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How can I go back to work after having a baby?

We all know the hardships of looking for a job. Going back to work after a baby is no different – you’re currently working a full-time job and trying to find the time to look for another, let alone applying and finding the time to interview. For those of us who have been privileged enough to take maternity leave, like myself, the prospect of going back to work can be both exciting and daunting.

How can I go back to work after having a baby?

Sadly, there is still a stigma around mums returning to the workplace. I was reminded of this after having a conversation with my partner about when and how I would return to work after being made redundant just before giving birth (yes, that’s legal). He affectionately said “Don’t worry, it will be easy”, but deep down I knew otherwise.

Questions dart around my head on a daily basis, such as:

  • Have I forgotten how to interview/work after extended maternity?
  • Will future employers worry I’m going to leave to have more children?
  • That I won’t be as dedicated to my job?

Of course, the answer to all of these on my part, and hopefully my future employers, is no.

As wonderful as my maternity leave has been, I still can’t help but feel anxious about the time I’ve had away from work — the pause I willingly placed on my career.

Read more of my pregnancy and parenthood related posts.

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Pregnancy Skincare Routine Tips & Recommendations

  • pregnancy skincare routine tips
  • pregnancy skincare routine tips

Pregnancy Skincare Routine Tips & Recommendations

Did you know you need to change your skincare routine if you’re pregnant?

This was something I found out recently during my first trimester. Thankfully I was too tired or ill during this time to actually carry on with my regular skincare regime, as it turned out it was full of pregnancy skincare routine no-no.

Pregnancy Skincare Routine Tips

You may have heard of “the pregnancy glow”. Well, I’m here to tell you that this is a myth. During pregnancy, you’re skin changes, a lot. You may find that certain products and procedures don’t work like they used to, you have greasier, spottier skin, or dark spots popping up out of nowhere.

That doesn’t mean you can’t help combat it with a skincare routine though. Here are my top tips for your pregnancy skincare routine:

  • Stop using retinoids & salicylic acid – this is because they are absorbed into the skin and could reach the bloodstream and travel to the fetus
  • Moisturise, a lot – Dry skin and itchiness are common in pregnancy. Moisturising can help combat both of these
  • You can still exfoliate – Just because you can’t use certain ingredients doesn’t mean you can’t exfoliate – use products with glycolic acid or lactic acid instead. Exfoliating is also great for combatting those pesky pregnancy dark spots
  • Less is more – Try to keep your skincare routine simple during your pregnancy. You’ll probably find that your skin’s wants and needs change throughout these 9 months

Pregnancy Skincare Routine Recommendations

It can be tiring trying to figure out what to do with your skincare routine whilst you’re pregnant. And the last thing you need to do is buy a whole bunch of products you know nothing about.

Here are some of my recommendations for pregnancy-friendly sites and products:

Thanks for reading!

Check out more of my skincare saviours and tips here.

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Dîner en Blanc at The Shoreditch Treehouse with Côtes du Rhône

People stand around chatting whilst drinking Cote du rhone white wine at Shoreditch Treehouse
Dîner en Blanc at The Shoreditch Treehouse

I’ve been bringing the Côtes du Rhône into my home for a few years now, through the beauty of wine and food. It’s been a welcome reminder of the South of France, and all of the delicious produce the area has to offer. Most recently I was invited to a wine tasting of white wines from the region at Shoreditch Treehouse.

Dîner en Blanc at The Shoreditch Treehouse

Our evening began with a guided tasting of AOC Côtes du Rhône white wines with the lovely Julie Coutton, shortly followed by canapés, small plates and some delectable chocolates, provided by Native Feasts Michelin star chef Chris Godfrey. All of which were expertly matched to the wines, and set among the gorgeous backdrop of Shoreditch Treehouse.

White Wine From the Côtes du Rhône

When someone says Côtes du Rhône you’d generally think of red wine, but the region’s white wines also offer a delicious range of styles. From rounded peachy and apricot, sometimes floral character of southern wines which gain their juicy ripeness from the area’s Mediterranean climate, to the more refined creamy, nutty and honeysuckle-scented wines of the north; the variety of the landscape and climate means there’s plenty to discover.

We tasted a selection of 12 wines (favourites in bold) throughout the evening, including:

  1. Domaine de l’Espigouette 2021
    Viognier 40%, Clairette 20%, Grenache blanc 20%, marsanne blanche 20%
  2. Le Coq Valant Blanc 2020, Domaine de Galuval
    Grenache blanc 25%, Viognier 25%, Roussanne 25%, Clairette 25%
  3. Elements Luna 2021
    Clairette, Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Viognier
  4. LAUDUN CHUSCLAN VIGNERONS 2021 Maison Sinnae, Eléments Terra 2021
    Clairette, Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Ugni blanc, Viognier
  5. E.GUIGAL 2021
    Viognier 60%, Roussanne 15%, Marsanne 10%, Clairette 8%, Bourboulenc 5%, Grenache blanc 2%
  6. M. CHAPOUTIER, BELLERUCHE 2021
  7. DOMAINE DES CAPTIVES Château de Montfrin “à la rêverie” 2020
    Grenache blanc 60%, Roussanne 40%
  8. Domaine Grand Veneur GRAND VENEUR 2021
    Clairette, Roussanne, Viognier
  9. CHÂTEAU DE MANISSY EARL Chateau de Manissy Oracle 2021
    Grenache blanc 60%, Clairette 40%
  10. Cellier des Dauphins Les Dauphins 2020
    Grenache blanc 50%, Viognier 40%, Marsanne 5%, Roussanne 5%
  11. FAMILLE RAVOIRE Famille Ravoire Banderet 2021
    Grenache blanc 70%, Viognier 30%
  12. EARL EYGUESTRE Domaine Eyguestre AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Blanc Le Maupas 2020
    Viognier 80%, Marsanne 20%

If you’re looking for a bottle to adorn your dinner table this summer, I’d suggest you keep a lookout for the above next time you’re perusing your local independent/supermarket wine shelves. You can find out more about Côtes du Rhône white wines and where you can purchase them here.

Check out more of my lifestyle and food posts.
Words and opinions are my own, photos are by Robin Boot.

  • Someone holds a glass of Cote du rhone white wine at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • Michelin starred chef, Chris Godfrey grating cheese on to canapés at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • Cote du rhone white wine in a glass next to a bowl of mushroom risotto by michelin starred chef, Chris Godfrey at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • Cote du rhone white wine in a glass next to handmade chocolate by michelin starred chef, Chris Godfrey at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • A bottle of Cote du rhone white wine at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • Bottles of Cote du rhone white wine
  • Someone holds a bottle of Cote du rhone white wine
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Issho-Ni Japanese Bottomless Brunch Restaurant Review

issho-ni Japanese bottomless brunch
Issho-ni | Bethnal Green, London | Japanese | Map

Issho-Ni Japanese Bottomless Brunch

Located in the heart of Bethnal Green, East London, Issho-ni’s Japanese bottomless brunch is the only one of its kind in the capital. Issho-ni takes Japanese Izakaya style food and gives it a modern twist. Guests can enjoy scrumptious Japanese delights with Issho-ni created cocktails, Prosecco and non-alcoholic drinks.

What’s included?

What’s included in the Issho-ni Japanese bottomless brunch?

  • Unlimited starters
    • Sashimi, Maki Rolls, Edamame, Chuka seaweed, Kimchi, and Wasabi peas
  • Main dish (one per person)
    • Vegetable Tempura, Nasu Dengaku, Wagyu Steak, Salmon Teriyaki and Chicken Katsu Curry
  • Unlimited drinks
    • Prosecco, Bloody Mary

You can view the full menu here.

My Review of Issho-ni Japanese Bottomless Brunch

I was invited by Issho-ni to experience their bottomless brunch for free, however, all words and opinions are my own.

I booked a table for two at 12pm on a Saturday (this is the only day they do bottomless brunch). We were one of the first tables to be seated, but the restaurant quickly filled up with couples, groups and even a few parties. We started with a glass of Prosecco and all of the starters.

The starters were insanely moreish, especially the sashimi and the prawn maki rolls. So much so that we tested out the bottomless feature and ordered a couple more plates after finishing the first round. I really liked that we were able to ask for “only salmon sashimi” and “just a plate of prawn maki rolls” – I’m not kidding when I tell you I scoffed down 12 prawn maki rolls in record time. After a few more dishes, we moved to the mains – vegetable tempura and salmon teriyaki. The tempura was super fresh – perfectly crisp outside, soft and hot on the inside. The salmon was bursting full of flavour, and my favourite part, the skin, was crispy, juicy and ever so slightly fatty – perfection!

During our feast, the lovely wait staff walked around with a bottle of prosecco, ready to top up anyone’s glass. I really appreciated this as it didn’t pressure me to flag someone down, which has been my experience in the past. I had four very full glasses of prosecco before calling it a day.

At £54pp (alcohol included), I feel the quality and value are fairly reflected in the price.

Don’t forget to check out more of my ‘Where to Eat in London’ posts.

  • Issho-Ni Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar
  • Issho-Ni Japanese Bottomless Brunch
  • Issho-Ni Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar
  • issho-ni Japanese sashimi
  • issho-ni Japanese maki rolls sushi
  • issho-ni Japanese vegetable tempura
  • issho-ni Japanese teriyaki salmon
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Modibodi Biodegradable Period Underwear – A Sustainable Alternative

biodegradable period underwear

I’ve been using sustainable alternatives to sanitary products for a while, but had never seen a biodegradable pair of period pants. That is, until now! Modibodi – whose period pants I’ve been using for a couple of years now – have become the first brand to release a pair of biodegradable period underwear. That means fully leakproof AND good for the environment. Bye-bye reusable, hello biodegradable.

Modibodi Biodegradable Period Underwear

The Modibodi Brief can be washed over 100 times before reaching its tested end-of-life, the new Biodegradable Brief is the same quality as the regular Modibodi range. 

  • 97% biodegradable, including all fabrics, trims & dyes
  • The full brief can be discarded in general waste and will biodegrade in landfill over time
  • The world’s first Biodegradable leak-proof underwear.
  • Completely disappears after 5 years, when buried in active soil.
  • Reusable, comfortable, effective, biodegradable and better for the planet.
  • Full brief RRP £34.00 available in sizes 8-20
  • Bikini style RRP £32.00 available in sizes 6-18

But don’t worry they won’t start degrading in the wash. The pants can be washed over 100 times, that’s the equivalent of 8 years+ of periods when washed once a month.

How to dispose of biodegradable period underwear

First off, how does it even work? Simply put, the combination of fabrics knitted and constructed in a specific formation results in 97% biodegradable underwear scientifically proven to break down into nontoxic substances at the end of its usable life.

So how do you dispose of them? To biodegrade the underwear you will need to cut off the elastics and discard with your landfill waste (regular bin). For the main body of the underwear, you can bury it in active soil, this is soil full of natural microorganisms, bugs and bacteria (i.e. not a plant pot), which will break down into nature. 

Within about 4 – 6 weeks, depending on soil and temperature conditions, the underwear will start to degrade. However, with the majority of the brief being made from plant-based fabrics very little will remain after 6 months. The remaining biodegradable TPU waterproof film and enhanced biodegradable polyamide yarn elastics will be completely broken down within 3 to 5 years.

Would I recommend Modibodi’s biodegradable period underwear?

100%! Period pants have become a replacement for regular sanitary products for me over the past few years. They’re more sustainable than pads/tampons, and you end up saving a lot of money down the road. Modibodi is also a personal favourite of mine for comfort and quality. Not to mention that period panties have changed how I approach my periods and helped me feel more comfortable and confident.

Check out more wellbeing articles now!

  • Modibodi biodegradable period underwear
  • Modibodi biodegradable period underwear
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The Unexpected Tasting – Cru Wines from The Cotes du Rhone

A selection of
The Unexpected Tasting – Cru Wines From the Côtes Du Rhône

Cru Wines from The Cotes du Rhone

I’ve been bringing the Côtes du Rhône into my home for a few years now, through the beauty of wine and food. It’s been a welcome reminder of the South of France, and all of the delicious produce the area has to offer. Most recently I was invited to a wine tasting of Cru wines from the Côtes du Rhône – in particular, Cairanne & Lirac AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée – controlled designation of origin).

The Unexpected Tasting

On the banks of the Rhône river lie two significant Cru (the most demanding level of distinction) AOC Appellations, Lirac and Cairanne. Both produce wines of spectacular quality, beautifully accessible with great ageing potential but tend to be a little lesser-known.

Our evening began with a guided tasting of Lirac and Cairanne wines with the lovely Helena Nicklin, shortly followed by small plates and canapés, provided by Native Feasts, which will be expertly matched to the wines by Michelin starred chef, Chris Godfrey. All set among the unforgettable backdrop of God’s Own Junkyard.

The wines from the evening included (favourites in bold):

Whites

Reds

If you’re looking for a bottle or two to adorn your dinner table this Christmas, I’d suggest you keep a lookout for the above next time you’re perusing wine shelves (virtually or physically). You can find out more about Côtes du Rhône wines and where you can purchase them here.

Check out more of my lifestyle and food posts.

Helena Nicklin discusses cru wine from the cote du rhone
A glass of cru wines from the Cotes du Rhone
Helena Nicklin pours a glass of cru wine from the cote du rhone
Cru wines from the Cotes du Rhone
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Sustainable and Ethical Lingerie Brand – IDentity Lingerie

sustainable and ethical lingerie brand 2
IDentity Lingerie is a UK-based sustainable and ethical lingerie brand

I don’t buy clothes very often; in fact if I’m being extravagant I might buy a new item of clothing once every few weeks. As someone who cares about the quality and story behind the clothes they’re buying, this has made it much easier for me to be sustainable.

I probably buy new lingerie even less often, but not always for the same reasons. The reality is that I find it difficult to purchase sustainable and pretty lingerie in my size. Anything over a D cup is often plain, overly expensive, mass-produced, or a mixture of all three. This is why I was not only intrigued but genuinely happy when IDentity Lingerie contacted me about collaborating with them.

A Sustainable and Ethical Lingerie Brand

How can a lingerie brand be both sustainable and ethical?

IDentity Lingerie is a family run business based in Lincolnshire, UK. They’ve been using high-quality fabrics to hand-make sustainable and ethical lingerie since 2017. They use a variety of best practices to make sure that their brand is as sustainable and ethical as can be, such as:

  • On-demand production & made to order items
  • Using sustainable materials, and refurbishing any returns
  • They follow European labour laws and offer their artisans fair competitive wages

When my items arrived I was so incredibly happy with the quality of the material and the fit. Not only was my lace back bralette comfortable, but it also looked incredibly stylish and sexy. Which as I mentioned before is not something I’m usually lucky enough to find when buying bras. The strappy panties were also a great fit and looked really beautiful.

I was also very impressed with IDentity’s customer service when I couldn’t find my exact size. They asked me for my measurements and passed them on to their highly skilled artisans to make sure I had the perfect fit. And this wasn’t a one-off, they will happily help out their customers who are unsure of their size or just want a second opinion.

If you’re looking for lingerie for big bust, or just trying to make your underwear draw a bit more sustainable and ethical, IDentity Lingerie is worth checking out.

sustainable and ethical lingerie brand 2

This post is in collaboration with IDentity Lingerie. However, all images, words and opinions are my own.