Sunday 13 May 2018

Teaching Pregnancy Yoga

My new adventure after my maternity leave came to an end...



This could be a long old post , and I'm not entirely sure where its going to take me! Since leaving university I have always worked in an office job. I felt like it was the right thing to do. I'd make my family proud if I had a 'serious' job in London. I worked in Marketing for several years and there were aspects of it that I really loved. I then got pregnant with our first baby, and everything changed.

As my maternity leave was coming to a close I requested flexible working hours. This was denied as I was a manager with line management responsibility. Fair enough, I guess. I could have gone back to my job full time but it didn't make a huge amount of financial sense as we don't have any family near us to provide childcare and nurseries and child minders were pricey. So my husband and I decided together that I should give my dream a go, and teach yoga. If this doesn't work then I can always (somewhat begrudgingly) go back to what I was doing before. But i really really want this to work!

So here's to a new chapter and my lovely new business: You Time Yoga.

Hopefully I'll make my family proud and most importantly my lovely little daughter.

I'd love to hear in the comments if any of you have changed career after having a baby or have had any problem with going back to work on a flexible basis.

Sunday 19 November 2017

Our little girl



Our darling little girl arrived two days before her due date, she came into the world without a cry and just looked around with her huge blue eyes. I have never felt such an overwhelming love so instantly. She was a tiny bundle of loveliness. The feeling of having her on my chest, and hearing her soft breath will remain the most incredible feeling I've ever experienced. When she was born we spent the majority of our days staring at her and marvelling at each tiny little move or sound that she made.

The life changing enormity of motherhood took me by surprise, and I spent the first few months overwhelmed by new mum nerves but most importantly consumed by love. Baby girl, holding you while you sleep makes me feel so content I feel like I could burst with love. I will do anything to protect you and will always put you first my darling girl.



Monday 16 January 2017

I'm Pregnant!



My last post was written 9 months ago, and just before we found out we're having a baby! I haven't been able to write since - for some reason I've felt so secretive and private about being pregnant. For the first few weeks I absolutely loved being in a bubble with my husband and being the only ones who knew we were growing our first baby. We had a private scan at 8 weeks just to check it was real, and seeing the faint flicker of a heartbeat on the screen will be something that stays with me for life. A silent tear streamed out of my left eye with no warning, and I knew I was in love.

Today, I'm 39 weeks pregnant, and ever since we found out about our baby every waking moment has been spent preparing for when it is finally here. Suddenly buying our first home became a huge priority. We've been renting various dodgy flats in London for the last 8 years, and saving our pennies to finally buy our own home, but suddenly with the impending arrival of a mini-us we went into overdrive and after finding house that was right for us, we completed just six and a half weeks later. It was all a little bit stressful to say the least but I'm so pleased we have a little home to bring our baby back to.

I'm now on maternity leave and so close to our due date that I finally feel confident about writing about the pregnancy. So here's how its been...

First Trimester 

I was so bloated in the first trimester that I already looked pregnant at around 8 weeks and had to buy maternity jeans. Morning sickness started at around the 6 week mark and I was physically sick every other day. I was only ever sick in the morning before work. I'd wake up so thirsty that I'd drink a large glass of water and invariably then throw up. I also felt really queasy in the evening, and the only thing that helped was eating really bland food. I tried ginger and unfortunately it gave me no relief. In terms of cravings I was a lemon water obsessive, and a salt and vinegar fiend. I felt exhausted but couldn't sleep. The 12 weeks scan was definitely a silver lining to the first trimester and I felt so much better at around week 14. 

Second Trimester 

It was the dream everyone says it is. We went to Rome for a long weekend when I was 24 weeks pregnant and I walked for miles with boundless energy and ate copious amounts of pizza and pasta. I felt like myself with a ravenous appetite and a chunky bump.

Third Trimester 

This trimester was much like the second and overall I've enjoyed it. I've been practising yoga to counteract the niggling aches I've had from my desk job and completed my Pre and Postnatal Yoga teacher training at 31 weeks. From 36 weeks onwards I've started to feel really large and much more uncomfortable, particularly in my left ribs where the baby has conveniently lodged its cute little bottom. When I drop something on the floor I watch it fall, almost in slow-mo and think 'Noooooo, I can't possibly reach that'. I then limber up and make various grunting noises as I squat down in a highly unattractive formation.

I wouldn't say that I've been one of those glamorous, glowy pregnant ladies, but I have been happy, and at every stage I've been amazed at how clever the human body is. The due date one week count is now officially on, and I'm a nervous ball of excitement. 

Monday 9 May 2016

South African Safari



We decided to do our Safari in the Eastern Cape as it was a great starting point for our trip along the Garden Route. It also meant we didn’t have to take anti Malaria medication, which was a definite plus. We flew into Port Elizabeth and drove our hire car straight to Hitgeheim for one night of relaxation pre our Safari adventure. The journey from Port Elizabeth was somewhat bumpy and made me aware that I should NOT have booked a small car as it really wasn’t suitable for the dirt roads. Whoops!  We trundled along in our Ford Fiesta at 5km an hour and I really regretted trying to save money on our hire car., although it did increase our budget for the amazing food that was on offer! When we finally arrived at Hitgeheim we needed something pretty awesome to brighten up our moods, and I’m pleased to say Hitgeheim did just that. The views were epic, and as we relaxed with our welcome drinks the stress of the journey drifted away.


The rooms were perfect and the comfortable beds were just what we needed after our flights, which totalled 20 hours. We ate an awesome barbecue for dinner, with delicious glasses of unlimited wine! It was a shame that we’d only booked one night at this awesome hotel, but we were equally excited to get back on the road (in our Fiesta!) and arrive at the Lodge for our Safari.



We stayed at the Pumba Lodge Game Reserve near Grahamstown and it was without doubt one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever stayed. Our guide, Justin, answered each and every one of our (sometimes ridiculous) questions and managed to bring his humour with him, even on the 6.30am drives. It was so incredible to see so many beautiful animals, and I felt relaxed and content as I stared, open mouthed at these majestic, and somewhat cheeky animals.


We had some slightly hair raising moments, like when a bull elephant blocked the path and refused to move for a solid 10 minutes, and when reception called our lodge to explain we needed to stay inside as there was a leopard lurking in the vicinity! Seeing the giraffes staring at the sky as the sun set stood out as an amazing moment.  I wouldn’t say this lightly; this Safari was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Yes, it cost the same as a month’s rent in London for just 3 nights, but it was worth every one of our hard earned pennies. I’d say this was a once in a lifetime experience, but I’d love to go again, so maybe it’s more of a thrice in a lifetime experience.




Did you know that a group of giraffes is called a tower? No, neither did I!

Wednesday 3 February 2016

Weekend in Paris


My oldest friend moved to Paris with her job at the end of last year. She is without doubt one of my favourite people in the world, she's also my running partner, confidant, and one of the most lovely people you'll ever come across. The only positive of G moving to Paris was the fact that I could visit her, and eat pastries aplenty. 

I've been to Paris with my husband (then boyfriend) before so this time I was keen to explore some different areas. After catching up over copious amounts of tea in G's beautiful Parisian apartment we headed out on our very own walking tour.

If I'm honest much of my visit was largely chatting, and walking, interspersed with the odd Patisserie, however, I did visit two 'touristy' places I think are worth mentioning. If you're looking for an incredible view over the whole of Paris then head to Sacré-Cœur Basilica. We made the decision to climb the 300 steps to the top of the dome, which was probably wise considering the Almond Croissants we had devoured. The view was breathtaking, particularly for G as she's nervous of heights!


My other recommendation is the Musée de L'Orangerie, which is a short walk from the Louvre. Among other pieces this art gallery houses a cycle of Monet's water lily paintings. It was awesome to take in something I've only ever seen on postcards. I could attempt to say something profound about Monet's masterpiece but its seems that would be unnecessary...

'Everyone discusses my art and pretends to understand, as if it were necessary to understand, when it is simply necessary to love.' Claude Monet

I love G and I loved our weekend in Paris. That's enough for me.

Is there anything you'd recommend for when I'm next in Paris?

Wednesday 20 January 2016

Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016



2015 was the year we got married, and it seemed to go by in a whirl of Pinterest, table plans, dress fittings, peonies, and confetti. The day was so special yet the planning was relentless! I'm looking forward to 2016 being a year that is less orchestrated because, after all, life is what happens while you're busy making plans. Some of the most memorable moments of our wedding were not planned. Did I hire the above dog, cute child, and miniature pony to ride next to the wedding car? Nope, I sure didn't, and it was pretty special.

Instead of an endless list of things I'd like to achieve, I'm going to put just three goals into writing.

Find a home 

My husband and I have been renting in pricey London since moving down after university.  It would be really lovely to paint some walls, plant some veggies, and have friends round for dinner in a place of our own. If we could squeeze in a dining table then I think I'd be one happy lady!

Finish more books

I am absolutely terrible at starting a book and not finishing it. The stack of books on by bedside table is completely unacceptable.  It's often not a reflection of how good the book is but a reflection of my fleeting attention. I 'm currently reading The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle. I will finish it.

Travel 

Seeing new places makes me feel alive. Surely that's a good enough reason?!

What are your goals for 2016? I'd love to hear.

Monday 7 December 2015

Best Cleansers and Exfoliators



I like my cleansers how I like my men; hardworking, powerful, and gentle. Euugh, that sentence made me cringe a little! Without further ado I present to you my absolute favourite cleansing products.

Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Cleansing Gel
This mild cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin and doesn't contain any of the nasties that can often leave your skin aggravated or blotchy. This is a really simple cleanser, which I tend to use first thing in the morning to wake me up and ensure my face is throughly cleansed.

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Make-up Removing Micelle Solution
This cleansing water is phenomenal. It gets rid of every trace of makeup and doesn't leave me with an angry, red face. To go back to the awkward man analogy, this cleanser is 'the one'.

Dermalogica Daily MicroExfoliant 
I use it at night to give me that really clean feeling. I live in London and my skin often feels a little grimy, and this powder formula exfoliator leaves my skin feeling brighter and fresher after just one minute. This is quite a pricey product but it lasts a REALLY long time.

Eucerin DermoPURIFYER
This scrub lives in my shower and is my go-to product for a quick yet powerful cleanse. The range is specifically formulated for blemish prone skin so I'll reach for it when I need a dose of super effective cleansing.

Let me know if you have sensitive skin, and can recommend any good brands I should try.