Two New Bundles of Joy
When I announced back in August last year that I was expecting twins, I fully expected to blog right through my pregnancy. However I ended up suffering from a number of complications and was on bed rest a lot of the time, but I also felt that I didn’t want to jinx myself further by … read more >
Double Trouble!
It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog post and you might find it hard to believe that it’s nearly 2 years since our little girl, Ellen, was born – I find it hard to believe myself at times. We won’t be a family of 3 for much longer though as we are starting … read more >
Homemade Granola
Treat yourself this weekend, and make some of this delicious granola. Even if you don’t have much faith in your cooking skills, trust me, this is easy and you will love it!
Sweet Dreams
It’s happened. I can barely bring myself to type it for fear of jinxing myself. But the baby has STTN. Maybe the abbreviation won’t break the spell.
Seasonal Meals & Precious Playtime
I’m back at work over 3 months and feel like I’m just getting my head around it all now. We are in a routine that works (most of the time!) and most importantly, Ellen is well settled with her child-minder. It’s very tough being away from her during the day but it makes me treasure the time I have with her in the evening.
Treat Yourself
For me, a mist of sticky syrupy fake tan does the job. My face could do with sleeping for a hundred years and I’m thinking of getting my fringe back just to hide the trenches in my forehead. But hose me down at 7pm and by 7am I’m looking at my love handles, marvelling at how much nicer they look when they’re the colour of chocolate.
Returning to Work
So it’s 8.30pm on day 3 of my first week back at work. The best day so far.
Pregnancy Dietary Checklist
The foods and drinks that you choose during pregnancy have long lasting effects on your baby’s health. Here are the things to check that you are including/avoiding in your diet during pregnancy.
Top tips for fussy toddlers
What if your toddler suddenly starts being fussy and refuses the foods you give them? Well don’t stress, it is perfectly normal for toddlers to go through their ‘fussy eating phase’ at some stage. Mealtimes during these times can become a bit of a nightmare for you and your toddler, with lots of tantrums and frustration. Fortunately, most toddlers grow out of their fussy eating phase and normal mealtimes are eventually restored!
What is weaning & how to get started
Some simple advice on why weaning is important and how to get started with your weaning journey.
Simple Swaps for Pregnancy
Swap certain foods for others that have a higher nutritional content.
Breastfeeding – What you should know before you begin
One of the best decisions you can make during the first 1000 days is to choose to breastfeed your baby. This article has lots of information about breastfeeding you may not know.
Oily fish: Get your Omega-3 and Vitamin D
There are lots of reasons and benefits for including oily fish as part of a healthy balanced diet.
Safefood Toddler Portion Size Guide
Safefood have developed a handy portion size guide for children aged 1-5 to show parents exactly what counts as a portion.
You’re Pregnant!
Congratulations! You are setting out on the first steps of a very exciting road, and no doubt looking forward to meeting your baby at the end of these 40 weeks of pregnancy.
The Importance of Breastfeeding
In the first 1000 days, breastfeeding reduces your child’s chances of being obese.
Healthy Weight before Pregnancy
For lots of reasons, it is a good idea to reach a healthy, ideal weight before you become pregnant — for both you and baby.
How to get enough Iron into your toddler’s diet
Iron plays a vital role in healthy brain development — that’s right ensuring your toddler gets just 8mg a day of Iron (RDA for toddlers) could help them develop to their full potential as teenagers and adults.
Freezing and Storing Weaning Foods
Remember in the First 1000 days, it’s important to introduce a variety of healthy foods to your baby’s weaning diet as this will improve their eating habits later in life.
Teatime Turkey Burgers
Tip: Wear clean rubber gloves or disposable latex gloves when shaping the mixture into burgers if you don’t like touching the meat.
Karen: My Take on Motherhood
So babies get a lot of bad press. In fact, like celebrities, babies should hire publicists to counter all the negative PR they receive. The sleepless nights, the night feeds, the teething, the winding, the colic…Don’t mention the colic! It’s a minefield.
Roomies!
So the baby has moved out. Packed up his little grow bag, his favourite teddy and shuffled off without a backwards glance….
How to Roast A Pumpkin – Without Having To Peel It!
Love pumpkin BUT hate peeling and chopping it? This is for you!
Chicken & Sweetcorn Risotto
This dish suitable for weaning (& for all the family!) – it’s a great versatile dish you can add different veg to. The chicken gives it a nice boost of protein and iron. Remember your baby will only be taking very small amounts at the stage but the most important thing is that you’re exposing them to a variety of tastes early on and that you progress with the consistencies of dishes as baby gets older.
