Monday 16 June 2014

Pregnancy Skincare Routine

Once I found out I was pregnant I decided to cut out some of the harsher products in my Skincare routine, including products that contained Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide. This meant saying farewell to my trusty La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (aka skin saviour) for 9 months! For more info on safer skincare during pregnancy, see here.

I found that my skin was reacting to products that it usually tolerated pretty well and of course I had a few hormonal outbreaks. I stripped my routine right back to basics and found that sticking to something simple and fairly natural has worked really well for my pregnant skin. I have been using just two products. The first is Ren's Rosa Centofolia Hot Cloth Cleanser, available here. You can also purchase online at Cult Beauty or in Marks & Spencer for around £16. Although this isn't the cheapest cleanser on the market, it is well worth the money. A little goes a long way and my current bottle has lasted me well over a month so far, with about a quarter of the bottle left. It is suitable for all skin types. Mine is combination, some oily parts in the t-zone with occasional dryness in places. I  use this morning and night, applying to my face whilst dry and then gently removing with a hot muslin cloth/flannel. I find this cleanser does a great job at removing all of my makeup and leaves my skin feeling clean yet soothed and calm, not at all drying.




Secondly, I've been really enjoying using Nivea's Pure & Natural Day Cream for normal/combination skin. The moisturiser leaves my skin feeling nourished and hydrated, without feeling greasy or oily. Makeup applies really well over the moisturiser and unlike some others I've tried, my skin stays feeling hydrated throughout the day. Compared to some higher end moisturisers I've tried I'm happy to say this does a great job and  is also kind to my bank balance. I pick mine up at my local Bodycare store for £2.99 but it is also available for £5.35 at Superdrug or Boots .

What are your top skincare picks for pregnancy?

Clare xo


Wednesday 11 June 2014

Babymoon | St Ives

A couple of weeks ago, Stu and I packed our bags and drove down to St Ives for a mini 'babymoon'. To be honest, I had never heard of a babymoon but it seemed to me an excuse for a few days away before your baby arrives- I was sold!



We stayed at Headland House, a luxury boutique Bed & Breakfast near Carbis Bay. On arrival, we were amazed by the beautiful view from our room. There are 7 to choose from, we opted for room 'Sennen' and couldn't have been happier with our choice. The room is decorated in cool, calming blues with vintage style shabby chic furniture, has an ensuite with spacious double power shower and of course, a breathtaking view of Carbis Bay. There is something so special about being able to see the sea from your room. It makes me feel like I'm really on my holidays!


View from our room 'Sennen'


I really can't say enough lovely things about St Ives. It is such a beautiful, relaxing place and I couldn't think of anywhere better to spend a chilled few days away from the hustle and bustle of home life. The beaches are picturesque and spotlessly clean, the people are super friendly and there's a neverending stream of pretty fishing villages, shops and beauty spots to explore.

St Ives Bay


Whilst in St Ives, we spent most of our time soaking up the views, noseying around the charming cobbled streets, wandering in and out of the wide array of shops, sampling Cornish delicacies and eating in some fab places! Definitely worth checking out is Porthmeor Cafe, a restaurant with spectacular views over the beach. I reccommend booking in advance, asking for a window seat and timing your visit to coincide with the sun setting. Another great place we tried was Firehouse. Fantastic food and service and great value for money. Again, book in advance and request a window seat upstairs for beautiful views over the bay of St Ives.





Top of my list of things to do was to visit St Michael's Mount, an island that is home to a medieval castle and stunning sub-tropical gardens. The island is accessible by foot across the cobbled causeway or via boat, depending upon the tide. I was pretty pleased with myself that I managed to walk to the top and have a wander round the castle, soaking up its history and yet more breathtaking views (there seems to be a bit of a theme developing here!). I will say that this is probably something best tackling before you make it too far into your third trimester as it was pretty tiring. Once upon a time, Stu may have been able to offer me a piggy back part of the way but funnily enough he wasn't too forthcoming with the offer to his now 30 weeks pregnant girlfriend!

 
Bump and I at the top of St Michael's Mount - still smiling!
 

We had a perfect little trip away and I really enjoyed being able to spend a few quiet days together and recharge our batteries. In a nutshell, St Ives was the ideal location for our babymoon so if you haven't already - check it out!

Have you been on a babymoon? Where did you go?

Clare xo




Tuesday 10 June 2014

Welcome to my blog!

Hiiii!

Welcome to my little blog. As you may have already guessed, I'll be posting about all things pregnancy, baby, beauty and more. Expect baby and beauty hauls, product reviews, pregnancy/baby updates and general ramblings! I really hope you can join me on my blogging and mummy journey...

Clare xo