Candyfloss & Dreams

Category: Lifestyle

lifestyle blog posts focusing on home, lifestyle, parenting, pregnancy, family life and home and style. Home decor and working at home, working at home as a self employed freelancer and blogger. Family lifestyle blog posts including family reviews, family products and saving money as a family. Being a more eco friendly family.

Becoming a More Eco Friendly Family

Eco Friendly Family

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We want to become a more eco friendly family over the summer! We are quickly approaching the third trimester now and I’m becoming very aware that a new baby in the house is going to mean more waste. As a family going from three to four over the years we will generate more waste and I really want to do my part to try and be a lot more eco friendly. I am hoping to cut down our use of plastics and use more eco friendly products in the house that are more beneficial to us, less toxic and better for the environment too. There are, I’ve found, quite a lot of changes we can make really easily as a family to improve our every day energy output, waste and recycling habits which will hopefully save us money in the long run too. There are loads of extra added benefits to being more eco friendly and cutting down on waste than helping the environment and as a family that has to budget I have to say saving money is one thing that is at the top of my list.

You may find affiliate links in this post below.

Recycle More

We always take glass to the bottle bank and recycle more than we actually throw away but I think we could improve this and see if we can reuse anything that we currently recycle. I would also like to buy more toys that have less plastic packaging. We do have some disposable plastic straws which I try and reuse as often as I can more recycling them, and apparently there are quite a lot of fun hacks you can do with plastic straws but it’s something I’m not going to buy anymore as we have more hard wearing ones that last longer. We are cutting down on buying fizzy drinks which of course avoids buying plastic there. I am also going to invest in an insulated water bottle that I can reuse and will keep water cool. I know it will be really beneficial when breastfeeding so I can have a bottle of water close by at all times. Recycling as much as we can will absolutely make us a more eco friendly family.

Reusables for the Baby

Another way we can be a more eco friendly family is the choices we make when it comes to our newborn. We are going to use eco friendly disposables and cloth nappies for this baby. I am hoping we will have more children in the future so we can keep using our cloth nappies for them which will, of course, save us money in the long term. I am also going to be looking into the eco friendly disposable options for early new born days and just in case spares to keep at my mums so we never get caught short. We currently have a set of Size 2 Bambino Miosoft from Kiddies Kingdom, two part cloth nappies to use for when Baby F is a bit bigger. I’m really looking forward to using cloth nappies. I’ve recently read they’re even better for baby boys because they keep things cool down there. Brilliant.

We have stopped buying disposable baby wipes with our weekly shopping now in an effort to be a more eco friendly family and have instead moved on to reusable Cheeky Wipes which I absolutely love! I bought an all you need kit which I am going to blog about properly soon to talk about how great they are! They smell amazing, are easy to use and will be super soft and gentle on the baby. Using the cloth nappies with the flushable liners will be saving us in wipes and a more eco friendly option. What is great about Cheeky Wipes is that they dry really quickly, are easy to wash the dark colours can be washed with an antibacterial detergent at 40 degrees. We went with dark colours to avoid any stains.

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I am, however, so happy to have a selection of Aqua Wipes which are completely biodegradable. They are naturally kind and soft so perfect for new babies and children that still get their dinner all over their faces. They are made of water and a tiny bit of Aloe. These are going to be perfect to pop in the changing bag and again keep at my mums house as a just in case. I would absolutely consider buying more of these. Aqua Wipes are available on Amazon

Reusables for Me

Another way we can be a more eco friendly family, and this is completely new to me, is the personal hygiene products we use. I am completely new to the world of Cloth Sanitary Protection and Moon Cups but I am determined to give them a go when my body gets back to normal. I had my first period since having my implant removed in December and then fell pregnant. I had heard of Moon Cups and the like before and the idea kind of put me off. I didn’t have periods during my time on the contraceptive implant either so haven’t had to buy much sanitary protection for a while however I am completely sold on using the more eco friendly versions and getting some cloth pads at home ready for me P-Day returns – hopefully well after breastfeeding has finished. I will probably use disposables after birth because it’s a really mucky time and I do have quite a few pads to use but I will be converting.

I have also found some bamboo nursing pads which I am keen to get my hands on to help prevent leakage when breastfeeding. They look and sound so soft, can be washed and will probably be a little more gentle on the nips. I love that I can make these choices to be a more eco friendly family. You can also get cloth makeup remover pads although in all fairness I could probably just use our Cheeky Wipes for my own face to remove makeup.

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Another thing that I think is probably our biggest plastic use is personal toiletries. I have avoided buying too buy this year as I got some really big bottles of Tigi Bed Head Shampoo and Conditioner for Christmas. Both Evie and I have been using them and we are only half way through one set so I’m glad I’ve reduced our plastic usage a little bit there. However, I might try and look into shampoo bars more as they come with no plastic and produce no waste. They smell amazing too and if I remember correctly they actually last quite a while. We have, however, received a few bottles of Dr. Bronner’s natural soap which is organic and a Fair Trade skin care. Dr. Bronner’s liquid soaps help to reduce waste in a multitude of ways. Most importantly being it’s 18 in 1 uses – making it affordable and versatile. The soap can be used to clean your body, mouth & teeth, fruit & Vegetables, your bathroom & Kitchen, clothes and even pets… and a little goes a long way! Coming in eight different varieties, the Unscented is great for kids and the more sensitive of skins and, even better, the bottles are recyclable and biodegradable.

Disclaimer: We received some of the products featured above for the purpose of this post, however, all opinions remain my own. Some links are affiliate links which means if you decide to purchase I might make a small commission from the sale but this is never at any cost to you as the buyer.

June 19, 2018
The Ultimate Flamingo Bedroom Shopping List

Flamingo Bedroom Design – Post Contains Affiliate Links

I am loving all the Flamingo bedroom design, decor and prints that are around right now. My daughter can keep her Unicorns, I am all about the Flamingos right now. They’re pretty on trend, I am loving the bright pink and to be honest it hasn’t really taken much to persuade Adam that flamingos are the way to go for our bedroom…I have seen so many lovely flamingo clothes for little girls too but I just happen to be having a little boy so I might have to go ahead and find some more flamingo inspired boys clothes and bits and pieces.

I think a Flamingo bedroom can be complimented with palm tree, watermelon and pineapple prints which really seem to be the icons of the summer. I’m seeing them everywhere and I absolutely love it. Colours you might want to consider for a flamingo bedroom are:

Flamingo Bedding

I love our Flamingo bedding! We went with a king sized, double sided grey cover with big flamingos on one side and smaller flamingos on the other. A decent flamingo duvet cover and pillow cases are the first step in creating a Flamingo bedroom.

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Flamingo Cushion Covers

If you’re a bit like me and like to have a lot of cushions and covers in your room then I would very much recommend these lovely cushion covers to complete the flamingo bedding.

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Fluffy Throw

For me a bed isn’t made without a fluffy blanket. I love having lots of textures on the bed to snuggle into, especially in the winter and this looks super soft and extra fluffy.

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Flamingo Storage

I love this box, perfect for makeup or underbed storage. I might have to redecorate our bathroom too in Flamingo pink so that I can get a couple of these for the changing table – they will be great for holding nappies and other baby bits!

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Flamingo Laundry Hamper

I do think this really completes the look of a flamingo bedroom, who doesn’t want their laundry basket to be covered in flamingos too?

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Flamingo String Lights

Fairy lights, string lights, they’re a big thing and these would be lovely around the headboard or wardrobe. I love them!

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June 18, 2018
A New Snuggle Buddy: Adorable Alpacas

Adorable Alpacas Snuggle Buddies: Lionel

Adam loves Alpacas and Llamas so getting Baby F his very own Adorable Alpaca has made his life. In fact the other week Lionel distracted him from his final assignments for his access course. I went to the kitchen to get a drink, walking past the living room to find Adam cuddling up to Lionel whilst wondering around the living room (I think he was procrastinating a bit and had cabin fever as he’d been working on his essay for hours). He claimed it was to feel how soft he is. Snuggle Buddies are a lovely range of gorgeous soft toys from Addo Play and are available at The Entertainer

There are two Adorable Alpacas to collect, Lionel, the blue one and Lulu the pink one. Evie now has her eyes on Lulu so she can match her baby brother which is really very cute. As we already have Misty the Unicorn I knew the Snuggle Buddies were suitable from birth and therefore would be a great cuddly toy for Baby F. He’s not here yet, although the weeks are flying by and his prominent kicks are reminding me that it really won’t be very long until he is. In the meantime Evie has been testing Lionel out to make sure he stays super soft and has lots of cuddles until he’s covered in newborn baby drool.

Lionel the Adorable Alpaca is quite large standing at 45cm tall and has a lovely smiley face. He is covered in shades of blue and is so soft to snuggle up to and cuddle. I think, to be honest, we’ve all had a nice cuddle with Lionel now and he is standing on top of our chest in our living room full of Baby F’s bits and pieces. Snuggle Buddies need to be hand washed and are not suitable for the washing machine so we will be taking extra special care of Lionel when he finally meets Baby F.

I’m so pleased with the Adorable Alpaca and Evie has been great at testing out his softness, snuggles and cuddles.

Disclaimer: We were sent an Adorable Alpaca in exchange for this feature.

June 17, 2018
The Importance of Kicks Count

Kicks Count

Kicks Count is a organisation designed to give women the information they need for a safe and healthy pregnancy. The Kicks Count idea is based on the frequency of baby movements during pregnancy. The aim is to help mothers understand their own babies regular pattern of movement which in turn can help to prevent stillbirth. An at home doppler is not an accurate way to monitor your babies health and, if you feel any reduction in movements or you are worried about your babies movements, you should contact your midwife, labor line or the day assessment unit. Do not wait until the next day to get in touch with your healthcare team. Often, it is nothing to worry about and a case of monitoring or even a scan can reassure you and the midwife that all is well with the baby.

I am under the care of the Hampshire Hospitals Trust which gave me this leaflet after my 20 week scan full of information about the later stages of pregnancy. If you feel like you haven’t felt your baby move in a while or as recommended by your midwife, usually 10 movements in two hours, you can try having an ice cold drink, a high sugar snack and resting on your left side for 30 minutes to focus on your movements. Your midwife will never want you to not call. You are never a burden. Any doubts, worries, no matter how many times you call, do it. Your health care team will always look after your health and the health and safety of your baby.

When Should I Feel My Baby Move?

This will usually happen around 18-22 weeks but for some women it can happen as early as 16 weeks. I am sure, for my second pregnancy I felt movement earlier however there was no pattern. Babies are still very small at this point but if you’re ever worried always call the midwife. If you haven’t felt any movement by 24 weeks call your midwife. You can call your midwife as often as you need to for reasurrence and the safety of you and your baby. Never be afraid to call and never put it off.

What Do Baby Movements Feel Like?

A bit weird to be honest. For those first few quickenings or flutters they feel a bit like gas in your gut. Some women describe these movements as flutters, kicks or a rolling sensation. These will gradually increase to get stronger up to around 30 weeks and over time start feeling more like kicks and actual rolls. In the later stages you can sometimes see these movements or even someone else can feel them if they place your hand on your tummy. When you go for an appointment and the midwife goes to check the heartbeat or you go in for some monitoring for whatever reason, you can sometimes hear the babies movements too. Seeing them at ultrasound is always interesting, especially the earlier scans when you see just how much they move and wiggle around.

Can I encourage my baby to move more?

Sometimes babies will react to your voice or your touch. They might react to ice cold drinks and sugary snacks too. However, if you feel a change in your babies pattern at any point or movements are becoming less, call your midwife. Do not wait.

Do Babies Movements Slow Down?

Your baby should continue to move right the way through your pregnancy, third trimester and even during labour. These movements might change in sensation as baby has less room for somersaults but the amount of movements should pretty much stay the same from around 30 weeks.

My Movements in my Second Pregnancy

I am sure I felt some movement as early as nine weeks however this wasn’t frequent and to be honest you’re never sure if it’s gas. Most women start feeling some movement between 18-20 weeks however this can be later in your first pregnancy. Speak to your midwife if you haven’t felt movement before 24 weeks or if you’re concerned. I felt almost daily movement from around 16 weeks pregnant and this was on and off for about three weeks when movement became daily. I felt less if I was more active and more at night. Now I am well into my second trimester and actually approaching my third, I feel a pattern of movements every day.

I downloaded the Kicks Count app around 22 weeks of pregnancy when I started noticing daily patterns. I am naturally anxious and a worrier and felt having somewhere I could easily record movements to help me learn my babies pattern was really helpful. Some women, however, feel this makes them more anxious. I am not one that will get a home doppler as I think this would make me more anxious and would avoid me going into hospital or speaking to my midwife if I thought I felt a reduction in movements. I would rather they check on the baby and have access to an ultrasound scan should I need it rather than put it off.

I have also been told that I have an anterior placenta, which means it’s on the front of my uterus. This sometimes acts as a bit of a shock pad for babies movements however that does not mean you won’t feel movement. I have felt a lot of movement lower down and as the weeks have gone on I’ve noticed a pattern. Baby F tends to wake up shortly after I do and I have some water in the morning. I feel him giving me a good morning wriggle and stretch. This continous on and off for a couple of hours whilst I work. I think because I’m sat in the quiet, early hours with no distractions I pay more attention to movements.

I do find after walking or Aquafit I have periods of quiet where my constant rocking, swimming and movement must have been far too much for him and off he goes to sleep. This usually picks up by the time I’m home though and again, after having more water. During the afternoon I’m usually busy pottering around, back doing the school run or distracted by life so I don’t tend to pick up on movements until later on. However, during the evening when I’m resting or just as I get into bed he is incredibly lively, wriggling around and preventing me from sleeping. It’s nice to feel those movements though and I feel this pattern is much the same for us. Movements have got stronger as each week has gone past and so far I haven’t noticed any changes in this pattern or a reduction in movements.

For more pregnancy content please head to my hub post which contains links to all my relevant pregnancy based blog posts. My second High Bmi Pregnancy.

June 14, 2018
24 Weeks Pregnancy Update

My 24 Weeks Pregnancy Update

I can’t believe I’m already writing my 24 Weeks Pregnancy Update. My second pregnancy is going so much quicker than my last although I do feel things have slowed down a bit recently. Then again I’ve made a conscious effort to slow things down to work a bit more on my maternal mental health. It won’t really be all that long until we are saying goodbye to our second trimester and welcoming in the third! My last update was 21 weeks pregnant and we showed off our gender reveal video.

24 Weeks Pregnancy Update Weigh-In

Current Weight at 24 Weeks Pregnant (Friday, 1st June 2018) 19 stone 3lbs
Total lbs gained so far: 0 – it seems weird writing this, I was 19 stone 6 when I was pregnant so I’ve lost some fat and gained some baby it would seem!

My weight has gone up and down thanks to keeping fit and active during this pregnancy. I’ve had a lot of junk food though recently so I’ve tried to be a lot healthier in the last week and want to continue this habit. We are going back to shopping at Lidl to budget better as well as meal planning to help control our spending and avoiding takeaways.

How Am I Looking?

Some say I look pregnant but I just see lots of fat. I don’t feel my body has changed much but my tummy is getting harder and I’m not really able to sleep on my front anymore. My pregnancy pillow is helping to give me a bit of extra support.

How Am I Feeling?

I feel okay. I’ve talked about being a bit down with my mental health but I do feel I’ve picked that back up. I feel pregnant and feeling all these baby kicks is really reassuring. My energy levels are lower and I am tired but then I also think the heat has knocked me back a bit.

Second Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms

No more sciatic pain yet which I’m glad about but I have had a lot of pressure on my hips and pelvis. Walking too fast really sets this off. I am going to do more Aquafit, Swimming, Yoga and Aqua Natal classes over the summer to help combat this. I also want to get a pregnancy support band to lift the pressure off. I also think the way I’m laying and sleeping is affecting my hips a bit. I’m one of those that sleep on the front and up until about now I’ve been able to continue doing so but it’s starting to get quite difficult and I’m more on my side. I think the pressure being on one side is making my hips protest a little bit. I also think my old leggings really need to be put away until baby is here and I should stick to my maternity ones. I do notice they’re a bit too tight and this again is making things a bit painful. I struggle walking too fast and get out of breath quickly, I can’t really keep up with my regular pace at the moment but there’s no sign of a waddle just yet.

What Do We Have?

We are getting there! This is our bundle of goodies we have so far which include a Baby Crate bed, Lansinoh Single Electric Breast Pump, Shnuggle Baby Bath, set of Cheeky Wipes and some clothes for those early newborn days. I’ve started getting other little bits as and when we go shopping like dummies, sponges and will pick up some Childs Farm goodies soon too. We’ve also got a lovely soft dressing gown, fluffy blanket and two cotton blankets. It’s all coming together nicely now! I’ve put together a wishlist of baby products I want to buy.

Do We Have A Name?

Yes. We have a first and middle name, we’d like to find one more middle name though to carry on the tradition as Evie has two middle names. We just can’t decide on the second yet. We have told some friends and family, we do refer to him as his name, but we are keeping it offline for now and will introduce his name when he’s born.

24 Weeks Pregnancy Update: Midwife Appointment

I spoke to my midwife about how I’ve been feeling a bit down but had perked up again. We didn’t really discuss it much as I was feeling better but I’m glad I made her aware. I have booked my next appointment with her at 29 Weeks so that we can go over my birth plan and speak about how I found meeting with my consultant. We had a listen in on the heartbeat too and heard some good kicks. It was lovely to feel him move around and still get a listen in. My blood pressure was absolutely fine, or at least, the midwife didn’t comment on it so I assume all is fine there, not that I’m worried anyway and my wee was clear. I’ve decided to cancel my Glucose Tolerance Test because there’s been no trace of sugar however I’m going to wait until my check at the consultants office as the appointment isn’t until July anyway so I have time to wait and then again if its all clear I really don’t see the need to have it.

For those that don’t have it a Glucose Tolerance Test is offered to women with a BMI over 30 or those that have diabetes or are more at risk of having diabetes. If sugar does come up in the urine tests then you might be offered it then too as that’s usually an indication that something isn’t working right. It’s basically an early morning blood test where you don’t eat after your last meal and just sip water when you wake up. You have a blood test, drink a glucose drink and then two hours later have another blood test. I had this when I was pregnant with Evie and it was absolutely fine and came back clear so I don’t feel the need to do it this time. It’s personal choice, if you have concerns you can have it done. You will be given some information on the test closer to it being booked in.

Whooping Cough Vaccine

I had this on Friday. I didn’t have this vaccine with my previous pregnancy and I really can’t stand having vaccinations because I am awful with needles but it was fine. Right at the top of my left arm. I was told I might feel a little more dehydrated than normal over the weekend and to drink plenty of water. My arm is a little bit tender and sore around the site of the injection but nothing that I can’t deal with. I’m glad it’s done!

For more pregnancy content please head to my hub post which contains links to all my relevant pregnancy based blog posts. My second High Bmi Pregnancy.

June 7, 2018