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30 Weeks Pregnant...

June 8, 2016, 3:49 pm
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Wow 30 weeks already, only 10 weeks until little mans due date. Time is honestly flying by this time and I honestly feel a little overwhelmed. I'm definitely trying to be a lot more minimalistic with this baby and I still haven't personally crocheted a blanket for him yet, but my mums made 2 already. I love this yellow popcorn stitch one! We have got the cot and moses basket, I just need bedding and a stand for the basket, also some newborn clothes, carseat........ ok I still need a lot. But, it's ok I have time, I think.... :)


I have started collecting a few bits for my hospital bag, and decided to purchase the Weleda Baby Calendula shampoo & body wash as it had so many great reviews on Amazon. I used Burts Bees with Esra which was lovely but this time around I wanted something different and fresh.


A few days after I was contacted randomly by the PR for Weleda with a press release for the shampoo & body wash I had just purchased asking if I wanted a sample, I explained I already purchased it and they sent me a few other baby bits instead which was lovely. I have used the face cream on Esra as she complained here cheeks were itchy and it was so lovely and rich with a smooth texture that absorbed well. I feel like I'm going to get hooked on this brand as I have tried a few bits from their skincare range for me in the past and it was really nourishing, I'm loving the more natural brands as always. I will keep you updated with which products are true hits.



Here's the bump at 30 weeks, 7 & a half months pregnant.

Some people tell me I'm tiny, some people tell me I'm huge, I think I'm pretty average for 30 weeks, little man was measuring well at previous midwife appointment, but she did say that he wasn't very big as I complained that I felt huge :) I have no idea how much weight I have gained as I haven't weighed myself, I will once I see some scales though as I'm just curious. To be fair, I'm not fussed as I know I will lose it once he's out. (positive thinking) Overall I am feeling good, similar to Esra's pregnancy but this guy is definitely more active, pushing, kicking and doing all sorts of sports in there. He is also giving me pressure down below when I walk for long periods of time and has been giving me so much heartburn.

The most comfortable thing for me to wear are these jeggings which sit under the belly and not even maternity, I have also purchased a couple of leggings in the next size up and have managed to avoid purchasing maternity clothes. Although I did get a couple of really cheap maternity tops from New Look in the sale. I refuse to wear maternity everything and look frumpy! I have 1 pair of jean shorts from H & M maternity that I kept from Esra's pregnancy and it still fits so perfect for the warm weather if the sun stays out in London. Furthermore, my belly button is still an 'innie' but I'm sure within the next few weeks I will upgrade to being an 'outie'. No major cravings, apart from 'Lilt' soft drink which is so random for me.

Hello little one, apparently baby is the size of a melon.


I can't wait to meet you little one! :) Esra, is still so excited, I have been keeping her involved with everything and she honestly can't wait to meet her little brother. 

I am a bit scared, ok very scared of the whole birthing process as I know what to expect. But, I have been a bit more sensible and done a bit more research this time for the healing process. With Esra, I had a natural water birth which was beautiful but traumatic for me as it happened so fast. I'm aiming for the same natural water birth this time round too, but hoping I can be be a lot calmer inshallah (wishful thinking) I have to make sure I pack some candles and lavender essential oil, ok haha that was a joke, "aint nobody got time for that", but in theory that would be nice! :)

Here are a few things I have been using and a few things I will be using soon.....



Earth Mama Angel Baby - Postpartum Bath Herbs
These are like a sitz bath, they are packaged like little tea bags and you let them sit in the bath which helps the healing process. This also had excellent reviews so I had to purchase. There are also so many other products from this line but I think I will try to make my own concoctions of some of them.

Neal's Yard - Mothers Balm
I'm still using this luxurious balm on my belly day and night, and still no stretch marks touch wood.

Reusable Bamboo Cotton Breast Pads
A much more eco friendly option, as the disposable ones are just wasted. Although I'm sure I will keep some of those on hand too as these aren't waterproof. I purchased these from ebay for really cheap and they are excellent quality.

Tums - Antacid Tablets
I have these whenever I have heartburn and they help so much, they taste a lot nicer than gaviscon too. 


Which Hazel
I have been using this as a toner on my skin, but I purchased to make postpartum healing pads, I saw on youtube how you can mix aloe vera gel and which hazel and apply onto a sanitary towel, place in the fridge and it's instant relief for where mama needs it most.

This has been so lovely, I have been alternating using this with the Neal's Yard mothers balm, I really didn't think I would love anything as equally but I do. this oil is so nourishing, rich and soothing and if there's any itch, it's sure to be gone as it contains jojoba, sweet almond & wheat germ oil and arnica. I would highly recommend, I was sent this too which is perfect as I would never of purchased it myself as I felt that nothing would compare to the mothers balm. Also, a note to other mamas to be, don't bother with bio oil, it's one of the most terrible oils I have tried, not nourishing at all, if your really stuck, then use olive or coconut oil from your kitchen and you will benefit 10X more. I also purchased a tub of the cocoa butter stretch mark balm, and it was a sorry excuse for a balm, seriously a waste of money.

This is supposed to be applied to your lady part in preparation for birth, I purchased after researching for anything that prevented tearing. TMI, I know but there is stuff out there peeps.

Weleda - Nursing Oil
This is to be applied to the nipple and breast area to keep it moist and stimulate and prepare for milk flow, this was sent to me also. With Esra I used Lansinoh, but I like that this is all natural and an easily absorbed oil, will see how it goes.




Ok, now I have to go pee! *typical pregnancy talk*

Speak soon x X x
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Fast foreward 7 months - Let's talk teethers!

April 7, 2017, 1:04 am
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Ok, so technically a little more than 7 months, but little man aka 'Adam Laith' is 7 months old now, so let's go with that. He was born on the 24th of August and is the cutest, happiest and sweetest little boy ever!!!

I'm not going to get into his birth story as it's all a blur, and I sadly won't be sharing photos of Adem or Esra anymore as that's what we decided upon as a family. I already announced that a while ago on Instagram, but thought I would mention it on here too, incase anyone had missed it. I also wanted to thank you all for the continued support regarding the subject, I definitely think it was the correct thing to do and feel really good about it.

Furthermore, I've been through some tough stuff lately, like losing my grandfather and both kiddos getting the chicken pox. But, life goes on which seems cruel but it has to be that way. My family are still in Turkey and it just seems like everyone is still on holiday and everything feels surreal. I genuinely didn't think I would get back to blogging as I had kind of given up on it due to how different it is now than when I first started. But, I have decided not to let that bother me and just do my own thing and stay true to myself always. I'm going to be using blogging as a sort of therapeutic output hopefully my positive energy will shine through.

Onto the teething part. Well, Mr Adem has 2 teeth at the bottom and he has been quite miserable with it which has the complete opposite of Esra who wasn't greatly affected by it at all. I am using teething gels and powders which work a treat too but, theres something about little toys that do the trick. I have basically purchased almost every single teether on the market and wanted to share my views and favourites as it seems I have become quite addicted to buying toys. But, not just anything as I'm really quite fussy, which  can sometimes get the better of me. I have really tried to be conscious of the materials used, the toxicity and safety of the products. Here's what I am sharing today....




1) Manhattan Toys - Skwish in natural £12.50 I love this teether which is also a great grasping toy. Esra used to have the multicoloured version and loved it just as much too. This was basically the first toy that Adem held, he likes to wave it around and really teethe on the big beads. I love that it's wooden and the beads make a rattling sound providing a great sensory and tactile experience. The only downside is, it's technically better from 6m+ as when he was smaller I found that the beads sort of poked him in the eye as he was trying to chew on the beads at a lower level. However it's perfect for him now at 7 months.

2) Green Toys - Twist Teether£9.99 - This teether again is similar to the squish in size but a lot more loud as it's made from 100% recycled plastic milk bottles and makes a cool clacking sound when shaken. The plastic is completely non toxic and safe to chew on and made in the USA. It's one of the only brands of plastic toys which I truly trust. (We also have some speed boats and stacking cups for the bath too.) Adem absolutely loves the hard plastic and just loves chewing on the different shapes. I love that the colours on this are pastel and not so in your face like most baby toys. This is one of the toys that I usually attach to the buggy to take along with us as it really keeps him entertained and his gums busy and soothed.

3) Banana Teether - This is a classic and definitely worth the hype. We started using this when Adem was about 12 weeks old to just massage his gums which calmed him down instantly. It's made from a bpa free silicone which for some reason I'm not 100% comfortable with but he really enjoys it as it gives him so much relief.

4) PolkaDottKids - Silicone and Wooden Teethers - These are fantastic handmade in the UK teethers that aren't only beautiful to look at but work really well as easing pain too. Adem loves the simplicity of the designs and can chew for ages on just the simple wooden rings. A definite must have for the handbag.

5) Sophie the Giraffe£14.99 - This was Esra's absolute favourite and the only teether I needed with her. But, for some reason Sophie isn't quite cutting it with lil man. He holds it for about 5 seconds then chews on it for 2 seconds and throws it away. "Mama buy me more" is the message he conveys. So thumbs down for Sophie this time around. Side note, seen as though Adem wasn't enjoying it I decided to cut it open to see if there was any mould inside and I'm happy to report that there wasn't which is a huge relief as this was Esra's that I kept so it's over 5 years old, Eeeek!


6) Calmies Ball £14.99 - I only purchased this teether last week as teething and chicken pox is possibly one of the worst combos ever. I thought it would really help calm him down true to it's 'calmies'name  and make him forget about his itching and focus on his gums. It's a great tactile ball that squashes flat and smells absolutely divine like vanilla cakes. It's completely eco friendly and non toxic made from rubber and I love it. I have even caught my husband playing around with it as it's a great sensory toy and absolutely perfect to teethe on. It's a great size that fits nicely in his hands and lovely and soft for him to chew on. This is possibly my favourite of them all as it can be used just as a simple ball to roll around to enable crawling and even as a bath toy. 
Gotta get my moneys worth obviously/


7) Matchstick Monkey(emerald green)£12.99  I only got this yesterday and it's very similar to the banana teether but the handles are smaller and thinner making it easier to hold. It's basically the exact same thing in the shape of a monkey and you definitely don't need both but I couldn't resist the lovely colour. This is quite a new toy on the market and at first I wasn't sure on the quality of it as I thought it had a strong chemical scent but my husband assured me that there wasn't. On the brighter side, Adem giggles when he sees the monkeys face so thats a major positive in my book.

8) Grimms Toys Wooden Fish £15 - I'm not gonna lie, when I was buying this one from a local toy boutique I thought about how cool it looked and that I simply had to have it for my boy. I thought I was buying it more for me than him but, I was wrong. Adem, completely and utterly loves this solid wooden fish. He is forever chewing on the tail and manipulating it in his hand. It's really easy for him to hold and has the softest rattle inside which is really quiet. I am so happy he loves it as I felt kind of guilty for buying him something that didn't look like much fun. It's so easy to fall into the trap of buying typical bright, flashing and loud baby items but the simplest of things make babies happy and it's important not to overwhelm them. I LOVE the brand 'Grimms' and they make some lovely toys and I have quite a few on wish lists for Eid and Birthdays. 


9) Hevea Dummy - This soother is pretty big, I tried to give it to Adem when he was a newborn but it just looked so wrong so I saved it and thought he could use it as a teether when he was a little older. It's made from completely natural safe rubber and it really helps calm him down if he's upset, he just puts it in and out of his mouth and moves it around his gums whilst biting and chewing on it. 
10) Nuby'Spin n Teethe' Triangle Teether £3.79 - This teether is a firm favourite which I attach to his jumperoo and it's constantly in his mouth making him smile. We also had the bugaloop but the bright colours and shiny plastic just scares me, he also didn't enjoy that one as much as this. I know I'm slightly extra in that department but, I can't help it. This  triangle version is one that I will sometimes throw in my bag too as I don't mind if it gets lost as it was quite cheap, because lets face it 'baby brain' with 2 kids is a million times worse lol and I am bound to forget stuff whilst out and about. Confession, I already lost a few things - oh dear

11) Wooden Egg -Tiger Stores £2 - This isn't technically a teether but I go to Tiger a LOT and when I saw this it reminded me of the Montessori egg and cup toy and that was that. Adem LOVES this SO much. He's constantly trying to roll it around and bite at it with his teeth. The shape and size is perfect and I love the fact that it's not a conventional teether and made from solid wood. They have loads in stores at the moment because of easter. Try one, with your baby and if it fails just use it for display or crafting, but I guarantee it will become a favourite. :)

Wow it seems I have a lot to say and missed the sound of typing, well done if you read up to here!

In conclusion we basically LOVE most of these teethers but Adem also loves to chew on his soft toys and even his sleeve. My top 5 would be the Calmies ball, Green Toys teether, the banana, Grimms wooden fish and the egg and a bonus would be the polka dott teethers as they are so damn beautiful!

What are your favourite teething toys? Well, not you personally but your bubbas :)


Disclaimer: No affiliate links, not paid, not sponsored, I purchased everything with my own money apart from the polkadott teethers which were gifted. Honest opinion as ALWAYS!










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Ramadan Mubarak...

May 31, 2017, 4:39 pm
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I just wanted to hop on here and wish everyone celebrating Ramadan a blessed and beautiful month. I am a few days late in posting this but still wanted to share. Thank you to all those who commented on my IG post.

This year I managed to whip up a countdown to Eid, with a Ramadan advent calendar. I based this years parcels around kindness and giving as opposed to little gifts that would be unappreciated the next day.

If you didn't do one this year, fear not, because you can still do one for the last 10 days, which is actually a great and more minimal idea which I will probably do next year.




I filled the parcels up with either craft activity instructions including things like make a sadaka/charity jar, decorate a lantern, make a mosque etc, plus colouring pages which you can easily find via google if you type'Ramadan printables', things to do; like help around the house or other people like separate some toys and clothes for charity, practice Arabic letters, pray with mummy and more things on that level. I also added a little teeny tiny chocolate egg to each parcel which has been much appreciated!


Here was the first parcel, and Esra got to work straight away. She loves waking up in the morning and  tears open a bag right away! :)

I printed off the numbers from @sweetfajr website on IG.




I have also made a little reading nook with all Ramadan books which I love adding to each year.


Here's the mosque we made last year, and I'm not sure if we can make a better one, but right now it takes pride of place inside our fireplace. I can't wait to make another one that Adem can participate in inshallah.



I already have 99% of Eid gifts sorted for Esra and Adem, as I have got so much planning to do for our holiday I needed to get those done and dusted. So, a pat on the back for me lol.

How have you prepared for Ramadan this year?
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SNS Hamper / SNS Tots And Tykes Hamper

June 5, 2017, 12:35 pm
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When you get contacted and asked if you want a hamper for your littles, you say yes like me, particularly when you need some cheering up!

But, first things first this is NOT a sponsored post and I have not been paid to write this post & this post does not contain affiliate links. However, these items were kindly gifted in exchange for possible coverage on the blog. Now that that's out of the way I can continue!

I am sharing because I actually love some of the things that were sent and am pleased to to have been introduced to new innovative brands that I would have possibly never known about. I have also been using the items for over a week now so I can actually give honest mini reviews.



Off I go!


Pigeon Organics- Ahhhh my favourite from the bunch, a great ethical and organic brand that's made in the UK. They sent Esra a dress which she wore immediately, and another 3 times already. The beautiful cotton is great quality and soft to touch, the design and colours remind me a little of 'Joules' with its classic yet simple textile design. Adem's sleep suit is a gorgeous woodland print with asymmetric poppers, I love that you can fold the foot section over and have his feet sticking out as don't babies just seem to grow out of them in literally 2 weeks, this way they last so much longer. This is definitely a brand I will look into for the future, they sent a catalogue and I have my eye on a few things for Autumn.


Pigeon Organics Website Facebook TwitterInstagram


Bundle And Bean Multi Use Footmuff - When I first saw this I couldn't figure out how it worked or if it would actually be of any use, but it's actually a genius product. It rolls up so small and has an adjustable velcro strap at the back so therefore fits on everything from a buggy to a car seat and apparently even a carrier. I basically chucked this under the buggy and of course the wind in London is aways in full swing and I took it out on a windy day instead of a blanket and I absolutely LOVE the velcro feature as it prevents it from flying away and keeps my little man nice and warm. I also have a footmuff but it's quite bulky and more suitable for Winter. This is perfect for Summer, rolls up nice and small and you can even use it to sit on at the park as an emergency play mat.
Priced at £29.99 it's not too bad and well worth the money. It's also available in many different designs, CLICK HERE to see more and quote 'BUBBLEGARM' for 15% off.

(FYI - The buggy I am using is the BabyZen YOYO which I absolutely LOVE and cannot recommend enough if you live in the city & if you have a small boot space in your car as this is one of the only buggy that folds up so small you are even allowed to take it on the airplane and put it in overhead cabin luggage, but that's a whole new post!)


Bundle And Bean Website Facebook Twitter Instagram


BABEASE - Who doesn't love pouch food for on the go? I do as they are so convenient for when you are in a panic and out and about. Babease specifically do vegetable based ones which I love as other brands do a mixture  of meat and fruit and when you look at the ingredients it's like 2% of something rather than 50%. Adem is 9 months old now and eating mainly whatever I cook. However, if something I've made isn't suitable I will use a pouch, sometimes I have even used them as pasta sauce too. He really loved the quinoa + beetroot & pumpkin and pea flavour but wasn't too keen on the chickpea version. I will definitely be purchasing more of these just to have as backup, they are available in Tesco's and Boots and a few other places. If you go to their website you can fill in a form to get a free sample which is awesome.

Babease Website Facebook Twitter Instagram


FrezyDerm - I'm quite strict with sticking to using only the Weleda Calendula baby shampoo but, I tried this and it was actually really pleasant. The scent kind of reminded me of Mustela products, it caused no irritations or tears as it's PH level is 7.1 compatible and paraben free. It also has a nifty dispenser that I like & I can definitely see myself repurchasing. The magic spray has a nice scent but didn't do anything extra than a standard detangler. I prefer to use 'Nitty Gritty' on Esra's hair as its quite long and repels any nits she may attract from school (yes I am OCD and spray it a lot) and also does a good job of detangling. 


FrezyDerm (pronounced free-zee-derm) Website Facebook Twitter Instagram


Get Fruity Bars- These are yummy oat bars that I have been keeping in my bag for when Esra or even me need a quick nutritious snack. They are gluten free and vegan. These make a nice change from the nut bars and contain only fruit, oats and virgin coconut oil. A perfect 'Elevenses'snack with coffee that you can share with your little one. Available from Waitrose, Tesco& Ocado - Use Code 'FRUITY17' for 20% discount on theirwebsite.

Get Fruity Bars Website Facebook Twitter Instagram


Start Rite- I love the T bar shoes from Start rite and will be getting Esra THESE in either navy or pink with the £50 voucher I was sent. I just haven't had a chance to go to a store and get them yet thanks to Ramadan and half term.



Bria Organics - 100% natural skin balm for eczema and dry skin conditions containing organic borage oil, rose hip oil, chickweed oil and beeswax. This was handmade by a mum in the UK and now sold worldwide. This is very handy for the handbag as I have it in a small size to soothe baby soft skin and even perfect for my dry mama chapped hands. I keep this in my bag and it's been perfect for Adem's dry cheeks and even my cuticles. A much nicer alternative than just using plain coconut oil which I normally do. Quote 'FREED3' for free delivery on their website.

Bria organics Website Facebook Twitter Instagram


Little Butterfly London - The packaging on this brand just speaks volumes, It has mint green wooden lids, glass jars, all organic and what more can I say... If ever a nappy change product needed to be on display, then this brand has it. They also won gold last year for 'The Green Parent' awards and I'm not at all surprised why. the nappy change cream has been an excellent barrier and prevented any sort of rash. I still like my Selena calendula nappy cream but this just gets top marks because of the packaging. The baby massage oil is so really lovely too and the sweet orange scent is really soothing. This brand has some lovely products and would make the perfect gift to someone who is expecting for their baby shower. Quote'MUHSINE15LBL' for 15% off.

Little Butterfly London Website Facebook Twitter Instagram


Tiddlers And Nippers - Ok so I'm organised but not too sure about this. It's a notebook to track weaning, basically there are sections for EVERYTHING, what foods they ate, what times, amount of milk, what kind of milk etc... But, this isn't for me, but if you know somebody who is super organised and would even want to somehow track everything to do with weaning (possibly a first time parent) then this could be a great gift. But, sadly for me this is something I will pass on but it's a great quality heavy notebook if you are wondering. They also have other designs, so worth a look!

Tiddlers And Nippers Website Facebook Twitter Instagram


Wow, that was a lot! But I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing up the little reviews. It's always nice to receive a little hamper, and such a treat for a mama to be or a new mum.

What was your favourite from the bunch? Mine was the clothes by Pigeon Organics as well as the Bundle and Bean footmuff that I can't be without now.

Speak soon! XoXo
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Speed Toy Review - Bright Starts Activity Balls

June 6, 2017, 12:45 pm
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I am always on the lookout for new engaging baby toys that can grow with the child, what mother isn't? Adem is now 9 months old and I purchased him these little sensory activity balls and they have gotten a lot of love over the past few days that I had to do a quick speed review on it.


I am not really one for bright plastic toys but these are a definite exception. Basically, there are 5 balls and each of them do different things. Most of these types of toys make different noises but these are a little bit different. Here is a quick description of what each ball does.

  1. Rotating image that turns and spins as the ball is rotated with no sound.
  2. A little animal in a rounded shape that makes a rattling noise when shaken inside the ball.
  3. 5 Separated sections plus the sides that make clicking sounds individually when turned. (The middle orange section is easy to turn with a baby's finger when pointed- Adem's fave!) 
  4. 3 Separated sections plus the sides that make clicking sounds individually when turned.
  5. Rainmaker with tiny beads

































Adem LOVES these so much, I have popped them in a little bag and taken with me for picnics to the park, they are great for crawling as they roll around and the different sensory activities help develop fine motor skills at an early age. These are suitable for 6m plus as advised by the packet but they really are suitable from newborn onwards up until any age really. Even Esra enjoys playing with them, she rolls them around trying to connect one ball to the other by rolling. We have also been using it with a muffin tin combined with other spherical shapes for added fun.
(I purchased from eBay as it was £1 cheaper, but they are available on amazon for £7.99)

A big thumbs up from us! 


What are some of your favourite toys for babies? I'm kind of toy crazy if you hadn't guessed but I do try to make ethical choices, purchase quite a few from charity shops and really try and stick to a'one in one out rule'as I can't stand to be drowned in toys. I have really minimised the amount of toys we have and it just feels SO much better. *raises hands*
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