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Pretty Big Butterflies

Family, Food & Plus Size Fashion Blog

How to find the best places in London

London is a huge place full of amazing little (and big) places to visit. Some places are obvious – The London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge etc. But It can be a little overwhelming when you’re looking for somewhere special to eat, visit or even sleep. If you don’t know someone who knows the city inside out (I’ve lived here all my life and still struggle!) than you need something like this pretty cool web app from SACO. It’s like having a bestie on hand that knows the trendiest places to hit whole in London. PLUS, it tells you the places you need to go depending on how much time you have. 1 day, 3 days or even a week. It’s like your very own tour guide.

What I always find difficult when planning any city trip is finding accommodation close to the key things I wan to visit. It can take me hours working out the best place to stay depending on a certain restaurant, landmark or event. It can be so frustrating! This web app helps you plan ahead. You can find everything at once so you make the most of your previous time in the big city. From London-serviced apartments to the best local brunch spot that only a local would know. Exploring the city has just got easier – even for me!

SACO exploring the city of London

What’s more, the web app also offers exclusive discounts at some eateries within the Square Mile. So it’s not just like having a friend as a tour guide, it’s also one that doesn’t mind treating you while you’re in town! I told you – if your looking for something to do in London in a day, a weekend or even over a week, give this app a try and unlock the secrets hidden gems.

 

Find the app here.

New Season Bargain Hunting

I love a bargain, especially when it’s just as the new season starts. (Plus being on maternity leave and setting up my own company means I’m trying to budget – more about that here!) All I can think about is Autumn. I want dresses and boots, candles, warm jumpers and everything else snuggly. Well luckily Debenhams have an epic sale right now and of course, if you know me, I can’t resist a bit of window shopping. I’ve chosen a few of my favourite things below that are all currently discounted. That’s right, even Yankee Candles! (Christmas presents ahoy!)
One of my major tips for any shopping is don’t click that checkout button before you’ve looked for a discount code. It only take a few minutes. You never know! To be honest, it should be a part of your shopping routine. If it helps, with this Debenhams discount code you can get 10% Off* when you spend £50 at Debenhams until Sunday 24/09/2017.  
1. Let’s talk Yankee Candles. They are stunning but a little expensive. Am I right? So when they’re on sale or when you get a discount it’s time to stock up. Especially with Christmas around the corner.
2. I love this dress. Paired with a long cardigan and ankle boots, it’s the perfect autumn piece.
3. If you fancy treating yourself o something bank on trendy, this silver bag is totally on point. Silver was all over the catwalks this year and with a discount you can treat yourself!
4. So I’m not selfish. It’s also time we got Baby C some winter clothes and Mr C needs some new long sleeved shirts for the chillier weather. Now it the time to grab them!

Simply Be Hosts #TheCurveCatwalk

I’ve been blogging for a few years now and I still get a huge rush of excitement when I’m invited to an event. So can you imagine my excitement when I was invited to be a part of the tech squad at #TheCurveCatwalk hosted by Simply Be. Announced as the the UK’s most inclusive catwalk show- it included my friends and colleagues. Beauties such as Tess Holliday, Callie Thorpe, Hayley Hasselhoff, Felicity Hayward and many more took to the runway and absolutely nailed it. Held on the eve of London Fashion Week it was pretty much perfect timing.

The Curve Catwalk - Simply Be

The thing is, I’ve been big most of my life and it’s only recently I’ve started to see women who look like me in the media. Not classified as a joke, not the funny friend. I mean being shown as strong, attractive and successful women. Well, this catwalk was a celebration showing that fashion is for everyone regardless of size or shape. From a size 16 to a 26 women took to the catwalk wearing the new Simply Be autumn and winter collection. To say they looked amazing is an understatement.

Felicity Hayward - The Curve Catwalk - Simply Be - Pretty Big Butterflies

Tess Holliday - The Curve Catwalk - Simply Be - Pretty Big Butterflies

I was thrilled to be apart of the tech squad on the night. Sharing behind the scene images of the catwalk, heading backstage to make sure all the prep was going well and checking out the new collection first hand. Plus, we were on the ‘frow’ which is somewhat special! I wore Simply Be on the night and even I felt like a million dollars. Funny what happens to your own confidence when you share your space with people that pull you up and don’t push you down.

Hollie Burgess - The Curve Catwalk - Simply Be - Pretty Big Butterflies

The looks on the catwalk gave a glimpse into the fabulous stuff heading to Simply Be this season. Lots of velvet and jewels tones. Really gorgeous pieces that can be dressed up or down. My outfit was also from the autumn range that just hit Simply Be and it’s all-available right now! (This dress and boots look really is the perfect combination!)

Overall it was a great evening promoting beauty at every size and being surrounded by confident and strong women.

– Shop The Look –

 

A Moment for Jars – HiPP Organic Review

I think we’ve been really lucky with Baby C when it comes to weaning. We’re already on stage 2 without much difficulty. He seems to love solid food, maybe a bit too much as he’s either grabbing food off our plate now or refusing milk! He definitely loved the taste of food over milk that’s for sure. One thing we’ve really tried to do is to get his palate used to savory flavours. We heard that once a baby has a sweet tooth there’s no going back.

The one thing I have struggled with is not feeling bad about feeding him ready-made baby food. I always worry that he isn’t getting the best and gets a bit bored. This new mummy stuff is hard. Well, the lovely people at HiPP Organic sent us some of their new savory jars to try out. They are suitable for stage 2 & 3 of weaning which is perfect. They are sent some lovely little goodies for Baby C to help us store his food away! (He takes up half the kitchen now!)

HiPPs Organic baby food review - Pretty Big Butterflies

First up we tried green vegetables with cous cous and turkey. Sounds nice right? We haven’t had anything with cous cous in it yet and I think it’s a great alternative to rice. To be honest, this is the first time I’ve seen ANY baby food with cous cous in it. We also tried the beef and potato, which looked like a hearty lunch. There are a few key things I wanted to mention; especially now I’ve tried a range of foods I can compare more fairly.

Weaning Tips - Pretty Big Butterflies

Design

Baby C doesn’t care much about the design of the jar; he obviously just wants what’s inside! But the design can make a big difference to me and the HiPP jars are a little unique. They actually have a wider opening and if you compare it against another baby food jar you’ll really see the difference. This makes it easier if you’re feeding on the go. You can mix the food up in the jar without it spilling over the edge. This makes it easier to put the spoon at an angle so the handle doesn’t get covered in the food. Two really simple things that make a massive difference. It also means you can recycle the jars to make lots and lots of different things. From vases to tea light holders, the wider openings make it a lot easier to be creative.

Recycle baby food jars

Texture

The first thing I noticed about the HiPP Organic baby food jars was the texture. It wasn’t watery and was actually pretty thick. The potato and beef looked like mashed potatoes which makes it easier for Baby C to eat. It also helps him get used to chewing. It looks like real food mixed up, not quite blended which is what he prefers. He is totally over completely pureed food already – unless it’s sweet, and then he’ll eat anything! The small chunks are perfect for the little chewing action he has going on and he hasn’t had any problems swallowing any of the food. Hooray!

HiPPs Organic new jar review = pretty big butterflies

 Taste

Of course this is what it comes down to with Baby C. It’s funny because I can now tell if he likes something based on a few things. If he leans towards the food and tries to grab it it’s like he is saying ‘more mummy, quick, this is yummy!’ Where if he isn’t a fan he puts his fingers to his mouth as if he is trying to keep it in and he looks around a lot sitting back waiting for me to bring the spoon to him. There’s also the obvious tell tale sign by how much he eats. Well, so far, he has eaten pretty much all of the jars in one sitting. That means he definitely rates the taste!

Mummy Blogger - Baby Food Review - Pretty Big Butterflies

From my perspective, the HiPP Organic jars are gently steamed cooked to keep in all the goodness and flavour (which is probably why the food isn’t watery and Baby C likes the taste!) They also don’t have any hidden fruit so it helps to get your little one used to savory flavours plus if you give the jars a sniff, the food smells super fresh, like you’ve just cooked it yourself.

This is the face he pulls when he likes something - trust me!

Overall, the HiPPS organic jars really work for us, mainly because Baby C likes them but because it makes me feel that I’m not a terrible mum for not whipping him up a home cooked dinner everyday. It can be hard to not feel judged if you’re not steaming and pureeing the best veg you can find for your child and creating little dishes of gourmet food. Seriously, I rate any mum that does that because I just don’t know how you find the time. The HiPP Organic jars are so convenient and have some of the best ingredients in them with no hidden stuff, so I feel like I’m not doing him any wrong by giving them these. Being a new mum is hard, so thanks to HiPP for making it easier.

For more information on the new recipes and products from HiPP Organic and for the best weaning advice, head to the HiPP UK website.

If you fancy giving the HiPP organic range a try for yourself, I have an exclusive voucher code, which give you money off the entire HiPP Organic range. You can print it off here .

There are also a few tips and tricks for new parents on this HiPP Organic graphic… it’s been pretty useful for me so I thought you might want a look too!

Hipp Jars Full Infographic

 

 

Review: Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicles – A Must Have Product

When you have a baby you’ll accumulate hundreds of things. Most only serve a purpose for a very short time (if at all) but occasionally, you’ll find something that is a little gem in the world of all things Baby. Something that is worth it’s weight in baby wipes and actually is far more useful than you ever imagined it would be. These Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicles moulds are one of them.

Review: Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicles - A Must Have Product

At first I thought, oh I can make Baby C some ice-lollies, which will be nice. Let me tell you, these have become a bit of a saving grace in our house right now. Let me explain.

In simple terms, Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicles are 4 x ice-lolly moulds with plastic handles and freezer tray. You feel each mould with a small amount of whatever liquid you like, with or without bits in and freeze. (Watermelon is great even for adults!) It’s so simple and easy. Something that takes minimum effort but makes you feel like the worlds best mum!

Review: Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicles - A Must Have Product

So, these are the reasons why this product is going down a storm in our house right now.

  1. Weaning

Baby C is well on his weaning way now and if we dare eat around him it’s like he has lost the baby lottery. He gets serious food envy! These ice-lollies are a great distraction and are made with whatever you decide to put in them. So he can have a healthy ice-lolly while we’re eating. It keeps us all happy. He loves watermelon, pea and even broccoli so far. He can also hold the plastic pretty well by himself and the plastic holder helps catch any melted bits – until he throws it across the room. Obviously.

  1. Teething

Yep, good old teething. The cold ice-lolly must feel great about those sore gums and if Baby C seems to be chewing away on a rattle getting irate, popping a home made ice-lolly in his hand works a treat.

  1. Refusing Milk

The past few days Baby C has decided that he’d rather not have milk on his menu anymore. I’m not sure what’s happened. It could be that his mouth is sore from teething, that he is enjoying his solid food too much or that he is just having a moment. Well of course as a new mum I freaked out and started thinking about ways I can make him have his milk without him knowing it. He is a 7.5 month old baby but he isn’t silly!

I worked out that each mould takes 1 oz. of milk. So I’ve been giving him 2 ice-lollies over the past couple of days to help fill his milk quote. He actually got a bit back on track today with his milk, but something as simply as the ice-lollies made such a difference.

  1. Something different

It’s nice to mix things up a bit and with this Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicles you can experiment with different flavours with minimal effort. It’s also a great way of keeping your little one occupied for a few minutes. As it’s basically ice, you know it’s just going to melt so no major hazards.

  1. Value for money

The Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicles are under £6, which I think is an absolute bargain!

Weaning products review -pretty big butterflies

Weaning products review -pretty big butterflies

Baby C really loves these little ice pops and we’ll be keeping them going until he decides they are not longer on the menu.