​We were kindly gifted the tots toilet by Nuby, and just at the right time! We decided to begin introducing Emelia to potty training a few months ago and i've written a review on why we love this potty so much. The first thing that really stood out for us was that it perfectly replicates our regular toilet just in a smaller Emelia friendly version. She knew as soon as she saw it what it was there was no confusion and she is happy to sit on it without assistance. She loves the closable lid and flush sound feature button again making it a similar comparison to our normal toilet. I think it adds a fun element to potty training and encourages use of it.

The tots toilet is a fab size it’s completely portable for use around the house and has a handle for quick and easy transportation. But still a good size potty. You can remove the “potty” tray to easily clean and sanitise once used. And Emelia very much enjoys closing down the lid and pressing the flush, finished with a round of applause of course!

It’s funny but when you think of potty training you don’t always think of the actual importance of having a potty that your child is comfortable to use and that as soon as they are aware and comfortable with using it, it becomes an integral part of potty training. The sturdy base makes the item easy to sit on by a child without fear of it moving when they sit down, another reason why this works so well for us. The fact it looks really good as-well is a bonus, it has a really sleek design and so many people have commented on how cool it looks when they have seen it!

Overall it’s a fab product with an amazing well made design. It’s certainly made starting training easier with the easy clean parts and added noise feature for Emelia’s benefit! Check out my blog post on spotting Emelia’s first signs of potty training readiness and our first stage experience.

Robyn x

As with most big milestones you hit with your child you are generally faced with a feeling of worry. I guess its the thought of entering unknown territory and to be honest, well I know with us a huge part of our parenting style is winging it! Potty training definitely falls into the things to be worried about category for me and I’m sure many other parents. However, I believe Potty training is 100% something you have to follow on you child's terms. It really is something you have to take your child's lead on and yes this happens at different stages. This is the first in my potty training series and I’m going to share with you the signs we noticed with Emelia indicating she could be ready to start. These have come from observing my own child and also speaking to other parents in their experiences on what to look out for. Again every child is different so you can not necessarily take it all as certain but there definitely seems to be common trends.


With Emelia, she has always been quite aware that she is wearing a nappy. When she was younger if she needed a nappy change she would get upset very quickly and if we were on a car journey and she began to get upset 9 times out of 10 it would be because she had just gone to the toilet. As Emelia has got older she has continued to communicate when her nappy is full and will show different signs for this.

When she needs to go she will hide (so whether this is a quite spot in the same room or if we are at home she will go to another room) and when she comes back she will have filled her nappy.

She will then stand beside me pointing at her nappy and grunts kinda saying I’ve finished ( she doesn’t talk much yet!) She will then walk through to her bedroom to be changed.

If she does happen to stay in the room, I have noticed that she will completely stop playing with her toys and focus her concentration on going to the toilet. This just shows her awareness in what she is doing.

We wasn’t 100% sure on how to head in to the direction of actual “training”. I think when you think about the process, you do see it as a quick training session over a couple of weeks and then the child is trained. I was very aware that this wouldn’t be the case as Emelia is still so young. It would be something that would happen over a period of time and she wouldn’t be wearing knickers full time in a couple of weeks time. However, with her awareness there was no point not starting as I felt this would hold her back. We could only try and it has been really positive.

I also think potty training is always seen as a scary thing people seem terrified of training their children and the washing, and poo and wee that go with it. Yes there is going to be an element of messiness involved but I don't think that much if your well prepared and equipped. And as a parent it really becomes something your not really phased with. 

A starting point and few tips I found really helpful.

If your child is still quite young make sure they understand what poo and wee is. The likelihood is that you probably say “have you done a wee /poo” and then change their nappy so they probably do anyway.

Emelia often has nappy free time after dinner time, She would usually use her nappy at some point between dinner and bath time which is usually around 2 hrs, so  before we would wait for her to use her nappy, remove it and then leave it off until after her bath. So instead of waiting for her to fill her nappy we started removing it straight away after dinner time, showing her that her nappy was not on any more and that if she needed to do a wee or poo she had to use her potty . To begin with she definitely understood that her nappy was off and I would continue to remind her of this, and sit her on the potty every 5 mins telling her that she needed to use her potty as her nappy wasn't on.  Luckily for us our bathroom is right by our lounge so she, could carry on playing enjoying her before bedtime routine without being restricted to one room.  She was never to keen to just sit on the potty so it was a case of teaching her to know when she was about to go and getting her to do it on the potty. This is where things get serious!

I’m not going to lie the first couple of times we missed ! But we didn’t tell her off, She knew 100% that she had missed and it needed to be done in the potty. I think at this point she was a little anxious of having an accident because her nappy wasn't on and so she was holding on for as long as possible, even running in circles but just couldn't quite grasp actually using the potty. That was day one! The next day she again continued playing stopped and realised she needed to wee, she began but stopped and I helped her onto the potty where she finished her wee. How she stopped mid flow I do not know ! and She was actually quite distraught that she hadn’t completely got to the potty in time proving that she is anxious of accidents. progress!

Since we have continued through the weeks with this she is completely well aware that if her nappy is off she must tell us or go to the bathroom (which she does) as I explained before I know it will be a slower progress but I feel her level of understanding with the toileting is really good for her age. I am very happy that she's aware of what she needs to do and I do think we will transition into getting her trained fully over the next few months. I would also like to just add that we are only doing a maximum of 1-2 hours of time a day using the potty so I am going to  increase this so she will hopefully get more use to it. Again every child is different so we are working to Emelia's capabilities, but please if you have any questions or advice I would love to here from you !

​The potty we have been using is the Nuby Tots Toilet and you can read my review here!

​Robyn x

Hi guys! I though I would just do a little update and just explain why I’ve been in hibernation for nearly 4 months now ! We are so so happy to be expecting again! Our new little one is due at the beginning of July and so we will have just under a 2 year age gap between our children. The first trimester hasn't been the easiest of times in either of my pregnancies so I'm just sharing what we've been up to these past few months. Many apologies  that this isn't a fluffy first pregnancy update!! 

The first trimester can be quite a dark lonely place and if you experience pregnancy symptoms which the likelihood is you will probably have some, you may not be feeling on top form, to say the least. As those first few weeks rolled by I started to get anxious of hitting 6 weeks in fear of the pregnancy symptoms kicking in. It’s hard to tell whether you will feel the same in all pregnancies or not, as everyone says they are all different so who knows how things will actually be for you this time. And pretty much 6 weeks to the day the sickness hit me like a train! 

I would love to write a really positive story of how I’ve found the first trimester, but to be honest I was far from positive and if you ask my partner I’m sure he will tell you how miserable I was. I mean it’s not surprising when you’ve vomited nearly every day for 3 months and have chronic stomach pain from dehydration, and muscle pain from being sick.. Oh and feeling like you’ve been hit with a shovel and your walking in a forever haze. Obviously a lot of it is just standard for pregnancy but bloody hell it can be awful. Don’t get me wrong the outcome is such a blessing, but personally I can’t say there is that much appealing about about those first few weeks. Give me time though, I write this at 14 weeks Still vomiting even on meds still weak still feeling like utter shite.

Surviving the first trimester sounds super dramatic , like its some quest or mission, any women who has gone through it will know just how much of a mission that time really is ! It feels like a battle of survival with the slowest timer counting down the days to potentially feeing better. I know now in both my pregnancy’s 12 weeks have come and gone and I’m left wondering when my time trial will be over. Dramatic I know but honestly there’s nothing quite like pregnancy. There’s nothing quite like being a mum, nothing quite like labour, and definitely nothing quite like the first trimester.

Throughout these first weeks, I have had to take time away from things just so I could retain what minimal energy I had to focus on Emelia. Being admitted to hospital for treatment definitely helped momentarily but my energy resources have been so limited. I had to be signed off work because vomiting once and work is bad enough. Being stuck all day in the toilets at work when I could barely even lift my head off the pillow was just not possible. Trying to explain the reasons for your prolonged illness to friends or find explanations as to why you cant attend things can also provide some difficulties!
It’s strange but there’s almost this unspoken rule not to announce pregnancy until the deemed acceptable 12 weeks. I understand people’s anxiety at announcing before then. I’ve been there with an early loss and with Emelia we kept it to just the 2 of us for the first 12 weeks. I have to say I was in quite a quiet space at that point in my life anyway. I had lost my mum 3 months prior and my friend a week before finding out. I had no hope that my pregnancy would last the turmoil of grief I was going through and so I switched off from it and pretty much remained in bed sleeping the first weeks. I was extremely ill and lost so much weight due to sickness. It was so hard not telling a single person and made it a very lonely time. This pregnancy we told a few people and the support in comparison has helped hugely, family and friends have been amazingly supportive and made the time a-lot easier. It made sense to not keep it a complete secret as i’ve had to be able to function to a certain extent for Emelia, so explaining why I wasn't always myself to people properly meant they understood, and even offered help. Emelia's been amazing though! we’ve had a lot of pj days , we made it through the worst days and anti sickness medication have definitely helped. Having your one your old mimic your retching or poking their head through your legs whilst you heave over the toilet is hardly ideal but I just think thank god she’s so little still and I know in the future I will laugh about it!

Medication has been massive lifeline, obviously doctors would prefer if you avoided, but whose going to take them if they really don’t need to. Half the time you get vile side effects from the meds too so it’s weighing up whether you’d prefer to feel like a dizzy drunk or vomit like your hungover all day. All the symptoms non of the fun !The obvious solution (you would think) would to just eat and drink of course, you’d feel so much better all round. But in reality when you have sickness that bad it’s impossible. Obviously trying to Sip plenty of water when you can can help take the edge off dehydration. Very difficult though when you are feeling so so sick. I compare trying to sip water when you feel all day nausea, like that moment on bridesmaids when they are in the wedding dress shop and she tries to eat a sugared almond , just no. Utterly horrendous .. But it does help! And when water fails ice cubes or an ice lolly or my personal favourite a freezing cold capri sun.

Fast forward a few weeks and I am on the up and glad to be entering the second trimester. My energy levels are improving and although I still have bad days sickness wise, they are not as bad as what they were, and thank goodness not every single day. I know this isn't the most positive pregnancy update (at all !!) but some parts of pregnancy are pretty grim! I am so completely grateful for the new life I am growing, and it’s so nice to finally be able to look forward to meeting them. I’m sure I will keep you all a bit more posted now and fingers crossed it will all be positive !!

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Being a mum of a toddler is so much fun. I definitely underestimated how much a tiny person could make you laugh,cry and wonder what on earth your doing ! Emelia took her fist steps at 10 1/2 months so she’s been mobile for quite a while now and that definitely comes with its own challenges. She is full on ! from the moment she wakes up she's ready to go! there are no multiple daytime naps, in fact sometimes she does not nap at all so the term eyes in the back of your head and baby/toddler proof everything are well in use! I would say those moments with a newborn baby where you have no clue what your doing become even more terrifying when that person becomes a walking talking touching everything hazard!


When we are out and about Emelia is out and about. She doesn’t enjoy sitting in her pram for more than around 3 mins, so We have brought a little life backpack so I can keep her as in check and safe as possible. She still has other ideas though and Half the time I end up ushering her around like a puppy on the end of the lead ! The persistent encouraging and “come on’s” definitely don’t help this factor ! But it is great fun watching her explore the world and really start to learn. I have noticed that her interaction with people has improved so much more now she doesn’t feel like vulnerable and stuck in a pram, and people aren’t just peering and staring at her. She is just generally so much more smiley and I think this is because she is more mobile and therefore more in control.


I have to say I’m enjoying having this little side kick that I know better than anyone else ! No one knows your child better than you and I can second guess her every next move, well just about. I missed the move where she dragged my caramel latte off the table and straight into my lap ! I mean thank goodness it missed Emelia! she literally stood up in the high chair she was sat in and swiped it off the table (Gosh!) thank-you costa for making basically every hot beverage Lukewarm , and thank-you Emelia for making me walk around town looking like I’d pissed myself. 


We tend to have quite varied weeks but I try and have at least one activity planned for Emelia a day, whether its at home or out. I find this just keeps her entertained and also helps tire her enough ready for bedtime ! there is obviously the odd day that doesn’t go to plan but thats just one of those things. Toddlers aren’t always on top form! Ive had the odd disapproving look or comment and yes it can be very frustrating because you just want to scream at the person “DO YOU REALLY THINK IM ENJOYING THIS” but you just have to take it in your stride and remain calm and battle through. It has made for some difficult shopping trips though and I sympathise greatly with fellow toddler mums! Its bloody hard work at times ! Her attitude and cheekiness is sometimes next level but I guess its character building !?


I adore watching Emelia grow up and change  however it has made me realise so much just how quickly time does fly. Its the best thing really because it shows just how much fun we are having but, on the other hand, does make me worry me that I will miss something. I know thats a silly thing to say because I won’t but I just don’t want to forget a single thing! Somedays are tiring and some days are stressful but the days we spend together are so precious. 

My skin, hair and nails naturally get very dry and in the winter I suffer really badly with chapped lips and dry patches on my legs , not a good look at all! I do treat my skin very regularly to help with this so i’m sharing some of my top tips, some old some new so if like me you favour a more healthy look read on!

Lips

Use a toothbrush to exfoliate lips
Avoid matte/drying lipsticks

So painful when they split and unsightly. I find the best way to rid flakes and dry corners is making a sugar coconut and honey paste (see below). You can apply it to your lips and rub them together or for a more abrasive exfoliation use a dry toothbrush in circular movements. I would suggest using a designated lip brush just so your not scrubbing sugars into your teeth.

Homemade exfoliating lip sugar
Heat a tablespoon of honey and a table spoon of coconut oil and mix. Cool completely and mix in sugar More for abrasive and less for smoother (I find using a folk helps push the sugar into the the honey and coconut mix). Press into a pot and its ready to use when needed. 

To be honest I do find vaselines are the best way to help re-heal split chapped lips as it helps keep them water proofed. But there are lots of fab makeup lip balms if you want a touch of colour without having to wear lipstick. Matte lipsticks will most likely make dry lips worse. 
Benefit bene balm is a favourite of mine and also the rimmel moisture lipsticks.


Body
​
For particularly dry skin use oil instead of cream 
Slightly dampened skin helps creams and body butters glide over skin

Some people aren’t keen but I love body brushing I find it a lot more efficient in comparison to abrasive mitts. And its definitely easier than exfoliating your body daily. When brushed upwards towards the heart body brushing really wakes up your body and revitalises your skin. Something you can do daily/ weekly as part of your routine. I picked mine up from superdrug for a couple of pound.

I moisturise every evening just for convenience and time but my top tips would be:
-if applying a cream massage it into slightly dampened skin it will help your product go further and also help you spread it evenly over your body
-if your skin is particularly dry try an oil instead of a cream or butter you may find it works more efficiently for you.

​legs
​
Body brushing helps keep dry skin to a minimal

I do find my legs are the worse area probably because I shave them so these need all the extra help ! I do like using a slight shimmer moisturiser because the light reflects and distracts from the dry areas. Shimmer though not sparkly !!! The sanctuary precious oil is the perfect shimmer without being sparkly or glittery. Exfoliate once a week and body brush to remove excess dry skin. 

Hands

Leave hand cream beside your sink
Avoid Avoid AVOID hand sanitising gels where possible

Again so painful when they split and crack. Being a beauty therapist my hands are very often in contact with luxury oils and creams so they do get a good treatment ! however since being a mum and washing my hands a million times a day I am definitely  making the conscious effort to moisturise after every hand wash, leaving your hand moisturiser beside the sinks you most wash you hands will help you remember. And also avoid the drying sanitisers where possible.
As a family we use The body shop hemp hand cream and I apply CND solar oil to my nail area and extra dry patches.

Face

Exfoliate but not too regularly 
Use oil and moisturiser
overnight skincare for the win 
​
Harsh winter elements , central heating harsh winds play havoc with your skin.

Exfoliate but not too regularly the amount of people that tell me they exfoliate daily and in reality you will definitely be making your dry skin problem worse by doing this. Exfoliate a maximum of 2 times a week and follow up with a mask. Imagine exfoliating like washing your hair and then the mask as a conditioner.

Don't be scared to use an oil and a moisturiser but make sure you apply the oil first. And use only a couple of drops of oil it should soak into your skin and not leave a greasy layer.

overnight skincare is your best friend. Use heavy nighttime balms and oils to help saturate your skin at night when its not covered in makeup or exposed to to many harsh elements like wind or hot air from car radiators. Happy Moisturising 
Robyn x