Monday, 30 July 2012
BritMums #ColourMeInRK Entry
A few weeks ago we were lucky enough to be sent an amazing pen set and huge box of Rice Krispies from BritMums and Kelloggs so that we could take part in the #ColourMeInRK linky.
Mister A is 5 and LOVES colouring so he couldn't wait to get stuck in. He took it all very seriously - even ssssh-ing me at one point when I asked him what he'd like for lunch! He spent a good half an hour perfecting it and here he is with his finished box...
He also wrote a quick thank you too...
 |
| Just in case you can't read it, it says: "Hi, my name is Alex and this is my rice krispies colouring. Thank you for sending me the pen-set - I love it." |
And here's the finished entry for the BritMums #ColourMeInRK competition, sponsored by Kellogg’s.
Thursday, 19 July 2012
Autumn and Winter Maternity Wear
No mother-to-be wants
to spend a fortune on maternity clothes – knowing that they will only be
worn for a few months, and that there will be many other calls on their
purse in preparing for the new arrival. Many
women also feel, after the birth of their baby and a return to a more
svelte shape, that they want to go shopping for a whole new wardrobe. But neither do they see pregnancy as a time when they have to resign themselves to looking boring or frumpy. The 21st
century mum-to-be is proud to display her bump, and doesn’t see why
pregnancy should prevent her from looking stylish and elegant. The solution, of course, is to find maternity clothes that are up-to-the-minute but that are not going to break the bank. There are some great online sites where you can find fashionable but cheap maternity clothes. New
Look have a wide choice of both casual wear and glamorous maxi dresses
for mothers to be, and some great special offers on some of their basic
tops and T-shirts. And there’s not a frumpy design in sight!
Looking ahead to the
fashion trends in maternity wear for the autumn and winter, soft and
luxurious materials promise to be all the rage, with jersey and knitted
dresses offering warmth and stretch to accommodate the growing bump. Big slouchy cardigans worn over stretchy T-shirts or colourful tunics and leggings offer both comfort and style. For
outer wear, padded three-quarter length coats with adjustable panels,
or a maternity duffle coat, will keep you cosy throughout the coldest
winter.
Maternity paisley tie dress from New Look, £22.99
Maternity paisley tie dress from New Look, £22.99
Dresses are knee-length or maxi, with colours being more subdued than this summer’s floral patterns and bright shades. Dark
greys, maroons and tobacco browns complement the more classic and
elegant cut of the autumn dress, with interest created by the detail of
cowl necks or ruched side panels.
The long-sleeved stretchy T-shirt will continue to be the great stand-by for the mum-to-be, worn with chunky sweaters and maternity jeans or a box-pleat skirt for every day, and for evening glamour, dressed up with sparkly leggings and a multi-strand necklace for that special night out.
Monday, 9 July 2012
Refuge Domestic Violence Campaign #Don't Cover It Up
It's a topic that you don't hear a lot about, but one woman in four, experiences domestic violence at some point in her life. Refuge supports over 80,000 women & children each year and unfortunately in 90% of domestic violence incidents children are in the same or next room. They are the silent witnesses. The effect on them can be devastating.
Last week Refuge launched their 'Dont Cover It Up' campaign featuring YouTube sensation Lauren Luke. You can watch it here...
Lauren’s injuries may be fictitious, but domestic violence is a horrifying reality for thousands of women and children up and down the country. Two women are killed by a current or former partner every single week in England and Wales. One woman in four will experience domestic violence at some point in her life. Yet, despite this, domestic violence is still, largely, a hidden crime.
Victims of abuse often feel too afraid or ashamed to speak out and the myth that domestic violence is a private matter, to be dealt with behind closed doors, still persists. Furthermore, some types of domestic violence do not leave physical marks: the effects of emotional, psychological and financial abuse can be severe and long-lasting, even though they may be invisible to the naked eye.
Lauren Luke says: “I was shocked to read that domestic violence affects one in four women and yet it is not something we hear about all the time because I think many women are too afraid or ashamed to speak up about it. The bruising on my face for the video wasn't real but my emotions in that video were because I had a bad experience in the past with a previous boyfriend. He never physically hurt me but I did sometimes fear what would happen next if I said the wrong thing. He could be over-protective and embarrass me in front of my work colleges or friends because of his aggressive behaviour. Sometimes it was like living with a volcano which could erupt at any second - I felt I was walking on egg shells just to keep him from exploding and smashing something across the room. “To open up and be honest about something like this makes us feel weak among our friends and family, but in actual fact there is nothing weak about it. Those who are abusive behind closed doors are the ones who are weak. Back then I knew the whole situation wasn't normal but I didn't know about the help that is out there and that is why I wanted to work with Refuge - to get the message out to anyone who may need help and support that it's time to stop covering it up.”
Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of Refuge, says: “For too long, domestic violence has been allowed to fester in the shadows of our society. Women who are abused often feel too afraid or ashamed to speak out. People frequently turn a blind eye when they know or suspect abuse is taking place, even when the victim is a loved one. This must end. Lauren Luke’s video sends a powerful message: domestic violence is a crime and it must be exposed. If you are being abused, you are not alone. Reach out for support - organisations like Refuge can help you stay safe. If a friend or loved one is being abused, don’t stay silent. Don’t ignore it. Don’t cover it up.”
Victims of abuse often feel too afraid or ashamed to speak out and the myth that domestic violence is a private matter, to be dealt with behind closed doors, still persists. Furthermore, some types of domestic violence do not leave physical marks: the effects of emotional, psychological and financial abuse can be severe and long-lasting, even though they may be invisible to the naked eye.
Lauren Luke says: “I was shocked to read that domestic violence affects one in four women and yet it is not something we hear about all the time because I think many women are too afraid or ashamed to speak up about it. The bruising on my face for the video wasn't real but my emotions in that video were because I had a bad experience in the past with a previous boyfriend. He never physically hurt me but I did sometimes fear what would happen next if I said the wrong thing. He could be over-protective and embarrass me in front of my work colleges or friends because of his aggressive behaviour. Sometimes it was like living with a volcano which could erupt at any second - I felt I was walking on egg shells just to keep him from exploding and smashing something across the room. “To open up and be honest about something like this makes us feel weak among our friends and family, but in actual fact there is nothing weak about it. Those who are abusive behind closed doors are the ones who are weak. Back then I knew the whole situation wasn't normal but I didn't know about the help that is out there and that is why I wanted to work with Refuge - to get the message out to anyone who may need help and support that it's time to stop covering it up.”
Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of Refuge, says: “For too long, domestic violence has been allowed to fester in the shadows of our society. Women who are abused often feel too afraid or ashamed to speak out. People frequently turn a blind eye when they know or suspect abuse is taking place, even when the victim is a loved one. This must end. Lauren Luke’s video sends a powerful message: domestic violence is a crime and it must be exposed. If you are being abused, you are not alone. Reach out for support - organisations like Refuge can help you stay safe. If a friend or loved one is being abused, don’t stay silent. Don’t ignore it. Don’t cover it up.”
Recognising abuse
Domestic violence is caused by an abuser’s desire to gain power and control over their partner. Abusers use a range of different tactics – physical, emotional, sexual, financial – to achieve this.
This list may help you to identify whether you are experiencing domestic violence:
Are you afraid of your partner?
Do you feel isolated?
Does he cut you off from family and friends?
Is he jealous and possessive?
Does he humiliate or insult you?
Does he verbally abuse you?
Does he say you are useless and couldn’t cope without him?
Does he physically hurt you?
Does he shove, slap, punch or kick you?
Has he threatened to hurt you or people close to you?
Does he constantly criticise you?
Does he have sudden changes of mood which dominate the household?
Is he charming one minute and abusive the next? Like Dr Jekyll / Mr Hyde?
Does he control your money?
Do you change your behaviour to avoid triggering an attack?
Are you unsure of your own judgement?
Does he damage your possessions?
Does he smash up the furniture?
Does he threaten to harm or kill the pets?
Does he threaten to kidnap or get custody of the children?
Does he drive fast because he knows it scares you?
Does he lock you out of the house during an argument?
Does he tell you what to wear or how to do your hair?
Domestic violence takes many different forms.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse is the most recognisable form of abuse. It can range from a slap or shove to a black eye, cut lip, or broken bone. In the most extreme cases it can result in death. Physical abuse doesn’t always leave visible marks or scars. Having your hair pulled or an egg thrown at you is domestic violence too. Don’t underestimate what is happening to you. Over time the violence usually gets worse.
Emotional abuse
Many women experience domestic violence without ever being physically abused. Sometimes they’re not sure if what is happening to them is domestic violence. They worry that no-one will take them seriously if they talk about it. If you alter your behaviour because you are frightened of how your partner will react, you are being abused. Emotional abuse is an attack on your personality rather than your body. Emotional abuse can be just as harmful as physical abuse. It often leads to physical violence over time.
Sexual abuse
Your partner should not use force or threats to make you have sex. He should not make you perform sexual acts with which you are uncomfortable. He should not criticise your performance. If he does any of the above, he is using sex to assert his authority and control you.
Financial abuse
One of the most powerful ways a man can control his partner is by using financial abuse. There are many different forms of financial abuse, but it might include things like your partner taking your money; stopping you from working; placing all the bills or debts in your name; or monitoring how you spend money and other financial resources e.g. the telephone. If you feel that your partner is limiting your financial independence, you are experiencing financial abuse. Find out more about financial abuse.
If you are experiencing any of abuse featured above then please, please call the
0808 2000 247
or vist the Get Help Now section on the refuge website.
In additoin Refuge in partnership with Red magazine are also trying to gain 100,000 signatures for thier Speak Up, Save A Life campaign. The aim of the campaign is to call for a minimum number of IDVAs to support women in every area of the UK, working alongside the police and other agencies, with the aim of preventing domestic violence and saving lives. Please sign up, speak up and save a life now...
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
WIN An Ariel Celebration Pack
Well, have I got a fabulous prize for you guys...
P&G have been in touch, with some faboulous news. One of thier amazing products - Ariel Powder - has been awarded 'Best Buy' status from independent consumer magazine Which? for the third time!
The Which? Best Buy status is awarded to products and services which have satisfied specific criteria based on the results of rigorous comparative tests and analysis. In this month’s consumer product review, Which? Praised Ariel Powder for its performance on drink stains and food spills such as mustard and tomato pureé, as well as grass, mud and greasy make up - Ariel offers brilliant cleaning results you can see, feel and smell.
To share the love P&G are offering one of you lucky readers a celebration pack containing all the essentials you need to host the perfect get together consisting of:
- £25 John Lewis Voucher
- £25 Interflora voucher
- Dance Party 2012 CD & DVD
- Disposable Camera
- Bubbles
- Party blowers
- Confetti
To enter just use the Rafflecopter entry form below. There are many ways to enter but you must comment below telling me What three top party tunes would you have played at your ‘Ariel Celebration Party’? to be eligable to win.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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