Monday, 20 December 2010
Christmas Crumble
It's less than a week until Christmas Day. My house is a mess.
The only food I've bought is a turkey crown and a tin of Quality Street. The only chocolates left in the Quality Street tin are toffee pennies and golden finger thing-a-me bobs (the one's I don't really like but I'll eat anyway come January when there's no other sweet things in the house because I'm supposed to be dieting).
The snow came, it's still here - too soft to build snowmen but too hard to crumble to allow the car off the drive (see there was a crumble in here after all!)
I'm cold and I can only find one glove.
Half the Christmas presents are lost in the post somewhere, the other half have been 'seen' by Mister A - my fault for putting them all in a big box somewhere I thought he couldn't get to!
I forgot to put the bin out so it's still full and now there's nowhere for all our Christmas 'mess' to go.
I have to cook on Christmas Day and I can't even have a glass of wine whilst I'm doing it (bloody medication).
On top of all that, I know that as soon as Christmas is done with I'll be 6 weeks off going back to work.
Sunday, 19 December 2010
Friday, 17 December 2010
This time last year...
As I sit here typing, it's hard to believe that this time last year, there were only 3 of us. December 17th 2009, exactly one year ago today, was the day those 2 pink lines appeared on the pregnancy test - the day we found out 3 would become 4, the day that I found out that I was going to be a 'Second Time Mummy'.
It feels like we've been a family forever. So much has happened since that exciting day - we've had highs and lows - but 2010 has been a fabulous year and I feel so happy to be blessed with such a wonderful family.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
WIN A Kellogg's Hamper
Mister A and I are very much looking forward to our trip to the Kellogg's factory in January, we'll get to find out all about how cereal is made and I'll finally get to meet some fellow Northern bloggers! I can't wait! Hooray for non-London events!
I'm sure you don't really care about that though! You're probably just here for the giveaway so here goes...
Find more prizes at ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions. Loquax Competitions
Review: The Babymule Changing Bag
I fell completely in love with the Baymule bag the minute I saw it at the Baby Show, in fact I loved it so much so that I actually contacted Babymule to ASK THEM if I could review it. I've been using it for over a month now and I'm pleased to say it hasn't let me down.
This bag is like a Mary Poppins bag - it's never ending - it's magical! First of all let me tell you how the bag itself works - it's unique in the fact that it can be used as a rucksak, as a messenger bag or you can even just use the clips to attach it directly to the pram.
If you're wondering what happens to the rucksack straps when your using it as a messenger bag then let me tell you - the Babymule has special little pockets where they get tucked safely away. It's amazing!
I love using it with the pram clips because I can attach it directly to the Quinny. My old changing bag just has a strap and when I put it over the handles of the Quinny it just slips right down over Little E's legs. This bag with it's special clips, keep the bag exactly where I want it.
You might think that being so great in the 'transformer' stakes that you may have to compromise on space but that's not the case either, this bag is a bit like the Tardis - there are zips everywhere! Because there are lots of compartments, it did take me a bit of getting used to - at first I couldn't remember where Id put things - but thats not the bags fault - that's just baby brain!
The one thing I will say about it is - make sure you always fully close the zips. I went from messenger bag to rucksack mode and had left one of the zips partly open and my camera came flying out the side and on to the floor.
All in all this is one of the best changing bags I have ever come across and it's got everything you might need included...
All in all this is one of the best changing bags I have ever come across and it's got everything you might need included...
My favourite thing is the changing pouch that it comes with, you put a couple of nappies and your wipes in there and then you can just grab and go when there's a nappy 'emergency' without having to take the whole bag.
Everything about this bag is fabulous and I can highly recommend it to you all!
---
Babymule is the first ever truly interchangeable baby changing bag
(rucksack and messenger in one), with hideaway buggy clips for complete
freedom.
Babymule also features:
- 22 litre capacity rucksack
- 2 main compartments
- Structured storage areas within the bag
- Security zippered pockets inside
- External pockets for quick access
- Handy grab handles
- Water resistant fabric
- Bright contrast lining
- Designed for use by men or women
- Changing pouch for nappies and wipes
- Padded wipe clean mat
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Review: Front Cover Wide-Eyed (a party season must-have!)
I was so excited when this Front Cover Set arrived because I love the 'smoky eye' look but I sometimes struggle to know how to get it right. This set provides full 'equipment' to get yourself 4 different looks along with step by step instructions from a professional make up artist to help you along the way. Don't worry, it looks complicated when you see the box but it is so easy and the results are stunning - even if I do say so myself! All these pics are of me, well.. my eye - they are not PR shots.
The 4 looks that you get in the box...
Colourful
This is the one that surprised me the most because when I saw the colours, I immediately thought that it wouldn't suit me, but I actually think that it looks really good. I never in a million years would have even thought to buy these colours separately never mind put them together - but they really work.
Daytime
I don't do 'day eye shadow' because I can never usually make it look subtle. This is perfect - a sweep of vintage peach and a line of coffee liqueur is all it takes to brighten eyes for a perfect day time eye.
In A Blink
By far the easiest of all 4 looks is this one. You just use the 2 chunky pencils along with the black kohl and it takes seconds to create quite a powerful smoky eye.
Almond Eye
Finally, this is me rocking the 'Almond Eye' on Friday night (apologies for the red eye!) In the excitement of actually leaving the house without children I forgot to take a close up of the make up but I'm sure you get the gist by now!
In short, if you love smoky eyes but you're crap at doing them then buy this set. It's really easy to use, it has everything you need to complete each look and there are simple instructions to follow for each look... If I can do it then so can you and it only takes a few minutes!
You HAVE to get one of these if you are going out over Christmas. This set is only £22 and when you think of how much all of this stuff would cost to buy individually then it's a really great deal (and I happen to know that these are part of Boot's 3 for 2 offers over Christmas). GO, GO, GO!
-----
In short, if you love smoky eyes but you're crap at doing them then buy this set. It's really easy to use, it has everything you need to complete each look and there are simple instructions to follow for each look... If I can do it then so can you and it only takes a few minutes!
You HAVE to get one of these if you are going out over Christmas. This set is only £22 and when you think of how much all of this stuff would cost to buy individually then it's a really great deal (and I happen to know that these are part of Boot's 3 for 2 offers over Christmas). GO, GO, GO!
If these looks aren't really for you though, then take a look at some of Front Cover's other sets - there are plenty to choose from and I'm sure they're just as fab.
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Oooh look what I just found
First of all I think I should say that this is NOT a sponsored post. I have been known to share sites in return for 'lovelies' but this is not one of those!
I just thought that being the kind soul that I am, I'd share this site with you. (I came across it on my hunt to win an iPad!) Whilst I was there I realised that it was actually a really good place to shop - especially for mums on a budget.
It looks like they host short term 3/4 day offers on branded items - at the moment they've got Women's Reebok running trainers for only £15.00, some gorgeous converse sportswear, Uggs (not really me but I know some of you love them!) and lots of others.
Well worth a look - if only to try and win the iPad!
Oh nearly forgot to tell you the site! Its www.labelsneak.com xx
Monday, 13 December 2010
50 Year Old Man Gets A Letter Inviting Him For A Baby Scan!
I have to say, when I read last week that a 50-year-old man from Birmingham had been sent a letter inviting him to attend a scan to assess the progress of his pregnancy, it did make me chuckle.
He was told to go to the Norwich Hospital for an ultrasound scan with a full bladder and was also told that "sometimes it can show twins".
The gentlemen in question, Mr Plettel, said: "I was absolutely flabbergasted. It just came out of the blue. I have seen the funny side of it and all my mates are enjoying ribbing me about it. The letter had my correct name, date of birth and National Insurance number so I knew it was genuine and it turns out to be a genuine mistake."
He added: "The ribbing has been coming thick and fast. When I walk through the door of my snooker club, I get 'Ooh mother and baby coming through'.
Apparently Mr Plettel doesn't even live in the area any more, and it was an error that arose after he was treated for kidney stones at the hospital 20 years ago!!
Nothing that the NHS do these days surprises me. The doctors and nurses do a great job - most of the time - but my faith in the system after everything that has happened to me this year is plummeting by the day.
Tried & Tested: Great Family Gifts
Sodastream (RRP £54.99)
SodaStream, the nation’s favourite sparkling drinksmaker relaunched earlier this year and is set to be the most sought after gift this Christmas.
The new SodaStream comes in a range of stylish designs and colours and is the ultimate gift for kids and adults alike, making your own pop is festive fun for the whole family and the perfect way to add some extra sparkle to Christmas holidays and New Year parties.
What our reviewer said...
"I have always wanted a Sodastream ever since I was a kid so reviewing this was like dream come true. Embarrassingly, I always thought you had to plug a Sodastream in so I when I saw there was no plug I thought it was damaged - silly me! We had great fun making our own drinks and they tasted good too.
I was a bit concerned that all of the drinks would be full of sugar but as well as some classic old school flavours like Cream Soda and Dandelion and Burdock there are also some sugar-free varieties too. What a great family gift idea."
Salter Customisable MyScale (RRP £30.00)
A great gift for foodies looking for the latest in kitchen scales. The Aquatronic™ measurement system ensures accurate weighing of both liquids and dry ingredients. The removable top cover allows you to get creative and insert a picture or design of your own or if you can use the selection of interchangeable designs that come with the scale.
What our reviewer said...
"This will probably sound ridiculous but we actually have these scales hanging on our kitchen wall. We've put our own picture in it and now it's on the wall we always know where the scales are! (There's a website where you can go and create your own designs and print them off). This is a fab product and I'm so glad we got to review it. It has a build in clock, an easy wash top, but critically you can 'zero' the scales when you've got a bowl on it and to make things easier for me you can switch between imperial and metric measurements. As a family, we love to bake and the kids think it's hilarious that their picture is on the 'weigher'. Now they keep asking if they bake all the time! ' I think its brill and I may even buy my sister one for Christmas - sssh don't tell her!"
Disney Sing It: Family Hits
and Disney Sing It: Party Hits
Disney Sing It: Family Hits features beloved songs and videos for the whole family to sing along with from popular all-time classic Disney films including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book as well as contemporary favourites from films like The Princess and the Frog, The Lion King, Aladdin, Cars and more.
Disney Sing It: Party Hits features songs and music videos from today's top artists including Justin Bieber, Black Eyed Peas, Jonas Brothers, Jordin Sparks, Owl City, Paramore, Selena Gomez, Ashley Tisdale, Kelly Clarkson, One Republic and many more. In addition, Demi Lovato, assists players by providing various ways to be a better performer. This will include basic exercises from breathing and pitch, to more advanced exercises such as learning how to harmonize in a duet.
Both available on Sony Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii
What our reviewer said:
"We love Sing It games in our house and these are brilliant. It's a great way to get the kids singing. It's family karaoke and because they are all well known Disney tracks everyone can join in (no excuses!) We pitted adults against the kids for a Sing It battle. I thought we had in in the bag on 'The Bear Necessities' but the kids won! We're off to a party New Years Eve and these are coming with us. The family hits are are great if you have younger children and if your kids are more Camp Rock 2 and you like a bit of the Black Eyed Peas then you might want to try the Party Hits. Either way there'll be fun all around. Fantastic!!"
Sunday, 12 December 2010
WIN A Christmas Snowman with Babywear Brands
To tell you a bit about them, Babywear Brands are a fab online store stocking everything you might need for your baby - whether you're after self-warming bottles, toys, maternity wear, baby clothes, gifts - anything really - they sell it all.
As it's Christmas, the season of goodwill, Babywear Brands have given me this cute little snowman to giveaway to one of you lucky peaople.
All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer the question below...
(CLUE You'll find the answer over on the Babywear Brands Blog)
*Followers of the Babywear Brands blog will receive an additional entry*You can also 'like' Babywear Brands on Facebook for lots more giveaways.
Prizedraw closes at midnight on Friday 17th December 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all of the correct entries.
Find more prizes at ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions. Loquax Competitions
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Christmas Maternity Wear from only £6.00!
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| Black Cross Over Maxi Dress £30.00 |
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| Corsage Mesh Dress £35.00 |
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| French Connection @ ASOS Sequinned Vest Dress NOW £45.50 |
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| Mama.Licious @ ASOS Franca Woven Dress NOW £22.00 |
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| Mamas and Papas Necklace Top NOW £18.00 |
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| Mamas and Papas Silk Prom Dress NOW £30.00 |
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| Mamas and Papas Rose Print Top NOW £12.00 |
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| Tie Back Dress NOW £10.00 |
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| Lace Trim Dress £21.99 |
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| George Sequinned Vest Top NOW £6.25 |
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| George Lace Maternity Dress NOW £8.00 |
Friday, 10 December 2010
Little Donkey
Thursday, 9 December 2010
What To Do If Your Baby Has A Cold
Steam
One of the easiest things to do for your baby is sit with them in a steamy room. Run yourself a hot bath and sit with your little one in the bathroom for quarter of an hour and let her inhale the moist air. It should help
loosen any congestion and may help if she has sore throat. Proper humidification is
important for children since because they have smaller nostrils and therefore they get bunged up more easily.
If that all sounds too much like hard work then you can actually buy a humidifier like this one from Vicks.
They can help to
reduce the survival of flu viruses and ease conditions such as a dry nose,
throat, eyes and skin discomfort.
Use Saline Nose Drops I discovered Saline nose drops when Mister A was a baby. It's about the only thing that your doctor can give you to help with the snuffles. Now that the NHS Minor Ailments scheme is in place you can just pop to your local participating chemist and pick these up from them. We're always nipping in to our local chemist for Calpol and the likes - it's free - and you don't have to waste time trying to book an appointment with the doctor.
Rest
Make sure your little one gets plenty of rest - don't over exert them and let them sleep for longer if necessary. If your baby is drowsy and un-alert though, then seek medical help immediately. Always make sure that your baby is at a comfortable temperature. It can be tempting to add an extra blanket when they are unwell but that can do more harm than good.
Prop Up The Mattress
Mister A was forever getting a cold when he was a baby and we found that putting a couple of towels under the head of his mattress really helped him with his little nose during the night.
Hydration
Make sure your baby gets plenty of fluid - for young babies that's just breast milk or formula but once you baby gets to 4 months you can give them a little cooled boiled water if needed.
Cuddles
As usual the best medicine for making your little one feel better is plenty of cuddles and TLC and hopefully your little one will be back to her normal self in a matter of days. x
Tried & Tested: Stocking Fillers For All The Family
Keeping socks on babies feet is no simple task. Little kick, tug at the toes and they're off! Sock Ons are clever little things that keep those socks on. The garment is worn over the sock and 'locks' it into place with a patent pending design. Sock Ons are an ingenious and trendy solution to a very annoying problem and are quickly becoming a necessary item that no baby (or sane parent) can do without!
"What a clever invention. When I had my first baby I was forever losing socks and I'd be tearing my hair out every time I had to bin one odd sock. This time around things are a lot easier now I have these sock ons. You just pop them over the socks and ta-da the socks stay on. How has no one thought of this sooner!? I also use them over my little ones tights. Brilliant - a must have."
Dribble Ons
Dribble Ons bandana dribble bibs have just arrived and are about to take the baby world by storm! They provide a stylish and clever solution for babies who constantly dribble. Made of a soft combination of stretch cotton and terry toweling which absorbs the moisture whist at the same time being comfortable and cute to wear. Available in 5 plain colours: Baby Pink, Fuchsia, Baby Blue, Navy and White, complimenting the Sock Ons range.
What our reviewer said:
"A much more fashionable version of the bib. Perfect for my little one who's currently teething and constantly dribbling away. I was using a bib to catch the mess but I hated the way she looked 'untidy'! Now she can wear the dribble on and it looks like it's part of her outfit. A lovely idea, I need more!"
Born Free
Twist N'Pop Straw Cup
The BornFree Twist N'Pop Straw Drinking Cup features a hygenic pop-up straw mechanism for comfortable mess free drinking. Body interchangeable with BornFree® bottles and cups. Suitable for 12+ months.
What our reviewer said...
"What a fabulous cup. The first think I checked when it arrived was that it was BPA free and it was - yay! I particularly like that they are coloured giving my little girl the impression that there's juice in there! She loved drinking from a big girls cup. It twists closed and more importantly it doesn't leak. A fab little stocking filler. "
Me To You Tatty Teddy
Luxury Chocolate Assortment (RRP £4.99)
Is there a ‘Tatty Teddy’ fan in your life? If so, this is a great little Christmas gift idea – the brand new Me to You Luxury Chocolate Assortment. Each 200g box contains a selection of milk, dark and white luxury chocolates with a choice of luscious fillings including coffee mousse, chocolate truffle and strawberry parfait.
What our reviewer said:
"Yum yum yum. What more can I say? These were absolutely delicious, a mix of dark, milk and white chocolates - my favourite was the strawberry. I just wish there were more of them!"
Radox Gift Sets
What our reviewer said...
"What a lovely little stocking filler for only a couple of pounds. A real bit of luxury for a bargain price. I loved the ladies set and my other half seems to be showering more since he got special 'mens' toiletries! I can definitely recommend these as ideal Christmas gifts and they smell divine too."
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