What's New & An Amazing Giveaway

So some of you that have visited the Jelly Button site or page may have noticed I'm still on maternity leave.  I am allowed a couple of keeping in touch days, and have been roping friends and family in to help out so I don't forfeit the conditions of my maternity pay, but have still been able to honour some customer orders.

I have a million ideas for the re-opening buzzing about in my head, but whilst the little one is so young I'm finding it hard to get down to my studio to put plans into action. I'm hoping in a few weeks when she settles with others better I will be able to get started on the re-launch. I have however been finding ways to get my own identity back by doing things for myself, one of these is volunteering at a local swimming pool (well in terms of size it's closer to a big jacuzi) as this not only allows me adult conversation but also qualifications, and I'm a sucker for adding new skills to my list.

Another thing I have just started is joining Younique, you may have heard of all the hype about the mascara which is how I initially heard the name.  It's all quite new to me and I'm still learning, but if you are interesting in any of the products you can go check out my own page.

Finally, what I'm sure you are most interested in is the giveaway following on from my previous review.  Well the lovely folks at Caseapp are letting me give away a phone case to one lucky winner.  All you have to do to enter is go through the Rafflecopter app below.

Good luck, I'm still loving my cover and this week its strength got tested when my 1 year old nephew decided to bounce it from a table onto a wooden floor! All is good with it of course!

Michelle x

P.S This weekend was Baby Buttons Christening, here is a shot including parents and godfather Neil (if you still remember who my blogging partner is ha)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comp Rules - UK entrants only, no cash alternative available, if conditions of entry are not fulfilled another winner will be selected 

Baby Love With Case-App

I'm ashamed to say I've turned into one of those annoying parents that takes a million photos a day of their baby doing the most mundane of things ** 'oh look she's pulling her poo face - lets take a picture' ** so when CaseApp messaged asking if I wanted to review another case there was no question who would feature on it.

I have previously been lucky enough to receive a product from them, but since changing phones it no longer fit so this was perfect timing.  The process of creating your own case was super easy, I chose the collage layout with 3 of my favourite pics of O.  

Now when people ask to see a picture (I'm sure it's just to humour me) I can just flip my phone round instead of scrolling through my thousands of pictures in the hope they don't catch a glimpse of the not so flattering post baby body pics I'm taking to keep tabs on the weight loss.

The lovely folks over at CaseApp are offering me the chance to give a cover away to some lucky duck, so keep your eyes on the blog in the next week.

And if you don't have a pet/baby/partner you love enough to grace your phone you can also choose some of their pre-made designs - I'm liking the look of the flamingos and watermelons to get me in the summer spirit.

Michelle x

 

Getting rid of the baby belly with Exante Diet

I'm sure most new mums will sympathise with me over my struggle to rid the baby belly, I gained a healthy 35lb when pregnant, most of which dropped off within 2 weeks after giving birth but that final 10lbs refused to budge.  Fast forward to me having my post-natal check up and being given the all clear I decided it was time for me to take responsibly and do something about the baby pouch.  I joined Slimming World, which so far I have to say I'm loving, however after a couple of weeks off plan due to a family bereavement I needed to kick start my weight loss so I didn't feel a complete failure at weigh in.

Fortunately I was sent a package from Exante Diet to try just at the perfect moment.  The products are aimed at those who are following low calorie/meal replacement type diets, so I decided to adopt my own style of the 5:2 diet using the bits I was sent.  I stayed on plan for 5 days and then did 2 days of only 500 calories.

I have tried the 5:2 diet in the past and had positive results, however the hard part was trying to make snacks/meals that stayed below 500 calories, so with this in mind I have to say the Exante Diet products were perfect.  No need to weigh out or measure portions, just simple to make food.

My favourite from the samples I was sent were the Cherry & Almond Bar and the Tiramisu, both totally delicious and satisfied my sweet tooth.  I followed my 5:2 diet for 2 weeks and from the first weigh in I lost an amazing 4lb and I am waiting for this weeks weigh in to find out my newest loss!

I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to drop some weight ready for bikini season or just to speed up weight loss whilst following another diet.

Does anyone else have any positive diet stories to share, or any tips on how to tone up after giving birth?

Michelle x

TIP - if you have one, use a protein shaker ball when mixing the milkshakes to avoid lumps! 

 ** Products were sent to me to trial free of charge, all opinions however are my own.


*** Baby milk was not mine, don't be tempted to try it as a new diet fad as it tastes vile!

A new start

So anyone who follows me on social media will know my life has been flipped upside down in the best way possible - I've become a mummy! Olive Adelaide made her entrance into the world 2/3/15 weighing in at 7lb 12oz, and now she's almost 10 weeks old she has well and truly made herself at home.

I'm not going to lie, the first 6 weeks were hard, emotionally and physically, but now we are getting to know each other and life is amazing.

I'm going to try and get back into blogging, during the rare times when Little O isn't wanting a mummy cuddle, but until then I will share some of my favourite pics of her (I've turned into one of those annoying parents who takes a picture every time she pulls a funny face or wears a new outfit!)

Michelle

x

Pushing Present

Up until a family member mentioned this I have to say it is something I have never heard of, I assume it's normal for the father to buy flowers for the new mum but a present dedicated to the actual birthing process was a whole new concept.  Of course with baby due in two days this appeals to me, who doesn't want a gift, but I can see how this could spiral into a new over the top trend.  

Fortunately for my other half I don't have overly expensive taste, the thought of someone spending thousands on a piece of jewellery that has the potential of falling down the plug hole or getting lost in the abyss of a newborns nappy rubbish terrifies me, so I have given him a few suggestions of lower priced items that would cheer me up when the pain of pushing a tiny human out of my hooha is still fresh in my mind! 

Now for the cynics out there I know that he has already given me an amazing gift - a little person to nurture and share our lives with blah blah, but really 9 months of sickness, heartburn, permanent changes to my body, searing pain of labour (I could go on and on with this list) whilst he get to watch from the sidelines with a glass of rum, rare steak and runny eggs means I deserve some kind of materialistic reward at the end of it all.

I have to say the subscription to Slimming World and a Belly Bandit would be for his benefit too, I'm pretty certain listening to me complain at how much of a chunk I've become is wearing thin.  The jewellery is a more traditional option of what I have heard a pushing present should be.

What do you think of the idea of getting a present for giving birth, do you have any suggestions of gifts I could add to the list?

Michelle x

Whale Bracelet - Alex Monroe @ Liberty

Belly Bandit - Bamboo

Sail Away With Me Necklace - Alex Monroe @ Liberty

Slimming World

Bump Break

Anyone that follows Jelly Button on any of the social media sites you may have seen the store has been temporarily closed whilst I have a baby! Just typing that is completely terrifying, I'm not ready to grow up!! 

I left it till I was 37 weeks to shut the shop and have just posted the final few orders that came in the days before, so if you didn't get the chance to order I'm afraid it is too late now, I'm literally ready to pop any day!

To keep myself occupied I've been crafting lots of bits for the nursery which has lead me to creating a wish list of things I want for the finishing touches.  If anyone knows of any smaller brands that do awesome baby bits please leave a comment! 

Michelle x

 

Toy Box

Swaddle Blankets

Wire Baskets

Wall/Door Hooks

Rug

Milestone Cards

Boppy Pillow

Things that go bump in the night

Once again I've been absent from the blogging world, but with another good reason.  I'm sure the last time I posted it was about the time I had just had an operation, with the diagnosis being I would struggle getting pregnant due to the endometriosis blocking my tubes.  Fast forward 6 months and guess what...I'm 20 weeks pregnant! I think I'm seen as a bit of a miracle within the gynecology department of my local hospital, especially since my consultant cried when she found out the news.

So that brilliant news aside I've also been enjoying a short holiday with the family, which included my adorable new nephew Alfie, taking part in the Manchester Markets, making lots of new products and having the online shop updated, and finally I have just confirmed a week long stall at the Christmas Markets.

Phew no wonder I've been needing extra naps :)

Does anyone have any good pregnancy blog links for me to have a browse through? I'm new to all this bump malarkey! 

Michelle x

Trollin'

Big hello from me, I feel like I've forgotten all about the blogging corner of the world but I'm back (for now.) Ive been meaning to post a what's happened blog for a while but as usual life got in the way.  Soooooooo what's new is... I've finally finished Uni THANK GOD!! I can't express how relieved I am that this it's over, it's been a year plagued with sickness meaning I hardly went in and have probably only scraped through and passed my degree. Now it is over I'm so excited to put more time back in Jelly Button and Cherry Rainbow, I want to expand my sterling silver range, and combine the sweet theme with the silver.

Another thing that's happened is I got my first trolling email of the year, I'm genuinely baffled by some people and what they feel is acceptable to say to strangers. But hey ho, I've had a lot worse than a few insults thrown at me this year and I'm still going strong!

Anyone have any advice on how to deal with the dreaded trolls, ignore them, retaliate? Any suggestions or request for the sterling silver range? Keep in touch, I love all the genuine messages I receive ;)

Michelle x

P.S How appropriate is my favourite kitchen decoration, troll and sick note in one!

Saints & Slimmers Review & Competition

When I restarted my diet blog last year you may remember I mentioned doing the 5:2 diet, well I had good results on it, but due to my Endometriosis and the side effects associated I decided not to bother continuing with the updates.  I have however maintained dieting when my symptoms were slightly more settled.

One of the problems I did encounter was making meals that fit within the calorie count, however when I found the website Saints & Slimmers it solved my dilemma.  They are a fab brand that offers a range of diets and products to suit everyone without having a hefty price tag, with a that team includes a range of product experts and nutritionists, so you know you are in good hands with their plans.  

I was lucky enough to receive a package including a range of their products to try out and I have to say I am very impressed.  As I'm a bit of a snacker I did favour the crisps and pretzels, but the soups and milkshake were also delicious.  

Instead of taking my word for it though they are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a 5:2 Monthly Diet Plan, so if you fancy your chances just enter via the Rafflecopter. 



Good luck!!

Michelle

xx
a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Beautiful Life - VitaBella Review

In my old age (mid twenties counts as old right??) I've been veering towards more natural products when possible, so when the lovely people over at Vitabella offered to send me some products to try I could barely contain myself.

Inspired by Italian nature their products contain olive oil and aloe vera, and if my 94 year old part Italian Grandad is anything to go by these products work well both when eaten and smothered on your skin.

I received the Spa Treatment in a Box, which included a face mask and a tub of anti aging cream.  The process of the mask was a fun novelty, pouring the serum onto the mask and watching it swell up before applying it to the face, and leaving to work its magic.   I have to say my skin felt amazing afterwards, to the point where I couldn't stop stroking my face and fortunately the results have lasted even after a week later.  The tub of cream that tops us the hydration  from the mask may look small, but I've been using it twice daily and still have more than half left even after 7 days.

Overall its clear to see why this brand has won awards and been featured in Cosmopolitan, it has made its way up there to one of my favourite facial treatments and I will be looking to purchasing the leg cream in time for summer!

Michelle 

P.S It's Mothers Day soon and this would make an excellent gift!

P.P.S I did take a photo of myself wearing the mask but I looked slightly like Michael Myers so will keep it to myself ;)

** These products were gifted to me but my opinions were 100% honest

Life Lately

So once again several weeks have passed since my last post and suddenly it's March, this year is passing way too quickly.  Since my last post I have been busy making lots of new products, practicing my silversmithing at Uni ready for a new line of sterling silver pieces and then today I had a craft fair in the lovely village of Uppermill.

I plan to keep up to date with my blogging this week so will keep this short and sweet, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Michelle x

 

A Week In The Life

Everyone thinks that my life revolves around pug cuddles, playing with clay and the occasional sprinkling of glitter - well you're right but it also has the less glamorous aspects.

This week included two trips to the hospital, for completely different ailments, one being yellow spots on the backs of my eyes (I had drops that gave me Supernatural-esque demon eyes) and the second my endemetriosis (I was subjected to an over eager phlebotamist who left me bruised and tender.)  I also had a fully booked jewellery workshop at the amazing Craft & Design Centre in Manchester, the next one has gone on sale here if you are interested in making some Jelly Button creations of your own.

Finally I've been working on a few commissions, Eve, Sully, Heart Bottoms and Yorkie Bar. Phew what a week ;) 

Michelle x

The Gift of Love

Now that January is coming to an end (where the hell did it go!!) the shops are rife with all things Valentines related so I've decided to sort out a wishlist to help out any secret admirers that are wondering what to get me ;) 

I doubt I will get anything but as Disney would say, 'If you don't have a dream, then you can't have a dream come true.'

How adorable is this dress, as it's handmade you can personalise it to suit your body shape/style, however I think this is perfect as it is.  The necklace is by the company that makes the gold one worn by Holly Willoughby, but I much prefer silver for my skin tone.  The ring is by the very popular Alex Monroe, I am in love with the mini mouse, fox and bunny rings too but I couldn't list them all as I don't want to frighten those imaginary admirers. Finally the bag and shoes are Brit Stitch and Schuh. 

If anyone wants to treat me, inbox me for my sizes ;)

Michelle x

Dress / Necklace / Bag  / Shoes / Ring 

Snappy New Year

So the start to this new year has been rather hectic but I have a feeling it's going to be an amazing year! I've started a new job and am really looking forward to working hard and achieving great things.

After a week of firsts -  first day in the new job, first visit to an abattoir, first time eating Chateaubriand (I don't work in an abattoir before you ask!) -  I feel like things are going to be good.

I know Michelle's mentioned all her resolutions or things she'd like to achieve this year.  I've already ticked the first off my list (new job) but I'm also looking forward to lots of other things too; I'm aiming take many more photos - hence the title!

I bought myself a new camera before Christmas in the Amazon Black Friday Sales and I'm just getting to grips with it.  I didn't fancy anything too big so opted for a Compact Camera System, which hopefully is the best of both worlds in terms of quality and flexibility.

Anyway I'll aim to keep you updated and hopefully you'll see a few cool new shots taking with the camera in posts.

Take care,

Neil

p.s. Anyone else bought themselves/received a new camera for Christmas?

Proper Tea at Manchester Cathedral

I'm always on the look out for cute and quirky new places in Manchester to try out, so when an occasion arose that required some kind of food, I didn't hesitate in searching for somewhere that fit the bill.  I have no idea how I hadn't noticed Proper Tea before with it being right in the centre of Manchester, but until I stumbled across a blog review it was sadly unknown to me.  Fortunately I found it, and now it has become one of my favourite spots for tea and cake.

A group of four of us went on a Saturday afternoon and decided on Afternoon Tea for all.  We ordered three and I have to say this was a case of eyes being bigger than our bellies, one would easily satisfy two people and probably still have some cake left over for doggy bags.

Afternoon Tea included an array of the most sumptuous cakes and sweet treats, a couple of savory nibbles and finished off with your choice of tea.  I chose the Breakfast Tea because I'm a bit of a bore and like a good brew, but for the more adventurous they do an array of other blends.  Overall the atmosphere, surroundings, staff, tea and more importantly cakes were all fantastic, the only element I would change would be to have some chutney/relish to go with the savory selection (I envisage it in a miniature glass pot with a tartan lid.)

If you haven't already head over to Proper Tea and break any new years diet resolutions!

Michelle x

Top Photo From TeaCup Kitchen

Moments That Mattered 2013

Working for yourself can often leave you feeling like your year has just flashed by with not much happening, however looking back I can see 2013 was a pretty special year.

In one short year I was able to cram in a wedding in beautiful Cuba (my brothers not mine!!) a short break in Paris, including the magical Disneyland with the bestie, creating lots of new products for Jelly Button and my first stall on the Manchester Christmas Markets.

Although not as exciting, other moments including family time, cuddles with Dodge, and lots of memorable nights/days out have to be included in moments that mattered.

I would like to think 2014 will include lots more memorable occasions, hopefully including a new house and a new addition to my little family (I'm dreaming of a Boston Terrier I can name Sully.)  My brother and his wife are also expecting their first baby, I should (hopefully) graduate from Uni and I'm praying 2014 will see an end to my battle with endemetriosis, or at least a dip in the constant pain.

Did you have any memorable moments to share? Maybe a moment you want to make happen in 2014?

Michelle x

Why not blog about your special moments of 2013 and be in with a chance to win an Ipad courtesy of Lloyds Bank

Turn The Beats Around

For Christmas I seemed to get an endless supply of pyjamas, socks and underwear.  I'd say it was a sign of my age, but I associate pjs more with being a kid - perhaps I'm regressing?  At least they'll help stave off the cold nights, but saying that mulled rum punch works equally as well *hiccup*.

I did get a few other gifts, and one of the bigger present I got were some Beats by Dre Solo HD headphones.  I'd been thinking about some getting some for a while so I was really pleased.  They were a joint present from my sister and her husband, and my parents.

Although eager to open them, Christmas day was hectic so I left the headphones for later - turned out to be a stoke of genius.  That night I was perusing Hot UK Deals (a great site for bargains) and noticed someone had posted that the exact same headphones were now on sale for £79 at Tesco direct, moreover there was even a code for £10 off on your first purchase as well!!! I HATE it when something like this happens, and I feel I've been ripped off.  Out of pure frustration I order a pair then and there, and within a few days they arrived in store.  Within a few days they'd arrived in store and I went to pick them up, and I returned the originals to Currys.  In the end I got them for £69, which was £60 less than the originals that had been bought for me from Currys (£129).

With the left over money I treated myself to this Ted Baker watch which was listed as half price on the John Lewis clearance sale (£62.50) - I'd share the link, but they sold out pretty quick online.

All in all I think I did the right thing, even though returning a Christmas gift did feel weird.  But two presents for the price of one can only be a good thing.

Take care,

Neil

p.s. Have you picked up any bargains in the sale?  Or even ended up returning any Christmas gifts this year?

To Do In 2014

I'm sure Neil will need to update his list of to do things as well but for now here are mine:

Finally complete my jewellery degree - In reality taking on a degree when I was already running two businesses, had a part time job and dealing with a daily struggle with endemetriosis was a bad idea.  It also wasn't what I expected so I am looking forward to getting it out of the way.

Move into a bigger house - my basement is my studio, the spare room holds all the Cherry Rainbow stock and all other rooms are occupied by cats, a dog and a hamster.  I desperately need extra space so I am hoping to upgrade to a 3 bed house.

Get a bicycle - to be exact this one, isn't she a beaut.  I have visions of riding to the Post Office near my new house with Dodge in the basket.

Do a chocolate course - no need to explain it sounds awesome!

Lay off the bleach and let my hair recover.

Holiday in the U.K - I was spoilt with Cuba and Paris last year so need to be a bit more cost efficient with my breaks in 2014.

Read 12 books - a book a month shouldn't be too much of a struggle.

Get back to the gym and Yoga - exercise does eventually help my pain, however I have to get through the pain barrier first.  I WILL DO IT!!!

Finally this is the biggie .... take more photos of myself for the blog!! I normally avoid the camera, using excuses such as 'when I lose weight I will look better, ' but in 2013 I read so many blogs where people embraced their varied body shapes I feel I should man up and go for it.

Does anyone else have any good resolutions or plans for the new year?

Michelle x

P.S Incase anyone has the NY resolution to buy expensive presents for random strangers here is the link for my bike :)

New Year, New To Do List

So last year Neil and I both wrote a list of things 'to do' in 2013, mine were -

 

Visit The Harry Potter Tour

Go to Paris

Attend a bloggers meet up

Read 10 books

Pay Neil back the money he lent me

Get another puppy

Learn To Crochet

I managed to achieve most of them, Paris was amazing, I read my way through plenty of books when on holiday in Cuba for my big brothers wedding (most of them were written by Kathy Reichs or Charlaine Harris) the bloggers meet up was FABB ;) I just about got to grips with crochet but would like to do a refresher course, and finally I paid Neil back (then borrowed more and subsequently paid that back too.)

I didn't however make it to the Harry Potter Tour, I blame a lack of time management for that, and I didn't get a play mate for Dodge (I made up for this by getting myself a pet hamster named Wolowitz or Norris by my Mum.)

Now it's NYE I should probably work out a new list for 2014 hmmmmm....

Have a great evening and see you all in the New Year!!!

Michelle x 

Photo Sourced from here

Soft Kitty Please

I have no idea how I managed to make it through the freezing Christmas Markets on hardly any sleep, working throughout the night on orders, then eating an appalling diet without getting so much as a sniffle, yet give me a relaxed and restful few days and I develop one of the worst colds of my life.

Whatever the backwards reasoning is behind it I have found myself looking and feeling a complete state so thought I would share a few of my favourite products to help deal with it all.

Whenever I get a cold I can guarantee that all the nose blowing will result in a glowing nose and cupids bow that finally becomes so dry it scabs over - this can take weeks to recover and I am left with a moustache scab once the cold has subsided.  To combat this I have taken to smothering my nose is good old Nivea, then at night I go for a stronger option of Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate.  For the lips I am using a combination of Kiehls Lip Balm and coldsore cream to keep the cracks and dryness at bay.

To ease congestion, headaches and other yukiness associated with having a cold I, like everyone else sip regular Lemsips but sweeten them up with a spoon of sugar and a shot of rum.  I have no idea if it helps but my 93 year old Grandad does it so can't hurt eh?!

Finally if all else fails, get in bed, find someone to rub Vaporub onto you and get them to sing Soft Kitty.

 

Michelle x