Hands up if you've ever used lavender to help with sleep?

Lavender is one of the most common plants that we use when it comes to our wellness, but there is so much more to lavender than sleep and so many more plants we can use to support ourselves and our children.

Yet the term essential oils has many mums confused as to what they are and how they may be of benefit.

An essential oil is not an oil like coconut, olive or almond oil. It is not greasy in the slightest. It is also not an oil like petrol, so is not flammable nor dangerous.

Essential oils are from plants, either steam distilled or pressed and distilled, so that the plants healing properties are concentrated into a liquid form.

Humans have used plants for healing for thousands of years. Most pharmaceuticals have synthetic compounds to replicate a plant's healing properties, such as aspirin.

Yet unlike pharmaceuticals our bodies innately know how to use essential oils and this comes without side effects.

What mum wouldn't like to have a natural solution in her home?

Essential oils can be used aromatically (by smell alone) and topically (on the skin). Some oils are safe for internal use from 6-years-old, but please check the labelling as not all oils are of the same quality.

Essential oils for newborns and babies should be used minimally and only as-needed for the first three months.

I use doTERRA essential oils which are third party tested for purity and quality. There are 22 oils available which are labelled as safe for internal use, but again, I would caution against internal use unless the oil has been added to food.

To use aromatically you can put drops into a bath, on a pillow or cloth near to the bed, in a water-based diffuser, or simply open the bottle and smell.

To use topically on children always dilute with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, grapeseed oil or almond oil. Check below for dilution rates.

To dilute pour  carrier oil into the palm of your hand, add a drop of the essential oil you wish to use then rub your hands together and apply to your child's skin.

Appropriately diluted these oils can be used from birth:

·         Roman Chamomile

·         Lavender

·         Serenity blend

·         Melaleuca (Tea Tree oil)

·         Frankincense

·         Lemon

·         Wild Orange

·         Balance Blend

Many other oils can be used safely but these are some of the more gentle oils. Use all essential oils at your own discretion.

Keep oils out of the reach of children at all times. In the event that your baby accidentally ingests oils, call poison control. It's extremely rare for a child to drink enough to be truly harmful.

Never put oils in or around baby’s nose. Use only gentle oils, well diluted, on the face when needed.

When using essential oils for the first time try one oil at a time to check for sensitivity.

Calming

Dilute Lavender, Roman Chamomile or Serenity blend and apply to the feet. Also apply on your chest if you are holding them to promote relaxation. You can also wipe extra on their blanket/clothes - these oils do not stain, particularly when diluted with doTERRA's fractionated coconut oil. Diffusing with a diffuser is also very helpful as well as daily infant massage.

Digestive support

Dilute 1 drop each of Lavender and Wild Orange, or Zengest, the digestive blend, in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil and rub baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction for at least 30 seconds for digestive support. Apply every 15-30 minutes until their tummy is settled.

Bumps and Bruises

Frankincense promotes a healthy inflammatory response so overall, it’s a great choice. Melaleuca, White Fir and Lavender diluted is my go-to oil when my son comes to me. It helps comfort him when he has any physical or emotional upset.

Skin

Dilute 1 drop of each of Lavender and Melaleuca in unrefined or fractionated coconut oil or Lanolin to soothe the skin. Apply each time while changing their nappy.

Teething

Use diluted Lavender, Roman Chamomile, or Serenity blend along the jawline as often as every 15-30 minutes to soothe. For older babies use diluted Clove (only doTERRA) along the jawline.

Ears: Dilute Lavender and Melaleuca and apply around the ear (never put oils in the ear) frequently, massaging down towards the lymph nodes to encourage healthy drainage.

Respiratory support: Dilute Melaleuca and Lemon and apply to the chest, back and feet several times an hour. You can also diffuse the respiratory blend but when diffusing make sure it is not as strong as you would use for an adult. Start with one drop in your diffuser and make sure the room is well ventilated.

Dilution chart

• Newborn to 6 months - 1 drop essential oil to 4 teaspoons carrier oil
• Six months to 2 years - 1 drop essential oil to 2 teaspoons carrier oil
• Two to 5 years - 1 drop essential oil to 1 teaspoon carrier oil
• Five to 10 - 1-2 drops essential oils to 1 teaspoon carrier oil
• 10 years plus - 1-5 drops essential oil to 1 teaspoon carrier oil

A huge thank you to Alison King (Fit for King) for writing today's post. We *love* essential 

oils, and we're definitely feeling more confident about using them for all the family thanks to Alison's post. As part of our August Newsletter we’re giving away a doTerra starter kit with Lavender and Lemon essential oil. Get on the list so you don’t miss out! Click Here!

Alison King is mum to a 5-year-old boy who has his own set of essential oils. She is a health and fitness coach who teaches how to incorporate essential oils into your family to improve sleep, reduce sickness and boost energy.

Join her free group at www.facebook.com/groups/fitforaking3e

To book a free wellness consult and start your essential oils journey please go to http://fitforaking.youcanbook.me

Happiness Diaries July 17

Hi lovely friends! How's life? Well, as far as we know, it can get so crazy busy sometimes that you do not even realise what day it is, what month it is and...  how long it's been since a good Happiness Diaries post!  Here's a fresh one on what's happened in this last summery month of July 2017!

Julia

• When you get two of your fantastic friends to meet each others for the first time.. and just few years later... they get married!! Useless to say how emotional and amazing their wedding day was for us! The celebration was so romantic and the venues like fairy tales! 

• Our Bella Mamma Tees being super successful ! Read the beautiful review here  written by the lovely Mimi Rose And Me ! And of course check out all the awesome Bella Mamma Tees here !

• Our holiday in Spain with some amazing friends that we haven't seen in almost one year! And of course eating delicious home made food together!

• Realising how lucky we are with Diego as he loves food, any kind of food! He eats everything and - icing on the cake -  he feeds himself with no help (most of the times) !! Hashtag sixteenmonthsold !!

Recipe of the Week: Amatriciana Pasta

Amatriciana Pasta

The amatriciana sauce has just a few ingredients which is why we love it! It's probably not too well known as a dish outside of Italy, and we've rarely seen it on a restaurant menu. It tastes rustic but sweet and light which makes it a super delicious summer time pasta. 

Definitely a family favourite in our homes! 

What you'll need: 

• 400g linguine
• 120g bacon or lardons
• 1 onion
• 1 dried chilli
• 1 can (450g) chopped tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Seasoning
• Parmesan to serve 

How to make it:

1. Thinly slice the onion and cut the bacon into pieces
2. Discard the seeds of the chilli and chop finely
3. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and fry the bacon on a low heat. Once the bacon starts to become slightly crispy on the edges, add the onion and chilli. Cook on a low heat until the onions start to caramelise. (approx 10-15mins)
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and leave the sauce to thicken on a low to medium heat for 15-20mins
5. Season with a little salt, pepper 
6. Pour over cooked pasta and serve with chopped parsley and grated parmesan

Dive in enjoy and let us know if you make it in the comments!

Buon Appetito! 

Mamma Needs a Spa Break!

Mamma needs a spa break!

Well that’s what I told myself when my friend Catherine told me about the opening of the new ELAN Spa at Mallory Court Hotel a couple of months ago.

I, like so many mums, don’t put self-care at the top of my to-do list like I used to. It’s been months since I had a time out just to myself, or a massage for that matter.

When the offer was dangled in front of me, I jumped at the chance, booked a half day off work and told Freddie he was on Daddy Duty for the afternoon!

No men. No babies.Quality girl time.

Sign. Me. Up.

NOW.

The Elan Spa at Mallory Court is a brand-new addition to the traditionally beautiful Mallory Court hotel. Nestled in the grounds of the hotel, it has its own entrance and is situated in a sheltered wooded area, screened from the hotel by trees.

As it’s a brand-new facility, you can expect a beautiful setting to truly let your hair down and relax.

We were greeted by the lovely spa manager and taken through to the Spa’s café-brasserie where we filled out our new client forms, while sipping a complimentary strawberry and banana smoothie.

Afterwards, we were taken to the changing facilities which have everything you need. Is it just me, or do you just love a good changing room?! Abeit it’s a little small, there were never more than 4 people in there at any time. Along with the standard lockers and changing rooms, you’ll also find complimentary bottled water, hairdryers and shower cubicles shocked with shampoo AND conditioner (bonus points when conditioner is available!)

We checked out the outdoor hot tub and sauna before making our way up to the Spa for our pre-booked treatments.

After completing the 3 Peaks Challenge recently, my body was still a little achy and in need of a good massage, so I opted for the 55-minute Aromatherapy Massage.

Let’s just say it did not disappoint!

In fact, I would go as far as to say that it’s one of the best massages I’ve had in a very long time. I can still smell the sandalwood and rose oil . . . in a nutshell it was divine. I had the whole floating experience afterwards and wanted to curl up in a ball and sleep for 1,000 years!

But after a recovery period whilst sipping on some yummy peppermint and liquorice tea, we made our way back downstairs to the pool and brasserie area, where we were greeted with a glass of fizz out on the back patio. This was the life!

There were lots of musings on how we could make this a weekly or at least a monthly thing! It was exactly what we were both needing.

After a gossip in the outdoor hot tub and a dip in the beautiful indoor pool (can I have those tiles in my bathroom please?!), it was time for afternoon tea.

Decked out in our fabulous robes and slippers we sat outdoors like ladies of leisure on a Friday afternoon and tucked into our yummy sandwiches, scones and dessert treats. . . all washed down with a Latte of course.

We made good use of the facilities after tea and reluctantly headed home around 7:30pm blissed out and grateful for such a lovely afternoon.

I can’t wait to re-visit Elan Spa again soon, and I love that this escape is only a short drive from home.

Mums of Warwickshire, put this on your wish list! Birthdays, Christmas, Anniversary, or just a treat for yourself…. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

*This is not a paid for or an affiliate post. We bought a special offer voucher for the opening of the Spa. You can find all offers and pricing here. 

Jenn's 3 Peak Challenge

Last weekend I took part in what I can only describe as one of my biggest physical challenges (after child birth of course!)

I took part in the 3 Peaks Challenge with six of my colleagues, and we had to climb the 3 highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales in 24hrs.

Yes, you read that correctly. 3 mountains in 24 hours.

I can hear you screaming why!? 

Well, every year the company I work for invite all employees to nominate a charity at our annual strategy day & then we decide who we’re primarily going to support in the coming year. This allows us to build up relationships with our chosen charity and put a more concentrated effort into our fundraising.  Last year we had a few suggestions (including my own) to support the Neo-Natal Unit at Warwick Hospital.

There were a few reasons why we chose this charity.

Firstly, as a family run business, naturally children and families are at the heart of the business and in recent years we’ve had a bit of a baby boom in the office! Most of our children have been born at Warwick Hospital and we’ve all received amazing care whether everything went to plan or we (as mums) colleague’s wives or the babies themselves needed extra care and medical attention. The level of care has been great.

But they also face funding issues and we didn’t want to sit by and not give back to the staff who had been a huge support. Also, the hospital is under-going a major refurbishment and they hope to introduce a mid-wife led unit very soon. Our charity efforts will also help towards this.

When we initially decided to take part in the 3 Peaks Challenge a few months ago, I had offered to be a driver for the group and somehow managed to find myself as part of the climbing team! I’ve no idea how I let myself be talked into something like that!

However, aside from raising money for a great cause, it was also a great opportunity for me to prove to myself that I’m stronger than I thought.

I’ve had a fear since Luca was born about getting back into shape (weird I know) because I knew it was going to be painful and my muscles were going to sob in pain and so I kept putting it off, and I even began to build up a level of anxiety around exercise. The truth though was that I had gained weight post baby and I wasn’t loving my new look. But rather than face the reality of the situation I kept ignoring exercise and reached for the chocolate cake instead.

With the 3 Peaks looming, I did purchase a gym membership and began going 2-3 times a week about 2 months before doing the challenge. Now, most people will tell you that this is insane; that you need to train a lot harder and put in a lot more time and dedication. But I was just happy to be back at the gym and I thought that had to count for something! I started doing steep incline walking on the treadmill, squats, lunges and some weight training for my gluts. I didn’t push myself too hard, I still had the pain barrier in my head.

When we hit Ben Nevis last Friday, it really hit me much I was going to struggle. The beginning is super steep, and I had to abandon my team in favour of putting my head phones in and going at my own pace. I gave myself a serious pep talk, dug deep and kept walking. I reached the top and met my team – no one was more surprised than I was at reaching the top, given how bad I was at the beginning!

I decided to sit out the second mountain, Scafell. We arrived at 4am on Saturday morning and had had very little sleep. My body was aching and I knew deep down that if I pushed myself I would possibly injure myself or be so exhausted I wouldn’t complete Snowdonia, and that’s what I really wanted to do. I still believe it was the right decision for me. 

We arrived at Snowdonia by lunchtime on Saturday and started climbing straightaway. The guys went ahead (they were pushing for the 3 mountains in 24hrs! - amazing guys!) And I walked with another 2 colleagues. Everything was great and I wasn’t struggling as much as Ben Nevis, but by a quarter of the way up a cloud descended and the wind and rain picked up. As we moved higher the climb became harder, so steep in some parts, and we batted against gusts of winds and side sheets of rain. . . it was not fun. But again, the headphones went on and I dug deeper than ever before. Just when I about at breaking point another climber on his descent told us we were yards away from the summit. I wanted to cry!

But the top was the worst!! We were battered by the elements and while there’s a rest area and pit top restaurant at the top, you still have a bit of a climb to reach it. It was hell. By the time I arrived I was soaked through, my muscles were on fire and my legs were shaking. The guys had reached the top in 24hrs and were celebrating with beers and pasties (the nicest thing I could have drank or eaten at that point!) With a short rest, some selfies and a quick change of clothes, we began our decent but opted for the train side (yes, there’s a train and no they wouldn’t let me buy a ticket!!!) The path was more consistent and less steep but long, and that proved more difficult as our knees and legs started to give out. The walk down for everyone was so mentally and physically draining.

I’ve never been so happy to walk on flat ground or sit in a car! We arrived home around 1am and the first stretch in bed was painful and delicious all rolled together! Sleep since Friday had consisted on sitting in the back of a mini bus – not exactly roomy!

Back in the office on Monday, I dreaded climbing the flight of stairs to my desk. My calves burned so badly, my knee was painful and exhaustion was etched in my bones, but all that paled in comparison when we realised we had raised over £2,700 for the baby unit!!!!! We couldn’t believe it and the support we received on social media was incredible. It actually made it all so worth while. 

Would I do it again? Probably not! But in hindsight I am glad of the experience and when I wasn’t hating life, I did actually enjoy it... my ribs were also sore from laughing so much! 

Not only will the premature baby unit and the new midwife led unit benefit from my pain and tears, I also proved a lot to myself in 24hrs and it’s given me the motivation to get back in shape . . . watch this space!

(If you would like to support the Neo-Natal Unit at Warwick Hospital, you can do so here. Proceeds from our 'Mother of a Toddler' clothing line will also be going to the unit, and you can pick a t-shirt up here) 

   

The Travel Series 0 - 6 Months

As the warmer days are inching their way closer (hurray!) and our minds start to wander towards the summer months, it can only spell one thing . . . holidays!

While holidays are meant to be a time to switch off and relax with a Pina Colada, if you have little ones, the thought of travelling abroad might fill you with worry, dread and anxiety. If can feel like there is so much outside our control and comfort zones that it’s easier to contemplate a stay-cation.

But fear not! We have written a guide based on our experiences of travelling abroad with our boys.

This 3-part travel guide (0-6mths, 6-12mths, 12mths – 2yrs) will break down our hints and tips based on age groups so we hope you find it valuable.

By tackling some of the main concerns parents have about travelling, we hope we can help elevate some of your worries and give you the tools, hints and tips to get your family tribe overseas and to start making some precious memories.

Time for take off!

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Travel 0-6 Months

Before we dive in, the first thing you need to consider is where you are going to be travelling to and if you need a passport for your baby.

Tip #1 – Passports

All babies are required to hold a valid passport to travel abroad. Be mindful of booking trips in advance and give yourself plenty of time to complete paperwork and send to the Passport Office. The months leading up to July and August are usually the busiest so Stress Buster #1 is to give yourself time and account for any potential delays. If you’re a travel vixen, maybe apply for a passport shortly after birth.

Also, note –

If both parents are not from the country you reside in, your baby may not be entitled to a passport for the country they were born in. This was the case for us. Luca was born in the UK, but as I hold an Irish passport and Freddie holds an Italian passport, Luca could not claim British Nationality. We applied for Luca to have an Irish passport based on my ancestry via the Irish Embassy in London. Changes to UK Immigration laws in 2012 mean there are certain criteria you must meet to claim nationality.

Tip #2 - Passport photos for babies

You don’t need to take you baby to a professional photographer to have their photos taken!
Lay them out on a white blanket or sheet and take their photo from above. Stand on a chair if it helps. Get their attention by dangling a toy or have your partner make funny faces/noises. Try and take the photo with a clear photo of their face without shadows if possible. We used Photobox to have our photos printed and cut to size.

Preparing to Travel with Babies!

I first flew with Luca when he was around 8 weeks old. I was visiting my family back home in Dublin and introducing our little guy to extended family and friends. As it is one of the shortest flights I’ve ever taken (approx. 40mins from Birmingham to Dublin) I wasn’t dreading it too much. I had my brother flying with me for support for the first leg of the trip, and Freddie was with me for the return journey. However, as travel is a huge part of our lives, I wanted to have the confidence to fly with Luca whenever I needed to, especially solo. 

Naturally the first time you travel with a baby you are trying to second guess everything from what to pack, to checking in, security, and boarding and that’s even before you’ve left the country! Here’s the ultimate guide to travelling with a baby under 6 months.

Tip #3 - Packing

Babies are great to fly with! Their clothes are so small they hardly take up space in a suitcase! First time I travelled I checked a bag as my Mam had pre-warned me that I would be returning with a lot of gifts! But future trips I have travelled with a carry-on piece of luggage unless it was a long holiday. I find using luggage organisers super useful and I manage to squeeze in everything we need.

Tip #3 – Items you can fly with  

Between the ages of 0-2years infants sit on your lap during the flight. Despite this, you are charged approx. £20 for each leg of your journey or a percentage on the adult fare. The irony of this is that Luca’s ticket often cost more than my fare!

But it's not all bad news – most airlines include up to 3 pieces of baby equipment (e.g. stroller, car seat, travel cot) But note travel systems are considered as 2 pieces of equipment.

I travelled with my travel system the first couple of times but then switched to a stroller as I didn’t want my pram to get damaged. Most handlers treat them well but inevitably it will get bashed about. If your baby is under 6 months make sure the stroller is suitable for newborns. I recommend the Silver Cross POP – the extendable hood is great for nap times and protection from the sun!

Another thing to consider for getting around is a sling. Slings are fantastic for freeing your hands up and they help sooth babies. When you land, most airlines try to have your stroller at the bottom on the aircraft steps or just inside the terminal, but sometimes this isn’t possible and you have to go to Oversized Luggage to collect. In the meantime, you don’t want to have to carry your baby and bags through the terminal, especially if you’re flying solo! I loved the Caboo Carrier from 0-6 months.

Tip #4 – Nappies, Milk, Food

My general rule of thumb when travelling with a baby is to pack extras! Delays are a common part of travelling and the last thing you want to go is get caught out at the airport or on the plane!

Some pointers –

• Consider how long you will be at the airport for (generally 2 hrs but it could be longer

• How long your flight will be (how many feeds/changes will your baby generally have during this time?)

• What will the local time will be when you land? (will there be shops open if you need them for supplies?)

When I travel home to Dublin I don’t take much supplies with me, only what I need for the flight. I can buy my usual items when I arrive in Tesco, Aldi or Boots. But if you’re travelling to Spain, France, Italy etc.… you might not be able to buy identical items, but you can buy alternatives. Aldi/Lidl do exist in Europe but they might not be in general tourist areas and will possibly require a car to get to. There are local supermarkets in most resorts and towns.

Formula:
If you’re formula feeding I recommend sticking with your own brand and take it with you. Changes in formula can lead to an upset tummy (the last thing you need when on holiday) You’ll know how many tins you get through in a week so take what you need accordingly. You can take tins of formula powder in your hand luggage through security or put it in your checked baggage. If you do need to buy formula abroad (especially in Europe) you might have to go to a chemist/pharmacy to buy it rather than in a supermarket.

Super tip!

If you do have to feed at the airport or on the plane, you might like to have your formula pre-measured for ease. Try this travel formula dispenser which holds up to 3 feeds of 8oz. Just add warm water from a coffee shop or take some in a bottle warmer.

Breastfeeding:
It’s free! No prep necessary!

Nappies:
Nappies are a little easier to come by and I’ve found Huggies, as well as other known brands easily enough. So, if you want to save on space take what you need for a few days and then buy top ups when you arrive.

Weaning:
If your little one is coming up the 6-month mark, they may have started to wean. You’re probably thinking how you can you blend and puree your way through a holiday!?

We’ve taken Ella’s Kitchen food pouches with us and some baby rice. We’ve also used the Nuby Nibbler and let Luca try fruits and veg. He loved it! Alternatively, if you are self-catering you can take a hand blender and cook/blend. Just ensure all food is washed beforehand with bottled water.

Airport Guide for Babies

 Tip #5 – Airport Security

I think this is one part that fills people with dread! Trying to get all your stuff into trays, while practically undressing and holding a baby! GAH!

The trick here is to give yourself plenty of time! Gone are the days when you can arrive 40 minutes before your flight and make a dash to the gate! Travelling with babies takes time. I enjoyed the experience so much more when I’m not rushing. Get there early and the stress levels won’t rocket too much when they decide to pull your bags apart!

If you do arrive and security is at a gridlock, splurge and buy an express lane ticket (trust me, it will be worth it) Unfortunately, travelling with children doesn’t give you VIP Jump the Queue privileges.

Super Tip:

Make life easier and have the items to need to remove from your baggage easy to access. As well as your normal liquids, you’ll also have to put any baby liquids into a separate tray. These include any pre-made formula, powder formula, yoghurts, water/juices, food pouches, jars of food etc…

I’ve never been refused any baby items when flying including pre-made bottles and airport staff have always been helpful and understanding, even offering to hold Luca while I got my stuff organised! They might randomly ask to do a check on one or more of your items. This involves them putting the item into a sealed container and placing it inside a testing machine. It doesn’t interfere with the food or drink in any way.

Tip #8 – Change before you fly

I always change Luca’s nappy before I fly. The facilities in the airport are bigger & usually cleaner than the toilet on the plane. Also, if it’s a short flight you might find it easier to stay seated unless necessary to change mid-flight.

As babies are prone to pooing ‘accidents’ take a spare set of clothes in your nappy bag for emergencies. As well as muslins for any spit ups. (Julia can verify this!)

Tip #7 – Take Off & Landing

We’ve been quite blessed that Luca has never suffered with his ears or popping when travelling. But when you do hear the blood curdling screams of a baby on a plane it’s probably due to their ears. For young babies the best way to avoid this is to have them suckle during take off and landing; do this by either breastfeeding, bottle feeding or providing a dummy.

Tip #8 – Travel Essentials

There have been a few products we’ve purchased since having Luca that have made travelling super easy and enjoyable.

Travel Cot – most places can provide a cot but check in advance. We were gifted the Chicco Travel Cot. It also doubles as a play pen and means safer play if windows/balcony doors are open.

Snooze Shade – a traveller’s dream with a sleeping baby! We use this quite a bit and it means we can stay on the move during the day. It attaches to most prams and strollers providing a nice darkened space to nap.

Car Seat Travel Bag – if you are hiring a car abroad make sure they provide quality car seats that are installed correctly. As it’s free to take a car seat we have always opted to do so (plus it’s cheaper than hiring) We bought the Venture Car Seat Bag and it’s been fantastic, highly recommended!

Ladybird Mosquito Repellant – this cute little device clips to the pram/stroller and it sends out little frequencies to warn off pesky mosquitos.

Silver Cross POP – as mentioned above, we loved the POP. It’s lightweight, suitable from newborn and the extended hood keep babies nice and protected from the sun.

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Phew! Congrats if you made it to the end of this post, but we hope you've found it useful! If you ahve any other tips for new mums pop them in the comments below, and be sure to check back soon for our 6 -12 months  and 1 - 2 years travel posts coming very soon!

Love Jenn

BELLA MAMMA TEES

Hello Friends! Today is a special day : we have been working day and night, used every single nap time and every possible minute our little ones gave us free and we are finally ready to share some awesome Bella Mamma news with you!!

Here's something created by Mothers for Mothers, to make you smile, to make you feel comfortable, to make you feel confident, to make you feel proud, to make you feel the awesome Mother you are!

And on top of that, you will help other Mothers and their babies too! With every purchase part of the profit will be donated! This month we'll support supporting Warwick Hospital's Neo Natal Unit! Find out more here !

Perfectly hand finished cotton garments, ethically made & excellent service which includes free returns and exchanges (stc).

Get to https://bellamamma.teemill.co.uk now for more info and embrace the fun motherhood mood with us! And help other Mothers too!

From Mothers to Mothers 

Thank you! 

Our Weekend Post - Happy Father's Day!

WOW! What a scorcher of a weekend and it's set to be a week of sunshine for the next week at least! It was a special weekend around these parts, as we celebrated Father's Day.

A little back story to the men of Bella Mamma, because without them we would never have met and they've been so supportive in our blog (and agreeing to be photographed relentlessly!) 

Freddie & Federico are from Tuscany, Italy and met during their childhood years at school. After school Freddie went to University in Ireland and Federico pursued his studies at Birmingham University. After a few years Freddie moved to the UK to continue his career in Engineering and Federico was doing his Ph.D in Birmingham. Somehow they managed to find themselves living within one hour from each other again! 

Forward on a few years later myself and Julia arrived on the scene and that's how we got to know each other! Since having our boys we definitely see each other a lot more and it's really nice to see Luca and Diego develop a friendship just like their Dads. 

Unfortunately, we didn't spend the weekend together but we were definitely on the same wavelength with our plans! It was sunshine and BBQ's galore! 

Here's what we got up to . . .

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JENN 

We're still in DIY/Renovation mode so this weekend was a mix of enjoying the sun and trying to do some work in the blistering heat! 

It wasn't an easy feat but we (I mean Freddie) managed to get quite a bit done! 

We invested in a paddling pool and a new sand for Luca's water & sand table and it pretty much sorted us out for the weekend! Luca spent most of the time just happily running around in his nappy and wasn't too pleased having to wear clothes when we did venture out! 

On the eve of Father's Day we set up the garden for a romantic date night and we were pretty please with how the garden is starting to look! 

Again on Sunday, it was family hang out day with ice-creams and more 'fires' as Luca likes to call them! Freddie definitely enjoyed Father's Day and all his surprises (which Luca told him about! haha) 

But in sense of seriousness, I do want to thank Freddie for being a terrific dad to Luca! He adores spending time with you either pretend driving in your car or cheeky coffee dates for babycinos. He knows your the FUN parent and absolutely loves you for it. 

Thank you for everything you do. I couldn't have picked a better dad for Luca. We love you!

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JULIA

Thanks to the amazing real summery weather with 28 degrees and no clouds, we spent the whole weekend outdoor and it was just awesome! 

We spent time with some very good friends that we haven't seen since they moved back to Italy last year, they came to visit and Diego loved being around and playing with Eli who is his very first friend! It was amazing to look at them interacting and kind of talking with each others! 

Wearing shorts and t shirts, playing with the water outside, feeling the sun burning on our skins - yep, I had to use super high sun protection for Diego otherwise he would have become red like a pepper, no doubt! -  eating in the garden, having all the clothes dried in just few hours in the sun, seeing our friends.. this list makes up the perfect recipe with all the ingredients for a happy and relaxed weekend and yes, we really had a great time!

And to end the week end in style and prove once again that he he is a fantastic Husband and Father, Fede made his delicious homemade pizza that we enjoyed in the garden!