Augill Castle launches Royal Babymoon break for parents-to-be

We may not all have been lucky enough to marry into the Royal family, but that doesn't mean we can't be made to feel like a princess when we're pregnant.

Augill Castle in Cumbria has launched a Royal Babymoon Break perfect for parents-to-be looking for a relaxing break before their little one arrives.

The castle, nestled in 15 acres of its own grounds, is offering an idyllic escape packed with thoughtful treats fit for royalty, but thankfully for us guests don’t have to be a future king or queen to indulge.

Indulge in two nights bed and breakfast accommodation for two people in one of Augill’s opulent four poster rooms and enjoy a mocktail on arrival. There's also a range of home-made biscuits in the room to keep cravings and midnight munchies at bay.

If that's not enough then there's also a three course dinner included, which is served in Augill’s glamorous dining room on the first evening, as well as afternoon tea for two on the second day of the stay.

Add to that a pregnancy-friendly platter for dad and mum-to-be to enjoy in the privacy of their room on the second evening, and a voucher offering 15 percent off a stay for the whole family after the new baby is born, and you've got a deal fit for any princess.

Augill’s Royal Babymoon Break is available all year round and costs £450 for two people.  Grab your Prince Charming and you're ready to go. 

For further information on Augill Castle visit www.stayinacastle.com. 

 

Mothers Day gift ideas: Glam, designer changing bags for mums-to-be

Mothers Day is fast approaching and we plan to make the most of the trend for buying presents for yummy mummies to be.

We know it's not the "proper" thing to ask for a particular present, but, if you can't use a day dedicated to being a mum to be a bit cheeky, when can you?

One thing we'll be strongly hinting about this year is a designer changing bag, which is not only a way to store baby's items but also keep us looking as yummy as possible on those days out.

And we've done all the hard work for your other half, scouring the virtual highstreet for some of our faves, which we know you'll also love.

Give him a little nudge and send our list to his inbox.

All he'll need to do is grab his credit card and get shopping.

No top five would be complete without this aptly named Yummy Mummy bag, £79, Pink Lining

Lin and Leo has been one of our fave brands since it launched, and this gorge bag shows exactly why it's a brand so close to our hearts. Loopy Lou Changing Bag £139, from  Baby Shack Direct

Go for sophistication and glam with this Il Tutto Eliza Tote Changing Bag, £100, Mothercare

Go kitsch with this rose print changing bag, £75, Cath Kidston

Go vintage with this stylish Capri changing bag, £120, Koochu

High waisted knicker options for after that C-Section

Picking the right knickers for after that c-section is essential for ensuring you remain comfortable while your scar is healing.

You need a pair that will sit over your scar, not roll down, and maybe look nice too.  

While some women may choose to steal their other halves' boxers in a bid to stay comfy, there is another option, and that's the trusty high waisted design.

That's right, the style known as the "granny knicker" comes to the rescue here as it sits well over your scar. Because many of these briefs are made of cotton they will  also let your scar breathe. 

Buying a size or two up means you'll stay comfy in case of any post-op swelling, while purchasing a multipack from the supermarket or highstreet stores often  results in these working out cheaper than those disposable knickers, meaning you can spend your left over pennies on something a little bit more luxurious.

We've had a little gander to find you some high waisted knicker options from the plain to the little bit more stylish.

These cute knickers, £8, Gap, may not be cheapest in the brief box but the loose fabric is great for getting air to your scar. We also heart the polka dot design.

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We heart these floral briefs from the trusty BHS, coming in at £10 for a pack of three.

Marks and Spencer also comes up trumps with its simple 5 pack of high waisted knickers for £5.

While these maternity lace shorts, £12, Figleaves aren't technically "high waisted" they are a fab option for a few weeks after your section, and will also stretch to fit.

 Playtex three pack, £11.50, Figleaves

As we've already said, style probably won't be at the top of your list, but we just couldn't resist mentioning these cute briefs from Marks and Spencer - we are afterall a fashion site.

Peaks of London launches luxury breast pads

Let's be honest, breast pads aren't the most exciting or sexy part of a maternity wardrobe and not something many of us would choose to talk about.

However, for almost all of us they are essential for preventing those all embarrassing leaks, during and post pregnancy, which typically always happen at the most inconvenient moments.

While there's a huge range of disposable pads on the market, Peaks of London has decided to glam up these otherwise boring essentials.

It's created a range of beautiful and delicate silk/cotton mix pads, which are available in four different colours. 

And not only do they bring a little bit of luxury but they are practical too, being totally machine washable with two sets in each bag.

Now that's something to talk about. 

Maternity monochrome fashion for Spring/Summer 2013

Moschino Spring/Summer 2013

Monochrome made a huge style stance on this season's catwalks, showing that sometimes things really do look better in black and white.

Alexander Wang, Moschino, Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg, were just some of the designers to show off the 60s inspired trend, while over in the celebrity maternity fashion camp Kim Kardashian did her bit for the look stepping out in a cute black and white print shift dress. 

Thankfully this trend can interpreted to be as bold or as simple as you like, making it perfect for that maternity wardrobe.

Opt for graphic prints to give a big nod to the swinging 60s, with a checked print or bold stripes for a night out, while simple stark contrast blocking is a great way to channel this trend into the daytime - team up that must have black maternity dress with a simple white scarf and you're all set to go.

 See the gallery below on how to wear the trend.

Go for graphic prints to really make a stand. We think this 60s inspired skirt, £18,  from Asos is great

Turn  that staple black maternity dress, like this one £16.99, New Look, into hot monochrome property by simply adding a white scarf.

White scarf, £6 Matalan

This spot blouse, £32 Mamas and Papas,  is a perfect way to channel the trend in the office, or teamed with black jeans for a night out

Really show off this trend and your bump with this gorge bodycon frock, £30, Asos

Top five summer wedding maternity dresses to suit any budget

The days are getting longer and the sun is peaking its head out, which can only mean one thing, the summer is on its way.

And with the summer comes at least one wedding  that you and your bump will have to attend. If the impending event falls on a point in your later stages of pregnancy then finding that perfect frock may be a bit of a mare, especially if you don't want to splash out too much or simply can't find a frock to flatter that bump.

However, there's a range of ways to make picking that frock easier.
If you're on a bargain budget then opting for a normal maxi dress, a size bigger may be the perfect solution.

If you're set on a maternity style then there are some great choices out there. Pick a simple floral frock, which won't cost the earth and can be dressed up with a pair of heels - pack a pair of flip flops for the evening do- or go for a flimsy frock.

And if money's no option or you have a few events coming up then there's a fantastic range from some of our fave maternity designers.

If Kate Middleton can recycle so can we....

See below for our top five picks to suit any budget.

Give a nod to one of summer's top trends with this monochrome maternity Seraphine Dahlia Dress, £55, John Lewis

Wedding guests on a budget will love this gorge floral maternity number, which lands in at a fab £19.99, H&M

Blow the budget with this beautiful blue maxi from Isabella Oliver, £129

Polka dot flimsy dress, £38, Topshop

Maternity Slash Neck Flared Hem Dress, £36, Marks and Spencer