babyurbeautiful

'It's not the happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy.'



Today saw babyurbeautiful popping to the Rituals press day.
Now my 3 1/2 year-old is at reception from 8.30 to 3pm (let's say 9 to 2 on my clock) my day is basically organised around dropping and collecting him (and we all know about my tardiness) so it's now  much easier to get work done with the niceties inbetween.

Today's launch was around Ayurveda - the ancient art of living wisely and the 5,000 year old science of life.
You're probably thinking 'oh here we go, what rubbish is this?'
It's not, it's quite apt actually.
Every year in the UK, 70 million workdays are lost due to stress related conditions including anxiety and depression, and is the leading cause of sick days - as mums, we can't decide to take a day off of our kids.

According to Ayurveda, we should try to be in tune with our body and our energy levels balanced - easier said than done, right?
Coffee can only do so much, and in terms of being in tune - I certainly know when 'that' week is!


Ayurvedic practises work in a way of balancing our energies and reaching optimum health and well-being; and as a mum it's all too familiar being out of kilter.
Even if you're not a mum, we all need to take a few minutes out and EVERYONE can spare 5-10 minutes for this.

Here's the breakdown of doshas (energies):

VATA

You have an impulsive personality, you're energetic, fun and lively. Your mind is easily distracted and hyperactive.

When Vata is balanced:

You are joyful, creative and vital

When Vata is unbalance: You are fearful and anxious.

PITTA

You have a sharp mind and have good concentration powers. You're passionate and enthusiastic, stable and very reliable.

When Pitta is balanced: You are intelligent and content.

When Pitta is imbalanced: You are angry, aggressive and demanding.

KAPHA

You're laid-back and easy-going, loving and compassionate. You are very calm and stable, but you can also be possessive and have a tendency to hold on to things.

When Kapha is balanced: You are loving and forgiving

When Kapha is imbalanced: You are insecure and envious

Which one resonates with you?
I won't divulge mine, but strangely I knew I would be told which specific one - even though I didn't have any clue what any of the dosha energies were about!

Rituals have devised three dry oils linked to your personal Dosha.
Where the ayurvedic practise comes into play, is by massaging yourself in the morning or the night and feeling comfort in this simple act.

Even though I clearly related one particular dosha, I decided to take an alternative dry oil home because the scent was more appealing to me.
The dry oil helps balance your energies by you giving a self-loving mini massage (hands, hair, arms) anything that makes you feel good.
I never forget packing a particular massage oil into my hospital bag because it restored a sense of calm.
A follower on my Instagram guffawed at my hospital bag essential - but when I birthed with no pain relief (and it wasn't an easy birth, believe me!) it brought comfort to me - it's honestly the little things.

VATA contains almond and basil and works to relax and energise - take this one slowly and don't apply to much pressure.
PITTA (does not contain bread, no!) it has lavender and ylang ylang and helps you to feel joyful, energetic and passionate - it's important you use long, slow strokes for this one.
KAPHA is ginger and cinnamon and helps you feel loving and compassionate - this one is all about the pressure to invigorate the body and mind.

Each of the oils are £19.50; whenever you feel any feelings of insecurity or imbalance just take a deep breathe and inhale your energy balancing oil.


Lauren x

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow us over on Twitter at babyubeautiful and the same on instagram for a chance to win this lovely new mum gift.

That is all!

Big love to you all on this lovely weekend!

Babyurbeautiful xx

Ever been stuck for what to buy a new mum?  Most new mums will find their house soon resembles a florist, and the last thing you need when you've just given birth is to have your head in the kitchen cupboard searching for spare vases! 
So look no further as here's our top 5 gift suggestions...

1. Don't Buy Her Flowers

Care & Essentials Package £43 from Don't Buy Her Flowers

Dontbuyherflowers.com is a fab new website launched by a mum boss (mumpreneur) with new mums in mind. 
The packages include fab essentials like dry shampoo for those early days when having time to wash your hair is out of the question or a goody pack with tea/hot chocolate, biscuits and a handy travel mug. Our favourite spot of late.

2. Chocolate


The Goody Bag £18 from Hotel Chocolat

What woman doesn't like chocolate, and this scrummy goody bag beats a box of Milk Tray any day - do not be surprised if she inhales in one go...

3. Nipple Cream


Lansinoh Nipple Cream £7.87 from Boots

Those early days of breastfeeding can be soooo painful, and sometimes practical is best.  Lansinoh nipple cream is highly rated by mums and widely available from all major supermarkets and pharmacies - slightly costly but I still have my tube 2 years down the line (works fab as lip balm too).

4. Slippers

Penguin Slippers £24 from Cath Kidston

Even those middle of the night wake ups will seem better with these super cute penguin slippers from Cath Kidston.

5. Brunch

Croissants £1.50 from Waitrose

What better way to surprise your friend than to arrive with croissants and coffee?  Most new mums struggle to find time to eat, and this lovely touch will be sure to put a smile on her face and keep that grumbling tummy at bay.





FJ

Nathalie Eleni is THE go-to skin guru to the stars. Her clientele include the gorgeous Carey Mulligan, Natalie Portman and Sandra Bullock.
A new mum herself to Louis, 2, she knows just how to cheat a full night's sleep by using a trick or two.
We press the beautiful facialist for all her insider knowledge exclusively for babyurbeautiful readers...

Bottles & Beauty

Bubs: Nathalie, our skin is in dire need of help, why are we having problems with it right now?

N: Dry, flakey skin and Rosacea are very common skin concerns during the colder months.
Dry and sensitised skin can be caused from extreme temperature changes, being out in the freezing cold then coming inside warm central heating (which has an extreme drying effect).
Simple things like driving when you have the heat blasting out can affect skin massively. The dry, hot air can aggravate dehydrated skin further by disturbing the skins natural barrier, more moisture escapes and it causes parched and inflamed skin.
Keep a humidifier on during the night, it will add moisture to the air to help rehydrate whilst you sleep, as well as helping with sinus congestion from a winter cold that can sit under the eyes and over the cheek area giving your face a unflattering puffy look.

Bubs: But, what if it's really cold and you can't help whacking the heating on (brrr!)

N: When you're in the car make sure you don't point the heating towards your face as the heat will aggravate chapped winter skin, and protect your skins moisture levels with a face balm that is packed with Vitamin E that should protect from both hot and cold temperatures.

Bubs: Any overnight treats that will cheat a full nights sleep?

N: Yes! For a great night-time skin pick-me-up, place your favourite facial oil in your Avent baby heater and warm it up gently for a luxurious facial treatment. When applied to your face the heat will help the oil absorb for beautifully nourished skin by the morning.
If you are on a budget, make your own oil by adding 3 drops of Lavender essential oil to 5ml of Almond oil (dry skin) or Grapeseed (blemished skin) and place in the heater before massaging into your skin.

Bubs: Any other cheats to conceal that standard mummy sallow skin?

N: Facial massage is really beneficial in winter months when your circulation can be come sluggish. Start from the chin and working from the centre outwards use gently circular massage
movements. Use pressure points from either side of the nose pressing out under the cheekbone to remove toxins and help remove puffiness caused by sinus build up from winter colds. This will instantly brighten your complexion.
Try some muscle stretching along and between the eye brows and pressing your middle finger on to your brow then firmly lifting upwards, this will help to lift and open tired eyes, press outwards along the orbital with an eye gel to flush out toxins and to give a more refreshed look to eyes. A cheap and easy way to bring life back into your skin.

Bubs: We've been a little lazy of late, are using your baby's wipes to remove make-up, really that bad?

N: Yes! Everyone needs a quick-fix at times, but buy some Rose Water from a health shop and some cotton wool and keep it by your bed for when you are really tired.
Instead of reaching for the baby wipes, saturate a cotton-pad and wipe over your face several times until it's clean, it will take a minute, and is much better for your skin.
If you are going to use wipes, either Neals Yard or Yes to Carrots organic wipes are best - but not the cheapest.

Bubs: If you're time pressed, but your skin looks lacklustre, what top tips do you swear by?

N: Use a cleansing brush such as Braun Face to deeply clean pores, remove dead skin build up and enhance circulation in your skin for a brighter tone. They're the next big thing.
Add an illuminator to your moisturiser for added glow.
A pop of Rose pink cream blush to the apples of your cheeks and patted into your lips can give the impression of a good 8-hour kip
A highlighting under eye concealer in the inner corners will wake up and refresh, in the outer - it can sit and make lines look worse.
Dehydration lines are so ageing, and a good hydrating face serum with hyaluronic acid will help to fill them out.

Bubs: We've run out of SMP, do you have any budget-busting kitchen cupboard type tips?

N: Oh yes, natural yogurt is a great skin brightener as it contains lactic acid which eats away at the dead dulling cells. Apply to clean skin and leave for 10 mins before rinsing and applying a Vitamin E cream.

Bubs: Is it bad to go to sleep with your makeup on, and why? I keep nodding off...

N: Of course! It will clog pores, which can lead to the appearance of enlarged pores. Also your eyes can become puffy and irritated as some of the mascara can get into your eyes when you are sleeping.

Bubs: Damn! What trends would you say are big this winter? What looks do you love and think would be easy for mums to recreate?

N: A tinted moisturiser to multi-task, a swirl of bronzer to add warmth, a slick of mascara and a deep plum or blackberry matte lipstick like M.A.C in 'Media' for the ultimate glamour and sophistication this winter.



                                         Left to right: plum bright, prince noir, runaway red, media


LN x 

  

Wow, we've finally found something that helps bedtime! Hallelujah!

The Slumber Buddy.

Slumber Buddy Elephant

I purchased the cute elephant variety. 
Due to me finding out I was preggers in Thailand,  I then decided my son would then be obsessed with Elephants, natch. So there's why I went for 'Eddie the Elephant.'

The Slumber Buddy is in the form of a teddy (elephant) with a plastic shell on the top where a star a moon display projects around the room in a warming blue, green and amber, and is really rather cute with stars, moons etc.

It also works as a nightlight giving the room a warm glow so baby feels comforted.
There are 3 lullabies available, 2 nature sounds and a heart-beat (this is probably best for very young babies). Although when my son had a bad belly I found myself rocking him on the rocking chair, at 4am, listening to a repetitive heartbeat for half an hour!
The general lullabies and soothing music lulls your little ones to sleep, and the calming display catches their attention, soothes, calms and relaxes them.

I've also tried the slumber buddy at alternative times, I found that when my little one is having a meltdown at nappy change time I press the button and the music kicks in and actually shuts him up! 

Although suitable from birth, we only found this 10 months in - if ONLY we had found it sooner. 

Bedtimes are normally tears, tantrums and fighting and random giggles as he refuses to go down. As I type this post I can hear the lullaby tune playing softly in his room, with a 30 minute shut off time (also a 15 and 45), by the time he's in a deep, deep sleep it'll finish up.

If you're looking for a babyshower gift - this is your buddy.


Slumber Buddy Tesco

LN xx

Nestled in bustling Kensington, West London, and a stones throw from Shepherds Bush station, (although according to my incompetent iPhone – up, down and round and round in circles). The K Spa and Hotel is the perfect retreat for those wishing to remove themselves from the hustle and bustle of daily life - even if for just a few hours.

After my excruciating journey from Essex, mainly due to the latter part of getting lost, it is in fact, just three minutes max from the station. The K Spa could not have been any more perfect in timing, as a new mum... I'm exhausted.



Bursting out of the elevator, My best friend and I were greeted by a brightly lit reception, laden with products, which then led us into a waiting room with cosy leather beds, lunch menus, delicately flavoured water, magazines - everything to take your mind off of poos, teething and tantrums.One of the biggest buzz ingredients in beauty right now is Baobab, one of Africas best kept secrets.

The green fruit delicately hangs from the African Baobab tree, and the white flesh resembles fluffy marshmallows; high in antioxidants, vitamin C, calcium and potassium. It is natures own Berocca.Usually served in powder form, and in K Spa's case, a scrub, oil and delicious smoothie, the fruit has now become part of one of their signature treatments: The Feel Good Baobab Treatment costs £110 for 70 minutes. £2 of your purchase will be donated to the Aduna Foundation.



As a very stressed mum (mainly due to partner, not baby), I had high hopes the treatment would deliver escapism, and perhaps a little soujourn to the Sahara. The treatment uses Germaine De Cappucini 'Perfect Forms' products throughout. The Oil Tonic Scrub for starters, Firm & Tonic Oil, then the Dreamy Legs cooling gel. The piece de resistance (or Baobab) is a delicious smoothie, made with Aduna's Baobab Superfruit Powder.



First, I was gently eased onto a warm, heated bed. The start of the treatment was a scrub, which I usually find painful as the seeds or kernels attack my crocodile-like skin. However, the scrub was very delicate, in scent, and delivery, and as I've neglected my body for so long, it was such a treat to be pampered, yet at the same time receive a targeted treatment. I felt the dry skin melt away with each and every stroke and felt really relaxed. The scrub also works to remove impurities and aims to leave skin as soft as my baby's bottom. Beautiful!

As the therapist set to work, when it came to removing the scrub, it was a delightful yet different experience. Using a soft rocking motion with a towel to improve energy flow and also remove the debris, It was deftly whipped off. Despite the fact I was being covered in an abrasive scrub, I still felt the urge to nod off, and in my dreamy state I kept wishing my little tootsies would be included too, my poor, weary feet, but more of that later...

As I was gently rolled over onto my front, the Germaine de Cappuccini Baobab unctuous oil was applied bountifully. Now, if you think you're booking in for a massage, this it is not. There's no petrissage (deep tissue), nor Swedish techniques. It's African, don't you know! The technique they use is actually long, sweeping movements, sometimes a little eye-wincingly painful, but designed to improve energy flow and remove blockages. And this old gal, will have very little of the former. The 3-in-1 treatment (scrub, massage, pressure points) is a great way to ease yourself back into the world of pampering. Who would want to be pummelled and sore after a massage, anyway? As the skilled therapist applied more oil, I got a distinct whiff of menthol, one of the key ingredients in the product, which will help tired and weary limbs. And also a nasty cold, that seems to be going around right now. As I subconsciously willed the therapist to release the tension in my poor, neglected feet - she did! Remember, positive thinking, ladies.

Whether it was part of the treatment, or not. My throbbing feet were enveloped in the sweetly-scented products and left satisfied and relieved (as far as tired feet go).The therapist continued the sweeping massage strokes - which help the lymphatic and circulatory systems relieve tension and completely relax you (even if you are still worrying about that washing that needs rescuing from the washing machine....)

If I'm very honest, when I was gently placed on my front, it was game over. My body completely gave in, and I found myself in a dreamy state. Wandering along the Sahara with a soft, white sand blanket sifting between my toes. It was only when a heated towel was placed under my neck and used to lift my head up slightly and roll it from side to side. As my stiff tension-filled neck cracked with the movement, it awoke me from my pleasant daydream. This was the most painful part, mainly as it's where you hold the most tension, but not at any point was it not enjoyable. It was bliss.

For the final stage of the treatment, the therapist finds the pressure points on my face and scalp. Never something I've found relaxing due to sinus problems, and I always feel the point between the eyebrows a little tender. Then comes the baobab super charged smoothie. I could detect banana, and possibly papaya or mango, I'm not sure, but it was so tasty, and I was gasping after my trip to the desert, so I downed it in one - probably not the best move. Delicious as it was, it sat on my chest for a good hour after!After your treatment, and dreamy state, there's the opportunity to visit the spas' wet room, literally the most heavenly spa I've seen. And I've seen a lot.

We gasped as we walked into the cleanest, whitest of white room, with a smattering of brown and gold, twinkly lights and the most inviting aura. There are foot baths, sauna and steam room, snow room (yes!), and huge jacuzzi-pool big enough for 10! It's worth popping along just for some time out here. It's really, really peaceful and stunning. Therapists float in and out to ensure it's spotless and serene.



This is a great treatment if you are feeling de-energised and run-down – or if you want to indulge in a long and blissful massage that will scrub new life into your skin.K Spa gets a big four star 'mums' up.

LN x

So, what is your baby bag essential, mummies?

If you haven't heard of Sock ons, they are an essential must-have item for any new Mum's shopping list.

Babies just can't keep their little socks on with all the constant wriggling about, and Sock ons are the perfect solution.

Just bung them over the top of any sock and they won't budge a millimetre! Amaze!

They come in tons of lovely colours too.

For more info go to:

www.sockons.co.uk

While you're there do check out other gorgeous items from their range such as funky stylish Dribble Ons bandana bibs, Mocc Ons moccasin baby shoes and Plod Ons- their funky crawling knee pads. All really good quality products. 

You can buy from major retailers such as Mothercare, JoJoMamanBebe, BabiesrUs and Asda as well as many others.

CB

I'll be honest, I am generally not a fan of subscription boxes because I am usually diappointed with the contents and feel that I could have picked a better selection myself for the money. However, we at BUBS have discovered one that is actually worth the pennies, either as a treat for yourself or a lovely gift for a pregnant mum-to-be or a new mum. It contains really quality nice products you may not have tried yet and need to know about. Really lovely.

The Nonabox is a new personalised subscription service which delivers to your door a beautifully presented luxury feel box of personalised products for mother and baby, suitable for pregnancy and the first two years of a baby’s life. Filled with hand-selected products from some of the UK’s top brands, each Nonabox is tailored to different stages of a baby’s development. Containing between 6 and 9 products each Nonabox allows mum to discover new product gems. 

The box is also always worth a lot more than the monthly subscription cost. Nonabox is only £25 for a monthly subscription, which includes postage and packaging.

My daughter is almost 8 months old but it's really only been since month 6 that I've started to look a bit more like my old self. I think a combination of that unique brand of tiredness that only parents feel and hormones playing havoc with my skin and body made me feel less than special, properly unattractive and extremely worried that this was it for me forever.

Sound dramatic? Well, I suppose it is a bit. But motherhood can be overwhelming enough without getting a shock every time you look in the mirror!

I'm not saying that this will happen to everyone, but if I was about to give birth now there are definitely some things I would do differently to look and feel better.

1. Go to bed early
I know this sounds like a no brainer but let me explain. Sleeping when the baby sleeps doesn't really work for many women after the first couple of weeks. There's just too much to do. And going to bed early can sometimes feel pointless if you just have to get up in an hour with the baby anyway.  When you can sleep will depend on your baby's sleeping patterns, so keep a note of them for a couple of days and then figure out what time you can go to bed that will get you at least a few hours of uninterrupted sleep.

2. Get out in the sunshine
I know, I know, what sunshine right?  But it is summer so make the most of it. Getting out of the house will allow you and your baby to soak up some valuable Vitamin D and getting some fresh air will clear your head, put some colour in your cheeks, and could help the baby sleep better. Trust me, as soon as I'd caught the sun a bit on my face I looked 10 times better! Just don't forget the sunscreen.

3. If you can't bake, fake
If the sun ain't shining then there's no harm in a little fake tan to give you a lift. Read our article on fake tanning for mums and mums-to-be.

4. Put some moisture back in your skin
It's hard as a new mum to remember to drink enough water and you could end up feeling a bit shrivelled, especially if you're breastfeeding. To remind myself, I now leave glasses of water around the house! But some external help is also needed. If you bought Bio Oil while pregnant to stave off those stretch marks, carry on using it on your body and on your face. I've found that using this on my face at night instead of my regular moisturiser has really helped get my skin back to normal (ie. not puffy, patchy and dry!)

5. Get to the salon
As soon as you're comfortable leaving your baby with your partner or a relative for a couple of hours, get yourself down to a hair salon for some pampering. We all know how good we feel after a lovely hair cut, so why wait? And if you can sneak a bit of extra time get your nails done too!

6. Eat a few more healthy things!
When you're knackered and you've got no time you don't really feel like cooking. I know I've had more than my share of takeaways and naughty food in the last 8 months. So I'm not saying don't treat yourself, but in among all that do make sure you're feeding your body some healthy stuff too. Try simple things like adding vitamin boosting foods to sandwiches (peppers, avocado, tomato) and cutting up some raw veg to snack on during the day. Shopping will be a pain, so getting your groceries delivered is the best way to make sure you have good stuff in the house.

RL xx