Baby Baker Friday - Half-way There!!

I've decided that Friday's on the blog are now going to be dedicated to my new found pregnancy status.

Whilst I know this won't please everyone, it's something I really want to do - after all being pregnant is a huge thing to be happening in my life and I really want to share bits and pieces of what is going on amongst these pages.

So here we go

~ Baby Baker Friday ~

Where on earth have the past 20 weeks gone?

Time really does whizz past doesn't it!

I've now been "with Baby Baker" for the same amount of time as I have left to go...and that is a really scary thought.

Exciting...but a tad daunting all the same.

So...what have I been up to lately?

Well, something I haven't been doing as much as I should lately is regularly blogging, and despite having a crammed blog to-do schedule I just haven't stuck to it.

I have genuine reasons though - my home has been in absolute disarray (which is a very polite way to put it!) for over a week now and I have absolutly hated it.

I had two full days of not even being able to get into my own bathroom as it was totally crammed full of...well of just stuff, but I can now see the light.

The house is improving and is certainly becoming Baby Baker ready.

Which means that a better blogging schedule will resume asap.

So - back to Baby Baker - where am I at the moment then?

Yep, I'm hitting the twenty week mark this weekend which is crazy.

But what else...?

~ Well, I have finally started to feel amazing little baby flutterings fairly regularly now actually and it is absolutely out of this world.

I love the feeling and am certainly enjoying this stage of pregnancy a great deal.

It has made the whole "I'm actually having a baby" concept sink in now that's for sure.

~ I am very much starting to expand.

There was a while where I didn't have much of bump at all really.

Naturally I knew I was "getting bigger" but when compared to a few other pregnant ladies I work with there wasn't much of a bump to show off really.

But that certainly all changed last weekend - I was a bridesmaid for my beautiful, longest best friend and I think Baby Baker was waiting for her big day to make a real appearance...

Baby Baker is very much a-growing...and according to my phone app, is now the length of a banana.

(just in case you want to know!)

~ I have another scan next week and I get to see Baby Baker again - I can not wait and hopefully will be able to have the sex confirmed.

I'm 99.99% convinced that Baby Baker is a boy - I always have - even despite close friends and family insisting it will be a girl, I'm having none of it - when you know, you know.

I'm so certain in fact that the only clothing I peek at in shops is in the boy's section and I have about five boys names lined up as options...but only one girl's...

~ Cravings

I wouldn't say I'm particularly craving any food really - I'll just eat anything and everything at the moment

Ooops - that will explain the expanding body then...

I am buying a lot of fizzy pop though - I just can't get enough of the stuff - so perhaps that is my craving...

Who knows...and on that note I shall I love you and leave you.

I'll be back a whole lot more after today - I really will - and I shall see you next week, perhaps for a little Baby Baker gender reveal...

* e x c i t i n g *

Have a great week

Baby Baker Friday - A M&Co Spring Style Up

I've decided that Friday's on the blog are now going to be dedicated to my new found pregnancy status.

Whilst I know this won't please everyone, it's something I really want to do - after all being pregnant is a huge thing to be happening in my life and I really want to share bits and pieces of what is going on amongst these pages.

So here we go

~ Baby Baker Friday ~

One thing is for sure, I'm piling on the pounds at the moment.

Obviously I knew this was going to happen - Baby Baker demands it - but perhaps not quite so quickly though...

However this is totally my own fault for continually stuffing my greedy face with every calorific thing I can lay my hands on - but the changing shape, well it's just taking a little getting used to that's all.

...especially when one of my very cheeky Year 9 students called me (jokingly - in a very joking context - but still...) "a fat sh*t" today...
(I actually think he was more surprised than I was that the words popped out of his mouth!)

~ Bring on the maternity wear ~

And thank goodness I have a few little pieces tucked away in my wardrobe already eh.

Now I've had the pleasure of working with M&Co before (M&Co Christmas Party) so when they emailed me recently regarding a little pregnancy project they had in mind I couldn't wait to get started.

M&Co sent me a very pretty maternity navy floral print tunic top from one of their featured ranges, Heavenly Bump, and I have to say I really rather like it

In the back of my mind I think I've always had the idea that maternity clothes are fairly unflattering and a little frumpy, but judging by this little number, I couldn't be more wrong.

It is so cute

A lovely navy blue colour with clusters of dainty little flowers scattered all over it with a mid-thigh length (the front obviously hangs slightly longer than the back on the hanger to accommodate the ever growing bump).

Perfect

The tunic is made from a lightweight jersey material and has a flattering, cleavage peeping (cheeky!) V-shaped neck line with an equally flattering, slightly gathered detail to the bust area which helps the material just skim over the bump nicely

~ Very comfy ~

Now personally, I think this tunic would be perfect for those more chilled out, relaxed kind of days...

~ popping to the park during the school holidays...

~ meeting friends for a coffee and a catch-up...

The kind of days where you need to make an effort (much more than PJs and a baggy tshirt anyway) without going too overboard.

So how would I wear it?

Well, I'm really not all too great with heels at the best of times, so on a chilled out spring afternoon, I think it has to be a pair of flats really hasn't it.

A pair of cream, peep-toe flats and a pair of very comfy, bump covering, stretchy denim style jeggings

Yep, I think that will do nicely.

The style of the tunic really helps to smarten up the other items a lot and because of it's length it helps to cover over my ever growing bum too...

The little sleeves are a really pretty little detail...and they also help to cover up the bits that may need to be hidden for a little while...

And I'm still kind of getting used to the fact that I have boobies at the moment, and this top certainly helps to show them off a little but without being too revealing

Like I said, I really like this top and can easily see myself wearing it as Baby Baker continues to grow.

Heavenly Bump - I'm certainly a fan

* maternity tunic sent free of charge to review - thoughts and pictures are all my own

Grub At The Nation Of Shopkeepers In Leeds

~ Food Glorious Food ~

I do love me a good bit of grub so naturally, I was extremely happy to be invited along to the Nation Of Shopkeepers on Cookridge Street in Leeds over the weekend to tantalise my taste buds with a few of the offerings from their new menu

And my-oh-my I was not disappointed in the slightest.

From the minute myself and the Hubby wandered through the doors (and were grinned at by a cute little baby all ready for their christening - always a great start!) I knew we were in for a good afternoon.

Nation Of Shopkeepers has a really laid-back, relaxed feel to it - the music is welcoming and chilled, the decor a little mish-mash but in a very trendy, well-put-together kind of a way and the staff were very welcoming, warm and friendly.

I mean, what more do you need on a lazy Sunday afternoon!

Well, some food would be rather nice, so as soon as we found our comfy little window seat we both perused the menu and quickly placed our order.

In no time at all, the yummy starter arrived...

...a huge plate of Nachos smothered with chilli, salsa and all of the other Mexican inspired goodness you would expect with this dish...

And they were great.

I usually have an issue when it comes to sharing food with the Hubby...the issue being that he likes food and likes it in his stomach almost as soon as it hits the table, so unless I'm quick I don't get much of a look in really.

This portion was so huge that I had no problems here - there was plenty to go around.

The nachos were fresh and crisp, the chilli contained succulent meat, various varieties of beans and was very flavoursome, whilst the salsa was tangy, the cheese was melted just right and the jalapenos were huge and added just the right amount of kick to the dish.

I was certainly a fan.

I was even left a little full if I'm honest and I was really pleased that I didn't opt for a huge burger as my main course because I don't think I could have managed one - especially when the Hubby's arrived - it was blooming massive...

...The RBJ Fully Loaded...

(of course he had to find the most crammed thing he could)

Whilst I didn't even attempt a bite of this, I did pinch a little of the burger - it tasted so fresh and not stodgy at all - but my favourite part of the dish had to be the piece of pulled pork I snaffled.

It was amazing - really soft and quite sweet - I could have eaten a plate full of the stuff

But I didn't, I left the other half to it whilst I tucked into my own fabulous main...

...Hot & Kickin' Fried Chicken...

Fries, fried chicken and 'slaw - but all done amazingly.

The fries were rustic, fresh and not greasy in the slightest, the coleslaw was fresh and the perfect accompaniment and the chicken  - oh the chicken...

...two thighs and one leg of fabulous chicken covered in the crispiest, thinnest layer of spices I've ever tasted - certainly very moreish.

And because I like my food on the hot side I chose to have the spicy sauce with the dish...

...Yep, I'm not going to lie, it was blooming hot, but simply perfect over the chicken.

I was full to bursting after the meal but everything was so well executed and the atmosphere so relaxing I really didn't want to leave.

~ I will certainly be back ~

 Here's to my next visit Nation of Shopkeepers - I can not wait

* new menu meal provided free of charge - pictures, opinions, thoughts are 100% my own

Baby Baker Friday - Secret Saviours Anti Stretch Mark

I've decided that Friday's on the blog are now going to be dedicated to my new found pregnancy status.

Whilst I know this won't please everyone, it's something I really want to do - after all being pregnant is a huge thing to be happening in my life and I really want to share bits and pieces of what is going on amongst these pages.

So here we go

~ Baby Baker Friday ~

There's certainly a lot of things that continually run through my mind now that I am expecting a little one that's for sure.

And whilst it may not be the most important niggle of them all, the subject of stretch marks is certainly something I do tend to think about a little bit.

Yes, I know it's a pritty vain thing to worry about, but my skin has got to stretch - quite a blooming lot in fact - there's no doubt about that one but I really, really don't want huge red marks all over the place, not if I can help it anyway.

I totally understand that stretch marks are a very natural part of pregnancy for the majority of Mums-To-Be, but that doesn't mean that I have to like them or want them now does it.

No it does not

Whilst I was pregnant with my first son I lathered my bump twice daily with oil, even adding it to my bath water in an attempt to keep my skin as supple as possible, and it actually seemed to work.

Obviously I do have stretch marks, but only a few clusters of small, silvery ones dotted about - nothing major - and I'd really like this pregnancy to be as kind as the first one too.

But what are stretch marks anyway?

They are obviously a sign that the skin has stretched aren't they.

And...well...is that it...?

Well, no, a stretch mark is actually a scar showing where skin has had to stretch so much that a tear has occurred underneath the surface layer, and unfortunately once this scar is there it is there for good.

Unless painful, pricey surgery is on the cards that it...
Myself, I'll opt for the "Try Anything To Prevent Them" method instead.

So you can imagine just how pleased I was to be contacted by Secret Saviours then can't you, especially when they asked if I would like to trial their Anti Stretch Mark Band.

Anti Stretch Marks?

Why yes please you lovely, kind people, I would like to try this out very, very much, thank you lots.

So off we went.

I was initially asked to measure all around my bump and send in it's size so that I could be correctly fitted and given a properly sized support band.

Hmmm...

...now at the time I didn't think I had much of a bump to measure - I still don't really - it's more of a "fat pack" at the moment but I obviously wanted the band to do as it is intended to so I measured what I had and was presented with this lovely little package a short while after...

A very neatly wrapped Bump Band set containing a lovely pale pink band, a Luxurious Daytime Gel and a Moisturising Night Cream.

But what exactly is the bump band supposed to do?

Well according to the experts, the little bumps on the inside of the band sit against the skin, almost sticking to it - a process very much helped along by the fairly tacky (but not unpleasant) Day Gel - and they help to support and grip the skin evenly on the surface in an attempt to lessen the damage caused by the layers underneath.

These soft, foamy, squishy little bumps, which all seem randomly arranged, are actually strategically placed to spread and even out the strains and stresses occurring to the skin, making it much harder for all of that tearing inside to move in a straight line, stopping the horrible, visible stretch mark appearing.

Clever stuff eh!

Once the band is removed at night, the rich night cream also moisturises the skin, helping to keep it all soft and supple.

Sounds great doesn't it but only time will tell to how good it actually works I suppose.

I have been using the set for a little while now and whilst it does fit snugly to the skin, at the moment I can still see it has room to accommodate my bump as it grows.

I initially thought the elasticity and tightness of the band would be a little restricting and uncomfortable to wear all day, especially underneath my work clothes, but in fact this wasn't the case at all.

I found the band an excellent support - it has really helped reduce the amount of back ache I have been getting - fantastic for when I'm running around, constantly on my feet at work.

The creams are amazing too - really moisturising - I especially enjoy the night time one as it is so rich with a fresh, relaxing scent - perfect for an after bath tummy massage.

I will keep you updated on my stretch mark situation - or hopefully, my lack of them - further along in the pregnancy as I use the Secret Saviours Pack more.

Here's to a case of 'Stretch Marks - Be Gone'

* Item sent in exchange for testing and an honest review. Thoughts, pictures & opinions all my own

Bellissima Exclusive - A Leeds Beauty Salon Launch

Sometimes we all just want a bit of pampering don't we.

A little bit of the old relaxation and full on rest time with no one to bother about but ourselves.

Well, I know I certainly do, and after a long stint of having nothing more than the odd five minute sit of the sofa with a coffee and my feet up (which don't get me wrong, I very much appreciate and enjoy!), I managed a day of ultimate relaxation recently when I spent a fabulous twenty-four hours (almost!) by the pool, sunning myself and doing absolutely nothing in sunny, sunny Spain

~ It was amazing ~

But it's now got me craving more.

I need more of this pamper me stuff.

And this got me to thinking - maybe I should totally push the boat out soon and hit a beauty salon - a real indulgence...

...well, why on earth not...

I was recently invited along to the launch night of the newly refurbished and extended Bellissima Exclusive - a beauty salon in Leeds which is situated in Guiseley and is actually fairly close to my home.

And if I was ever going to treat myself a little and allow myself to be totally pampered then I reckon I would be hard pushed to find anywhere else I would rather visit than here.

Everything about the place screams professionalism

The building is immaculately clean, tidy and decorated fairly minimalistic yet very beautifully, and whilst it is fairly small in size, it is small yet very perfectly formed.

The staff - ranging from the management to the beauticians - were all very welcoming, friendly and approachable - there's nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable or unwanted anywhere - especially if you're in a situation where you want to be relaxed and beautified.

There was certainly none of that here

Attending the launch night event allowed me to satisfy my need to be totally nosey, and whilst we enjoyed an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and yummy Italian inspired sweet treats, we were encouraged to browse the salon at our leisure and take a peek into the many offerings of the establishment.

We found a very professional spray-tanning area and a room devoted entirely to hand and nail care, complete with Shellac nail areas and some very fancy looking foot-spa-massage type chairs...

~ Oh how my aching feet do smile at this ~

We were also given a real insight into some of the brilliant treatments on offer as we were presented with live demonstrations continuously being carried out throughout the event.

The treatments on show ranged from facials...

...to Rejuvapen® Skin-Needling...

...from the LPG® Mobilift Anti-ageing Treatment...

...to Mole Removal using advanced Electrolysis/Thermolysis procedures...

It was brilliant to be able to interact with the professionals as they worked and to have an opportunity to ask them questions about what they were doing actually whilst they were doing it.

The salon also has it's very own resident nurse practitioner, Caroline, who is fully in charge of the Facial Aesthetics Clinic, the place where the non-surgical treatments are carried out -  things such as Botox, Fillers and even Nefertiti Facelifts

Caroline sat us down and wasted no time in explaining what it is that she does, and I have to say, this lady certainly knows her stuff.

 She explained how she works and why certain things need to be addressed prior to any procedure taking place.

Caroline also explained the reasons as to why she would carry out certain procedures on some individuals but wouldn't on others, particularly if she felt the person would be left with an unrealistic and unnatural look.

No huge, crazy trout pouts created by Caroline's two hands that's for sure.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time visiting Belissima Exclusive and having the brilliant opportunity to take a closer look at all of their offerings.

I know I will be back

Baby Baker Friday - Worries, Worries, Worries...And A Passport...

I've decided that Friday's on the blog are now going to be dedicated to my new found pregnancy status.

Whilst I know this won't please everyone, it's something I really want to do - after all being pregnant is a huge thing to be happening in my life and I really want to share bits and pieces of what is going on amongst these pages.

So here we go

~ Baby Baker Friday ~

Well don't these Friday's just creep up on us, eh?

I have to admit (again!) that as much as I planned to be organised in preparation for this weekend it just hasn't happened that way at all.

Everything I have needed to do has been left right until the last minute - again.

I'm not sure why I do it to myself - I'm blooming useless.

Once again, I had planned a different post for today, but I haven't had a chance to take any pretty pictures to put into it yet, so that one is coming next week.

As it turns out though, there is something I wanted to talk a little bit about today, obviously Baby Baker related, that surrounds my plans for the weekend and helps explain why I wanted to be mega organised.

This weekend I am jetting off to the Costa Del Sol with nine other lovely ladies to celebrate one of my longest friend's Hen Do's

Sounds fab doesn't it - I just know it's going to be a whole lot of fun...

...only I'm a bit worried and a little apprehensive about a few things if I'm being really honest...

~ Will I manage on a Hen Do? ~

Now I'm not very "bump heavy" at the moment, but there's certainly no getting away from it - I am having a baby

(eek - exciting!)

So is heading off abroad on a Hen Do really a wise move?

I really hope so

Originally, when this little break was booked, Baby Baby was just a faraway dream and a hope.

Then I found out that he/she was actually there and I was so excited...but at the same time I didn't really want to cancel my place or let my friend down

(or loose out on the cash I had already paid)

But now that it has actually arrived I don't want to end up being a total boring-fart-spoilsport because I'm not up dancing at every opportunity or I'm knackered and can't keep up with everybody else

I mean obviously there will be no alcohol for me - which is more than fine - I've been the "Designated Driver" on enough nights out to know that I can have a whole lot of fun without the stuff - it's not that part that bothers me.

My worries lie elsewhere...

~ Will I mange seven hours of heel tottering around different bars and clubs?

~ Will I cope with being the only sober person, probably in the whole of Spain?

~ Will I be able to avoid all of the hustle and bustle and not get knocked or bumped by the zillions of said intoxicated people?

Silly little niggles really which I suppose seem a lot more important now that there is Baby Baker to think about.

But only time will tell I suppose - and I do have a very cheap pair of flip-flops which I intend to stick in my bag for when the heels undoubtedly get too much.

So that's one thing solved at least.

~ Will I manage on a flight? ~

I'm not the best person when it comes to flying, even under "normal circumstances", but I get on with it  - having the thought of a lovely, warm beach waiting at the other end of the not so fantastic journey is always appealing isn't it.

But what happens to Baby Baker being so high up in the air?

When I was pregnant with my first son, we flew to Cyprus for a pre-baby-arrival break and I remember at one point during the flight feeling as though my stomach had hardened way too much and there was a moment where I really did panic that something was wrong.

And although all was fine, one of the first things I asked my midwife at my booking in appointment this time around was whether flying at seventeen weeks pregnant was safe, was allowed and was OK.

She reassured me that it was perfectly fine and helped put my mind at ease a little.

I mean I really don't want to be upsetting the little one already now do I.

~ Will I manage at an airport? ~

Due to my work commitments, I will not only be flying out to Spain this weekend, I will also be flying back home again too - leave Friday, home again Sunday - crazy I know - especially when all of the other ladies will be staying in the warm sunshine until Tuesday...

... And Y E S ...

...this does mean that I am flying home all on my own...

...from an airport I have never been to before...

...all on my own...

...with Baby Baker to keep safe and well...

...all on my own...

And this does freak me out a little bit.

But only a little bit - because I'm not thinking about it too much...at the moment...

~ Will I be safe? ~

Will I be safe in a taxi - all on my own - in a country I don't know - all on my own - going to an airport I don't know - all on my own...

As the other ladies are partying until Tuesday I will obviously be getting a taxi from the hotel to the airport, early afternoon, on Sunday.

All by myself

And this is the part that fills me with the most terror if I'm honest

* breathe and relax *

~ Will I get a suntan? ~

I BLOODY BETTER DO

* * *

Apart from my worries, I am really looking forward to being a part of the trip and having the opportunity to be there to help my friend celebrate her last big nights as a "free" woman.

Whilst I won't be partaking in the booze (or be waking up with a pounding head on Sunday - yay!) I really do hope I can manage to stick the night out properly and enjoy everything fully for her sake.

And so, Baby Baker Takes On Spain

Oooh...now that gives me a fantastic idea for a new travel blog section...