6AsxxbIW1TBdRp42TeZ32yz9Bn8rOZcuapeb7kzRo-3WfWa4-PmtO-PXQrXQrWop-N10SeqWD5mfa_lMm3lxQl/s640/20191031_120222.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If your mama is still breastfeeding a good quality breastfeeding top or dress would also be a lovely treat. <a href="https://www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/" target="_blank">JoJo Maman Bebe</a> does a beautiful range, as does <a href="https://www.seraphine.com/en-gb/nursing-clothes.html" target="_blank">Seraphine</a>. Search for 'nursing' clothing. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Mums want to rock motherhood</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's tough, it's knackering but it's also the BEST THING EVER. As they say, there <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/733907156/motherhood-tee-mumlife-self-care-tee?ref=shop_home_active_6&frs=1" target="_blank">ain't no hood like motherhood</a>!<br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkyBuH2elaAbVq8CnZaybzDQ6CzBJteAxWqpsmM5OShD4y_wUDPDcLjaePRupTlOd17gmoSk9PlTsZfyTswFQGE27pPdE2dZtMkhTS-qtdXaj_GnDVXZ9VCfG1swp6DJWXC3dJJ2Hq-IU/s1600/20191031_115757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkyBuH2elaAbVq8CnZaybzDQ6CzBJteAxWqpsmM5OShD4y_wUDPDcLjaePRupTlOd17gmoSk9PlTsZfyTswFQGE27pPdE2dZtMkhTS-qtdXaj_GnDVXZ9VCfG1swp6DJWXC3dJJ2Hq-IU/s640/20191031_115757.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So give a gift that lets your mama shout it from the roof tops. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Twinning is so on trend right now - and what better way to embrace motherhood than to match with your little mini me! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFd9o8WxkF3TP1V6zIDFMvvqoJMYylGqcTLiScR-AghcA7F_WmSJDEhBJUVEx-z6csjB2eFYtJXoBA9LZMEAQvT3yMIzZgq5aOD2Epgeum-5yvhMHtE2maRM3PYBvot9cYL4fpxv3pYPxR/s1600/20191031_113059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFd9o8WxkF3TP1V6zIDFMvvqoJMYylGqcTLiScR-AghcA7F_WmSJDEhBJUVEx-z6csjB2eFYtJXoBA9LZMEAQvT3yMIzZgq5aOD2Epgeum-5yvhMHtE2maRM3PYBvot9cYL4fpxv3pYPxR/s640/20191031_113059.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MotherKnowsBestUK" target="_blank">MKB's Etsy</a> shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MotherKnowsBestUK" target="_blank">MotherKnowsBestUK</a> has a number of different <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/750564813/happy-mama-baby-matching-tops-kids-sizes?ref=shop_home_feat_2&frs=1" target="_blank">nautical breton style striped mama and mini outfits</a> as well as tops in grey and white so that babies can match their mummies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's all about <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/750564813/happy-mama-baby-matching-tops-kids-sizes?ref=shop_home_feat_2&frs=1" target="_blank">Happy Mama, Happy baby</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. New mums want a some luxury</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Having sick, poop and baby boogers down your tee-shirt every day kinda cramps a gals 'glam-style'. If you're wife, sister, bestie or which ever mum you're buying for, loved the finer things in life then this is a great gift theme. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The trouble is that luxury means different things to different mommas. It might be chocolates and champers or spa days and botox! Here are a few ideas that are bound to get a thumbs up from the mummy in your life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk" target="_blank">Hotel Chocolat</a> sell delicious luxury chocolates. The below box retails at £22.99 and would be a special gift for any chocolate lover. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61iMlD75nxEjYL8KcUci3ulCl6K2DRwpxeyZjTYkWwwdeZe8TTtccEOpBGuMTNWlfQOO9RxWL5yqSC8pEEKM04-x36cBFX0UE5nvHwOMATGj7qvav60kgcmXAX2hNikajguJsGdqIcwr9/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="566" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61iMlD75nxEjYL8KcUci3ulCl6K2DRwpxeyZjTYkWwwdeZe8TTtccEOpBGuMTNWlfQOO9RxWL5yqSC8pEEKM04-x36cBFX0UE5nvHwOMATGj7qvav60kgcmXAX2hNikajguJsGdqIcwr9/s400/Capture.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Mums love anything that makes the daily job of raising their child easier </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ok, so not technically a gift for a mum (that's why it's last) but still an important gift idea! These items may come in pricier too so could work as a 'mum and me' gift idea, covering both mum and child. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With this Christmas gift idea we're thinking an annual pass to a children's soft play or farm (easy go-to play places for frazzled mums and they usually serve coffee!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/join-and-get-involved" target="_blank">National Trust membership</a> gives you free access to over 500 beautiful places around the country. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For mums with babies that are under 1 a good gift could be baby-proofing kits and playpens for the home (the number of times I've had to stop what I'm doing to drag my son away from something dangerous, this gift would be a blessing!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Love</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>LauraClaire</b></span></div>
lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-69009032328440420602019-10-22T21:23:00.005+01:002019-10-22T21:23:59.705+01:00Starting up a business on Maternity Leave<span style="font-size: large;">Hello!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, I've got rather big news. If you've not already heard, I've started up my own mum clothing brand called <a href="http://www.mkb.org.uk/" target="_blank">Mother Knows Best</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrkWag7kyCXVCBgXrf52F1q0pu7-3JxVxDIfl8ZZKxOJuQKSI6GQKw267l5J6Z2JgHc_jaHtEuXAl6KGu8RVGiuY4DphJLky9st8I8wCenjoYmxiyx0JjXVaUa-8str1eP3Rm9iYUIiGJ/s1600/Mother+Knows+Best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="378" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrkWag7kyCXVCBgXrf52F1q0pu7-3JxVxDIfl8ZZKxOJuQKSI6GQKw267l5J6Z2JgHc_jaHtEuXAl6KGu8RVGiuY4DphJLky9st8I8wCenjoYmxiyx0JjXVaUa-8str1eP3Rm9iYUIiGJ/s320/Mother+Knows+Best.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>First things first. Why? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I managed to resign from my job in corporate marketing 2 weeks before I found out I was pregnant - that's always a sure fire way to get your creating juices flowing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also, once my gorgeous boy did finally arrive I realised pretty quick that my plan to simply find another 9 to 5 in around 9 months time just wasn't going to work for me. I wanted to be around. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YLP_GQzbX5P2oN0PXPJgNvp8dh8nudxErSe8rGJnm_hjE6SFtQLNgzW_9tal7_BMjF_5UovLEHEDxC_raXZI0WHOBIvXONGxEwEh4tsxIRuWQkJcdsfUNNaPdzeRdlY-llxKY4lnmzB0/s1600/69875771_104388664272888_4706715008824770560_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YLP_GQzbX5P2oN0PXPJgNvp8dh8nudxErSe8rGJnm_hjE6SFtQLNgzW_9tal7_BMjF_5UovLEHEDxC_raXZI0WHOBIvXONGxEwEh4tsxIRuWQkJcdsfUNNaPdzeRdlY-llxKY4lnmzB0/s640/69875771_104388664272888_4706715008824770560_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, when he was 4 months old I summoned the strength to start cogs in motion on my business idea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd used the long nights cluster feeding to come up with it of course. It needed to be a product rather than a service. Selling something physical mean't technically I could pick and pack in between naps and in the evening once baby was in bed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd tried a little freelancing and it was too time consuming and stressful trying to meet other peoples deadlines.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh-pSHivcP5fCENf542HkP0C9oSCowAdJMMEb_gdWQt7TxwSCXrYoFc7A0JWT3hyjKbSFJyy11ofMdxfXod8XCZ1O-miPhtLrEPFBjN04OuVQA9s4doz6MeBzEYpls-22d2TaGmrZTXd5/s1600/Tired+Mum+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1058" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh-pSHivcP5fCENf542HkP0C9oSCowAdJMMEb_gdWQt7TxwSCXrYoFc7A0JWT3hyjKbSFJyy11ofMdxfXod8XCZ1O-miPhtLrEPFBjN04OuVQA9s4doz6MeBzEYpls-22d2TaGmrZTXd5/s640/Tired+Mum+6.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It needed to have a purpose and be something I was passionate about. Motherhood was a beautiful whirlwind to me. I was totally in love with my son but I'd some how lost myself in it all. <a href="https://mkb.org.uk/shop/" target="_blank">Mother Knows Best clothing</a> was the start of finding me again. I also wanted to set aside some of the profits to go toward great motherhood-focused charities to help mums that weren't as lucky as me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I found a website designer who would work for a reasonable price, hunted down clothing companies and transfer printers and got my hands dirty writing content and designing slogans. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My passion drove me and within 2 months I had launched the website and was promoting <a href="http://www.mkb.org.uk/" target="_blank">MKB</a> through social media channels Instagram and Facebook with the handle <a href="https://www.instagram.com/motherknowsbest_shop/" target="_blank">@motherknowsbest_shop</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We're a month in from the website going live and the orders are trickling in. Friends have helped but every time an order comes through from a name I don't recognise it drives me on to do more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I feel so alive having started up my own online business on Maternity leave. It certainly wasn't the easiest option to do postpartum but one that I think has made me happier and more fulfilled - which can only be a good thing for my son. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcZERNjHhCDoyJGAUh4mJhWdcsaHB8nl4RYoqeFr_ys1tEFhg8zmfRU0XgCsf_51LO4o-GpBC9EXEQy6ufoaistXJWwIxea6EvX3Ux3YiIGqj6QMlysfjisyrhYYfqPgJm52lBYuGEAAp/s1600/HAPPY+MAMA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="378" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcZERNjHhCDoyJGAUh4mJhWdcsaHB8nl4RYoqeFr_ys1tEFhg8zmfRU0XgCsf_51LO4o-GpBC9EXEQy6ufoaistXJWwIxea6EvX3Ux3YiIGqj6QMlysfjisyrhYYfqPgJm52lBYuGEAAp/s320/HAPPY+MAMA.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As they say, <a href="https://mkb.org.uk/product/happy-mama-white-slim-fit-t-shirt/" target="_blank">happy mum</a>... happy baby. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you set up a business as a new mum or had a business with young children around? If so, comment below! I want to connect with brilliant like-minded mamas - it's possible to do great things if you put your mind to it. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Love</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">LauraClaire </span></b>lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-84855201721962380712019-10-18T12:52:00.000+01:002019-10-18T12:52:04.856+01:00How my Bump Grew: The bumpie timeline<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've always been intrigued to see how people's bumps grew at different stages. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love the week by week slideshow reels some ladies put together but I never have the patience for that! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So instead here's a few bumpies of how my bump grew from 12 weeks on my 30th birthday till I popped...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">And then....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRqrS-MIOfbFyytjjAFRsE6YGztN5vVmeH9L02ub5gy_-2tTeNQj6Q-lLSHVyKshIxiniypy-vCiTPP9AetZauO0ZkGWOimPAnkYBNuG7wLBlJJwexbhqjxS62dFptN840WcepN1KxbrB/s1600/IMG-20190421-WA0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRqrS-MIOfbFyytjjAFRsE6YGztN5vVmeH9L02ub5gy_-2tTeNQj6Q-lLSHVyKshIxiniypy-vCiTPP9AetZauO0ZkGWOimPAnkYBNuG7wLBlJJwexbhqjxS62dFptN840WcepN1KxbrB/s640/IMG-20190421-WA0060.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Hooray! We did it!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Love</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><b>LauraClaire</b></span></div>
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<br />lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-60104397042557125172019-10-16T13:02:00.000+01:002019-10-16T13:02:34.870+01:00My Top 10 Favourite Maternity Halloween Costumes<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, this time last year I was a little too late to the game to get a brilliant Halloween outfit together (and a little too pregnancy sick as well!). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />However, I LOVE Halloween and so wanted to share some of the best ideas out there.... so who's dressing up for Halloween this year mamas-to-be! I want to see photos! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH1EvolOfFsA5haUALjL7ZA34rGozxUzOrwhv_e6W2CrfkF-aaOgEWMgT2InWvb3M4XU0bSiVJn5qZoH48W0lkOguZGZXYFYffG6-LiALTVT3n3CEsZ6rrQonPjjAsc4fSqUpE_c_-ziW/s1600/hillbillies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH1EvolOfFsA5haUALjL7ZA34rGozxUzOrwhv_e6W2CrfkF-aaOgEWMgT2InWvb3M4XU0bSiVJn5qZoH48W0lkOguZGZXYFYffG6-LiALTVT3n3CEsZ6rrQonPjjAsc4fSqUpE_c_-ziW/s1600/hillbillies.jpg" /></a></div>
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Oops, Shot gun wedding anyone?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0ybmIJ5mJxoHSJSvO8weUsxU4rPCoUIz6vXP-RSjeQKTH2-7bGzTeSrDwqagp5_T0KmeWdiisXf21J121AkcySYLhzlLFcwUpwnNPYG36kJY7MIldwuGKtZ8Lq0QTSYHgHv4cZPP2Y1H/s1600/jessica_simpson.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="640" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0ybmIJ5mJxoHSJSvO8weUsxU4rPCoUIz6vXP-RSjeQKTH2-7bGzTeSrDwqagp5_T0KmeWdiisXf21J121AkcySYLhzlLFcwUpwnNPYG36kJY7MIldwuGKtZ8Lq0QTSYHgHv4cZPP2Y1H/s320/jessica_simpson.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jessica Simpson bringing a whole new meaning to the word 'yummy mummy' - looks epic and also super easy - loo roll anyone?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2HthugpmK6sILWhmDuZWlLCilt4S9sf6nanbfGaRVxaGXfuZV-oMMHBbcJCcsfKr58MQJqN-VhbFDheA2cuGLaII7iVSi5HVDLLHEf-UniWG8vPPMbn4ezfYpLSbeZlZUp59kBQ8Z9CK/s1600/pearl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="605" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2HthugpmK6sILWhmDuZWlLCilt4S9sf6nanbfGaRVxaGXfuZV-oMMHBbcJCcsfKr58MQJqN-VhbFDheA2cuGLaII7iVSi5HVDLLHEf-UniWG8vPPMbn4ezfYpLSbeZlZUp59kBQ8Z9CK/s320/pearl.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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This is just hilarious! Major bonus points though for the amount of effort involved - she must have spent months sculpting the clam shells for her perfect pearl.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Uxgd82kEWQP4mKPQYUZpplBWGhvVl_q5DoZD8qQOY1KZHS5YPCTyYgOM7hfvXJScmhudrJq-OCtKVZeGxoLq6snJ54X0Gu-1I6uSfJlnUXl6zZMMM0Msn7-xO57akndKLDLMhWtnA3XV/s1600/pregnant+costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="413" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Uxgd82kEWQP4mKPQYUZpplBWGhvVl_q5DoZD8qQOY1KZHS5YPCTyYgOM7hfvXJScmhudrJq-OCtKVZeGxoLq6snJ54X0Gu-1I6uSfJlnUXl6zZMMM0Msn7-xO57akndKLDLMhWtnA3XV/s320/pregnant+costume.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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My kinda fancy dress - freaky and easy - job done!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXo4cyQQ_LXEDxNR8fz3VNICw-6nd-PJ6jvyREjCkAQYmvvZjeMOhdFMyddjVRQIgTrsYyhE26u322CBI4v4bAtqsGgCYH4ns2OWqAtZbw_Mim5DRLesrChLmgAZJ1KgZa8xCd7BA4RJ-/s1600/skeleton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="660" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXo4cyQQ_LXEDxNR8fz3VNICw-6nd-PJ6jvyREjCkAQYmvvZjeMOhdFMyddjVRQIgTrsYyhE26u322CBI4v4bAtqsGgCYH4ns2OWqAtZbw_Mim5DRLesrChLmgAZJ1KgZa8xCd7BA4RJ-/s320/skeleton.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bringing to life the scary thought that you actually have a mini human inside you with actual bones and stuff. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslEALoswr8woCCmVBE29srebLnQHeSSWwFlsdchJbFHDHnqVbKu0eYUWVyBbfNVJkzwulRIzwQP1CMXPBvjViQEmUFGvCfxrZ8T7mQXHPsMeg7twaV8AQm_2jOmEojvqnr47zCDbTupN-/s1600/winnie+the+pooh.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslEALoswr8woCCmVBE29srebLnQHeSSWwFlsdchJbFHDHnqVbKu0eYUWVyBbfNVJkzwulRIzwQP1CMXPBvjViQEmUFGvCfxrZ8T7mQXHPsMeg7twaV8AQm_2jOmEojvqnr47zCDbTupN-/s320/winnie+the+pooh.png" width="315" /></a></div>
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100% on the cuteness factor - you'd need a little cute bump for this. My food babies were bigger than this, let along my real bump!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4_j6mVbyF4iOLCq4Tv02WH537iLIftXPgwHMM4lfr0bXG928FvXBBY4gOYiXkLgpoGSReNaAPrFoL_TvF0XG6QNO-r7xvYOGupQeywMv3DoAnZjFeZnSC43dFCXEWq9x5nlfDRu_recR/s1600/avocado+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4_j6mVbyF4iOLCq4Tv02WH537iLIftXPgwHMM4lfr0bXG928FvXBBY4gOYiXkLgpoGSReNaAPrFoL_TvF0XG6QNO-r7xvYOGupQeywMv3DoAnZjFeZnSC43dFCXEWq9x5nlfDRu_recR/s320/avocado+love.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Cardboard? Paint? Brown top? DONE</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhW3_-lH4h6HxFMgV7kNsXoWvCBTiwPKXsNozc8d9whlONhwZgvTWdYf1CoVvoOPbjX3SJ9mFXjS6sUJRkQ7YpX1npu75l3EqpTdoq3Y7BYFRrF7l5fq-PFpyC_fkuZYKvMksvwejMA-t/s1600/chrystal+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhW3_-lH4h6HxFMgV7kNsXoWvCBTiwPKXsNozc8d9whlONhwZgvTWdYf1CoVvoOPbjX3SJ9mFXjS6sUJRkQ7YpX1npu75l3EqpTdoq3Y7BYFRrF7l5fq-PFpyC_fkuZYKvMksvwejMA-t/s320/chrystal+ball.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Oh my gosh, doesn't this look epic - and your bump really is a magic mystic balls so why the hells not!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeyN750zo_H6eobY9N4Ut0mjegP5NtWFXXemQd-usVcHqIGKodHPhXskrtGR2g_G3mOz-eyL_AwxDb9L8ptDuxc8CLGDZbg1UayWavna1B5CC7jzx8CTyQucAXf1OtlcQp5aJWsRoUkPY/s1600/cute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeyN750zo_H6eobY9N4Ut0mjegP5NtWFXXemQd-usVcHqIGKodHPhXskrtGR2g_G3mOz-eyL_AwxDb9L8ptDuxc8CLGDZbg1UayWavna1B5CC7jzx8CTyQucAXf1OtlcQp5aJWsRoUkPY/s320/cute.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Monsters Inc. fans, this one's for you! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_4zYirgLrWzneQWorhFmSXRQbZHtldnYjWBMj5DYVDD0ZJdgr3N96aMHaB7Vr3SMsP1w928l1Mb37HQf1HB6zTsnq0WQiMqyXwP1iHSIVc-BG7BvuBmsmNja4wwaeojnp5FmQv3CC8F_/s1600/sweets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_4zYirgLrWzneQWorhFmSXRQbZHtldnYjWBMj5DYVDD0ZJdgr3N96aMHaB7Vr3SMsP1w928l1Mb37HQf1HB6zTsnq0WQiMqyXwP1iHSIVc-BG7BvuBmsmNja4wwaeojnp5FmQv3CC8F_/s320/sweets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Love this idea. I love sweets and candy, so despite the extra effort involved this one would definitely be on my list. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Love </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">LauraClaire</span></b></div>
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<br />lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-54414366835523835112019-10-16T12:27:00.001+01:002019-10-16T12:27:43.205+01:00GIFT Essentiel Vie Review: Nipple Cream<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well I finally popped! After what felt less like 9 months and more like 9 years I am now a mum... </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoWxH_aiGRFcOVKvGhkDXnulkm2AeuPneL7v73ESosNggqgOIGCvAns4yv2NUlgK-txIaJHhwDrRFJd4qMmIfW05ILEl5UY-zv5U4F8r8ojbPyxRPWLFMGKjvmHLKsY_4ximE2UH3rjyk/s1600/IMG-20190421-WA0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoWxH_aiGRFcOVKvGhkDXnulkm2AeuPneL7v73ESosNggqgOIGCvAns4yv2NUlgK-txIaJHhwDrRFJd4qMmIfW05ILEl5UY-zv5U4F8r8ojbPyxRPWLFMGKjvmHLKsY_4ximE2UH3rjyk/s640/IMG-20190421-WA0060.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and, on day 8 of baby's bright new world I have to say that hubby and I are totally smitten. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've heard that the first couple of weeks tend to run smoothly and lull you into a false sense of 'OK, I can do this' so we're enjoying it while it lasts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As such I wanted to take a few minutes to write up about a product that was gifted to be recently by the folks at <a href="https://www.essentielvie.com/" target="_blank">Essentiel Vie</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Essentiel Vie products are 100% natural, cruelty-free and totally plant based. They contain gorgeous botanicals and essential oils to help mum's thrive.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ur_ILmglzYVa29t0ywBzlRiwNHRK01nbY3QA8JTIvZuO1nuivwE8dIdWeJ5bO4BxQW9VQp4od6VF1WBe5gmMlL7U4IKadUIWMMDb69imEvxlD2lWjQnwCGmPY2AONi2DJM6lYKVzYu-I/s1600/20190404_075647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ur_ILmglzYVa29t0ywBzlRiwNHRK01nbY3QA8JTIvZuO1nuivwE8dIdWeJ5bO4BxQW9VQp4od6VF1WBe5gmMlL7U4IKadUIWMMDb69imEvxlD2lWjQnwCGmPY2AONi2DJM6lYKVzYu-I/s640/20190404_075647.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">baby cuddles are just the best!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Essentiel Vie Nipple Cream Review </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <a href="https://www.essentielvie.com/range/essentiel-vie-nipple-cream" target="_blank">Essentiel Vie Nipple Cream</a> is one of those items that you think you won't need. "Sure, I'll be fine", I naively thought as I clumsily started my breastfeeding journey in the hospital (starting with a midwife forcibly attaching baby to me eeek). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yet just days in and I was only just about getting the hang of breast feeding, so all I can say is that this cream was a godsend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong, the midwives told that I can use my own milk to help make the nipple area less tender but when you've spent three weeks as a cow, there's just something more luxurious about using a product over your own supply! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVKI9JM8HfHQQiJ4yNFONZI_3AbGFmw0k2Sraaw38scmcOCH85gCSxBV7XVSdFFR-rNZ2aL_m156oKaXvNFmoDVg2p9s3afoD1G5QAQU03YvGPRH5hZ4eiu5GvYNjX-k21xwrBJtVyVFU/s1600/nipple+cream.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVKI9JM8HfHQQiJ4yNFONZI_3AbGFmw0k2Sraaw38scmcOCH85gCSxBV7XVSdFFR-rNZ2aL_m156oKaXvNFmoDVg2p9s3afoD1G5QAQU03YvGPRH5hZ4eiu5GvYNjX-k21xwrBJtVyVFU/s1600/nipple+cream.PNG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Made with Argan oil and Vitamin E, Essential Vie's nipple cream is soothing and calming on my sore spots and its safe for baby too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The tub comes with a generous amount of cream to last you throughout your breastfeeding journey - so no chance of running out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now available at Boots Online</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A large pot of Essentiel Vie's Nipple Cream is available to purchase online at <a href="https://www.boots.com/essentiel-vie-nipple-cream-10256570" target="_blank">Boots</a>. It retails at £12.99 and gets you 48 boots points (which I'm always trying to nab!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A big thumbs up from me. Thank you to Essentiel Vie for gifting me your nipple cream. It was there just at the right time when I needed it most. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">Love<br /><br /><span style="color: #e06666;">LauraClaire</span></b><br />
lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-50090951823751858652019-02-27T10:43:00.004+00:002019-02-27T10:45:41.718+00:00NCT Antenatal Classes Review: Is it worth it?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQycIPvhqWWCtz03JTwJG18v0_ahJ0yDgRZ35B4Wdqg7mJmN8LOE_JBAqGy_omoIkfBC2d7AZXAUKeocsotroYctZGC995Z3n4PNfzimXhahFhQcKut8CSjqtL2cuDtUg-wVPEqSPtmfw/s1600/20190109_091917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQycIPvhqWWCtz03JTwJG18v0_ahJ0yDgRZ35B4Wdqg7mJmN8LOE_JBAqGy_omoIkfBC2d7AZXAUKeocsotroYctZGC995Z3n4PNfzimXhahFhQcKut8CSjqtL2cuDtUg-wVPEqSPtmfw/s400/20190109_091917.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our First <b>NCT Antenatal Meeting</b> focused on getting to know our class mates with an introduction and some friendly group work. Learning about breathing, pain relief, how the baby will be born, your options for giving birth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We found the first NCT class a little slow and were a bit worried for the rest of the sessions. However, we need not of worried as the paced quickened with the rest of the NCT sessions and still allowed plenty of time to chat to the other parents-to-be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the course we learnt about the different places you can give birth and their pros and cons, a detailed look at the labor process, what happens after baby is born and caring for baby. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We also had an excellent lesson on feeding and breastfeeding - I was so impressed with the teachers level of knowledge and unbiased approach. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The cost of NCT classes</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">NCT is not cheap. We chose a 6 session course held in Epsom that included a 2 hour reunion once babies were born and this cost £285. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, if you split this down on a cost per person, each of the 7 sessions will cost us roughly £40 as a couple. Still not the cheapest option but my husband and I treated it like date night - swapping a meal out each week for learning about baby!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our experience of NCT classes</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The main thing we wanted from the classes was the opportunity to meet other parents and to learn some of the basics. Whether you click with the people in the classes is a different matter and we were very lucky to get on great with every single couple - a rare thing I'm sure! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We all got on so well that before babies had even arrived the boys had done a pub drink, we'd all been out for a Sunday pub lunch as couples and the girls had had multiple coffee trips together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />This surpassed both our expectation as we'd heard plenty of horror stories around other couples at NCT classes! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Getting excited about baby together</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Something we did anticipate was how nice it was to do something together that would get us both excited about the new arrival. Everything was happening to me so it was really special to see my husband be able to get involved and start to get excited about what was to come. It's easy to forget that nothing has really changed in their world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Should you do NCT classes?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before doing NCT classes myself I'd heard a real mixed bag on whether to bother. Some said it was a waste of time and money and they didn't speak to any of the girls in the class. Some found that once babies were born it became a competition on 'whose baby did what first/best'. However, others said they'd made friends for life and loved it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In our group, babies are just starting to arrive but I feel that for us, NCT classes were definitely worth the money. It was great to learn some basics, meet new people and see my husband get excited for babies arrival. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For me, I've just taken the fact that our NCT girls and guys are fun social, people as a massive win... and hopefully it stays that way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To find out more about NCT or <a href="https://www.nct.org.uk/courses-and-workshops" target="_blank">sign up to a class</a> go <a href="http://www.nct.org.uk/">www.nct.org.uk</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Love </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>LauraClaire</b></span>lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-4156559667374719402019-01-24T20:17:00.006+00:002019-01-24T20:17:54.419+00:00Quick & Easy 3 ingredient No-bake Cake Recipe<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I LOVE cake</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Actually, I LOVE anything sweet. I have the biggest sweet tooth EVER... not very good for my dentist, or for my waistline but hey, life is sweet right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">At work I'm the first one to cheer when it's a charity bake sale. The only problem is, I'm no baker. Oh believe me I've tried... but the outcome is less than aesthetically pleasing and certainly wouldn't pass a taste test. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So when the lovely folks at <a href="https://popcornshed.com/" target="_blank">Popcorn Shed</a> sent me box of their delicious luxury popcorn to taste out I set myself a challenge... to create my own 'go-to' recipe for sweet treat sales. With my first baby due in only 7 weeks time I know I'm going to need at least one fail-safe recipe up my sleeve to impress the other mums!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">UK brand Popcorn Shed </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So <a href="https://popcornshed.com/" target="_blank">Popcorn Shed</a> are a home-grown UK-based company - something that, if you read my blog regularly, you know I'm very passionate about. It's all about UK talent! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Set up by <a href="https://popcornshed.com/pages/about-us" target="_blank">two cousins</a> on a mission to make marvelous popcorn with added flavours using premium ingredients. From Pop'n'Choc to Sweet Cheesus their tasty popcorn combos are a win. Pop'n'Choc is to die for BTW. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">No-Bake 3 Ingredient Popcorn Fairy Cakes</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As easy as one... two... three.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients: </span></h4>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">An 80g box of Salted Caramel Popcorn Shed popcorn</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A tablespoon of butter </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">4 large handfuls of mini marshmallows</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recipe: </span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(makes 8 cakes) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Add the butter followed by the mini marshmallows to a pan. Leave to heat on a low setting until everything has melted whilst stirring continuously. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Take off the hob and add to a large bowl along with your popcorn and stir thoroughly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Add an equal amount of the mix to fairy cake baking cups and leave to cool. Decoration is totally up to you. I sprinkled a cocao nibs for a more adult take on my popcorn fairy cakes but how about trying sprinkles, chocolate buttons or even sherbet!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogGmQA9VLBtmtlYMKzxTQ72ZnoMv6cIzHcbQ9QnVlJ6ibT0Hs_eMPG7vaB8AZ8CPiktvBkqj_okPwaRv9k_WP9wk3Efkmi1vKwjUmIbH64yXAJiIhTuNo2ZORDxH1bNdedPuBs6Q6o07T/s1600/50250891_606604616454249_2527551662396104062_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogGmQA9VLBtmtlYMKzxTQ72ZnoMv6cIzHcbQ9QnVlJ6ibT0Hs_eMPG7vaB8AZ8CPiktvBkqj_okPwaRv9k_WP9wk3Efkmi1vKwjUmIbH64yXAJiIhTuNo2ZORDxH1bNdedPuBs6Q6o07T/s640/50250891_606604616454249_2527551662396104062_n.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And the taste? Scrummy!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Love </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /><span style="color: #e06666;">LauraClaire</span></b></span>lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-66773530743592328842019-01-22T14:56:00.002+00:002019-01-22T14:56:40.661+00:00A Light-hearted look back at my pregnancy-related Google Search history!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After typing in 'Why do I keep getting ill all the time?' into Google I knew I'd gone a little insane with my pregnancy questions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I thought why not take a look back at all the questions I've been mindlessly popping in Google Search between the 2nd Trimester and start of the 3rd Trimester... If you're a first time mum I'm sure you can feel me on this one! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's my hilarious look back through my Google Search History for the past 3 months - all the first time pregnancy questions and my take on the answers!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1z7EPK9hOkA7nOdiyOlBnoy9JCaEU045h827Zqht8CoxFTLbt4lOlvfSrQRjmmKn9gVk9TMpdzv-6rSQjsGzJnVjwAL-zUgGsRiW8DL0jzEIkDoXmbXTPoXz_MvU8Lpr3erYuvHNOouK/s1600/41994255_335378517022721_1930241690138734870_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1z7EPK9hOkA7nOdiyOlBnoy9JCaEU045h827Zqht8CoxFTLbt4lOlvfSrQRjmmKn9gVk9TMpdzv-6rSQjsGzJnVjwAL-zUgGsRiW8DL0jzEIkDoXmbXTPoXz_MvU8Lpr3erYuvHNOouK/s400/41994255_335378517022721_1930241690138734870_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What can I not eat during pregnancy?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All the good things like pate and cured meats... and gin and tonic! But Lion-Approved eggs are now fine apparently. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Should I do NCT classes?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I mean come on, how is Google going to know this one! The short answer is that I decided to do NCT classes and I think they're well worth it, my bunch of ladies are great fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What are the Grobag togs?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They're the thickness of the baby sleeping bag - so how warm they will need to be depending on the temperature of the room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Can I exercise during pregnancy?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Having had CIN3 and needing the LETZ procedure about 5 years ago I was very worried about how exercise could effect my chance of miscarriage. You totally can exercise, just know your own body and keep it light. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How do I get rid of heart burn?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been lucky with heart burn so far. Only a few occurrences that have started to strike since week 30. I haven't taken anything for it - just plenty of water and smaller portions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why do I keep getting ill?!!</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What a fantastic question Laura! Hah! You kept getting ill because your immune system was working over drive as your body built a baby - simple. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What pram should I get?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I scoured the market, pushed a million different makes and landed on the Egg stroller with the newborn insert. Not the cheapest option but I got mine second-hand and in great condition. The perks? It folds down small enough to fit in my car, is considerably sturdier than other premium models I tried and I love the design. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What car seat should I get?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm yet to actually buy one yet but I think we've decided on a combination car seat that stays in the car. They last much longer and can adapt with your child as they grow. I've also heard that 360 spin designs are a godsend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What pregnancy books should I read?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is so much choice here but I ended up reading <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0091912695/ref=asc_df_009191269558157135/?tag=googshopuk-21&creative=22110&creativeASIN=0091912695&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310831412334&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10861813342415236149&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045849&hvtargid=pla-457347772956&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank">The New Contented Little Baby Book by Gina Ford</a> and liked her take on things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What pregnancy apps should I download?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I use the Babycentre, Bounty App and The Ovia App. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Will I get an outie belly button?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was paranoid about this for some reason. I still haven't got one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When will my bump start to show?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anywhere from 12-14 weeks. Here's me at exactly 12 weeks on my 30th Birthday with a little bump. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRQQ6zp_Z1LqmBifN3eth28qERaV4KPdFp9CHHSKYU8xjZAJM0Fh9NVbvf3jnZxuoOt6iy398qik8wN_txrDpP7sgRGhHYd7mhEZIAvTf2tsvHVCDuXREpIbaUBkM4qHEh9TLTe8W8dQ3/s1600/40017833_2186151274996612_8372643241488547840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRQQ6zp_Z1LqmBifN3eth28qERaV4KPdFp9CHHSKYU8xjZAJM0Fh9NVbvf3jnZxuoOt6iy398qik8wN_txrDpP7sgRGhHYd7mhEZIAvTf2tsvHVCDuXREpIbaUBkM4qHEh9TLTe8W8dQ3/s400/40017833_2186151274996612_8372643241488547840_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How much weight should I put on?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They say around 2 stone is about the average though some friends put on double that and went on to lose it all afterwards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What do I really need to buy and what can I leave out?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found speaking to friends with babies and YouTube to be the best answer for this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What baby bits should I buy?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are plenty of guides online to help answer this one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gifts for mum at baby showers?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was asked to write a list of baby bits for my baby shower to give to the girlies coming. It made me think of gifts that would be good for mum-to-be too. Here's my <a href="https://luckypretty.blogspot.com/2019/01/top-5-baby-shower-gift-ideas-for-mum-to.html" target="_blank">top 5 gifts for mum-to-be</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whats the best baby travel system?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In my opinion I like the Egg travel system. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What are the top baby names?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How do I prepare for birth?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What does labour feel like?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How to tell if your baby is moving less?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They recommended sitting or lying quietly and counting the number of times baby moves in an hour if you're ever worried. If you notice anything different you should always contact your midwife. My baby tends to be sleepy during the day and come alive between 9 and 10pm... a sign of things to come perhaps! Eek!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How do you dress baby for cold weather?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What are the baby clothes sizes?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Which nappies are the best and cheapest?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How can I avoid stretch marks when pregnant?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think it can almost be down to genetics as to whether you're more likely to get stretch marks but you can certainly put things in place to help yourself. I applied stretch mark oil every night and if I was ever out of the bath. I also used <a href="https://luckypretty.blogspot.com/2019/01/product-review-mama-mio-tummy-rub-butter.html" target="_blank">MamaMio tummy rub butter</a> which I've reviewed <a href="https://luckypretty.blogspot.com/2019/01/product-review-mama-mio-tummy-rub-butter.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEWpI77sLhVPLqPus9Zc2WB7EBojJnDgZiZ3rOmyAf6QnAuij1mToonuYzRngqd9kP0Dg-V_GF8IBNEQTnblUpp-61DFr8Dx1HKNgwjt8FCEr2RYG1HsjVufHdeVkTOT_9fQCMTMCqy90/s1600/47585404_1590242724455736_140701658977368083_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEWpI77sLhVPLqPus9Zc2WB7EBojJnDgZiZ3rOmyAf6QnAuij1mToonuYzRngqd9kP0Dg-V_GF8IBNEQTnblUpp-61DFr8Dx1HKNgwjt8FCEr2RYG1HsjVufHdeVkTOT_9fQCMTMCqy90/s320/47585404_1590242724455736_140701658977368083_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where is the serial number on an egg stoller?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's on the side of the leg.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where does the rain cover fit on an egg stroller?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's supposed to fit in the little compartment below the feet but its a tight squeeze. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How do I use the newborn insert on an egg stoller?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yep, can you tell I was trying to assemble the darn thing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How to lengthen the straps on an egg stroller?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <a href="https://www.manualslib.com/manual/940276/Babystyle-Egg.html" target="_blank">Egg instruction manual</a> helps</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What baby magazines are good to read?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When did you leave your baby for the first time?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This really depends on the mum. Most forum group mums said that they stayed with baby for at least 2 months before leaving them overnight I found. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, soon-to-be-mamas out there... do you agree? What's your Google Search history looking like at the moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kinda nice to know you're not the only one frantically searching random pregnancy queries 20 times a day too? I hope so :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Love </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>LauraClaire</b></span>lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-43995841670529328012019-01-21T17:12:00.002+00:002019-01-21T17:12:16.704+00:00Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Review<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hi beauts, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was given <a href="https://uk.lizearle.com/" target="_blank">Liz Earle</a>'s Cleanse
and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser for Christmas - what a brilliant gift huh! It's
the limited edition a Winter Rose which contains Rose and Cedarwood and retails
at £23.50. Read my thoughts on it below…</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Liz Earle Packaging </span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you know I’m a sucker for
packaging. <a href="https://uk.lizearle.com/" target="_blank">Liz Earle</a>’s isn’t the cutest around but its certainly got a feeling
of luxury and quality. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The cleanser comes in a thick cardboard tube with two
cotton cloths to use with the cleanser. I like the design of the rose and cedarwood
wreath too – clean and crisp product and packaging design. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Liz Earle Product Quality</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Hot Cloth Cleanser boasts
naturally active ingredients with cocoa butter, rosemary and chamomile and it
shows.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was surprised how deliciously
rich and creamy it is and love its floral scent. It smells gorgeous and feel
luxurious to use. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also love that I can apply it to dry skin and how easily it
removes makeup. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Simply apply two pumps of the cleanser to dry skin, rub in and
then use the pure cotton cloth in hot water to wipe away. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The circular motions
and slight exfoliation of the cloth makes it incredibly easy to remove make up –
even mascara. I was shocked by how easy it was to remove without irritating my
skin. What’s even better is it’s perfect for all skin types.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Liz Earle Review</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would definitely buy Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth
Cleanser again and have been using it far more than the Micellar Water which is
usually my go to quick makeup remover. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Naturally the <a href="https://uk.lizearle.com/" target="_blank">Liz Earle</a> Cleanser takes a little more time to use
as you need to wait for the water to get hot etc but I prefer using it now as it
actually removes ALL my makeup. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes I find the Micellar Water can just push
my makeup across my face rather than actually remove it! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Soft on my skin, removes all my make up and totally worth the money. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Love <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>LauraClaire</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-30358158601211029382019-01-07T20:59:00.001+00:002019-01-07T20:59:36.565+00:00BusyLizzy Pregnancy Mum-to-Be Classes Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66t-FpNwZ51Zlho95iLS-Z6m-CtfPHGpynJERu68l1UiFvBqMW1woFLhgU4kN_9s1yXmvK9e99HLzhNIZuWe0ADSuzDJlrwjYcGiT7uSDmw8X5IUSNoTl8RigTenBC_WHklouQLUYp3VU/s1600/13320092_1785481548351426_394471315_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66t-FpNwZ51Zlho95iLS-Z6m-CtfPHGpynJERu68l1UiFvBqMW1woFLhgU4kN_9s1yXmvK9e99HLzhNIZuWe0ADSuzDJlrwjYcGiT7uSDmw8X5IUSNoTl8RigTenBC_WHklouQLUYp3VU/s640/13320092_1785481548351426_394471315_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before becoming pregnant I kept quite a strict fitness regime. I would do an exercise class every day during the week and liked to run on the weekends. This routine was greatly helped by my work that had an onsite gym and fitness classes I hasten to add - my will power is really not that strong! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, I'd wander on down to whatever gym class was on that lunch time, from yoga to kettle bells, and I absolutely loved it! At the start of this year I also ran my second half marathon, so slowing down with pregnancy was something that made me a little anxious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once work found out I was pregnant the class instructors were practically petrified to have me in class with them so I soon dropped out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I went down and used the free weights and bike a little at first but soon morning sickness had me in its grasp and I spent lunch times sleeping in the sick room instead! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joining Epsom BusyLizzy Classes</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was keen to find a pregnancy class and at around 23 weeks stumbled upon BusyLizzy as a friend had joined for the mum and baby classes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'd already searched online and was really quite shocked by the lack of mum-to-be fitness classes in generally to be honest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am with the <a href="https://tms.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistrations/Register.aspx?CompanyID=2471&GroupID=2098980" target="_blank">Epsom & Leatherhead branch</a>, which hold Mums-to-bee Pilates followed by Yoga every Monday in Ewell. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you've been working out fairly frequently before getting pregnant, you'll likely find the classes fairly easy but I've really enjoyed simply being in the same room as other pregnant woman (a fairly rare thing until you go to NCT classes) and excising without worried stares. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Yoga classes are great and our instructor makes sure we are focusing on pregnancy-benefiting moves and techniques. Yoga class was the first time I'd even thought about my pelvic floor! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylJAcFXPrMbsXYii3mBYWnbLtR6VAFVSVaimIkeqI7Vo6HQlgdaGIvXSKkfYxXHODDvFFoVC3SQScehyphenhyphen3E52aUFbk0XrKUZVAjPtIaIiocwCnvT654jvIr0c4A6rvQq3hjyTZNTLQu0sI/s1600/44921345_117548085845872_1713681407781122357_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylJAcFXPrMbsXYii3mBYWnbLtR6VAFVSVaimIkeqI7Vo6HQlgdaGIvXSKkfYxXHODDvFFoVC3SQScehyphenhyphen3E52aUFbk0XrKUZVAjPtIaIiocwCnvT654jvIr0c4A6rvQq3hjyTZNTLQu0sI/s640/44921345_117548085845872_1713681407781122357_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">BusyLizzy Sign Up </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I signed up to the membership through a discount and now pay £40 a month to use the service which allows me to join 4 classes a week. As the pregnancy class choice is a little limited this number of classes works fine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because its been created with pregnancy and babies in mind it is also very flexible - you can cancel a class up to 2 hours before it starts. Perfect for if random morning sickness or any aches or pains kick in. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Brilliant from Pregnancy to baby and beyond</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What really attracted me though was that once you were signed up, the membership would adapt to you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On babies due date my membership will freeze until I am ready to restart it. On restarting I'll then be able to pick from a vast array of classes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some are more for mums wanting to get back into shape (the Mummy and Me Classes) whilst others are more baby focused (Baby Classes like baby massage). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also have the option to up my membership to allow me to attend more than 4 classes each month. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Verdict</span></h3>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Worth the money - £10 is about the average Maternity class cost in my area</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Limited at pregnancy stage (in my area) but still a great way to meet new people</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Very flexible with unused classes rolling over and class cancellations allowed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fantastic fitness membership to take you from pregnancy right through to growing baby</span></li>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They hold classes in Greater London, Surrey, Berkshire, Herts and Sussex. A free taster class was how I got involved with BusyLizzy fitness - <a href="https://busylizzy.co.uk/bee-my-guest/" target="_blank">Try your taster class today!</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Love </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>LauraClaire</b></span>lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-86025797956410730562019-01-07T20:58:00.000+00:002019-01-07T20:58:56.833+00:00Top 5 Baby Shower Gift Ideas for Mum-to-be<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Baby showers are of course all about baby but every so often, amongst the teeny tiny socks, nappy cakes and burp muslins it's a nice treat to find a gift snuck in for mum too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After all, she'll be the one needing a bit of TLC and pampering both before and after the 'Big Day'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, here's my round up of the best baby shower gift ideas for mum-to-be</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Mama Mio Luxury Skin Care</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mama Mio is a brand I knew little about before pregnancy but have come to absolutely LOVE. They're not the cheapest out their either so a Mama Mio skin care goodie would give mum-to-be a touch of luxury as well as looking after. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiNIkAPRgS4WbC8D3C_GfCM4D9kLSRqMxzKTxme_S-fIfVJKKeZ_H3siSOP7d7sbbQRuRctj6TnDMIT3E23WgVu7fySdC0eUOsu6CVRxS0oJQyK9zN7RFY3R_U83PpW3yFRjFZadA1IeX/s1600/47585404_1590242724455736_140701658977368083_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiNIkAPRgS4WbC8D3C_GfCM4D9kLSRqMxzKTxme_S-fIfVJKKeZ_H3siSOP7d7sbbQRuRctj6TnDMIT3E23WgVu7fySdC0eUOsu6CVRxS0oJQyK9zN7RFY3R_U83PpW3yFRjFZadA1IeX/s640/47585404_1590242724455736_140701658977368083_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mama Mio's <a href="https://www.mioskincare.co.uk/mama-mio-the-tummy-rub-butter-120g/11098394.html" target="_blank">The Tummy Rub Butter</a> retails at around £23.50 for 120g and works wonders both before and after baby arrives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If she's been complaining of swelling the <a href="https://www.mioskincare.co.uk/mama-mio-lucky-legs-cooling-leg-gel-100ml/11098399.html" target="_blank">Lucky Legs Cooling Energising Gel retails at £19.50</a> and is a great excuse to force hubby into a foot massage!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Memory Keepers </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gifts like keepsake boxes, baby record books and 'My First Year' picture frames are gorgeous ideas that are more for mum than they'll ever be for baby. If she likes sentimental presents this is a great buy. <a href="https://www.mothercare.com/gift/shop-by-occasion/gifts-for-mums/" target="_blank">MotherCare</a> and <a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/gifts/best-gifts-for-mums-to-be" target="_blank">Not on the High Street</a> have some beautiful gifts around this theme. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The My Baby Record Book I bought for a steal - £3 from <a href="https://www.theworks.co.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAjszhBRDgARIsAH8Kgvd88bPcBJXA9uzPUeBGIVJAhpxFAT9pl_T2jsIne6d21qgtZNT0NmMaAmSzEALw_wcB" target="_blank">The Works</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Spa and Beauty Treatment Vouchers </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">At 31 weeks pregnant I've already decided that I'm going to do some serious pampering before this baby pops! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaMm71idgMdd2AgkNEbxYJWbjKyYUhFymUooe0QfMaJCdZC-crfVPjdrpKzHHA9rKF6rRdoIg6T3UIFiZ6uGjVG3uKr2bCy0HnrjkOwsNhrRHOl6VaSRZJXGTMZJXlgaKbGj5CS09rBuN/s1600/IMG_20150228_110729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaMm71idgMdd2AgkNEbxYJWbjKyYUhFymUooe0QfMaJCdZC-crfVPjdrpKzHHA9rKF6rRdoIg6T3UIFiZ6uGjVG3uKr2bCy0HnrjkOwsNhrRHOl6VaSRZJXGTMZJXlgaKbGj5CS09rBuN/s640/IMG_20150228_110729.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've enjoyed being pregnant and have happily watched my body change with awe aplenty but I still feel like I'm missing a little bit of my old glamorous self - groaning like an old woman every time you stand up and waddling around the place will do that to a girl! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm opting for eyelash extensions, gel mani/pedi and maybe even a spray tan. If you're mum-to-be likes to keep preened she'll definitely appreciate this gift - How about a <a href="https://www.champneys.com/city-spa/location-page/" target="_blank">Champneys beauty treatment</a> at one of their 5 city spas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">OK, so not as glamorous I'll admit but I'm told these are a MUST for any new mum. When baby arrives the last thing she'll want to do is cook. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Choose <a href="https://www.cookfood.net/" target="_blank">Cook</a> online or in store for their staggering number of choices and their quality. You can buy vouchers, book for a selection to arrive or even purchase one of their <a href="https://www.cookfood.net/menu/ranges/meal-boxes/new-parents" target="_blank">New Parents Meal Boxes</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>5. A Mum and Baby Photo Shoot </b></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are photo shoot packages like this aplenty in your local area. Just check out Net Mums for a list as long as your arm - here's <a href="https://www.netmums.com/east-surrey/local/index/local-services/photographers" target="_blank">East Surrey's photographers</a>. A voucher works best so she can book at a time and day that suits best... and inspire her to get out of those PJs she's been wearing for three days straight!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggs75P3CecV_NA1osuIvWvG2o-b04D3Ak_vVQr0KbzXWBZc5PSNAkKTJVhq84ZUgef9b8aG8-iO6_EztpJa4M6e8oi_5s7ZHZq1t1-RHy1irMTC6PaInvxGBns_wI_eODa2JJhZwEM1r-/s1600/IMG_20130915_200557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggs75P3CecV_NA1osuIvWvG2o-b04D3Ak_vVQr0KbzXWBZc5PSNAkKTJVhq84ZUgef9b8aG8-iO6_EztpJa4M6e8oi_5s7ZHZq1t1-RHy1irMTC6PaInvxGBns_wI_eODa2JJhZwEM1r-/s320/IMG_20130915_200557.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What's more perfect is they can be tailored exactly to mum-to-be's tastes. A lovely family activity with keepsakes she'll treasure for years and be able to display proudly in her home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Love </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /><span style="color: #e06666;">LauraClaire</span></b></span>lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-51850815721768112742019-01-07T14:43:00.001+00:002019-01-07T16:10:35.921+00:00Product Review: Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy New Year! </span></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's our first week back and I'm desperate to start sharing some of my thoughts on pregnancy products I've been trying out over the past few months. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of my favourites has to be <a href="https://www.mioskincare.co.uk/mama-mio-the-tummy-rub-butter-120g/11098394.html" target="_blank">Mama Mio's The Tummy Rub Butter</a>. I started using it around 6 weeks ago. I'd currently been using Boots Stretch Mark Oil Spray which works a treat too. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.mioskincare.co.uk/mama-mio-the-tummy-rub-butter-120g/11098394.html" target="_blank">The Tummy Rub Butter</a> is fair pricey but as I'd been gifted it by family it was a glorious treat as I started to get bigger... and bigger. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mama Mio Packaging </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a more luxury skincare brand their packaging really attracts the eye. I love the bright pinks and the quality of product presentation. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mama Mio Pricing </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Tummy Rub Butter is certainly not cheap. It retails at <a href="https://www.mioskincare.co.uk/mama-mio-the-tummy-rub-butter-120g/11098394.html" target="_blank">£23.50 for a 120g tub</a> and after 6 weeks of use on my chest, hips and bump I'm more than half way through the tub already. If I followed their recommended application amount of twice a day it would already be finished. However, it is a luxury item and does feel like a treat to use rather than just another baby bump chore. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mama Mio Product Quality </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The ingredients are high quality. Mama Mio use '<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #111111;">Omega-packed organic oils in an organic Shea Butter base'. That's a combination of organic coconut, avocado and shea. They're</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"> free from parabens, petrolatum, colourants, xenoestrogens, PEGs and phthalates and cruelty-free too. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The thick white cream feel luxurious too. it's easy to rub in and dissolves in the skin quickly- perfect when I was applying just before bed as I could hop straight under the covers without waiting around to dry! </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The smell is delicious and one of the things that make this product feel are luxurious as it is. It's a subtle creamy and refreshing scent that you just don't get with basic oils. I loved going to bed smelling great. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter Results </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm 30 weeks pregnant and I still don't have one stretch mark! I've been applying The Tummy Rub daily + whenever I get an itchy bump and it seems to be doing the trick. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Round Up</span></h3>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">An Expensive 9 month habit - I'd only start to use this product in the late 2nd and 3rd trimesters when your bump really starts to grow<br /><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">An added boost of luxury when you're feeling extremely pregnant - helped turn nightly bump maintenance into a more pampering experience<br /><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After 6 weeks it has worked for me - I'm pleased to report that at 30 weeks pregnant I'm yet to have a single stretch mark. I've loved using The Tummy Rub Butter and have actually been given another tub ready for my last few months so I'll update you of the final result when it comes!</span></li>
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</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Love </b></span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>LauraClaire </b></span><br />
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<br />lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-75515810539143463092018-12-11T10:16:00.002+00:002018-12-11T10:16:03.701+00:00Autumnal Day Makeup Look <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgHioE1U_wYxi52-9_J2vOkT1GVzhRl6Otj9FFuTRFM5nSpFXZQa7Mmou3oxFzPkUFmxUZAOKHEdTQcjPKK61Wrjs_whurzBZGtwVt91nXicXguamc1vfo1YxH8q5tjcnREmOBHaKtDAc/s1600/13258917_1187991327932017_720827885_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgHioE1U_wYxi52-9_J2vOkT1GVzhRl6Otj9FFuTRFM5nSpFXZQa7Mmou3oxFzPkUFmxUZAOKHEdTQcjPKK61Wrjs_whurzBZGtwVt91nXicXguamc1vfo1YxH8q5tjcnREmOBHaKtDAc/s640/13258917_1187991327932017_720827885_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What I used: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lips - Chanel 458 Marlene</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eyes - MAC loose pigments in Reflects Bronze, Naked & Out All Night</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brows - Benefit Brow Zings Kit 5</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Skin Primer - Benefit "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lashes - Eylure Volume No. 100</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Skin - Boots No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation in Deeply Beige </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blush - Benefit Coralista </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finish - MUA Matte Perfect Translucent Loose Powder for Shine Control </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love </span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><b>LauraClaire</b></span></div>
lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-11950963028711532282018-11-20T19:52:00.000+00:002018-11-20T19:52:30.682+00:00Post the Perfect Surprise with a Personalised Cake from Bakerdays<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who doesn't love surprise post! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With our whole lives being digital and household bills and statements going paperless I find it's pretty rare these days that I really receive post. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong there's sometimes a cheeky Amazon purchase or a splurge at ASOS to arrive at my doorstop but they're the sort of post that often brings up big lashing of buyers remorse. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmOQqOW3PxxqJGXYQG9h0FQw6gWEJ2MmH6DXNJzNU9jxvnaUVwgBjVLGVqWyDxiUZ4_rnbl80j293YB5E7yD96l4zgV9cC2A3XzNq8JX7syjAjT7mFdNK7NIqgVRKplCHGo6-EgagSzcu/s1600/20181119_181035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1590" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmOQqOW3PxxqJGXYQG9h0FQw6gWEJ2MmH6DXNJzNU9jxvnaUVwgBjVLGVqWyDxiUZ4_rnbl80j293YB5E7yD96l4zgV9cC2A3XzNq8JX7syjAjT7mFdNK7NIqgVRKplCHGo6-EgagSzcu/s640/20181119_181035.jpg" width="633" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Instead, i'm talking about surprise post - the type of post that brings you back to the days of pen pals and that wonderful feeling of a special item arriving unannounced and just for you. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is what <a href="https://www.bakerdays.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA_s7fBRDrARIsAGEvF8QxFP9Ya-fCYzW5KU5gVqvI2qZkJPZnQ-ZAYf3jVcuFxFX_Lqs0CvkaAjwlEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Bakerdays </a>offers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This November marks the 5th year of mine and hubbies meeting and its a pretty big deal. Well, pretty big deal for me... his longest relationship was 8 years... gees that's more a life sentence! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyhoo, being 'with child' meant any fun booze-filled adventures were off the cards. This is where <a href="https://www.bakerdays.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA_s7fBRDrARIsAGEvF8QxFP9Ya-fCYzW5KU5gVqvI2qZkJPZnQ-ZAYf3jVcuFxFX_Lqs0CvkaAjwlEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Bakerdays </a>lent a hand. They offered to send one of their gorgeous cakes to review instead and I'm so glad they did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The selection on their website is impressive too. They have an extensive selection of cake sizes from <a href="https://www.bakerdays.com/personalised-cupcakes" target="_blank">cute cupcakes</a> to <a href="https://www.bakerdays.com/occasion-cakes" target="_blank">large colourful cakes</a> to suite any celebration. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With Bakerdays you head to their website and can choose from tonnes of different designs, adding your own personalisation or even photos to your cake. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBzTblFoiu_iobOfcl92tZ7h37_n4gnHPvn-FK-ib6cdAWhmaJmGAv2z8r1FKBZl5ZScstVFVhXWkDCccLn57aa8jrZ1ps4650yABR4aCKXqz7bgVM4yUS0HoKw1lqVbXlgYcH7MtKuEK/s1600/20181120_115257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="1600" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBzTblFoiu_iobOfcl92tZ7h37_n4gnHPvn-FK-ib6cdAWhmaJmGAv2z8r1FKBZl5ZScstVFVhXWkDCccLn57aa8jrZ1ps4650yABR4aCKXqz7bgVM4yUS0HoKw1lqVbXlgYcH7MtKuEK/s640/20181120_115257.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First you pick a cake size and type of filling. I chose letterbox as it was super cute and easy for postie. This size is about 5 inches and retails at £14.99. I was impressed by the choice of fillings from chocolate and lemon drizzle to even a gluten-free option. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then it's time to add your personalisation. You can choose what message is written and in what style font and even upload an image. It was great to have such a free-licence with the design. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It took me a while to choose from the 69 designs Bakerdays had avaliable just for '<a href="https://www.bakerdays.com/occasion-cakes/anniversary-cakes" target="_blank">Anniversary</a>' but eventually I landed on this <a href="https://www.bakerdays.com/products/personalised-cakes/ted-love-note" target="_blank">Ted Love Note Cake</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCw6M8irq6szyhvwAhXNpdzCzS1fJwF5Bw2lkIOU-gZ7ZEWi1e8MRRtzwxfZ5FdI4RkY8xwPa9j-wu3TkiwUiNDkI5NnpMVc94OrfwilBb2rXzgCKGqjnQ6OUuAwnO5NtonQQ7OLfyMjy/s1600/44622172_258621035007167_2334742695467741047_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCw6M8irq6szyhvwAhXNpdzCzS1fJwF5Bw2lkIOU-gZ7ZEWi1e8MRRtzwxfZ5FdI4RkY8xwPa9j-wu3TkiwUiNDkI5NnpMVc94OrfwilBb2rXzgCKGqjnQ6OUuAwnO5NtonQQ7OLfyMjy/s1600/44622172_258621035007167_2334742695467741047_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, you pick the date you want your surprise celebration cake to arrive and voila! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was really easy and simple and arrived on time and packaged to perfection. I always wonder how companies manage to post such delicate items out and the arrive unscathed but <a href="https://www.bakerdays.com/customer-services/about-bakerdays" target="_blank">Bakerdays </a>had thought of everything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The packaging was letterbox-shaped for easy posting. Upon opening the cake was snuggly fit into a cake tin which was bolstered either side to stop it sliding around. Inside the tin the cake too was secured to make sure it arrived as perfect as it left. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">But most importantly... the taste.</span> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I opted for traditional sponge and I've got to say, it tastes as good as it looks! Sometimes cakes can be a bit of a let down but we both agreed this perfect-sized sharer cake hits the spot... with a cuppa in hand of course. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The perfect easy-send gift, thank you <a href="https://www.bakerdays.com/" target="_blank">Bakerdays </a>for letting us test it out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Love </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>LauraClaire</b></span>lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-16899979081565454632018-11-15T18:29:00.002+00:002018-11-15T18:30:40.898+00:00Luxury Advent Calendars to Suit Every Taste 2018<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Luxury Advent Calendars are massive this year and have been gaining popularity for the last few years with the market flooded with even more choice. Here's a round up of my favourite luxury advent calendars on the market to suite every personality...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The one for Tea Lovers</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With flavours like White Tea Lychee Cocoa, Post Festival Cleanse Me, Chai Immune Boost and Energise Me For Holiday what's not to love! As I'm pregnant and swapping gin for tea at the moment this <a href="https://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/products/english-tea-shop/english-tea-shop-book-style-organic-tea-advent-calendar---25-bags/?utm_source=AFW&utm_medium=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2F&utm_campaign=AFW&awc=3651_1539110331_6092877f26403f9455c28dd1b4d7f743" target="_blank">Advent Calendar from The English Tea Shop</a> is high up on my wish list. </span><br />
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<a href="https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/10/08/10/english-tea-shop-book-style-organic-tea-advent-calendar.jpg?w600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/10/08/10/english-tea-shop-book-style-organic-tea-advent-calendar.jpg?w600" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">£8.95</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The one for the sweet tooth</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #281e1e; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I LOVE anything sweet and this <a href="https://nakedmarshmallow.co.uk/product/marshmallow-advent-calendar/" target="_blank">marshmallow advent calendar from Naked Mashmallow</a> is a fun twist on the usual crappy chocolate calendars. Their flavours include salted caramel, candy floss, strawberry cream, gingerbread, mint choc chip and the American favourite; s’mores. Aside from the marshmallows themselves you’ll also get a chocolate spoon on Christmas day, designed to melt into your favourite hot drink. </span><br />
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<a href="https://nakedmarshmallow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Naked-Marshmallow-Co-Advent-Calander-2-180x180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="180" height="200" src="https://nakedmarshmallow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Naked-Marshmallow-Co-Advent-Calander-2-180x180.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">£15 </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The one for the stationery obsessed</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #696a6d; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">Ok, so at £85 it's a little bit more luxury but with everything from a personalised notebook, to a luxury pen, </span><span style="background-color: white;">brass ruler, foiled thank you cards and chic paperclips this once seems worth it! Check out the super cute packaging too at <a href="https://www.marthabrook.com/24-days-of-stationery-advent-calendar.html#.W7eSzGhKjcs" target="_blank">Martha Brook</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"><b>The one for the big kid</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #696a6d;"><br /></span>So this is an annual favourite in our family and we'll be getting one again this year too. <a href="https://shop.lego.com/en-GB/LEGO-Star-Wars-Advent-Calendar-75213?CMP=AFC-AffiliateUK" target="_blank">Star Wars Lego Advent Calendars</a> are fun, creative and great for grown ups as well as mini jedi's. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/09/10/11/lego-star-wars-advent-calendar.jpg?w600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/09/10/11/lego-star-wars-advent-calendar.jpg?w600" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">£19.97 </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #696a6d;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #990000;"><b>The one for the booze hound</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If Advent Calendars are spirit animals this is my guide! <a href="https://www.virginwines.co.uk/wine-advent-calendar?ref=VB1216&media_code=VGN_GIFTS&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=VB1216&gclid=CjwKCAiAz7TfBRAKEiwAz8fKOBakFMRgWQflU4tVh4W_CQMX4NYWbzQA8PfSHPhIFxeIi5GAWNvjDhoCj9QQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">The Virgin Wines Advent Calendar</a> boasts 34 awards between the selection of reds, whites, rosé, port and fizz. Yum!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">£79.99</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "gillsansmt" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>The one for the spa lover </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #696a6d; font-family: "gillsansmt" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #696a6d; font-family: "gillsansmt" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The market is flooded with beauty and spa advent calendars now but I must say this <a href="https://www.rituals.com/en-gb/the-ritual-of-advent-exclusive-calendar-1103640.html?source=productlisting" target="_blank">Advent Calendar from </a></span></span><a href="https://www.rituals.com/en-gb/the-ritual-of-advent-exclusive-calendar-1103640.html?source=productlisting" target="_blank">Rituals</a> with 24 treats worth over £120, seems to tick all the boxes and at the right price. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Love </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>LauraClaire</b></span></div>
lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-52496154828748087002018-10-25T16:15:00.000+01:002018-10-25T16:15:03.180+01:005 Super Easy Maternity Halloween Costumes <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The Lazy Mum-to-be's Guide to </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Pregnancy Halloween Costumes</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">1. 8 Ball</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A super cute and insanely easy idea. 1 paper plate, 1 black marker, a couple of pins and you're sorted!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2plpH7ucIEVS6OYXUClQ4UjsreFKs4Q2BW-b9_l9U-lmdjak_wuFY4SJp9Bg-Nysdpm16-HuCWEVll4WYwWVg1isGPf35Khz4NZVxXd8o1_z17XOWLWAuxJbixgxJUsguH2tOEYJZTum/s1600/magic8ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2plpH7ucIEVS6OYXUClQ4UjsreFKs4Q2BW-b9_l9U-lmdjak_wuFY4SJp9Bg-Nysdpm16-HuCWEVll4WYwWVg1isGPf35Khz4NZVxXd8o1_z17XOWLWAuxJbixgxJUsguH2tOEYJZTum/s320/magic8ball.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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</span> <span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">2. Avocado</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So you can go all out with the cardboard and paints like the first snap here but the second snap is just as cute and a lot quicker to make. A bit of card, some markers and paints and some string. Bingo! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsACA3bQEzKNJmvg6OUzmrzWI_vx0ymmPRhA1UH_vLyDSOu78lz25bLdkpl1NBP_4sX9E3bC50yNcNgAVPXFUPMBsuOm1suXNrdsjqrA7TJ6vosdO7IUA7_911oCYbhOuMsjATK7k8FKh/s1600/avocado+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsACA3bQEzKNJmvg6OUzmrzWI_vx0ymmPRhA1UH_vLyDSOu78lz25bLdkpl1NBP_4sX9E3bC50yNcNgAVPXFUPMBsuOm1suXNrdsjqrA7TJ6vosdO7IUA7_911oCYbhOuMsjATK7k8FKh/s320/avocado+love.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk7RPMEcrNgrB-jvedaOibM55ugQ_qWj0RKF-q8zwgng-GOxvvwx2n51-_UOKuRDjW1u8QlgpneN5UgyR1nDLm2Bx_LcBp5k3yH__Se82s68wGZIEQoxgcGCwddkLFtVqP29yOU51M2QF/s1600/avocado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk7RPMEcrNgrB-jvedaOibM55ugQ_qWj0RKF-q8zwgng-GOxvvwx2n51-_UOKuRDjW1u8QlgpneN5UgyR1nDLm2Bx_LcBp5k3yH__Se82s68wGZIEQoxgcGCwddkLFtVqP29yOU51M2QF/s320/avocado.jpg" width="256" /></span></a></div>
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</span> <span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">3. Fried Egg </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love this idea! All you need is a yellow tshirt, some white card, string and scissors... looks great right?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtPVzV115f_gZ2FqmxOG_kGJ50u9fJf0f_f9lpRkKZ5PDlGvN2SiY1Mcpb3JyzmcXKWAWEnefjwcnB_CcmcQNbpNtBgn78o-XxeqIx-i3GL1LL2j_p8OHLh_0dz3cUtuq_HNWrWAIm_0D/s1600/egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtPVzV115f_gZ2FqmxOG_kGJ50u9fJf0f_f9lpRkKZ5PDlGvN2SiY1Mcpb3JyzmcXKWAWEnefjwcnB_CcmcQNbpNtBgn78o-XxeqIx-i3GL1LL2j_p8OHLh_0dz3cUtuq_HNWrWAIm_0D/s320/egg.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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</span> <span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Or, you can do what this lady did.. Scrap the card and cut a hole in a white tee. Easy peasy! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW_ZxVmo5uqTAm21cQbG5cpQ4aCfxPBbJKdjI4J4CdizYCezaDDvufivSOH7tAWP-1_V-TstmTMeuY37KEpZX3LT3gONftoTd0zd90VRCbwSNLkxun9KRBt38qZu7SaHzBjb76DUyoSDm/s1600/fried+egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1100" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW_ZxVmo5uqTAm21cQbG5cpQ4aCfxPBbJKdjI4J4CdizYCezaDDvufivSOH7tAWP-1_V-TstmTMeuY37KEpZX3LT3gONftoTd0zd90VRCbwSNLkxun9KRBt38qZu7SaHzBjb76DUyoSDm/s320/fried+egg.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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</span> <span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">4. Skeleton Maternity Tee</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A quick and easy Amazon purchase... now who doesn't like that one eh?</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0763V3ZKK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B0763V3ZKK&linkCode=as2&tag=luckypretty-21&linkId=e765c5914a67e8deb7e7b76d90c2a41b" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=GB&ASIN=B0763V3ZKK&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=luckypretty-21" /></a></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=luckypretty-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B00HY0ZKWM&asins=B00HY0ZKWM&linkId=a704b13b053bfd512e05a09c38a53d9d&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=luckypretty-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B0142Z4AR2&asins=B0142Z4AR2&linkId=b962c0d55d17f41d3dc4a0e96c89396f&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=luckypretty-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B074KR2QR8&asins=B074KR2QR8&linkId=573f8a31ffc5ae055e8170c6d0ffd649&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div>
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</span> <span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">5. Pumpkin</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One orange shirt, black markers or cut out black felt and you've got yourself a cute little pregnancy bump pumpkin!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa5kUtPmuT9ewG_xfWRBg-ljJJHG9HLfuefZnPqB4zq6_4xgg9a0p_syKQ0k4htek4wybawoAFDdMPKZloAMt7KfliMsY9ngDXsVGk80UOaaUfCpK9Q4EMQ0On2ZU_6MMkzSc0okn2TaA/s1600/pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa5kUtPmuT9ewG_xfWRBg-ljJJHG9HLfuefZnPqB4zq6_4xgg9a0p_syKQ0k4htek4wybawoAFDdMPKZloAMt7KfliMsY9ngDXsVGk80UOaaUfCpK9Q4EMQ0On2ZU_6MMkzSc0okn2TaA/s320/pumpkin.jpg" width="307" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Love </span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">LC</span></div>
<br />lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-15622370366942698752018-10-21T13:31:00.000+01:002018-10-21T13:31:18.569+01:00The brands to watch from the Baby & Toddler Show 2018<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was lucky enough to get free tickets to this years Baby & Toddler show at Sandown Racecourse in Esher in September.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Baby and Toddler show has event all around the country and is supported by Emma's Diary. The next show is in <a href="https://babyandtoddlershow.co.uk/glasgow/" target="_blank">Glasgow in April 2019</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With my mum in tow, I scanned the vast array of stalls for things that stood out most to me as a mum-to-be. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>And here’s my top picks…</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b>Beautiful swaddles and blankets at Milleemooandyou</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you know I love home-grown talent and supporting UK companies and with <a href="https://www.milleemooandyou.com/" target="_blank">Milleemooandyou</a> I had the pleasure of meeting Manolee, the founder of <a href="https://www.milleemooandyou.com/" target="_blank">Milleemooandyou</a> at the show. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkWqSwxpfNr18HAuPEUKrGFNJhRiMc8U3XrUPCQ9Jnbv9_MWHEqjylzYLu-5_N6xI08Y7pqLZKEhA_CGoquuIzVza3oCBaXjv_IiVG72ZIBbNzqfIAC6iyt8tqKxyc72CbJsAEx-NGaPK/s1600/20180909_140719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkWqSwxpfNr18HAuPEUKrGFNJhRiMc8U3XrUPCQ9Jnbv9_MWHEqjylzYLu-5_N6xI08Y7pqLZKEhA_CGoquuIzVza3oCBaXjv_IiVG72ZIBbNzqfIAC6iyt8tqKxyc72CbJsAEx-NGaPK/s400/20180909_140719.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her gorgeous collection are all handmade in India, stood out to me for two reasons. Firstly, how soft they were. The combination of Bamboo and organic cotton make them gorgeously silky smooth to touch. Secondly, the unique patterns and designs. We saw a lot of gorgeous but mass-produced items at the show, so these really stood out from the crowd. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg62dOwJRtk4SpfSzvfE5WrthDulbv_8kxv12Jkv2-5CBMR0Pirzy9Z6yKyEdUcDOaCViWszLuwowEbmn9inTWueKVrINMFY8JZb1eW4nR1IZPzYa8QMAdEzMbsmzQJQQ5HzU9Jyq9pG5H/s1600/20180909_140804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg62dOwJRtk4SpfSzvfE5WrthDulbv_8kxv12Jkv2-5CBMR0Pirzy9Z6yKyEdUcDOaCViWszLuwowEbmn9inTWueKVrINMFY8JZb1eW4nR1IZPzYa8QMAdEzMbsmzQJQQ5HzU9Jyq9pG5H/s400/20180909_140804.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">My mum treated me to these two large white <a href="https://www.milleemooandyou.com/product-page/pom-pom-swaddles" target="_blank">pom pom swaddles</a> with super cute pompoms in peach and red. Perfect for baby but also for wearing yourself! I’m all about dual purpose.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;"><b>Delicious smelling mum and baby products at Harry & Rose</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As a first-time mum-to-be I can’t say I’d ever heard of <a href="https://harryandrose.com/" target="_blank">Harry & Rose</a> but with their award-winning line up of beauty and care products you may well have! </span><br />
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<a href="https://harryandrose.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Harry-and-rose-baby-soft-lotion.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="800" height="316" src="https://harryandrose.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Harry-and-rose-baby-soft-lotion.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">My favourite is the <a href="https://harryandrose.com/product/baby-soft-lotion/" target="_blank">baby soft lotion</a> that retails at £7.50 with its subtle creamy scent. It’s perfect for baby’s skin and even on sensitive skin and it’s thick enough to lather on baby without running all over the place too. </span><br />
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<a href="https://harryandrose.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Harry-Rose-Baby-Nappy-Spray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://harryandrose.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Harry-Rose-Baby-Nappy-Spray.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Another of their products which took my interest was their <a href="https://harryandrose.com/product/baby-nappy-spray/" target="_blank">nappy spray</a> that retails at £5.50. Not at the stage where I could test it yet but the idea of using a protective spray to guard against nappy rash rather than thick Sudocrem or another cream that needed to be rubbed in seemed like a great idea.</span><br />
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</iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=luckypretty-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B01M5JGANK&asins=B01M5JGANK&linkId=9783e7ef97809030b0295f358e026b53&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>The multipurpose nature of Snugglebundl</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Both mum and I were pretty won over by this <a href="https://www.snugglebundl.co.uk/" target="_blank">Snugglebundl </a>product which seemed great for new born babies. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.snugglebundl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/stars7-openbundl-800x800-768x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://www.snugglebundl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/stars7-openbundl-800x800-768x768.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">It’s a simple concept that replaces blankets in the day and make transporting baby from arms to cot to car seat seamless. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">The design makes baby feel cocooned and safe and supports their head and neck in a little ‘shopping-bag-style hammock’ if you need to move them around.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><b>Design-led luxury nappy bags from KeriKit</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a pleasure to meet the designer of <a href="https://kerikit.com/" target="_blank">KeriKit bags</a> at the event. Having always been a designer she saw a gap in the market for fashion-forward nappy bags made with quality and care whilst struggling to find anything appropriate after the birth of her first. Her designs come in backpack or shoulder bag formats and with all the pockets and secret spaces you could want.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://kerikit.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Joy-Xl-Stud-BLK-2-600x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://kerikit.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Joy-Xl-Stud-BLK-2-600x600.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The<a href="https://kerikit.com/product/joy-black-studded-leather-backpack-changing-bag/" target="_blank"> Joy Stud Black backpack</a> was a favourite for me which I tried on at the event. It’s made of leather so will get better with ages, has every pocket type and zipped compartment you could dream of and, once baby is grown, is stylish enough to use as an every day bag. </span></div>
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</iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=luckypretty-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=B07BMF7ZSL&asins=B07BMF7ZSL&linkId=bbb4b1f4f6134479da2ef6f535e42fe5&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love </span></div>
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><b>LauraClaire</b></span></div>
lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-52898851561500436602018-10-18T13:00:00.000+01:002018-10-18T13:00:08.155+01:00What happens at your first NHS UK midwife appointment<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I had my first midwife appointment booked in around week 9 and when the confirmation letter arrived through the post I was a little apprehensive about what it would actually involve. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the UK, midwife’s handle all of your antenatal care in the run up to ‘baby day’ and mine was at the local hospital I’d told my Doctor I’d like to give birth at.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My appointment took around an hour and a half and was a good way to get acquainted with the layout of the hospital – after all, I was going to be spend A LOT of time there in the next few months!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we arrived at reception I was asked to do a urine sample before the appointment and got an infamous <a href="http://www.bounty.com/pregnancy-and-birth/pregnancy">Bounty</a> folder and lots of useful information to digest later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/pregnancy-information-folder.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="474" height="210" src="https://www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/pregnancy-information-folder.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Should you bring your partner?</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;">Sure - I did, and it was absolutely fine. I think it’s nice to share in the antenatal experience and I wasn’t the only one either, the waiting room had 4 other couples doing the same. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Your midwife will want to speak to you alone for a few questions but the rest they can be involved in. It’s also handy to have them in the room as some of the questions about lifestyle and health relate to the father.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My midwife brought me into the room and later Jason followed and began to explain the whole process and important things I’d need to know. She was absolutely brilliant and, I’d imagine like most midwifes, very warm and kind to speak to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next, we began answering a long and varied list of questions all designed to find out about us and our health and wellbeing really. If we smoke, how much we drink, if we’ve ever done drugs, hereditary illness in our direct family, our mental health, my job etc etc etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />After this my blood pressure was taken, my weight and height to determine my BMI and I was sent off for three blood samples. Then… we were done!</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="940" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4u_fO8ZNHuce-NhFqNzwVsdO5EUJM3vvFe_0K_AyazghWHNnmRtqvSjgCOO-QQ8AbCtWkCXxEb3qcCcC_tmFkTy7cSeiJexOB3REYTHbGCJdmxyJTgJjRHuGmqISDAvyfcbYySv8z6u-d/s640/maternity+notes.PNG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What was also great is that they had an online system set up called <a href="https://www.pregnotes.net/">Maternity Notes</a>. It meant that, when my results did arrive, I would be able to access them straight away in real-time from either my laptop or my phone.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">6 things to do before your first midwife appointment:</span></b></h3>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Drink plenty of water – they’ll expect a urine sample on arrival</span></li>
<li style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: large;">Make a list of questions you want to ask (You’ll find some inspiration here)</span></li>
<li style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bring a pad and pen - You’ll likely be given a lot of information and possibly some new dates too</span></li>
<li style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: large;">Make sure you know the date of the start of your last period – they’ll use this to estimate your due date</span></li>
<li style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: large;">Avoid taking you top off every 5 minutes for blood tests and blood pressures by wearing a short-sleeved top</span></li>
<li style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: large;">If the hospital car parking charge is anything like ours way… be prepared to spend your life-savings on it</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As always, thanks for reading! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;">Love </span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;">LauraClaire</span></div>
lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-4755082136093241012018-10-14T13:30:00.000+01:002018-10-15T17:07:57.286+01:0010 items to get you through the 1st Trimester<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgMw8LQ8Qu8/W4W2lFMnPGI/AAAAAAAAEGE/jFu_VlH_zAU6Bf2GK1M12GzBkHeXbXtIgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20180723_210530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgMw8LQ8Qu8/W4W2lFMnPGI/AAAAAAAAEGE/jFu_VlH_zAU6Bf2GK1M12GzBkHeXbXtIgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/20180723_210530.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The </span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">10 items I realised I desperately couldn't live with out to get me through the horrid 1st Trimester as a new mum-to-be...</span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">Pregnancy Apps</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Top of the list of course, has got to be pregnancy apps. There are about a billion out there but the three I skip between are <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bounty-pregnancy-birth-baby/id560102929?mt=8">Bounty</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/ovia-pregnancy-tracker/id719135369?mt=8">Ovia Pregnancy</a> and <a href="https://www.babycentre.co.uk/mobile-apps">Baby Centre</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/ovia-pregnancy-tracker/id719135369?mt=8">Ovia Pregnancy</a> is great for regular little updates about baby, and size comparisons between fruit, pastries, toys and lots more! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="https://www.babycentre.co.uk/mobile-apps">Baby Centre</a> seems best for articles on questions you might be having, and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bounty-pregnancy-birth-baby/id560102929?mt=8">Bounty</a> is good for freebies and a more realistic view of what baby might look like at each week.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">Pregnancy multi-vitamins</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few friends I spoke to said that taking pregnancy vitamins made their nausea a lot worse. I didn’t experience that. When I had nausea, nothing seemed to make it better or worse really. It was simply…. nauseating. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">I've been using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LNHBCG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000LNHBCG&linkCode=as2&tag=luckypretty-20&linkId=2a31750d580b15d5dc7827e6a101a181">Pregnacare Original Vitamins</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LNHBCG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000LNHBCG&linkCode=as2&tag=luckypretty-20&linkId=c8dc5da9d0b9f1cc836af2f6a8515623" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B000LNHBCG&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=luckypretty-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=luckypretty-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B000LNHBCG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Although, like most vitamin supplements I can’t say I particularly ‘felt’ their effects but, with my distaste for food and my ability to only eat Chicken Chow Mein, having a pill that made sure I was still getting some nutrients was great for peace of mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I read one article where a woman claimed her pregnancy craving was salad. I hate that woman.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">Bath tub thermometer</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This really depends on how much you love a bath but, for me, it was a big deal. I love a bath and not just any bath, a skin-boilingly hot bath! If I’ve not come out feeling faint and bright red, it’s not a good bath in my books. Great for me, but not so great for baby…. Unfortunately.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Baby-friendly bath and room thermometers are a great buy if you’re like me. And of course, you can use them when baby comes too. Guidance online states that bath water temperature should sit around or below 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">I bought this little super cute Hippo for my Tub.. works a treat!</span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=luckypretty-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0777JB9DL&asins=B0777JB9DL&linkId=65fd48d4863ea1276fb49d2eb744b7df&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That being said, I took this guidance with a pinch of salt after reading this <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/03/01/pregnant-women-can-enjoy-hot-baths-saunas-without-risk-says/">Telegraph article which says that pregnant women can enjoy hot baths and even saunas</a> without risk for a short period of time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of my favourites from Amazon... </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HIP38Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000HIP38Y&linkCode=as2&tag=luckypretty-20&linkId=bb16efdda9f4d5f5ddcc80b52e5ada10" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B000HIP38Y&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=luckypretty-20" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HR8UE54/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HR8UE54&linkCode=as2&tag=luckypretty-20&linkId=9cd1e63fdb38322612eaa2ebb5a76fd8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00HR8UE54&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=luckypretty-20" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4I19UX/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N4I19UX&linkCode=as2&tag=luckypretty-20&linkId=9690a4942f065f5cac8785a47f59212f" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B01N4I19UX&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=luckypretty-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=luckypretty-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01N4I19UX" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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(they're clickable)</div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=luckypretty-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B000HIP38Y" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">Body oil</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I’ve always been fairly dedicated to a post-bath moisturise so swapping my normal moisturiser for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WEBVM5U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypretty-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00WEBVM5U&linkId=c4ae420c9f78e0571fe34208727a6006">Johnson's baby oil</a> was simple. I was also gifted a Boots Stretch Mark oil spray (you can find it on Ebay now) which I used on my bump, chest and thighs. It’s important to keep this area soft and supple right from the start.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I found that an empty stomach can quickly bring on nausea. On a visit to the spa in week 7 it was mum to the rescue with Tupperware pots of nuts and fruit which kept me going through till afternoon tea. Mum's always know best!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G1ZS9SW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01G1ZS9SW&linkCode=as2&tag=luckypretty-20&linkId=b945433ef1abdb88ecf73be5da930d34" target="_blank">Tupperware Ideal Little Bowl Set of 3 in Green, Red, Blue</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=luckypretty-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01G1ZS9SW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G1ZS9SW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01G1ZS9SW&linkCode=as2&tag=luckypretty-20&linkId=2dae89d76f68ae4ae58c5d02c24da90e" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B01G1ZS9SW&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=luckypretty-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=luckypretty-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01G1ZS9SW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">Sparkling water</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, I only found out about this absolute win in week 12. A friend of mine told me that she glugged down litres of the stuff. Sparkling water is indeed your pregnancy friend.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">A re-usable water bottle</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Multiple re-usable bottles to dot around your home as you’ll start to drink like its going out of fashion (and unfortunately, I don’t mean gin and tonics!). A handy tip; keep a full water bottle in your bathroom each night. I was getting up to pee A LOT and it helped me stay hydrated at the same time which helped me feel a little less light headed in the morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm a big fan of the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077NL73N6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B077NL73N6&linkCode=as2&tag=luckypretty-20&linkId=ba9943950aa64ba06bd91779e14bcb9e">water bottles with timer markers</a> to prompt you to drink through the day... we all need a little nudge am I right!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077NL73N6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B077NL73N6&linkCode=as2&tag=luckypretty-20&linkId=4854c1caffa2b87f916cef68df30fdca" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B077NL73N6&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=luckypretty-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=luckypretty-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B077NL73N6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">Comfort food in the cupboards</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Toward the end of week 8 I was really starting to feel the dreaded symptoms the maternity articles warn you about. Week by week they grew in intensity and it shocked me how much I struggled with all day nausea, headaches and feeling exhausted. I went off pretty much all food at that time, and dreaded mealtimes… and trust me… I NEVER go off food!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I leaned on comfort food and meals from my childhood to get me through. Chicken chow Mein, chicken nuggets, egg and soldiers and Semolina puddings. If there are a few childhood dishes that spring to your mind now’s the time to stock the fridge. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;"><b>Maternity jeans and leggings</b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By week 10 I was sneakily undoing my jeans post-lunch. They’d fit fine in the morning but by the afternoon I was dying to come home from work and get my PJs on for some relief! A quick run to <a href="https://www.mothercare.com/advice-buying-guides-and-services/buying-guides/maternity/maternity-jeans-buying-guide/buyersguide-ms-maternity-sub6.html">Mothercare</a> for a pair of skinny black maternity jeans and a 3 pack of maternity leggings turned into a god send. My advice, ignore the forum mums that tell you that you shouldn’t be showing until week 15 and you should need maternity gear – if you want it, get it!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;"><b>A spare pillow</b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In weeks 11 and 12, my bump was pretty plump and whether it was baby or bloating I started to get a little uncomfortable lying on my side in bed. At this stage a maternity pillow is a bit over-kill, but a spare pillow works a charm. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Do you agree? What have a missed? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;">Love </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><b>LauraClaire</b></span></div>
lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-19748334935868966202018-10-11T12:30:00.000+01:002018-10-11T12:30:00.387+01:00How I made the vintage silk flower button holes for my wedding<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsruXWtUIX7NpiGdAJQbpmEUVy4c0JGJDHsfdGW2gZLsbW98U0AsFfpU9tkqs4Q9bH1NTAZOCXzr1zDFq-oha7cb6aSP8-09U_f9oGXYZtpsNakj3wCaMsZIBQfbGCeyyuXS-6hHxHJob/s1600/button+hole+6.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1105" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsruXWtUIX7NpiGdAJQbpmEUVy4c0JGJDHsfdGW2gZLsbW98U0AsFfpU9tkqs4Q9bH1NTAZOCXzr1zDFq-oha7cb6aSP8-09U_f9oGXYZtpsNakj3wCaMsZIBQfbGCeyyuXS-6hHxHJob/s640/button+hole+6.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In my previous posts I explained why and how I took on the challenge of making all my artificial wedding flowers. You can read here <a href="https://luckypretty.blogspot.com/2018/09/how-to-make-your-own-beautiful-wedding.html">how I created my artificial wedding flower bouquet</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwvJ2nmv5o8zPqoOg43luyP0ShemE_WEen8IBQu7CF7QvusfZ2aYl7VGUMKsTNsptcWNH4BOX7kdTsl3Zkyxb4oiWj-HCCogMT-vhaTkNI0NC5WCqpKsc8YryssoDRHfZM6Ni8vbL7QFE/s1600/button+holes+3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="911" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwvJ2nmv5o8zPqoOg43luyP0ShemE_WEen8IBQu7CF7QvusfZ2aYl7VGUMKsTNsptcWNH4BOX7kdTsl3Zkyxb4oiWj-HCCogMT-vhaTkNI0NC5WCqpKsc8YryssoDRHfZM6Ni8vbL7QFE/s640/button+holes+3.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In this post I want to share how easy it was to make the 9 silk flower buttons holes for my now-husband and his groomsman.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>What I used:</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">3x <a href="https://silkflowersdecoflora.co.uk/artificial-sweet-peas-silk-sweet-pea-bunches/luxury-artificial-sweet-peas-stem-cream-pink">Luxury Artificial Sweet Peas Stem Cream Pink</a> from Decoflora </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 bunch of <a href="https://silkflowersdecoflora.co.uk/artificial-forest-fern-pale-green?search=Artificial%2520Forest%2520Fern%2520Plants%2520Green%2520-%2520FER016%2520E4">Artificial Forest Fern Plants</a> in Green </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JXY1JY0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypretty-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00JXY1JY0&linkId=25d1ced17f2f45f07e71094e85be443d">roll of brown twine</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FIJPPN4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypretty-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01FIJPPN4&linkId=97a665623e82697817013876b8b596c3">mini glue gun</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073ZBKC8B/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypretty-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B073ZBKC8B&linkId=042048c8657411d9ecf7988ee3924734">Floral wire</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073ZBKC8B/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypretty-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B073ZBKC8B&linkId=042048c8657411d9ecf7988ee3924734">Green stem wrap paper</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043RZ4DE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypretty-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0043RZ4DE&linkId=0b7f0633bf6fbc82f26d80c75a92d625"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Buttonhole pins</span> with Diamante top</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BQCY4W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypretty-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B001BQCY4W&linkId=f825915845f29ac08691ee58642808c7">Wire cutters</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found these YouTube videos really useful and easy to follow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To make a button hole I cut off a sweet pea flower as low down the stem as possible. Next a separated a part of the forest fern of a similar size, cutting it to fit if required. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s important to create a stem with the forest fern so that the flower and fern can be wrapped together with green stem wrap easily. You may want to add in some floral wire to strengthen before wrapping.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYE_nMbE5TMPYAXejfvLxpxF6i0QNEAMIwXBnk2-n8T_QZQP6d29yMnDftrd90IXJcT-YuRTj7KaGEjxzNopbCmiLfVkX3fTDfuoltdJXxMQEQanUi0GharzUygtlHwgjJlvEqGEGnM7d_/s1600/button+hole+5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYE_nMbE5TMPYAXejfvLxpxF6i0QNEAMIwXBnk2-n8T_QZQP6d29yMnDftrd90IXJcT-YuRTj7KaGEjxzNopbCmiLfVkX3fTDfuoltdJXxMQEQanUi0GharzUygtlHwgjJlvEqGEGnM7d_/s640/button+hole+5.PNG" width="534" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, I finished the buttonhole by wrapping it horizontally with brown twine. I used the mini glue gun after every few wraps of twine to ensure it stayed put. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Voila! A little fiddly but quick and easy and I was able to create all 9 in about two evenings.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Subtle, vintage and chic. Though perhaps my husband was after something a bit more eye-catching....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09e84sa-DDaXJGzzG05GURlQH26zVQbTCpPfFyU170xvSqcjXH6HsliLStjUNMcW_RQeR1j0GaOdQ4WKH3HPbvtUXy8dzvHohXpA-PTtUgxX8oZM2raVa1yeE4ABxqDIp5xf5h488Sy3z/s1600/button+hole+funny.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="558" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09e84sa-DDaXJGzzG05GURlQH26zVQbTCpPfFyU170xvSqcjXH6HsliLStjUNMcW_RQeR1j0GaOdQ4WKH3HPbvtUXy8dzvHohXpA-PTtUgxX8oZM2raVa1yeE4ABxqDIp5xf5h488Sy3z/s640/button+hole+funny.PNG" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;">Love </span><br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">LauraClaire</span></b></span></div>
lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-11149348559241854142018-10-07T10:00:00.000+01:002018-10-07T10:00:03.310+01:00Ed Sheeran was right… We’re having a baby!<h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Ed Sheeran was right… We’re having a baby!</span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bdi9RhQA6Vn/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Thank you so much #edsheeran you are incredible! My cackle in this video is proof enough of what an epic surprise this was. I watched this clip on our wedding morning and it made our first dance to your song Thinking Out Loud even more magical! Love Laura & Jason xxx</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laura_claire88/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger</a> (@laura_claire88) on <time datetime="2018-01-04T23:42:48+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 4, 2018 at 3:42pm PST</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So, we have big news! Almost exactly 6 months after our Wedding Ed Sheeran’s fateful wish for us came true… We’re pregnant!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We’re going to welcoming a new first addition to our family on the 13<sup>th</sup> of March 2019. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><b>LauraClaire</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;">.... & Hubby</span></div>
lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-20521069028026405722018-10-04T16:22:00.000+01:002018-10-07T12:38:54.337+01:00Easy handmade Autumn/Winter wedding place cards<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handmade wedding place cards</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After Pinterest-ing the hell out of every ‘winter wedding’ keyword, I knew that I wanted to get ‘hands on’ in the creation of my perfect wedding day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love pine cones and that Autumnal Wintery feeling they bring so new they’d be a big feature on my wedding day set for the 29<sup>th</sup> of December. So, I set out to create my own place cards taking inspiration from these beautiful photos I’d coveted on Pinterest.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><b>Stealing Pine cone Place card Inspo from Pinterest</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">What I used:</span></b></div>
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<li class="m_862252882822986782gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">A pack of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CQY0DCW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypretty-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01CQY0DCW&linkId=9a1d258c6f7f6dea85b1c388b02e7967">plain matte A4 white card</a></span></li>
<li class="m_862252882822986782gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">An <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078WMSFQ4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypretty-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B078WMSFQ4&linkId=ce5cbb4d8dbee53cd62436f57782ccd5">alphabet stamp pack</a></span></li>
<li class="m_862252882822986782gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">A <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LX398CY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypretty-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00LX398CY&linkId=559576b544e67df8a5299127572d2e9a">guillotine</a></span></li>
<li class="m_862252882822986782gmail-MsoListParagraph" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Real pine cones – Free… Yes, it’s my favourite word too! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075F2WQ42/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypretty-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B075F2WQ42&linkId=b272c9b2ef1a87dec4c97800fc996888">Or these are cute with white frosting</a></span></li>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">You can pick this all up from Amazon just follow the links! </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ask friends and family to collect pine cones for you. Pine cones usually start to fall in England in the Autumn. You’ll need to leave them for a month in a cool dry place before use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mark out the rough dimensions you want for your place cards on the white card and use the guillotine to card out as many cards as you need. I recommend cutting out some extra for errors and spares. Average place card dimensions you’ll want are about 2 x 3.5 inches or 5.5 x 8.5 cm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From your typed guest list begin to stamp each name on your cards. I recommend testing the stamps and ink to work out the right pressure required.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then you’re all set for the day. Bring along the cards and the cones and put the bottom of each card into the side of a pine cone and you’ll find it will fit snuggly without glue. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b>I was so pleased with how cute my place cards looked and how simple they were to create!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you’re all about sparkle you can always add glue and glitter to your pine cones. There’s a <a href="https://youtu.be/727ZcIapbqU">great YouTube video for this</a> or you can buy <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07378XL55/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypretty-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07378XL55&linkId=4b9563eb75c18b8b9e25ed4bd075fd64">pre-decorated pine cones</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love </span></div>
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><b>LauraClaire</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">In case you missed them... </span></h3>
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<a href="https://luckypretty.blogspot.com/2018/09/how-i-decorated-my-reception-venue-for.html" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">How I decorated my Reception Venue</a></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://luckypretty.blogspot.com/2018/09/how-to-make-your-own-beautiful-wedding.html" target="_blank">How to make your own beautiful silk artificial wedding flowers</a></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://luckypretty.blogspot.com/2018/09/how-to-make-your-own-beautiful-wedding.html" target="_blank">W</a><a href="https://luckypretty.blogspot.com/2018/09/why-i-made-my-own-wedding-flowers.html" target="_blank">hy I made my own wedding flowers </a></span></h3>
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<a href="https://luckypretty.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-importance-of-on-day-wedding-planner.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The importance of an on-the-day wedding planner</span></a></h3>
lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653486276903669694.post-33843490903075735812018-10-02T14:25:00.002+01:002018-10-02T14:59:20.446+01:00One of the most important items you need in your purse <br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recently a number of similar <a href="https://youtu.be/oFOTuqv8wFo" rel="" target="_blank">videos</a> have been going viral across Facebook. I’m sure you will have seen them. They show just how easy it is for person details and money to be stolen from your purse without a pickpocket even touch it. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the videos I saw the ‘would-be-thieves’ were using card machines to easily snatch £20 from your purse through your contactless debit and credit cards. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A pretty spooky thought but I must admit it didn’t bother me too much. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The card machine is too big and bulky I thought and the printing off of the receipt… I’m sure I’d notice that right!? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yet<span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;"> did you know that <b>scanning Apps can be downloaded to a smart phone</b></span> to make doing exactly the same thing worryingly simple. I had no clue!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Contactless payment fraud has now soared to over <b>£7 Million, up from just £2.8M the previous year</b>? </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Thieves can easily use RFID/NFC Scanners to instantly steal your data whilst your wallet is still in your pocket.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #45818e; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;">They’re being dubbed as the </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">newest generation of pick pockets</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">High-tech crooks that steal your card owner name, credit card number, expiration date and security code without ever actually touching your card. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All they need to do is <b>stand 4-5 inches away from your wallet</b> in your back pocket or the purse in your handbag for a matter of moments to collect your data. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This <a href="https://youtu.be/x3S_6EJCjn0" target="_blank">YouTube clip</a> shows just how easily it can be done<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most new debit and credit cards in the UK are contactless. I love contactless! It makes life so easy. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s the card with the radio wave symbol on the front that means that they have a microchip built inside for radio frequency identification (RFID) allowing you to wave the card rather than insert it into the card reader or swipe it. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;"><b>Protect your money against Electronic Pickpockets</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are a few items on the market to help protect your contactless cards when you’re out and about. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I thought you’d need to buy a separate purse or wallet with special lining to be able to protect your contactless cards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In truth these are available on the market and <a href="https://www.eastondesignstudio.com/purses-wallets-annie-black-black-annie-purse-with-card-guard-lining-2196-prod.aspx" target="_blank">Easton Design Studio</a> have a few different designs. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, I much prefer my gorgeous and fairly expensive leather black <a href="https://www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/family/black/mulberry-plaque-long-wallet-black-small-classic-grain?gclid=CjwKCAjworfdBRA7EiwAKX9HeL288rDR8AEqktFCTnUPAXFkNPh1dPEhruuWzWdVK4t2eNS1zQJC1xoCQ-wQAvD_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mulberry purse</a> that matches my black Mulberry handbag and I’m not really willing to part with them! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Protect your contactless cards without the hassle</b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">So, when I was recently gifted the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07D7H1WW7/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypretty-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07D7H1WW7&linkId=4cde28eaacdada5aba4693e3367a1322" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MORTAR-X blocking card</a> I was pretty stoked! And this </span><b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">1 MORTAR-X card protects my entire purse too. </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07D7H1WW7/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypretty-21&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07D7H1WW7&linkId=4cde28eaacdada5aba4693e3367a1322" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MORTAR-X Card</a></span> is a blocking card that slips seamlessly into your purse and protects all of your contactless cards around it. It doesn’t need charging and doesn’t have a limited life-time. Just a card space in your current purse to pop it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I LOVE gadgets like this so first things first, I HAD to try it out. The perfect excuse to go out for dinner too… total win win! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I put the Mortar-X card underneath my credit card when paying at voila it didn't register!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The MORTAR-X card retails at £6.95 with free delivery and comes in 2 different designs, available on Amazon. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07D7H1WW7/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B07D7H1WW7&linkCode=as2&tag=luckypretty-21&linkId=35d511c3dbe56954369b6c5e4be7351d" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=GB&ASIN=B07D7H1WW7&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=luckypretty-21" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=luckypretty-21&l=am2&o=2&a=B07D7H1WW7" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07H2LFGN7/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B07H2LFGN7&linkCode=as2&tag=luckypretty-21&linkId=d5c0eb84c724aefe92ed95e42a2bb439" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=GB&ASIN=B07H2LFGN7&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=luckypretty-21" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=luckypretty-21&l=am2&o=2&a=B07H2LFGN7" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you ask me, a nifty idea and a small investment to protect you from potentially losing far more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">Love </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><b> LauraClaire </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Note: As mentioned in the above content the Mortar-X card was gifted to me however my views and opinions are my own. <3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />lauraclaire88http://www.blogger.com/profile/08094982504588636408noreply@blogger.com0