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Our Favourite Maternity Swimwear For 2017

With the holiday season upon us we’ve been scouting around for the best maternity swimwear on offer this year.   The great news is there’s plently of stylish swimwear to suit everyone’s personality and stage of pregnancy.

Halternecks are still in vogue and there’s a great selection of shocking colours and prints to choose from too.  Whether you want to flaunt it in a flamboyant bikini or go for one of the gorgeous swimsuits out there, we’re sure you’ll like something from the top picks we’ve pulled together for you.

Seraphine has a great range of maternity bikinis. These are great for this elf us who are confident showing off our baby bump. Stripes are a maternity must have and so we would go for this lovely nautical print which is £39.

If you want to cover a little more but have a few swim wear options then a Tankini is great for those of us that like to mix and match a bikini one day and swap for a tank top the next. Zalando have some great printed Tankinis int his seasons options. Our favourite is this pink trimmed polka dot Tankini by Envie de Fraise.

ASOS is a great place to go for fashionable maternity wear. Along with their own range, they stock a range of maternity brands. You can shop from the comfort of your own home! We love this rather sexy red swimming costume by Wolf & Whistle. The plunging neckline aloows you to show off a little more skin, without being in a bikini. We think any mum to be would feel fab in this!

Topshop’s maternity range is sophisticated and cool. You can’t go wrong with leopard print, so this Leopard Print Tankini had to make our list. This print is also available in a swimming costume.

This tropical print maternity swimming costume from H&M would be perfect for a babymoon abroad! It’s vibrant without being too garish.  

Sometimes all you need is black. A simple, yet sophisticated black swimsuit would be the perfect item for your holiday wardrobe. This one from Mothercare would look great with a pair over oversized sunnies, and chunky wedges.

So there’s our favourite maternity swimwear items we’ve found online.There’s definitely stylish maternity swimwear available, you might just have to search a little harder for it. 

Let us know your favourite from the list!

Our Favourite Pregnancy Related Apps

No two pregnancies are the same. Aches, pains, cravings, shape, size. Everything is different from one mother to another. So, you can imagine how many questions are asked during pregnancy. 

Although it can be incredibly overwhelming wading through all the accessible online information, it can also be a bit of a lifesaver. 

Who else is guilty of googling pregnancy questions in the middle of the night on their phones?

With that in mind we’ve decided to share with you the apps that we think are worth downloading during your pregnancy.

From saving weekly bump photos, to learning about the size of your baby, these apps can be your ‘go to place’ for all things bump to baby.

1. Baby Centre. This app is loaded with everything from weekly information about how your baby is growing, to tools like ‘Bumpie’ - which is a place for you to store your bump shots. You can also access the Baby Centre community, where you can chat with real mums who are in similar stages of pregnancy.
2. Bounty. This app offers plenty of daily hints and tips for your health, preparing for your baby and things you’ll need for birth and more. 
3. What To Expect. This app is great if you want to read a daily guide about pregnancy. Some apps only offer  weekly updates, but if you want daily (or even hourly!) then this is the app for you!
4. Sprout Pregnancy. This is an amazing app if you want to get an idea of what your baby looks like during pregnancy. You don’t only see a computer image, but a 3D one! It also offers tools like a weight tracker, kick counter and contraction timer.
5. Skwibble. This is the perfect place to share/save bump and baby photos you don’t necessarily want on places like Facebook. “It’s the modern day version of a scrapbook”. 
6. Baby Buddy. Endorsed by health professionals, like Department of Health and the Institute of Health Visitors, this app gives you the ability to ask questions, keep a diary and add in appointments.  You can also set yourself goals and achievements with a personal tracker to make sure you are up-to-date.

So those are some of our favourite pregnancy apps, which are great for during pregnancy and beyond. We hope you find them useful!

Grab These Gorgeous Summer Sandals!

A woman has to love new shoes (are we right?) and we at Secret Saviours are no different! When the sun is out our first thoughts turn to when we can grab our favourite sandals and flash our newly pedicured feet to the world. We have been looking for the latest and classic trends so that you don’t have to! So that when the sun finally makes an appearance you’ll be ready to grab and go!

First of we have gone for the classic Birkenstock! Once you buy a pair they’re not your usual frivolous throwaway because they really are made to last. Our current faves are these metallic copper beauties that are £75.

If you’re looking for something between a ballet shoe and a sandal then these Florida Foldown flats from TopShop fit the bill. They have a lovely grecian feel to them and are perfect for jazzing up your feet without the pressure of a heel. These are a reasonable £39.00

Who can forget Havianas. We think these are a must for any mama to be’s bag! They are great for when your feet are a bit swollen down to taking a shower post birth in the hospital! Versatile and practical yet looking great the Flash Urban are great with a Maxi skirt or denim shorts.

Or go for the more traditional style which are £18 - even more of a reason to buy a few pairs! You can even grab baby a matching baby pair for that twinning summer style!

Then we have these lovely Camper yellow sandals. Priced at £85 these beauties are perfect for work and play. They’re super fun and super light, perfect for every day work and play.

Last but not least we love these FitFlop Lumina's Gladiator from their Uma Thurman edit range! There range is not only stylish but super supportive for your feet too. Glam and practical!

So this is our wish list for our summer sandal collections, now your turn to tell us what’s on yours!

Get yourself sandal ready with a self-pedicure to be proud of!

Spring is here and of course we all want to make the transition from winter boots to summer sandals as effortlessly as possible. Most of us will have neglected our feet a bit over the colder months and they’re probably aching from the extra pregnancy weight, so it is vital that we take time to make them feel great and look sandal ready! If you don’t have time to head to your nearest nail bar or spa, or prefer to look after your feet yourself, a self-pedicure is easy to do once you know how.

What do I need to know before I get started?

A foot spa can be safe to use during pregnancy, and foot treatments are safe, so long as you make your therapist aware. You will need to avoid massaging your ankles and also if you attend a spa make sure you get a reputable and fully qualified therapist - especially if you’re considering reflexology, as certain areas could just start labour off!

So what do you need to get started?

If you haven't got yourself a foot spa then now might be the time to invest in one. You will want to keep the temperature warm - but not too hot. Set the mood to relax, and maybe check out our meditation blog so you can combine into your time.

If you haven't got a spa then a bowl of warm water with a few bubbles in will be just fine. You’ll also need:

A pumice stone                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Cuticle remover

Your favourite nail varnish

Nail file

What next?

Clean your feet with a warm damp flannel and remove any old nail varnish

You will need to grab a book and let your feet soften in the water for up to 20 minutes.

When they are soft grab your pumice stone to remove any hard skin

Wipe clean with a warm flannel and then rub in our Secret Saviours night cream to nourish the skin. 

If you need to push back the cuticles take care. We would advise to only get this done in a professional setting if you are unsure!

File the nails to a rounded shape and paint with your favourite colour

Add a bit of sparkle if you’re feeling brave!

And there you have it - perfect toes ready to show off in your favourite sandals!

We also love this video from Cafe Mom on how to relieve swollen pregnancy feet and recommend you make this part of your daily routine! Of course do think about a Spa trip to really pamper your feet too!

Don't forget if you’re booked in for a elective c-section you will be asked to remove any nail varnish before baby’s birth day. 

You can grab some nail inspiration from our latest pinterest board!

Let us know what how you have made your feet ache free!  

Could Meditation Help Your Pregnancy?

If you are finding it difficult to maintain a calm balance during your pregnancy then it may be an idea to consider meditation. 

We all know that work life can be pretty hectic, throw in pregnancy hormones and morning sickness and it can all become a bit overwhelming. Freeing up some mind-space and focusing on yourself can have a positive affect on both you and your baby.

So how can meditation help you?

There are many ways that meditation can help during pregnancy.

It helps to relax you and ease away tension. Keeping your stress levels down is important for you and your baby.

It can help you breathe through any examinations you may have.

During labour it can help take away any fear and give you a focus during contractions.

It is thought that meditation can help prevent any intervention during labour.

How do you meditate?

Find yourself a calm space, this can be at home, the local park or beach. If you have your own office make sure the seating area is clutter free. Get a yoga mat and a comfy cushion or your pregnancy pillow. If your surroundings are too buzzy then grab your phone and some headphones and find a piece of music that makes you feel calm and relaxed. 

Focus on your breathing and take some big deep breathes

Visualise your favourite place to be and all it’s sounds. For example if you love the beach imagine the sound of the waves as you breathe in and out.

Pay attention to what your body is telling you - if you feel tension in your shoulders imagine those waves washing the tension away.

We love this video which shares a guide to pregnancy meditation from Amy Maher.

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Where can I find help with how to meditate?

One of our favourite apps is Headspace as it is really easy to use and sets up reminders throughout the day to take some time for you. You can use the website or the app, whichever is easier and you can choose to do short bursts or longer meditations (perfect for just before bedtime).

So has meditation helped you during pregnancy? We would love to hear.

Spring Mocktails You Must Try

The sunny mornings, the lighter nights and daffodils spouting can only mean one thing - Spring is in the air. We've been sampling some fabulous mocktails that we're sure will quench your thirst during Spring.

Raspberry Cream Soda

A handful of Raspberries

Crush and mix with ice

Pour over cream soda 

Garden Fizz

2 teaspoons of lemon juice

2 teaspoons of lime

A slice of fresh lime

Add a shot of Seedlip Garden (non alcoholic gin)

Top with Tonic

Sangria

1 cups boiling water

1 decaf tea bags

1 cinnamon sticks

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1/2 medium orange, sliced into thin rounds

1/2 medium lemon, sliced into thin rounds

1/2 medium lime, sliced into thin rounds

1/2 medium apple, cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks

1 cups carbonated water depending on how sweet you want it!

Strawberry Cream

4 oz plain Yogurt 

1 cup sliced Fresh Strawberries

2 Bananas

1 cup Cold Milk

1/2 cup crushed ice or Ice Cream (optional)

Cranberry Cooler

2 oz Cranberry juice

1/2 tablespoon Lime juice

Soda water

Crushed Ice

Spring Mocktail Board in this post and on Pinterest! 

Spring Clean Your Beauty Bag

Why not make your beauty bag a happy bag of positivity by giving it a spring clean!

Many of us are guilty of keeping our makeup products long past their PAO (period after opening) dates … yes, that’s right, like foods, cosmetics go off!  But with no sell by dates printed on the packaging, and no obvious signs of decay, it’s often tricky to know when good make up goes bad. 

EU rules say that all make up/cosmetics have to have a PAO on it by law. In case you don't know this is the symbol and it says how long after opening it will last.

The main cause for concern is contamination. Makeup collects germs and should be thrown away once it’s reached it’s PAO – even if it’s your favourite product and you can’t buy it anymore.

We’ve pulled together this nifty little Spring Cleaning Checklist, which we thought we’d share with all our lovely mums-to.be. 

Blusher

This essential piece of kit, has a shelf life of one year. It’s usually fairly easy to spot when blusher has got-to go, as it tends to become dry and cakey. Cream blushers will last about eighteen months, as the pigment and oils preserve them.

Concealer

This has a shelf life of one year. Remember to make sure you wash your brushes if you’ve been using them on spots.

Eye shadow

These last around two years, whether you use cream or powder.

Foundation

Oil-based foundation and make-up powder last for up to 18 months. 

Lipstick and Lip Gloss

Both have a shelf life of up to two years. But remember to chuck them out immediately if you get a cold sore! As with your make-up brushes, wash you lip brush weekly.

Mascara

This is the product to keep an eye out for (excuse the pun!).  Mascara only lasts for around four months and should never be shared with your friends.

There’s no time like the present ladies – clean out the old makeup and treat yourself to new. 

Find out about our beauty bag must haves on our latest Pinterest board! 

Things To Do On Mothers Day Before You Become A Mum!

Mothers's Day is on 26th March this year and we've been thinking up alternative ways to spend Mother's Day as a pregnant mum. We've come up with a few lovely ways to spend the day celebrating the lovely Mums and Mums To Be in Your Life!

Afternoon Tea With Your Mums

If you want to take your mum for a super treat (as well as yourself) then there’s no better foodie indulgence than Afternoon Tea at the Ritz. Get your favourite girls and take your own mum to share in this unique experience. This is one we’ve had on our bucket list for a while and we’ll be honest being pregnant is a great excuse to indulge in plenty of tea (over 18 types of loose leaf tea) and, of course, amazing cake!

 Priced at £54 per person

Pregnancy Massage For Yourself!

Taking that time to appreciate your pregnant body and elevating those aches and pains is so important. A spa day which includes an indulgent pregnancy massage is an ideal treat for any mum to be. 

Catch up on our suggestions of spas you need to visit here.

Styling Session For You and Your Best Friend

If you are a bit lost with your style then why not try and find a local stylist. A stylist will take you out and show you the best clothes to work for you at every stage of your pregnancy. You don’t need to be stuck in a rut with yoga pants and oversized tees any longer! Find your unique mama to be style now! 

We would love to know how you are spending your Mother's Day. Secret Saviours believes in looking after Mums To Be during their pregnancy and so we'll be offering 20% off for all purchases on the day. We know many mums to be love our anti stretch mark bump band, gel and cream so we know that you will too! Why not give your partner a hint by sharing this post! 

Not only that we have teamed up with some lovely companies to offer a great Mother's Day giveaway! Pop on over to our Instagram Account from 3pm on 17th March to enter!

Baby Shower with a Difference

Baby showers are a great way to celebrate your pregnancy in your last trimester.  They’re usually thrown by friends, family or co-workers – leaving you to enjoy the fun, stress free! 

We’ve always been fans of Baby Showers “with a difference”. Just because you’re not the organiser, doesn’t mean you can’t influence the planning. Here are a few of our favourite ideas:

Pamper and Preen

We all love a good “Pamper Day” and, with your friends and family around you, there can’t be a better way to celebrate the impending arrival!  Make sure you book in for the full body treatment, including waxing, so you feel as good as new for labour day!

Check Out Our Pregnancy Pamper Pinterest Board.

Cinematic Experience

If you’re a film lover then why not book a cinema experience? Many local cinemas allow parties in private boxes - often with a tour of the projection room after the film. This is one for the geekier mamas to be!

Check Our Our Favourite Chick Flicks Pinterest Board.

Air BNB City Break

We think a baby shower is a great excuse for a girlie weekend away.  And for a more homely experience, why not check out the fab range of Airbnb apartments and getaway cottages, scattered across the UK. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

Check Out Our Favourite City Break Spots.

The Crafty Party 

If you’re a “maker” then a crafty party is for you. You can’t beat an afternoon with friends at a local pottery café, creating trinkets together. Or maybe a Sewing Bee style party is more your cup of tea? Chuckling over pregnancy and birth stories while you create your masterpieces is a must!

Check Out Our Crafty Pinterest Board.

Mad Hatters Tea Party

If you lean towards the more traditional type of baby shower then why not have a Mad Hatters Tea Party with upside down food? It’s just perfect for the mum-to-be who has all those crazy pregnancy cravings.

Check Out Our Mad Hatter Pinterest Board. 

Are you planning on having a baby shower? Let us know what inspired yours over on our Facebook wall! 

The Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon With Water

Your shopping list is no longer complete without a sackful of the stuff

What would you say if we told you the key to a healthier body, beautiful skin and less morning sickness was in a piece of fruit? Because that’s the proposition we’re putting to you.

Secret Saviours have been enlightened on the benefits of drinking water with lemon (and they are huge), thanks to lifestyle blog Complete Health and Wellness.