Loosing Weight From Colitis

When I got diagnosed with Colitis, I wasn't even aware or thinking of what it would do to me physically and mentally. I never would of though the reason of me loosing two stone since May is because of my Colitis. I haven't been on any crazy diet or an major exercise routine, I simply have been having alot of trouble with what I can/can't eat. I have been struggling ALOT and I'm awaiting an appointment with a Dietitian as it has got to the point where I am constantly in pain/cramps. It is making me housebound and my anxiety is sky high when I'm out, which lately is becoming a rare occasion. I never ever realized what Colitis would do to be to be honest. I've had IBS since I was 14, so I have always known what a bowel disease is and obviously had similar symptoms with IBS but I wasn't expecting Colitis to make more of a impact to my life than my back condition does. 


So two stone is how much I have lost and its made alot of difference in my appearance which other people notice more than I do. I was never massive but I've always been "curvy" so it isn't like a massive deal but that two stone has made me drop a dress size but because my boobs have kept the same size, tops are still tight around my chest. FINALLY I am in size 14 jeans,for me this is literally amazing, I haven't been able to get into proper jeans since I was 17 because my belly bloats alot so I always have worn jegging type jeans/trousers which don't have a zip/buttons but I actually brought two proper jeans in the past few months from TK MAXX. Even though I cannot wear for a long time because of my bloating and cramps but it does make me feel so much better knowing I can wear jeans for once. Clothes are getting baggy and loose but luckily I like that loose fit tops with a skinny jeans look so I can still wear my tops. Usually loosing two stone to anyone is amazing but I don't know why but I'm not getting excited about it? Because I have lost it quickly down to an Illness it doesn't have them same feeling to if you lost it by exercise ect. The fatigue, lost of appetite, abdominal pains, cramping, bloating and bleeding are a daily symptom from this horrible Colitis and maybe that why I am not happy with loosing weight. I'm getting the comments like "I wish I could loose weight like you", "I wish I had Colitis" ect and those comments are really getting to me. This hasn't been my choice and when people say "Oh I Wish I could have Colitis", I just want to tell them how much it impacts on my life. How can anyone "wish" to have an chronic illnesses just because they want to loose abit of weight? Arghhh some people just haven't got a brain have they!! I have recently brought tops that I would never be brave enough to wear and I suppose the only good to come from this weight lost is that it has made me abit more confidence in my appearance. I have never ever been confident, happy with the way I look or been interested in fashion as I used to just wear clothes to hide my body. I have always worn the skinny jeans with a looser top as I think that suits my body shape the best but having larger boobs makes finding the right top hard. I have found some lovely tops from TK MAXX and H&M lately and even though I have only brought a few, it's making me want to buy more as I kind of feel okay about my body for once. Of course I would love to loose more as I am only human to want to loose more weight like most of us do? But right now I am concentrating on getting my Colitis under control. 


I am due to do an health update post as my last one is nearly a month ago here. Next Month (August) I have got a few appointments so I think I might wait til then to do my health update. I will do some more post relating to my Colitis as it has effected alot of day to day stuff ect. Hope you all are well :) 


Love Katie xx 

Auntie Buys : Bella's Clothes From Asda

So yesterday I went to Asda in High Wycombe, which was the first time I have been there and I wasn't impressed to be honest. I usually go to Asda in Slough but we thought we would try another location but I will be not returning to High Wycombe. I didn't really like the layout of the clothing and also the sales clothes were all over the place. I got a few clothes for Bella Mai and usually will always buy Ava Lily aswel but there was nothing there in the sale for her size but even the normal clothes there wasn't anything in her size. Bella Mai is a size 3 to 6 months even though she is 7 months old,she is a petite tiny beautiful baby. 

Loves Cuddles T-Shirt & Shorts Set - When I saw this, I knew I had to buy it. Bella Mai is a mummy girl and I have found there is more "Daddy" on clothing than "Mummy". This was only £4 which I thought was amazing price as it is an outfit. 

Mint & Pink Dresses - These two dresses were in the sale bit and were only £4. The Mint one is plain and the Pink one has a bow in the middle and little heart detail on the top. I thought the Mint was an colour that you don't really see around in babies clothes. 

Pale Pink Dress - I couldn't find the exact dress on the Asda website but I found one that was kind of similar. This was £2 in the sale and it's just a basic dress but it felt really soft.

Floral Romper & Matching Hat - Now this is my favorite. This was in the section on new items and I sent Bethany a picture of this. As I said before, you don't find much "Mummy" clothes which are actually nice so I put this in my trolley straight away. I love the colours, the little stars over it and also a matching hat, how bloody adorable!! For £6 I thought was amazing price. 


When Beth was pregnant with Bella, I brought alot of clothes from Asda as at the time they had adorable clothes. I found that this year there choice of clothes ain't as good as last year. I was gutted I couldn't find anything for Ava as I think Asda is one of the best high street store for Clothes if you're on a budget. Lately I have been loving H&M for Bella and Ava clothes and even for myself. The nearest Asda to me is Slough and now I can't get out much because of my Chronic illnesses so H&M is becoming easier as it is in Windsor town. Do any of you shop at Asda or anywhere else that is similar price? 


Love Katie xx 

Auntie Buys : Matching Blue Dresses

Buying clothes is always an exciting thing but when it is for babies and kids it is even more exciting. There are so many cute clothes out there and I could easily get into debt buying the whole store haha. One thing I came across recently is how not much stores have matching clothes for Ava and Bella size and if they have got same sizes, usually they are too expensive or not nice pattern ect. With Ava being a typical 3/4 years old for her 3 year old self but with Bella being really tiny for her 7 months self usually it's impossible or hard to find matching clothes in her size and Ava's. Lately I have been getting her 6 to 9 months but she still in 3 to 6 months. As always it does depend on the store itself, some clothes come up smaller and some come up bigger. 

The other week I was in Boots doing me make up shopping and I saw in the end of the shop that the kids clothes had a sale so of I went to have a look. To be honest there wasn't anything good in the sale and without sounding horrible, I find some of their tops/dresses are abit OTT with their patterns if that make sense. Beth and Tommy dress Bella and Ava in such nice clothes and you just get to know their sort of clothing that suits them if that makes sense so now I have got to know what Beth/Tommy would like. Back to Boots... So I was looking thru the sale area and didn't see anything nice then at the corner of my eye I saw this Blue Dress with Spots and Stripes and I loved the colour. I know Navy suits Bella but this colour blue was an unusual colour that you don't really see around spesh in dresses. I instantly went to pick up the 3 to 4 years old size not even thinking to look at Bella size and then my Mother saw they have 6 to 9 months and I was like OMG I need to get these haha!! I actually got Ava a size 4 to 5 years as the 3/4 years looked tiny so the clothes must come up smaller in Boots as usually a 6/9 months dress wouldn't of fitted Bella. They were £8 each and annoyingly have gone down to £4 HERE in the sale but I do think they are worth the original price as the quality is good. I sent down these dresses in the post as I do love sending them little parcels as I don't see them alot. Also you can't see Ava shoes in this picture but she has on White Converses I brought her not long ago from Very. They are the new All White ones which are so cute and Ava loves her Converses. Bella also has on shoes I got her last week from TK MAXX which were only £3.99 ad came in a little box.

So now Ava and Bella have matching dresses, me and Beth have many matching items so now we need matching dresses for me, Beth and the girls haha.. I wonder if that actually exists? LOL. Also if any of you reading this know of any high street stores or websites that do matching clothes in size 3/6 months and 3/4 years old please comment below or Tweet us HERE as I'd love to find some more matching items for my Nieces. 

Love Katie xx 

Baby Feeding Blast!

So as you all know Bella has a milk intolerance. We had to see a dietician and we had that appointment yesterday. 

I'm going to do a series of blogs about feeding babies with milk intolerance incl signs, recipes and just general advice from my experience. I think it will be good as I have never had anyone to talk to with first hand experience. 

The first thing you have to do when feeding a baby with milk allergies is to read all the labels carefully on EVERYTHING you give baby to obviously make sure there is no milk in the food. Most things that can cause allergies are highlighted in the Ingriendents, and on some labels it will tell you if it includes milk or don't include milk on the front or back, however it doesn't always. Milk mostly comes up as milk and whey. 

If you buy jar food for baby then the pure fruit purées don't have milk included and a range of savoury incl ham pasta, sweet potato bake, Sunday dinner, cottage pie, bolognaise and a few more. I will in a future post list all makes and dinners and sweet things that don't include milk. Also the only baby rice that doesn't incl milk is the plain one. 

Unfortunately most "snacks/finger foods" do include milk. However there are three that I've found which don't, the first is carrot puffs, the second is plain rusks (red packet) although they are made in a factory which uses milk. And the third are Bellas favourite and they are banana wafers made by kiddylicious they also come in blueberry flavour they are gluten free and dairy free. Kiddylicious do a range of products incl strawberry puff which Bella also loved.

Like I said my future posts will include more milk free foods recipes advice and of course updates on Bella! 

I know it's all new a daunting when your child has allergies especially when your new to it and don't know anyone with first hand advice and experience but I hope my posts can help and of course those with no allergies will find this interesting as everyone can eat these foods! 

If you have any questions then please don't hesitate to tweet @EssexToWindsor or contact by Instagram essextowindsor

Hope it helps! 

LotsOfLove 

Beth...xxx

La Roche Posay Order From Escentual

I am obsessed with the french brand " La Roche Posay" and have been using a few of their products for couple of years now which has totally reformed my skin. I am one of those people who stocks up on everything I use daily because its the OCD person in me and I have a draw in my room specifically for stocking up. I always order/buy double of every items as I have a fear of running out of products which makes me feel abit anxious haha. 

La Roche Posay stocking up order

So the other day I was cleansing my face with La Roche Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel last week and I noticed I didn't have much left so I ran straight to the computer to go onto Escentual which is where I get all my skincare from as it is good service, price and delivery. I was searching for ages and couldn't find it, I searched google, I tweeted Escentaul and La Roche Posay and I was literally panicking thinking they have discontinued  it and this product literally saved my skin and I was worrying thinking what will I use if they have got rid of it. Then luckily Escentual tweeted back saying they have reformulated into Make Up Remover Micellar Water Gel which I ordered of course so I hope it is the same and haven't reformulated too much. 


Also I order two La Roche Posay Serozinc which is literally the best product I have used in ages. The amazing Caroline Hirons recommended this product once on her blog and I automatically brought it and have used daily since. I use it as a toner so I apply after I have cleansed. It is still two for £10 on Escentual which is amazing as just for one its £8.50. I have sent one down to Bethany for her to try and I know for sure she will love it as we have similar skin types/use the same products. I also stocked up on La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray as I cannot live without this product either. I got the big one and two small ones so I can take it when I go to Essex and keep in my bag. I use this for many things; Spray it on my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge which I apply my foundation and concealer with, In the summer I apply this to cool me down, I spray this over my face just before bed and I know they didn't make this product for this but my older dog Buster likes this sprayed on him when he is hot hahahahah. Multi purpose eh. 


So that is what I ordered the other day and that will last me for along time. I also use the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo which I bloody love but I already have a spare one of that in my stock up draw haha. I swear by this brand, I think for the price its amazing. Okay it isn't your cheapest but with skincare you need to spend abit more money as you will notice the difference with good quality skin products. I do use other brands but mainly use La Roche Posay. I do stock up because companies do like to randomly discontinue stuff. I never had bad bad skin but I will get spots, dull, lifeless face if I don't stick to my skincare routine. Now I have found the right routine which works for me I don't like to try out much skincare products as I'm scared my face will go back to being oily spotty horrible looking but lately I have been buying facial oils and brightening eye cream and so far so good. I always thought oils for the face was a big no no but seriously makes your face look so alert and fresh. 

I might do a few more skincare types blog posts as I do love taking care of my skin and most of my products are in budget so I will share the items I have recently tried and love. Do any of you like this brand, use the same products but in another way? Let me know :)

Love Katie xx     

Mothers Birthday Visit

So yesterday (19/07/2015) was my Mothers Birthday and we didn't have any plans made at all for any time of the day. Then I suggested going to Breakfast at Frankie & Benny with my Mother, her husband, my Nan and her partner so off we went there about 10am ish. Just before that I Face timed Ava so she could say Happy Birthday to her nanny & then Tommy said we are coming down to see Mum on her birthday in the afternoon so my Mother was literally so happy and excited to be spending her birthday afternoon with her two granddaughters. 

At 12.30 am I was blowing balloons while everyone was asleep haha.

My Mother the birthday girl at Frankies and Benny.

So of we went for breakfast which was good then I popped into TK MAX as it was a retail park thing and I got a few stuff but nothing exciting. We came back and literally got changed into something cooler as the weather got hotter and My Nan came to pick us up as we were meeting Tommy, Beth and the girls in Windsor town. The weather was beautiful, literally like in the middle of being not too hot but a lovely breeze. So we met up and gave my Nieces the biggest cuddle ever also gave Bethany a big hug of course. We walked to the little funfair in Alexandra Gardens which Ava went on the rides with her nanny hahah, she had an ice lolly and slush puppy and Bella had her food then we started walking into town. We spent ages deciding where to eat and in the end we went to Francescos which is an Italian Restaurant and OMG the service, the staff, the food and the price!!!! Put it this way... we wished we had gone to McDonald's instead. I've been to Francescos two years ago and it was lovely so no idea what has happened. They was not accommodating toward children/babies at all and they gave Ava a orange juice in a pint glass which isn't ideal for a 3 year old even though she is careful that isn't the point. They didn't ask/offer a highchair at all we had to go and get one ourselves. As an Italian restaurant you expect the food to be amazing but I have cooked better spag bog myself! The staff were so rude but that didn't stop us having fun and spending lovely quality time together. Time actually just went so quick meaning we literally had to run to the car park as Tommy car park ticket was ending so we didn't spend much time together but still it was amazing to be together. We said our goodbyes,hugs and kisses which is always horrible and emotional and it never gets any easier. I am going down to Essex in 2 weeks time so I cannot wait to see them all again soon. As we was on our way home, My Nan dropped me into Tesco so I ran in and got 12 cupcakes for my Mother as you cannot have a birthday without cake right? its illegal haha. 

Ava Lily loves spending the day with her nanny. 

Bella Mai looking so beautiful.

I am so glad my Mother got to see her two granddaughters on her birthday. Last year on her 50th it wasn't a good time. Beth was pregnant with Bella and she was in Hospital, she was really really poorly so my Mother did't see them so this year I think my Mother was literally so made up she got to saw them all. I think it was like her 50th this year instead of last haha. She got to spend Saturday with her Sister in London seeing a west end show so she spent her birthday weekend with everyone she loves. Also yesterday Bella Mai turned 7 months old so it was perfect to spend that with her. We all had the most amazing funny perfect day and the weather was kind to us. I love being with Beth because we get on so well and we just laugh constantly when we are with my Mother, My mother, Brother, Beth and I together literally are an nightmare and wind each other up constantly haha. 

Us... We cannot meet up and not take a selfie.

The cupcakes for the birthday girl.

So now that is all the birthday over for a few months then it is Bethany's in October then both of the girls in December... yes close to CHRISTMAS.. I said the C word sorry haha. Hope you all had a good weekend. I shall get Bethany to do Bella's 7 months update as she has grown up so much. 

Love Katie xx 

A Granddad & Granddaughter Bond

I cannot believe this picture is over a year ago. Ava Lily has grown up so fast. The picture above she was helping Granddad Ron water his plants. Granddad Ron is very protected over hes plants and garden and hardly lets anyone get involved but Ava was so careful and done a good job. Ava loves Ron in fact we all do. He is such a active modern funny granddad haha. Technically he isn't my Granddad but he has been in my life since I was 6 years old so to me he is my Granddad. Of course I am gutted Ava and Bella will never get to meet my Granddad Reg but I'm sooo glad they have meet and have Ron in their lives. I remember me standing on his feet and us dancing around the kitchen when I was younger, me pretending to be hes hairdresser and charging him 20p to comb him hair haha and also he makes the best chicken curry ever. 

It makes me happy knowing that Ava and Bella are making memories with Ron just like I did when I was younger. This picture above was last year when we all went to the park for the afternoon and even though Ron is nearly 85 years old he doesn't look or act it. He always gets stuck in and plays with the kids. Ava was "helping up" Ron here and the picture of them holding hands literally melts my heart. 

My Granddad Price and Granddad Reg are in heaven and so are Bethany Granddads and I know they are all looking down being proud of the girls, Tommy and Beth. Ava Lily and Bella Mai have got two granddads Steve's haha how confusing. My Father is called Steve and so is Beth dad. She adores her Granddad Jolly ( Beth's dad) so much and their bond is unbreakable. My dad aka Granddad Price doesn't live close to us and we hardly see him let alone do the girls but he has meet them both a few times and he adores them both. It is a shame my Dad doesn't live close/make effort as he was such a good Father to me and Tommy when we was young and I know the girls would have so much fun seeing their Granddad Price more. 

Apart from Ron, I lost both of my Granddads when I was five/six years old and I miss them both so much. I think watching a bond between a Granddad and their Granddaughter is one of the most loveliest things to see. A few of my best memories are with my Granddad Reg so I love seeing the girls make memories with their Granddads. 

Love Katie 

xx 

At Belles - Personalized Bracelets

When I came across At Belle's on Facebook, I instantly fell in love with these Personalized Bracelets. My Mother has been after a Bracelet like this for ages but she never came across anything she properly liked. What I love about these is that for one you can pick the charm and colour beads, Two at how easy it was to order and pay, Three that the lady makes them all by hand and they are wrapped so beautifully. 

So I ordered My Mother one which I private message my order details on Facebook but I pay here on eBay as I didn't get the whole PayPal thing haha. At the moment on eBay it says it is £7 but I paid £6 but I truly believe they are worth much more as the quality and service is excellent. 

The Bracelet was delivered very fast and it was wrapped so beautifully. Easily is an brilliant idea for a gift as it is already wrapped up. Also in the package came her business card and a small pack of haribo sweets which is a lovely touch. 

when my Mother received the Bracelet she was very impressed and she even had a tear in her eye because its the small personal gifts that mean a lot. Seeing her Granddaughters name on a bracelet and wearing it on her wrist instantly cheers her up. It came in a small little gift bag which you can see above which my Mother keeps it in the bag when she isn't wearing it. 

My Mother shown her bracelet to her Sister who also fell in love and wanted one. She wanted the same colour beads and obviously different names. 

What I love most about these bracelets is that they are personal to each person and is a sentimental gift. At Belles do much more than bracelets such as wine glass charms, key rings and much more. I love the fact she makes them to order and you can tell so much effort and love is put into every order. I am going to be ordering Bethany one soon with obviously Bella & Ava with a daughter charm or Mummy for her birthday. At first I couldn't find what I wanted on the Facebook page so I private messaged her and she instantly replied and help me with what I wanted. 

I recommend ordering one of these bracelets or any other personalized items she offers as they are easily the most thoughtful gift for a female who likes sentimental items. As I said above I couldn't find what I was looking for so just drop her a message and I'm positive she will help you. Hopefully I can treat myself to one soon as I can't see my Nieces often so a bracelet with their names is something I can wear daily and have them close to me at all times. Please check out her Twitter, Facebook ebay and website. I would rather give my money and order from someone who you can see puts a lot of effort and heart into every item made. I have recommend this to all my family and friends which all have loved and ordered from so please do tell or send the link to people who you would think would love to order someone for a gift or even to treat themselves. I was meant to write this post weeks ago but I haven't been very well lately. Have any one reading this ordered something from this shop? Let me know if you love the items as much as me :) 

Love Katie xx

The price of baby monitors!

So 6 months down the line we have decided a baby monitor would come very handy. It beats having the TV on lowest and running up and down the stairs every five minuets to check if Bella is crying. 

I started looking at monitors and was knocked back on how expensive they can be! Now I am not going to lie me and tommy can't just afford to spend £50 just like that so to be honest we needed a cheaper alternative. I got on the Very website thinking ordering it from there will be the only way to do it and of course they are also more dearer on there! First I though I thought I shall check on mothercare still to expensive I thought I would give Argos a go. I was pleasantly surprised there was a basic baby monitor ( all we need ) for £19.99 the brand name summer. I thought because I had never heard of it before and it was so cheap that it was not going to be very good. But I was so wrong! It's a bloody good baby monitor and for a decent price! It does the job what we need it too. 

I have wrote this post because I know there are plenty of people whom can't afford the expensive monitors and go without but you don't have to there is always something in your budget if you look. 

Hope it helps

LotsOfLove 

Beth...xxx

50 things that make me happy

I keep seeing this blog post going around so I thought I would do it so you guys can get to know abit about me. Weirdly this took me forever to do haha. I'm sure there a lots of stuff I have missed out/forgot but as I wrote this I just took my painkillers so I am abit erm forgetful and feeling tired. I've seen that people get tagged to do this and then tag other people but I thought I would just do it anyways haha but I tag Beth to do it :) So here are my 50 things that make me happy... 

50 things that makes me happy 

1. Ava Lily & Bella Mai 
2. My Family 
3. My Dogs
4. Waking up with not much pain (very rare that happens) 
5. Costa Mother & Daughter dates 
6. Long chats with Beth
7. Hearing Bella' little laugh
8. When Ava runs up and gives me the biggest cuddle 
9. Weekends in Essex 
10. Whatapps Group Chats
11. Instagram - my personal one and the blog one 
12. Snapchat - even my mother snaps me ha 
13. A fully charged iPhone 
14. Watching the changing of the guards in Windsor 
15. Seeing my Brother be the best daddy to my Nieces 
16. Being organized, planning and writing lists  
17. Buying new make up 
18. Lush Fresh Face Masks & Bath Bombs 
19. When my Prescription is actually ready at the Chemist
20. Blogging ; writing my blog and reading others
21. Fresh sheets and having a clean bedroom 
22. Spray Tans, Fake tan and being tanned 
23. Jeremy Kyle USA/UK - makes my life seem normal ha 
24. Medical shows like 24 hours in A&E
25. When the doctors is on time and you don't wait 
26. Pink Lucozade 
27. Watching Chelsea FC Play and Win 
28. Being in love 
29. When the Tube/Train is on time
30. Facetime with Beth & My Nieces 
31. Looking through old pictures 
32. Cuddles on the sofa with my dogs
33. Clean make up brushes 
34. Seeing my Mother smile, laugh and be happy 
35. Cath Kidston Mugs 
36. Rainy days on sofa with a cuppa tea and duvet
37. Family trips to Windsor town 
38. Getting daily pictures of My Nieces 
39. My Photo Album Bethany got me for my Birthday
40. Buying people gifts
41. When plans go to plan
42. Listening to Sam Smith
43. Having the best time when I'm with Beth, Tommy & Mum
44. Yankee Candles 
45. Chocolate Chip Shortbread from Marks & Spencer's 
46. Having a routine 
47. Checking online bank & having more money than you think
48. My Sister in law who is my best friend
49. freshly washed hair
50. When I'm not having a Colitis Flare up 

As I said at the beginning I'm pretty sure I will remember some more important things in few days time haha. Fun/personal/get to know me posts like these are weirdly the hardest ones to write. My mind just isn't with it today but I wanted to get a post up as touch wood I'm having a good day with my Colitis. I tag Beth to do this so I shall tell her and see if she has time to do it :) Hope you all have a fab weekend.. P.S Can it please rain and be cold haha. 

Love Katie xx 

Auntie Buys : Aunties Little Princess Bib

So this is my second of my new series of "Auntie Buys" and the first one is HERE. It is just abit of fun and I rather enjoy buying my Nieces lots of gifts so I thought I would share. This one is something which is more of a sentimental rather than a "serious" gift but when I saw it I just had to purchased. It is this amazing Bib that says "Auntie's Little Princess" and doesn't she look so bloody adorable wearing it. 

I got this from eBay aka my favorite online shop.. This was a bidding item so I can't actually remember how much I paid but it was no more than £5. Here is the link to the Bib.

Bella Mai is my little princess. She is such a happy smiley laid back beautiful baby. Back to the Bib, it is actually good quality as usually novelty gifts like this are usually not that good in quality but this is good for the price. Have anyone else brought anything similar? I am tempted to buy Bella an Vest saying " I love my auntie Katie" from eBay haha. 

Love Katie x