Hi Guys,

Gosh, it's been a minute, hasn't it. Things are getting so busy now baby is getting older, I literally don't get a second to myself. Long gone are the days of two hour naps where I could actually get stuff done! But I really have been looking back at the first three months of Lana's life and I thought I would write a blog post on what is the fourth trimester! The first three months of baby's life really  should be treated almost like another trimester. Let me explain.

Hey guys,

So if you read my posts regularly you are probably wondering why there is no second trimester post. To be honest it's because the second trimester flew by and didn't really cause me any problems whatsoever. This is typical of the second trimester and probably the first time in my pregnancies where , dare I say it, I actually enjoyed the pregnancy!?!? (Reading this back I would say that's taking it too far lol) Compared to my first trimester (click here for post) the second trimester was the complete opposite. I wouldn't say everything completely disappeared but there was nothing apart from a small scare (a heavy bleed which is still unexplained) which really fazed me. 

Hey guys,

So by now you should know that I'm pregnant! I decided to document my first trimester in a diary format, so parts will be as I am experiencing it and there may also be comments from me reflecting on it later. Even though my blog started off as a motherhood and beauty blog, more recently I have focused a little more on the beauty side of things, but please expect to read more of my experience in pregnancy. The interesting thing is I started my blog nine months after the birth of my second child. So even though there are a lot of post-natal posts (click here) there are no pre-natal ones, so I am making sure I document how I feel every step of the way!

7 weeks

How can I feel so lifeless when I have never been more full of life? I'm pregnant, and the reality is I'm exhausted, not just from feeling tired but from feeling sick, from being constipated, from the smells that are the most overpowering they have ever been. This is my third pregnancy. so you might say you knew what you were getting yourself into. Yes I knew, but when reality hits, there's nothing quite like it. 

Here's my gift guide for this Mother's Day. To all you fabulous mums out there, I hope you get spoilt rotten on this day. You deserve it. Being a mum is one of the hardest jobs in the world so you deserve all the praise you get. If you're struggling for things to buy, I hope this guide helps. These are all things I would love as a mum, and I'm sure my mum would love them too.

This is a beautiful skincare package that comes gift wrapped, ready for Mother's Day. It contains a cleanser, toner and cream, all scented with frankincense and rose (heaven in a bottle). It's perfect for anyone who wants to add something to their skincare routine or try something new. I know for a fact my mum doesn't use a cleanser or toner, but she loves her beauty products so I think they would be perfect for her. AA Skincare is a brand that is new to me but I can honestly say I am loving all the products I am trying. Such good quality and for a great price.

Flowers just go hand in hand with Mother's Day, but why not mix it up a bit with this beautiful birdcage planter from Lidl. I thought it was so beautiful and a great alternative to a bouquet. When the flowers die, you could replace them with more or try something different, like a big candle. I would be delighted to receive it. I can just see myself using that birdcage for a blog prop! 

These Burt's Bees lipsticks look absolutely fab and the fact they are 100% natural just draws me towards them. At £9.99 (10% going to British Bee Keeping Association) I would say they are pretty reasonably priced. The shade 'Blush Basin' particularly appeals to me, but what's fab is that the brand offers a shade selector on its website, where you can input details based on your skin colour, the occasion and your mood and it picks a shade for you, which I thought was quite fun!

4. Primark 'Tea-rrific Mum' Mug and Coaster Set (£3.00)

I love a good mug and there happens to be a fair amount of 'Mummy Mugs' on the market around this time of year, but I kind of fell in love with this one. You get a mug and a lovely coaster all for just £3! What a bargain. I actually picked this out for myself as a Mother's Day gift, as my old mummy mug got a chipped (RIP) and my tea hasn't been the same ever since. Let's hope this one lives up to the reputation of the last!

I recently got gifted a free LVL treatment and I was over the moon. Exactly what I needed. This treatment is a life changer and is the perfect treat for us busy mums. Let me explain why. Firstly, because the treatment itself only takes 45 minutes - all you need to do is lie down and close your eyes. Heck, I'd  pay £100 pound to get 45 minutes of peace, but that's another blog post! It also leaves you with beautiful lashes that don't need any mascara, which again is going to save you a few minutes in a day. Is it just me or are your eyelashes the thing you spend longest on? I do! It leaves you with immediate results - lashes that are low maintenance and last up to eight weeks. What more could you ask for? I have had this treatment before (click here for before and after pictures) and can't recommend it enough.

If you fancy splashing the cash then I think these initial pendants are beautiful. They are made with real diamond and look so dainty. I love personalised items and think this would make the perfect gift for any mum. For a first time mum, if buying as a gift for a friend, or partner, it would be nice to get the baby's initial. They are available in rose gold, gold and silver, I think the rose gold is my favourite.

If you read my last post about beauty sleep (click here) you will know that for the month of March you can get the Dr Botanicals Advanced Purifying Night Masque for £19.99 (down from £67!), using code ALIBLOG. It would make the perfect treat for those skincare lovers, as this overnight treatment leaves your skin looking super soft and fresh.

There's nothing better than getting away and having some relaxing 'me time'. I have been looking for a fab spa package to treat my mum with (and myself) and I think I might have found the perfect one. For £82 per person (Sunday Night Break) you get an overnight stay in a classic Hilton room at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, with breakfast, full access to leisure facilities, including heated pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi, a choice of a 60 minute treatment, Neal & Wolf Shampoo and conditioners and an Elemis Taster Sachet. For more deals across the UK follow them on twitter @TheOceanRooms.

So these are a few of my Mother's Day gift picks. When selecting gifts, my rule is to always buy something I would be happy to receive myself, and I would be delighted with any of the above. I hope you like them too! I think I might hint to my husband that he needs to check my blog out and maybe he'll get the picture. Have you got your Mother's Day gifts sorted yet?

Amina xx

Hi Everyone!

So I'm writing this post all snuggled up in my blanket. Now we are smack bang in the middle of winter, I thought I would write a post with practical ways you can actually stay warm, as well as  keep your heart and mind warm as January blues are probably in full swing. So hopefully after reading this it will give you a bit of inspiration!

Cosy night gown or jumper

My husband bought me the cutest little Polar Bear night gown to wear from Debenhams (now only £15 in the sale), because I am always complaining how cold it is. It's so nice, thick and soft and keeps me so warm, I have actually stopped moaning. If you follow me on Snapchat (aminaali_mua) you probably see me wrapped up in it most the time. As soon as I get in from work I literally throw this on top of me straight away. It gives me a nice comforting feeling and it's something I literally cannot live without.

Snapchat selfie

Gown from Debenhams

Woolly hat

I have always been a woolly hat type of girl.  I remember a time at uni where I literally lived in the same hat for two years straight. No joke! Again, it was a comfort thing. It kept me warm but also hid my frizzy baby hairs! Picking one can be hard. I've got quite a big head and thick hair so don't like them too tight. I love this Jack Wills one my brother-in-law got me for Christmas though. It's cosy but cool at the same time.

Fluffy socks

Literally every year I get bought a pair of socks or leg warmers for Christmas! I'm not complaining though. I love wearing these and  they are a staple in my winter attire. I particularly love the ones that have little grippers on the bottom so they act as slippers too! 

Hot water bottle

Err hello! no winter would be complete without the trusted old hot water bottle. I've had mine for ages so it probably looks a bit worn but it is all about comfort. I love snuggling up on the sofa with one after a bath and just before bed. Sometimes on those really cold nights I take it to bed with me too!

Cooking

I love eating hearty food during the winter months. I tend to put on weight over winter, like a hibernating animal! I love eating soups and pies, and one of my favourites is a cottage pie! It's thick, stodgy and exactly what I need to keep me going.  

Moisturising

From moisturising my hands to moisturising my lips, if I am not well moisturised during the winter I am not a happy bunny. I love using L'Occitane Pivione Flora hand cream, it leaves my skin feeling smooth and smelling of roses!

Cuddles

Ok, I just had to include this. Getting warm hugs from a loved one is one of my favourite things and guys it's free! This can be done all year round obviously, but in winter it's got the added bonus of warmth! My husband probably wonders why he only gets hugs in the winter (ha ha!).




I hope this post has warmed you up and if not then why not try out some of my ideas and let me know if you have any tips for keeping warm over the winter months!

Amina xx

Hi Guys,

I remember doing one of these posts last year (link here), and when I read it back I thought, wow my skincare routine has evolved! I'm quite lucky in the fact that I have never had problematic skin. I would describe my skin as combination i.e. I can get an oily T-zone but nothing worth worrying about, other than that it is pretty normal. For some reason recently, my biggest concern has really been the fact that it has started to age. Probably due to the fact I have two kids under four, however also because once you hit your 20s, the production of elastin and collagen starts to reduce, and by your mid 20s you start to notice the affects of this. Well I did anyway. So here is my regime.

1. Cleanse

I never used to cleanse, apart from splashing water across my face. However I have tried various cleansers over the last year. Currently I am using Dermalogica and it's going well. I quite like changing and using different cleansers just to see what's out there. One of my faves was Heaven skincare's Hydro cleansing Milk (click here for my review), however as long as it's keeping your skin clean it's good. I think next I would really like to try an oil based cleanser, like the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil, as they are said to get the dirt out of oily areas too, as water just slides over oil.

When I wear make-up, I remove this using Garnier Simply Essentials eye make-up remover and then cleanse on top.

2. Tone

This is a step in my routine that I have played around with. It's always been one of those things I only did when I could be bothered. Again I was using Garnier Simply Essentials Cleansing Lotion. However since Christmas I have been using the cult favourite Pixi Glow Tonic. It has been almost three weeks and I have noticed a change in my skin. It does have a certain glow to it and is looking more even. I don't know if this is specifically down to the glow tonic or the fact I've been taking my skincare more seriously. Either way I'm liking it. I don't like the smell though! Think ginseng, green tea.

3. Facial Serums

Dr Botanicals Advanced Light Essence Serum is my go to (see my review here). Well, that is until my two year old emptied half the bottle on the bedroom floor! *crying face*.  It doesn't leave your skin feeling drenched but just gives it this burst of freshness. Sometimes I apply this and then moisturise on top. However sometimes when I need my skin to breathe I apply this on its own. 

I occasionally apply the Balm Balm Rose Geranium Face Balm all over my face, just before bed. I received this in my My Little Box subscription. It feels grainy when you squeeze it out of the tube but when you warm it in your palms this melts into a beautiful oil. I tend to apply this last thing before bed as it gives the skin a chance to absorb all the oil. It's not something I would apply in the day as it is very greasy in texture, but perfect for those days when you skin is feeling dry.

4. Moisturise

My moisture all comes from the Lacura range at Aldi. I use their Expert Double Effect Eye Gel and their Expert Special Care Wrinkle Smoother around the eyes, as well as their Q-10 Anti-wrinkle Day Cream over the face. I would say these have made the biggest difference in my skin. I have literally noticed the crows feet around my eyes disappear over time. And the value for money in these products is just amazing. The fact that they are award winning says it all. I love the fact the day cream also has SPF 20 in it, as exposure to sun is one of the most damaging things for skin.

1. Face Masks

I love to do a face mask once a fortnight and particularly love Tony Moly ones which I pick up from TKMaxx whenever I get a chance. I also love these B Beauty Ltd ones which are just as good and a great price (see my full review here). 

2. Exfoliation

I exfoliate twice a week and just use St Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot Scrub. It might not be anything fancy but it works for me and I have used it since I was a teenager. It's important to not over-exfoliate as it can be too excessive for the skin.

Hi Guys,

For my last post of the year, I'm feeling a little bit reflective. I'm sat here on my laptop while my eldest daughter (3) is finally asleep, after what I can only call a traumatic few days for her. She had a horrible fall. We were set to go shopping and decided to have our weekly Costa stop off. Unfortunately, she tripped and fell into a table, landing face first and bashing her mouth to the point where her front teeth have been pushed backwards. She won't eat, sleep, or talk. We are having to feed her with a syringe. But after being in hospital all day yesterday and seeing the emergency dentist, fingers crossed she will be ok (with a little help from some Calpol and Amoxicillin). The pain you feel when your child is in pain is the worst. An aching of helplessness right in the heart. It has really made me think about what's important and what I am planning for the next year.

I'm glad to say we had a fabulous Christmas. I love Christmas. It's that time of the year when we get to spend time with the people we love most and enjoy each others company, while having an excuse to scoff our faces. And having kids makes it that extra bit special because you get excited for them. Putting up the tree, giving and receiving presents, eating the chocolate from the advent calendar, and making gingerbread are all things that are becoming traditions we thoroughly enjoy and embrace. I wish the whole year was full of these kinds of highs.

We've had other highs this year too, a memorable one being our first family holiday to Cyprus. The most amazing memories were made there which I will carry with me for a lifetime. My eldest starting nursery and my youngest having her first birthday in February. All milestones that I cherish. My mum beat her breast cancer and completed Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca which I am so proud of her for. My Dad turned 70, which we celebrated with the whole family in Spain. These are all things that I can say truly made my year. A big part of my year was blogging once a week, every week. I think this was the biggest commitment I made in 2016 and I didn't realise how much it was going to occupy my life!

When I try to think of lows this year for me personally, I struggle. I am rich in the fact I have great family, a husband who is, well, much more than that. Two beautiful daughters. A home I can call my own. However, when I think of the bigger picture, there has been a few lows. Brexit being one, Trump being another, Aleppo breaking my heart. I saw a burnt Syrian baby's face the other day. All I could see was my child. There. Screaming,  All things which again I feel completely helpless but so strongly about. These all strike a chord with me.

Leaving 2016 in a low was not what I planned, my daughter isn't her normal self and neither am I.   But I suppose it will take time. Time is one thing I thought I had. But I think if I've learnt anything from 2016 it's that we are all running out of time. The amount of deaths this year alone has highlighted this. So many icons no longer with us: David Bowie, Muhammad Ali and Prince, to name a few. The only thing we can do however, is to embrace whatever 2017 has to throw at us and live it to it's fullest. Whatever that may be. Swimming with sharks, jumping from a plane, or maybe just stepping out the front door, or trying something new. I know I will appreciate what I have and make the most of it. So here's to 2017 - let's face it with strength, courage and an eagerness for more. 

Amina xx

Hi,

So this post is a bit of a personal one. If you're not into these, then click away now. I've been writing this for quite a while but always seem to fail at posting it. I thought it would be an interesting read as it will also allow you to get to know me a bit more. So here goes...

I remember feeling it when I got my first car and when I started my first proper full time job as a primary school teacher. I was driving and had a full time job. I felt very grown up all of a sudden. I then felt it again when I got married. But I definitely felt it the most after having kids.

If you read my blog you will know by now that I am a mum of two beautiful little girls. My eldest is nearly three and a half and youngest nearly two. I got married at 22 and became a mum at 24. This was such a blessing, but also, as you can imagine, really hard! I was so unprepared and didn't really know the depth of responsibility that motherhood would actually bring. I've documented parts of my mummy journey in blogposts such as, Welcome to motherhood, Breastfeeding 101 and To my girls on their 1st Birthday, in the hope of passing on some of my experiences.

The first few months of motherhood are a mixture of bliss and chaos. Bliss because of the miracle that has just happened and chaos because you don't know what is hitting you from all angles, be it breast milk, poo, crying, worry. It's like a battlefield. However, I found that once I started to get a handle on all of this (only around the nine month mark) I still couldn't shake the feeling - this thought that I had through all those major milestones. I knew I was doing everything I could to keep my baby safe, happy and healthy, but it just kept going through my mind... 'who am I?'. I was having an identity crisis.

I didn't think at the age of 24/25 I would be having what felt like a mid-life crisis. Am I just a mum? Am I still that person who loves to read, who loves to go to the cinema, who loves to go out with her friends? How could I hold on to all those things that defined me, when I never get the chance to do the things I love anymore!?

I had this new role that had been thrust upon me and, for the past nine months, that is all I had been. A mum. Nothing else. Was this all I was now? A mum. I kept repeating it to myself and felt a little guilty that I wasn't satisfied at being this and only this. Of course it felt amazing to be somebody's mum. To feel that unconditional love. To look into your baby's eyes and feel an overwhelming sense of love and comfort. But I needed to remember who I was before that, so I decided to get a little bit of my own self back - not just for my health, but for my baby too! By doing things like going out with my friends, going for date night with the hubby, things started to seem normal for a little while... and then baby number 2 came along!

Once again, after the initial few months of craziness, I again found myself feeling a little bit lost and confused. So again I tried doing all the things I used to love, but I wanted more. This is where my lovely blog comes in! I started this blog as something to do for myself and a hobby I could enjoy, and it really has turned into something I'm proud to say I do for me, even though I do have the odd natter about the kids. I write to express my love for the things that interest me most and to pass on any knowledge I have on motherhood, so people know they are not alone. One thing I absolutely love about blogging is the freedom and creativity it allows me to have! This is my own little space. It's a little bit like when buying your own first home. You finally have the freedom to do whatever you want and it's great.


So this was my identity crisis, but I am happy to say I am defined by many labels. Wife, Mother, Sister, Daughter, Friend, Teacher, Blogger, Make-up Artist. All labels I love.

Have you ever had an identity crisis? Do you ever wonder who you are? I would love to hear any of your thoughts below.

Amina xx

Hi Everyone,

This post is all about things I can't live without during Autumn!

Autumn is a special season for me. It might sound cliche but it is literally a season of change. The weather can go from being freezing cold in the morning, to boiling hot at midday and raining in the evening. I literally don't know whether to take my woolly winter coat, summer jacket or raincoat out with me. I find the change in season quite stressful on the body and usually find myself catching a cold around this time of year too. So the things listed in this post are things I use to both keep me relaxed and to destress, but also things perfectly suited to this time of year.

1. A hot bath.

I never used to take baths. No, it's not what you think. I mean rather than taking baths I would take a shower. I never really found the time for a bath or felt a need to have a good soak. However motherhood changed this. I actually felt an urge and craving to unwind and relax my aching muscles after I had rocked my baby to sleep for half the night, or being hunched over breastfeeding ten times a day. My muscles longed for a good old soak. When it comes to bath products, naturally I love some of the Lush bath bombs and melts and always look forward to a Lush bath.

2. A cup of tea.

The first thing I reach for when I get home, like most, is the kettle. There is nothing better than a hot cup of tea in your favourite mug - it has to be in my favourite mug! I don't know what it is about the mug, the dimensions, the fit of my hand within the handle or maybe the quote on the front (I may be biased), but my tea just tastes so much better!

3. A good blanket.

When I bought my house I knew I had to buy a good blanket. There's nothing better than snuggling up on the sofa with a good old blanket. It can't be any old blanket however. It has to be thick enough to keep you warm, but not too thick so it makes you sweat. It needs to be soft enough to feel comfortable but not slip straight off you. And finally it has to have a fringe... just because. I found my perfect one from Homesense by a company called Zoepritzz. You can find similar ones here.

4. Soap.

At this time of year the cold starts to chap my hands so I need a good hand cleanser. I was sent some Vintage Wrapped Soaps by The English Soap Company (£4.95) and the scent from this soap instantly refreshes and relaxes me and is very moisturising on the skin. Whatsmore, they are handmade and come wrapped in beautiful vintage paper (hence the name), which I will definitely be reusing! Everything about these soaps scream luxury to me, from the shea butter infusion to the smell of the perfume. Every time I go to the bathroom, just the soap lying by the sink basin fills the whole bathroom with scent of lavender. This has become a staple in my bathroom and actually is a must have for me in any season now, not just autumn!

5. Scented candle anyone?

My name's Amina and I have a scented candle addiction. There I said it. It is true, I can admit that I have an obsession with candles and melts at the moment. I literally have one in every room of the house. I just love walking into a room that smells nice! As well as scented soap, The English Rose Company also does scented candles (£9.95). What's special about the candles are that they are Soy candles - made from Soya Beans. This makes them incredibly environmentally friendly as they are biodegradable, non toxic, and amazingly, they burn 50% longer than paraffin candles. (For more details on benefits of Soy candles click here) I am a total convert. The scent I have used is Oriental Spice & Cherry Blossom and is perfect for this time of year, giving a subtle aroma to a room rather than an overbearing one. The price tag reflects the luxury and they are the kind of candles I would use for special occasions or as a gift. 

Ok, I am really craving a nice bath now. Then relaxing on the sofa with a cup of tea in one hand and the remote in the other. Topped off by being wrapped in my favourite blanket, with my scented candles flickering in the background!

6. Let's not forget the make-up.

This post wouldn't be complete without mentioning my Anastasia Beverley Hills Modern Renaissance palette (£41). This was made for Autumn and yes make-up application actually relaxes me! Read all about it here.

So guys, these are my must haves this season. What are yours? Would any of these make you relax? What is your idea of the perfect night in? Let me know in the comments below.

Amina xx

*Contains PR samples but all opinions are my own.