Denim Loving

I'm really enjoying getting my body back to my pre-pregnancy state. Now don't get me wrong I am overjoyed that my body was able to make, keep safe and produce a healthy baby. It had to go through a lot to get to that stage, so it's going to take some time for it to go back. But I'm pleased with the progress so far. Yes my tummy is still like jelly and isn't quite as firm as it was before I was pregnant, but my general size is pretty much back. 

Since giving birth my style has updated though. I'm no longer particularly interested in bodycon dresses and tight fitting tops. I'm all about the comfort and loose fit. Tops and dresses that will disguise my tummy, and allow me to move freely which is going to be essential for when Henry is on the move.  

Owls, Chilli and Cheese, in Winchester

Last weekend was such a hit and miss weekend in terms of weather, but we still made the most of the outdoors. After visiting family, we popped over to the Chilli and Cheese Festival in Winchester. 

We went last year and really enjoyed it, and bought way too much cheese and chilli sauce.

Again this year the weekend was tailored for food lovers and families a like. We're so looking forward to this event when Henry is up and walking, so next year's should be a blast. 

We only managed an hour as Henry was getting restless towards the end, but we snagged a couple of great chilli sauces for our ever-growing collection, and of course stopped by the owl and falconry stand. I just can't pass up an opportunity to hold an owl, and Bertie the Eurasian Eagle Owl was too gorgeous to pass up on. He's one pretty heavy lad, but so soft and friendly - and those eyes!! He might look evil but he's a gentle giant. Also did you know that owls actually don't have that amazing eyesight?! They can see long distance amazingly well, but their close-up vision is terrible. 

Family visits

Living a little way from family means we have to make the most of our visits back home. Both Dann and I are from Buckinghamshire originally and moved to Southampton for University and work. We adore the city and county that we live in, and I honestly don't think we'll ever leave the area, but going back home does make me very homesick.

We recently did a couple of surprise trips home to visit family. 

Sunny Southampton

We spent a random Friday in Southampton just hanging out with a lot of walking around Old Town. It was such a beautiful sunny day, and made me really appreciate living in such a great city. We have the best mix of things in the city, with the historic parts of the city mixed with the new modern day.

We started our day in Mettricks for breakfast/brunch - probably my favourite meal of the day when I can have it! We love Mettricks (you can see my last post on them here), possibly a little too much, but you can't beat a great environment, even better coffee and excellent and locally sourced food.

We then took a little walk around Old Town, grabbed some photos - an actual "fashiony" post for once and I really love the photos too which make a change for me - and went Pokemon hunting.

We also stopped off in Guildhall Square for Henry's feed, and for Dann to get a large Cold Brew from Mettricks Guildhall. Dann's developed a new beverage love that cannot be contained!

Henry's two month update

Can you actually believe that Henry is now two months old. Well I certainly can't! 

The last month since my last update has been so good. Henry has really developed as a person and is starting to get a personality which is so rewarding. Don't get me wrong a small part of me misses when he was really tiny, but I feel much more comfortable as a mum right now, and Henry is a delight.

Essentials for first time parents

I kinda wish babies came with manuals or some kind of guide but they don't and for every new, first time parent it's a huge learning curve.

You've probably read the books and searched the Internet for everything you need to know, I know I have!! 

In my short time as a first time mum I feel like I've learnt a lot!! 

So I thought I'd share some of my first time essentials and things to do!

Changing bags for little ones

Babies come with a whole host of extras, especially when out and about. I couldn't quite believe how much stuff you need with you at all times, particularly if you want to keep your sanity when in town or visiting people.

After my hospital bag post I thought I'd share what's inside our changing bag.

Sushi making at home

We love trying food from all around the world, and we adore making and trying new foods at home too. We're big Japanese food fans - with an inordinate amount of love for Wagamamas, and who doesn't love a Blue Monday at Yo Sushi? so when we were offered the chance to make our own sushi at home I jumped at the chance.

I've always loved watching sushi being made - one of the best things about Yo Sushi and many sushi restaurants is you can sit and watch it being made in their open kitchens! And I've always wanted to try and make some myself!

The healthy cat food challenge

We're cat people. Any long time readers will know we are cat lovers, and our boys have been featured a number of times on this blog - such as this post on 15 things only cat owners will understand or this guide ahead of buying a cat.

Our cats are indoor cats (which you can read about here) and with that comes extra responsibility to ensure they are as healthy as possible, and most importantly not gaining too much weight. Because they are less active their diet is really vital to ensure they are as healthy as possible.

We were recently contacted by Vet's Kitchen* to take on their Healthy Cat Food Challenge. As part of the challenge we fed our cats the Vet's Kitchen grain-free hypoallergenic and sensitive digestion hypoallergenic dry food for one month.

Breastfeeding, my hardest decision

Breastfeeding is a huge and hot topic in the parenting world. To breastfeed or not breastfeed, that is the question.

I breastfed for three weeks exclusively before taking the decision to phase it out and change to formula.
It has been one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. 

So I wanted to share my story and reasons in the hope it will help another new mum make her decision, whatever it may be.

Things to do with little ones in Hampshire during summer

Having lived in Hampshire for the last seven years you could say I've fallen in love with the county. One of the things I really love is that it mixes elements of my home county Buckinghamshire with three cities,which adds a fun bustle to the laid-back country feel. We basically have the best of both worlds. A couple of great busy cities surrounded by little towns and villages and picturesque scenery.

Now that we have Henry we are even more aware of our surrounding area and what we can do as a family, especially in the summer as we have a summer baby on our hands.
Of course he's a little young right now to do much of anything but it's been fun having a think about what we will be doing in the years to come in our little county.