Auree Jewellery Archives - Style&Minimalism

Thoughts On Motherhood (part one)

It’s been a little while and I’m sorry I didn’t say I’d be away for so long. Motherhood is so new to me and I really had no idea what to expect or how I would find it. I thought I’d be away from the blog for three months, and then back to shooting and writing, but it’s been six months and I still don’t feel ready to commit to regular posts, just yet. Being a mum is my top priority now and I’m putting my whole heart into it. I want to be the best mum I can be to Isabelle and that means being present for her. My oldest friend told me last week that it’s the best thing I could possibly do, as I’ll never get this time with her again.

In truth, I feel so lucky and privileged to be Isabelle’s mum. She’s easygoing, settled and very happy the majority of the time. She only really cries if she’s tired, hungry or needs her nappy changing. It’s not always easy, it’s been very tough at times (there have been tears) but it’s incredibly rewarding in equal measure. She’s absolutely the best thing to happen to me/us in a long time.

Every day she changes; growing and developing new skills, and I really don’t want to miss any of it. I’m incredibly fortunate that my husband is supporting us and has given me this time to spend with her. So you can probably see why I might be a bit reluctant to commit to lots of post when they take up so much time to create, time away from Isabelle.

Depression, Anxiety & The Pressures of Motherhood

Pregnancy forced me to look inward and face the mental health issues I’ve struggled with in the past – nothing like bringing a little human into this world to make you want to get your shit together. I want to let go of the past and move forward as a happier, healthier person so that Isabelle grows up seeing me that way and is encouraged to be that way too. I’m planning to do some journaling to help get everything out of my head and hopefully put it all to rest.

I would describe myself as an anxious first-time mum, and I didn’t think I would be. At first I was nervous leaving the house with Isabelle, always worrying something would happen to her. I’m conscious that if not kept in check I’ll end up with an anxious baby; at the moment she’s far from it. At six months old she already has a wonderful, inquisitive, sociable and happy personality that is infectious to be around. I’ve gotten less anxious over time as Isabelle has become a little more robust and a little less fragile. As she grows I know I have to find the confidence to expose her to new experiences, otherwise I won’t be doing the best job I can. I’m taking it all one step at a time.

Over the last six months, I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself to meet Isabelle’s every need; feeding, changing, carrying, bouncing, pushing and generally entertaining her with a focus on her development. With little to no help from anyone except Dan, it’s been exhausting and overwhelming at times. Reading a few articles on Motherly and ‘What Mothers Do’ by Naomi Stadlan helped me to realise I’ve been doing more than enough. Friends and family regularly point out what a happy baby she is which helps reaffirm I’m doing a good job. It’s just so hard to know where to draw the line on doing a good job and running myself into the ground.

I thought I’d be the sort of mum that carried on with her life as before, only with a baby in tow. I realise now that I’d be doing Isabelle an injustice if I were to pretend everything was still the same. I’m not in a rush to return to my old life, this new one is far more exciting.

My Body, Now

In the 40ish weeks of pregnancy your body changes to the point you no longer recognise it. It takes a lot longer for it to recover, some say up to 18 months. Initially, I found it hard to cope with the ‘buddha-belly’ bump that was left behind after birth but it has shrunk and I now fit back into my old clothes (thanks to breastfeeding and a lot of walking). I don’t think my body will ever be quite the same again but I’ve found a new confidence and have fewer worries about it. I’m lucky that I didn’t gain any new stretch-marks (possibly due to my pregnancy routine). I still find it hard to believe that I grew this little person in MY body, it’s incredible.

Breastfeeding

It might not be for everyone but I’m so pleased that I’ve breastfed Isabelle. It’s not the easiest but I’ve been luckier than most, with both of us taking to it quickly. I credit Harriet, a Head Midwife at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, for insisting I persevere and showing me how to do it that first, shattered day. It helped Isabelle and I bond quickly thanks to the physical closeness, as well as the oxytocin (the hormone that also stimulates milk production). There are so many amazing things contained in breastmilk that she can’t get from formula, including some essential antibodies that continue to strengthen her immune system.

There have been a few struggles, too. The worst has got to be blocked ducts which I’ve had several time; once so bad that I ended up brandishing a needle to my nipple. Day-to-day, I feel sick almost every time oxytocin is released into my bloodstream. It doesn’t last long but catches me off-guard constantly. Usually, it’s just as I’ve made something to eat and then I don’t feel like eating. I’ve also found breastfeeding a little restricting at times, especially early on when I needed to feed her more regularly. Knowing where you can breastfeed comfortably makes such a difference. Legally you can do it anywhere. Isabelle also went through a phase of being so distracted when we were out that she wouldn’t feed, so I needed to be at home to feed her.

Sustainability

I look at the world so differently now and want to make it a better place for Isabelle, for her future. I’m thinking more about sustainability, how I can make more changes in my life and encourage others to, as well. You’ll see me featuring a lot more (if not all) sustainably and ethically produced products; alongside lots of older products that I’ve owned for a while. I’m also going to be passing on items that no longer work for me in the hope that they do for others. Keep a look out in my Instagram Stories and in the highlights under #PassItOn.

I’m wearing:
Baukjen Ashton Trench Coat* | Beaumont Organic NICO Organic Cotton Hoodie in Navy* | ARKET Organic Cotton Regular Overdyed Jeans in Pink | Woman by Common Projects Original Achilles Low Trainers | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Auree Jewellery Brompton 9ct Yellow Gold Bangle*

Joolz Day 2 Pushchair | Jem + Bea x John Lewis Odille Changing Bag*

Love, Travel, Laugh

This post was created in collaboration with Auree Jewellery.

LOVE, TRAVEL, LAUGH; three things that mean a lot to me. They’re the three things that I most like to do, and am lucky enough to do regularly. I carry these words with me on my necklace, a small reminder of what I believe is important. My mind is often distracted and I’ve found that by working out what is most important to me, I’m able to let go of the things and thoughts that aren’t.

Growing up I was told that it was important for me to be my own person, not to copy others but to discover the things I liked and enjoyed. The older I get the more that makes sense to me. We’re all individuals with our own passions and although it’s easy to get swept along with what everyone else is doing, it’s more fun to discover something more personal to you. Some things are universal though, we all need and gain from having and building good relationships. Without the LOVE of our partners, friends and family, life would be dull. Having someone to share the good and bad times with is important for all of us and allows us to grow as people. TRAVEL always offers me the opportunity to meet you new people, be inspired by new places and learn about different cultures. It’s the chance to escape the ordinary that is a breath of fresh air to me. And, life shouldn’t always be taken too seriously, there is something so energising about really LAUGHing with someone, the friends that have me in fits of giggles are my best friends. I’m unguarded with them and utterly relaxed.

The necklace I’m wearing is Auree’s Seychelles Spinning Love, Travel, Laugh Pendant. It’s a classic Victorian design that hides the message until you spin it. Auree are kindly offering you a discount code to use on their website until 18/12/17. If you type in AUREEANGEL7 you will receive 15% off all pendants and necklaces, just in time for you to buy some lovely Christmas presents. If you’d like to know which items are my favourite, head over to Auree’s Journal. If you follow me on Instagram, there’s a chance for you to win one of the Seychelles Spinning Pendants, either to give as a gift this Christmas or to keep for yourself. And, if you sign up to the Auree newsletter you’ll be entered into a competition to win a £250 necklace. Good luck!

Autumn In Copenhagen

**Weekday** Voyage Jeans in Black | **Jaeger** Camel Coat | **Amplified** Ramones T-shirt in Grey | **Oliver Sweeney** Montemerano Trainers in Gold* | **KayK Goods** Leather Clutch in Black via **Etsy UK*** | **CF Concept** Tusk Necklace in Gold | **Sally Lane** Boomerang Earrings in Gold* | **Ace & Tate** Heather Sunglasses in Latte* | **Cate & Nelson** No. 165 Watch* | **Auree Jewellery** Tembo Shina Bracelet in Rose Gold*

Copenhagen is one of my favourite cities for design and that extends to architecture, too. There are some incredible buildings all over this city. We were staying in Islands Brygge, so it was the architecture here that we saw the most, and got pretty excited by. Everyday we walked past the incredible Frøsilo, two huge dockside silos that have been converted into private housing. We stayed nearby in one of the penthouse apartments at STAY Copenhagen, an old industrial building that was renovated by Holgaard Architects. The roof of the building has been converted into a huge roof-terrace. Large wooden steps undulate up and down over the 6th floor apartments, along the A-shape of the building, like a zig-zagging amphitheatre, with a large open area at the apex of the ‘A’, where we shot these photos.

My style in the last few years has been highly influenced by Copenhagen style. When I’m there I feel quite inconspicuous, most people dress the way I do and that makes me feel at home. Although, don’t even think about asking me to speak Danish, I’ve tried and failed so many times. Food-wise I’m always impressed and eat so well. This time around we ate out for dinner at Bæst and Scarpetta (one of the Cofoco restaurants), and had the most delicious porridge on Saturday morning at Grød in the Torvehallerne. I would recommend all three, Scarpetta also for its beautiful interior design. Eating out is a casual affair in Copenhagen, people dress well but they don’t get dressed up. It’s more about getting together with friends and family, and eating well in a relaxed environment; something I can totally relate to.

An Evening In Bale

**Mads Nørgaard** Stripe Top* | **& Other Stories** Denim Skirt in Off-White | **Air & Grace** Shimmie Espadrilles in Red* | **Wood/Grey** Round Woven Bag* | **Ace & Tate** Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Felice Dahl** Första Cuff Bracelet | **Felice Dahl** Ljus Pendant Necklace | **Larsson & Jennings** Lugano Watch* | **Auree Jewellery** Tembo Shina Bracelet in Rose Gold* | **Matthew Calvin** Thin Meteorite Ring in Gold*

The little village of Bale in Croatia was definitely one of my favourites out of all we visited in Istria. It’s not a hilltop town in the Tuscan sense but it was built on slightly higher ground than the land surrounding it. Small pretty cobbled streets seem to wind in all directions and the walls of the buildings have that beautiful disheveled look that you find in the Mediterranean. There are a few little cafés, restaurants and konoba (tavernas). The central part of the town is much older and centres around a big old church.

We visited for lunch one day when passing through and then returned for dinner a couple of days later. We had a lovely three course meal in the pretty little courtyard of the Hotel La Grisa. We didn’t stay but the hotel has some simple but nice rooms and apartments.

Black, In Summer?

**Sandro** Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | **The White Company** Silk Maxi Drawstring Dress in Black | **Baia** Trio Bag in Dove Grey* | **Ace & Tate** Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | **Cate & Nelson** No. 165 Watch* | **Merci Maman** Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | **Auree Jewellery** Tembo Shina Bracelet in Rose Gold* | **Kristen Elspeth** Blade Ring & Axe Ring* | **Lines & Current** The Bar Earrings in Gold* | **Littionary** 14k Tiny Yellow Gold Dot Stud Earrings | **Dinny Hall** Bijou Geode Stud in Gold* | **Merci Maman** Graduation Chain Charm Necklace*

I admit black may not be your colour of choice when it comes to what to wear on a hot summer day but come the evening, when the temperature drops a little and the sun’s rays no longer penetrate, it’s perfect. And if you have a golden tan then all the better for showing it off.

This loose fitting black silk dress feels amazing on, it’s soft on the skin, floaty and hangs really nicely. I knew from the moment that I first tried it on that I had to have it. It’s another piece in my growing collection of wardrobe essentials from The White Company. I’ve been so impressed with their collection this season and it’s been hard not to go in and buy up half the shop. I can see myself wearing this dress beyond summer and into next season, with the addition of a long sleeved t-shirt or jumper it may even make it into winter.

Wardrobe Essentials with Jules B

This post was created in collaboration with Jules B.

**Suncoo** Leopard Print Coat | **Charli** Sadie Melange Boyfriend Shirt in White c/o **Jules B*** | **Charli** Judy Leggings in Iron c/o **Jules B*** | **Radley** De Beauvoir Zip-Top Tote Bag in Black* | **Ace & Tate** x **It’s Nice That** Sunglasses* | **Woman by Common Projects**Original Achilles Low | **Larsson & Jennings** Liten Watch c/o Farfetch* | **Auree Jewellery** Tembo Shina Bracelet in Rose Gold* | **Auree Jewellery** Tembo Pembe Bracelet in Silver* | **Gemporia** 9k Yellow Gold Stacker Ring* | **CF Concept** Drop Ring in Gold* | **Merci Maman** Graduation Chain Charm Necklace in Gold*

I’m often wear a shirt, jeans and white trainers; it’s my uniform on days when I don’t have time to think. You know the days I mean, when you’re up early, your brain hasn’t quite woken up and you wish you’d decided on an outfit the night before.

Charli is a great brand for essentials; like crisp white shirts, silk blouses, skinny jeans and (during the winter) really nice cashmere jumpers. If I’m going to be wearing pieces often they need to be well-made, I love the quality of Charli’s clothing. The white shirt is cut to a longer length so it’s great for layering under cosy knits. The skinny jeans are really stretchy so they’re super comfortable but hold their shape. I got them both from Jules B, a multi-brand website that stocks some great brands.

The Tembo Collection: Auree Jewellery x TLC

**Auree Jewellery** Tembo Shina Bracelet in Rose Gold* | **Auree Jewellery** Tembo Pembe Bracelet in Silver*

At the start of the month, I was invited to the launch of The Tembo Collection, a wonderful event for an important cause. The Tembo Collection is a collaboration between Kelly Eastwood (AKA The London Chatter) and Auree Jewellery. They’ve created a collection of seven delicate solid gold and silver bracelets that were inspired by traditional Maasai bead jewellery. 100% of the profits from these bracelets goes to For Rangers, in conjunction with Tusk (a charity that was highlighted in the press by the support of both Prince William and Prince Harry). For Rangers is a charity raising money to support the rangers who risk their lives daily to protect Africa’s endangered species. Rhino poaching in Africa has been well documented, with well over 100 rhino killed each year. If this continues at the same rate it is estimated that by 2026 there will be no rhino left in the wild, some report as soon as 2020. Across Africa it’s estimated that 100 elephants a day are slaughtered by poachers, that’s one killed every 15 minutes.

Although it has been scientifically proven to have no medicinal properties rhino horn is still used in Vietnam, China and Laos as traditional medicine. And ivory still fetches a high price in the Far East, where it’s valued at $1,200 per kilo.

It is the rangers, supported by For Rangers, that put their lives in danger protecting the rhino and elephants. Globally, over a thousand rangers have been killed since 2003. These men are brave, they are up against poachers with high-caliber assault weapons, working at night with night-vision. They work in harsh conditions, often cold and uncomfortable; as well as dangerous ones, amongst elephants, lions, and buffalo.

“For Rangers is aiming to raise funds and awareness to ensure that rangers across Africa are adequately equipped with top-quality basic equipment, well paid, incentivised and trained.”

Kelly and Auree Jewellery invited twenty-two bloggers to Bronte, a stunning new Tom Dixon-designed restaurant on The Strand. Kelly talked about her reasons for wanting to do this collaboration and shared a very moving film about the rangers, that left me in tears. I’ve shared many of the facts above that were highlighted to me then. Kelly lives in London but is originally from Kenya, she still spends a great deal of time there, visiting her family, and has been supporting For Rangers for a while.

We enjoyed a delicious breakfast of poached eggs and avocado on toast, with tasty green juices. And, we were each given two bracelets from the collection, I have been wearing mine since. The little tusk on the catch is a reminder to me of the important cause they represent.

If you are thinking about Christmas presents and would like to buy someone something with meaning, that will actually make a difference, I think one of these beautiful bracelets would make a wonderful gift.