Monday, 31 December 2012
Scotch Mystery Gift Clue - Final Week
Week 8 - The Final Clue
If you got a new iPod for Christmas, you'll be needing one of these as an alternative to headphones!
Enter now on the Scotch UK Facebook page
Monday, 24 December 2012
I was recently tasked with making a How to... video for Scotch UK - you know the makers of all thing wrapping related. I chose to make my video on 'How to wrap beautiful gifts...' The video was a lot of fun to make and the children enjoyed getting involved too. Then disaster struck, the video file wouldn't upload as it became corrupt. Gutted. So I had to re-make the video alone with only my Dad to (try) and hold the camera steady. Therefore this is the last minute gift wrappers guide to wrapping beautiful gifts FAST!
TOP TIPS
Measure around your gift using string to ensure you cut the right amount of gift wrap.
Fold edges over to ensure straight edge - no wiggly edges from uneven cutting!
Use Scotch double sided tape for a perfect no tape finish.
Top with a home made bow for that premium feel.
Disclosure. I received a payment in return for making this video.
Monday, 17 December 2012
Scotch Mystery Gift Clue - Week 6
Week 6 Clue:
Comes in a wicker basket and promises to be full of festive treats!
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Scotch Mystery Gift Clue - Week 5
At the gym, going for a run, or a frequent traveller - the perfect mix of sound and style - made for music lovers!
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Winter Time Saving Tips
I'm pretty sure you are all in the same boat as far as time goes so Ive come up with some top tips for saving time during this busy festive period...
1. Cover your car at night - it'll save time in the morning!!
Last week I had to leave the house VERY early to catch a 6.30am train and I was completely taken by surprise by the frost. In fact I was so taken by surprise that I didn't even have any de-icer or an ice scraper. What did I do? I grabbed a fish slice from the kitchen drawer (obviously!) and frantically scraped it up and down my windscreen in a bid to clear the ice. I'm pleased to say it worked although I think my neighbour thinks I'm a bit of an oddball since he witnessed the whole incident!
2. Clear Out Your Clutter
Clutter is a time waster. Clutter means you lose things. So before your Christmas visitors descend - clear out all your un-necessaries and I guarantee next time you lose your phone/keys/purse you won't waste all of your time searching. If everything has a home then you'll always know where it is.
3. Avoid the Ironing
No - I'm not suggesting a new creased fashion trend! In Winter it's usually necessary to use the tumble drier and I use it to my advantage. Provided I get the washing out of the machine and straight in to the tumble dryer (don't leave it lying damp in the drum) then I can usually at least half my ironing pile because I can hang things up straight from the dryer before they crease. Amazing - try it!
4. Shop Online
Not only does shopping online save you time (driving time, dragging children round the shop time, no you cant have that time and can we go to McDonalds on the way home time)- it can also save you money too. I save because I tend not to impulse buy when I'm at home and you can track how your spending as you go. Then with so many cashback sites there's even ways to earn money too!
5. Don't be afraid to go frozen!
I love cooking from scratch but sometimes there just isn't enough time. There's nothing I love more than a good roast but during by the time I get home from work there's little chance of me cooking one before bedtime if I cook from scratch. Whether it's roast parsnips, yorkshire puds or roasties - frozen food can save a lot of time and Aunt Bessie's is a particular favourite in our house. It was my Grandad that first encouraged me to try Aunt Bessie's - Ever since I had Mister A in 2007, my Grandad would always buy me a little bit of shopping each week. Every week, without fail, he would give me a bag of Aunt Bessie's roast potatoes in my 'food parcel'. Not only did they taste great but I realised that I could spend less time cooking when I arrived home and more time eating with my family. What have you got to lose? You can save time too - just like the lady in their latest ad...
Time is precious peeps- use it well!
*This post was written byuu me but sponsored by Aunt Bessie's*
Monday, 3 December 2012
Scotch Mystery Gift Clue - Week 4
Week 4 Clue:
Cheltenham _____ or Leamington _____ - it’s sure to be a day of pampering; leaving you relaxed and revitalised!
Enter now on the Scotch UK Facebook page
Enter now on the Scotch UK Facebook page
Monday, 26 November 2012
#WeightWatchers Back2Best Update
Unfortunately for me, that meant that I stopped losing weight and slowly those pounds have crept up on me again.
Nooooooooooooo : (
Anyway, I now have my iPhone back. App all loaded and ready to go. I have planned lots of exciting meals for this week including a low point Spaghetti Bolognese and healthy stir-fry. I know I can do it - Ive done it before - but this time with the help of the app and the handy PROPOINTS® PLAN KITCHEN SCALES it should be even easier than before.
I always struggled with portion sizes before but the Propoints scales make it so easy to point up your meal. Instead of having to calculate ProPoints yourself based on the weight of your food - you just add your item to the scales and they magically tell you how many points are in your item. This is especially good because you can keep adding and taking away until you know youve got the maximum food for your points!
Check out my food post later in the week to see my amazing home cooked meals.
Scotch Mystery Gift Clue - Week 3
Week 3 Clue:
In Greek mythology, the first women on earth – she comes with charms, but whatever you do, don’t open her box!
Enter now on the Scotch UK Facebook page
Enter now on the Scotch UK Facebook page
Monday, 19 November 2012
Why the John Lewis ad isn't romantic in the slightest...
We've had some top class ads for them over the past couple of years which has left us all anticipating the next. My ultimate favourite being the More Than A Woman ad from 2010. I was heavily pregnant with Little E when it graced our screens and I literally shed a tear EVERY time I saw it - genius on there part I'm sure you'll agree. So yes... I love the ads... yes... I know the quality is great but in all honesty the ads are just a nice thing on my TV - I couldn't shop there regularly - I just don't have John Lewis money.
Anyway.... I digress...
The reason I'm writing this post is that I keep hearing how beautiful the latest ad is. "It's so romantic..." yadda yadda yadda.
Well it's not.
You see I'm of the opinion that that "romantic" snowman is just a typical idiot bloke. Yep - next time you watch it I'm sure you'll see that I'm right. You see I've watched it a couple of times now and what I've now realised is this.
The snowman waits til the sun goes down...
she's non the wiser about his liaison with 'another bird' (he's totally checking out the robin's red breast) #justsayin
He heads off to the city (probably to meet the lads) all happy and smiley having the time of his life without a thought for Mrs Snowman...
then he does the walk of shame home and rocks up the next morning (probably hungover) with a crappy gift. That's not romantic!!!
Romantic would have been him just handing over the scarf he was wearing and not using the shopping trip as a cover up for drunken night out!!
There... I said it.
Now you can all gasp and throw things at me. That is all.
Scotch Mystery Gift Clue - Week 2
Week 2 Clue:
A word defined,’ to set alight or start to burn’ - you’ll be carrying a library with you wherever you go!
Enter now on the Scotch UK Facebook page
Enter now on the Scotch UK Facebook page
Monday, 12 November 2012
Win with Scotch - get Christmas all wrapped up!
Every Christmas I add Scotch® Pop Up Tape refils to the top of my Christmas shopping list. They make wrapping so much easier - you just wear one on your hand and pull a strip of tape out - simples!
I have 5 x Scotch® Pop Up Handband dispenser with a pack of refills to give away. Just enter via Rafflecopter below...
And if you like comps then be sure to check out the Scotch® Mystery Gift Challenge on Facebook.
Every week they're rewarding lucky 'likers' with the chance to win a beautifully wrapped, mystery gift from .....worth up to £150!
If you'd like to be the lucky one that gets to do the unwrapping, simply submit your guess/es as to what the mystery gifts are. Here's the clue for this week's competition...
"Week 1 - I’m the smallest member of my family (one billionth); fit in the palm of your hand and can hold tunes a plenty!"
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sunday, 11 November 2012
Lionel Richie Tuskegee Tour (with setlist)
My Dad is the king of ticket buying and had managed to get us floor seats only 20 rows from the front. Not that we needed seats - we stood for the entire concert singing our hearts out to each and every song!
He was fabulous - an amazing performer - he even maaged to do an All Night Long/Gangnam style remix!!
Amazing - and even through he's old enough to be my Dad - I so would! Ha!
Intro: Hello (remix)
All Around the World
Penny Lover
Easy (Commodores)
Ballerina Girl
Still (Commodores)
Truly
Stuck On You
Dancing on the Ceiling
Three Times a Lady (Commodores)
You Are
Se La
Sail On (Commodores)
Machine Gun
Lady (You Bring Me Up) (Commodores)
Endless Love (duet with Rebecca Ferguson)
Brick House (Commodores)
Fire (Ohio Players cover)
My Destiny
Say You, Say Me
Encore
Running With the Night
Hello
All Night Long (Gangnam style remix!!!)
Encore 2
Goodbye
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Halloween Pumpkin Carving: Ben 10 and Hello Kitty
Great... there goes my relaxing evening... so last night I carefully carved (as requested) 2 of the greatest pumpkins that I possibly could....
.JPG "Ben 10 and Hello Kitty Pumpkin Pumpkin Carvings")
I am so so proud of them! They were easier than they look too. I did use some print off's to help me. I popped the paper up against the pumpkin and used a knife to score where I needed to cut...
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And after a couple of hours the pumpkins were ready to light...
.JPG "Hello Kitty Pumpkin Carving")
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Tuesday, 23 October 2012
WIN! Duracell Halloween Competition
Did you know that a staggering one third of alkaline batteries thrown away may still have up to 67 per cent of usable power left inside? Duracell together with Energy Saving Trust are helping families like us to maximise battery power, tap into unused resource and reduce wastage by giving their batteries a second life.
To demonstrate that batteries that have been assumed ‘dead’ can be given a second life Duracell want you to try them in your low drain household devices such as remote controls, clocks and torches. To promote the campaign Duracell have created a film featuring the Duracell Bunny - he transforms into an impressive light sculpture, showcasing how batteries which people have presumed ‘dead’ could still have useful power inside and can be given a second life. You can watch it here...
And as we approach that spooky time of year, Duracell have provided us with a fabulous Halloween party pack prize for one lucky winner to enjoy with thier children. The prize pack includes all the ingredients for a Halloween party with your little monsters - including decorations, masks and party games to play in the dark made even spookier by using a torch, run by part-powered batteries that have been rescued from the recycling stream!
To enter just answer the question on the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Friday, 5 October 2012
#WWBack2Best Challenge Week 1
So today's the day. My first weigh in. It's been a bit of a mixed week - my fridge freezer broke losing me over £200 of fresh and frozen food that I had bought to prepare all of our meals from scratch. We lost everything - all of the meat, veg, and my skimmed milk. The whole thing just packed in over night and proceeded to cook everything on the inside. By the time we realised even the meat that we had frozen had started to cook. Nightmare. Mum has kindly leant us her small fridge from her garage but it really is tiny - only big enough to store milk and butter so every single night I have to go to Tesco - this in itself has meant week 1 of WW has been rather difficult.
So here goes... after my first week I have....
LOST 5lb
I am amazed! Although I am determined to loose as much as possible for my trip. Ive been sticking to the plan 100% - just snacking on 0 point fruit and veg and I guess all that running back and forth to the shops has helped!
So despite my best intentions of wanting to cook fresh meals every night - so far I have only managed a few. This is my favourite meal yet - from theWeight Watchers cookery book...
Tiger Prawn Tagliatelle
Monday, 1 October 2012
Weight Watchers Challenge #WWBack2Best
I've always been a bit of a yo-yo dieter. My weight has been up and down since I was about 22. I ballooned back then after having the contraceptive injection and eventually used WeightWatchers online to take me back down to a slender size 10. Then after having Mister A in 2007 my weight took me up to a size 14 and WW helped me again. Gradually I piled the pounds back on but managed to lose almost 2 stone during my month long holiday to Singapore (yes - I know - on a holiday!!) That was in 2009 and that was probably the last time I was actually happy with my weight. I felt confident with my body and it showed. It was a few months later that I fell pregnant with Little E and the rest they say... is history!
I did go to my local WeightWatchers class after having my daughter. I was focused and my leader Deb was amazing but when she moved on, class wasn't the same and I found myself missing classes and not counting points.
This time I'm motivated by the trip of a lifetime that's booked for April. Me and the man are off to Thailand on a 5* adventure that I won (that's another story!) - so basically I have 7 months to lose 2 and a half stone and keep it off. I'm determined to get close by the time we hit Christmas.
Friday was my first time on the scales in quite sometime. Eeek... here's my starting weight....
12stone 4lbs
There, it's out there now. So everyone can see. And that means I have no choice to lose weight because I dont want to be that heavy ever again.
The best thing for me about this challenge is that I can do it all via an app, which means there's no excuses. My phone is with me at all times so therfore I always know where I'm up to with my points and I can always check points on thinks BEFORE I eat them rather than panicing afterwards!
Every Friday I will weigh in and post aboutt my progress - there's no escape! And if you're inspired to get slim or Christmas then why don't you join me? You too can sign up - and guess what - it's just £1 and you can trial the app for free (subject to T&C's) just head over to www.weightwatchers.co.uk/britmums
Go on join me! And wish me luck!!
Disclaimer: I have been provided with 6 months weightwatchers membership free of charge along with a hamper of WW goodies to allow me to begin my journey.
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Land's End Blogger Style Challenge
Being a bit 'bottom heavy' I opted for the Welt Pocket Ponte Jersey Dress in black. The cut is perfect or us ladies with curves as it skims over the hip and bum area and the colour is perfect for dressing up or down depending on the occasion.
I had high hopes for the dress and it didn't disappoint. The material is a luxurious viscose / elastene / nylon mix - it clings in all the right places and skims the bits you might like to hide. The cut of the waist pulls gives the appearance of a slender waist and allows you to wear a belt of your choice.
I'm in to a bit of scarf styling at the moment so I had a play about with various ways to wear. Take a peek at the looks you can create with pieces already in your wardrobe...
Keep it formal for work meetings with a neck scarf in a bold colour or print
Add a cream scarf to brighten up you look.
For a more casual work look I added a white cardigan
and of course it works with any coat from casual leather...
to smart grey wool knits...
Monday, 17 September 2012
Review: Boots Mini Club Autumn Winter 2012
A couple of weeks ago the lovely people at Mini Club (you know - off of Boots) got in touch to ask if we would be interested in taking a peek at their new Autumn Winter Collection. I jumped at the chance because Winter is my favourite season for fashion - you can never have enough Winter warmers - there's nothing better than layering up for the cold weather!
A week or so later, two lovely packages arrived - a blue one for Mister A and pink one for Little E. They couldn't wait to rip them apart to see what was inside.
I should say, prior to this review I had purchased a few bits from Mini Club before but only if there was an offer on. I tend to get the children's clothes from the supermarkets for 'non-special' occasions as the prices are so low however the quality, isn't great. I was looking forward to putting these garments through the 'wear & wash' test to see how they perform versus the cheaper brands.
Mister A wears...
£14.00
I absolutely love this gilet and was really pleased to see it in the package. The colour blocking is great - on trend for the season - and Mister A loves it. It's a great transitional piece for the Autumn. We always um and ah over whether to wear coats in our house but this solves the issue. The chunky zip is perfect for little hands and the retro feel adds to the style. Definitely a hit!
Mini Club Boys 3 Pack Long Sleeve Tops£14.00
These three pack long sleeve tops are great value, they're 100% cotton and are so soft and comfortable. They go with anything from smart pants to jeans and go great with the gilet we mentioned above. These have washed really well and haven't lost colour. The only downside for us was that you can't tumble dry them. Aside from that we love them.
Mini Club Boys Belted Jean£14.00
Little E wears...
Mini Club Girls Chunky Knit Navy Cardigan
£14.00
I love the fit of this chunky knit cardigan The description says navy but it's on the purple side if you ask me - which is even better. It's toasty warm and works well with all outfits - skirts and trousers. I think we'll be seeing a lot of this over the next few months. Great value too!
Mini Club Girls 3 Pack Long Sleeved Tops
£12.00
You can never have too many t-shirts and this 3 pack will not let you down. As I mentioned with the boys pack- these are so soft - with a brushed cotton feel. The colours and prints are funky and right on trend for the cold season. Little E loves them and again they have washed really well.
Mini Club Girls Short & Tight Set
£13.00
I love shorts and tights in the Winter and this set will look fabulous with camel boots. Cord is huge this season and these camel shorts look fab layered with the bright blue tights. Little E looked so cute in this set and loved being a little fashionista. As with the jeans - these have an internal adjustable waist meaning we'll get a lot more wear out of them. Perfect!
This review has actually changed my opinion of the way I buy. I have been buying cheaper clothes for the children but in all honesty Ive had to throw a lot away because the fabric doesn't wash well or stitching has come away. These Mini Club clothes are a bit more expensive but the difference in quality is immense. I'll definitely be popping in to Boots this week to see the rest of the range. I am totally recommending Mini Club - for great trends and value for money - you can't lose. Plus there's the added bonus of collecting advantage card points too - winner! And for those of you that don't know, Mini Club is made for Boots by Mothercare - another trusted brand in our household.
Friday, 7 September 2012
fashions for Yummy Mummies
Celebrity mothers-to-be have set the fashion stakes high in 2012, with TV and pop stars such as Holly Willoughby and Emma Bunton proudly displaying their pregnant bumps as they walk the red carpet at film premiers and events. Their influence has brought the glamour back into maternity wear, and this summer evening dresses for yummy mummies are elegant, sweeping to the floor, with empire style waists embellished with ribbons and sashes. Necklines are deep, with the briefest of puff sleeves, or bodices go strapless, 1950s style. The material of the season is jersey, often lined so that it falls in soft drapes, and generously gathered and ruched. For evening wear shades of lilac, dusky silver and old gold first seen on the fashion house catwalks have been translated into delicious designs for maternity clothing, and Next UK have an elegant lilac maxi dress that embodies the film star look.
Going casual, this summer has seen the growing popularity of the tunic, worn over leggings, a mini or midi skirt, and it’s a style that is perfect for the mum-to-be. Worn belted in the first months of pregnancy, and then loose and flowing to accommodate the growing bump, they make the ideal top. Designs range from this season’s popular prints to colour-blocks in neon yellow and green; if budgets are tight, then a simple black or dark grey tunic can be worn over dark tights for the day, and transformed for evening wear with the addition of sparkly tights, a narrow silver belt worn empire-style and chunky bracelets.
A popular choice for many mums-to-be is the layered look, which again gives that element of versatility and allows you to create a different look from day to day without having to buy a whole new wardrobe. A tip is to stick to a base of black or a dark colour – it’s both slimming, and easy to build layers of colour over. Starting with a black long-sleeved T-shirt, create different styles and moods for yourself by adding a washed-out pink sleeveless tunic with a flounced maxi skirt, or if you feel like splashing out on colour, a bright cerise silk short-sleeved blouse with floral pattern maternity jeans.
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Shoes for Comfort and Style
The general recommendation is to avoid heels once you are heavily pregnant, as they won’t give you the support that you need, and the fact that your balance is thrown forward is likely to cause backache. Instead, buy that pair of glamour stilettos to celebrate once the baby is born! Instead investigate the variety of styles in flatties this season, from ballerinas and slip-ons for everyday, to glitter-strewn slippers for those special occasions. The new Davina Collection is designed to provide additional mid-sole support, whilst being trendy and colourful. Final tip – as part of your programme to look after yourself during pregnancy, consider having a weekly foot massage, which many mums-to-be find really relaxing, and it also helps to improve circulation, and tone and care for your feet.
Monday, 20 August 2012
Potty Training - Top Products
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| Little E with her BABY born Potty Training Time doll |
Most children potty train between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. This time things to be a lot easier - I believe down to the fact that Little E wants to copy everything that her big brother does. For a couple of months she's started to show early signs of readiness:
- recognising the words and understanding the meaning of weeing and pooing
- showing an interest in other family members going to the loo
- leaving the room or going in to a corner to poo - this shows your little one is aware of when she 'needs to go'
- feeling uncomfortable and signalling when they are wet or soiled
Here's some top items to help you on your way:
BABY born Boy Potty Training Time
When potty training Mister A, a doll wasn't something we ever considered. I was rather sceptical about the doll being a potty training aid but as soon as it arrived Little E fell in love with it. The doll can be given water through the bottle, he gurgles as he drinks and then a few moments later you remove his nappy, sit him on the potty and he does a 'wee-wee'. This doll has actually proven to be a great help in helping Little E understand how the potty works and I can certainly recommend it if your child doesn't really 'get' the whole potty malarkey. Little E played with the doll for a couple of weeks, giggling away every time baby did a wee on the potty. By the time we were ready to get the potty out and give it a go Little E knew exactly what she needed to do. The doll comes with 2 nappies too, so if there's an 'accident' and baby doesn't make the potty you can dry one nappy and use one to play. Oh and for those of you that are worrying that this is a boy doll - there are no offensive protrusions for your children to pick up on and start asking awkward questions!
Nature Babycare Pull On Pants
Once Little E knew exactly what the potty was all about we decided to move her on to training nappies. These particular pants are fab - they're 100% chlorine free, made from biodegradable materials and they're 100% GM free - so you needed worry about harsh chemicals or landfill issues.Little E loved the fact that she was wearing pull up pants - I think she felt she was like everyone else. It was quite difficult for her to get used to pulling them up and down at first and we would ofter here "Stuck, Mummy, stuck!" as she attempted it by herself but eventually it got easier. At first Little E wore them as a nappy and I'm happy to say that they kept everything in just like a nappy - the only downside being that as you tear the pants off when changing a dirty nappy, there are no sticky sides to keep everything contained so always make sure you still have nappy bags on hand! Little E also slept in these on a couple of occasions and they did the job.
Princess Potty Training Pants
After a couple of weeks with the training nappies Little E was comfortable with the idea of pulling them up and down herself so we have now moved on to these fabulous princess cotton pants. They are great and Little E seems very comfortable with the elasticated waist and legs. The pants have a 3 layer system with a terry lining in the gusset and below that a waterproof lining.The great thing about this stage is that Little E is learning when she is wet but rather than have the messy clear up that you get with knickers - these keep the wetness inside.
I really love these and the princesses crown design is so adorable. There are lots of other designs too so if you have a boy there's lots of funky designs for them too.
My Carry Potty
Little E see's the carry potty as 'mine' which means she loves to show off using it and essentially boasting to Mister A that it's hers and he can't use it.
Obviously one of the great things about this potty is that you can take it with you on your travels. Whether it's a long car journey or a trip to Grandma's house - your little one will feel comfortable knowing that she's using her special potty from home. It's lightweight, leak-proof and completely bag-free. It's designed with a unique lid that provides a completely watertight seal.
We've only used the potty once so far whilst we've been on the go but I'm pleased to say that it contained all the 'nasties' without any leaks or odours! Fab product!
Green People - Sticky Hand Sanitiser
It's meant for children but it's great for us mums too and if your little one drops thier toy or thier high chair needs a wipe - you can use it there too.
Best bit for us is that we don't have to use the dryers now in the loo - Mister A has really senstive ears and so most trips to the loo leave him in tears as soon as hand drying time arrives. Thanks Green People!
So that's our potty training journey so far. We've had lots of potty sitting, a couple of puddles next to the potty and we've all got clean hands but best of all - no tears yet! Wish us well for potty training success.
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