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Beth Sandland

A Little Life Update

06/10/2018 · DEAR DIARY, LIFESTYLE

 

Life Update, New look, white shorts, button down vest, Gucci sunglasses, Kensington

Last week I finished my last ever university exam. Halle-freaking-lujah! It’s felt a long time coming and the last two months have been a bit of a minefield as I’ve tried to spin all of the plates; balancing passing my finals with continuing to run a business, wash my hair three times a week and eat something other than chicken flavoured super noodles (so bad but so good). Fortunately the rather questionable way in which my uni allocates degree classifications worked in my favour, and as my three law finals loomed (I finished Anthropology earlier in the year) I was forever comforting myself with the fact that – based on past performance – I only needed to pass to earn a 2.1 overall. Unfortunately, EU Law is no walk in the park. I accepted that, throughout April and May, my blog would have to take a bit of a back seat, but it’s been really difficult accepting that – for a period at least – it wasn’t my number one baby. As I sit here finally putting fingers to keyboard again I feel incredibly excited that this is *actually* my life now. Being a full-time blogger was not something I ever set out to be and when I first started writing it wasn’t even really with the intention of it being read. I feel so privileged to be able to wake up every morning and make a living from something that I actually have a real passion for, which just about masks the ‘oh holy fuck I am actually a real life adult now’ butterflies.

 

 

It’s been less than a week since I left uni, and I haven’t even officially graduated yet, but I have been asked approximately 68 million times what it is I’ll be doing with my degree. My answers tend to range from a very pragmatic “well, I have actually been running a full-time self-employed business since September and I haven’t yet had to resort to eating my own foot…” to “YES BLOGGING IS A REAL JOB LEAVE ME ALONE.” The reality is that I don’t know where this industry is headed anymore than the next person, but I’m sure as hell that I’m going to eek every last ounce out of a career that currently allows me to earn a living doing what I love. On Friday night I took home the Blogosphere ‘Lifestyle Blogger of the Year’ award and I’m still so overwhelmed, and so incredibly grateful. I get a little pang every time I walk past that shiny bad boy sitting pride of place on my shelves and I’m definitely going to go all Rachel Green ‘soapies’ every time I’m home alone. Not that I needed the validation as such, but such a huge physical reminder that people are vested in what I’m doing enough to nominate and vote for me is incredibly humbling. I am by all accounts still a very little fish in a very big ocean, but such loving recognition makes my heart so happy.

Which brings me on to content and my plans for the future. My intention is to publish new blog posts three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays for you to sink your pearly gnashers in to. I’ve got an ultra professional looking (sense the sarcasm) note on my phone that I’ve been furiously tapping ideas into over the last few months, but if there’s anything you want to hear from me then drop it in the comments or send me a DM on the ol’ gram. I’m toying with the idea of YouTube and though the thought of attempting to ‘make it’ on a new platform terrifies the bejesus out of me, I love Instagram storying and quite like the idea of being able to natter away in an extended form. I’d like to think that if I do start creating video content, it’ll feel like sitting down and having a cuppa with my lovely followers chatting everything from periods to boob sweat to make up brushes.

 

Life Update, New look, white shorts, button down vest, Gucci sunglasses, Kensington

 

I’ve started to care less and less about stressing over the unknown intricacies of Instagram – the algorithm, reach, the ugly green comparison monster – and just truly enjoy what I’m doing and the faces I get to engage with on a day to day basis through those little squares. Blogging is a numbers game, just like any industry and undermining the importance of those figures is pointless because fundamentally they determine a monetary worth, but they do not determine your worth as a human being. In my Blogosphere acceptance speech (let me have my diva moment) I touched upon the fact that when I first started blogging I was not a particularly happy gal; I didn’t fit in at uni, my life was lacking the creativity I’ve always thrived upon, I was on strong anti-depressants and I turned to my keyboard as a form of catharsis. Fast-forward just over eighteen months and I have made some of the most gorgeous friends that I simply would never have crossed paths with had it not been for the internet, and further to that I feel as though I know thousands of people all round the world. There’s something pretty magical about that.

 

Life Update, New look, white shorts, button down vest, Gucci sunglasses, Kensington

 

Later in the year I’ve got dreams of some rather large travel plans, so for now my feet are firmly on home soil whilst I save my pennies and Pinterest the shit out of Sydney, Bali and India hot spots. What else is new? I’ve started running – which is pretty fucking miraculous from the girl who used to bunk sports day to go shopping in Oxford – using the Couch to 10K app and I’m really enjoying the challenge, boob sweat aside. There may or may not be bright pink trainer bribery involved…In other news, I’ve recently come off of the contraceptive pill and am genuinely relishing noticing the changes in my body and mood, and it’s definitely something that I’ll be talking openly about very soon. I’ve just finished rewatching all ten seasons of Friends (best use of revision time) and have started Suits and The Crown which is very much pleasing my inner-eighty year old on a Friday night in my dressing gown. I made a promise to myself at the beginning of the year that I’d start reading much more but I’ve slacked recently. I’ve got a stack of Summer reads ready and raring to go and I really enjoyed sharing mini-reviews on my Instagram stories earlier in the year so will definitely try and focus on less screen time and more books.

That aside, and the fact that I’ve discovered that ‘sugar free’ Fanta Fruit Twist tastes just as good (winning!), corn cakes and better than rice cakes and Method Eucalyptus and Mint bathroom cleaner is the bomb, I’m just bobbing along rather contentedly at the moment. Summer is by far my favourite season and I feel comforted knowing that the next few months bring lighter and lighter evenings, balmy weather and an excuse to drink Rosé at virtually any time of day. Cheers, saucepots.

 

Life Update, New look, white shorts, button down vest, Gucci sunglasses, Kensington

Life Update, New look, white shorts, button down vest, Gucci sunglasses, Kensington

 

 

Posted In: DEAR DIARY, LIFESTYLE

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Comments

  1. Pooja says

    06/10/2018 at 19:23

    You are an incredible person, and I truly enjoy reading your blog. Your Blogosphere award is truly well deserved. Your travel plans sound amazing. When you do go to India definitely do the golden triangle and go explore Rajasthan as well so much history and amazing food out there. Also Sydney and Bali will be brilliant as well. Look forward to seeing more of the incredible work you do produce. I know you have got so much success coming your way, and I can’t wait to see it all.

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      06/10/2018 at 19:37

      Thank you. This means so much ❤️

      Reply
  2. Lauren says

    06/10/2018 at 19:26

    LOOOOOVE this post Beth!! Your writing is just magical and I’m literally so excited for what’s to come your way! Also, I’m all for the rosé any time of day! 😉
    Xxx Lauren

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      06/10/2018 at 19:38

      Thank you sooooooo much xx

      Reply
  3. Caroline says

    06/10/2018 at 19:26

    LOVE THIS POST! Do you think you’ll stick with your degree or continue blogging for as long as possible? Would love to see a blogpost about dating!! Huge congrats on the award and finishing exams babe! I also went off the pill and haven’t noticed a difference but I love my IUD if you ever want to look into it! Xx

    Reply
  4. Madi says

    06/10/2018 at 21:04

    You’re such an inspiring person! Keep doing what you love xx

    Reply
  5. Angie says

    06/11/2018 at 08:15

    Congratulations on finishing your degree, full time blogging and the award!!

    Reply
  6. Jade says

    06/11/2018 at 11:07

    Wow….v. chatty and intresting post

    Fyi ….We would love you to start on YouTube…..please do !!

    Congrats on your exams!! I just finishing my GCSEs such a relief….

    Reply
  7. Yasmin says

    06/12/2018 at 05:48

    So just got my last 5 months of degreeeing! My weekly blog has gone astray as I struggle to fit in work and studying! I know how hard you must have had to work to accomplish both. I decided I’m going to going back to it after I finish my studies, and not stress on it. Well done on achieving both and your award! Keep up your great writing, I love hearing what’s current in your life 😘😘👍🏼

    Reply
  8. Kate says

    06/21/2018 at 07:21

    Congratulations on finishing Uni and the award. I’ve just discovered your blog through Twitter but going to go have a nosey now!

    Kate xx
    http://www.mummywho.com

    Reply
  9. Nia says

    06/21/2018 at 11:45

    Are you standing outside the old part of UCH hospital? It looks very familiar! I trained there in the late 80s 😊

    Reply
  10. Veronica Zaccagnini says

    07/21/2018 at 21:10

    Hey,
    I loved it! I’m happy that you can make a living off what you love to do that in this case is blogging. I think that one of the biggest blessing in the world is to call your passion ”your work”.
    With that being said I don’t mind the idea of YouTube I think it would be cool to watch your videos. I’m dealing with ”hard” days lately thanks to Instagram actually because I’m struggling with numbers and I was starting to question my creativity and Ideas then I remembered that I started because I loved sharing what I wore without thinking about the numbers and I enjoyed it for that reason and your blog post today reminded me to go back to that.
    Have a great day.

    Veronica | https://styleandtellblog.wordpress.com/ |

    Reply

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I am a multi-award winning blogger, photographer and writer from London. I’ve travelled to over 38 countries, lived out of a backpack for a year and love to scuba dive! This site is a destination for all things travel, lifestyle and my successful online book club.

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Tuesday shelfie! About as exciting a caption as we Tuesday shelfie! About as exciting a caption as we’re gonna manage today, on what feels like day 72 of January. If you’re feeling a little spruce up there are 35 neutral homeware pieces for under £30 in a new blog post - link in bio! 🤍
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Everything tagged! Paint is Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster. Shelves are Funky Chunky Furniture. And that’s my lovely dried wedding bouquet 🥰
Nursery pending 👶🏼🌈🎨 I’ve hated this Nursery pending 👶🏼🌈🎨 I’ve hated this room for the last year. After our first loss it completely taunted me and I couldn’t bring myself to do anything with it other than use it as a giant Monica cupboard. It’s been called so many things - ‘the middle room’, ‘the spare room’, it even stayed as ‘Emily’s room’ for a long time after our lodger moved out - but now we finally call it the baby’s room 🥰🤍 #week28 #thirdtrimester #nurserydecoration #pregnancyafterloss
Week 27: extra hormonal, everything is stretching, Week 27: extra hormonal, everything is stretching, bub is the size of a cauliflower in this bizarre compare babies to fruit & veg game...👶🏼🥦🌈
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😭 Hormonal wreck: I haven’t really had mood swings at all throughout pregnancy but oh my goodness have the hormones got me good this week. There have been tears. And hysterical sobbing. Sorry husband.
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🏀 Basketball belly: the stretch is real! My uterus is now firmly up under my ribs and I swear I can feel them slowly pulling apart. I cried when I sneezed - “it’s like someone STABBED me” (see point 1). Everything feels very round and my old belly piercing scar is not thrilled about life...
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👈🏼 Still an innie: ....just. It’s more like a saucer where it was once a cereal bowl.
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🦒 All the cute things: we’ve decided on a neutral safari themed nursery. Says the person who hates themes.
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💸 “But they’re so small...😭”: I’m officially on a tiny clothes shopping ban. I’ve rinsed eBay and some lovely small brands (and the Zara sale) and I get an eye roll every time I smuggle a new parcel into the nursery.
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🥴 Tasting everything 6 times over: Hi reflux.
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📖 Reading: Your Baby, Your Birth by Hollie de Cruz is next on my bedside table.
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#27weekspregnant #pregnancyafterloss #rainbowbaby #secondtrimester 
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Two things in life that you just can’t have too Two things in life that you just can’t have too much of: books and tea. My survival tools! ☕️📖💫
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Here are 3 titles I’ve read recently (and rated 5/5 - I’m a harsh critic) that are perfect if you need a pick me up or some escapism...
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1. The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley: an old man leaves a notebook in a cafe for a stranger to find telling his ‘truth’ and challenging them to do the same. The catalyst for a web of unusual friendships and genuine, warm characters...
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2. Educated by Tara Westover: a memoir that reads a little like a fiction depicting Tara’s life growing up in a strict Mormon family in Idaho with a survivalist father who is battling undiagnosed mental illness. They don’t believe in formal education or medicine and any form of governance is the work of the Illuminati. Covers some heavy themes (tw: abuse) and is extremely interesting and engaging.
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3. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams: sometimes laugh out loud funny, sometimes poignantly sad, Queenie is a vivacious twenty-something growing up as a black woman in an ever gentrifying south London. A crap boyfriend, covert racism and a battle with anxiety paint a backdrop whilst she navigates daily life. It’s excellent!
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Hit save for later or tag someone who needs some reading inspo 📚 What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
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Join/follow: @bethsbookclub_ 🥰
Love a good wedding-stalk? In it for the pics? Wha Love a good wedding-stalk? In it for the pics? What to know *exactly* what a teeny tiny BIG day of just 4 guests might actually look like? Link in bio 👰🏻💓
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Photos:  @victoriasomersethowphotography 
Hair: @whiteman.soho 
Make up: Keeley Wilson MUA
Flowers: @emmahewlettfloraldesign 
Dress: ASOS
Plant mom 🌿✌🏼 ⠀ Monty the monstera is go Plant mom 🌿✌🏼
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Monty the monstera is going to start eating dentists soon. My top tips for a super healthy swiss cheese plant -
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🌱 A lovely bright spot away from direct sun (not a problem in winter) and radiators.
🌱 Intuitive watering: stick your finger in and water when the top 2” of the soil are dry, rather than to a set schedule. The amount needed depends on your plant (I use around 700ml approx every 10 days) but make sure you’ve got good drainage!
🌱 Every now and again I like to put it in the garden when it’s raining (in the spring/summer) or under the shower. Rain is best if possible as hard tap water can cause mineral build up on the soil.
🌱 Moss pole! Train it to grow upwards with a strong pole and ties.
🌱 Wipe dust off the leaves (shower also does this) and use a spritz bottle regularly.
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If it’s looking sad it’s probably an issue with water or light! #urbanjungle #monsteramonday
26 weeks: mini diary 🤍 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 26 weeks: mini diary 🤍
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With less than 2 weeks until the final trimester I thought I’d try and document weekly, as much for me to look back on. This photo is already a week old and I seem to be growing by the day!
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What’s the crack this week?...
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😴 Sleepy AF: A new wave of exhaustion has hit. It makes sense - babies generally double their weight between 24-28 wks. I’ve started going to bed earlier/falling asleep at 9pm in front of Bridgerton.
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🤧 Pelvic floor: Sneezing brings ALL the fear!
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🐙 Movement: I saw my belly move from the outside like a scene from Alien for the first time. At bed time it feels like a small octopus is doing the Macarena in my uterus. It’s still the most magical feeling in the world.
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👶🏼 Prep: The pram arrived this week! We ordered it in a brilliant Silver Cross sale. I was feeling a bit flat about the loss of that ‘pram shopping with my bump’ experience due to lockdown but putting it together made me happy - it’s so beautiful! And so surreal - we own a pram!
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📖 Reading: The Positive Birth Book by @milli.hill. It puts across all options in a clear, non-judgey, humorous way and has made me think of things I’d never heard of. It’s also the first time I’ve understood what a birth plan might physically look/read like.
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🧘🏼‍♀️ Hypnobirthing: I’ve started to feel more nervous about the birth (not the actual act or the pain, rather fears I won’t share as don’t want to project) but we’re starting hypnobirthing online next week which I’m looking forward to!
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👯‍♀️ Following: @birth_ed, @takingcarababies, @mixing.up.motherhood are accounts that are bringing joy/invaluable info.
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#26weeks #rainbowbaby🌈 #secondtrimester #pregnancyafterloss
I loved being a pregnant bride. Often a baby is a I loved being a pregnant bride. Often a baby is a reason to delay or speed up a wedding (lots assumed that was the case for us, but it wasn’t!) and is generally seen as perhaps spoiling things a little. It’s totally fine if you do feel that way, but for us it made it extra magical. It felt totally right to have our little bub between us as we exchanged vows and I was happy to embrace the bump in my dress. I still chose exactly the look and fit I wanted and wore the sparkly heels and in a way, I found trying dresses on much lower pressure as I wasn’t worrying about my figure. Perhaps the biggest difference was staying sober and the fact that we had a tiny wedding with a fancy lunch rather than a party probably made this a lot easier. I raised a toast with our four guests but beyond that, I didn’t have any inclination to drink anyway. Bonus - a great nights sleep and no hangover! 🥂👰🏻
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Photographer: @victoriasomersethowphotography
Dress: ASOS
Box fresh kicks ready to explore [from the bedroom Box fresh kicks ready to explore [from the bedroom to the kitchen, to the loo...aaand repeat]...at least they’ll stay clean 🥴☕️
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Type into browser: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/ewjdwzcbq2x (junior size 🤑 if under a UK 5.5)
AD: Pregnancy has given me a lot of time to reflec AD: Pregnancy has given me a lot of time to reflect on my relationship with alcohol over the last year. 🍸 I flitted between giving it up when pregnant or for fertility purposes, then using it as an emotional crutch in loss which made me more anxious and restless. This time - now 6 months pregnant - I haven’t had a drink since August and have been really pleasantly surprised by how little I’ve missed it, even over the festive season. I’m not into vilifying booze; I enjoy a couple of drinks and even the feeling of lowered inhibitions and being tipsy. But I know that even post-pregnancy and the other-side of the hazy newborn/breastfeeding days, I’ll try and maintain a far more positive relationship with alcohol which for me, looks like indulging lightly and occasionally.
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Having access to brilliant alcohol-free alternatives makes this significantly easier. My favourite gin distillers, Salcombe Gin, are behind the @NewLondonLight; a 0% spirit that doesn’t compromise on taste. So whether you’re pregnant, doing Dry January or simply attempting to live lighter, you can still enjoy a Sunday evening tipple. How do you feel about the alcohol free movement?
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Get 20% off with code ‘NLL20Beth’ 🍊 #NewLondonLight #LiveLightNLL #NLL
Top 5 Books I read in 2020 ☕️ ~
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Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens: totally captivating, unusual and enchanting. I literally devoured this one!
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Queenie, Candice Carty-Williams: as well as being laugh out loud funny, Queenie is also an education. A must read on what it’s like to be a young black woman growing up in London. Also tackles mental health really well!
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The Flatshare, Beth O’Leary: I recommend this to anyone who just really needs a hug from a genuinely enjoyable book. It’s warm and lovely but offers depth well beyond your usual chick lit too.
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Homegoing, Yaa Gyasi: this novel is such a triumph! Spanning over 300 years from pre-colonial Ghana to present day USA, each chapter follows a new character in the lineage of two sisters. One sold to slavery, the other married to an English coloniser. It’s sweepingly powerful and incredibly well written. I could’ve read an entire book on each character!
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A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Backman: Ove was the very first book I read in 2020 and it stuck with me throughout the year. At its most basic, it’s the story of a cantankerous old man. Delve a little deeper and it’s funny, heartbreaking and incredibly heartwarming. I just love Ove!
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Hit the ‘save’ button to come back to this list when you’re in need of a good read! What were your books of the year? 📚
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PS. If more reading, less scrolling is one of your 2021 goals too then don’t forget you can come and join us at @bethsbookclub_ 😎
2 0 2 1: the year of you 🕊🤍
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Happy new year saucepots! We had an ultra rock n’ roll night (read our books in bed then watched the midnight fireworks - that was a nice surprise! - on a phone before falling promptly to sleep...) and today is all about a long walk, a longer bath, books and tea. And obviously starting a new diary because isn’t fresh stationary the best thing about a new year?!
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Are you setting New Years’ resolutions? I prefer a bit of reflection and mindset shifting. This year it’s all about setting firm positive boundaries, protecting my energy and saying no to things/people that don’t serve that. I like the new year, not for the ‘new me’ noise but rather as a chance to let go and embrace a fresh beginning again. ⚡️☕️
As far as NYE outfits go, I’m not mad about this As far as NYE outfits go, I’m not mad about this one...🐻🥂 I hope you’re all well and excited to bid farewell to 2020. I know the clock striking midnight doesn’t fundamentally change anything but I’m hopeful that we can look forward with more optimism. I always find the turn of the year really emotionally complex. I’m not even going to attempt to unpack this last one other than to rejoice that even amongst the lowest of lows there have been highs. My beloved Nan won’t see the new year, which is hard to contemplate. I also married my best friend. This time last year I was miserable on the sofa, a day after surgery for our first miscarriage and wishing I could press pause on life. Tonight I’m still on the sofa, but full and at peace rather than empty and grieving, looking forward. For us, 2021 will see the birth of our little cub so it’s one that I’m welcoming with open arms. So much can change in a year and I hope you can seek comfort in that. However you’re feeling tonight, I’ll raise my alco-free bubbles to you because you did it: you made it through one of the toughest years in history. Brighter days are coming ☀️💓
24 weeks on the 24th December. 🌈🤍
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This day exactly a year ago we felt like the world had been pulled out from under our feet after learning that our first baby wasn’t destined to grow and come home with us. I grieved that loss deeply but I never regretted it because of all that it brought us too: weeks of joy, the realisation that we were ready for a family, a greater understanding of motherhood and of life - that it simply isn’t something you can plan. And now, new life.
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Now I sit here, 6 months pregnant with a child wriggling inside me that I can’t fathom being without. It’s so very complex because without the losses we experienced, this baby that we already love wildly and unconditionally simply wouldn’t exist. I don’t believe that ‘everything happens for a reason’ is any consolation but I do think our losses are a vital part of our story as much as this healthy pregnancy is, so in a confusing, incoherent way, I’m thankful for them.
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24 weeks is a huge milestone because in terms of gestation it’s known as the ‘viability’ mark. Our baby is officially a registrable human being and a ‘miscarriage’ is no longer a medical possibility. This is a day I’ve been really looking forward to! Thank you for continuing to hope with us, and know that we’re holding on to it extra tight for anyone struggling for whatever reason.
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Keep cooking away in there little one, growing you is the greatest joy. 🌱🤍
(Ad) GIVEAWAY! WIN A LUXURY SPA BREAK FOR TWO 😍 (Ad) GIVEAWAY! WIN A LUXURY SPA BREAK FOR TWO 😍🧖🏼‍♀️
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Start 2021 with something special to look forward to. Who couldn’t use some pampering and R&R after the year we’ve had?! The Spa at Carden is a brand new £10 million ultra luxe indoor and outdoor spa nestled in the award-winning Carden Park Hotel’s extensive grounds, just outside of Chester.
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THE PRIZE: a lucky winner will win a one night spa break for two including a spa day, a 50 minute treatment each, a double or twin room and a full English or continental breakfast! Valid for all of 2021 subject to availability.
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TO ENTER:
• Follow me @bethsandland and @thespaatcarden 
• Tag a friend below!
• Unlimited entries (tag in separate comments)
• Share to stories for a bonus entry!
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INFO: Closes 22/12/20. Winner announced 23rd December by  me on *THIS ACCOUNT* - please do not engage with any fake/scam accounts claiming to know the winner! This giveaway is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Instagram. This post is unpaid but marked as ‘ad’ due to the commercial nature of giveaways.
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GOOD LUCK 🥰🎄
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(AD) I had a very productive day of Elf duties as (AD) I had a very productive day of Elf duties as we finished off the Christmas shopping to add to the bits we’ve ordered online! Now to pour a Faileys (faux Baileys...) and get wrapping up with Home Alone on in the background...
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If you haven’t finished your shopping yet then checkout @mandmdirect - the home of designer brands with up to 75% off! I did some of my Christmas shopping there and picked this cosy outfit up for myself too. The jumper dress was £8.99, the coat less than half price at £29.99 and the hat £5.99 (all non maternity)! You can also find Uggs on there with some huge savings...See my stories for some brilliant gift ideas for tricky recipients, with delivery guaranteed in time for Christmas 🎅🏼🎄
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Have you finished your shopping yet? Do you enjoy it or find it a chore? I love thinking about what to get each person, but it can definitely get overwhelming!
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