Pretty Big Butterflies

Plus Size Fashion, Beauty & All That's In Between

An Adventure in the Peak District

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I went on adventure over the weekend. It was last-minute. Well, I think it was. I only found out about it a week before that Mr C would be taking me to “Derby”. I mean Derby’s nice. I loved their big shopping centre last time I went, but I wasn’t sure why we were going on a random trip to Derby in September.

We set off on our journey after work and were in for a four-hour trek, from London, up the M1 and into the Midlands. R&B tunes blasting all the way, snacks and random motorway games kept us going as it was a bit of a drive.  Once we got nearer, I have to admit that I had concerns. The signs kept pointing us in the direction of Alton Towers – a place I do NOT want to be when I’m 6 months pregnant. It was just one or two signs though – I honestly thought that’s where Mr C was taking me when I saw the 8th one!

Walking Breaks in the UK

He reassured me that it wasn’t our final destination, thankfully. He said we would be staying in a hotel, and that it was close. Next panic: where the hell are we? We were driving down the narrowest country roads, over cattle grids, past sheep and through cottage-filled villages. It was too dark to see where we were in detail but it was getting cooler and I could sense we were in a fresher environment.  Mr C wouldn’t tell me what we were doing though! I didn’t get it. He wouldn’t explain why we had to basically drive through bushes to get to where ever we were going to.

Dovedale Valley

It was getting later, darker, and we were taking so long to get there that the person on the hotel’s reception phoned to say she was going home if we didn’t get there by 11pm! I did slightly panic at this thought. With 14 minutes to spare, we pulled up in an olde style establishment with very welcoming staff. We settled down, cuddled up in the cosy double bed and got to sleep in a lovely room that made me wonder what the hotel used to be 100 years ago.

Walking Weekend Breaks

When I woke up and drew the curtains, I couldn’t believe where we were. We were in the Peak District, Dovedale to be exact. There were MASSIVE hills all around us, and this hotel (the Izaak Walton) was in the perfect location to access it. The view from the hotel was immense, the breakfast was lush, and it couldn’t have been closer to our final destination – the Dove Valley. The journey has got me wanting to look into more walking weekend breaks like this in the future. Even being pregnant I felt so invigorated and the scenery was beautiful I wondered what else the UK has to offer! If this is anything to go by, a British Break is the way to go. The scenery is just stunning, especially compared to London.

The Izaak Walton - Dovedale

What else happened there? Well I’ll let you all know soon… but it’s all very exciting!

 

 

Simple fixes to overhaul your home

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Whilst we can all dream about treating ourselves to buying a big new bed or sofa, the reality is that most of us are restricted by our budgets. But regardless of whether you’re slightly overspent on your summer holiday, we can all do some simple fixes to our existing home designs to give our interiors a welcome revamp for the upcoming colder months!

 

As the kitchen is often the most overused area of the home, it’s often the area that could use the most love. Getting a full kitchen refit isn’t something that many of us can do that often, but just about anybody can get some lovely new tiles or even a pegboard that can be used to create a striking backsplash that can subtly enhance the effect of any culinary workspace.

It’s little decorative touches like this that can make all the difference, whether it’s having a metal headboard on the guest bed, or even just adding a cornice to emphasis a particularly glamorous section of the living room.

Making sure that the bedroom is cosy enough for the coming winter months is obviously a real priority, so make sure that you’re eliminating any unwelcome draughts from doors and windows. And even if you can’t afford a new bed at the moment, you can give your existing bed a bit of extra love by getting a new metal headboard from Bedstar to accompany it with lots of lovely new plump cushions and pillows of course!

Other pieces of bedroom furniture can also benefit from little aesthetic touches like this, whether it’s repainting your wardrobes or even getting some cute doorknobs for your chest of drawers, it shows that the little things can add up to make a big, beautiful picture!

 

Whilst the bedroom can be relatively easy to give a facelift, it can be tougher to transform a particularly dingy bathroom. Obviously having a proper cleaning session is essential, but also consider getting some new faucets if your sink is seeming a little ramshackle and mucky. And never underestimate the power of some bold new wallpaper to make that tiny downstairs toilet suddenly seem a lot more exciting!

And finally, as it’s going to be getting darker a lot earlier once the clocks go back, make sure to think about how you can maximise the light in your home through new lighting, mirrors and the wonderful natural light of candles!

5 Things No One Told Me About Pregnancy

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These last few weeks have been an eye opener for me. Seriously, I feel like it’s been a whirlwind of mixed emotions. I’m now 25 weeks pregnant (just in the 6th month!). I haven’t had time to sit and write and in depth post about certain things yet (like scans) because it’s so personal I want to give it the time it needs. BUT I’m telling you, there are some things I’ve learnt about pregnancy this week that no one has mentioned before – and well I thought I’d share them with you. There may be too much information shared, but that’s the disclaimer right there! (Also, this is my perspective from being plus size and pregnant, this may or may not relate to ‘straight size’ pregnancies)

#25weeks pregnant & plus size.

#25weeks pregnant & plus size.

1. Crusty Nipples AKA dried colostrum

Now after a bit of research I realised I didn’t have some weird infection or that my nipples were falling off. I just had these tiny little flakes almost embedded in my nipple and it felt pretty sore. My boobs feel sore in general, but I’m used to that now. Basically, colostrum is the very first bit of milk that your breasts produce and if you leak a tiny drop and don’t notice in the day, it will inevitably go dry and a little…. Crusty! It sounds gross and it kind of is. But it also made me happy that my boobs may actually have some milk in them hills!

2. Not sleeping on your back is hard. Very hard.

Almost impossible! I was never a back sleeper, more of a belly sleeper. But since I read numerous articles warning against sleeping on your back because of the weight on your nerves etc., it’s like I naturally roll on to my back every bloody night! You know the moment someone says don’t you can’t help but do it! I’ve been using support cushions to prop me up but twice now the Mr. has had to wake me up and tell me to roll over. Both times I’ve thought he has just told me he loves me and I sleepily say it back before he cracks up laughing and we’re both wide awake. Delirium.

3. People will blame your hormones and they are half right.

OK, when your pregnant your hormones are all over the shop, I can put my hands up and admit to that. But seriously, I am currently unable to let anything go. At one point I literally thought I was surrounded by morons. I just couldn’t believe what people were doing, saying or how they were behaving. From colleagues to traffic wardens and it was to the point I had to check with people that this was in fact not just I. But alas, I guess that super sensitivity really does kick in and you just have to give it up and admit it for an easy life. It’s OK. You’re pregnant.

4. Appointments. Appointments. Appointments.

It’s not a secret, but because of my BMI I am classified as a high-risk pregnancy. That’s’ just what it is. A box I’ve been put into and I’m OK with that. I’m high risk based on a flow chart literally based on the size of my body. It is what it is, just words on paper which means certain procedures have to be followed. You can be high risk based on age, size, heritage, medical history and living conditions. It does not make me a bad person, a bad mother or unhealthy. It DOES means I have appointments coming out of my ears, but you know what. It means the baby and I get checked every couple of weeks and IF they did find anything to be concerned about at least they’d pick it up sooner rather than later. Seriously though I have 4 more scans, bi weekly blood pressure checks, numerous consultant checks. That being said (especially with the people who will say big is not healthy etc.), so far my blood pressure has been described as perfect and all scans are fine. Things could change yes, but right now things are good. So yes, it is a tick box exercise rather than it being on an individual basis. But the extra vigilance is not a bad thing. I realise that.

5. 100% doesn’t exist.

I’m someone who wants to be told everything is fine, relax, it’s all-perfect. 100%, A OK, totally on point…. You kind of catch my drift. But NO ONE will say it. My midwife even confirmed. That no one will give you the all clear and say your baby is 100%, your pregnancy is 100% everything is 100%. I’m not usually an anxious person but seriously this has pushed me to the edge. But now, finally, at 25 weeks, I know all my tests are fine, my baby is growing in line with normal stats and so far so good. But I guess you just need to relax. It’s hard. I’m trying. But I’m getting there and I’m starting to enjoy pregnancy. Nothing is guaranteed in life and pregnancy is such a natural phenomenon that no one can be 100% certain about any aspect of it, no matter how much we might want it.

 

That baby bump fashion

That baby bump fashion

So that’s that! My 5 things that no one told me about pregnancy. I hope that if you’re going through or experiencing any of the above it makes you see you’re not alone and no pregnancy is ‘normal’. I have to say writing this need make me laugh and feel a bit emotional at the same time…. Those damn hormones!

 

 

Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring that Would Make Her Say Yes

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The time has come that you are about to propose to the woman of your life. You have already asked her parent’s permission to marry her. You already have a plan on how to carry out your proposal. The only thing that is left in your list is choosing the perfect engagement ring that would make her say that precious “Yes”.

As a good man, you should choose from the collection of classy engagement rings in Brisbane that will surely capture her heart. Buying an engagement ring will probably the first experience that many men will have in the world of jewellery. There will also be a lot of pressure to yourself as this ring will represent your love for her. Here is a list of tips to help you find and choose the perfect engagement ring for the woman of your life.

Engagement Ring

  1. Find out her ring size

It is important that your engagement ring should perfectly fit around her fingers. It would be awkward that during your proposal, the ring that you have purchased is too loose that it would fall off or too tight that it cannot be put into her finger. The best way to get her ring size is to secretly get a ring that she isn’t using and bring it to the ring shop. You can also secretly work with her parents or her friend for this if you are close to them.

  1. Research her style

This wouldn’t be hard if you already know your girlfriend well. Your woman will love it if you choose a ring that would fit her preferences. If you can’t find a ring that would fit her style, you can opt to let the ring be customized made.

  1. Choose the gemstone for your ring

A diamond gemstone centre is the most classic ring used. But if your girlfriend prefers other gemstones to diamonds, then you can choose from about a hundred gemstones that will represent your love for her or a gemstone that would fit her style. However, it is important that the stone you will use can withstand the daily wear. Diamond and sapphire are best for this because they are the hardest gemstones. You can also look for rings that have a combination of gemstones. You can find more information about gemstones online that can help you.

  1. Choose a gemstone shape 

There are several gemstone shapes available. Diamonds are usually cut into 10 shapes. That is pear, oval, asscher, round, emerald, cushion, princess, radiant, marquise, and heart. Find the best shape that would fit her style or the shape that would represent your love for her.

Gemstones

 

  1. Choose a gemstone colour

Though the colour of the gemstone will greatly depend on the type of gemstone. Some gemstones like the diamond have several colours that are either natural or artificial. Examples are blue, red, yellow, green, orange, purple, pink, white, grey, black and brown.

  1. Choose a precious metal

The commonly used precious metal for rings are platinum, yellow gold, rose gold and white gold. The popular ones are platinum and white gold. However, platinum is more durable and costs half more than the gold.

  1. Choose a ring style

Determine whether your girlfriend prefers a classy ring than a modern one. Would she want a thick or a thin one? Would she prefer an eye-catching ring or a simple one? These are some things that you need to consider when looking for a ring style.

  1. Consider customisation

Customising your ring would be the best option for you if you can’t find the right one or if you want to add more meaning to it and be unique. Ask a ring specialist on how to have a customised engagement ring. If you are looking for a ring specialist, try to know the people behind its finest collections.

 

Providing enough time and giving a lot of thought to your engagement ring is one way of proving your love for her. Not only will she appreciate the great effort that you put in choosing the best engagement ring that you can find, but she will surely give that sweet “Yes” and start a new journey in life with you.

Win 2X Pairs of Tickets to The Baby Show – Olympia – London!

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The Baby Show London Olympia - Win Tickets

You’ll probably know by now that I’m pregnant and well on my way to being a mummy. I’m due on the 2nd January and one thing is for sure, there’s a lot to organise and a lot to learn! So just in time (like my knight in shining armour!) The Baby Show at Olympia London is happening on the 21st – 23rd of October with Made for Mums.  Perfect timing for me! I’ll be going on the Sunday and I can’t wait to get some expert advise, grab some bargains and get this little bean ready for the real world. If you’re heading there let me know… would be lovely to meet you!

What is The Baby Show? 

As the ultimate shopping event for new and expectant parents the Show will host around 200 exhibitors who will be on hand to help visitors make decisions like choosing the right buggies for their price range and lifestyle, selecting the best car seat to suit their vehicle and purchasing some beautiful nursery furniture for their homes. It’s the only show to feature all the major baby retailers alongside market leading brands including, iCandy, Stokke, UppaBaby, Britax, East Coast Nursery and MAM who will all be selling amazing products with equally amazing discounts!

the-baby-show-olympia-9

The Baby Show highlights include: 

  • Over 200 trusted brands offering visitors amazing discounts and the chance to test and compare before they buy
  • See exclusive product launches and demonstrations from market leading brands
  • Discover irresistible boutique products and brands
  • The Baby Show Stage with MadeForMums will feature a selection of renowned experts including baby feeding specialist Annabel Karmel MBE
  • Free consultations with pregnancy and baby care advisors at the One-To-One With The Experts area
  • Catwalk shows with all the latest fashions in maternity, baby and toddler wear.
  • Exclusive show offers and competitions from top parenting brands
  • A buggy testing track provided by MadeForMums
  • Emma’s Diary free Shop & Drop and Collect-By-Car services allowing you to leave your shopping bags with them until you’re ready to leave.
  • A complimentary crèche where parents can drop off their little ones and enjoy the Show knowing they are being safely cared for
  • A dedicated feeding area provided by Tommee Tippee and Baby Changing Area with free wipes and nappies all included.

I told you it was going to be amazing! Whether you’re a mummy to be or a mummy already, it definitely seems the place to be that weekend.

the-baby-show-olympia-10

Win Tickets To The Baby Show

The Baby Show is taking place on Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October, open from 10:00am-5:30pm each day. Standard on the door tickets are £20 and I have two pairs to give away. Just enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ticket Competition Terms & Conditions
No purchase necessary. Entrants must be aged 18 years or over. Competition is open to UK residents only.
Entry into this competition confirms your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions and your agreement to be bound by the decisions of The Baby Show.
Entry is strictly limited to one person per ticket code. The winner will be notified by email or phone call once the competition closes. The winners will be selected at random from all the correct entries received before the closing date and time. All prizes must be accepted as offered. There can be no alternative awards, cash or otherwise.  Entrants will receive a ticket code which can be activated at http://www.thebabyshow.co.uk/ Tickets cannot be sold on to third parties.
Your data will be treated in confidence and will not be disclosed to third parties.