Vegan pancakes, they come out just like the real thing!  If I’m honest I add as little baking powder as possible out of preference, but experiment to see how you like it! For me and Emelia I tend to use half the amounts below especially if topping with fruit.


Batter:

• 150g flour ( your choice what type I used self raising because I don’t like using too much baking powder but you can use healthier flours if you wish)
• 300 ml of milk ( soya , almond, coconut. Again the choice is yours add less if your flour is quite fine )
• Tsp baking powder ( less if using self raising flour)
• Tbsp coconut oil
• Tbsp agave syrup ( sweetener of choice, carob syrup, honey, maple etc)

Toppings of choice:

• I always use fresh fruit and then top with agave syrup , yummy!

Whisk all pancake ingredients together the mixture shouldn't be too runny so be careful when adding the milk, it should resemble regular pancake mixture, heat a little coconut oil in a suitable pan. Make pancakes.
Tada! No sticking (hopefully😂) easy vegan breakfast. Just top with toppings and serve. You can pretty much customise the recipe to what you like and make them with whatever flour's and sweeteners you want. 

I have had so many people asking me on tips on weaning off or stopping breastfeeding so I thought I would do a little post to hopefully help. Obviously everyone is completely different and I am in no way an expert or professional just a mama to a little girl who Breastfed for 10 1/2 months.


I know when Emelia was tiny I always said I would breastfeed until 6 months and then finish. However, 6 moths rolled around and neither her nor me were ready so I decided to carry on. We had been lucky and breastfeeding was a breeze, and at that point she fed amazingly and it seemed pointless to stop breastfeeding to go onto formula. I wasn’t working etc so had all the time to laze around feeding her. Emelia was definitely not one to take a bottle in those first months to be honest it wasn’t until I completely weaned that she agreed to have one. I was her bottle her nutrients and her pacifier all in one she needed nothing else! I don’t know if its because she seemed quite early with her stages but we got to 10 months and she was showing signs of walking real soon. The out and about feeds had become impossible, she was too wriggly and just way to distracted with everything going on around her. The only way she would nap is with a feed and she wouldn’t do this if there was something else to watch!  This meant we were either housebound so she could have her feeds and naps or we payed the price when it came to bed time and she would feed EVERY hour through the night to make up for the lack of feeds during the day. This was when I knew I was ready, it wasn’t anything to do with the feeding aspect but I knew both of us would be happier and more rested and enjoying the summer if we wern’t restricted with feed times etc. To be honest she had cut down greatly at this point so it would have only meant really one feed during the day but, I knew if we were to wean it needed to be an all or nothing kind of thing.

My top tip from stopping is to literally do that. Stop. That way there is no confusion for little one on whether they are allowed to feed from you. Emelia didn’t get upset or try and feed from me once when we finished breastfeeding and it was so much less scary then I ever imagined it to be. We were both ready for definite. When she did want some milk she went from being fussy to actually taking it and because she wasn’t attached to my chest she was easily and freely able to look around and then nap! The feeds were more efficient because she wasn’t distracted and therefore she was fuller and happier. I will add that for about a month after I stopped I was still pumping to reduce the chances of getting mastitis so Emelia was still having some breastmilk. My supply gradually stopped by 11 months and I moved her onto formula because I could barely get an oz through pumping but, would you believe I still got mastitis! which you will know if you’ve had it is no fun and games. So that was it really!

• Stop completely to avoid confusion
• Pump to reduce chances of blockage/mastitis (you can even mix breastmilk with formula/milk to get them used to taste)
• Find cup/ bottle and use the same one/style for every “breastfeed” so they understand the new routine​
• Make sure you are ready in yourself to finish

Obviously every little one is different and I do feel as though Emelia took it really well but on speaking to plenty of other breastfeeding mums I have heard no horror stories from them finishing. Perseverance is key and if your strong about it, it will likely go well. The prospect is always so scary, and I know that certain times before when I considered finishing breastfeeding I felt sad as to opposed to determined and ready so you will 100% know when the time is right.


Happy Boobing

Robyn x

Ewan the dream sheep
I have mentioned him before on posts, but this little guy deserves another mention! 13 months on we are still using him and he does not disappoint. I guess he's become a bit of a comfort toy just with the added bonus of a warming night light, and lullaby, white noise or heart beat function. He stays on for about 20 mins once one of his feet buttons are pressed, and then switches off once the timer is finished. As soon as he is switched on Emelia seems to recognise the sound and associate with sleep (has done since small) and although she doesn't self settle she is more soothed and calmer and if I lay her down without him playing she instantly wakes up but not if he's on. I definitely think a longer option would be a great development option for Ewan the dream sheep though for those difficult wake spells!

Nursing pillow
I didnt buy one of these to begin with but wish I had of had it because it was amazing for supporting Emelia whilst feeding and also just for laying her on when I needed my hands free for 5 minutes ! Mine wasn't anything fancy I picked it up in an Asda baby event for around £8!

gro egg
We were slighlty skeptical about this product thinking it would definitely end up being completely unnecessary and that the good old card thermometer would do the trick. Well actually it has proven to be very handy in knowing what to dress Emelia in an evening with just a quick glance  and also if she wakes in the night and the egg is too cold or hot it can sometimes determine why she woke so settling is easier. Also the egg works as a soothing  nightlight which is good.

Tommee Tippee prep machine
We haven't actually used this for long because I exclusively breast fed until 10 1/2 months but! With Emelia seeming slightly intolerant to milk we have continued with formula for a little longer. Any how for the very small amount of bottles that we do ( maximum 2 per day) this is so handy for our very impatient little girl! I can imagine it to be so so handy for completely bottle or combined fed babies that are having several bottles a day. Just set the dial to the oz bottle required press the button and you are presented with a perfect temp bottle. Easy! I know this has been in the press lots but to be honest as long as you follow instructions use correct filters change and clean regularly I don't think there would be any issues.

Car mirror
I actually love having this ! Like most new parents that panic over every little murmer or the fact that you would irrationally think something had happened to your baby if you couldnt see them for the duration of your car journey. I was that mum and Reggie was definitely that dad. We still use this mirror and Emelia loves watching us in it ! So handy to keep an eye on them and give you that little bit less stress. Win win.

​Bugaboo Camelion 3 review


An honest review of the Bugaboo chameleon 1 year down the line
On finding out we were expecting I initially didn’t look at prams, this was something we did when I was pregnant the first time and unfortunately miscarried so I wanted to wait until further Down the line. The purchase of our pram was probably the most important thing on our to buy list and something I did not want to get wrong. I can remember my mum saying (who looked after children for 20 years) to always invest in a good set of wheels otherwise you would probably always hate it and also want to change it. I also knew I wanted to buy a pram that I would be able to use


Once we had our 20 weeks scan we began to buy a few bits and started researching what new prams were on the market and also what styles we liked. Although I had heard of the bugaboo prams I hadn’t seen that many out and about. We first came across the it in mothercare and reggie walked straight up to it and said yep I love this one! I have to say on seeing it I pretty much instantly fell in love with the grey melange fabric and quilted cream interior. The price ticket very much reflects on the quality of the pram and something that did almost put us off however with Emelia being our first baby I wanted to buy a pram I A. Would t want to replace and B. Could use again.

There were several other prams we were debating between but we always came back to the bugaboo and I have not regretted the decision at all. It has been a dream. The bassinet is a brilliant size and Emelia stayed in he lay down cot till nearly 6 months and to be honest I think I probably could have kept her in it longer. She hadn’t out grown it didn’t seem uncomfortable or unhappy I just assumed that because she had been sitting since 3 months maybe having a more upright view would be better for her.

1 Hand assemble!
I can easily assemble the pram one handed. So on the odd occasion when Ive had to balance Emelia and precariously put together the pram its been very easy. Dissembling wouldn’t be as easy though and 2 hands would be required.

Pram Storage
The basket size with the bassinet attached is fairly small and there isn’t much access to it however once the next stage seat is attatched it is easy to get to and large in size. It features a draw string so items can be well hidden and secured underneath without the addition of extra bags.

A break not quite where you'd expect
The pram break is located on the side of the pushchair as to oppose as a foot bar. This usually throws people off if they are pushing the pram but because we know no different it does not bother us at all. The harness features a 4 point click in for safety and the seat can recline into 3 different positions. You can front face or parent face the seat. Emelia is 1 and although I put her front facing she is always turning around trying to look for me so I still parent face her the majority of the time.

Pram off roading
I haven’t had many issues with this pram on different surfaces. We did initially want to purchase the bugaboo buffalo which is larger in size and has the same size back wheels on the front but with the ability to switch the Camelion handle over so that the larger wheels do the work on harder surfaces if your just occasionally doing “off road” style walking we decided to stick with the Camelion. I’ve used the pram on sand, stones, grass and obviously tarmac and the only time I have struggled is just on very lose gravel (which I think most wheels would struggle) and if I hit a largish stone or dip in the road or path.

Expensive extras
I like that their is the option for a buggy board seat attachment if you have any more children and are not wanting to change to a double to accommodate. One off putting factor could be the expense of the accessories you may need for your pram. And just like everything else baby related you can pretty much get an accessory for just about everything! From cupholders to parasols, foot muffs and bags everything other than the chassis seat and carrycot is classed as an extra. To be honest a lot you don’t need. And those bits you do need there are plenty of universal products out there that would probably work just as well. We did purchase the bugaboo foot-muff simply because we wanted an exact colour match, but things like the parasol we have brought universal.

All in all so far this pram has been brilliant. It washes down perfectly and after a year of use the wheels are still in great condition and its not really showing any signs of wear.
Any questions please ask ! 
Robyn x

Skincare you actually have the time for! So we all know the importance of having a skincare routine of some sorts in place. But having the time to do this is another story, life just takes up so much time , whether we are mothers, busy with work or just not willing to sacrifice that extra 2 minutes in bed. This is the one thing that comes up time and time again when talking to clients having facials in the spa.  They dont have enough time for skincare at home . In reality we all definitely just want skincare that can take no more than 1 min a day ! Well this may help. So for starters this is just basic skincare and what everybody should be doing daily anyway. You definitely should allicate extra time for exfoliating and masks but for basic skincare you do not need longer than a minute in your day, probably less! ​Make it as easy as you can for yourself and include it into tasks that you are already doing in your day. There are 1000's of skincare products on the market and you do not want to fill your cupboard up with tons of bottles that you don't have the time for. There is a time and place for luxury skincare routines and busy little you doesn't have time for them at the moment! Follow my steps to help streamline your skincare routine, improve skin quality without losing any sleep. Win win!

So first things first, bin all those skincare products you don't use! Don't bin them, but definitely put them to one side and save for a day where you have the time to pamper yourself! Bare in mind though that open products do have a shelf life, and better quality products that don't contain parabins or little parabin product will go off quicker. 
​
1. Cleansing made easy with no cotton pads
So your morning routine may or may not contain a shower or bath. Its best to make sure you do use a cleansing product in the morning because it helps wash away all those toxins your skin has excreated throughtout the night. Using a cleansing wash rather than a milk, balm, or oil is an important first step for saving you time in the morning and evening. A facial wash can be left in the shower so used then. Or just by the sink ready for once you've brushed your teeth . Easy no faffing with cotton pads or flannels. Some facial washes you don't need to follow up with a toner which takes another step out. However if you are going to tone choosing a spray bottle toner means you can just spritz it straight over your face once again no cotton pads needed. I am loving Elemis Superfood cleansing wash. No tone necessary and a great wash suitable for all skin-types. 
 
2. Strategically place your products in places that are part of your routine.
Keep your moisturiser and eye cream with your makeup so you don't have the chance to foget to apply or run out of time and go straight for your foundation. Even if you don't wear makeup I would advise applying a sun protection moisturiser. So if not applying makeup leave it beside your morning cleanser ready to apply directly after. Makeup wearers will apply moisturiser  as part of your makeup. I absolutely love Elemis's Pro Radiance illuminating flash balm it works as a moisturiser and primer in one, and contains light reflecting beads that gives your skin a natural glow minimal effort required. Smells amazing and foundation applies amazingly over it. 

Morning routine done ! 
3. Remove that makeup and freshen skin ready for the overnight detox.
Evening is pretty similar. As explained before this is super basic but just helps kickstart your skincare if its been non existent.

Cleanse efficiently using your chosen cleansing product. You may find that if you wear heavyish makeup you have to double cleanse and I would also advise to be careful using a wash over your eyes because it can bloody sting !

4. Use a night product that works on your skin whilst you sleep.
once you've applied your nightime moisturise,oil or balm your good to go to bed,easy. I would advise using a specific night product for your skin as it will work on your skin as you sleep without you even having to do anything. If you have a bedside table leave this on the side so you remember to apply when you get in bed so you don't have to get out of bed if you do forget. 

So morning : cleanse,tone moisturise

evening:  remove makeup(1st cleanse) cleanse, moisturise 

This is purely a basic routine to get you back into caring for your skin. Your skins health will suffer in years to come so doing something is better than nothing and this really is so easy to do. With this routine you will be using a maximum of  5 products a day.

Shopping list:

Cleanser- look for a cleansing facial wash product,
Simple facial wash
Decleor hydra radience 3in1 cleanser
Elemis cleansing washes
liz earl cleanse and polish
olay refreshing face wash gel.

Toner- If using a toning product look for a spritz lid to save on time or just place your chosen toner into a spritz bottle.
Elemis toners  
superdrug mist facial toner.

Moisturiser/serum & night cream -One suited best to your skin type having a facial or skin analysis can be helpful to determin this. If you havent got time for a full treatment, beauty counters can be a quick way to get skincare advise.  If your not wearing makeup containing SPF, ensure your moisturiser contains one. 
Superdrug vitamin E SPF moisturiser
e.l.f  illuminating SPF moisturiser 
Olay regenerest SPF moisturiser
Elemis SPF Pro collagen marine cream 

Anyway good luck and any questions please ask !

​Robyn x
​

I don't know about you guys but, ​I love nothing more than having a picnic! My daughters first birthday was a picnic, as was my baby shower and we took Emelia for her first picnic at 2 weeks old! There is just something so quaint about eating alfresco digging into the nicest picnic food. Our picnics have changed over the years and although they aren’t as relaxing and glamorous as they used to be ladened with pimms and smoked salmon, they are certainly enjoyed by Emelia. We make it super fun for her and pack her own little picnic and get her involved with it as much as possible. Its a really cheap day out to do and you dont even have to leave your own home if you don’t want to. Having a picnic at home in the garden can be just as fun. I'm pretty sure as soon as we get out her cute little Nuby  lunchbox she knows we are going on a picnic !

​When having a picnic there are so so many  at home diy ideas to make it feel really cute and cosy, and I feel like its a really fun thing us brits love to do.  As soon as the sun is warm enough for the grass to be dry we drag out our picnic blankets and make the most of summer sun. Its been an exceptionally warm summer here so the picnics have been had in abundance and there are plenty of perfect places to have one. Whether you head to your local park so that children can play on the park play equipment. Or head into the forest amongst the trees which act as the perfect parasol. Or even just stay at home and use the garden and the on hand facilities you can make it perfect! Having it at home is always a great idea if your not sure if the weather will hold up too!

Getting creative

For Emelias birthday picnic and also the picnics we have been having at home. We have been using our garden cushions on the floor and a simple pallet covered as our “table” so that its a perfect height for children and also makes it easy to create a party style table. The cushions maek it really comfy for adults to sit on the floor too. Make sure the pallet is sanded if it has any wood splintering off of it. If we are having a picnic party we decorate with bunting and paper decorations, obviously not necessary for an everyday weekday picnic and play but  helps to add a more party vibe if you are inviting guests over if its a special occasion. The cheaper budget stores like pound land and home bargains have some really cheap decorations that are really good which we used for Emelias birthday picnic (we even managed to get her birthday helium balloons from poundland! blown up aswell) . And for her christening I brought metres of bunting which I have been using for just about everything since! Bunting again is a really classic, really easy decorative item and very reusable when its not paper!