Your IVF bible

As someone who had huge problems falling pregnant I understand what an emotional rollercoaster it can be. For those struggling with conceiving and considering IVF treatment, Brigid Moss’s (Health director of Red Magazine and expert on the subject) new book IVF - An Emotional Companion is a modern day infertility bible.

It clearly answers all the practical questions you might have about IVF but what I love most about this book are the real life stories shared by 23 women. Just hearing how other people are coping through this difficult time offers great emotional support and can help us feel more positive.

IVF - An emotional companion by Brigid Moss is published by Collins and available from all good book stores nationwide.

Oiling up gets personal

Aromatherapy Associates Oils are fast stress relief in a bottle. I take them away with me (the mini’s) I have my bathroom stocked up with them and I buy them for my loved ones. So as a loyal fan, it was music to my ears to hear they are opening their very own boutique in Knightsbridge. Expect a gorgeous ‘at home’ environment, expert led aromatherapists and a range of stress busting and radiance boosting treatments.

Choose from radiance inducing facials, deeply restorative massages and a range of healing body treatments - I'm booking in for their Sleep Deeply treatment. Perfect, post long nights awake with baby which has brought on insomnia. I love the idea of the Ingredients bar where you can experience essential oils in their raw form and learn more about what they do. Best bit? You can book your very own session with Aromatherapy Associates founder Geraldine Howard who will create a bespoke oil blend that is perfect for you - they even engrave your name on the bottle. I'm not one to gush but this is genius. I can barely contain my excitement. I’m first in line even if it's not cheap (£450) it means I can create my very own spa experience at home night after night home and away. This is wellbeing at its very best. Down side? It takes four week to arrive, I am waiting with baited breath!

Will update you once my little bottle of happiness arrives...

For more information visit www.aromatherapyassociates.com

Stretch your limbs Chelsea-side

triyoga, the UK's leading yoga centre has just launched a new branch in Chelsea. If it's great yoga teachers, inspiring workshops and fantastic treatments you are looking for then it's worth checking out. I'm already hooked and stretching my limbs with vigour. Be warned, chic yoga wear is advised. Most stylish and comfortable brands are Hardtail and LuLu lemon ( currently only available in US) and British newcomer Shanti Sundays. Shop then stretch.
For yoga schedule and more click www.triyoga.co.uk

Super charge your life

I've been harping on about the benefits of alkalising the body since the genius chef Christophe Reissfelder introduced me to green juicing and yummy superfoods over a decade ago. So I was delighted when Honestly Healthy, a new healthy food concept launched a few weeks ago at Selfridges. The brainchild of Natasha Corrett ( forward thinking chef) and Vicki Edgson ( the UK's leading nutritionist).

Honestly Healthy is a line of vegetarian food which is tasty, wholesome and very moreish and also supports local farmers.

Why is it so special?

1) its the only truely healthy lunch you can get on the high street

2) It is brimming with alkalising ingredients which is often lacking in our western diet.

I treated myself to the Green Goodness which was packed with juicy portobello mushrooms, a good helping of seaweed and quinoa. The combination of ingredients promises to deliver healthier skin as it is antioxidant rich. Eating on the run has never been so healthy. Now I am looking forward to trying their Powerful Protein lunch box - perfect for new mums who are sleep deprived and in need of a natural energy boost.

Available at Selfridges food hall.

for more information visit www.honestlyhealthyfood

Feel good supper

On Tuesday The Sorority ladies gathered together for the charity Keep a Child Alive hosted by Sorority founder Lisa Tse and supported by the lovely Alicia Keys (and not to forget little baby Oscar, Lisa’s gorgeous new baby). The evening was hosted by Mews of Mayfair and the food delicious.

The Sorority will be launching a collaboration with Alicia and her charity to help to empower women in developing countries.

The wonderful evening inspired and uplifted me. And knowing that we have the opportunity to support women in developing countries to become independent is truly exciting. During the evening ideas were shared, a vision begun and a feeling that many positive things would come was felt. Watch this space…

For more information visit www.keepachildalive.org , www.thesorority.org

A summer of yoga....

The workshop - Yoga + live music with Shiva Rea

Shiva Rea, the original Californian goddess comes to London with the talented Kirtan musician Dave Stringer. Shiva will lead two workshops 'Fire + Flow' which will explore ways in which we can learn to channel our energy using yoga methods to help us achieve what we are seeking and 'Drops of nectar' a class which will help you renew and rejuvenate using the method of prana flow yoga. Both workshops will be lead by Shiva to live music by Dave Stringer. This is yoga at its best and is not to be missed.

Tickets - £100

To book visit www.bodyinbalancetv.com

The retreat - Yogaabode's Yoga + Pilates escape

I'm treating my post baby tummy to Yogaabode's restoratative Yoga + Pilates retreat in pretty Suffolk. I will get to stretch my limbs and strengthen my core abdominal muscles by taking two daily yoga classes and one pilates class. Retreat is set in a converted barn nestled in the quiet countryside. Food will be vegetarian, seasonal where possible and very tasty. Hoping for tighter stomach, longer limbs and to come away feeling more energised after having many sleepless nights with new baby.

Dates - 10th - 12th June

For more information visit www.ya-retreats.co.uk

The kit - Lounge lover yoga babe set

Fed up with the usual dull yoga kit? Be more inspired and invest in some yoga pieces that make you feel good. I love this chic tank and leggings set by lounge lover. Both top and bottom are flattering and feel great to wear. The price is hefty(£145) but worth it as the fabric is durable (stretch-modal)so will last many a wash and you even get a cute bag to pop it in post class.

Available from www.net-a-porter.com

Sustainable Style Magazine launches

Check out Six Magazine - a brand new high end ethical fashion magazine that has its finger on the pulse. Each month it will showcase an impressive line up of ethical designers as well as give us the inside scoop on new and exciting organic health and beauty buys. For culure vultures there are sections on art and culture as well as a round up of the best artists.

All this and they are also giving 20% of profits towards helping the fashion industry become more sustainable.

We're hooked.


Read more at six www.six-magazine.co.uk

Drink your greens

The clever people at Radiance Cleanse - the UK's premier fresh juice delivery service have just launched their Radiance Green Cleanse - the first of its type here in the UK. Thank God someone has done this, I have been harping on about the benefits of green juices for years.

Why's it so special? Basically the more alkaline our bodies become the healthier we are. These perky little green juices (a mix of fresh organic vegetables) work miracles on our system, allowing us to detox in a truely nourishing way. End result -a stronger immune system, more energy and if you need to loose a few pounds they will simply drop off. Drink up!

To book your Radiance Green Cleanse visit radiancecleanse.com

Bump happy

There are some things that really uplift the spirit when with bump - especially towards the end when to be honest it becomes a little uncomfortable.

For that pregnancy feel good factor check out a few of my favourite things:

Using - Spiezia face cleanser. The effective and calming herb blend has kept my skin glowing with health.

Taking - Viridian Pregnancy complex - the blend with the most impressive and purest ingredients list. Its helped keep me energetic and prevented too many hormonal melt downs.

Indulging - Treating myself to a weekly gluten free polenta and almond cake at Melrose + Morgan in Primrose Hill - could be one of the best deli's in London http://www.meroseandmorgan.com/

Stretching my limbs - With the gorgeous Nadia Narain at triyoga - a great way to meet other new mums to be and to give you that feeling of inner calm and contentment http://www.triyoga.co.uk/

Wearing - The beautiful Tallulah & Hope poncho's throughout my entire pregnancy - the fabrics are gorgeous and the shapes very flattering. I am sure they are going to be in my wardrobe post baby too http://www.tallulahandhope.com/

Both Spiezia and Viridian supplements available from the glowgetter store.

Image Tallulah & Hope poncho.

Yoga + Music = Wanderlust

If you are a serious yogi then you must check into The Standard Hotel in Miami for a brilliant line up of Yoga and music at the Wanderlust festival which runs from March 17th - 20th. Expect an amazing line up of teachers including the likes of Elena Brower and Vira Yoga Schuyler Grant of the Kula Yoga project. All this alongside some of the best musicians of Kirtan, world and electronic music.

While there you can also get to indulge in some of The Standards holistic therapies whether it a bit of acupuncture or kicking back in one of their chinese herbal baths. And if foods your thing, expect a healthy Mediterranean menu available poolside. Only wish we had the weather for such things over here.

Tickets available from www.wanderlustfestival.com

Uplifting prints

With the rush to get the babies nursery sorted I have come across these gorgeous prints by artist Frea Buckler. Luckily I have managed to snap up the 'Elephants on parade' print and also some of the smaller prints including this gorgeous one of blue giraffes. Her uplifting range of prints will brighten up any nursery and hopefully inspire baby Astrid to love animals.

To find out more about Frea's visit www.freabuckler.com.

To buy visit http://www.printroomlondon.com/.

Stretch mark free tummy

Since bump I have been smothering my tummy with a range of anti stretch mark oils, creams, balms and lotions. So far so good - I'm 8 months pregnant and none have appeared yet. The ones that stand out against the crowd are The Organic Pharmacy's Mother to be stretch mark oil - smells divine and is easily absorbed. The combination of rose hip, marigold, neroli and lavender works to deeply nourish while the essentials oils calm the mind.

Mama Mio's award winning Tummy Rub Stretch Mark butter has a nice consistency and melts in easily, leaving the stomach feeling hydrated and comfortable. It also seemed to help with the itching of the area which often happens as the stomach stretches and grows. Its packed with healing and nourishing Omega oils but the pungent smell put me off using it regularly.

My personal favourite is Spiezia's Restorative Balm - the smell is heavenly, the texture creamy and thick and the ingredients list impressive and as natural as it gets. The powerful combination of coconut oil, nettle and rosehip means it is super hydrating and repairing. The downside? It takes a while to sink in as its so rich so best used in the evenings post bath.

Sticking to The Organic Pharmacy's oil in the mornings and Spezia's Restorative balm in the evening as an indulgent treat.

The Organic Pharmacy available from http://www.theorganicpharmacy.com/

Spiezia available from www.glowgetter.co.uk