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Back when I was pregnant with Willow, we decided on a Cosatto Giggle 2 Travel system. When looking for pushchairs and travel systems before our baby arrived, we couldn't help but be drawn in by the beautiful prints and bright colours of Cosatto products. Our travel system turned out to be money well spent, and we have adored using it from birth. Now that Willow is 14 months and turning from baby to excitable toddler, it was time for her to move onto a stroller and having loved the quality and ease of use of our Cosatto travel system, we knew a Cosatto stroller was the perfect pick.

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Earlier this year I shared the news that Willow and I had been selected as one of the 2017 Konfidence Swimoligists. Having wanted to start swimming lessons with Willow since last summer, this is incredibly exciting for us, as it finally spurred us on to get Willow swimming. The lovely team at Konfidence signed us up to a local swimming class, Splash Babies, which operate all over Leicestershire and offer classes from the age of 4 weeks old, with different classes for different age groups and abilities. Willow is now in her second term, and so today I wanted to share our experience with you, whether you're local and wondering whether to join Splash Babies or curious about getting your little one swimming too.

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Willow's wardrobe has a lovely mix of colours, styles and designs, staying away from the stereotypical pink people expect girls to wear, and instead, making sure she has a rainbow of colours and unique styles to look snazzy in. I was absolutely delighted to be introduced to MommaMakes, not only because I think it is hugely important to support independent British brands, but also because MommaMakes is based in Nottingham, our very own home City.

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When the time comes to start weaning your baby, you will spend hours looking at all the different brands who offer food for little ones with everything from main meals to snacks and desserts available in pouches, ready meals and snack packs. For our family, making sure that Willow has healthy and nutritious food is important to us, and so a brand like Piccolo, who offer organic baby food with 100% natural ingredients, is the perfect choice for ensuring Willow gets all the goodness from food that she needs.

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Mother's day is now just a week away and if you are still on the hunt for the perfect gift to show your loved ones how much they mean to you, then I have a few gorgeous suggestions from Lush, my favourite brand for pampering treats. Part of a limited edition collection, these won't be around forever, so if you spot something that would be perfect for your mama, make sure you order it before it sells out!

Now that Spring is starting to show it's first signs, with daffodils springing up everywhere you look and a few sprinklings of sunshine brightening up our days, it's time to start thinking about days out with the family and places to explore with our little ones.

A few months back (quite a few months back actually, in August 2016), Willow and I spent a day at Tropical Birdland, a local destination set in 6.5 acres of countryside and woodland, home to over 250 Parrots and exotic birds.

Most of us probably envision a beautifully calm and peaceful birth. I was flexible with my birth plan, knowing anything could change at any given moment, but mostly? I wanted a water birth with no pain relief except for gas and air. I wanted dimmed lights, a mix-tape of my favourite metal music and perfectly shot photographs of me cradling my newborn in the birthing pool. I wanted delayed clamping of the cord, immediate skin-to-skin and the vernix to be kept on my baby as long as possible.

Instead? I had two failed sweeps, had to be induced at 41+5 days and spent 19 hours in labour before the decision was made that I needed an emergency caesarean. Having never even sprained an ankle before, going in for major surgery was scary, and I was extremely high-risk due to my size and weight, but who knew the surgery would be much smoother than I thought, whilst the recovery would be anything but easy.

Back in January, I shared a review of the Oxford Street exclusive, Lush Prince of Darkness Fresh Face Mask. I think over the years I have tried every single fresh mask on offer from Lush and Prince of Darkness was the first one which didn't live up to my expectations. Nevertheless, it wasn't enough to put me off of the range and I still recommend the fresh face mask range to friends and family who are looking for a more affordable option when it comes to skincare. I love the range so much, that I've added another to my tried and tested list, this time opting for Lush Rosy Cheeks Fresh Face Mask.

*Complimentary visit provided for review

I've always lived in quieter villages and towns, lucky to be surrounded by beautiful British Countryside and not too far from Robin Hood County itself, full of enchanting history and wondrous myths and legends. I've always preferred living in the Countryside, having tried the 'big smoke' life of London living back at University, and craving the quietness and gorgeous views that come with living in the Countryside. One of the best things about living where I do is finding hidden gems in picturesque villages surrounded by gorgeous scenery, somewhere that feels cosy and homely as soon as you step through the door, and that is exactly how The Queen's Head in Belton feels.

Now that I am a mother myself, Mother's Day is all the more special. Of course, I've always celebrated with my own mother, but when you have your very own little one who fills your days with joy and love, Mother's Day can be a lovely way to mark the special relationship mamas have with their babies. Whether you have a newborn, a 1-year-old like me or your babies are all grown up, here are 50 perfect gift ideas to celebrate this special day. Treat yourself, send the link to your loved ones as a subtle hint or maybe pick up a special little something for the new mama in your life.