Second Time Mummy

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 21^st 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.

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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.”

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 Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline (Run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge) on..

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...

Sign the petition 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

They’ll also be sending a pack of the prize winning Ariel Powder to make sure your party dress is looking brilliantly clean.

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.

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Saturday, 30 June 2012

Review: Britax TRIFIX Car Seat

Back in April we were approched by Britax who were launching their latest car seat - the Britax TRIFIX. Dubbed "the safest and most beautifully engineered Group 1 car seat", it sounded fab and after taking a peek at it on the Britax website I was impressed by all of it's safety claims - not to mention it's modern look and sleek lines.

I wrote back immediately to confirm that we would LOVE to road-test the TRIFIX -and that is what we have been doing for the past 3 months.

3 months, I feel is a long enough time to really get to grips with a carseat and it gives you enough time to pick up on any annoyances that in a couple of weeks might not necessarily come to light.

Here's my full and frank review...

The Arrival and Fitting

Well to be honest car seat fitting is not my speciality so Chris took charge of "putting it in". Our car is a 54 plate Meriva and we had checked beforehand that the car seat was compatible with our particular car.
After thoroughly reading the instructions he got to work.

After locating the iso-fix bars between the seat cushions, Chris lined up the car seat arm hooks. At first he really struggled and we're not sure what was at fault (the car, the human or the seat) but he only seemed to be able to lock one of the iso-fix hooks rather than both hooks at the same time. As he hooked one on in the other hook would retract. This went on for about 10 very frustrating minutes before he eventually managed to fix both together.

It's important to note that the TRIFIX cannot be fitted using the cars three point seatbelt. In fact, research shows that only 30% of car seats installed using an adult seat belt are installed correctly, compared to 96% when using the iso-fix system.

The V-Tether system (shown left) was relatively easy to setup. One of the good things about this seat is that it has 2 special indicators - (1) to show that the iso-fix arm hooks are properly engaged and (2) to show that the V-Tether is pulled tight.

It took Chris about 25 minutes in total to fit the seat and ensure that it was all safely fitted.

Second Time Mummy Top Tip: It is a lot easier to fit a child's car seat when both front seats of the vehicle are as far forward as they will go. It allows the fitter maximum room to move and adjust the child seat in the back of the car.

The Sitting Test

Prior to fitting the seat, we had Little E sit in it in the hall so that we could adjust the headrest and the harness to the correct height.

A correctly adjusted headrest ensures optimal protection for your child in the safety seat and should be adjusted so that the shoulder straps are at the same level as your child's shoulders or slightly above.

The seat is clearly comfortable - it has deep softly padded side cushions which are incorporated with uniquely designed SI-PADS. These SI-PADs are made of special energy adsorbing material which will protect your child from any side impact collisions by moving them away from the accident.

The Strap Test

Straps are key for me when choosing a car seat. I want my child to be safe and secure but comfortable at the same time. The straps on the TRIFIX were a real standout for me in comparison to previous car seats we have used. The TRIFIX has special 'perfomance chest pads' (see left) incorporated into the five-point safety harness - meaning, if an accident where to occur these pads will absorb forces felt by your child and further reduce forward movement.

The straps, with thier flexbile high-density foam padding, allow your child to be tightly strapped in to the seat without cutting in to them or feeling too tight and uncomfortable.

The Fastening Test

It's all very well having a comfy seat but if it's a nightmare getting your kids in and out then there's a big problem. One of my favourite features of the TRIFIX is that the main buckle remains permanantly upright saving me a lot of "fishing under bum time."

My ultimate fear though is catching Little E's skin in the buckle and the TRIFIX doesn't solve this issue. If I could change the design in any way it would be to add some kind of leg protector to prevent any nasty accidents.

The Sleeping Test

There are multiple reclining positions available for when your little one is sleeping and I am pleased to say that you can adjust the position easily using the front lever - without it even waking your little one!

We did still get a case of "drooping head" but I felt that Little E was a lot more supported than in her previous seat. The head rest is well padded and snug. In the past 3 months the TRIFIX has seen a lot of snoring from my little girl so I guess that's a pass.

The Cleaning Test

Great news.. you can remove AND wash the cover! There are full instructions provided but basically you just slide off the headrest cover and then the main seat cover comes off easily. Both covers can be safely washed at 30 degrees. The only part you cant wash is the shoulder pads as they are permanently attached to the harness.

Finally, huge tick for Britax for realising the plus points of having a removable main buckle. This has been one of my major frustrations over the years when cleaning - you always get loads of crumbs and dust gathering in the nooks and crannies that is impossible to remove because of the buckle. You can never do a proper clean - not anymore! Hooray!

The Fashionability Test
The TRIFIX is currently available in 8 colours. The design is fabulously sleek and I've had a couple of "Oooh what's that car seat?" queries whilst chatting to mums in the nursery car park. It looks stunning and I only wish I could ride around in one!

Specifications

ISOFIX+ – superior ISOFIX system allows direct connection to the car’s ISOFIX and Top Tether anchorage points
V-Tether – superior top tether system which intelligently absorbs energy in proportion to the accident
SI-Pad Technology provides Superior Side Impact Protection
Top tether provides a third anchorage point, limiting the rotational movement of the seat
Deep, softly padded side wings provide Optimum Side Impact Protection
Side Impact Protection
Performance chest pads reduce your child’s forward movement in the event of an impact
5-point safety harness with one-pull adjustment
Height-adjustable headrest and harness with easy single-handed adjustment, prevents rethread errors
Indicators confirm the ISOFIX hooks are engaged
Indicator confirms the top tether has been correctly installed
ISOFIX connector release – releases easily from the front
SOFIX insertion guides – for easy installation and protection of car interior
ISOFIX arms retract for easy storage
Multiple recline positions – adjusts without disturbing your child
Quick-remove cover without interfering with the harness
Softly padded cover can be removed for washing
Harness retainers make it easy to get your child in and out of the seat
Buckle stays in forward position to make it easy to put your child in the seat
Installation with ISOFIX

What Do Britax Say?

Mark Bennett, Britax’s Car Seat Safety expert remarks, ‘We are incredibly proud to be launching our safest Group 1 car seat. The advanced safety technologies form part of what Britax call 360 degrees protection – our commitment to keeping children safe from every possible angle of impact. We will continue to strive to develop and enhance all our seats to ensure peace of mind for all parents who choose Britax and optimal safety for their children.

The original ISOFIX (which connects child car seats rigidly to the vehicle chassis) now an international standard for child seats in vehicles, was born by Britax in co-operation with VW in 1997 to combat the problems of poorly fitted car seats and improve child safety. Now, with the advent of ISOFIX + technologies used in the TRIFIX seat, parents can have the ultimate peace of mind knowing their child could not be any safer.

As well as being Britax’s safest child car seat for this age category, TRIFIX is simple to use. The ISOFIX system anchors the seat directly to the car’s ISOFIX connection points, while the V-Tether clicks into the third anchorage point in the rear of the car. Special indicators show parents that the ISOFIX catch arm hooks are properly engaged and that the V-Tether is pulled tight.In addition to this, there are some more practical, parent friendly enhancements; the seat cover is quick and easy to remove and wash, the buckle stays in the forward position so it is easy to sit your child in the seat, there are multiple recline positions for when your little one is sleeping and the ISOFIX arms retract neatly for easy storage.

The Verdict

After 3 months with the TRIFIX we absolutely love it. It gives us piece of mind with all it's safety fetures, it looks great and Little E finds it comfortable enough to snooze in. Retailing at £319.99 I would have completely dimissed this seat as being out of budget but given that it can be used for 3 years - that works out at less than £10 per month over that time frame. Well worth it if you've got the money to spend up front. We think it's great and we're recommending it to all of you.

The TRIFIX seat is suitable from 9 months to 4 years (or 9-18kgs) and retails at £319.99.

Secontimemummy.com recieved a Britax TRIFAX carseat in order to post this review. However, this is not a sponsored post and all views are my own.

Monday, 18 June 2012

Olympic Meme

Ooooh - I just got tagged by Kate over at Another Goldfish in her 2012 Olympic meme. It involves me answering 9 Olympic related questions (originally started by Lou from Bloggomy) so here goes...

1. If every day tasks were Olympic events what would you get a gold medal in?
Hmmm, washing without ironing (where possible). I'm sure you all do it - but if I put a clothing wash on, I hover nervously around the machine until the door clicks open and drag the clothes out as fast as I possibly can to avoid creases - if you hang them/tumble them in time then no iron is required. It's a fine art!

2. As a child (or now even) did you excel at a particular sport and if so which one?
Er... no... not unless the sack race is a world recognised sport! In fact I was probably the worst in my year at any kind of track event - I remember my PE teacher saying I had a good arm for javelin once but that was a one off lesson! Maybe I could have made it if me and my arm had been nurtured.

3. Michael Phelps (swimmer) or Michael Johnson (runner) – which sport appeals to you more? Ooooh tough one, swimming is fun and the spinny thing they do in the water to turn (my knowledge of swimming as a sport is immense - can't you tell) has always fascinated me but for me it has to be track events. When I was about 10 years old one of my favourite things to do was run as fast as I could for 10 seconds and pretend I was winning the 100m. i love watching runners and I love the nervous feeling I get when Im watching the relay - eeek - dont drop the baton!!

4. How fast can you get out of bed and ready to go out the door if miss the alarm and sleep in?
Unfortunately this is becoming a regular thing - but I can be out within 13 minutes provided the 'non-iron' event in question 1 has worked and I don't have a non-iron failure.

5. What fantasy sport would you like to see made into an Olympic event?
Oooh - getting the kids up and dressed in the morning - I train every day for this event - Im ready to win gold!

6. Claim to fame time – Have you ever met an Olympian and who was it?
Hmmm, I saw Kriss Akabusi once at Manchester Airport in 1999 - does that count?

7. What event in past Olympics can you remember most vividly?
Barcelona!

I'm pretty sure I watched the whole of the Barcelona 1992 Olympics - I was 10, I'd race home from school and turn the TV on. I remember Sally Gunnell being my ultimate heroine when she won Gold in the hurdles and then she and the GBR team won bronze in the 4x400m relay. The men won bronze too - cue huge crush on Roger Black! Kriss Akabussi (my mate from the airport) won bronze in the hurdles and Linford Christie - well he won gold in the 100m!! Oooh and Chris Boardman won gold with that strange pointy helmet and Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pincent won the rowing. Amazing - I don't think we've ever done that well since!

8. Tuning in at home, not for me or tickets clamped ready in sweaty palms?
At home at the moment - living so far from the big smoke meant we couldn't afford it. I did try and get tickets but missed out (lucky really considering I proabbly wouldn't have been able to pay the mortgage if Id been successful!)

9. Who do you think most deserves a gold medal (any walk of life not just Olympians)?
Parents - because we all have it tough and we plod on no matter how bad life gets. No matter how we feel we keep calm and carry on- because we know that our little people need us.

Now it's time to pass the Olympic torch on to another five bloggers:
(which I will do tomorrow because it's sooooooo late)

Night night x

Wednesday, 6 June 2012

WIN A Fathers Day Gift with Merci Maman

If you are looking for some amazing personalised gifts then look no further than Merci Maman. I've been checking them out for Father's Day gifts and I'm really impressed. I find it really difficult to buy great presents and always try and opt for something a little bit different.

Check out some of thier fantastic gifts...

There are some stunning pieces and we are lucky enough to give you the chance to win this fab engraved Men's Personalised Open Disc Bracelet. You can enter by using the Rafflecopter entry form below.

Merci Maman are taking orders for Father's Day orders until wednesday 13th June (for first class delivery) or until friday 15th for Next day delivery.

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Friday, 1 June 2012

The London 2012 Olympic Flame Relay: Burscough

Last night I felt an overwhelming sense of community spirit as everyone on our street came outside to put up their bunting up in anticipation of today's special arrival - The Olympic Flame.

We feel so honoured to live on the torch route and this morning the flame came right past our house carried by Dan O'Hara (pictured).