New Mattress, Better Sleep {Sponsored Post}

I may have mentioned that the amount of time I'm spending in my bed has increased a lot during this pregnancy - my mattress just wasn't cutting it.



While ol' lumpy and I were no longer getting along, I dreaded the whole process of buying a mattress at the store. Too many options and a somewhat less than open sales pitch really puts me off. So when the lovely people at Leesa, a new online mattress company, asked me if I wanted to give their product a try, I jumped at the chance.



The Leesa mattress arrived on my doorstep in an unassuming box.  I was a little suspect of how a truly plush, comfy mattress could fit in there but I held off judgement.  Out it came and we laid it on our bed and cut open the plastic. The sound of air rushing into that mattress was a hoot and within minutes, the mattress had plumped up to its full 10 inch size.  We were impressed.



The mattress is made up 3 different kinds of foam - dense core support, memory foam and a cooling top layer designed to keep you cool. It's all wrapped up in a seamless, pretty cover.  It's also super tempting for toddler jump parties!




But who cares all about that?  The proof is in the sleeping!  We only had spring mattresses before and I was prepared for a small adjustment period to get used to the foam. Much to my shock, it took no time at all to adjust.  We've been sleeping like logs on it for a few weeks and I've really appreciated not waking up with a back ache each morning.  I've also noticed that because of the foam, we are less prone to wake each other up throughout the night so that's another big win.  So far, I love it and I'm so glad I made the switch!




As if that wasn't enough Leesa is doing good in the world by donating 1 new mattress for every 10 they sell so we can all sleep a little easier.

Want to join me for a snooze?  The first 50 readers to redeem the promo code "BROOKLYN" will get $75 off your order!


disclosure: this post was sponsored by Leesa but all opinions expressed are my own.

It's a....

Somehow more than half my pregnancy has sped by (ok, the first trimester wasn't speedy at all but the last few months have been) and the big news is...

Everyone seems quite excited about the idea of us having one of each. I would have been just as overjoyed with a girl for many reasons (mostly the clothes) but feeling very lucky either way right now. I'm sure there are many magical experiences that only boys can bring waiting for us. As far as I go, I'm feeling much better in second trimester and wanting to make the most of the last summer we are a threesome.

I also have quite a few home projects coming up I'm super excited to finish up. The bathroom mini makeover you already know about but I'm also working on two big makeovers - a living room and an outdoor entertaining patio - over at my brother's country cottage as well as adding a small bedroom (bunk beds!) to our beach place by cutting the shore living room in half.  Maybe this is a blogger's version of nesting?  Probably more like trying to squeeze it all in before the newborn sleepless zombie stupor sets in!

Traveling London with Kids and No Plans

Last month we took a trip to London with kids.  Unlike our usual shorter trips, we did the unthinkable - we stayed in one place for an entire week.  We made no plans and just played it by ear. It was one of the most relaxing trips we've taken despite having a three-year-old in tow.

We've been to London with kids several times before - most recently a couple of years ago (see: London with a baby for more) and always have a good time here.  London is one of the easiest places to visit there is no language barrier, great public transport and tons of interesting things to do that seem to change with every visit. But you know all this already!  So I thought I'd share my recommendations of what we thought was worthwhile.

 

Seeing London With Kids - 8 Things You Don't Want to Miss

The London Zoo - A huge win!  This is a beautiful zoo inside Regent Park.  Despite operating since 1828, the exhibits are well kept up and there is loads for the whole family to enjoy.  Not only were their great animal displays but there were also several play areas dotted around the park as well as face painters and a carousel. Diana Memorial Playground - We discovered this wonderfully designed playground on our last trip but Aggie was a little too young to get much more than a quick swing in.  This time she was able to really explore and we spent hours here.  Since we were visiting during a school holiday, the park was pretty crowded but that didn't take away from her enjoyment at all. Big Ben (on the hour) - this was more of a pass by than a visit but hearing the bells clanging of Big Ben made quite the impression.  I was expecting her to be more fascinated with the castles and idea of a real princess living inside but she could care less once the bells started ringing. The Underground Despite the dour expressions on all the adults commuting, train rides are just pure fun for a child - especially short jostling ones were there isn't too much waiting around.  London's underground system fits the bill perfectly (and just happened to take us around pretty much everywhere).  Their buses, while not nearly as fascinating to a 3-year-old, allow you to push a stroller right on without having a collapse it winning big mommy points as well. Maltby Street Market - Ok this one is for mom and dad more than the kids but everyone has to eat, right?   Not far from the much more famous Borough Market is Maltby Street Market.  Think of this as Borough's smaller, hipper, less well-known cousin.  Set up in a warehouse space that doubles as an eating and shopping venue on Sundays, it's scored big for us. Princess of Shoreditch Gastro Pub - Another spot we discovered on our last trip and made a point to return.  You can soak up a little pub atmosphere while enjoying a great Sunday roast.  While by no means a family restaurant, they were nothing but accommodating to us on our visits and the food was excellent.  We will be back. Cafe in the Crypt - This underground historic crypt turned cafe is the perfect spot to stop for a warming cup of tea or a snack (as well as a bathroom break).  It's located right across from the National Gallery and the lunchroom type service is perfect for fussy eaters. Tiger UK - Imagine if Ikea and the Dollar Store had a baby - that baby would be Tiger.  A chain of small shops full of a curated collection of affordable home goods, toys and accessories in fun colors and styles.  Thanks to a friend for the tip or I would have never stepped inside.  Now I can't wait to return!

 

Things to Skip with Traveling London with Kids

The Museum of Natural History - The building is gorgeous but to say this place was overrun would be the understatement of the year.  We were there during school holidays so I fully expect it to be crowded and I think living in NYC, I'm pretty immune to the masses but this was a waste.  You couldn't even see the exhibits for the hordes of people and it was nearly impossible to move! The exhibits themselves (from what I saw of them) were a little bit run down as well.  If you can visit at a less busy time perhaps it would be more worthwhile but I don't plan on returning.  Sidenote: there was a separate butterfly tent that cost about $30 for a family ticket.  It was a fine few minutes but almost exactly like the one at the London zoo so if you are planning on visiting, you can skip this one. The London Eye - Ok I know I'm going to get some flack for this but bear with me.  The lines for the eye are insane and the ticket prices high. The ride, while giving you a lovely view of the city, is far from exciting or even educational.  By all means, take a walk along the water to soak in the views and grab a few photos but I just couldn't bring myself to spend more than $100 to ride an albeit impressively large, slow-moving Ferris Wheel.

 

So there you go!  My high and lowlights of London with Kids Brooklyn Limestone Style.  London always delights us and this time was no exception. Want more advice on travel with kids? Be sure to check out Edinburgh with Kids and Copenhagen with kids.

Black and white whimsy bathroom makeover

sources: mr owl / squirrel cage fixture / ceramic jar / bathmat / floating shelf 


Remember the unloved bathroom? Well it's getting some attention in the form of a mini makeover. New paint and accessories to update this space. All of the fixtures will stay except for the shelf above the toilet and light fixture. I took your advice about not worrying about towel storage in here and decided on this fun Owl print. A little bit of whimsy without going all crazy in the kids bathroom department.

Thoughts?  I haven't actually purchased anything yet (painting first) so let the suggestions fly!

Black and White Kid's Room In Progress

Have you ever had what you thought was a simple plan but it turned out not so simple? That is exactly how Aggie's big girl room has gone. The plan was to keep to a simple black and white palette. That way the room is modern and bright but also a calm place to sleep and a neutral backdrop for all the colorful stuff she will add to it.  I knew I didn't want to clutter this room with many pieces so it should be easy, right?  WRONG!

Turns out that black and white items aren't as easy to find.  So I blame that (and you know the constant exhaustion that is pregnancy) for this room taking an age to finish.

We started with the Jenny Lind bed which I was fortunate enough to find used but in the wrong color. I was worried painting it might be a bad idea but I'm so glad I did.  It looks so much better and more graphic in black!

The biggest dilemma were window treatments. I searched for months to find something that would work but nothing quite fit the bill. I finally admitted I was never going to find what I had wanted off a rack and turned to Tonic Living for something custom. As usual they were so helpful and created something beautiful.  The drapes are blackout (key if I ever want to sleep past dawn!) lined and made of a lovely linen. Custom are definitely a splurge but so worth it!  I don't know what took me so long to make that decision but here we are.

I also had the hardest time with bed linens but I sort of gave up the ghost on that one mixing a polkadot comforter and a grey + white ruffle quilt set to get close enough.

So this side of the room is done.  I just have to work on the other side (ha!  You thought this was finished?  Nope!) before the impeding August deadline and I'll be golden.

I won't move Aggie in until the room is finished but she loves coming in here to play.  Hopefully that will make the big girl room transition easier when the time comes.

Across the Pond

We're back from a week in London where we did a whole lot of nothing.  That's the beauty of going back to a favorite destination - the pressure of hitting all the sites is off but you revisit some favorites.

It's the sign of a good vacation when you completely forget you have a job and believe for a minute that you are a lady of leisure.  Oh how I miss that minute!  But it's back to work and I'll have to pour through my photos and mental notes to do a proper trip recap.  In the meantime, I leave you with this bit of bliss.




Since this trip was very much about entertaining a 3 year old while enjoying the city ourselves, I'm going to focus on my favorite (and not so favorite) London tourist kid friendly sites. Anything you want to know? Just ask and I'll be sure to include it.