TIME FOR A CHANGE

Somewhere in the past three years I fell out of love with my life.  That sounds dramatic, it wasn’t, it was gradual and only in areas. However these areas mattered.  I had been commuting to the city for 15 years.  15 years of nearly 6 hours travelling a day. This used to be fine when I loved the city as much as my weekends on the coast, however I no longer loved London.  I had completely outgrown our relationship and not even realised.  I longed for time to breathe.

Initially when our love faded I fought it.  I had known what I wanted to do for two decades and worked hard to achieve it.  Work placements had replaced gap years and jobs had replaced weekends.  It sounds ridiculous to say it but I took pleasure in telling strangers what I did.  My career was a huge part of my identity.

In July I returned to London after seven months maternity leave with my second child, little Max.  One morning I took out my phone and worked out how many hours a year I spend travelling too and from work.  The calculator said 52 days.   I had been spending almost two months every year travelling too and from the office.  Something final hit me and that was it.  Something had to change.

Now it's December and I’ve broken up with London to focus on the things I love.  I’ve taken a job in the same industry but with a view of the sea and a salty taste in the air.  My commute is 29 minutes by comfy car and I will make story time EVERY night.  This isn’t the end either.  I’m breaking up with drama and those people who live for it.  I’m embracing wellness and working out what actually matters to me.  Beauty brands that are sustainable or look after our planet as well as being incredible are replacing my old products.  Buying less in general.  Telling people about what I do for a living will be replaced by telling people about my wild swimming, runs on the beach or the incredible books I just read.  I did what I loved for 15 years but people change and life should be aloud to change with you.

MOTHERHOOD - Inside My Baby Bag

In partnership with babybundle and the Beau Caris bag

I fell pregnant almost three years ago and since then our family has grown from two to four.  Not bad going hey?  That means a huge bag has been an essential for the past one thousand days or so. My baby bag is always by my door ready to grab and go at a moments notice.  That has meant that instead of updating my handbag collection, it's my baby bag stash that's grown.  

Pink, grey, black, leather, faux leather, backpack, weekend, travel bag... I've pretty much tried them all.  However only a small edit get used month after month.

Before you have children and you're using your essential carrier day in, day out, you only really care about how it looks.  Once that bundle of joy is in your arms so many more things become essential.  For me my Beau Caris bag ticks every box so I thought it only fair to pass on what's really needed in a baby bag:

• It's pretty and looks chic with everything. The gold hardware and black faux leather are minimal and luxurious.
• Faux leather you say?  Yes it looks almost real with the huge advantages of being amazingly lightweight and wipe clean.  No stains or marks.
• It's big, without looking like you're going on a mini break weekend.
• Did I mention that it's light?  After you've packed wipes, nappies, creams, toys and the kitchen sink you'll realise that bag weight matters.
• The entire organiser is fully removable in a second and can be put into any other bag (such as the in-laws) or taken for bath time or up to bed.  It's literally amazing.  I pop it into my favourite French basket regularly and don't have to repack anything. Best design ever.
• It even comes with a long shoulder strap for when you decide to let the toddler walk and you need a minimum of two free hands.

As well as the bag you get pretty good at knowing what to pack and it has to be a mix of products that bring joy and have purpose.  Sister & Co's Dream Cream is the ultimate mother and baby balm for  everything from lips to bottoms.  It smells delicious and saves packing several products that only do one job.

Scent is so important as a mood lifter and to make you feel like you still. I always carry a small Jo Malone fragrance in my bag to spritz throughout the day.  Mornings are so manic that I never remember to put perfume on and then worry I smell of babies and milky vomit.  Not great!

Muslin cloths don't come better than Aden and Anais and I must have a hundred of the things.  They get softer and softer, wash brilliantly and can be used as tents, picnic blankets, summer bedding and to keep your life clean.  I love the huge swaddle size and always have one in my bag ready.

Let me in on your baby bag essentials and what I should fill my Caris with for the Summer.

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Beau Caris baby bag with removable organiser - £54.99

STYLE - Holiday Edit

For me, packing for a mini-break is almost as exciting as the trip itself.  There are so many great swimwear sets out at the moment and after missing out on some beautiful pieces last year due to my huge baby bump I feel like I have some catching up to do.  I'm drawn to the cropped cup design that's out this season where you can see more of the underwire.  The style is flattering and gives enough support that you can actually swim if you choose to.  This favourite white leopard style is everything a bikini should be. Use code then15 for 15% off online too.

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Leopard Underwire Top With Low Rise Bikini Set - £8.39 

STYLE - Those Pleated Waist Palazzo Pants We All Want Right Now

This season it is all about trousers and I've finally got my hands on the perfect pair of pleated waist, wide leg beauties.  Flattering, comfortable and easy to throw in the wash I will be wearing these on repeat.  I've thrown them on today with a tight rib high-neck tee (a body works well too), a short suede jacket and statement mustard headband.  They are a great length with a mid heel and being 5'5" I so often find trousers far too long.  If you fancy nabbing a pair too I've got a 15% off code for you, use then15.  

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Belted Box Pleat Palazzo Pants - £11.99 at SHEIN  Gifted

Ribbed Tee - Topshop old (similar here)  Affiliate Link

Jacket - Mango  old (similar here)  Affiliate Link

Head band - H&M 

STYLE - The Season Of The Jumpsuit

This Spring a jumpsuit is an absolute essential.  Easy to throw on, always chic and can be layered up on cooler days.  This royal navy blue boiler-suit style is one of a few new pieces that I am wearing on repeat and at just £22.99 it's a great purchase.  A few days ago the weather was warm enough to leave my coat at home and explore the coast so I just added a high neck fitted tee and a pair of new black boots. Use code then15 for 15% off on the site now!

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Tie waist roll sleeve equipment jumpsuit - £22.99 by SHEIN 

(kindly gifted)

Clean western ankle boots - Now £21 by ASOS

Tee - Topshop (old)

Sunglasses - & other stories (old)