January 2017

31.1.17

Statement style with VQ

Choosing unique buys that have a little more edge is something I have been exploring a lot more recently and I've discovered that sometimes being a bit risky in this way is a great thing because it encourages you to think more consciously about what truly inspires your own sense of creativity.

Whilst I LOVE fashion and homewares, I have definitely come to avoid fleeting trends because I find they hinder me from exploring my own sense of style, especially if those trends are replicated by every other person when you look down the high street! Maybe it's an age thing; I certainly notice that I'm gradually becoming more confident in styling unapologetically and with greater freedom than the confines found within any given 'seasonal trend.'

When VQ announced their latest collaboration with Lulu Guinness, I have to say, it made me sit up a little! Known for their bright and bold designs, the Lulu Guinness Hepburn MK II is everything I expected it to be, statement, daring and completely fabulous! I knew this would be a timeless radio design that would hold its impact over time and this got me thinking longterm about how I could make the most of such a beautiful piece.

Placing this radio on the mantle, bedside or even the kitchen instantly draws the eye as a focal piece. It totally demands attention and I can't help but applaud the design for really encouraging me to be more adventurous in attempting to style such a showstopper.

I really love the way it 'happily clashes' with a lot of scheme's I've played about with. The busy, monochromatic detailing of black lips might not do it for everyone aesthetically, but I think it's such a fun take on the ever popular Hepburn MK II that has graced the decor of many a home!

With all the usual Hepburn features such as DAB radio and Bluetooth speaker, this radio is all about bringing people together and enjoying music with the ones you love. My boys all love this particular design, so much so that I think I am going to struggle to decide exactly where to keep it...I think this radio might end up being moved all over the house and used in every room- I certainly hope so!

VQ have kindly given me a discount code to offer my readers 20% off any of their radios! Simply type BUNTY20 in at the checkout to receive your discount- right in time for Valentine's day perhaps!? Happy Shopping!

Love,

*Post in collaboration with VQ

Sometimes the generosity of strangers truly overwhelms me. So much so, I sometimes wonder why our news reporters don't match the constant doom and gloom of this world with all the wonderful happenings and stories that can fill our hearts with joy!

I have one such story I'd like to share...

You probably know by now that we celebrated Joshua's Baptism a couple of weekends ago. It was a really joyous day and it meant so much to see our newest baby welcomed into the family of God.

At the time, I mentioned it on social media and soon afterward noticed a new email ping into my account. Kate, who runs her business Knitty Knotts, (specialising in the most beautiful hand made mementos such as cushions and embroidered hoops amongst many other decorative goodies), kindly reached out to me to congratulate our family and also to see if we would like a little token to mark baby Joshua's special day.

I was delighted to accept her generous offer and when this gorgeous package arrived on the doorstep the other day, I was reminded once more of the good in this world.

When she kindly offered us this gift, Kate didn't know that I had already been thinking about having something made to mark the occasion as Joshua's brothers each had a similar gift for their Baptisms. Yet, for one reason and another (including the somewhat exhausting end of a very crazy year) I just hadn't had the chance to find anything for Joshua this time and I have to say, I felt a bit guilty about it!

We are so incredibly happy with this gorgeous piece and we can't wait to share with Joshua how it came to be when he is a bit older.

A big thank you to Kate at Knitty Knotts for our beautiful surprise!

Love,

Raising Those Rascals: almost 7K!

This week we are quite a sniffly bunch, the dreaded January cold has well and truly set in and I have been wiping more snotty noses than I could count!

We got back from a lovely mid-week break at Center Parcs last Friday but since then all my children have dropped like flies coming down with this horrid cold...there was me on the brink of congratulating myself for escaping the clutches of winter once more!

Mum's and Dad's, you know the score: poorly little ones almost always equals a round of bad nights, teary babies and extra cuddles required. Our week has been a mish-mash of trying to get the boys to eat...anything! And late night escapades of tucking and re-tucking in boys who seem adamant that our bed can fit a family of five in...comfotably! (Kids, one day you'll understand!) Until then, it's coffee and cuddles, tissues and early morning cartoons that are getting this family through. Oh, and lots of prayers for the grace needed to manage everything in between!

"In sickness and in health", a vow I made on my wedding day springs to my mind at times like these and, somewhat surprisingly it's my children that remind me of it. Jonah particularly has been unwell the past few days, his usual bouncy self is frustrated with a head cold that is taking the fun out of his play. Despite this, he has been repeatedly telling me "I love you mammy", thus compelling me to remind him that I love him too...every few minutes it seems.

I don't enjoy the boys being sick but I do love the way our 'sick days' bring us together and remind us all that sometimes, all you need around you are the arms of those who love you best in this world.

I popped on the Instagram hashtag earlier and saw that the hashtag is almost up at 7000 entries. That's so many of you supporting and sharing our love of parenting! Thank you so very much for contributing and sharing the precious everyday moments of family life with us!

As always, here are my faves from the last week or so, how gorgeous are these, right?! Be sure to pop over and give these lovely Instagrammers a follow too!

@eefandini

@mrsjanemorgan

@littlemaldod

@squishedblueberries

@jemknowles

@l-u-c-y-e

Love,

Feeding my baby

My breastfeeding journey with Joshua isn't something I've really touched upon much since his arrival. However, If you follow my social media, you'll probably know that we combination feed Joshua, just as we did for his brothers and this is actually my first experience of having a baby where I've felt a complete sense of ease in making that decision.

I've always held quite an open mind with regards to the varying methods of feeding, especially since I didn't really get to choose either way for myself. I suppose my experiences have shaped my believe that when it comes to a newborn, nutrition and hydration are the most important aspects of their first weeks and not whether they are breast or bottle fed.

My newborns have all been hungry little babes and with Noah and Jonah, I found myself breast feeding around the clock but with the end result of them actually losing weight instead of putting it back on. It took Noah a much longer time to get back up to his birth weight because whatever he was receiving from me was obviously just not sufficient.

When Joshua was born I assumed we would take a similar route as the other boys...and it so happened that within the first week, just as I suspected would be the case, I noticed that he wasn't gaining weight as he should be.

With hindsight, I've often wondered whether I only produce fore milk (the thirst quenching first round), and perhaps for some reason, my body doesn't produce the hind milk (fatty milk that is essential for growth). It would certainly explain a lot!

For me, formula feeding Joshua top up's as and when he needs them actually allows me to continue breastfeeding him as much as I can. I love being able to breastfeed and have contentedly come to accept the help I require in order for my babies to grow and thrive. Yes, it is somewhat painful and certainly humbling to acknowledge that I can't do it by myself, especially when I look around and see so many other mums managing fine. But that's MY feeling about the matter, certainly not Joshua's who, by the way, will guzzle from whatever you put in his mouth without stopping for a moment to check!

I've been asked a few times exactly how I combination feed and it's actually become really easy and enjoyable for my husband and I. During the day I always offer a breastfeed first at every feed (to encourage my milk production to keep up) and within the space of 5-10 mins, Joshua will have drained both sides. After burping him, he will normally still be hungry, displaying this either by crying or rooting. We then offer him a full formula feed which he will typically drink about 3/4 of. After another burping session he is done- He'll either be awake and smiling, or fast asleep and out for the count!

At night time he seems happy enough just breastfeeding and as we 'co-sleep', he will just feed whenever he wants to and fall back asleep afterward. Very occasionally he will need another bottle in the night but normally he's fine to sleep through without.

At the moment I tend to follow Joshua's lead with the feeding as he is still so young. Whilst it's a system that probably doesn't sound all that convenient, (having to breastfeed and then have a sterile bottle prepped and ready to go), it's just one of those things you get used to. I often hear people talk about how inconvenient it is having to sterilize bottles and prepare formula feeds but in the grand scheme, it really isn't. It just becomes a new part of your routine that you adopt and takes next to no time once you're into the swing of it!

I hope this post has been helpful, especially to those who have specifically asked me about my feeding journey...

Ultimately, it's all about ensuring a happy baby who is thriving and whether you do that through bottle feeding or breastfeeding, or both- you'll know what is best for your babe!

Love,

Looking to spring!

There's something wonderfully refreshing about the onset of Spring. I might be slightly premature in blogging about it (she says looking outside onto a frosty garden) but with the ever-so-slightly longer days that are just beginning to become noticeable, I can't help but feel totally ready to welcome spring!

Unlike January, where many of us embark upon new resolutions and with every good intention of making changes, Spring for me heralds a fresh optimism and a stronger urge to eat clean, exercise more and be more creative.

I think the gradual increase in sunlight has a lot to do with this as in general we feel more productive when we're able to throw open the doors and fill our lungs with fresh, sweet air.

I feel excited by all the small details. For example, being able to wear less layers such as a simple waterproof, without the countless jumpers and scarfs beneath.

And the colours that begin to fill the home (and wardrobe) at this time of year- life is far more colourful in Spring, yes? Not to mention all the seasonal buds and flowers that prepare to welcome you outside...I cant wait to see those first daffodils flood our garden pathways!

It's a great time of year, one of my favourites and such a lovely season as a mother of busy boys. I am already longing for warmer days spent outside, watching my boys charge about the place and really channeling their thirst for adventure!