Toddlebike2 review

I first heard about 'balance bikes' a few years ago whilst Teaching Reception year at school. Until then, I really hadn't seen the point in a bike without any pedals...surely it defeats the object?! However, after taking part in a training session with my class and seeing the massive impact that the balance bikes had and the obvious progression in skills I am now a total convert. We have one ready for Arthur when he is big enough which his Grandparents bought for him last Christmas, and I really have been itching for him to be able to use it! You see, Arthur is a very active little boy and he LOVES pretty much anything with wheels.

Imagine my delight then, when we were given the opportunity to review the Toddlebike2 - a 'pre-balance bike' for toddlers once they are confidently walking. I am actually amazed ( and a little ashamed) that I hadn't heard of this before...Arthur started walking at 10 months so we have had a long time of waiting for him to be big enough for his balance bike when we could have been using this Toddlebike2 instead...

Wise Words - a book of advice for kids - review

Last month we (Arthur!) told you all about the Book of Everyone which we sent to Arthur's Nanny for her birthday - it was a wonderful gift idea, and gratefully received (and there is still time to win your very own via our gift guide), so imagine our excitement when we heard all about a NEW book they now have available to personalise - the Wise Words book of advice for kids!

Crunchy Cocoa Chia Brownies - gluten, nut, dairy free

 After a couple of requests on a previous post about some Crunchy Cocoa Chia Brownies I made with Arthur and his friend, I have decided to do my first 'recipe' blog. No one is more surprised at this than me (well, maybe my husband). ..You are, after all, reading words written by the same girl who tried to cook her husband (then potential love interest) a frozen pizza in the microwave on the night they met.... things have improved since then, thankfully but I'm definitely no Delia, Mary, Ella or even a Gordon. You won't find Pinterest worthy shots in here - I do, after all, do my baking with toddlers, but they can't get enough of these - and we all know how fussy little eaters are don't we?? Best of all, these are all natural ingredients with no added refined sugar and they are gluten dairy and nut free (also possible with nuts).

Learning opportunities with Waff notebooks

This week we have had loads of fun playing with our new WAFF creative combo journal - a notebook with a soft and fun to touch silicone cover, making it extra good for sensory play! (For proof - Arthur licked this as soon as he got his hands on it!) the notebook can be customised with the Waff Cubes - a little bit like amazing, tactile, soft Lego that fits on top of your book - but much more 'pressable' ! Once in place they look like little buttons which are so satisfyingly squishable, I could literally waste hours doing just that!

Baie Botanique Rose Renew - skincare review

A few weeks ago I started trialling a new skincare range from Baie Botanique called Rose Renew - a powerful botanical skin care range loaded with pure and natural ingredients and a high organic content
If you have read any of my previous skin care reviews  then you will know that I prefer to use natural products wherever possible, and the staple ingredients of this range - the Rose Renew REGENERATE line are Rose and Rosehip. The company are cruelty free and the products are suitable for vegans, wich is a great big tick in my book and something I believe all beauty products should be aiming for, don't you? 

Here is how I got on...

Christmas Gift Ideas Guide - plus *win* The Book of Everyone

Ahhh, it's that time of year again folks! You know the one - where all of a sudden you find yourself in a supermarket looking for rolls of loo roll and end up being greeted by rolls of wrapping paper. Tin foil looks mysteriously like tinsel and and there are baubles as big as your backside swinging precariously from side to side (not unlike your backside)...

My top picks for protecting sensitive skin in babies and toddlers

Most babies and young children have very sensitive skin - although Arthur is particularly sensitive to a lot of products so we have always been extra careful. We always use non-bio washing powder, having learnt early on what can happen when we don't...before Arthur was born we washed everything ready for his return home, but the one thing we just didn't think about was a last minute purchase - a cotton cover for the changing mat - which went straight on without a thought given. Here was the result:

The Book of Everyone - a Present for the Nanny who has Everything?

Hello everybody! It's Arthur here, on a blog take over for the first time since my diary of a 9 month old escape artist...I can walk and everything now! 

So...I've been listening to mummy talking on the phone to Auntie Laura and it turns out that Nanny Lyn has a birthday coming up!! Nanny Lyn is actually my 'Grandma' or my 'Nanna' but she thinks she is too young for that name, so I call her Nanny Lyn! (Actually I call her Danny Lyn but that's another story!)

I've been wondering what I could give nanny Lyn for her birthday...

As you can see, she is actually a very young and glamorous looking Nanny, so she doesn't need lots of lotions and potions, nips and tucks...

Motherhood - the loneliest of times

Before I begin, I know there will be many of you out there who may read the title of this post, wishing that you just had the chance to be that lonely - possibly thinking how lucky I am to know what 'motherhood' is and silently screaming at me, "Just be with your baby - Be with your child. Play with them, enjoy them, have fun...Cherish those moments together. Stop being so ungrateful. Stop thinking about what you don't have".

I will be forever grateful for the child I have, for the time I get...and maybe the only person silently screaming those things at me is myself.... But I am certainly not alone in realising that motherhood (and often, fatherhood) although one of the best, most rewarding jobs in the world, can also be one of the loneliest.

They say that it takes a village to raise a child. I actually think it takes a village to raise a mother.

Halloween pumpkin decomposition activity - Understanding the world

With Halloween shortly upon us, I have already noticed the buzz growing steadily on Facebook and Pinterest around appropriate activities for parents/Teachers/childminders to plan in at school and at home. There are alot of 'make and do' activities which I see popping up year after year which are great for hitting particular learning goals within the EYFS, but still leave gaps within an area which can be tricky to plan for: "Understanding the World - The World".
So, I'm not going to write a blog about making halloween masks, cards, hats, candy apples, notepaper, design your own witch, trick or treat words etc - I'm going to ask you to think about planning an activity for when that's all over...

My charm story

A few weeks ago the lovely Donna from 'what the redhead said' tagged me in her charm bracelet story to write about my own charm bracelet, so here it is: My charm story...

Buying Toddler Toys: Age, Ability or Interest?

Choosing toys for your little one (or someone else's little one!) can be a bit of a minefield sometimes. As a parent, you usually have a pretty good idea of the kind of things your child is interested in, but it isn't always easy to find something that is also suitable for their age - especially with regards to younger children and babies. If you are also interested in child development (like me!) and can't help but plan for your child's 'next steps' in learning - it can get even trickier...especially if some areas and stages of development are hit earlier than average in terms of age, but all of the 'toys' and activities you think could help build on their skills are marketed at children much older - usually for health and safety reasons.

"Today I made a total mess" - Tommee Tippee® Mini Moments (giveaway)

There's a reason he's in the basket and the washing is not...

If you are a parent already, you will no doubt be familiar with the various 'milestone cards' used to chart your baby's achievements...usually via strategic placement of said 'card' next to baby ( or toddler), snapping away and then editing the hell out of your photo until baby looks perfect and your Instagram world looks nothing short of rosy, milk smelling, powdery puffs of perfection.

Vlog testimonial for Shaw Academy: Diploma in Blogging and Content Marketing

Are you thinking about taking an online course with Shaw Academy? Here is a quick vlog testimonial (my first ever - be nice!) on my experience. It's really quick (only 2.5mins long) so if you have any further questions, pop them in the comment box below and I will reply...

Oh and if any more experienced 'vloggers' can tell me how to choose the still image that displays on a YouTube video I'd be really grateful - don't especially like this shot of me with my eyes closed lol!!!...

Kidloland App review

Last month I was given a year's subscription to the Kidloland app for pre-schoolers to try out and review, plus five, 3 month subscriptions for my readers to win. We have spent a good amount of time trying out this app and I can honestly say it is fabulous! Here's why...

EYFS Toddler Activities roundup 1 - Learning through play

EYFS 'learning through play' toddler activities

Those of you who follow me on social media, will no doubt have noticed that I LOVE to come up with interesting 'learning through play'  activities for Arthur to try at home. Play is the best way for children ( and arguably adults too) to learn! If it is fun, we are more likely to remember it aren't we?? Over the coming weeks I am going expand on some of my social media posts in more detail, should you wish to give some of these a go yourself...

My husband steals my toothbrush...

My Husband steals my Toothbrush

You know the scenario, (or maybe you don't, in which case - read on...) you're X number of years into your relationship with 'Mr Perfect'/ 'The One'/ the 'love of your life forever and ever', when suddenly the teeny tiny little things that you'd completely glazed over whilst wearing your rose tinted glasses, they start to...shall we say, become less invisible?

I love you - say the words

Did I trigger my child's separation anxiety?

Those of you who follow my social media pages will perhaps have gathered by now that at the (current) age of 17 months, Arthur has never once slept a whole night - and as a result, neither have I. At every 'milestone' we have waited and hoped that 'tonight will be the night'. We have looked for reasons as to why he may have had a difficult night: teething, growth spurts, development milestones, over-stimulation, shorter daytime naps, longer daytime naps, too many naps, not enough naps...everything feels like a possible reason when you are sleep deprived and desperate.

One thing that has become obvious to us lately though, is the fact that Arthur CAN sleep, just not when he thinks he's alone, and we can pin point the EXACT day this started and the possible 'event' surrounding this change - which leaves me wondering...is it all connected? Did I trigger this separation anxiety?

A Liverpool Hen-do: Nude life drawing hen party - plus photos!

Planning and booking a hen-do can be a bit of a minefield! Making sure you find quality suppliers who won't let you down, finding activities to suit every age within the group or even just agreeing on a date where everyone can attend can be tricky! 
 From wine tasting experiences to nude life-drawing classes - organising the perfect hen-do for the bride to be can feel like quite a responsibility. Here is my experience, with details of the companies I can recommend and those that I absolutely CAN'T recommend...don't get burned like we did...

For the most part of this year I have been working hard preparing a hen party for my twin sister in Liverpool! The hen do finally took place in April and yes, true to my usual form for special occasions, I managed to fall ill and miss the entire thing! I have some great photos though, plus some helpful info, advice and feedback for anyone looking to do the same (plan a hen do that is, not fall ill and miss it!)

Am I a parent or a child? - dancing with a toddler

Arthur dancing on my feet

Every now and then in life we have those moments when we don't know whether we feel more like a child or a parent.
This was one of those moments...

Children Changing Careers p5: Vicki Psarias from Honest Mum

Welcome to part 5 of the blog series 'Children Changing Careers' - A series for parents who have pulled off a career change after having children!


This week's post features award winning film maker, Blogger and mum of two, Vicki Psarias from Honest Mum.

Our day filming for bareMinerals SkinSorials campaign in London

A few months ago I was invited to take part in a skincare trial for the new bareMinerals skincare range - SkinSorials, and then review the products ahead of their launch (review available here). I was also given the opportunity to go down to the London Head Office and meet and have lunch with Lee Etheridge - the International education director for bareMinerals, have my makeup done by one of their makeup artists and then shoot some promotional videos on my experience of the SkinSorials skincare range.Now my blog post title says 'our day' because the only way I could manage to take part in this amazing opportunity was to take Arthur with me!

bareMinerals SkinSorials skincare Review. Skinlongevity. #SkinSoGood

A few months ago I was given the opportunity to test and review the new bareMinerals skincare range, SkinSorials, ahead of shooting some promotional videos at their London Head Office ready for their launch in June.
Now anyone who knows me well can attest to my absolute obsession with the bareMinerals brand, so this project filled me with a lot of joy and excitement (and quite a lot of nerves for the filming part!) The hardest part was keeping it under wraps, as the moment I started using the new products I really just wanted to tell everyone how amazing they were! I am very lead by my nose when it comes to most things and so the minute I opened the products and realised how wonderful, but also natural, they smelt - I knew I was onto something good!

Cake from BakerDays for Father's Day (or just for yourself!)

This week BakerDays contacted me and asked if I would be interested in reviewing one of their 5” Letterbox Gift Cakes and holding a Competition for one of my lucky readers to win one too!

Clearly, all I had to hear was the word 'cake' for my tummy to seal the deal, before my brain even had a chance to think about the important questions, such as, " how quickly can it be here?!" - turns out THE VERY NEXT DAY is the answer! - a good job too, as we were in desperate need of cake today in this house, and it left me just enough time to write this post ready for #FreebieFriday!

Changing Careers | Dani - Deluxe Blooms | from Head Receptionist to Faux Flower business

If you would like to purchase the beautiful blooms shown here you can do using this link (affiliate):

faux roses with eucalyptus in a vase. 

Welcome to part 3 of the blog series 'Children Changing Careers' - A feature for parents who have pulled off a career change after having children!

This week's post features Dani, who's former career was Head Receptionist. She now runs her own business called Deluxe Blooms.
Dani came into contact with me through Instagram, and amazingly, we soon realised that we had already met as she lives next door to a little boy who I look after twice a week! such a small world!

Ilkley Beauty Clinic - CACI facial and Bare Minerals make-under review

It is no secret that I am a little bit obsessed with Bare Minerals makeup, (in fact anything beauty related!) so when Zoe from Ilkley Beauty Clinic contacted me and asked if I would like to try out their CACI non-surgical facelift facial, followed by a Bare Minerals make-under....how could I possibly refuse?! Throw in the fact that the salon is a 5 minute walk away from my house, it was a no brainer really...plus the results were actually amazing! Before and After photos included...

Children Changing Careers p1: From Menswear Buyer to CEO of Little Hotdog Watson childrenswear

Welcome to week 1 of the blog series  'Children Changing Careers'! A feature for parents who have pulled off a career change after having children!

Perhaps you are thinking of doing the same and would like some inspiration, some insight or even just some good old advice from someone who has taken the plunge? Remember: It's never too late to be what you could have been...

This week we are joined by Emma from new childrenswear fashion line - Little Hotdog Watson 

I first came into contact with Emma via Instagram last year when she was looking for product testers for some of her amazing children's hats. Arthur still loves to 'test' his hat out now and I am so excited that these products are now available to buy and I can finally post a photo of Arthur looking cool in the hat that Emma sent us to try out! Here is her career changing story:

Naptime cheat - why it's ok to cherish the moment

Naptime cheat...because sometimes it's ok to just think 'stuff it' - I'm tired too, and this won't last forever. One day I'll wish my arm would go dead from the weight of his little sleeping body as he snores away on my shoulder. The washing can wait. The parcel I just missed can wait. Even I can wait, because soon he will be an hour older and that hour will turn to days, days to months and months to years...and I'll probably wish I'd just spent a little bit more time just doing this: Nothing...and everything X 

Why not read some of my other posts:

Dealing with colic and reflux in babies

For all the Mummies going back to work...this one's for you

Having a baby - the things they never told me about pregnancy, labour and motherhood

The diary of a 9 month old escape artist

Arthur's 12- 13 month toddler update

Arthur has just turned 13 months, so I thought it was about time I did another update (I'm sure I'll be looking back and comparing when we have more children!), although 'time' isn't something I have had much of lately! From a nasty winter cold to his 12 month jabs, 2016 so far has been full of snot, sniffles and separation anxiety!

Mums on Facebook! (That's us btw...)

I will admit right now, the title of this blog post is actually stolen from a comment one of my NCT/mummy friends made whilst we were all trying to organise a night out (through Facebook-obviously!) and until this point, not once in the last year had it even occurred to me that I am now one of 'them' - you know, *whispers* "mums on Facebook!"