Baby Mama Wear

The world of maternity clothes is a scary world to be thrown into. You spend the first months feeling smug that you still fit into your pre pregnant skinnies, the next couple months laughing at how you only have to add a rubber band to extend your waist band, and the final months desperately trying to find clothes with the right amount of elastic to hold everything in and up without looking like you're wearing a trash bag.

I hated the idea of spending a ton of money on clothes I would only wear for a few months but didn't want to fall down the slippery slope of yoga pants and over sized t-shirts. I searched the internet for my mama wardrobe and mostly found 1. they all looked like soccer mom wear from 1996 or 2. they were really really expensive. I lusted after the gorgeous line at Hatch but I just wasn't ready to pay that much on temporary clothing.

I did buy the occasional basic piece from Target, but didn't have much luck. Although their cotton tees are nice, I've found their nursing bras and tank tops to be really uncomfortable and the elastic/wire is always in just the wrong place.

After a lot of research- by research I mean dragging my coworkers around on our lunch break to stores with a maternity section and reading blogs- here's my top 3 picks for your mama wardrobe.

 

TOPSHOP. I love Topshop for normal shopping and couldn't believe they had a maternity section. I purchased my absolute FAVORITE nursing bras from there (see picture). I refused to buy bras that looked like they belong to your grandmother (assuming you don't have a super hot grandma) and these are lovely. They are feminine and still functional and most importantly, very very comfortable. Topshop is also great for trendy pieces for reasonable prices. I'm still wearing most of the maternity clothes I bought there, post pregnancy because I love them so much.

H&M. While they don't offer anything cutting edge or even really trendy, it's a great place for basics AND jeans. I had a tough time finding jeans that fit me right- Topshop jeans just didn't cut it- but I wore the same pair from H&M from month 3 to month 9 (and post preggo too). The best part about this place is it's really inexpensive but the quality (at least for the jeans) is good.

ASOS.  ASOS has always been hit and miss because a good 80% of their stuff is just a little too trendy (ok fine, too YOUNG) for me BUT they have a fantastic maternity section. I was on their website at least once a week as they are constantly adding new stuff. The price range varies and sometimes the quality isn't amazing- but you won't need the clothes for too terribly long anyway. If you have any qualms about ordering online, they have a pretty solid return policy, you just have to deal with the hassle of sending it back. Their skinny jeans are pretty great and they have a huge selection of nice dresses for all those baby showers you'll be having.

In addition to these I've heard from friends that Old Navy and Gap have a pretty good selection too, I just never tried it out and instead just bought bigger sizes, which worked fine for me.

Do you have any fav shops to share with mamas to be?

H xx

Leo's Newborn Session

One of the things I have been looking forward to since Leo was born was his newborn session. I already knew exactly who I wanted to shoot them and what I hoped they would look like and I almost always get what I want. She nailed it.

We asked Karlin to be our photographer after she blew us away for our wedding. After scouring the internet for ideas I saw a newborn session that was done in natural lighting with no props (except the baby) and it was beautiful. I wanted photographs to remember him exactly how he was, without any silly hats or costumes. (That's not a judgment, just a personal choice)

For those of you who don't know Karlin, she's lovely. My son clearly has a thing for red heads because he never stopped looking at her, which you can see in the photos (with the exception of a quick nap that couldn't be helped). She did such a great job and we are really really really really happy with her work. Again. We really can't thank her enough.

Here are a few of my favorites:

You can find more of Karlins work here.


H x

Lotions and Potions:Part 2-Stretch Marks

I may have mentioned once or twice before that I packed on a few pounds during the last few months of my pregnancy. I know, I know, 'you were pregnant, you're allowed to gain some weight'. Of course you are, but I may have abused that excuse as I stuffed just about everything made of chocolate, pizza, bread or sugar into my mouth. My appetite, which would have made a sumo wrestler a little nauseous, combined with the fact that I wasn't walking everywhere like I had in London, made for a pudgy Heather (and I'm one of those lucky ladies that gains most of her weight in her face so I looked a bit like a pregnant chipmunk).

It's ok though, a very important lesson has been learned for next time, if there is a next time. Unfortunately, the lesson has some lasting effects that I am now working very hard to diminish.

While I've tried really really hard to jump on that empowered mama bandwagon, the one that has the women wearing their stretch marks with pride, I just can't. Of course, I would take a million of them all over again because the outcome was my bouncing baby boy, but I hate them and I want them to go away, damn it. Also, if it could happen before bathing suit season that would be great, thanks.

So here's what I've been using so far and it's really been helping.

One. Bio Oil (between $15-$25, £12-£20). I purchased Bio Oil for the first time years ago for some other scars but never really had the discipline to apply it as often as I should so I didn't get results. This time I've put it on every single day and have seen a difference. It doesn't work overnight and I'm now 3 months postpartum and still only seeing minor changes but that's ok. Even though it's an oil it rubs in really nicely and doesn't leave you feeling greasy. It also doesn't have a really noticeable smell.

Two. Palmer's Cocoa Butter for Stretch Marks. ($6, £4.50). Like I said, Palmer's Cocoa Butter is an old favorite but this version is specifically made for stretch marks. I've read A LOT of information on what works best for marks and this always seems to come up. I put this on after every shower. It smells just like regular cocoa butter, which isn't overpowering, and while it's a thicker cream it rubs in pretty well.

Every woman is different and everyone's bodies react differently to products but from what I've read, both of these are working for a lot of people. They won't ever go away completely but they are starting to fade considerably. I have also been going to the tanning bed, which I obviously can't recommend, (I'm using it for another skin issue..) and the sun seems to help them at least blend in to the rest of my skin. Also, losing weight seems to be helping them too, which I guess makes sense...

If you have a magic remedy please let us know! Or bottle it up and sell it, I'll totally buy some!

H xx

Simple

 

To me, it's simple. Everyone should love who they want to love. Why would we want to deny someone that right? Why would we want to continue creating an environment for our children that makes them feel so very different and unloved that they feel their only option is to end their lives? They aren't just activists, they are people. They are your friends and your neighbors. Support them because they are people.  This shouldn't be political, it should be common sense. 

I pray for those people on Capital Hill today because they are making history and it's a beautiful thing. I pray they can make change because I want my son to grow up in a world where he feels loved no matter who he loves.

It's simple. It's equality. It's love. 

H x

 

Lotions and Potions: Part 1

I can't believe it's been just over 3 months since I was pregnant. Time sure flies when you're not sleeping.. I was thinking back to those 9 long months of ups and downs and growth..lots and lots of growth and I have to say I'm pretty thankful for two things: the internet and good and experienced friends who helped me along the way. While I tried to stay away from the internet for all the big important issues (it is a terrifying place to look for information) I did find some really great blogs and sites for pregnancy products. I also had a few friends who put valuable time, as they have children and I can only now appreciate how valuable that time was, into helping me. So, now that I've got a little of that experience behind me I thought it was only fair I share what I learned.

First, lets talk about lotions as this was something I was particularly interested in (I was terrified of stretch marks). 

These are my top 4 pregnancy stretch mark creams. (Click the name for link to products)

    

1. Mama Mio Tummy Rub ($35,£23).  I LOVE this stuff. I probably went through about 4 or 5 tubs of it and I still use it now and then. It's got a fresh citrusy smell and, while it's a thick cream, it doesn't take forever to rub in. Mama Mio has a pretty fantastic pregnancy and post pregnancy range that I'm still exploring. They also have a tummy rub oil but I just prefer the lotion.

2. Cowshed Udderly Gorgeous Stretch Mark Balm ( $31, £21). This was my first choice because I love Cowshed products. They are just lovely and my whole house would be stocked with them if I didn't like trying new things so much. I looked for two weeks for this stuff in London. I even had coworkers out looking during their lunch break. I couldn't even find it online. I got my hopes up at a store near work when I found a sample on the shelf but, alas, they were out of stock and I gave up my search which is how I came to use Mama Mio. I contacted Cowshed and they said they were working on restocking so there's a good chance you will be able to find it now. They also have an adorable line for baby that I may get around trying, I'll let you know.

3. Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter ($13, £8.50). Most people know and love Burt's Bees products so I don't have to sell this stuff. I never used a full size product but the sample I scored was pretty great and you can't really beat the price.

4. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Original Formula. (around $5, £3.50). This is an old faithful product. People use this for just about everything and have for a long time so who am I to argue. I always have a bottle of this in my house and probably always will. I never used it on my belly but I have started now, post pregnancy and love it.

I know they say stretchmarks are hereditary and that may be but I think you can help yourself along the way. I did, in the 9th month, get the dreaded 'stripes of honor' but not many and I think it would have been a lot worse if I hadn't been super careful. 

It's important to also remember that you're more likely to get them if you gain weight really quickly (which I did in my last month) and if you don't keep your skin properly hydrated- so drink up and put that donut down (do you REALLY need 5 of them?)

I know there's a plethora of these lotions out there all ranging in prices and I'm sure there's some family secret that's been passed down through generations of women so if you have any you want to share please do.

I have a particularly fussy baby today so my post pregnancy picks will have to wait for another day. 

I hope you all had a wonderfully relaxing weekend.

H xx

Tsk Tsk Mommy Blogger

So, I've done it again..I've neglected the blog. I remember a conversation I had with my friend Jade, back in London, about stay at home mom's. We couldn't figure out how they never had any time. We decided their day consisted of  feeding the baby every few hours, but other than that it just slept or played quietly on its own with all those toys, right? Oh, how very wrong I was.  So now I jump on all the empowered stay at home mom pedestals I can because it ain't easy.  The only reason I've got time now is because we're on our way to Savannah and this is being typed on M's iPad while I sit in the backseat with Leo, who can't seem to keep his eyes open in a moving car for more than 3.5 seconds.

Sometimes I get into bed at night and really wonder where the day has gone. Feedings, diaper changes, tummy time, play time, pumping, bath time..and when I get a few minutes it's used up with quick clean ups of my neglected house or laundry pile. Luckily, the weather has improved in the last couple weeks so I've been able to put the jogger to good use and get a little fresh air and exercise. My trips to the grocery store are truly a mini vacation that I spend worrying I'll have to abandon a full shopping cart to rush home to my distressed baby (hasn't happened yet). I read a book last week for the first time in months, mainly because we were visiting the grandparents where I have to book in a time slot for a cuddle with Leo.

Unfortunately, we have not yet fallen into that golden category of an all night sleeper, that elite group of parents who post on Facebook about how well rested they are accompanied by a photo of themselves gazing adoringly at their equally well rested bundle of joy. I secretly hate them and envy them in equal parts.

In all seriousness I wouldn't change a thing. Even during a particularly fussy growth spurt we just made it through when I was on the verge of tears at 3:30am (the third time he'd woken up that night) I looked down at him and he smiled at me and everything was ok again. It really is amazing how that works.

I've also recently come to terms with the fact that I'm officially one of those people who go out with a group of adults only to bore everyone else to tears with quirky little anecdotes about my baby. I caught two of my friends rolling their eyes at me as I and another mom commandeered the tables conversation with talk of breast feeding. Sorry guys.

The Cleverly clan has been doing pretty well in these past weeks. I've had a few issues with pumping (cant seem to pump enough) so it's hard to get any help with night feeds (I used to dream about a new Birkin bag, now I dream of a few nights of uninterrupted sleep- funny how that changes). Leo is growing so fast and I cry a little every time I have to put some of his clothes into the 'too small' pile. He had his two month shots, two in each leg, and I thought my heart was going to break into a million little pieces. He was fine after about 3 minutes but I am traumatized for life. He has a smile that could melt Kim Jong Uns heart and he's hinting at a laugh, I think my heart may burst when that happens.

I've started back on Weight Watchers and exercising as much a possible so I'm finally starting to see some changes. I don't know who those people are who swear you lose weight just by breastfeeding but I want to call them a liar right to their lying little faces. I'm going to carry on posting healthy new recipes that we love as well as my progress because it motivates me when my friends do the same. I invite anyone to share theirs as well as I think guest posts help break up the monotony of my humble opinion on the world.

M has joined a soccer/football team where everyone assumed he was good because of his accent, luckily he is. The search for the perfect job is still in progress but he's got a few good leads and is still working for his UK company remotely. It's unbelievably helpful having him at home with me for these first three months, although I think he's ready to get back into an office/construction site and have some big boy conversations and requires him to wear pants that aren't made of some sort of cotton.

Now I am going to use the last hour and a half of our journey to catch up on some sleep. Happy St. Patrick's day!


Here's our life according to my iPhone (I keep promising myself to take more pics with our camera...)

 

 A little collage grandma made of the many faces of Leo.

 Just two cool duded. No big deal.

 I mean, look at those eyes..

 He was a little upset I got in the way of Sponge Bob to take this picture (no I don't let him watch tv all the time...)

 Obviously.

Play mat time is his favorite time..after bath time..and maybe lunch time..

Food Porn: Asian-style Sticky Salmon

I've been working on my cooking skills over the past year or so and while I've definitely improved I have a long way to go. This is a recipe I've been cooking since the beginning of the 'experimental phase', which was really just a test in not burning down the kitchen every time I cooked.

M and I both love asian food, whether it's Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, etc. I found this recipe in a Sainsbury's (English supermarket) magazine and we've cooked it about 100 times since.

So here goes my first installment of the Food Porn series, please let me know if you see any room for improvement or any suggestions because I am still very much in the learning stages.

Asian-Style Sticky Salmon

Preperation Time: 15 Minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients: 
1 tbsp fresh root ginger, finely chopped
2 tbsp honey
4 tbsp soy sauce, plus extra for drizzling
zest and juice of 1 lime
4 skinless salmon fillets
1 tbsp olive oil
2 x 300g packs stir fry vegetables
1/2 red chilli, chopped (optional)
2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

*A few notes*

• I don't use chilli because M is a bit of a wimp and can't take the heat 
• I use sesame oil instead of seeds just as a matter of personal preference (I don't like seeds in my food)
• I double the marinade recipe because we like extra juice

1. Put the ginger, honey, soy sauce and lime zest in a bowl. Mix well, then add the salmon fillets and coat thoroughly. Cover and chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.

2. Heat half the oil in the pan and add the vegetables and chilli (if using) with a splash of water and stir fry for a couple minutes. Drizzle with a little soy sauce, remove from the pan and keep warm.

3.  Heat the remaining oil in the pan, add the salmon fillets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Place on top of the vegetables, squeeze over the lime juice and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving (if using).

* I use sesame oil to cook the fish in to add the sesame taste.

Per serving: 417 Calories, 25g fat (4g saturated), 10g carbohydrates *this is if you follow the recipe as is, I'm not sure the difference with the replacements.

So, I admit, the end result picture above might not make your mouth water but it really is dee-lish.

Do keep in mind that my food photography skills are severely lacking..

Hope you enjoy!

H x