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