post pregnancy weight loss rate | Paris with toddlers staying in a strangers home

post pregnancy weight loss rate

If you follow my blog or any of my social media (what?! You dont?! Get clicking to your right!), you will know that last weekend, me, my husband and daughter spent the weekend in Paris with our good friends and their beautiful 8 month old daughter too.  In an attempt to not bore you with my descriptions of this very beautiful city, because lets face it, we have all seen the Eiffel Tower, I thought I would do a little round up of how we found travelling with two little ones and how I found staying in a strangers home (and no, we are not involved in some strange Parisian wife swap). 

We travelled to Paris by Eurostar which was actually brilliant. The trip seemed to be so quick and there was plenty of room for our luggage and pram / pushchairs.  So far so good.  Until that is, we arrived at the station where you needed to have a flying pram to be able to get about. I think its more commonly known as Gare du Nord. Apologies if we blatantly missed any lifts, but, after several laps of the station the only way we could get to any of the connecting platforms we needed was to carry everything down several flights of stairs. All I can say is the need to be accessible to all has clearly bypassed this station and after much huffing and puffing, we all arrived safely onto the platform, albeit minus a bag of M&S Percy Pigs that got damaged in transit.  RIP. 

Our accommodation for the weekend was a beautiful apartment we had rented from a site called Airbnb. Airbnb is a website whereby you can search properties all over the world and basically rent peoples houses (they are not in them at the time!).  The houses have reviews and are rated by people who have previously stayed there.  Some of the places to rent are absolutely stunning and you can rent whole houses, studios, flats or even just a room. As someone who only ever books hotels, I was a little dubious about using this service, but it is such an amazing concept.  I guess people rent their homes who maybe have other properties or go on holidays themselves.  The apartment we rented was amazing.  It was spotless (very important to me), it had three bedrooms, two balconies and my daughter had her own little playroom!!! Whilst it was strange being in someones house with their belongings still in, it was lovely to have a homely base for the weekend right in the middle of Paris.  

The person whose apartment it was met us at the door, showed us round, had bought us a few essentials, like bread and milk and even left us a range of maps and local information. Of course I didnt do any snooping (but I could tell the owners had excellent taste with their Laura Mercier bath collection).  I would certainly use Airbnb again, in fact we are, when we travel to New York in May.  Its definitely worth a look if you are going away and want something a bit more flexible than a hotel.  For us, it worked out cheaper between us and also gave us a bit more freedom when the children went to bed so we could sit on the balcony or in the living room, whereas if you stay in a hotel you can be a little stuck in the evenings. 

We spent the weekend taking in the glorious sights of Paris and also ate our way through the delicacies.  We used a shuttle water bus to get back from the Eiffel Tower which was really nice as it transported us along the river right through the heart of Paris.  Pre-children I think we would have all managed to walk back to the apartment (maybe with a few bar stops along the way), but with hungry little ones in tow we found the boat ride perfect. It was a lovely Parisian weekend away.  

Readers of this blog maybe keen to know if I managed to befriend Kim Kardashian as it was Paris Fashion Week whilst we were there. I can confirm I did not.  I have the eyes of an eagle when it comes to any celebrities (please dont judge me)and I didnt see a single one of them. But quite frankly, who needs celebrities when you have the Eiffel Tower and a macaroon in your hand? Exactly. 

Thanks for reading, 

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baby weight loss recipes | Being a stay at home mum

baby weight loss recipes

Hi there! And apologies for the very slow blogging over the recent weeks. I have had a hectic time of late and have been tweeking things here and there behind the scenes on my blog, so thank you so much for reading and please bear with me.  Normal service will be resuming and, much to my husbands dismay I have some fabulous haul blogs coming up!!! Today, I thought I would blog about something that I have been meaning to blog about for ages, being a stay at home mum. 

For me, the decision to take a career break from my job was a really tough one, and it was made that bit tougher by the huge amount of pressure I felt from others and well, society I guess.  Pre-baby, I had worked in the NHS for 10 years and had done 4 years of training, a degree and a Masters to get to my current job.  After my one years maternity leave was up, I went into work to discuss hours which I could work, and basically, what I wanted to work and what the service wanted me to work just werent compatible.  I was very lucky and was offered the chance to take a 5 year unpaid career break where I could return to my original job upon return.  And I took the opportunity.  But not without alot of thought. 

I was really torn as to what to do, as taking a career break wasnt something that had ever occurred to me. I felt pressure from peers that really returning to work was the thing you ought to do, women havent worked hard for equal rights to then be stuck at home bringing up baby.  No-one I knew had taken a career break so I couldnt really ask anyones advice. Was I even doing the right thing? When a very dear friend sat down with me and told me to grasp the opportunity with both hands if that would make me happy, I decided that is what I would do. 

And I am so so glad I did.  I am in year two of my career break and I can honestly say it is the best decision I made.  But the best decision I made for me.  Not for the other mums at the baby group.  Not for the gossip at the post office.  Not for the mum who returned to work as soon as she could.  No.  I made this decision for me and my family. So why judge?   

There came a time at baby groups when all of the mums starting returning to work and I was asked weekly when I was returning also.  When I told people I was taking a career break, I got alot of negative responses.  People said things like, "oh, I could never do that", "oh how boring to have to play all day", "I need adult company", "your husband must be rich", "oh how nice that you can sit and watch TV all day".  Yup, Ive heard them all.  And I am very guilty of replying to a few that "I felt it important to spend this time with my child", yep, big apologies to all working mums out there.  I muttered those words. But at times, I truly felt ostracised because I was going against the norm.  

I know there are working mums out there who would love to be in my position.  But then I know working mums that wouldnt.  And my point is that whatever we do, its ok.  The decisions I make are for me and my family.  I shouldnt have to explain my reasoning for them.  I shouldnt have to defend that I do anything but watch TV all day.  That I am not some female version of Mr Tumble and I do not play in a circus tent all day to keep my daughter entertained.  That I do actually have a brain. And that I certainly do not go out for lunch everyday. Equality includes choice.  I am lucky that I can choose to stay at home with my daughter. 

I found that people were quick to judge me.  Quick to assume I didnt have a career before baby.  And alot of the time, quick to tell me their judgements.  I never heard people saying that to mums who went back to work (though I know that happens too). And I would never judge a working mum.  Because quite frankly, what has it got to do with me? Arent all us mums just the same? Arent we all just trying to do our best?  So why judge? Why feel the need to judge me and my decisions? Trust me, I have enough self doubt and criticism to see me through to my seventies.  I really dont need anyone elses. 

I think for some bizarre reason, we are always made to feel guilty as mums.  That we are not doing things right.  That we should be doing the same as everyone else.  We feel guilty for working.  We feel guilty if we dont. But I am calling it.  I am calling it right now. I am saying sod everyone else.  You do what feels right in your gut.  You do what is right for your family.  Whether that is going to work or staying at home. That is your right as a parent.  A right that should never ever be judged, (unless you are running off to join the circus and then I think a bit of debate is fair play).  So now, when people ask me if I am at work, I say that I am a stay at home mum.  And that is all I say. I say no more.  No excuses.  No reasoning. Because I am done having to explain myself.  

Are you are stay at home mum? Did you feel judged in your decision? Or are you a working mum and felt judgement too? Comments below please and as always, thanks for reading, 

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baby weight loss reasons | Night Watch

baby weight loss reasons

So first up, before we get into this, I should do a little disclaimer.  I have had sleep problems since I can remember.  Sleep problems that I will save for another time, and thankfully are much improved now, but sleep problems nonetheless.  At night time, it would appear that I save up all of my anxieties and the minute the lights go off, they replay in my mind. This is amplified a million times when my husband is away at work.  And yup, my husband is away at work at the moment.  Mr Bee if you are reading this, yes Im dying to see you, but I also cant wait for you to come home so I can get a bloody good nights sleep.  This is what happened last night. 

8.45pm

Check all doors and windows are shut.  Even that window that I cant reach without a stool and I havent actually opened since we moved in (5 years ago). Safety first. 

9pm

Go to bed. Yep, I know this is astonishingly early, but I find I can sleep better if it isnt that dark outside.  I know I am weirdo.  Dont judge, because this blog post gets worse. 

9.05pm

Did I shut that window? Yes, yes I did.  Now go to sleep Laura. 

9.10pm

I forgot the safety gates.  I shut both the bottom and top safety gates on the stairs. Because everyone knows a burglar wouldnt be able to undo the gates.  Safety first. 

9.30pm

Cant get to sleep. 

9.45pm

Its getting quite dark.  I should go to sleep now. 

10pm

I might just think of my escape plan if there was a fire.  I think I would throw Pablo the dog out of the window first.  Would that break his legs? Maybe.  Maybe I would throw a mattress out first. Would my mattress fit out of the window? No. I would throw my daughters toddler bed mattress out of the window first, then throw the dog and then jump out with my daughter on my back and hope I land on my feet. 

10.10pm

Stop thinking of stupid scenarios and go to sleep. 

10.15pm

In case of a burglar, I would lock myself into my daughters bathroom with my daughter and ring the police.  What about the dog? Could he defend himself? No, he might be used as a hostage by the burglar.  I will take the dog and daughter with me. And my mobile phone. 

10.20pm

Go to sleep. 

10.25pm

No, I think I might just try and climb down the drainpipe.  Would the drainpipe take my weight? Would my arms even take my own weight? What about the dog? Id have to throw the mattress out of the window first. 

10.30pm

Bloody hell I am weird.  Now go to sleep. 

11pm

Its too dark.  I think I might leave the en-suite light on. Any potential burglars/hostage takers/murderers will think someones awake and wont come in. 

11.15pm

No, the lights too bright.  Ill turn it off and just go asleep.  Adults dont think such stupid thoughts. I am an idiot. 

11.30pm 

I think I need the light on.  Its too dark. Maybe I will just put my bedside light on for a little while. 

12am

What was that noise? (Put all lights on and completely wake self up.  Return to bed).   

12.15am

Ill just have a run through of fire and hostage situations so I know what to do. 

12.30am

Start to doze.

1.30am

What was the noise? (All lights go on). No, now I cant hear it. 

1.45am

What was that noise? (All lights go on). No, now I cant hear it. 

2am

Its a bloody dog barking.  Who puts their dog out at 2am and lets it bark!!!! At least all potential burglars will be deterred from the stupid barking dog. 

4am

Awoken by the milkman (hes not in the house or anything, I can hear his cart on the street).  Why does his stupid cart have to be so loud.  I just want to sleep.  But on the plus side burglars wont be hanging about outside as the milkmans doing his round.  

4.15am

Its starting to get lighter and I am really tired...fall asleep....

5.30am

Bang at the door.  "Morning mum!!! Wake up! Wake up!!! Im hungry and I need a wee!!!!". ARGHHHHHHH!!!!

  

I wish I could laugh along and say that this example is a little joke. The sad thing is, it actually happened and I have a feeling will happen until my husbands return.  I am sharing it in the vain hope other people out there feel the same way when they are home alone.  Or maybe its just me.  I am also sharing it under the premise that no-one calls me a weirdo - I really dont need that pointing out to me.  As I said, its like the lights go out and my imagination runs wild.  But dont feel too sorry for me, I think I am used to it now.  I have a really great concealer and escape scenarios planned for a zombie attack, earthquake and street riot if you are interested. 

Anyway, comments are always welcome below (remember no name calling), and thanks for reading, 

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pregnancy weight loss recipes | Where is Laura Evelyn Bee

pregnancy weight loss recipes

To say I have been slightly absence on my blog over recent months may be a little bit of an understatement. From blogging three times a week, interacting on social media and taking part in lots of blogging linkies to actually not even turning on my computer for several weeks. My blog is such a personal thing for me.  It reflects my creative side and its where I share my thoughts and feelings. It also means my blog directly reflects how I am feeling.  

If you are thinking I may have won the lottery, become a blogging superstar, or may have been cruising around the world, you will be sorely disappointed.  I have actually spent the majority of the last 7 weeks camped out on the bathroom floor.  Either vomiting, crying, feeling nauseous, or, at my worst, a mixture of all three.  I told you it wasnt going to glamorous.  And the reason for all of this? A little miracle has happened.  Baby Bee is due November 2015, and I cannot capture in words how amazing and happy we are to be welcoming another little baby into our family. 

I also cannot put into words how blessed I feel to have this little miracle growing inside me.  I know only too well the pain of trying for a baby and the pangs in your heart when things maybe dont go to plan. So even though I have cried and sobbed more times than I can remember in the last few months and my husband has looked at me more than once with the look of who are you and what have you done with my wife, I have held onto the fact how lucky I actually am to feel so sick. 

I think I will write another blog post all about my morning sickness for anyone who is interested and I wont go into it now and put you off your breakfast/lunch/tea/cake...delete as applicable. But suffice to say I am just about starting to feel human.  I am actually beginning to feel like me again, not some shadowy, sicky version of myself, and I say that without a single ounce of over-exaggeration. 

On top of this amazing news, we also have huge travel plans at the moment and as you read this, on Saturday we fly out to New York with family to celebrate my sisters 30th birthday.  From New York, me, my husband and daughter fly onto San Francisco and are then heading on an epic road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway Route 1 all the way to San Diego.  Such exciting times!!!!

I am sorry to readers who have wondered where the hell I have been, and I feel I have also lost a few readers too who maybe assumed my blogging days were numbered.  To say I wasnt feeling particularly creative is an understatement! But onwards and upwards.  

Thank you for bearing with me. I am so so excited and happy to be back blogging, and sharing such a special and amazing time with you all. 

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post pregnancy weight loss results | Highlighters

post pregnancy weight loss results

Its only relatively recently that I started to use highlighters in my everyday make-up routine and now I cant get enough of them and my face doesnt feel quite complete without a touch of highlighter.  I thought I would share with you my two favourite highlighters at the moment and also show where, when and how to apply them. 

The first product is Benefits High Beam.  This little beauty has been around for a long time and is such a well known and loved highlighter. It comes in a bottle and is quite pinky in colour which generally tends to suit light to medium skin tones.  Its super easy to apply. 

Dot the highlighter over the top of your foundation on the areas where you want your skin to look that bit more radiant and well, highlighted. I tend to dab it onto my cheekbones in a line extending up to just below my eyebrow.  You can also dab onto onto your forehead, down the centre of your nose and above your cupids bow for added highlight. It really depends on how illuminated you want your skin to be!

Then you just gently blend it in with your fingers.  I then apply a normal blush over the top.  High beam can also be blended in with your foundation to give your skin an overall more glowy look, though I would certainly say less is more here and a little goes a long way. 

Another favourite of mine is the Benefit Watts Up highlighter.  This has more of a champagne tone rather than the pinky tone of the High Beam and it comes in a stick form instead of a liquid.  In the same way as you apply the High Beam, you just dot this along the cheek bones and blend with your fingers. Again, I apply my normal blush over the top. 

You can control exactly how much of the highlighter you apply and if you want a quite subtle look then you need only apply a tiny amount.  I actually put High Beam to one cheek and Watts Up to my other cheek and there wasnt a great deal of difference between the two, but swatching them on my hand they are quite noticeably different (High Beam to top and Watts Up beneath). 

Personally, now I have used highlighters they are a staple in my make-up bag and I find my skin has that glowy look which is quite hard to achieve naturally if I have been up with my daughter in the night!   

Do you use a high-lighter? Which are your favourites? 

Thanks for reading and have a lovely Friday and weekend! 

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baby losing weight reflux | Happy Mothers Day Mum

baby losing weight reflux

Happy Mothers Day! I just wanted to write a quick post today and also do a little pre-school update too.  Firstly, lets talk mums.  We all think our mums are the best dont we? Each of our mums have raised us, wiped our tears, held our hands and been there from the very beginning when we were all just a tiny mass of chromosomes.  No-one knows you like your mum.  I feel very blessed to have my mum and I feel even more blessed that my daughter gets to have and enjoy a wonderful relationship with her grandma.  

Whilst there are times my mum drives me mad (sorry mum) and I know there are times when I drive my mum mad (sorry mum), I love her dearly and couldnt be without her.  From advice in every single area of my life, I know my mum will support me, and, even if she has a different view she respects my choices.  I know my mum will always fight my corner.  She always has the time to talk to me.

And this week was no exception. I had previously written about how my daughter has just started preschool and was settling in really well (you can read about her first day here). Hmmm. Well, that calmness has now been replaced with her getting upset at the doors and crying when I leave.  The pre-school are amazing and she gets 1:1 time whilst they are settling her in, but, to see your little one cry and say dont leave mummy breaks my heart.  I then question everything.  Should I be putting her into pre-school?  Am I doing the right thing? What have I done wrong? 

On Wednesday as I dropped her off she began to get upset. Whilst I got a text from the pre-school saying that she had settled well and was playing after 10 minutes of me leaving, I still needed to hear my mums wise words. I telephoned my mum and she reassured me the choices I had made were OK. She told me how good pre-school was for my daughter. She basically just told me it was all going to be OK and that actually my daughter had only been 5 times, so I should give her a chance to get used to being away from me.  My mum is like this little voice of honesty and reason.  I felt so much better after I came off the telephone. I think to anyone else, this conversation may seem trivial.  To me, it made me feel so much better.  To me, it is an example from an infinitive list of why I am so glad to have my mum. 

I wish everyone a happy Mothers Day whether you are a mum, whether you are celebrating with your mum or maybe thinking about your mum. All mums are amazing, and my mum is the most wonderful woman I know.

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