On #mamamondays I always try to include anything that is making us happy – and hopefully you – even though it’s a Monday. And, I have to say it really making me try to make the most of this often ‘depressing’ day
It has been anything from what we’re doing or planning to what we’re eating, watching or reading. I’ve even included items I’m lusting after or buying and anything else that has been inspiring me to make Mondays – and the rest of the week if need be – just a little more bearable.
I really hope that #mamamondays is inspiring you to make the most of this fresh start we get every week…and today I’ve rounded up a few ideas for news mums, mums-to-be or even great baby shower gifts.
READING
My lovely friend Amy has just launched a very special book – The New Mums Notebook. What’s special about his ‘baby book’ is it isn’t really a baby book. It’s a handbook for navigating the first year of motherhood. This beautiful shocking pink hard backed book (with a neon ribbon marker no less) is the perfect gift for any new mums (hell, even 2nd or 3rd time mums too!)
Divided into the first 12 months to address each stage of that first overwhelming year – it’s a bumper 304 pages. Part journal, part memory keeper, it’s littered with articles by Amy from her brilliant blog Surviving Motherhood, affirmations that reassure you ‘you’re doing great’, simple recipes and blank pages. What’s more it come with an integrated back pocket, milestone chart for mum and baby and a sheet of stickers (I mean who doesn’t love a sticker).
I would have loved this book when I first had Miss Marnie – I mean it’s like having a good, honest and understanding friend at all hours (even in those lonely night feed hours) it’s now going to the top of my gift list for pregnant friends.
The New Mums Notebook by Amy Ransom costs £20 and you can buy it here.
SHOPPING
If you are pregnant or have a new baby you may want to put this Wednesday in your diary as Boots have a fabulous baby offer happening for one week only (or until stocks last) and I can guarantee you it’s going to fly off the shelves. I have been sent a set and have to admit its a brilliant offer.
The My Baby Bundle is a jam-packed box filled with new mum and baby treats that is FREE when you spend £20 or over, in store on baby items (some restrictions apply see instore for details). Which lets face it thats easy to do? Once you’ve picked up nappies, wipes, bottles and all those other essentials.
My Baby Bundle is the ideal treat for both baby and mum and is worth over £20 when all sold separately. The lovely printed box contains all of those essential new baby products like Boots Cotton Wool Pads, Boots Baby Sensitive Wipes (64 pack), Boots Baby 2in1 Bubble and Bath Wash, Boots baby tethers set, Boots Baby Superdry with Active Stretch Nappies and a handbag friendly Pampers 12 Sensitive Wipes sample pack.
Whilst also giving mums that well deserved treat. Just lock yourself in the bathroom – if you can – and pamper yourself with the relaxing Sanctuary Salt Scrub Sachet and Sanctuary Travel Body Wash. There’s also the brilliant Botanics All Bright Refreshing Eye Roll-On, a Benefit make-upper voucher and a voucher booklet full of exclusive offers on baby essentials and treats for you too.
Boots. Wednesday 12th October. RUN (stitches, scars and baby pending), don’t walk ladies.
LOVING
I’m a big fan of Aden + Anais so it great news that they have finally launched Aden by Aden + Anais in the UK. Aden is a more accessible collection (read: cheaper) without comprising on style or quality.
Aden + Anais are famed for it’s soft breathable muslin cloths – so this diffusion range means more new mums can get their hands on this special fabric that really is the only thing a new baby should be swaddled, wrapped, cleaned and nursed with.
With a few minor adjustments – Aden by Aden + Anais prices start at a much more purse friendly £8.99 from Babies R Us Look out for the iconic prints as well as its cute collaboration with Disney featuring Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on washcloths, classic A+A muslins, snap bibs and sleeping bags.