baby Blogger Archives - SAHARASPLASH

saharasplash20 May, 2018

My transitional style story

My transitional style story starts with a holiday. A little holiday for a very special wedding, which got me thinking, what the hell am I going to wear? This month the three of us took our first flight to Ireland, and for Alice it was her first ever flight outside the womb! We needed to pack light but also pack for two adults and a baby, so you know we needed that Ryanair Plus ticket which allows extra cabin baggage.

So, transitional style. For me, this is summed up by something you can take with you and like a chameleon, change your look at the drop of a hat from Mummy chic to Hollywood glam. I also have a theme to this particular transitional style, and that’s stripes!

This look is just perfect for jetsetting on a domestic or international flight. Comfy cropped pants and a button down shirt leaves plenty of room for you to breath in. Flats are essential, but that doesn’t mean you have to fly in Uggs or trainers. These are from Ted Baker, the pants are M&S and the shirt is Hollister.

So, now onto the wedding reception. A simple braided updo and hair pinned back to keep my accessories on show, and Alice’s hands off my hair!

Lujia North East earrings in gold by Sacet Jewellery to compliment my own wedding rings. I wanted this look to be elegant but refined.

The location for the wedding itself was at the Westport Woods hotel, and my stripey transitional style for the day was an asymetric number from Boohoo.com. Black and gold heels from Karen Millen paired with these beauties below made for one of my favourite outfits this year…

I’m in love with these Sacet earrings, just so different and really makes the look work. My pineapple clutch never fails me either- whatever your style or spirit, a stand out fruity bag will work every time.

I switched to flats for the evening- my feet are not used to wearing heels and it felt so good to change this one detail and become 3 inches shorter again!

It really is all about switching up a few details to completely see a dress in a different eye. A pair of leggings and a fabulous hat creates the country loving girl you see below! These were taken a few days after we got back from Ireland just a couple of miles away from home.

Whether you are off on holidays and weddings this season or just planning a staycation, choose a dress you can play around with and create your very own transitional style story with some gorgeous accessories and footwear.

Here is my top transitional pick from Quiz Clothing, the things you can do with these styles of dresses is limitless. Get some transitional style into your wardrobe before the summer really hits.

Saharasplash x

Thanks for reading my transitional style story, why not head over to read Family Fun with Yellow Zebra Safaris next.

This post contains PR samples but no affiliate links, just pieces that I really do love!

saharasplash9 May, 2018

Family Fun with Yellow Zebra Safaris

During this time of the year, places in East Africa like Kenya and Tanzania are receiving their heaviest amounts of rainfall. Although the U.K. is relatively pleasant at the moment, we are still ten degrees behind where Africa is temperature wise. Why am I sharing this information with you? Well, this is going to be a post all about Africa along with Europe’s leading Safari tour operators- Yellow Zebra Safaris. This award-winning luxury travel and adventure company specialises in African Safaris, as well as family safari holidays. Which brings us to our special day out and family fun with Yellow Zebra Safaris…

We (Paul, Alice and I) were kindly invited to a London location recently to help celebrate and learn more about what Yellow Zebra Safaris have to offer. The day was filled with surprises and thrills, and it all started out with this amazing setup for the children and parents.

Alice had great fun looking at all the animal-themed decorations around the room, and she was also pleased to find some new friends along the way too!

Having fun with Fleurdelondres and her daughter Sofia

After a grand welcome, the kids (and adults) were treated to a live animal show by the talented animal conservationist Safari Pete. All of the animals we met were rescued and have quite a back story, but you could see the special bond he had with each of his animals and could tell us all about them. Here are a few we met!

Alice was just loving it!

When it was time to meet the meerkats, Alice had just woken up from a little power nap, so was a bit shocked! But honestly she was back to her happy self in no time

The food display was ready and waiting for the adults to pounce. The children had their own animal-themed buffet as well which looked like it came straight from the heart of Africa.

After some Safari-themed songs over lunch, it was time for some ceramic painting. The children just loved painting their own animals to take home, clearly Alice and I did something a little different, but it turned out amazing…

She sat wonderfully while having her hand painted bright blue, and here is the result:

We want to thank Yellow Zebra Safaris and all involved for having us, the day was simply perfect, and I know Alice had the best time. This guy below came home with us, and we now have a giraffe in our living room!

If you are thinking about booking a safari trip for you and the family, September is the best time of year for big game viewing. See more info via the YZS website here.

Thanks for reading Family Fun with Yellow Zebra Safaris, we hope you loved hearing about this experience,

Saharasplash x

Needing more cute baby content? Head straight over to my latest post all about a fab little product which can help with sleep and night terrors: https://saharasplash.com/2018/05/sleepy-feet-mummy-loves-organics/

saharasplash18 January, 2018

What I got in the Aldi Specialbuy event

If you’ve seen the preview post I did last week on what to expect from the Alidi baby and toddler event, you are ready for what’s below! Aldi always goes above and beyond to bring its customers baby gifts and essentials at a fabulous price. Alternatives to the Sleepyhead have seen items sold out across the board, and this month it’s no different. See what I got in the Aldi Specialbuy event below, and make sure you head to your local to find your favourites!

It’s all about dinos!

I was super excited when I saw these matching dino pieces- the sleeping baby bag is a fraction of the price of other popular branded bags at just £9.99, and the matching cloths are £2.99.

Alice’s first books

Of course I couldn’t resist getting Alice her very first set of books- all are 99p which is insane. She’s going to love reading them with us after bath time for sure.

Some essentials

I’m a big fan of the Aldi nappy range, and Alice has just reached the age and size to need the size threes. These are good for 9-20lb babies, and Alice is currently weighing in at 13lbs. 98 nappies for £4.99 works out at 5p per nappy, win!

Something pretty

Something pretty indeed, and something we are always needing more of- tights! This two-pack was a steal at £2.49, even beating similar items I have seen in Primark recently.

All in all, I got everything for under £30, that’s a mighty fine price don’t you agree? Try and match what I got in the Aldi Specialbuy event and give yourself a £30 spending limit- see what you can get and don’t forget to let me know in the comments below!

Saharasplash x

Thanks for reading, head back to the home page now to find more blog posts to read!

saharasplash21 November, 2017

Baby massage class with Spa Experience

At just 24 days old, Alice took her first journey into the city. My sister Evie came along with us to help out during the day. We were headed towards Kensington at 10am (after a quick stop to get some hash browns) for a very exciting blogger event. Alice had been invited to experience a baby massage class at Kensington Leisure Centre hosted by Spa Experience.

I was a little nervous about taking her out for an entire day after just little outings, but as per usual she was brilliant.

It was also the first time taking out my Fact + Fiction baby bag!

We arrived just in time and the setup was carefully laid out for mummies and babies.

Our Spa Experience instructor Neji talked us through what to expect throughout the class and it was super relaxed and chilled out. We got Alice out of her nappy, thankfully she had just done her business so we were safe!

We used the oil provided to practice massaging the legs which is the easiest part to start with as baby massage beginners. We practiced the ‘Swedish milking technique’ which uses both hands. You go from ankle to thigh with one hand while keeping hold of the ankle with the other. We also used ‘rolling’ on the legs and she loved the ankle circles!

We sang songs to create a lovely atmosphere, and by this time Alice wanted to have a feed and walk around to see the room so we listened in on the last part of the class.

After a boosting smoothie, the mums were treated to mini spa treatments and so I opted for a back neck and shoulder massage.

We also came away with some lovely products and a book all about baby massage. If you are interested in the book, I’ve got the link for you here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Infant-Massage-Handbook-Loving-Parents/dp/0285636170

Thank you so much to Spa Experience for inviting us along to the baby massage class- we had a fabulous time and have been massaging at home ever since!

Saharasplash x

Find out what’s in my Big Fat Christmas Beauty Gift Guide this year!

saharasplash3 November, 2017

My baby is a mini rocker with Rockbox

I will tell you, this week has been a tough one. Parenthood is unexpected and wonderful and brings many happy moments, but with those moments there comes a certain amount of heartache and struggle too. There are countless times in the day where I think to myself ‘I’m not doing the best I can for my baby’. I have a huge amount of support around me, and I never think for a second that my baby isn’t safe or loved, it’s more down to the little things- could I have prevented that baby meltdown for example or gotten her changed a little quicker to avoid upset. These feelings I know are absolutely normal and I just have to roll with it. Alice is a pretty chilled out little thing for the most part, and although I don’t feel like a rockstar as much as I used to, here is how my baby is a mini rocker with Rockbox.

The Rockbox company designs the most incredible bespoke gift boxes for different types of people and occasions. You can browse the site for ready made boxes, or you can create your own with an array of gorgeous products, cards and accessories for that personal touch. This is the Mini Rocker gift box which is perfect for a gender neutral arrival:

Included in the mini rocker box is a cute little xoxo postcard along with a Bibs and Booties UK set which I adore on Alice!

There is also a silicone teether ring in the shape of a cloud to match the monochrome vibes from Foxs Felts. She will need a little more time to start using this!

Here are the cutest booties with raindrop pattern to match the bib:

Alice rocks them wearing nothing else, and we can’t wait to match them to an outfit for a trip out soon. She is definitely a mini rocker already, from the way she is independent, strong and ready to go at any moment.