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I know that January is a time that alot of parents shudder at the thought of how much has been spent over the Christmas period and decide to tighten their belts on their spending.

I have heard countless times, "when we can afford it" but unless we win the lottery, will we ever be in a position to have everything we want?

So echoing the words of Stacy Risenmay, if you wait until you have enough money to have another baby, to decorate and make your home your own, you never will. If you wait until you have enough money to buy everything new, you are missing the point. It is the old, the new, the hand-made, the hand-me down and the much loved things in your home and your life, that make it unique and your own.

Dont wait, time won't. 

 

We do not sell clothes on the Lilypad but like all mums, when it comes to our children, we love spoiling them. Whether it’s the new “must have” toy that they have been dying to have or a chic outfit that makes them look so adorable. For years now, many mums have been turning to the established brands to outfit their precious kids. However, the trusted brands like Chloe, Burberry and Dior of are seeing more competition as up and coming brands prove they are not only trendy, but a hit with both mums and kids.

Truly Scrumptious 

Model, fashionista and mom, Heidi Klum is devoting her time and fashion expertise to developing a truly trendy and fun line of clothing for children. The line was inspired by her four children.  Klum partnered with Babies “R” Us to bring parents and kids chic and practical clothing.  In addition to clothing for young boys and girls, there is room décor, furniture, bedding and other baby accessories. Items can be purchased at the retail store and there is international shipping for some countries. 

Helen Gordon

Fun and simple, the children’s garments made by Helen Gordon capture the beauty and innocence young kids. With versatile styles and high workmanship, the clothes work well in any season and will stand the test of time. Retro prints and a range of color patterns make the clothes timeless. The brand works with ethical UK Manufacturers to create and has even developed a new line of organic baby tees.

Alpaca Pie 

The west London clothing company was founded by Peruvian born designer Kathleen Holland. She takes advantage of the strong and soft alpaca yarn to bring UK kids super luxurious and warm clothes and accessories. The jumpers, cardigans, dresses, hats, scarves, and toys, crafted by Peruvian alpaca knitters, are all in vibrant colors and quirky patterns that are reminiscent of the textiles found in her native country. Her beautiful clothes aren’t just for those cold winter days. There are several lightweight pieces with embroidered Peruvian designs prefect for summer.

Olive and Olivia

This chic and trendy line is perfect for young fashionistas in the making. The U.S. brand was founded by Alexia Panza who is has built a strong following with her boys clothing line Tom & Drew. The collections, Olivia and Ollie for girls ages 2 to 6 and LIV 7 for girls ages 7 to 14, is not frilly like typical girls wear. Instead, the pieces are sophisticated and classic.

 

Just keep in mind that making your little ones look darling and dapper isn’t the cheapest if you’re buying them the best clothes out there. As they grow up and outgrow their wardrobe, make money for their new clothes by selling the old ones. It may also help to declutter other areas of your house and you can sell DVD's for cash, old computers and televisions, and even furniture for a little extra money. Removing the clutter and improving the children's wardrobes sounds like a perfect solution to me!

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Its the New Year and it seems like such a long time since we talked about our Water Babies journey, so it was back to lessons this week but there was no apprehension for the little fish getting back into the water.

Mum is so relaxed going swimming with her now, she will openly admit that she was a little fraught during the first few weeks but that was more to do with her worrying about getting them both undressed, into the water and then dressed again, than actually just enjoying the lessons. It is a totally different story now, she absolutely loves going swimming with the little fish every week and has really missed it over Christmas.

Mum's favourite part of this weeks lesson absolutely has to be "hold on, hold on, hold on" where the babies are encouraged to hold onto the side of the pool by themselves. For a few weeks this has been assisted by my Mum but during this lesson, the little one actually held onto the side independently. I was totally amazed when she told me.

We actively go swimming with the girls and their confidence in the water is amazing to see. The little one loves lying on her tummy in the bath and almost dives down into the water. I love that knowing when we go on holiday later in the year, that my girls will have no fear of the water and thats why Water Babies get my vote in the Tommy's Baby Friendly Awards this year! If you think so too, the link is here