The cold-weather mum kit

Plus, cardigans for winter breastfeeding

I realise it’s already the 12th and we're past the point of saying it, but we haven't spoken this year yet so: Happy New Year! Here's to more sleep and less nursery bugs in 2025.

I hope your holidays were as relaxing as kids allow. The high point of mine was the morning it was so dark everyone slept in until 8am. The low point was my son discovering ‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ by The Singing Dogs on Spotify, which is 2.04 minutes of actual barking. Obviously he thought it was hilarious to play it again and again… and again.

Before we start talking about the weather (so cold!) and clothes, I wanted to share two things I've read that have felt sensible and helpful for the start of January.

There is a big part of me that likes the moment of reflection and intention-setting that the New Year affords. However, I won't be the only one who finds the pressure for implementing self-improvement action plans overwhelming. When I was at school I used to resolve to make my handwriting better (it's still rubbish). As an adult I find it easy to fall into the negative and self-admonishing ‘must drink less/gym more/work harder/ be better’ tailspin.

So, The Alternative Resolutions List by Alice Vincent for her Savour Substack really spoke to me. Like always, Alice’s words are so thoughtful and I find a lot of peace in what she says. As someone who often falls prey to comparison culture, the below point felt particularly relevant:

Try and lose whatever expectation you’ve got of something and take a good look at what is actually around you instead. We are constantly bombarded by images of supposed perfection, it’s no surprise we want to emulate it. But those things are always underwhelming in reality, and they’re not what you remember.

To that end, I uninstalled Instagram from the 22nd-29th Dec and felt all the better for it. I won't pretend I’m going to keep it up - my addiction is embedded - but I’d like to take it off my phone for future holidays. Maybe even for a day over the weekend. Life is sweeter when you're not scrolling.

The other piece is from Rosamund Dean’s brilliant Well, Well, Well newsletter. Rosamund is another level-headed, realistic voice on mindset and wellness. Her You Don't Need to do Everything Right Now post centres around giving yourself a break and taking it easy:

1. Don’t rush

I love the concept of Selina Barker’s Slowanuary. This month, she says, is “a time to not leap into action, but to be still, to go slow. A time to rest and reflect, dream and plan.”

There's also a great point on multitasking and how, in our culture of optimising productivity, success is often linked to how much we achieve. However, what's more important is the impact of what we achieve - even if it's only one thing. Essentially, less is more. Which is worth keeping in mind if, like me, you constantly try to spin a million plates.

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On to clothes and with it being so cold this week, the only thing on my mind has been dressing for warmth in the face of frosty nursery runs and park hang-outs.

This fuzzy cashmere beanie (currently on sale) this knitted hood and these silly shearling slippers (also on sale) have been pretty much all I've worn. I also bought an electric blanket and - my goodness - what a delight.

Below, a few more useful pieces to have in your winter mumming arsenal.

Not-crazy-expensive cashmere gloves

I've mentioned before that I’m a sucker for cashmere. I think a low-risk way of wearing it as a parent is in glove form (or as a hat) as they tend to not be subject to the same food splats and yanking on as jumpers.

These from & Other Stories look super luxe thanks to the ribbing, but are under £40.

Side note if you need kids gloves: getting small fingers into finger holes is a nightmare and loose gloves will almost certainly get lost. So my tip is to go for mittens on a string. JoJo has good colours under £12. Or these Muddy Puddles ones are waterproof and in the sale for £11.

Pram mittens

If you're still in your buggy era, treat yourself to a pair of pram mittens. Yes they look like oven gloves, but they are wonderfully warm and really cheer up a baltic loop around the park.

The ribbed cuff gives these (£42) a cooler edge and will work with puffers or wool coats. Sign up to the mailing list and get 15% off.

Or these are super simple in a 90s Prada nylon way and under £20.

On-the-go coffee cup

Obviously, hot coffee. I'm yet to find a holder that doesn't slosh your coffee all over the place when the buggy goes over the slightest bump. This flask (£34) closes securely, meaning you can stick it in the basket instead. It also keeps your drink properly hot for ages.

If you have found a holder that works, the cup version offers a one-handed drinking option.

A really good lip balm

I've tried so, so many lip balms and Dr. PAWPAW Original Red Balm (£7.24) is one of the best. I also use it on the kids’ lips and cheeks which are very dry and chapped at the moment. PLUS, it’s brilliant dabbed onto cheekbones and over eyelids as a quick glossy highlighter.

Chic warm socks

Socks as a genre are very underrated. A good sock (nice colour, chic knit) can really up the ante of your outfit. Plus there’s something to be said for the mood-boosting benefit of pulling on a pair that’s soft and not filled with holes. For warmth-factor and price, you can’t beat Uniqlo’s Heattech ribbed socks (£7.90). They’re currently on a multi-buy where you get two for under £13. The cream and black are available online. I went into store and found lots of the below grey, so if you're close by, it’s worth popping in.

I’ve linked to these from Charl before but they’re so soft and warm and a real pleasure to wear. So if you need a little January treat, they are it.

The thermal layer

Thermals don't need to be drab! Dillings does the chicest merino styles that don't cost a small fortune. How lovely is this pointelle top? Or this slim rib? (FYI this balaclava is a great solution if you have a child who likes to take their hat off.)

I have an M&S Heatgen thermal top from about five years ago that’s still going strong. The long-sleeved crew-neck (£20) looks enough like a regular top that you could just layer a cardigan over the top. The matching leggings (£20) would be great slipped under joggers.

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Four great cardigans to stop your boobs from freezing

I've been asked about what to wear while breastfeeding in the depths of winter a few times. It’s an issue I have first-hand experience of; my son was born in November 2020, so our first four or so months together were pretty chilly. It was also lockdown and no cafes were open, meaning on several occasions I had to sit on an icy bench and feed. I can't say they are my fondest memories of newborn-hood. The solution is a great cardigan. I've found four currently on sale below.

You’ll also need some tactical layers: a T-shirt/top you can easily pull up - above thermal layers will work. Then a vest underneath that you can pull down to access your bra (this ribbed is £10 in sale). This way you won't have any bare skin exposed and risk frost bite.

Arket khaki (was £169, now £83)

La Redoute Fair Isle (was £75, now £41.25)

Whistles camel (was £179, now £119)

Hush ribbed (was £120, now £65)

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One more thing…

I went to the launch of the new Lisa Eldridge Pinpoint Concealer (£27) this week and had a speedy tutorial on how to use it to brighten-up my eyes. You could use the placement technique (inner and outer corners, lower lash line and brow arch) with any concealer, but Lisa’s is especially lovely: good coverage, easily blendable, doesn't go dry or cakey, comes in a wide and nuanced shade range. So if you're looking for a new one, it's worth considering. I also loved the Skin Tint (£37) as a lightweight base with coverage.

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That's all for now. You're doing great, Frankie x

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