The Less-Refined Mind

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Family and Parenting

Breastfeeding, Opinion

The Day Dr Chris & the BBC Failed to Advocate Breastfeeding

June 7, 2018

What does the BBC mean to you? For me (scandal aside, obvs) it stands for good, proper, ethical, but most of all balanced news. It does not, or it should not – to my understanding at least – be associated with bias, agenda, or ulterior motive. That’s not the point of the BBC. We all pay towards it (my thoughts on that are for  ...

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Family and Parenting

Father’s Day Gift Guide for the Aspirational Man in Your Life

June 6, 2018

If the man in your life is anything like mine, he’ll be the kind of husband who quietly does everything you need him to, complaining rarely and going the extra mile regularly. He’ll be the kind of modern partner who is truly a partner and support – and the best dad you could wish for for your children. He’ll be the guy you lean on, but  ...

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Breastfeeding, Reviews

The New MAM 2 in 1 Single Breast Pump – Is It Right For You?

June 5, 2018

MAM 2 in 1 Single Breast Pump review: I received the product in exchange for my honest opinion and was compensated for my time. I’m still breastfeeding my almost one year old (wahhhh, where did that year go?!) – and more and more I’m feeling the need to grab a little break when it’s on offer. This usually means going out to work for a  ...

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Family and Parenting, Lifestyle

Creating a Garden That’s Perfect for the Whole Family

June 1, 2018

If you’ve been following my IG Stories, you’ll be aware that we’re in the midst of moving home. As I write we’ve just sold our house (hurrah!) – but we’re yet to find our new perfect family home. By the time you read, it could well be that we’ve made an offer somewhere as we have several viewings lined up for this coming weekend. Eek!  ...

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Family and Parenting, Reviews

Why the Whole Family Loves Our New Baby Carrier

May 29, 2018

BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One Outdoors Review – I was gifted the product in exchange for my honest opinion. I’m hugely aware of the importance of getting outside and enjoying nature and the fresh air – as well as moving. I advocate it for both myself and the girls (their dad is still a big gym-goer) and – come rain or shine  ...

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Breastfeeding, Opinion

Breastfeed? Why That Makes You a Martyr

May 10, 2018

I wrote this post before I became pregnant with Elfin. Of course I’m currently breastfeeding again, and I’ve also been dairy-free for nearly a year – meaning this post is now more relevant than ever. Breastfeeding is a subject close to my heart. It’s something I’ve written about many times over the last couple of years  ...

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Opinion, Pregnancy and Newborns

KateGate: Does She Look Too Good After Pregnancy?

April 25, 2018

Back in May 2015 I wrote a post following the birth of Princess Charlotte. I’m really disappointed that it remains completely relevant following the arrival of the newest Prince (as yet unnamed). So I’m re-sharing and you’re welcome to wade in with your opinions about Kate’s post-pregnancy body and whether it’s  ...

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Family and Parenting, Opinion

Why I Hope Never to Be a Single Mother

April 16, 2018

A few weeks ago Elfin was being a pain in the butt refusing to sleep so I decided to take her for a stroll as I needed a couple of emergency bits from the shop anyway. I left Pixie at home with her dad and off we went. But when we got home (Elfin snoring – yaaaas!), I realised I’d not been wearing my rings when I went out. It surprised  ...

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Family and Parenting

5 Tips for Bathing a Baby and Toddler Together

April 11, 2018

The first time you bring a baby home from hospital, everything is done with such careful precision. There’s meticulous cleaning, planning – and fretting! Every tiny aspect of caring for that tiny squalling human is another cause for anxiety over whether you’re doing it right, doing it often enough or doing it well enough. With your  ...

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