Baby On The Way? Sommer Pyne's Home Hacks For House Proud Parents

I don't know about you but housework often comes at the bottom of the to-do list when it comes to fitting in work and kids.  By the time you've run the kids to their various social engagements and after-school clubs and chucked something in the oven, there's very little time to flick a duster about.

There are though some parents who still manage to keep a stylish home when they have small children.  

I think I've missed a trick because I probably should have got myself a bit more organised before I had kids and, when you're in that nesting phase, it's a great time to prepare yourself for the nappy onslaught whilst still maintaining an elegant home.

If you'd like to know how your home can look more polished than demolished, then here are some tips from Tommee Tippee ambassador, Sommer Pyne, owner of House Curious and mum to Lyla and Indy.

And read on because I have another great giveaway.

Sommer says:

1. Get organised

As boring as it may sound getting organised and having everything in its place before the baby arrives will help you feel empowered and in control.

· When you have the energy, start sorting through your cupboards and do a big clean out. Get rid of anything that you don’t need to make space for all your new baby supplies!

· Some things you’ll want to store away; like bottles, sterilising equipment and toys, but there may be other things that you need on display for quick and easy access. The Tommee Tippee steriliser from the Complete Starter Set is handy to keep within easy reach because of its compact size and it looks stylish.

· Go through each room and think about how you’ll use the space.

· Make a list of the things you need quick access to or that can be put away.

2. Feeding

I had such a hard time with breastfeeding the first time around, I was feeding hourly and my daughter never seemed to get enough milk. My saving grace and something I recommend to all my friends is to swap the night feed for formula. It was life changing for me and my daughter slept through and gave my body a much needed break.

With formula feeding you have a lot more equipment so that’s why it’s good to be organised. Make things easy for yourself so when you need to prep the baby’s bottle at 3am you have everything to hand.

The Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep machine is brilliant because it looks cool and matches my black steriliser, so I don’t mind having it on display and it makes prepping a bottle a breeze, even when I’m half asleep. I’ve got the black version and have it on my kitchen counter. It’s quick and easy to use and anything that makes my life easier is welcome to stay!

3. Storage solutions

· Baby station

In the rooms that I spend most of my time like the living room, bedroom and kitchen I’ve set up baby stations that have all my baby essentials neatly packed away and on hand whenever I need them.

· Baskets

My daughter has a lot of toys but we cleverly hide them away so our house doesn’t look like a toy shop. Baskets not only look great but can also hide a mountain of things. Buy a decorative basket, put a sheet inside and fill it with all your child’s toys. Tie it up or just twist the top so it keeps everything together. On top place a lovely woollen blanket or throw to hide the sheet and toys. This makes a great decorative piece just like you’ve seen in those stylish boutique hotels.

· Chest

If you don’t have money to buy storage units or cupboards, a nice vintage chest is a great way to store games, toys or even blankets. You can also use them as side table for when guests show up.

· Built in units

If you’re doing a renovation or redecorating it’s worth investing in good storage. Don’t go to branded cupboard designers, a good carpenter should be able to knock something bespoke up for half the price.

4. Practical and fuss-free interiors

I don’t like to compromise on my interior style so I still have velvet and fabric sofas. My house probably doesn’t seem that kid friendly but it is in so many ways.

· Sofas

Comfort and style are high up on my list. So, what can you do? The simple answer to this is to have a large throw or sheet to hand that can be easily stored under the sofa or in a cupboard. When you are nursing, or playing with your baby on the sofa cover it with the throw or sheet so that it’s protected. Let’s be honest there are going to be moments of projectile vomit and if you’re already a mum/dad the chances are you have enough poo stories.

· Flooring

If you’re redecorating consider the flooring carefully because this not only has a huge impact on the overall style of your home but we also know how messy kids can be… carpet may not be the smartest idea! In our house we have concrete floors and wooden floors. So, no matter how many accidents we have they’re easy to clean.

· Clutter free

Get rid of the clutter and simplify your space with just the essentials and decorative pieces you absolutely love. In our family room there is no coffee table in the middle and most of my decorative pieces are up high on the fireplace or on shelves. This way my daughter can run around freely without bumping her head on sharp edges. The other alternative is to have a soft ottoman.

· Different zones

We have areas that are no go kid’s zones. We have a great family room and Lyla’s bedroom for her many toys, but there are certain rooms that are out of bounds.

· Low cost interiors

It can be expensive prepping for a baby’s arrival but there are so many low cost options. Ikea is brilliant for nursery furniture, Primark Home and the baby section for your essentials and Next is great for affordable clothing.

5. Decorating your nursery

Decorating the nursery can be a lovely experience but I know for some parents it can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some of my tips to help ease the pain:

· Don’t worry about matching furniture I think it looks more eclectic and fun when you mix it up.

· Don’t be fooled into thinking you must buy nursery furniture. Other than the cot the rest can be furniture that you already own. For example, for my first baby I didn’t buy a changing station I simply used my vintage chest of drawers and placed a changing mat on top with all my essentials on display.

· Be bold and creative; think about what colours appeal to you and how you want the room to feel. The baby won’t notice the décor but you will and you’ll be spending a lot of time in the nursery.

· It’s important to create a relaxing environment so you will want to invest in a comfy chair – you don’t have to buy a nursing chair buy something you like that will outgrow your children. Soft rugs are always a good idea and don’t forget your favourite candle.

Sommer Pyne is an ambassador for Tommee Tippee.

The Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine

The Giveaway

I have one Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine to give away.  The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Perfect Prep machine makes a fresh bottle at just the right serving temperature in less than 2 minutes. It is specially designed to make preparing formula bottles quicker and more accurate, a boon for those night time feeds.

Please note the colour of the machine you receive may vary.

Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget below and the usual terms and conditions apply which you can find on my competitions page.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday 18th June.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck.

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Problem Page Edition 16 2017

This week - handling commitment issues, spotting the signs of pregnancy and what to do when you can't stop sleeping with your ex student.

If you would like any advice, feel free to treat me as your agony aunt. Just message me or pop a comment in the comment box at the end of this post. I promise to be gentle.

Here are this week's questions.

Q: Should I stop casually dating this single mother all together? 

We’ve been having consistent casual sex for over a month ever since she moved close by. She has a 2-year-old toddler (boy) whose father isn't involved much. What I don't like is that she continually brings up step-dad talk even after I reject the role. She's a cool person, but should I drop her?

A:I’m intrigued that you are ‘rejecting the step dad talk’ after just a month. 

Has she specifically mentioned this or are you just cheesed off that she rightly prioritises her son and his needs? 

This doesn’t sound as if it’s going anywhere and frankly if it’s just sex you’re after I’d move on before you mess with her, and her son’s feelings. 

If you date a woman with children, you can’t expect the child to take second place.

Q: I haven't been in touch with my ex for a month (We just broke up) seems like he has had a new date already. Should I wish him happy birthday?

A: If you were the dumper as opposed to the dumpee and your ex took it badly, or you think there may be a chance of getting back together, then I would say absolutely. 

If you are hurting or want to send him the greeting to cast a little shade over his new relationship, I’m not sure it’s a good idea. 

Of course, after a little more time has passed, wishing your ex a happy birthday if you are on amicable terms is the mature thing to do, but this all sounds a little too soon and ever so slightly raw. 

Incidentally, the fact that he has a new date doesn’t mean much. Some men can’t stand to be on their own for two minutes. 

Without knowing the exact circumstances of your break-up it’s hard to advise more fully but I would let things lie this year and if he wants you back let him do the running.

Q: How soon will I know if I am pregnant?

A: Missing a period and possibly more than one period is the most reliable way to find out - although an over the counter pregnancy test will be 99.999% accurate and you can do a test after your first missed period. 

Some women do just know though - I had strange cramping in my uterus and felt tired and weepy. It’s easier to know on the second pregnancy though. 

There are plenty of other signs - tender breasts, spots, frequent urination, increased discharge, light spotting (as opposed to the fuller flow of a period). 

If you are trying to get pregnant, make sure you are making healthy changes to your lifestyle and not stressing to give yourself the best chance - no booze, cigarettes, more exercise…. the usual common sense advice. 

And don’t expect to have sex once in a blue moon and then get pregnant first time. It may take a year or longer to conceive. It’s not necessarily the automatic process you think it is. 

If you think it is taking too long, see your GP to make sure you and your partner are in the fullest of health and whether any further investigation is needed.

Q: How do I handle a girl with commitment issues? 

We've been seeing each other for nearly 2 months. We're exclusive and lately she's been very intimate and likes to cuddle a lot and kiss more in public which she didn't like to do before. However, she doesn't want to label anything and would rather take things slow. How should I handle this?

A: 2 months is really a very short time and you probably don’t yet know each other very well beyond the initial attraction. 

You sound very keen and desperate to announce your relationship to all and sundry. She, on the other hand, does not. 

I think she is perfectly sensible to want to take things slowly. Perhaps she has been hurt before or she is mature enough to know that the initial passion can fizzle out leaving the relationship dead in the water if there is no solid friendship behind it. 

If, on the other hand, she won’t acknowledge your relationship to at least her family and closest friends, I would be a little suspicious. 

You use the term ‘exclusive’ - are you sure she’s not just trying to keep her options open? 

The only thing you can do is have a frank and open conversation about whether you really are exclusive but at just 2 months in, I don’t think you should be pushing for a firm commitment. 

Q: I slept with my ex student. I am married with kids. My body really craves for him. Is it normal?

A: I’m intrigued that you seem to ask completely the wrong question. 

Is it normal is really not the issue. Infidelity happens all the time. We know this and it does not excuse it. 

What you are really asking is can you justify sleeping with your ex student because your hormones are talking louder than your brain. And the answer to that one is no. But you know that, don’t you? 

To potentially throw away a marriage and embarass the hell out of your kids for a brief moment of passion doesn’t seem like much of an exchange to me. 

And as a mature woman, using the ‘my body made me and I can’t help myself’ card is a little lame, don’t you think? 

I sense that you are really miserable but unless you want to make things far worse (surely there’s a lack of professionalism in sleeping with an ex student too), I would quietly say goodbye to your fling, hope your husband doesn’t find out and focus on what you would lose if this all came to light. 

You’re human - of course you are - but if you’re looking for validation that you are still attractive and sexy, it’s your relationship with your husband that needs working on. Don’t judge yourself too harshly but for heavens sake take a moment and think.

How would you have responded to these questions? I'd love to know. You can find more advice on my problem page

Disclaimer: All materials included in this post are intended for informational purposes only. This post/information is not intended to and should not be used to replace medical or psychiatric advice offered by physicians or other health care providers. The author will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages arising therefrom. 

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Is Commenting On Our Baby Bump Unacceptable?

There have been quite a few articles lately along the lines of "things not to say to a pregnant woman".

Your baby bump will attract interest

Why is it, having spent months and sometimes years trying to conceive and at a time when surely there should be celebration and congratulations, some expectant mums seems to join the ranks of the professionally offended and regard any casual comment or glance at their baby bump as a social faux pas of such magnitude that it borders on an insult?

I remember being about 4-5 months pregnant with Caitlin, having spent a good year or so trying to conceive after a miscarriage.  The Husband took me to a local Italian restaurant and we asked for a table for 2.  "3, surely" said the waitress with a smile.  I was absolutely delighted.

There's no denying that pregnancy, and particularly the early stages, can be a rough time for lots of us.  Your hormones are all over the place.  You are too big for your old clothes and too small for maternity wear.  You're still in the "intensive research phase" of working out what you can and can't eat and are totally enthralled by the changes appearing in your body on an almost daily basis.

When you get to that blooming, glowing phase where your baby is developing fine, your scans are OK, you are happily nesting and putting plans in place for your new arrival, then others may notice and comment on your contentment.  It's human nature, surely, to be fascinated by the most wonderful thing our bodies can do.

I do understand that, for some, any intrusion into their personal space may make them feel uncomfortable.  And to have your bump clumsily prodded without asking you is a little rude.  But an interest in pregnancy is surely the most natural thing in the world.

Of course some will want to touch your bump and see the baby kicking.  Seeing a foot push out of your belly is amazing.  Ieuan used to move about so much it looked like he was doing a Mexican wave.

Yes, you will be inundated with advice, much of it based on old wives' tales, but most of the time, people are just showing an interest and for the rest of it, they are not sure what to say.

But to be offended by questions like "have you chosen names, what are they?" or advice such as "sleep when the baby sleeps" seems a little extreme.  Questions such as "are you going to breast-feed?" and "will you be having a natural birth", on the other hand are going too far.

Pregnancy is a stressful time but I think you have to let others in a little.

Having had my kids so late, I was well aware that both my natural pregnancies were miraculous and that I was extremely lucky to have the experience of motherhood.

There are thousands of women struggling to conceive, and some you probably know quite well, who would give anything for someone to comment on their growing baby-bump.

And if you think some of the things said to an expectant mum are beyond the pale, trust me, the some of the things said to us older mums are far worse!

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