I just spent a good long time on Pinterest filling my brain with images of stylishly dressed pregnant women. Not sure if I feel better or worse! On one hand, when I look at photos of gorgeous pregnant women I feel optimistic that it’s possible to be stylish in pregnancy… but in reality, I don’t have a supermodel’s body (shame!) and I find it really tricky to be stylish and comfortable.

But… with a growing baby bump and clothes which are getting tight and uncomfortable, I spent the past week investing in a few maternity pieces which I’m hoping will help keep things somewhat fashionable around here. Here are a few good maternity pieces I found:

• I invested in a pair of Koka-Mama black leggings. They are the best! They’re nice and thick, so you feel more like you are wearing a trouser, but they’re as comfortable as a legging (I wear these practically every day).
• I also pulled out my old Séraphine secret support vests and bought myself a new white one to wear under all my tops. These are a must have (I sleep in them too!).
• I went to Topshop and got this swimsuit and these jeans, both necessary maternity items. I love Topshop jeans — they’re cheap and they fit well, even the maternity ones.
• And of course I picked up a couple pairs of these leggings (for lounging around the house 24/7). They come up over the bump, so there’s no awkward elastic anywhere near your lower belly.
• I love the look of the entire Hatch Maternity collection (pictured above)…but so far haven’t bought anything. It’s hard to spend money on maternity pieces when you know you’ll only wear it for a few months. (Although the clothes at Hatch are meant to be worn both during and after pregnancy… so maybe it’s worth the investment?!)

What about you? Do you have any must-have maternity pieces I should know about? And… are you like me — do you immediately take your jeans off the minute you walk in your door and swap for something comfortable? Or am I just a major slouch?! (I think my postman thinks I only wear leggings and a big jumper!)

x Courtney

PS – Images from Hatch.

Petitonet is a small online boutique based in London which specialises in iconic children’s shoes and accessories from Spain. They have the most adorable selection of Spanish shoes — I just got my daughter the grey pair of canvas Mary Janes and they are so sweet with so many little details like stitching on the inside, a durable rubber sole, and a charming little buckle. I also love the velcro versions for boys. (And the price tag is quite good too!) Perfect little shoes for summertime…

x Courtney

Remember this book? And how much we LOVE it? Well, the Ministry of Letters has just come out with a new (and equally great!) ipad app. It is literally… a SINGING alphabet! So much fun, and so perfect for my daughter who is now learning the sounds of the letters. The two of us are dancing in our chairs as I type this with the sounds of letters singing their letter sounds loud and clear. It’s catchy, it’s cute and it’s educational in such a marvellous way. (Available from itunes here, and they are soon to release an iphone version too.)

x Courtney

We discovered The Magic Paintbrush while visiting friends in Hong Kong last month. At first I thought it was a famous, old Chinese fable, but then I realised it’s written by Julia Donaldson (of The Gruffalo fame)!! What was this? A Julia Donaldson book we didn’t already know? Yes!

Apart from The Gruffalo, of course, The Magic Paintbrush might actually be my favourite of her books. Told with her recognisable, simple rhyming schemes the story is about a little Chinese girl who is given a magic paintbrush — everything she paints becomes real.  She then puts the paintbrush to good use, refusing to let greedy people benefit from the paintbrush.  Such a beautiful, touching story, and such stunning illustrations (by Joel Stewart). The book is available from Amazon (UK and US).

x Courtney

The Olympics buzz is starting to hit London, and it seems everywhere I turn these days I see hints of Olympic fever.  I love these cool Olympics-inspired Reversi-Ts from Green Baby. Get this — the Reversi-T is FOUR tees in ONE! So there are four cool designs (my favourite is the giraffe wearing the gold medal), and all you have to do is fold over the top layer to reveal the next.  The tees are remarkably light-weight and streamlined, and of course are made from organic cotton! I got this one for my 5-year-old and he thinks it’s the coolest thing he’s ever seen — a magic t-shirt!

x Courtney

We moved into our house a little over a year ago, and the project of decorating it is still an ongoing task. Walls need artwork, sofas need cushions, we still desperately need a mirror in our bathroom (the list goes on)! I only just managed to get some very much-needed hooks up in the kids’ rooms — it’s amazing how long it can take to do something as simple as putting hooks on a wall!

Anyway, in my quest to buy new cushions for our home, I have discovered the most wonderful webshop specialising only in cushions and pillows. Yellow Velvet is a stylish and well-organised site with an even more stylish selection. They have cushions for every setting: living room, bedroom, outdoor areas, children’s rooms, etc. There are so many great options, my only problem was choosing! I ended up buying a selection of these embroidered linen cushions for the yellow sofa in our living room (see below).

And now I’m super tempted to buy some cushions for the kids’ rooms. There is no end to decoration it seems! Do check out Yellow Velvet if you’re also in a decorating mood…

x Courtney

Livly is a new and exciting brand from Stockholm. I love how they take a classic piece and give it a contemporary feel. Every one of their pieces has a detail which makes it unlike anything else… whether it’s a bright and funky colour, a bold zipper, lace detailing, ruffles on the shoulders, or modern silhouettes. It’s clothing your kids could safely wear to a party or a playground. And of course, being Swedish, it’s all about exceptional quality just as much as distinct design. Livly Clothing is now available for the first time in the UK at the wonderful Scandinavian Minimall.  (I just got the Essmiralda Dress for Ivy, and it is adorable. Such a fun green colour!)

x Courtney

When it comes to buying clothes for my kids, I usually go for subtle colours — lots of greys, navy blues, browns, etc. Which means that when my kids spot a bit of colour in their wardrobe, that item then becomes their favourite thing to wear. I am especially having a rather head-strong battle with my daughter who wants to wear only pinks and purples (and the brighter the better for her). It goes to show that kids really do love the brighter, happier types of clothing.

Love It Love It Love It is a UK webshop which fully embraces the bright and colourful. You can find romper suits in every colour, bright and happy tees (like the ones pictured above), and plenty of playful accessories. Not a single grey in sight… and I must admit, it is quite fun!

x Courtney

Happy May Day! I know I shared tulip photos last year, but couldn’t resist sharing some new ones from this year. Once again, my dad and his girlfriend climbed to the top of their house and took photos of the surrounding fields. So pretty! I grew up in that house surrounded by tulip fields. I used to ride my horse up and down those fields. I even got married in the muddy tulip fields! Such a special part of my childhood.

Anyway, just wanted to share. (Thank you to my dad’s girlfriend, Suze Jungeman, for the photos!) And don’t you love the chicken tip-toeing through the tulips?!

x Courtney

So cool and so innovative and so eco-friendly! These clever Tube Toys are a series of vehicles to assemble (car, tractor, fire engine, train) where the packaging (the tube) becomes the toy.  Using the packaging considerably reduces the amount of material you throw away after buying it and the extra cost that traditional packaging involves. Each Tube Toy comes with components like stickers and wheels inside the cardboard tube with pre-cut slots for easy assembly. And all the pieces are recycled or recyclable — so smart! I think they make really cute gifts. (Available from the always stylish and always eco E-Side boutique).

x Courtney

Don’t these images evoke the wonderful simplicity of summer? The sort of days when all your little one needs to wear is a little floral bloomer, running around barefoot on dry green grass?! Oh I can’t wait! I am absolutely in love with this new clothing brand from NYC — everything is so beautifully simple and understated. Soor Ploom offers a range of clothing for babies and toddlers up to age 3. Find gorgeous tops, tunics, rompers, and bloomers, all available in the most lovely fabrics (fine floral cottons, soft linens, etc.) and the sweetest little flowing shapes. Perfect for simple summer days to come…

x Courtney

Remember these guys?! We had friends over for dinner the other night — a friend from Korea and a friend from France, and we were all remembering fondly how we watched (and loved) Looney Tunes when we were young! Isn’t that crazy how people all over the world are united by a cartoon character?! Anyway… I’ve already mentioned how I don’t let my kids watch real TV (the commercials!), but I’m okay with the occasional DVD.

We recently discovered the Looney Tunes Box Set which includes ten DVDs each starring a Looney Tunes character. My kids think it’s absolutely hysterical! Their favourite is Tweety Bird — my kids are all giggles over the silly cat-and-bird chases. I just love how simple and charming the cartoons are. Just good old-fashioned fun!

x Courtney

(Image found here)

For accommodation on our recent trip to Australia, we managed to arrange a house swap with a lovely family in Melbourne (have you ever done a house swap before? it was our first time and we LOVED it!). One of the best things about doing a house swap is you get to stay in a family home with toys and books for the kids! So nice! (They even had a trampoline in their backyard. Constant entertainment for the kids!)

Anyway, my favourite find from their shelves of children’s books was this beautiful copy of Puff, the Magic Dragon. When I was a little girl Puff, The Magic Dragon (by Peter, Paul and Mary) was one of my most favourite songs. I can still remember putting the song on repeat in my bedroom and listening to it over and over again. I had almost completely forgotten about it until I discovered this book. And it was such fun to read/sing it to my kids (who know also LOVE the song!), and the book’s magical illustrations bring the song to life so beautifully. Such a gorgeous book (and it comes with a CD of the song, so you can listen while you read).

x Courtney

We all know that choosing family holidays is tricky; you want to relax but the kids need to be entertained, and trying to find somewhere that achieves both can seem impossible. Which is why we’ve done the hard work for you, and selected the best of our Family Collection in Europe! With endless outdoor activities, beautiful beaches and kids’ clubs for all ages, these boutique offerings might just be that nirvana you’ve been searching for…

Ammos Hotel, Crete, Greece:
You’ll find style with a big smile at this chic beachfront hotel. With sheltered, shallow waters, a sandy beach and a kids’ pool, it’s particularly suited to babies and toddlers, and there’s a kids’ room with a climbing frame and drawing equipment. Parents can enjoy delicious food and panoramic views on the gorgeous dining terrace, and each room has a kitchenette so you can whip up meals for little’uns. Best of all, it’s not too expensive.

Monte da Vilarinha, Algarve, Portugal:
Fabulous, family-focused apartments for 2-4, set in 32 hectares of leafy valley near the stunning Costa Vicentina beaches. There’s an adventure playground, mountain bikes and a beautiful pool, plus lawns and toys for toddlers. And thanks to the peace and tasty regional cuisine, grown-ups love it, too.

Elies Hotel, Kardamyli , Greece:
Tucked among gnarled olive trees and a pebble’s throw from Kardamyli’s beach in the southern Peloponnese, these secluded stone cottages are a great place to stay with older, outdoorsy kids. The pebbled beach is safe (no tides or currents), plus there are easy walking trails and sandy beaches in Stoupa (10km). Self-cater in the simple kitchens or eat at the owners’ delicious tavern, one of the best in the region.

Pristava Lepana, Soca Valley, Slovenia:
Clusters of wooden cabins in the stunning Soca Valley, with plenty of space, a small pool, goats to pet and ponies to ride. It doesn’t get much more perfect for active children – the area is ideal for kayaking, rafting, fishing and hiking, and the unspoilt alpine scenery is heavenly. There’s a relaxed restaurant, too, serving hearty fare.

Agro Can Gall, Ibiza, Spain:
A relaxed 9-room finca set in the grounds of a working farm, with a wonderful welcome. The grounds are spacious and perfect for hide and seek, plus there are bikes to ride, a kitten to play with and a beautiful pool. There’s a seasonal kitchen but families can be fed all year, and at all times of the day, with special mealtimes and menus for tots. You’re a short drive from sandy beaches.

Flying Boat Club, Scilly Isles:
A clutch of stylish beach houses with direct beach access, a spa and a restaurant. Say hello to freedom! With no cars and plenty of places to explore, this is heaven for kids. Hire children’s bikes and helmets from the bike shop and let them go. Older kids can join the sailing club and island hop in small yachts, and if it’s raining, the heated indoor pool is ideal. Each sleeps 6-10.

Polurrian Bay Hotel, Cornwall:
A spectacularly sited Cornish coastal hotel, reinvented as a boutique family haven, with great facilities including a cinema, huge gardens, a playground and a games room. The Den is a fabulous Ofsted-registered creche for children aged from 3 months to 8 years, and a 2-hour session per day is included in your room rate. Frazzled mums will love the spa; dads can go surfing.

The Cove, Cornwall, England:
These contemporary apartments near Penzance share a heated swimming pool, a restaurant and offer organised free activities during school holidays. The well-kitted kitchens and living rooms give you the best of both worlds: the facilities of a hotel and the space and flexibility of your own apartment. Our founder Nikki is a regular, along with her husband and young daughter.

Hotel Barcelo La Bobadilla, Andalucía, Spain:
This fancy country estate runs a free kids’ club each morning and evening in summer, so parents can have a lazy brunch, spa treatments or a child-free dinner. It’s set in 1,000 acres of private land, so choose your mode of transport – foot, horse, bicycle, quad – and explore the many tracks and trails at your disposal. Kids will also love the tennis courts, games room, pool and playground.

Villas Martinhal, near Sagres, Portugal:
These chic, resort-based villas for 2-8 are a dream come true for families, with kit to borrow, a crèche and a kids’ club, even screenings of cartoons in the village square on summer evenings. Overlooking a vast, sandy beach, everything a family could need is within easy reach, and it has the most comprehensive range of kids’ activities we’ve ever seen, including tennis and football academies. There are 2 family friendly restaurants, and the kitchens are well kitted out for self catering.

PS- If you’re interested in even more options, visit i-escape for loads more. With their clever search function, the site allows users to browse by location, family size and type of property (B&B, hotel, hotel with self-catering, villa). There are also useful suggestions of where’s best for babies, toddlers, kids aged 4-12 and teenagers, plus options for budget breaks, adventure holidays and villas with pools.

This stunning Mozartkugel wooden musical ball is made of solid beech wood and plays Mozart melodies whether it’s sitting on a shelf or rolling across the floor. You simply wind the ball, remove the key and let it amuse (or soothe) your baby.  Such a unique baby gift I think! (Available from Toyella.)

x Courtney

I saw these adorable crochet teething toys on the LMNOP blog the other day, and instantly ordered a few for baby gifts (if you’re a friend of mine and you’ve just had a new baby, please don’t be surprised when one of these arrives on your doorstep!). Aren’t they so sweet? I just love the mix of colours with the natural wood. All handmade and crocheted with organic cotton yarn, so they’re perfectly safe for your baby to nibble on. Available from the NiHaMa Etsy shop.

x Courtney

We recently compiled a list of ten handy kiddie travel products for our friends over at i-escape. Check out our list here, and while you’re there make sure to have a look at their newly launched Kids Collection offering more than 700 amazing, family-friendly holiday accommodations.

x Courtney

Lately Lily is a cute range of girl’s t-shirts which celebrate childhood and worldly adventures. They’re designed and made in Southern California, and have that sunny, daydreamy feeling to each of them. I got Ivy the Zeborah tee (featured above) and it’s so cute! I love the poppy red colour and it has a nice, narrow fit with sweet little sleeves.

The tees are available online from the Lately Lily shop.

x Courtney

My daughter, Ivy, finally outgrew her treasured Talc raincoat, and it was time for a new one. So, after hearing all the fuss about the ‘famous’ Pale Cloud Raincoat, I decided this could be the answer. And indeed it is!  The soft nylon outer shell is flexible and easy to wear. And the cosy cotton inner layer means that it’s comfortable on the inside. Plus, it has little details like a yellow drawstring, which when you pull creates a pear-shaped silhouette. And the pale pink colour is pretty without being too girlie (these days my daughter and I are in the ‘pink war’, fighting over which types of pinks are doable!). Anyway, I really recommend the raincoat, and it’s available online from the fantastic Italian boutique, Brebí.

x Courtney

Anyone who is from Spain, has family from Spain, or has been to Spain will be familiar with Avarca sandals. I lived in Spain for a bit when I was a teenager on a study abroad program and everyone I knew wore these sandals. I ended up buying a couple pairs and bringing them home to America… to envious friends and family members!

Noelia Pahissa and her husband, both originally from Barcelona but currently living in California, have decided to start a company importing and selling the treasured avarcas in the USA. They launched AvarcaUSA where you can now buy avarcas in any size and style, all originally hand-crafted in Spain. How cute are the kiddie sizes? And they come in such fun colours! (I got the saffron colour for Ivy and they are ADORABLE!).

x Courtney