Being pregnant is one of those things that will ultimately affect my self esteem and body image during 2018. I remind myself that even those inspirational body confidence activists must sometimes have their down days. I’ve never been overly ‘happy’ with my image but knowing that this tummy is going stretch and pull and itch again doesn’t fill me with joy.

Hormones are amazing but sometimes evil little things that can influence you in ways you never even knew possible. I want to remember that, just because I can look at myself in the mirror and feel a bit frumpy today, doesn’t mean that I’m not going to look in the mirror tomorrow and feel sexy and confident.

Feeling Sexy and Confident

The thing that often makes me feel good is remembering that other people don’t see you in the same way that you see yourself. Chances are, you’re sending out all this negative energy making yourself feel sad, when it’s likely that no one else sees what you see.

For me, looking and feeling nice makes me feel confident. I want to look nice for myself. I want to take a selfie and say “yeah, I’m looking great today!” But that doesn’t mean I don’t gain a little ego boost from taking compliments from other people.

Some women say that it isn’t your partner’s job to make you feel good about yourself, but I don’t fully agree. When I feel like I’m looking great, it makes me feel happy. When my partner positively comments on how I look as well, it makes me feel even happier and reinforces my own self love.

It validates my own mental opinion of myself which makes me feel more confident and happier because what I saw in the mirror was positive and someone else saw that positive too. It feels pretty nice. No matter where you are on the self love scale, a little bit of an ego boost will always cheer you up a bit.

Hunkemoller Sleepwear

I was sent some stunning nightwear from Hunkemoller just before I found out I was pregnant. I was to have a look at their beautiful Doutzen Stories range and choose a piece that took my fancy.

As you can see, all the ranges Hunkemoller do on the website are all so gorgeous! I felt worried that I would never be able to compete with these beautiful models and I’d look like a frumpy idiot in front of my boyfriend if I tried to wear something like that.

I had a stern word with myself and said “who cares, I know I will feel nice wearing it, so why not?” After a browse I found myself looking at the Doutzen All Over Lace Top, the Doutzen All Over Lace Kimono and the Doutzen Chiffon Pleats shortie. It was a difficult decision, especially choosing between the kimono and the chiffon pleats shorties as they both looked so gorgeous.

After a long time, I made up my mind and received the most beautiful package a few days later. The box the sleepwear comes is in recycled and features a lovely design. The garment itself was delicately wrapped in tissue paper and had a real feel of luxury about it. Finally, I pulled out the All Over Lace Kimono and instantly fell in love.

Doutzen Allover Lace Kimono

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t appreciate a bit of lace. Not only does lace kimono look beautiful and sexy, it also feels so soft and luxurious. It makes it almost impossible not to feel sexy and good about yourself when wearing it. The Doutzen Allover Lace Kimono features long sleeves that flow beautifully, a wonderful floral lace pattern and a satin-feel tie sash. It oozes sexy sophistication.

I had a little try on while Mikey was at work and Luke was at school and I have to admit: I really, really liked it. Later that evening I showed Mikey and it’s safe to say he was a definite fan of it as well.

It’s lovely to throw over you when you’re getting out of bed either naked or in your underwear (matching underwear is available on the Hunkemoller website), but it also works nicely with a strappy pyjama top and some shorts.

Feeling comfortable in your own skin is something we all need to learn about and little treats like this seem to go a little way towards boosting confidence and making you feel a bit more desirable and wanted.

I first reviewed this back in November, before I found out I was pregnant and before I had a baby bump. I’m happy to report that even now in January (15 weeks pregnant with Baby Number 2), this is still lovely and flattering to wear and helps me feel a bit more glamorous.

I think the secret to happiness is learning to accept yourself and love yourself; to feel confident in your own skin. I also learnt that this doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to things along the way – whether that be make up, clothes or lingerie. Feeling good about yourself and looking after yourself is the most important message we can send out to women and allowing them to feel empowered, whatever gives them that feeling, is something we should encourage!

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**I was sent this product in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**