Sayin' what's up to my cup

Eurgh a girlie post. Look away now. I might mention periods or (god forbid) menstrual products. There's no might. I'm gonna, and any distaste for the subject you may feel is exactly why I'm writing it. Stick around, it won't hurt.

When you have a baby, you lose a bit of squeamishness about bodily functions, down there and the unique qualities of womanhood. You soon discover just how many women have exactly the same issues as you every month and there's a cathartic openness whereby you can actually talk periods. Those secret shameful things we try and pretend don't happen even though we know they do. My husband is particularly ignorant of these things. He grew up in an all boy household and despite witnessing menopause live as a kid he never really urgently needed an explanation of how women have to spend a fortune each month to cover up a natural event that no one talks about. I sent him shopping for emergency pads once, I'm genuinely not exaggerating his ignorance. So let's talk periods. Solutions. And why you have no hope in hell that I am sharing those chocolate biscuits.

About a year ago a company I knew through our cloth nappying had a brilliant deal on cloth pads (CSP) and I looked, I pondered, I spent a fortune on disposables and thought "how bad can it be?" and took the plunge. I'd spent two years washing nappies and other generally dirty kid stuff so there was literally nothing to shock me on that side. Chemical free is always a win and not having to dash out and spend a packet each month is also a major plus point. It is the best £30odd quid I've spent in a long time. Just as easy to use, easy to wash/store/change, comfy and nomre allergic reactions. It will take a certain gender specific experience to ruly understand that one. Shark week is lighter, faster, less painful, cheaper and much more environmentally friendly. I'm so happy. Thanks Cheeky Mamas you finally made periods a bit more cheerful. (They didn't pay me to say these things, I am genuinely bowled over by them).

Then we get onto cups. Not the ones in your cupboards, but menstrual cups, little goblets for your cavities. Once again a brilliant price point, a small business, a "how bad can it be?" approach and I was in the world of menstrual cups. (Earthwise girls, Fleurcup, £10)I'll admit right here that once upon a time I said "eww I'd never use one of those things", I'm more open minded now and I'm much better for it. The first thing I spent a lot of time doing was watching youtube to see how to fold the damn thing. I got cross at it, I cursed it, and almost gave up. Then I decided I'd give it one last go, so many people use them sucessfully so I must be doing something wrong. Hurrah for online support groups (great when you have *all* the questions) and a final hurrah for cups. I feel a bit stupid for it taking so long to get over my weird squeamish reservations and just do it. They're just as discreet and user friendly, I have more money each month and I think I understand more about periods than I ever did. It's only taken about 15 years but I finally got there. 

So there's the thing, I can talk about periods, not so ghastly and shining style blood bathy and I can talk about eco friendly methods to manage a period. I'm just hoping it won't be too long before we can raise a generation of girls who aren't ashamed to talk about it or ask questions. It happens, a lot, embrace it, moan about it, swear about it but hey, let's talk about it. You too menfolk, you've probably got a friend/partner/daughter/sister that menstruates, don't you have questions you want to ask? She shouldn't have to hide it away, should she?

Wednesday's thumbs up round up.

5 things (in brief) that have made my day brighter, post a comment for more in-depth details!

1. 'My First Classical Music Book' ( Helsby/Chapman)

 

 I am blessed with a son who has music in his heart, he stops and draws his attention to music playing, he'll sit for hours just listening, he falls asleep to heartfelt singing of hymns and lullabies and he dances, oh does he dance! He is a joy to watch with music and this book (new to us) is an immediate favourite. It covers different tones and tempos, different composers and instruments and has a wonderful CD of the perfect classical accompaniments. Double thumbs up, it's lovely!

2. Lillebaby/Tokidoki Carry On

 Anyone in England who went outside today probably got rained on, we got soaked everytime we went out! As enthusiastic as man cub is to walk everywhere sometimes we need to get there right away, like now. Incredibly grateful for having this around today, one snug dry man cub and three journeys made swifter and slightly drier as a result. Did I mention it's painfully funky. It's painfully funky!

3. My Slow Cooker

More than you will ever know do I love my slow cooker. Tomight's incredibly lazy fall part roast chicken is gonna be just as wonderful in pastas and pies for the next few days as it was tonight. Did I mention it makes the flat smell tasty for a bit too. Om! I should probably thank my brother and his fine lady as they bought it for me for Christmas. Great choice guys, great choice.
p.s. I eat my food, I don't photograph it but this is the slow cooker that adorns my work top.

4. Babywearing

Can I still call it that? Childwearing? Boy toting? Either way it's brightened my day. I've spent a long time (so much for super fast broadband...) creating a photo book of our whole babywearing journey. It's been lovely to look over all those cuddles, snuggles, adventures and smug faces. That combined with 'back cuddles' to rescue us from the rain I can't fault babywearing today. Did I mention I've booked onto the Trageschule course for this year? I'm very excited, I get to teach others how to share such a lovely skill. Wear all the babies friends, all the babies!

5. Patrick Ness' 'Chaos Walking' trilogy

 

Oh my word! These books are amazing! I'm tearing through book two at the moment and yes I've resorted to late nights, early mornings and highly anti-conversation tactics to read one more chapter. I can't believe I've never read them before. For my friends who have read them, why didn't you tell me how awesome they are. For my friends who have not read them, you simply must! And on that note I'm back to my book!

Drop me a comment, let me know you were here!

Testing testing 1, 2, 3

Welcome back nerf herders, shall we begin?

It's been a long long time so I'll not do a recap, I'll just add more detail to my posts when necessary. First things first I'm shuffling this blog a little. It's still going to be quite child/family (note no more baby!) orientated but I'm branching out. I'm gonna talk about general life with a now 4 year old, things I like and don't like, tips for living in a 1 bed apartment as a family of three, book reviews, complaints about lack of cake, cosplay stuff, crafty stuff, basically this is me. Reviewing my life and everything in it. How long before I forget to post regular updates? Place your bets now!

Festive Fashion Day 4

21 Days till Christmas!
Today we stayed in. We've painted, played and baked gingerbread men. The house even smells festive now.
Cosy cosy inside!
What Man Cub wore:

Tots Bots Easyfit [Starburst] & gNappy (gUniversity print)

• We  started today with painting, this requires either an old terry nappy with a cheapy wrap or a nappy that I'm less precious about. The tots bots were an absolute bargain from Tescos when they went inot clearance and the already massively range of colours hide all sorts of paint incidents. I certainly had a very groovy artist today! No other clothes were required, he paints in his pants alone.
• Once the painting was done we cracked onto proper clothes, and changed into the gUniversity set. I love stripes and the slightly lived in look that this nappy has is very much my style. With the matching t-shirt it looks even better.
• www.totsbots.co.uk for easyfits but this is an old version!
• Also a vintage print now, it's second hand hunt for this g nappy print!

gUniversity t-shirt (gNappies)

• Even without the matching nappy, this top is lovely. Man cub suits dark blue very well, but the grey breaks it up a bit so it's not so heavy. This set has washed better than any of my other gNappy sets, which is great because I think it's my favourite.
• A vintage set now, you may find one or two second hand.

Grey Baby Leg Warmers (Tiny Nippers)

• How does one complete an already matching set? With matching leg warmers of course! I have so many of these now but for the price and versatilty I can't fault them. They reduce the need for trousers around the house/outside in the summer/at playgroup and are an extra layer of warmth under trousers when it's cold out. These match the grey of the gNappy set perfectly and just finish the outfit off nicely.
• I can't see these particular ones on the website anymore but ther are loads of others ; www.tinynippers.co.uk

Brown suede slippers from Dotty Fish

• Non slip, cosy warm and very reasonably priced. I've recently just organised a co-op order amongst our baby group with these guys because we all love their shoes so much. These slippers are so lovely, they're our second pair as he grew out of the last ones. They weren't worn out at all, just a slightly different colour to when they started! I love these for around the house as they don't have the rigidity some kids indoor shoes seem to have. Lovely.
• http://dottyfish.com/

So that was today, we're heading out tomorrow so definitely more layers required!
See you tomorrow!

Festive Fashion Day 3

22 Days till Christmas!
Today we went to Winchester for some festive shopping & fun!
A bit chilly and windy
What Man Cub wore:

GNappies [go fish & globetrotter] & Bambino Mio miosolo [flying saucer]

• Great thing about cloth nappies? Colour co-ordination.See the picture above? Doesn't it all look beautifully blue together. No one we have seen today will appreciate that, but hopefully you will! Rule of thumb if you plain a day out, your toddler will use twice as many nappies as normal, especially if you're not close to home. Hence why we got through two gPants and a miosolo! 
• Let's talk g's. They're painfully cool and trendy, I love love love them! But happily, their values stretch beyond beauty, they really are super practical. Instead of changing the whole nappy at each change you can change just the cloth liner inside [ in theory...poonamis require a whole pouch change!] either way there's a lot less bulk in the bag which is always a plus! Did I mention I love how cool they look yet?! Our globetrooter actually has a cookie monster face on it too, it's not great but it's okay and looks awesome. Man cubs in gNappy's gTea promo video in it. Look adorable of course! These nappies will probably pop up on here a fair bit, just a heads up ;)
• Miosolo's were our first ever cloth nappy, so they have a special place in our hearts. Super simple, super easy but unfortunately not super absorbant. As with the tots bots, we have to boost these. It doesn't make unusable at all, just a little bulkier once the extra layers are in. I know my husband prefers using these over most of our others for sheer ease. We could do these nappies with our eyes closed!
• Gnappies info etc can be found here: www.gnappies.com but you'll have to trawl eBay/Facebook for the old prints, and be prepared to pay retro prices...
• Miosolos are so widely available now. We got ours from their website http://www.bambinomioshop.co.uk/ but they're available instores too! (Boots, kiddicare amongst others)

Little Blue Socks from Peacocks

• Sometimes I take the co-ordination thing too far, of course no one noticed his pants and socks were blue too! *sigh*
• These are part of the multipack yesterdays socks came from.

Man tights, from miniclub @ Boots

• So they're not really man tights, but they make pretty ace man cub tights. Today he was in the carrier (a lillebaby fyi) so he needed extra leg snuggliness. We went for blue and white stripeyness today, for obvious reasons. Whole day outside, in the cold yet no cold legs or feet. Win.
• Ours was purchased instore at Boots on the 3 for 2 but it's online too http://www.boots.com/en/Mini-Club-Girls-3-Pack-Tights_1357802/

Long Sleeve Vest suit, Light Blue from Tu @ Sainsburys

• 25% made these a fab price and they don't have any slogans or weird cartoon faces or anything on them. Plain old vests. We haven't used vests all summer (been flashing that fluffy nappy addiction!) so it's been a small battle to convince man cub to layer up. We've had to start using vests at night too and these are great for both day and night. Today was definitely a day for layers!
• These were bought instore, and there's actually a 25% off at the moment too! We'll be popping by to get the next size up!

Blue Cotton Trousers from Primark

• Occasionally economics overalls ethics with my shopping, these trousers are an example of this. He's growing so fast it's costing me a fortune to keep up so he's got some cheap trousers to fill the gap. These are a lovely shade of blue though, and super soft cotton, almost chino-esque. They're very forgiving to dirt and stains too, whcih when you have a toddler becomes a high priority. They're still a touch too long so are great for the carrier, then we roll them up a bit when he wants to walk. Happy faces all around.
• These were on clearance at Primark but I'm pretty sure they had similar cut and designs in different colours as current lines. Lovely and cheap!

White Sailor Shirt with blue trim

• These is another mama made shirt. It looked incredible in the summer with just a funky nappy and it's still a great layering a top. I think today was it's last outing though, his arms seem to have added about an inch since the summer. A great farewell to it though, now to find the pattern I made for it...
• Not available instores or online! My own design & craftmamaship

Blue winter Cardigan from F&F @ Tescos

• It has elbow patches and pretend leather buttons. That sums it up really doesn't it? It's lovely and chunky and looks quietly festive, less garish red more wintery blue. This was actually bought by my mother, but it is definitely well loved. I don't think it was too pricey but it's well worth it. It fits over a head without having to undo any buttons, if required which is always a benefit. And has not faded despite many washes. We find we're popping it with jeans/casual trousers etc. because it adds asmart casual feel to his outfit really easily.
• Bought instore at Tescos, couldn't find it on their website so you may have to forage in your local store!

Blue handknitted woolly hat

• Same as Sundays, the first one to hand this morning! Happened to match beautifully

Tiny, Red Nubuck Boys T-bar Shoes from Startrite

• Not a patch on his friends squeaker shoes today, but still sturdy and lovely, if a little filthy. I think he's almost grown out of these though so we're going to have to go shoe shopping soon!
• Still available on the start rite outlet site http://www.startriteshoes.com/outlet/boys/tiny-red-nubuck

*That* coat :) Blue Duffle Coat from John Lewis

• I really am going to squeeze every possible day of use out of this coat before he grows out of it. If I'm honest, I wish I had one for myself. I'll definitely be sale hunting for a bigger one to put away for next winter, it's wearing so well and is effortlessly classic.
• I bought this instore a lot earlier this year, there may be one or two floating around on eBay though.

A perfect outfit for Chritsmas market going in my opinion. He looked like a little angel! 
See you tomorrow!

Festive Fashion Day 2

23 Days till Christmas!
Today we stayed inside, put up two Christmas trees and had an advent clean up.
A bit chilly still
What Man Cub wore:

Tots Bots Easyfit Dinosaurs & Bamboozle with Red wrap

• So dinosaurs aren't strictly festive but I love dinosaurs and I love frugi, it's only natural we bought this print! That's my downfall with the cloth nappies you see, the gorgeous prints and colours! The slightly OCD part of me often matches to man cub's clothes too, even when no ones going to see! As with the festive tots bots we have to boost this nappy or it just doesn't work for us. Such a shame as it's so cool! The bamboozle however is so reliable it needs no help. It's not the trimmest or the prettiest but it does the job and it does the job well. Lovely red wrap to turn up the festive notes!
• I bought these from http://www.fluffheaven.com/ a little while back but they're pretty widely available

Little Grey Socks, Peacocks

• Socks with grippers on the bottom. Best invention ever. They're plain and boring but they keep those tiny toes warm!
• I bought these instore locally, as part of multipack of 5.

Robeez Peter Penguin boots

• I cannot express how much I love these boots! Warm and cosy and leather so they're non slip too. Man cub is a new walker so is still quite wobbly on his own but has no problems in these. The husband loves penguins so they were of course a hit with him. I hope these last forever because they are just so lovely, and the quality feels as if they will! The only downside is that man cub can easily remove them himself, but he then sits there hugging them close so the cuteness overtakes the frustration!
• Mine were a clearance find instore at t.k.maxx and well worth every penny!

Red long sleeved vest from Tesco

• These were dull so I sewed sesame street appliques onto them. This one is of course, Elmo. A super easy way to jazz up a cheap, plain vest. Because we're rocked applix [velcro] fastening nappies today a vest with poppers is very necessary. If you have a toddler you'll understand.
• Another instore buy (I do like to buy things in person!) from our local gigantic Tescos

Hand knitted white trousers

• Why do I love winter? Tiny baby hand knits of course! These are one of a few pairs of knitted trousers man cub has, these are the cheapy ones and being pure white as well they don't go outside much. Lovely and warm for mooching around the house though. Being wool they breathe too, so he won't overheat as the house temperature fluctuates.
• These came from a Christmas market in Didcot last year, hand made by a lovely lady.

Hand knitted brown Linda jumper

• Starting to see a trend? :) This jumper is brand new! Hand made by the lovely Linda at Church, where a lot of our jumpers come from. Saw this at the Christmas fete on Saturday and feel in love. It's such a mini man jumper and the colours just perfect. Man cub's still wearing it despite being fast asleep so I can only assume he's a fan too!
• Purchased from the Church fete

 

So that's todays outfit! Practically cute!

See you tomorrow!

Festive Fashion Day 1

24 Days till Christmas!
Today we went to Church, the shops and to a little housewarming.
A bit chilly but nice and dry.
What Man Cub wore:

Tots Bots Gingerbread print & then reindeer print nappy [previous season's prints no longer available]

• We love these nappies because they are so so festive! Great fit but need boosting to last long enough to be practicle! Favourite of the two is definitely the reindeer print one. We bought both of these second hand, and that's the only place you'll find them now and be warned the prices are creeping up as they become rarer!
• Check out more at www.totsbots.co.uk they've been winning awards and everything!

Stripey red tights from Miniclub @ Boots

• It's a cold country in the winter time, yet it is almost impossible to find tights that are boy proof. These are great, they came as a pack of 3 for £9 this pair, a navy pair and another stripey pair. They keep Man cub's legs nice and toasty and not a fleck of pink in sight.
• We bought ours instore at Boots, on a 3 for 2 offer but they are online too: http://www.boots.com/en/Mini-Club-Girls-3-Pack-Tights_1357802/

Red Christmas Knitted All in One from Miniclub @ Boots

•  I was devastated when I saw they only did this up to 12 months, but it's so generously sized Man Cub just fits into a 9-12 month size! It's so soft and the robin's aren't far off space invaders (probably unintentional) which adds to it's coolness. There are buttons across the crotch and at the neck, so it's easy to take off over the head or a straight drop down. Great for comfy play and looking smart without the effort!
• Again, ours was purchased instore at Boots on the 3 for 2 but it's online too http://www.boots.com/en/Mini-Club-Baby-Christmas-Knitted-All-In-One_1359418/

Tiny, Red Nubuck Boys T-bar Shoes from Startrite

• Controversially I bought beautiful red shoes for my little man cub. I love them, he loves them and they have lasted so so well. They're last seasons now, so only available through outlets and second hand. They say for pre walkers but we love them because they are flexible enough to give more of a barefoot experience whilst protecting his little feet from the outside. We've walked miles in ours and they're still in great condition! We'll definitely be sticking with start rite going forward.
• Still available on the start rite outlet site http://www.startriteshoes.com/outlet/boys/tiny-red-nubuck

Blue Duffle Coat from John Lewis

• My best bargain find from last winter, a lovely woolen duffle coat, fleece lined with paddington bear buttons and everything! I've bene looking forward to it being cold enough for man cub to wear it! It's unnecessarily smart (but anyone who knows me knows I love taht on my boy) but so lovely and warm. Problem is, it makes man cub look so mischeivous, there's jsut too much cuteness for him not to be up to something. 
• I bought this instore a lot earlier this year, there may be one or two floating around on eBay though.

Blue handknitted woolly hat

• Entirely necessary in this weather, this one is a purchase from the local craft market bought out of an urgency for a hat! None of his other hats go with todys outfit at all,but this one's not a million miles off!

So that's our man cub fashion today! I think he looked adorable, and the knitted all in one was a massive hit at Church!
See you tomorrow