Author: Deborah

Tesco baby christmas outfit

I am so excited about baby’s first Christmas. She is probably going to be spoilt. I absolutely can’t wait to dress her in Christmas outfits and sleepsuits. I live in Christmas jumpers during December so she can join me. I’d love to find a matching jumper set for us both!

I know it’s early and not even November yet, but I saw this wonderful outfit pictured above from Tesco and couldn’t resist buying it. Then I got a bit addicted into researching what other stores had brought out their Christmas ranges. There are lots of cute bits for babies, so here are a few of my favourite pieces that I’ve spotted so far. It looks like JoJo Maman Bébé are really nailing it with their collection!

Baby’s First Christmas Outfits Wishlist

Baby christmas clothes wishlist

  1. JoJo Maman Bébé  Christmas Embroidered Baby Sleepsuit
  2. Boots Christmas Knitted All in One Polar Bear Grey
  3. JoJo Maman Bébé Reindeer Bib
  4. Boden Winter Friends Cord Pinnie
  5. JoJo Maman Bébé Reindeer Onsie
  6. Mamas and Papas Fairisle Hooded Cardigan
  7. Ruby and Freddies Baby’s First Christmas Booties
  8. Matalan Kids Christmas Socks
  9. John Lewis Baby Rabbit Christmas Jumper
  10. JoJo Maman Bébé Reindeer Baby Sleepsuit
  11. John Lewis Baby Penguin Scene Print Sleepsuit And Hat Set
  12. Next Red Fairisle Pattern Dress
  13. Next Red Velvet Dress

Have you spotted any adorable Christmas outfits for babies? I can’t wait to get buying bits.

Author: Deborah

So how did I get on with my 30 before 30 list? Not very well, and you know what, I don’t care. I wrote the list 3.5 years ago and I’ve hardly ticked anything off it. I turn 30 in a few days so I thought I better see how I’ve got on. Here’s the original 30 before 30 list post and I’ve popped the list below to see where it all went wrong.

LIFESTYLE

No I didn’t completely my granny square blanket. I did make all the squares for it but then found it too difficult to put them all together. I’m toying with the idea of paying someone to do it for me. I did however make TWO other crochet blankets so I’m pretty proud of that achievement. You know what, I’m going to cross it off and forget the ‘granny square’ bit is there.

Granny Square Crochet Blanket in pinks and creams

I did join a yoga and swimming class, even if it was only while I was pregnant. Apart from baby Eleanor, the best thing to come out of pregnancy has been mummy friends. It’s been great to have a group of friends to talk to at all hours because one of us is always awake for a nightly feed. I never thought I’d find a group of such lovely girls. Also, I’ve met (online) some amazing mummy bloggers too. I feel like I’ve found somewhere I fit in at last.

  1. Finish a crochet granny square blanket
  2. Learn to parallel park
  3. Join a club or class
  4. Start learning another language
  5. Create yearly photo books/albums
  6. Get engaged
  7. Keep up my blog
  8. Keep reading
  9. Find a friendship group

HOME

I hosted Christmas dinner for my parents last year, that’s a dinner party right? There are so many other things that we’ve done in the home that trump all of these, like painting the nursery and wallpapering the living room. We’ve been making it our home and that’s more important. I made a loaf of chocolate bread, that counts right?

Chocolate chip cinnamon loaf bread

  1. Create photo boxes of holidays
  2. Grow vegetables or herbs and keep them alive
  3. Learn to bake my own bread
  4. Buy a house and make it homely
  5. Make my own pizza
  6. Put together my favourite recipes
  7. Host a dinner party

BODY

  1. Run a 5km race
  2. Learn to swim front crawl
  3. Find an exercise style I like and stick to
  4. Meatless Mondays

New Forest Marathon 10km

EXPERIENCE

Visiting New York has been on my to do list for as long as I can remember. My mum and I were supposed to go this year to celebrate our milestone birthdays, but then I got pregnant and that idea was scuppered. But we will go in the future and I’m not in a rush.

I haven’t recently shot a gun, but thinking about it I did actually shoot an AK47 while I was in Vietnam many years ago, so that’s getting crossed off too.

I still want to do horse riding. It’s one of those things they suggest you don’t do while pregnant, but while I am 30 I don’t see why that can’t be done.

I feel slightly bad about not actually having ridden my bike since I was a teenager. Actually my husband now uses it to commute to work sometimes. I don’t think two bikes would even fit in the car so I don’t know why I wanted to cycle around the New Forest. I ran a 10km around the New Forest, does that count?

Penguin at Longleat

We did do all 5 zoos or aquariums. I was adamant we hadn’t but hubby assures me we definitely have. We’ve been to Monkey World, Marwell Zoo, Howletts, Longleat, Plymouth Aquarium and quite a few more.

Three out of 50 Hampshire walks is a pretty piss poor attempt. I remember we tried to do a couple more while on a spontaneous trip to the New Forest, but 1 mile in to a 6 mile walk and I really needed a wee, so we had to turn back. That put me off the rest of them!

  1. 5 zoos or aquariums 
  2. Cycle around the New Forest
  3. Go on a spontaneous trip
  4. Try horse riding
  5. Visit New York
  6. See a Broadway musical
  7. Shoot a gun
  8. Do something out of my comfort zone
  9. Have a spa day
  10. Walk all the 50 Hants and IOW walks – 3/50

So I may have only crossed off 9 things out of 30 but I don’t feel like I’ve failed. I have a loving husband, a beautiful baby and wonderful home. What more could I ask for.

Author: Deborah

nursery toys

Eleanor’s nursery is no where near finished at the moment. All it has is painted walls and some furniture – not even a cotbed. Although we do have a fair few months left until she moves into the nursery so I’m not worried about that. I do really want to get the nursery decorated soon though. At the moment it is a dumping ground for her laundry, shopping and a changing area. So I’m determined to clear it up and make it a lovely place for me to go and sit down in the chair and relax with her.

I really want the nursery to be colourful and fun for her. I’ve kept the walls gender neutral as we didn’t know what we were having, so I can make it a bit more girly with the decorations.

Nursery decor wishlist

Nursery decor wishlist

  1. George Home Country Show Rug
  2. NOTHS Nutmeg Personalised Cloud Nursery Wall Sticker
  3. Velveteen Babies Baby Sleepy Cloud – blush, gold + white droplets
  4. Lala Loves Decor Custom Mirror Acrylic Name Sign Large
  5. The Indigo Zebra DIY Tassel Garland
  6. Next Little Zoo Rug
  7. The Modern Nursery Cotton Ball Lights Pastels
  8. John Lewis Baby Animal Safari Storage Bag
  9. Sausage and Missus Triangle Felt Ball Wall Hanging

What decorations do you have in your nursery? Check out fellow bloggers Emma and Jenna’s nursery wishlist posts below.

 

nursery

Jenna’s wishlist

nursery

Emma’s wishlist

 

Author: Deborah

Four months ago I wrote a pre-baby bucket list with 5 things I really wanted to do before our baby arrived. And I’m really happy to say we ticked everything most of it.

Decorate the living room, nursery and gardens

The living room has beautiful willow print wallpaper on one wall and we’ve bought a new TV unit and bookcase from IKEA. I would like a new corner sofa but I’m in no rush for that. The nursery has been painted a lovely shade of green from the Dulux light and space range, as it’s a tiny box room. I love it! And we now have a wardrobe and chest of drawers in there for baby’s bits.

Go on a babymoon

We had a few days away at an airbnb in Cornwall. We (or more me) indulged in cream teas every day. I saw an old school friend in St Ives. We paddled in the sea and visited numerous National Trust properties. It was a really relaxing week away and I’d love to go back there with our baby.

North Cornwall coast

Afternoon tea

I’ve actually had afternoon tea a couple of times now. First was in M&S with the in laws, who decided to order two afternoon teas. They were actually really nice! M&S did well. Then I had one in a tea shop in Lyndhurst by accident really. All I really wanted was the salmon sandwich, the scone and tea, so Simon tried to scoff the cake. I also had afternoon tea with my mum planned for September the 14th, but baby arrived the day before!

Afternoon tea at Lyndhurst

Sunday morning lie ins

I gave it a good try! I’m not actually that good at lie ins. I wake up and I get bored lying in bed. But I did try a few times. They’re made better with breakfast and a cup of tea in bed.

Breakfast

Go to the cinema

Uh oh. This one didn’t happen. We even have a Cineworld voucher – but that means travelling 30 miles south. There’s been some great things that have come out at the cinema recently but we’ve just not done it. I think I’ve left it too late. I fidget like crazy anyway while watching a film, I really don’t think I’ll be able to sit still for 2-3 hours while 37 weeks pregnant.

I probably could have squeezed in a cinema trip if Eleanor hadn’t come so early, but I love her so much so all is forgiven. Who needs the cinema anyway when we have Netflix. I’ve literally spent days watching Netflix with my husband while he was on paternity leave.

Author: Deborah

Some of the items in my hospital bag

I finished packing my hospital bag at 37 weeks even though the NCT course teacher said to start thinking about it at 30 weeks. I did think about it but it took awhile to get everything together.

To be honest I wasn’t sure what to pack and there are tons of lists out there to get some ideas. I found I was compiling the lists until I had a list of everything I wanted, which is what I’m sharing with you today. I’ve also included a printable hospital bag list at the bottom of this post if you’d like to use it.

Don’t forget the things that won’t be in your bags like the car seat. There may also be items that you want to write down and keep as a list on top of your bag to grab before you go. Things like your phone, chargers, anything in the fridge, a birthing ball.

I think I’ve packed a lot and it can be so easy to over pack. I just had to remember I’m going to give birth not on holiday! If everything goes to plan I won’t be in that long, but something may happen that means I’m in a few days. So I will be taking some extra things to keep in the car like more nappies and pads. You can always send your birthing partner, friend or relative home or to the shops to buy anything else you may need for a longer stay.

My hospital bag

Toiletries

  • Shower gel
  • Shampoo 2n1
  • Toothbrush(s)
  • Toothpaste
  • Hairbrush
  • Hair ties
  • Hair clip
  • Towel
  • Flannel
  • Deodorant
  • Make up
  • Lip Balm
  • Maternity pads x20 pack
  • Breast pads
  • Face wipes
  • Hand sanitizer

Clothes

  • Bikini top
  • Fluffy socks
  • Dressing gown
  • Nighties x2
  • PJs
  • Nursing bra
  • Disposable or cheap pants
  • Flip flops
  • Going home outfit
  • Nursing top
  • Dirty clothes bag

Snacks

  • Energy drinks x2
  • Water bottle
  • Sweets
  • Sugar tablets
  • Straws
  • Energy bars x4

Misc

  • Hospital notes
  • Birth plan
  • Change for parking
  • Camera and charger
  • Phone and charger
  • Partner’s clothes
  • Water spray bottle
  • Tens machine
  • Massage oil
  • Arnica tablets
  • Paracetamol

Baby’s hospital bag

Baby’s clothes

  • Newborn-1m vests x4
  • Newborn-1m sleepsuits x4
  • Hats x2
  • Mittens x2
  • Socks
  • Going home outfit
  • Cardigan

Other bits for baby

  • Nappies
  • Nappy bags
  • Sudacream
  • Blanket
  • Cotton wool or wipes
  • Muslins
  • Changing mat

Download a free printable hospital bag checklist.

Author: Deborah

snuzpod bedside crib

There are so many adorable products for baby to sleep in and I’ve put together a few of my favourites. So far all we have for sleeping is the Snuzpod, a few plain crib sheets and one cellular blanket. At nearly 38 weeks pregnant I do feel a little unprepared on the sleeping front.

Bubba will be in our bedroom for the first 6 or so months in the Snuzpod before moving into the nursery. I still have a bit to finish off in the nursery. We’ve painted the walls a pale green colour which is supposed to reflect light. I have an IKEA chest of drawers and cupboard, which you can see in my latest IKEA haul video. Now I just want to add some shelves and decoration. I’m planning to keep it quite neutral and unisex but will add a few bits once baby has arrived.

I am actually in love with the Aden + Anais Disney collection. I adore Winnie the Pooh and this baby is going to learn to love him too. There is a definite animal theme going on in the nursery at the moment.

Sleeping wishlist

Sleeping wishlist products

  1. SnuzPod2 Bedside Crib 3 in 1 Natural
  2. SnuzPod Crib Bedding Set – Cloud Nine
  3. Aden + Anais Disney Baby dream blanket
  4. Mothercare Lulworth Cot Bed
  5. Isla & Wilbur Green Twin Lambs Cot Bed Fitted Sheet
  6. John Lewis Tara Cotbed
  7. Kissing Squirrels Anorak Grobag
  8. The Little White Company Satin Edged Cellular Blanket
  9. John Lewis Baby Zebra Print Sleep Bag

I am very split between the two cot beds but at least I have a few months to make a decision, as baby will be in the Snuzpod in our bedroom as long as recommended.

Author: Deborah

Chocolate chip cinnamon loaf bread

For the #bakeoffbakealong this week the challenge is bread. I haven’t made much bread before even though it is on my 30 before 30 list. Wait, does this mean I can tick that one off? Just in time! I decided to make a chocolate chip cinnamon loaf as my husband was making a nutella braided loaf. He had to make a chocolate bread for a work competition and it looked really good. I’m gutted I didn’t get to try any before he took it in!

I’ve adapted a Paul Hollywood recipe which is risky, it could all have gone completely wrong deviating from the recipe. I didn’t want fruit in my loaf so I didn’t use cherries and just added more chocolate chips. I also planned on adding cinnamon, but I forgot!! I’m going to blame baby brain. I did add it to the topping though. I’d run out of cinnamon so bough some especially, but that means I can start making apple crumble soon to use it up. I love the comforting bakes you can do in Autumn.

Chocolate chip cinnamon loaf bread

Chocolate chip cinnamon loaf

Adapted from BBC Food Chocolate and Cherry Loaf

Ingredients

  • 500g strong plain flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 30ml olive oil
  • 15g dried active yeast
  • 80g plain chocolate chips
  • 80g milk chocolate chips
  • 80g white chocolate chips
  • 1tbsp ground cinnamon

For the topping

  • 100g granulated sugar
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cocoa powder
  • pinch ginger

Method

  1. Put the flour into a large bowl; add the salt and olive oil. Make up your yeast following package instructions. Mine mixed 15g with 150ml of warm water. Slowly add 170ml water (it needs to add up to 320ml of water, so 320 minus what you used with the yeast) and mix by hand until the dough is pliable.
  2. Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for 5–7 minutes. Coat the chocolate chips with a dusting of flour and then add them to the dough. Mix well, adding a little flour if the dough becomes too soft.
  3. Put the dough back in the bowl, cover with a clean tea towel and leave to prove until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
  4. On a lightly floured work surface, divide the dough in half and shape each half into a long sausage-shaped strand. Lay one strand across the other to make a cross. Grab both ends of the bottom strand and pull the top end towards you, looping it under the nearer end. Lift the nearer end up and over the other strand. Repeat the looping and crossing, always working from the far strands, until the dough is all plaited. Push any loose ends under the loaf.
  5. Dust a baking tray with flour. Place the loaf on the baking tray. Dust with flour, place in a large plastic bag and leave to prove for an hour.
  6. Preheat the oven to 220C/200C(fan)/425F/Gas 7.
  7. Mix the topping ingredients together and then sprinkle on the loaf before putting it into the oven.
  8. Bake the bread for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 200C/180C(fan)/400F/Gas 6 and bake for a further 20-25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
  9. Serve when cooled.

Chocolate chip cinnamon loaf bread

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About me

Hi there, I’m Deborah. I live in Hampshire with my husband and spend my time baking, making and getting out in the fresh air. Find out more or get in touch.

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