Win A Beautiful Range Cooker With Iconic Kitchen Brand Rangemaster

When I was younger my grandparents had a farm and in the farmhouse was a beautiful Range Cooker.  It was the heart of the kitchen.  I have fond memories of seeing my mum and my Mamgu (Grandmother in Welsh) stood by the Range Cooker making delicious food.  As well as feeding the family, using the range cooker they made tasty food to feed the hungry workers who had been working hard all day on the farm.

Eyes - See It, Snap It, Love It.

Eye spy with my little eye something beginning with E.........

Eye!!

This bronze eye is for the lovely Dear Beautiful Boy's weekly photography challenge - See It, Snap It, Love It with this week's theme obviously being Eyes.

Cloth Nappy World Record Attempt

I have been meaning to write this for a few days now but haven’t managed to get around to doing so until now.  As I mentioned last week I planned on attending a Great Diaper Change venue last Saturday to participate in the World Record Attempt of the most cloth nappies changed simultaneously across the globe.  I managed to get along to my nearest location hosting this event and had a great time.

My mum had the day off work so we decided to make a day of it and have a look around the shops in the day before going to the event at around 4.30pm in time for the change at 5pm.  My sister moved away last year, she didn’t moved terribly far but far enough that I don’t get to see her as much as I used to so she decided to pop down from her house about 20 minutes away from the location of this event to meet up with us for the afternoon.  We had a lovely day and it was great to spend some time together and for Tristan to see his Aunty Boo.

Whilst we were in town I visited Nappy Go Lucky, Bum Deal Nappies and the council who had a stall which they had set up in the town during the day to promote cloth nappies.  The stall looked lovely and colourful with gorgeous cloth nappies hanging attractively at the front of the stall with pink and purple balloons adorning the stall too.  They seemed to be quite busy at the stall, talking to lots of people about cloth nappies including lots of people from the older generation who were reminiscing about how nappies were in their day and how fabulous the nappies are nowadays.

After a lovely afternoon it was time to head over to the location ready for the event.  As time was getting on I went to the location by myself with Tristan leaving my sister and mum trying on clothes in Monsoon.  When I arrived there were already a few parents outside waiting to go inside and as we waited more and more people started arriving and it started to look like we would definitely have the 25 babies needed for the world record attempting change.

Once they were ready inside we queued up to enter and on our way in we had to sign a consent form allowing pictures to be taken and the first 25 babies were given a goody bag and number.  Inside the goody bag was some reusable wipes and nappy booster from Bum Deal Nappies, a pack of Bambino Mio disposable liners and a sample of Sheepish Grins wipes solution provided by Nappy Go Lucky as well as some leaflets.  They had provided food and drink for little ones and there was a good selection of snacks to satisfy their hunger.  The room was rather small and as more people entered, most of us with pushchairs and buggies it got more crowded and a tad hectic.

As I was sat there with Tristan talking to the other parents my sister popped in to say goodbye as she was heading home and mum said she would be back in a bit as she was taking her shopping bags back to the car.  With about 15 minutes to spare it looked like we would be short of a few babies and not have the 25 needed at every location.  Ella from Bum Deal Nappies took to the street looking for parents with babies willing to take part.  The rules of the change meant that parents who currently used disposable nappies could take part as long as the baby was changed from a disposable or cloth nappy into a cloth nappy, Bum Deal had nappies on hand for this.  By allowing disposable nappies to be changed from into cloth nappies it was also a way of promoting cloth nappies and introducing parents to cloth nappies.

In the midst of the panic at not having enough numbers those of us who were ready to take part once it was 5pm got ready in the designated area and found a place on the floor to change our little ones.  I was sat next to a woman from the council who was going to change another woman’s little baby girl as the mum was one of the adjudicators for the event.  The little baby girl was not very happy, as she was crying the woman was trying to comfort her and then all of a sudden the little baby was sick.  Sick all over me sat next to her.  The poor woman who was trying to comfort her was apologising profusely saying sorry she’s not even my baby, so sorry.  I just laughed it off and like I told her it’s not like it’s the first time a baby has been sick all over me and I’m sure it won’t be the last time.

Luckily a few more people with babies turned up and we only needed 2 more, and then Ella found a lovely lady who had two little ones in nappies who said she would take part but she was by herself and they need someone else to change one of her children.  It was in the midst of this hectic-ness and me having sick all over me that my mum walked in.  Even before I realised that my mum was back she had been asked to help out and had agreed to change a baby’s nappy.  With time to spare my mum and the lady with 2 little ones sat next to me with the woman’s babies.  The woman who had agreed to take part so we had enough people and who was happy for mum to change her son was a tad overwhelmed by it all, telling us that Ella had come up to her on the street and explained what was happening and pleaded for her to help out.  As a disposable nappy user the woman didn’t know about cloth nappies and was provided with some from Bum Deal nappies for the change.  Her son who my mum was changing was fast asleep and my mum was dreading that he would wake up mid-change and not know who she was but surprisingly he peacefully slept through the whole thing.

At 5pm exactly we were told to change our little ones nappies and everyone had their heads down, getting on with the job.  Nappies changed, with clean, gorgeous fluff on all the babies’ bums we had done our attempt at being a part of the World Record for the most cloth nappies changed simultaneously across the globe. 

After the change they held a raffle and I was lucky and my number was picked and I got to pick from a selection of nappies and accessories and I choose a Rumparoo one size as I’ve never tried that brand before.  After talking to a few people as Tristan was very tired I said my good-byes to Ella from Bum Deal and picked up my order from her which she had kindly brought along with her to save on postage.

It was great fun and brilliant to see an event like this happening around my way as living where we do in the Countryside it’s very rare that events happen and I usually miss out on things that usually only happen in the big cities.  It was fabulous to see cloth bums and cloth nappies being promoted. 

Asda's Baby and Toddler Event

I mentioned the other day about Asda’s Baby and Toddler Event in my post about their new initiative in association with the charity Tommy’s to provide women who are trying to conceive and pregnant women free folic acid.  Their baby and toddler event started on Monday the 23^rd of April and the in-store event runs for two weeks.  There are lots of offers and discounts to be had during their baby and toddler events, great for parents-to-be to prepare for the arrival of their baby/babies and perfect for parents to save some money on items they need for their little one/s.  Their offers are available on a whole range of products including well-known brands and new products.  During this two week event there are also brilliant offers available at George so you can get outfits and clothing essentials at great prices.

Babybeads Breastfeeding Necklace Review

I have been breastfeeding Tristan from birth and even though it hasn’t been an issue free journey I have enjoyed the breastfeeding experience.  However as Tristan has gotten older the docile little baby who would just lay in my arms feeding peacefully and contently was no more and he has gone through phases where he gets easily distracted by our surroundings and not feed contently and/or scratches and pinches me whilst breastfeeding.  Even though these phases haven’t stopped me from breastfeeding whilst it is happening it does make breastfeeding less pleasant.  As such I was delighted when I was given the opportunity to test and review a breastfeeding necklace from Babybeads, hoping that it would help with my little breastfeeding woes.

Red - See It, Snap It, Love It.

Once upon a time I was regular used,

But now I am forgotten and left unused.

People would come to me to make their calls,

So many stories I've heard in my four walls.

My beautiful red has lost it's sheen,

Once upon a time I used to gleam.

Even though dull I'm still proud of my colour,

Some of my friends sadly look even duller.

They have been sun-kissed and weather worn,

Now pink and sad, no longer red and left forlorn.

I'm called a British icon, a well known and loved sight,

Still iconic and recognizable even though my red is no longer bright.

I took this picture for the See it, Snap it, Love it weekly photography challenge from Dear Beautiful Boy for the theme 'Red'.  Sadly due to unforseen technical errors (technology is great until it won't work!) I couldn't get this posted in time to link up properly as the linky is now closed but I thought I might as well post it anyway.  The other lovely photographs taken for this challenge can be seen over on Dear Beautiful Boy's blog on the page for this 'red' theme.  The new theme is 'Eyes' and hopefully I can be more organised and avoid any technical errors and link up properly.

Free Folic Acid - Asda Initiative

Some of you may have already heard about this but I wanted to share with you all a press release I received about a great campaign.  Asda have a fabulous new initiative in connection with the charity Tommy's, providing women who are pregnant or trying to conceive free folic acid.  I think this initiative is brilliant especially as folic acid before and during pregnancy is very important.  If you are trying to conceive or are pregnant pop along to your nearest Asda Pharmacy from today and pick up the folic acid pack they are providing.  Whilst you are there you may as well get some great bargains from their baby and toddler event which also starts today.

*****

ASDA IS FIRST RETAILER TO OFFER FREE FOLIC ACID

Asda Pharmacy launches first of-its-kind initiative for pregnant women and mums-to-be

World Record Attempt.

Today at 5pm (UK time) at different locations across the globe the Great Cloth Diaper (Nappy) Change will be happening in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most real nappies changed simultaneously.  Last years event resulted in 5026 nappy changes and the hope is to break that record this year and show how easy real nappies are. 

I am going to my nearest host location and will be taking part in this World Record breaking attempt.  The Great Cloth Diaper Change is a great way to celebrate Real Nappy Week 2012 and I think it’s fabulous that Tristan will be a part of a World Record breaking attempt.

If you want to join the attempt find your nearest location by using the search facility on The Great Cloth Diaper Change website.  Be a part of an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most real nappies changed simultaneously across the globe and show that Real Nappies are Real Easy.

Win Tickets to The Baby Show at the NEC Birmingham 18th - 20th May 2012.

The UK’s most popular shopping event for parents and parents-to-be The Baby Show is back! Bumps 2 Babies have teamed up with the Baby Show to offer five lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to The Baby Show at the NEC Birmingham from the 18^th to the 20^th May 2012.

Test, try and buy the UK’s best baby products at The Baby Show.

Lay back, legs open and relax.

I read a post a while back BareNakedMummy’s blog which highlights the importance of smears/cervical screenings as she writes about going to have her smear test.  She decided to add a linky to the post for other bloggers to join in with their smear test stories and help spread the word about smear tests/cervical screenings.  At the time I thought about linking up but then procrastinated about writing about my own experiences with smear tests.  As I think that smear tests are very important and if a little post from me could help spread the message then I really should join in and thankfully the linky is still upon. 

Deep breath here is my own smear test story *blushes*  -

Début Review on The Family Panel

I was recently accepted as a contributor on The Family Panel and yesterday my first ever contribution to the brilliant review blog site went live.

In my début review we tested out Tiddley Pom’s luxury baby gift set.  See what we thought of this gift set over on The Family Panel.

Peppa Pig Minis Review

We were sent a selection of Peppa Pig Minis from Golden Bear to review.  These mini products are suitable for children 3 years plus (36 months).

Peppa Pig Mini Dough set.

This set comes with two little pots of dough, one red and one blue, dough cutting tool and 2 moulds.  The moulds allow children to make 3D figurines of Peppa Pig, George and George’s dinosaur.

Real Nappy Week 2012

As a mummy who uses cloth nappies and loves them I am looking forward to Real Nappy week starting tomorrow, Monday the 16^th of April till Sunday the 22^nd of April.  Real Nappy Week is about celebrating and promoting real nappies, with this year’s theme being ‘Real Nappy… Real Easy’.  Real Nappy Week is happening at the same time as Real Diaper Week in the US and many European countries are getting involved to show that Real Nappies are Real Easy. 

Bouncing, Spinning Fun!!

One of the presents that Tristan got from mummy and daddy for his 1^st birthday was a Fisher Price Bounce and Spin Zebra and he loves it!  He has a Fisher Price Rainforest Jumparoo and has loved that from the first day we got it for him and I hoped he would like the bounce and spin zebra too.  So far the cute little zebra is a huge hit too!!

My Little Star.

Now that Tristan’s 1^st birthday has been and gone the time for his next lot of vaccinations was nearing and we had been sent a time and date to little man to get his jabs next week on Thursday.  I was apprehensive about his jabs as he is older now I imagined the experience would be so much worse, that he would be looking at me with his big blue eyes all teary, accusing me of letting the health visitor hurt him.

See it Snap it Love it - Sky

I was just reading Rollecoaster Mum’s blog post about her bloggers half termblock and admiring her beautiful sky pictures that she was linking up with DearBeautiful Boy’s See it Snap it Love it photography challenge and I just had to join in with such a brilliant photography challenge.

Easter fun for kids (for mums and dads too!)

Easter is a great time to get crafty with little ones and there are so many fantastic things to do that are fun for little ones.  I love art and craft as does Lee, we are a very creative family and we both want Tristan to have lots of fun getting crafty as he grows up.  Craft activities are great for children, it’s a great way to entertain them and it encourages their creativity and imagination whilst they are having lots of fun.  The list of ideas for fun for Easter themed crafts is endless, below are a few of my favourite fantastic craft ideas –

Childhood memories - Easter as a child

I used to love Easter as a child, not for the chocolate Easter eggs even though I did get given a few but for the fun and creative activities my mum would do with us.  We were lucky that my mum was creative with us all year round but I do have fond memories of Easter fun.

Ella's Kitchen Munchy Biccies Review

We are fans of Ella’s Kitchen and have used a lot of their products; we even reviewed their First Taste pouches.  As Tristan loves their food, devouring the yummy-ness and I love that their products are healthy and organic I jumped at the chance to review one of their new products.

Ella’s Kitchen have created a new range of snacks for toddlers, suitable from 12 months, called Munchy Biccies which are according to Ella’s Kitchen “great for little hands and mums and dads on the go!”  These "gently baked wholegrain, cheese and apple biscuits" are 100% organic with absolutely no concentrates or refined sugars and are suitable for vegetarians.  There are 3 varieties available – Cheese and Apples, Cinnamon and Orange, and Bananas.  They come in a big bag which contains 5 x 20g bags.

Mili b Baby Bloomers Review

Following my review of Beauty and the Bib’s gorgeous bibs I was sent a product from their sister-company Mili B to review.

Mili b is the “The home of ‘bottom chic!’” and they create “beautiful baby bloomers for little bottoms” and pretty underwear for little girls, teens and adults.  Their entire range of beautiful bloomers and underwear are made with fabrics that are specifically designed and printed for Mili b.

Bye bye baby.

My little baby boy is no longer a baby, he is a little boy.  In fact he is now a 1 year old little boy.

We had a lovely day on Tristan’s first birthday.  He had some lovely presents and seemed a tad overwhelmed with his new toys.  I wanted to make an effort and bake him a birthday cake rather than just buy one and I made a big 1, with Happy Birthday and a number 1 candles and then small individual cakes that spelt TRISTAN.  It wasn’t the best cake in the world and my mum could have made something loads better as she is a brilliant cook but I wanted to make his first ever birthday cake myself.  Tristan’s Aunty Boo, my sister, came home for the day to visit little man on his big day and it was lovely seeing her as we don’t see her that often anymore as she has moved away.

I still can’t believe how fast the past year has gone; it only seems like yesterday that my little man was born.  I feel a little sad that my son is growing up so quickly but I am so proud of the amazing little boy he is.

#dosomethingyummy Survival

I am where I am today in my life because I survived depression. 

I have a fiancée who I love dearly because I managed to crawl out from the dark hole I had found myself living in and start to venture out into the World once more.  I am a mum to a beautiful boy because I did not let the fears and sadness that consumed my thoughts take over my life anymore, I decided to live life and take a chance on happiness.