Hopeless Romantic #OOTD

Fedora Hat - H & M  £14.99

'Hopeless Romantic' Slogan Tee - New Look £7.99

Black Leather Look Pencil Skirt - River Island £30.00

Envelope Clutch - Ebay £4.95

17 Weeks 2 Days 

I'm planning a night away this weekend with the hubby for some dinner and essential spa time.  The past month i've not really been making plans as I get so tired easily but it is good to make some time for romance.

So I was on the hunt for a full midi skirt after seeing blogger Taylor at www.littleblondebook.com wearing a gorgeous red one from ASOS teamed with stripe top and yellow heels.  I had to have this skirt so straight onto Asos.com and purchased but now just waiting for it to arrive so I decided for the weekend to look for a leather-look midi skirt as I loved how Kim Kardashian styled her leather midi as a sexy and stylish maternity look.  Kim's maternity outfit choices did receive a lot of negativity and I agree that some were way too tight fitting as she was growing but in the early trimesters I think she looked amazing and created sophisticated and stylish looks.  I do like to look through her maternity looks to make choices on what I should wear as I am a size 10-12 before I was pregnant and therefor realise certain outfits can look really bad as my bump and boobs get bigger.   I did get the skirt in a size 12 so probably only get a month's wear out of it with the growing bump but at least I can wear it when the baby is here for those cocktail nights with the ladies (if it ever happens, but it's nice to think this way).  And what better way to have a romantic night with your man then to remind them of your romantic feelings on your chest!

Julia

Instagram - @juliagraham1

Stripes and Bow #OOTD

Striped Split Skirt Dress - H&M £19.99

Blazer - H&M £25.99

Boots - New Look £27.99

Pink Large Bow - Topshop £12.00

Graphic Midi #OOTD

Monochrome Graphic Dress - Mama by H&M £19.99

Blazer - H&M £24.99

Boots - New Look £27.99

Wishbone Necklace - And Mary £18.00

16 weeks 5 days 

Yep the waist has gone, the bump is here and it feels great.  I've been floored this week with sickness and have craved caffeine everyday this week.  Trying to narrow down to one or two coffee's a week which I am doing but with the lack of sleep at night I really feel the need for coffee in the morning.  Not really got much of an update this week as I have no scans or check ups but I do want to recommend some great blogs i've come across to check out -

1. Pregtastic (www.pregtastic.com)

This blog is informative on fertility, pregnancy, labour and after birth.  It also features a radio show with experts and interactive discussions.

2. DIY Mommy (www.thediymommy.com)

For all things pretty that you can (try) and do yourself.  It features decor ideas more for when the baby is here but there are nursery diy ideas and baby shower.  I love the pom-pom drape post: http://thediymommy.com/make-boutique-nursery-drapes-with-pre-made-curtains-and-pom-pom-trim/

3. Making it Lovely (www.makingitlovely.com)

This design and lifestyle blog is amazing inspo to get your creative juices flowing or just for a lovely Sunday afternoon read.  Her baby No.3 announcement is so creative and well, lovely.

http://makingitlovely.com/2014/03/18/another-baby-on-the-way/

Product Review - Sensationail at home gel kit

I was gifted this SENSATIONAIL home gel kit a few months ago and didn't really see the point of even setting it up because I have very little patience when it comes to my nails but I have to say that this kit is really great.  The products are easy to use and the instructions are straightforward and easy to follow.  However the test would be to see if the gel actually lasts on the nail and the first time I tried it out I used the deep red colour and it lasted 6 days (but I am a nail picker so I think it has the potential to last the full 2 weeks) and for this blog post I tried the nude 4 days ago and still going strong.  The set is available in Boots and costs £70 which includes a colour or french manicure gel set and the individual colours cost £15.  I have attached a quick video just showing the LED lamp in use and the results.  The only thing missing is the gossip with the nail technician and the relaxation of having your nails done so I don't think i'll be giving up my monthly nail salon appointments.  

http://www.boots.com/en/SensatioNail-Starter-Kit-French-Manicure_1389432/

http://www.sensationail.co.uk/      

Fetal Doppler Heart Monitor - 16 weeks

Hi-baby Rentals -  BT200 monitor 

I purchased a fetal heart monitor when I was 12 weeks as I came across YouTube videos with success of hearing the heart beat as early on as 9 weeks.  I firstly bought a fetal heart monitor with digital screen display which had a flat round handset but I found this machine really difficult to manoeuvre around my stomach and lower abdomen and never found any sound of heart beat although a reading would come up on the screen display (I have attached image of this model above)
So I looked into which type of doppler people were finding easy to use and came across the rental site 'Hi-baby' for fetal heart monitors.  I think this is a great way to purchase a monitor because you only use it for 3-4 months so it works out cheaper and you don't have it taking up valuable space that you need when the baby arrives.

It still takes a few minutes to find my baby.  First thing in the morning with a full bladder works the best and can find it straight away just at the top of my knicker line.  Even at 16 weeks I thought the baby would be more central with my belly button but it is surprising how low down they seem to be even when your bump seems to be getting way to big for the size of the baby.

So here is a quick video of me using my doppler and if you are planning on using one - be patient, don't push too deep and cause any discomfort and relax.

Bathtime with Bump

What to do on Monday with no plans? Relax in the bath with a movie of course.  I can't remember the last time I had a bath (I'm not a smelly tramp, I have showers) but it's now my favourite thing to do and can't wait for my next day off work to have one.  I went into Boots in the morning to pick up my parenting club deals and free changing bag and one of the coupons was 50% off 'Mum & Me' products so I picked up shower cream, stretch mark cream, body mist, and bath soak.  It smells really yummy of jasmine and it's low price anyway without the coupons so well worth the purchase.  I had to put on the 'Back-up Plan' while having a soak, I think Jennifer Lopez is so funny in this film and want this dog with wheels.

Last night was the first time I heard my baby's heartbeat using the doppler, and it was made even sweeter because the hubby found it so it was a lovely little moment in bed with all three of us.  My next post will feature a video of me using the doppler because a lot of forum posts discuss the difficulty with using dopplers and the paranoia behind them when a heartbeat is not found.  This morning I found it straight away and I think my baby is at the right size and I can feel where he/she is so it makes it easier to place the doppler.  

16 weeks today, crikey! 

What am I wearing today? black skinny maternity jeans (Mothercare) long black sleeveless vest (Primark) short waterfall blazer (H&M) Ankle boots (New Look) 

MARCH BLOG GIVEAWAY WITH CWTCH BUGS

I love browsing Etsy  for unique pieces for the nursery and baby.  There are lots of gorgeous handmade pieces and when I came across Cwtch Bugs I had to treat myself or should I say treat the upcoming arrival.  And as thank you to my readers and the lovely supportive emails i've received since my first post last week I am having a GIVEAWAY.  

So for your chance to win this Organic Bunny Teething Ring from Cwtch Bugs simply enter the giveaway via the box below and One winner will be selected at random.  GOOD LUCK!    

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Baby Name Blogs

This is my list so far....

So in a couple of weeks when we find out if it's a boy or girl then it will make the naming process a whole lot easier.  I've never had a name that I've had my heart on and I am very open into looking into any name suggestions but what I have found is the baby name books and top name charts do not help me whatsoever.  This is why I wanted to share these alternative name blogs.  Since popular culture is such a huge influence into why you may like a name and the main reason why you may hate a name, two of these blog's look into names in popular culture such as music, TV and film.  The other blogs suggested look into the meaning of names and old fashioned names that are making a come-back.

1. Baby Name Pondering

http://babynamepondering.blogspot.co.uk

I love this baby name blog because it looks into names in popular culture and makes you think about a more unique name even if you still end up with the traditional 'John'.  It's great to read the more unusual names and where they are featured and their meanings like the possibility of naming your child 'Quill' meaning 'lion-club'.  This is  still an option of mine, the husband, not so sure.

Names featured in this blog -

Korben (The Fifth Element)

Serenity (Firefly)

Hadley (True Blood)

Tauriel (The Hobbit)

Topher (That 70's Show)


2. Wait But Why

 http://waitbutwhy.com/2013/12/how-to-name-baby.html 

This blog looks into the difficulty of naming your child and is honest about the importance of people's reactions when they first hear your child's name.  I love this quote from the blog:

'Go super weird. No one will ever question your balls; If the kid is awesome, then it’s awesome.'

Names featured in this blog -

John
James
William
Winter
Cameo
Ashton
Alexia
Sofia
Charlotte
Zoey


3. You Can't Call It 'It'

http://www.youcantcallitit.com

This is a great blog for looking at celebrity baby names and also vintage names which are back in fashion

Names featured in this blog -

Bingham
Arlo
Milo
Flynn
Rex
Hawn
Cleo
Arabella
Harper

4. Nameberry

http://nameberry.com/

The main thing in this name blog which I like is the look into Nicknames.  It discusses the route of where a nickname derives from and I think it is important to know the shortenings of your name choice before you settle on your decision.  It is also good that in their sidebar that they feature the latest celebrity names because mums-to-be are always curious what is trending in the celebrity world.

Names featured in the blog -

Gus
Riley
Isla
Ocean
Reeve
Cecilia
Cillian
Mila
Lena
Sade
Dexter

Daisy Chain #OOTD

Daisy Print Dress - Miss Guided

Daisy Chain Necklace - Miss Guided 

Contrast Boots - New Look 

Sunnies - River Island

The sun is out and it lifts your mood 100% per cent.  Last night I had my head in the toilet pan, so much for feeling great and the nausea being behind me.  I read that this can mean your having a boy but who knows, well i'll know in 3 weeks, I cant wait! When I got home from work I received last night's online haul for new pregnancy clothes and I am in love with this daisy print dress from Miss Guided.  I wasn't too sure what the boots would look like but they are so comfortable and gives the height so I don't feel frumpy during this 2nd trimester stage.  The round contrast sunnies were out again today and hope the sunshine lasts a little longer.  I'm going through stages of nausea all day today and i'm really hoping it passes soon.  Okay off for a nap! zzzzzz

Julia 

Work and after work #OOTD

White Dress - Primark 

 PU Sleeve Blazer - H&M

Shopper Bag - H & M

'Tres Cool' Tee - H&M

Lipstick - Topshop 

I am today: 15 weeks 1 day 

I didn't think I would have time to blog today but I was ready for work early so thought I would capture what i've been wearing to the office.  I am feeling bigger by the day so outfit ideas I have in my head, once i put them on, don't work, at all.  So I have spent tonight online shopping for more maternity wear.  However I do feel really comfortable in this white stretch A-line dress which I bought from Primark last week and still manages to keep bump under wraps.  I just team it with black tights and my lightweight blazer which has contrasting PU sleeves.   My hair is in a funny growing out my crop style stage so sometimes I style still into a crop shape and keep my fringe high which takes 5 minutes so more time to watch breakfast tv and have more toast!  Today's lip choice was a barbie pink shade from the Topshop lipstick range.  And then when I got home it was straight into my casual wear with this motif tee I got from H&M yesterday and stretch cigarette pants, and i'm still in it right now, chilled out with Real Housewives of Beverly Hills on, happy lady!  

Pregnancy Update:  I have been cramping on my left side a lot today.  I know its just growing and stretching pains but it does make you feel anxious with every pull.  Got myself booked into pregnancy exercise classes starting next week - will let you know how they go 

Julia