POLLY’S BABY BLOG

MUM OF TWO coming through!

Baby Travis is here! My little ray of sunshine, born in the middle of a heatwave. His hotly-anticipated entrance into the world didn’t really go to plan (what birth ever does?) I had an emergency c-section. After the initial shock, the first 24 hours was great- I was living in that ‘other-worldly, new-born bubble, still high on drugs’ life until I experienced the worst pain ever! Unfortunately, I had a blood clot resulting in a week in hospital. Urgh. Bad memories but fast forward 5 weeks and I’m out of pain and the baby blues have gone. Hurrah. I’m feeling SO much better and I’m settling into life with TWO! It’s insanely different to last time. Indy was born on the cusp of lockdown. When we left hospital with Indy, we entered a new world. We were shacked up for months and it gave us the chance as a family of 3 with a new-born to learn how to be parents with no distractions. We got into a great routine, we spent time relaxing, we had no visitors to host and worry about. This time around, LIFE GOES ON. The world keeps spinning. I have a toddler to look after and run around with. Family and friends coming and going every day but also work to get back to. It’s an adjustment for sure, but I love being a Mum and I feel so lucky to have had two healthy, happy children. I forgot how it made me feel that this tiny little human depends only on you for everything. It’s a HUGE responsibility but I love that he needs me. I love feeding him, changing him when he gets upset. He really is a fab little kid and is coming along great. He was born with a natural mohawk, dark blue eyes and a round little face like his Mama. I can’t wait to see what he is like and what personality he has. At the moment, he is pretty relaxed, loves his milk and sleep. He snores very LOUDLY for a little fella. Indy loves him, pulls his legs, puts stickers on his head, tickles his feet and even though a little heavy handed, she showers him with kisses and cuddles all the time. So, whilst building up a tough exterior and some resilience he is very much loved and has completed our family. As I say, life goes on this time around and work is busier than ever. I’m taking a few months off but squeezing in a few gigs here and there. My life is 100mph as always but I don’t think I could function any other way. Roll on the adventures. I can’t wait to take you on our Journey!

MY NEW-BORN ESSENTIALS 2.0

Dr Brown's GOLD Bundle from Baby Central

I had heard such amazing reviews for Dr Brown's bottles that I was so excited to try them for Travis. The fact that they are anti-colic specialists was even more of deal breaker to give them a go. The bottles so far have been brilliant for Travis. He guzzles every feed pretty much and thankfully he latched on straight away. I found them an easy and comfortable way to feed him and NO sign of colic. What I really love about this package though is the The Dr Brown’s Clean Steam Bottle Steriliser and Dryer which offers the total package. Steam clean, dry, store and more! When I was pumping it held my entire pumping system and 6 bottles!

www.baby-central.co.uk

Angelcare Ac327 3-in-1 Baby Movement Monitor with Video

I needed some new CCTV for Travis and I was recommended the Angelcare range of monitors. Yes, the people who do the brilliant bath seats and supports. This monitor not only looks the part but can be trusted, day and night. I was especially excited by the movement sensor pad which I didn't have with Indy but reassures you, by only alarming if no movements have been detected for 20 seconds. it gives me sound peace of mind now that I put the baby to bed upstairs in the early evening.

SnuzPod4 Bedside Crib

I'll swear by this over and over... Indy, my first, slept like a dream in the SnuzPod that it was absolutely coming back out for Travis. We dusted it off and bought a new mattress and even though he is only 6 weeks so far so good! I pop him down and he settles straight away. He knows that the SnuzPod means bedtime. I keep it next my bed, not bedside, but close enough to have him nearby for a safe bonding experience. I love the Snuz style, the designs and patterns of the bed sheets and the Snuz Cloud is a cute little must-have add on.

www.snuz.co.uk

iCandy Peach 7 Pushchair and Carrycot

This is the dreamy, ultimate pushchair for parents, the world’s definitive, luxury single to double pushchair beautifully engineered, designed to fit perfectly around you and your baby. It's the red-hot supercar of prams and really is the cream of the crop. The best bits for me are the integrated Ride-on Board which offers a seamless solution for a family like mine with a new baby and toddler who is walking but still needs help. It’s an anti-slip platform which holds up to 20kg - perfect for tired little legs. Indy LOVES it! Also, if you really wanted to treat yourself, get the iCandy Peach rucksack to complete the look. The black edition is all out chic which includes a changing mat, branded wipe clean liner, bottle tote and bag hooks to attach to your iCandy Peach.

www.angelcarebaby.com www.icandyworld.com

Family Law Made Easy at Watkins & Gunn

Grab a cuppa and let’s talk the do’s and don’ts of divorce with the family law team at Watkins and Gunn.

There isn’t a family law issue that hasn’t hit the desks of the Family Law team at Watkins and Gunn, from your run of the mill, family home and pension to your high profile high net worth/ high profile cases. Between them they have seen it all. There is very much a team ethos at Watkins and Gunn, you receive the benefit of sensible, strong advice stemming from many years of experience. When asked what is important to them, they all answer the same, they take pride in offering a bespoke, discrete service whilst always doing their best for every single client. They care about their clients and this shows right from the initial enquiry that is made. Their inter-personal skills are second to none. The team want to get across that separation doesn’t have to be scary and in contemplation of a divorce, they wanted to offer something of real value to their clients, something that provides people with the tailored advice and information to plan the next steps and future. The team offers a unique product called “Blueprint”. It’s not your free half hour type advice. A free consultation is like a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing, a sales pitch in disguise. The family team however offer “gold service” where they gather the information, give bespoke advice to fit each person’s needs and then follow it up with an action plan. You go away with your “blueprint”.

Sophie Hughes Head of the Family team and Director

Meet Sophie Hughes, she is the Head of the Family team and Director at Watkins and Gunn, having been at the firm since 2003. She has overseen the growth of the team from just 4 to 15; one of the largest specialist family law teams in the region. Covering a breadth of working from care proceedings to high finance. As testament to their experience, the team won Family Law Team of the Year at the Wales Legal Awards 2019, an accolade that they remain very proud of. All of the lawyers are members of Resolution - www.resolution.org.uk and are genuinely committed to a Code of Practice that promotes a constructive approach to family issues and considers the needs of the whole family, in particular the best interests of children. Sophie’s training and early years were spent with a magic circle firm in London and then a large South London practice. Sophie is singled out as a leader in her field both in the Chambers UK Guide and the Legal 500 Directory. She is a highly regarded by clients and other lawyers for her expertise in ‘private’ family law matters, including divorce, financial arrangements on divorce and cohabitation disputes; with expertise in high value/complex and international cases.

Meet the private law team here who help guide clients through relationship breakdown and specialise in financial matters.

Katie O’Connell Solicitor

Leah Rhydderch Senior Associate - Solicitor

Katie O’Connell, joined the talented team, in August 2021, bringing with her bags of experience in all Family Law matters, including complicated financial matters. Katie qualified in 2014 and previously trained and worked at a niche Family Law firm in Cardiff. Katie has built up extensive links throughout Cardiff and the valleys, with clients across the country. Throughout her career Katie has regularly contributed to media, commenting on developments in Family Law and was previously interviewed live on the ITV Evening News in relation to the “smacking ban” within Wales. Why not take a look at the social media pages for Watkins and Gunn (Facebook: Watkins and Gunn Solicitors, Instagram: @watkinsandgunn and of course LinkedIn) where commentary on various “hot topics” can be found.

FIVE INVALUABLE TIPS FROM THE WATKINS AND GUNN TEAM

1. Ensure this is what you really want and do your research - Watkins and Gunn’s Blueprint gives the option to take stock of your position giving you tailored legal advice, without any commitment. When selecting a solicitor make sure you choose a specialist in Family Law. Professional directories such as Legal 500, Chambers and Partners can be useful to assist with this. Look for someone who is accredited by Resolution and/or The Law Society.

2. Try to keep off Google/ social media- there is not a onesize fits all remedy Everyone’s situation is different so get tailored advice form an expert about your specific situation

3. Know when to get other professional support. Lawyer’s do not always have all the answers we are not qualified to provide counselling support. Services such as relationship counselling/ coaching can help put perspective to your situation and enable you to focus with a clear mind. Leah is a senior Associate having joined in 2013. Like Sophie, her expertise is also in “private” family law matters, including divorce, financial arrangements on divorce and cohabitation disputes. She is known for her clear pragmatic and empathetic and focused approach and where necessary, strong robust representation. Sophie and Leah are the only two Solicitors in South Wales who hold Resolution’s Specialist Accreditations in both small and big money cases. Leah also holds an accreditation in cohabitation matters. Resolution's specialist accreditation recognises members who demonstrate excellence in the practice of family law and in their specific areas of expertise. Leah comes from a small village in the Llŷn Peninsular and is a native Welsh speaker. She is passionate about the language and its importance and so she recognises how important it is to be able to offer a Welsh language service to clients who are going through one of the most difficult if not the most difficult trials in life. She is the Firm’s lead internally promoting not just the language but also the history and culture of Wales. She is committed and very confident in offering that quality specialist advice both verbally and in written communication in Welsh. Throughout her career Leah has regularly contributed to BBC Cymru media, commenting on developments in Family Law and has previously interviewed live on Newyddion S4C.

4. Be organised- get your “paperwork” in order as solicitors charge by the hour and though we deal with cases in a proactive, cost-effective way it saves time and money if you are organised and can provide information when we need it

5. Be realistic- uncoupling can take time. Try not to put yourself under extra pressure with self-imposed time limits.

Watkins & Gunn, Cardiff, Newport, Pontypool Tel: 02921 154313 watkinsandgunn.co.uk info@watkinsandgunn.co.uk

The Leading Healthcare Recruitment Agency across South Wales

Tailored Healthcare Solutions are the go-to specialists in supplying healthcare organisations with the right staff across a selection of sectors. Supplying recruitment services from Private, not-for-profit Charity, Elder Care, Mental Health, and Cosmetic Clinics across the UK. Launched in April 2021 by Kate Sweeney who holds over 15 years of international recruitment experience. Founder Kate Sweeney states:

“We are a team that has been built on years of friendship, loyalty, and trust. Having worked in the recruitment industry for over a decade, I knew the team I wanted to pick had to be right, and lucky for me they are all empowering, inspiring, women. Normally we are told friends and business don’t mix but in THS this has become part of our successful brand.” THS wants to continue to empower and inspire people looking for jobs along with helping companies find the best candidates to fit their brand. Kate has developed a team that has helped her brand continue to grow and evolve, all dedicated in their roles.

GET FAMILIAR WITH THE THS TEAM. FOUNDER KATE SWEENEY INTRODUCES HER UNIQUE TEAM, EACH WITH THEIR VERY OWN EXPERTISE:

MIA VERNON is our head of care; she is someone I have worked with previously and has turned the care and support division into a roaring success. The sassy glamorous one of the group, a true perfectionist.

MOLLY JEMMETT our newest recruit, joins Mia in the care and support division as a senior recruitment consultant, with over 20 years of sales experience.

FAYE KEEGAN also joins Mia's desk with over 13 years of experience. Working as a support worker, Faye’s sales experience and knowledge of the industry is second to none, with extensive knowledge of what a support worker is looking for, and what makes a happy work environment.

KATIE BIBBY is a senior consultant who works in the nursing division. Katie is a natural-born sales professional heading up the nursing division for Wales.

VANESSA SWEENEY head of accounts, isn’t only my mother but a mother to all the wonderful women in the office. Vanessa holds over 25 years of experience in financial services. Having a close family member to work within the brand, has been a pleasure and never a chore. What do we do exactly? The Healthcare industry is at the beating heart of our country, we know what a demanding line of work this can be and care about getting it right. We do this by listening first and working with quick turnarounds. We focus on helping nurse and care staff find permanent positions, including both full and parttime-hour contracts, whilst also helping remove the stress for busy healthcare organisations, who lack the time to recruit directly. At THS we listen first, ensuring we find both client and candidate the perfect fit for their future. We can offer bespoke recruitment services covering vacancies from operations directors to care home managers. As part of our recruitment process, we also provide full references as well as police and NMC checks.

A streamlined approach to healthcare recruitment We take pride in offering both client and candidate a streamlined recruitment process, the ‘best in the business’ which includes aftercare. Our vision is simply to supply fantastic staff members and alleviate any ‘headaches’ our clients may have. Sometimes there are simply not enough hours in the day to hire staff, along with running an effective healthcare service, that’s where THS Recruitment comes in. We very much appreciate the front-line nurses and care staff that in recent months have held this country together. What continues to be important is the right candidates are implemented to ensure the highest standard of care in the health sector; To us this is paramount.

Temple Court, Cathedral Road, Cardiff Cf11 9HA Kate Sweeney, Company Director, Mobile: 07982 841 695 kate@thsrecruitment.com

Leading Planning Consultancy Firm Kew Planning, Celebrated its 4th Birthday in Style

KEW Planning reached its 4th birthday on 11th July 2022. This milestone was celebrated in style at Italian-Welsh restaurant Porro, High Street, Llandaff. On one of the hottest days in the summer, guests were able to dine and mingle on the new outdoor terrace, whilst sipping at prosecco and consuming delicious Italian delights from arancini to prawn skewers, Italian meats and breads. Over 45 guests attended, including those from Kier, Bect, Morgan Sindall, Andrew Scott, HLM Architects, Curtins, Newport Norse, Powell Dobson Architects, Pritchard Barnes Architects, QuantumCLS, SDS Engineering, Tir Collective; Cardiff Council; Englobe, Wardell Armstrong, Pobl, LA Architects, Hoare Lea, Blake Morgan, Currie & Brown, Faithful & Gould, Hodge Bashki, Clarke Willmott, Encon Construction, Border Consultancy and The Urbanists.

To find out more on Kew Planning, head to: www.kewplanning.co.uk

STYLE OF THE CITY SUMMER BRUNCH

Style of the city ended the summer season with a brunch extravaganza at Lo Lounge Cardiff Bay. Via our sister brand Style Nights, guests enjoyed a beautiful BBQ brunch, courtesy of Wingstak, basking against the beautiful Cardiff Bay views, our guests soaked up the summer vibes in style.

Headline guest MC DT ensured all our attendees danced until sunset with the best local DJ’s and sponsored by Holm House Hotel, My Car Journey and Blush Glow Bar. Thank you to everyone who came along, we can’t wait for the next one.

www.pixafusion.agency | 02922 680 669

One of the Leading UK Healthcare Recruitment Specialists

Our healthcare recruitment offering

We represent healthcare professionals across all sectors including, but not limited to recruit across the whole of the UK for the following Nursing and Doctor specialisms

• General medicine • Mental health • Acute • Community nursing • Elder care • Forensic and CAMHS services • Cosmetic and Clinic settings • Paediatric services • Theatre settings The types of roles we supply

• Registered nurse • Mental Health and Learning difficulties Nurses • CAMHS nurses • Elder care and Dementia Nurses • Scrub, Theatre, and recovery Nurses • Care Assistants and Support staff • Clinical Lead, Deputy Manager and Home

Manager roles • Operation and director level nurses Care Division

Contact 02920786466 Mia Vernon – Mia@thsrecruitment.com Molly Jemmett – Molly@thsrecruitment.com Nursing division

Nurse and clinical management job roles

Contact – 02920 786422 Katie Bibby – katie@thsrecruitment.com Kate Turner – kate@thsrecruitment.com

TH Solutions Healthcare Recruitment Temple Court, Cathedral Road, Cardiff Cf11 9HA