PARENTHOOD: The Differences between having a Spring/Summer Baby compared to an Autumn/Winter Baby

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Prior to having children I hadn't really thought about the potential differences between having a baby in the spring/summer compared to autumn/winter. Expecting and having a baby is such an incredible experience whenever in the year it happens, but after being lucky enough to have three children at different times of year it has been interesting to see the impact the season has. There are perhaps a surprising amount of differences I've personally found with having a baby in the warmer months compared to the colder ones. There is no 'best' time of year to have a baby, anytime is special, so let's look at some of the differences...

CHILDREN: Why Playing Outside Is So Important

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The great big outdoors...a place for learning, exploring and adventuring for all ages, but why is embracing it so important for our children? Anyone who has children will know how hard it can be to keep them entertained; they seemingly constantly need stimulus or focus and making the most of outdoor play is the perfect way to take a step back from technology. Technology is a big part of all of our lives nowadays, there's no escaping it; whether you're watching television, playing computer games, browsing social media, taking photographs or learning via apps it creeps into our day to day life with worrying ease sometimes.

CHILDREN: Little Green Radicals Organic Fairtrade Autumn/Winter Collection 2018

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Every season Little Green Radicals seem to out do themselves with even more beautiful patterns and designs. They release a spring/summer collection and autumn/winter collection, both of which are specifically designed to suit the time of year ensuring that our little ones are wearing clothes that are both stylish and practical. Little Green Radicals have recently released their new autumn/winter collection for 2018 and it is probably my favourite collection to date. The magical, mystical and space inspired designs are simply beautiful and the range of new styles are exciting too.

WINTER DAY OUT: Truly Stunning Scenery at The Elan Valley in Wales

During our recent mini break in Wales (see where we stayed here) we visited The Elan Valley, which is simply a place of pure beauty. Spread across 72 square miles, there are dams, reservoirs and historic landscapes to explore. We parked at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre to start our day out, as it's where the café is located and the perfect place to get up close to one of the dams. The café is pretty basic, serving hot drinks, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, pasties, soup etc., but has prime location overlooking the dam. There is also a large seating area next to the river outside, which would be such a beautiful spot to have a bite to eat in the spring/summer. There is also a gift shop, large children's play area and toilets within the visitor centre area.

WINTER DAY OUT: Exploring Croft Castle & Parkland, Herefordshire

On the way to our latest mini break in Wales (see where we stayed here) we stopped off at Croft Castle & Parkland in Herefordshire to stretch our legs and get some fresh air. Croft Castle is nestled in 1500 acres of beautiful woodland, farm and parkland, so the perfect place for children to explore nature at its best. You can either pay for entrance to both the castle and parkland or just the parkland, which is what we opted for. As it was January when we visited the gardens weren't in their prime, with a lack of colour and variety, yet they were still beautiful. 

TRAVEL: A Winter Mini Break at Meadow Cottage, Wales

One Friday my husband text me asking if we should go away for that weekend, a spur of the moment mini family break. This isn't like us at all; I'm all about the planning and looking forward to a holiday. However, after hours of browsing the internet for areas to visit and hotels that would allow four people to sleep in one room, we decided to abandon the idea. The United Kingdom is a big old place to search for hotels when you have no idea where you want to go. We didn't give up on the idea completely, but instead started searching airbnb for a self catering place to stay. That way we would all have our own bedroom, space to relax in the evening and believe it or not it is a much cheaper option.

RECIPE: Bulgur Wheat and Sweet Potato Salad

It may be autumn, usually the season for warming soups and hearty meals, but why can't a salad be both warming and hearty? A lot of people are trying to eat healthily at this time of year and this salad makes a delicious lunch on-the-go or flavourful dinner. I like eating this salad while the bulgur wheat and sweet potato are still slightly warm, as it feels so much more comforting. Though if you're having this on-the-go you probably want to wait until they're cooled because they'll wilt the spinach leaves otherwise. There are a variety of textures, flavours and the warming cumin adds a delicious twist.

RECIPE: Warming Halloumi and Vegetable Bake

What did the cheese say when it looked in the mirror? HALLOUMI! Sorry for the cheesy joke...I couldn't help myself. Halloumi has fast become my favourite cheese (probably thanks to Nandos!), but up until recently I haven't been very adventurous with cooking it at home. Aside from grilled tomatoes and halloumi I don't really cook 'main meals' with it. That's how this meal came about - it's a 'clear the fridge out' kind of meal, as well as being a nice centre piece for a dinner party. You can swap and change the vegetables in the base in accordance to what you need to use up - don't you love meals like that? Onto the recipe...

WEANING: Winter vegetable and thyme crumble recipe

 

It's hard to beat a warm crumble during the winter months and this savoury version adds an interesting twist. The crisp yet melt in the mouth crumble topping and the creamy vegetable base work together perfectly and give babies a contrast in textures. You can make a batch in small ramekins, wrap any spare ones up in clingfilm and freeze to enjoy at a later date. Isabella loves this crumble, as do I!

BABY: Winter Skin Care with Bepanthen

Entering the colder months is full of cosy days wrapped up, warming meals and turning the heating on. As enjoyable as all of these things are it can have an impact on baby's sensitive skin. The increased number of clothing layers, heating and constantly going between the cold outside into a warm environment can all contribute to babies having irritated skin...not what anyone wants! I don't know about you but my skin gets so dry during autumn/winter resulting in changes in my skincare routine, so it's not surprising babies suffer with their skin too. 

BABY: Primark Autumn/Winter Baby Haul

 Gone have the days when I used to pick my favourite pieces from the woman's autumn/winter Primark collection. Oh no, now I'm far more excited by the baby girl section and picking up the latest pieces for Isabella.

SKINCARE: Surviving the Colder Months

I don't know about you but my skin is starting to fall apart. The cooler days and heating on always send my skin into panic mode, it starts peeling away and no amount of exfoliation seems to help. This year my skin seems to be the worst its ever been, my forehead, chin and apples of my cheeks are all beginning their peeling marathon of the winter months. But this year WILL be the year I manage these problems and sort my skin out.

I began prepping my skin, ready for the colder months, at the end of summer with finding/trying/buying a range of moisture rich products. During the summer my skin is so resilient, if I forget to moisturise (due to the relaxed holiday vibe of the summer) my skin isn't fazed. It just gets on with it. The autumn/winter is another story all together, my skin is so sensitive to any changes - whether that be weather, my skincare routine or make up I use.

I've come up with a collection of products that I've been using to try to combat the whole 'autumn peeling look'. I'm really happy with how they are all working together to help keep my skin moisturised and more resilient to temperature changes.

My 'Surviving the Colder Months' Kit:

Garnier Fresh Essentials 24hr Hydrating Day Cream - Normal + Combination Skin

This is a great daily moisturiser, which helps to hydrate those dry areas and it does keep my skin feeling moisturised all day.

Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask

I have noticed such a difference since using this twice weekly. When I don't have time to use it twice during a week I can really tell the difference with my skin. It has a slight warming feel as you apply it, which is always welcomed during these colder months. I don't find this mask helps with hydrating my skin but it is perfect for targeting the t-zone and doesn't dry my skin out at all.

Aromatherapy Associates Hydrating Rose Face Mask

I got this sample size free with a magazine a while ago and I've been really enjoying using this mask alongside the Sanctuary Spa 5 Minutes Thermal Detox Mask. I apply the Sanctuary Mask over my t-zone and this mask over the rest of my face. It's a light, clear gel so it's easy to use and feels really hydrating.

Nivea Daily Essentials Sensitive Cleansing Milk

In the past I have found some cleansers quite drying, an attribute no one wants during the colder months. This cleansing milk is really gentle yet effective, removing all of my make up (except waterproof mascara). It never leaves my skin feeling tight or dry, consequently making it the perfect daily cleanser.

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub

I think this must be one of those skincare products that has been in my weekly routine since I started a skincare routine as a teenager. It's a well loved staple by many, due to its fresh scent, fantastic ability to gently scrub away dry skin and the fact it seems to last forever. I've had this mini tube for what feels like a very long time, despite using it weekly.

Sudocream Antiseptic Healing Cream

This product is usually associated with nappy rash and babies but it's actually an excellent moisturiser for those especially dry areas. I use this on target areas that are really playing up, which at the moment is around my nose (thanks to all that nose blowing) and just in the centre of my forehead. I like to layer it on at night and allow it to soak in throughout the night. Easy, fuss free and very hydrating.

Which products do you use to get your skin through these colder months?

Helen x

WINTER: 10 Things I Love About Winter ♥

 

10 Things I Love About Winter

 

1. Christmas present shopping and finding the perfect present.

2. Christmas Scented Candles.

3. Mulled wine and mince pies.

4. Real Christmas tree filling the room with the smell of pine.

5. Bird's footprints in the snow.

 

6. Christmas mugs with warm cocoa in.

7. Snowy walks with loved ones.

8. Seeing family and friends over the festive period.

9. Building snowmen and sledging.

10. Snow days off work.

 

 

(Photo Credit)

 

Are you looking enjoying winter as much as me?

 

Feel free to leave me a comment :)