The Butterfly effect

We’re itching to throw a baby shower just so we can send out some announcements using these exquisite Butterfly in Flight baby favours. Designed from handmade paper by innovative stationers Botanical Paperworks, the card feature butterflies with their wings folded outwards as if they’re about to take flight. And in keeping with the metamorphosis theme, recipients get instructions to remove the butterfly, plant in a pot of soil and watch their invitation transform into a gorgeous bloom of wildflowers. Simply magical. Order at Botanical Paperworks online.

Love yourself

As Cupid tunes up his bow and gets ready to make mischief, it’s time to stop mooning around and focus on what you really want for Valentine’s. If you (or lover boy) are stuck for ideas, may we suggest a spa voucher as the gift that keeps on giving? After being literally consumed by your baby for months on end, you deserve some one-on-one pampering. Grayshott Spa is just one of many top UK spas that offer personalised treatments for new mothers and expectant mums (not suitable for the first 12 weeks or after week 36 of pregnancy). Their maternity packages range from a 70 minute session to 7 nights of pure unbridled luxury for you and a partner…with a price tag to match. Still, you’re worth it. Reservations can be made online at Grayshott Spa.

Easy queasy

Probably one of the worst aspects of early pregnancy for many women is morning sickness – that unsettling feeling ranging from mild nausea to uncontrollable vomiting. Although I was one of the lucky few who didn’t suffer badly, the mere sight of certain foods made me gag and I soon realised that ‘morning sickness’ can actually last 24 hours.

Common advice includes drinking ginger ale, sucking on ginger lollipops or sipping on ginger herbal tea (apparently ginger helps alleviate symptoms). But if you’re not down with the flavour and you still want a natural remedy, you could opt for a sniff of QueaseEASE. The handy purse-sized tube contains a unique blend of essential oils (peppermint, lavender, spearmint and yes, ginger) designed to cure all sorts of nausea including morning sickness and motion sickness. There are no side effects and you can use it as often as you like. Simply remove the cap, inhale deeply for a few breaths and let the oils work their magic. Available via the web site Soothing Scents.

Bag it up

Maybe you’re cutting down on sweet treats for the New Year. That’s no reason you can’t spoil yourself with a little arm candy. Put a little ooh la la in your stride with one of these oh-so-chic bags in Parisian wallpaper design by French designer duo Murval.



Durable, roomy and constructed out of a wipe-clean nylon fabric, these bags seem to have been designed with mamas in mind. The kind folks at Give Simple are featuring a Murval sale through January 16 with up to 30 percent discounts. So you can afford to buy a matching set including travel bag, vanity case and toiletry bag. Life has never been so hectic but thanks to Murval the illusion of organisation is within your reach.

Family planning

One of the more common New Year’s resolutions that the average person makes is to get more organised. It’s an especially tough challenge for new mothers who are juggling the demands of night waking, non-stop feeding and 24-hour diaper duty. Luckily you can find plenty of support online, such as Organised Mum, a web site totally devoted to helping you take charge of your family life.

We recommend their Baby’s First Year Calendar that not only allows you to plan your daily schedule but also lets you record those precious first year milestones and gives monthly tips on what to expect. It includes a pocket to store paperwork, photos and other mementos, and even leaves space to jot down the year’s most newsworthy stories. Order one online at the Organised Mum web site.

Swap shop

Welcome to 2008. With every New Year come new resolutions and the promise of a fresh start. What better way to begin than to clear out all the outgrown baby clothes and gear that's already starting to clutter up your nursery and attic?

Swap Baby Goods is a fantastic and free site that allows parents to register their baby products to buy, sell or exchange. It’s a great place to scout for gently used or second-hand items and also to pass on those Xmas gifts that weren’t necessarily what you were hoping for. Swap Baby Goods features everything from Moses baskets and baby slings to bedding, clothes and books. Brand New Mama cautions customers against buying items like car seats and pushchairs second-hand in case they don’t meet safety standards. Visit Swap Baby Goods to find sites for customers in the US, Canada or the UK.

Back to black

When it comes to choosing evening wear, it's usually best to stick with a classic look. Especially if you're rounder than Santa this year. This twist strap diamante black vest from Fun Mum will take you through the party season looking on trend and feeling super glam. It's cut to flatter expecting mums by gently skimming over your tummy and gathering underneath for a flattering silhouette. Wear it with these elasticated black wide leg trousers and you'll be ready to bump and groove all night long.