Self-Care Isn’t Selfish {Sponsored}

‘Me time’. Self Care. Unwind. Rest & Relaxation. Filling your cup. Whatever we call it, apparently we’re not getting enough of it. According to a study* carried out by British bed manufacturer, Rest Assured, we’re getting an average of 40 minutes a day to ourselves. So, what do we do with that precious time and is it beneficial to our well-being?

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Grey Nursery Ideas

I’ll admit, I feel slightly bad that since birth our littlest man has not had the luxury of his own nursery. To start with, as a newborn, it was a must to have him as close as humanly possible in his co-sleeping cot. The chunky-monkey outgrew his co-sleeper at a rapid rate though and moved into his cot-bed but didn’t make the transition to his own domain, instead just to the end of our bed!

All is not lost though: with the realisation of our extension (see more on that here) towards the later part of this year the little man will be able to pleasantly enjoy his very own nursery. Whilst the last 11 months has been fun (as will the next 6 whilst the extension is being built and we have no option than to have him in with us) what were once little snuffles have turned into full blown murmurs and the size of Casper’s belongings are getting bigger! Plus, what a better excuse than to go on the hunt for the fabulousness that will be his first, and my last *sad face*, nursery.

This will be the third nursery I’ve decorated, as I constantly point out like a mama on repeat, back in 2006 with the first two bubbas’, the internet wasn’t as super-duper as it is today. I was lucky if I could find a single grey baby accessory at all, and chances were, if I did it would have a yellow or blue elephant/giraffe emblazoned on it! So, this time – I’m going to town!

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Interior Trend: Family Friendly Marble

I’m super lucky that as part of my “day job”, that’s when I’m not being a mum, girlfriend, cleaner…. I get sent off to fantastical interiors shows, jammed packed with inspiration, trends, creative bods, ideas etc – however, one thing that quite often strikes me is that not many of the wonders I lay my eyes on are for the family home. Or maybe, that’s just at first glance?! I’ve come to the conclusion that there are family friendly, practical and beautiful items to be had, just not all on one stand and not in that particular context – after all, who would want to make a mother’s life easy right? It’s a bit like attending London Fashion Week and hoping to find something suitable for the school run – it’s about seeing what parts of the trend you like and making it work for your needs.

On a recent trip (yes, they very occasionally let me out!) I ventured to the mecca of interior and home designs for those in the know – London Design Week (LDF); one week in the year, when the hip, hot and down-right cool of the interiors world descend upon our capital to see what the designers, makers, creators and artisans have to offer for the coming seasons. A trend that we’ve seen time and time again in recent years, and shows no sign of waning is… Marble. Whether it’s being paired with inky blues or blush pinks, copper or brass, this hard wearing material wants to make its way into our homes whether we like it or not. “Oh, but that’s not a kid friendly material” I hear you cry – oh, but it can be. I’m a firm believer in just because we have chosen to bring little humans into this world and into our homes, our style and surroundings needn’t be compromised – the more you instill a sense of respect for their home, the more the wee ones might pay attention when you say – “don’t kick that ball at my Jonathon Adler vase”, or so the theory goes!

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The Monochrome Nursery

With only a couple of, what will no doubt feel endless, weeks until the bump pops I have increasingly found my Pinterest feed filling with idyllic imagery of the perfect nursery + boy there some lovely (needless to say untouched + still pristine) baby spaces to be had. Unfortunately, the harsh reality of this being our 5th boy (maiden joint-venture), with a home already filled to the brim with little angels (read grouchy, grunting gannets aged 7-12) + the fact that work is a pleasant escape – so will be continuing until the moment bubba makes his appearance, all means that until completely necessary, at around 4-6 months, little bundle will not be graced with his own private quarters! Instead, our little one will share a corner of his parents’ bedroom with a drawer or two to call his own. By this point you may considering sponsoring our poor 5th child, however, rest assured he is not only much anticipated + already loved, but has a whole loada of goodies to prove it – predominantly in monochrome tones, as that really seems to be the scheme du jour for little ones!

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