BIODEGRADABLE BABY WIPES

 

I’m really conscious that the products I use on Ripley have as little impact as possible on the planet. So I just wanted to do a quick shout out to Aqua Wipes which are 100% biodegradable, natural and plastic free.  I’ve used these since Rips was born and can’t recommend them enough. I totally appreciate that taking the eco route is sometimes more expensive but Ocado and Amazon regularly run promotions which means they work out cheaper than ocean polluting Water Wipes.

WIN A BABY MONITOR WITH SUMMER INFANT

Valentines is just around the corner so I thought I'd share a little baby love by running a competition <3 <3 <3 
I've teamed up with Summer Infant who are giving away a WIDE VIEW 2.0 DIGITAL VIDEO MONITOR worth £134.99 to one lucky Nicole in a Nutshell reader.

S-T-R-E-T-C-H-M-A-R-K-S?

I'm currently 1 day over my due date and have so far steered clear of developing any stretch marks.

It's probably because I have literally drowned my body in oils and lotions every single day since discovering I was pregnant.

I'd been using Lucy Bee's Coconut Oil pre-pregnancy and increased the amount when my skin started getting a little itchy (due to boobs/bump slowly growing, etc).
It does take a while to absorb and Dan said I felt like a slippery fish whenever I got into bed.  I put so much on that it turned the bed sheets an odd colour so you do need to allow it to sink in (but I'm too impatient for that).
 

My pregnancy journey summed up in 2 mins

What was the first thing you did when you found out you were pregnant?  I googled what cheese I could eat.

I only decided to start the blog when I was 34 weeks pregnant so there hasn't really been a 'journey' to follow on here.  But at 39 weeks, I wanted to summarise my personal experience and surprisingly, I've LOVED it.

The bump at 27 weeks

The Eco Nappy Disposal System

A lot of friends have advised me that a nappy disposal bin is an indispensable and practical solution for eliminating nasty odours that come with the wonderfully artistic duty of nappy changing.

I am totally up for the house not smelling like a sh*t show so was obviously interested.

My issue was finding a system that comes with the option of using biodegradable refill cartridges (aka bags) to accommodate eco-friendly nappies.
After all, there's no point disposing something degradable if you're gonna pack it up in plastic.
I did a fair bit of hunting around and found a product that provides this service...

My compact pregnancy wardrobe

Apart from feeling the baby move and eating whatever I want, do you know what's been truly enjoyable about pregnancy?

Having a really compact wardrobe.

I didn't realise how small it was until last weekend when I packed my 'pregnancy wardrobe' into a 35 x 20cm box so the builders could have complete access to the bedroom.

I have worn approx 16 items of clothing throughout and it has made the 'getting ready' part of my life SO much more straightforward and one less thing to think about.

Packing the Hospital Bag (ahem, case)

At 37 weeks pregnant, I'm currently in the process of packing my hospital bag which is a fun and slightly daunting process.

My snacks alone could fill up a suitcase but I've managed to rearrange things a little so that everything just about fits.

Before I continue, this is not a post explaining how to pack like Martha Stewart - I am the worst folder in the world.
But I thought it might be useful for any mums-to-be to see what I've included.  I've done a lot of research and these are the items that are repeatedly listed as the 'essentials'. Anything that's linked is the exact product I've got packed.

FYI Dan asked if I would like to pack my Kindle. He seems to think we're going on a spa break...

The Push Pack by Mama Mio includes a refreshing facial spritz and massage oil

Daisy London x Ellie Goulding WWF Bracelet Launch

 

This morning I had the pleasure of attending a beautiful botanical breakfast at Bourne & Hollingsworth to celebrate the launch of Daisy London’s collaboration with my lovely friend Ellie Goulding.

They’ve teamed up to create a limited-edition chakra bracelet to raise money and awareness for WWF’s work on climate change.

Those pregnancy cravings

My diet can only be described as 'non-gourmet' over the past 8 months.

For one thing, there has been a hell of a lot more recycling. That will be because a majority of what I've eaten has come straight out of a Heinz tin. Or a pizza box.

Lexy Pexy Pretzel

Carbs have been a regular fixture throughout my pregnancy.  So, it seems kinda fitting that baby's teether is the shape of a giant pretzel.  

The Sullivan pretzel is made by NYC based brand Lexy Pexy, creators of eco chic toys crafted from all-natural, eco-friendly materials.

The smooth maple wood is antibacterial and non-splintering.

But you have to check out the main Lexy Pexy website to view their full offering.  I’m talking teethers in the shape of Chanel handbags and cold pressed juice bottles – yes, seriously.

 

Bamboo Swaddles from The Little Art Collection

Since prepping for the birth, I’ve learnt that you can never have too many swaddle blankets or muslins.

So, I went on the hunt for something a little different and discovered a charming little website called The Little Art Collection who make extra large swaddles made from 100% premium Bamboo Rayon.

Founded in 2016, the UK based, family run business work closely with local illustrators and art schools to create beautiful limited-edition printed designs.

The ultimate baby changing bag

Finding a baby changing bag was a fairly swift process.  I discoverd British company Jem + Bea via Instagram and pretty much knew straight away that no other brand would compare. When one of the founders is a former accessory designer at Mulberry, Anya Hindmarch and Burberry, you know you're on to something good…

The tricky part was deciding which style to select because they’re all so chic and desirable.

baby shower

At first, I was pretty reluctant about having a baby shower.
But my mum was so excited by the idea that I couldn't not and actually, I'm really glad she persuaded me - it was fun to catch up with so many friends and celebrate something so special (even though I still don't believe it's happening).

We hosted the shower last weekend for 40 guests at a cute little spot on Flat Iron Square called Where The Pancakes Are.