Cadbury's Race Season Challenge...Join In!!

Do you think you've got it takes to break a World Record?  Fancy yourself as a speed demon??  Well it's time to get involved in the Cadbury Spots v Stripes Race Season!

Cadbury are encouraging the nature to get involved in playing games in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  These games are based on household tasks so everyone can get involved!  From unravelling a toilet roll, to stacking coins to making the bed, it's time to get racing and be in with the chance of winning a World Record.

Simply pick a team...Spots or Stripes, film yourself performing a task, then upload your footage to www.spotsvstripes.com for official adjudication.

So challenge your friends, family or colleagues and join in the fun!

Here is my feeble attempt at breaking the Fastest Doodler Challenge.  This is like my 50th attempt and I swear I've given myself RSI in my wrist!  I might never make the Record Books, but we're having fun and taking part!!

Simply Hibi

Simply Hibi is an unusual but delicious Hibiscus infusion drink, crammed full of antioxidants and health giving properties.  This tropical flower has an incredible reputation as a medicinal aid dating back hundreds of years.  As we turn our attention more towards health and well being, there has been a resurgence in interest in the Hibiscus flower.

Rich in antioxidants, flavonoids and anthocyanins it is a natural remedy for high blood pressure and fights the harmful free radicals in the body to help maintain health.  Simply Hibi is an all natural drink made from 85% Hibiscus infused water and 15% red grape juice.

I was sent two cartons of Simply Hibi to test out for the purpose of this review.  I was a little nervous about trying it.  I had visions of it tasting floral, a bit like bubble bath!  But I was totally off the mark with my assumption.  Instead it was rich and dark with a gentle flavour akin to blackcurrant and berries.  It wasn't too sweet as it was sweetened with only naturally occurring sugars.  I loved the deep, red colour.  Being tee-total, I think this would make a lovely alternative to red wine with a meal.  It had a similar depth and consistency.

Kizzy says "It is delicious and refreshing.  It's nice to have a different juice in the morning."
Ella says "It's like a cross between grape juice and blackcurrant juice.  It is different."
Dad Ian said "I am surprised it doesn't taste floral.  It's fruity, rich, thick and has a berry flavour.  Very pleasant!"
We all  gave it a thumbs up!

The Sabdariffa Hibiscus plants used to produce Simply Hibi are grown by 2,000 small scale farmers in Uganda who derive their livelihoods from the flower's production. They use land not used for growing their own food for growing this tropical flower. This initiative provides much needed funds for schooling and healthcare.  The farmers are also trained in organic farming methods and practices.  It is reassuring to know that ethically traded Hibiscus is at the heart of the Simply Hibi story, helping African farmers.

Simply HIbi is available in selected Waitrose and Sainsbury's stores for £1.39 a litre.  It is also available in Holland and Barrett where a 330ml bottle of Organic Simply Hibi costs £1.59.

You can also buy online at www.simplyhibi.co.uk

Reasons to be Cheerful

1: My daughter is coming home for Easter.  We'll be picking her up on Sunday from uni and bringing her back to the fold.  I love it when my chicks come back to the nest. When Meg is home she has certain demands that have to be met in order to maximize her joy:  

• We need to make her mashes in various forms...sweet potato, potato, swede and carrot, cheesy mash...Megan has a real thing for mashed carbs, especially when accompanied by a home made mushroom pie.  
• We have to have a constant stream of chick flicks at the ready for her and Ella to watch. Megan's favourite has to be The Notebook.  She loves Noah Calhoun :)
• Sky+ has to be set up to record numerous episodes of American series such as The City, The Hills, 90210 etc.  The planner drops down to about 3% of space  because of her TV lust.

The Notebook...Meg's relationship philosophy!

2:  The kids break up for Easter which is simply wonderful.  Two weeks without school runs!  Two weeks with the company of my girls!  Two weeks of lie-ins!  Two weeks of having help to entertain Freddy!  Love it.  The only pity is that Ian still has to go to work!  It's both mine and Ella's birthdays over the Easter weekend and my big son Joe is coming to stay.  So I will be back to completeness with all five of my children with me!

3:  I am over the moon to see my blog jump to #52 this month in the Tots 100.  I am going to enjoy my moment of success because I know it may not last.  I am not competitive, but I love the feeling that something I am doing is being well received.  I try hard and I'm committed, so I am delighted to receive some validation. I know a lot of people are unhappy with this month's rankings which has taken the shine off it a little.  But I am still delighted.

Vive le Difference

I am very pleased to be taking part in the British Mummy Bloggers Comment Group and have been teamed up with an eclectic mix of fellow bloggers.  It is lovely to get to know other blogs that I may have never discovered. Stepping out of your box and exploring new things opens up a whole world of possibilities!

Let me introduce  you to my Comment Buddies!

The Real Supermum
I was already following Emma.  A mum of six, I could relate to her experiences of having a big family.  Emma is an inspirational woman who talks openly and honestly about her problems, giving strength and support to other women who find themselves vulnerable or in need of some friendly advice or understanding.  She promotes self-help and discusses a huge range of parenting topics, getting in guest bloggers to cover a huge range of subjects.  Reading her posts and her comments, Emma is a source of hope to mums who say that they wouldn't know what they would do without her group.  Emma gets my respect in shed loads!

Craft and Nappies
I am a little in awe of the very creative and talented people who can knock up creations from thin air!  Tartan Kiwi is no exception...Tea Towel Tuesday sees the humble tea towel being transformed into trousers, tote bags and peg bags.  Very resourceful.  Pictures of homemade cakes and biscuits also impress me!  It's lovely to be able to connect with someone on the other side of the world in New Zealand.  That is the magic of the internet.

Little Green Blog
I was already following this blog as I have an interest in green issues.  I admire Mrs Green's commitment to making the world a better place.  The Little Green Blog includes articles of health and wellbeing, green technology, mind and spirit and family and home.  It is an online magazine and makes a lot of interesting and thought provoking points.  It's great to dip into.

Life in the Preseli Hills
I adore this blog.  The ups and downs of life on an organic small holding in Pembrokeshire are brought to life within these posts.  The lambing season has more twists and turns than any soap opera...the tales of the ewes and their lambs are both heart warming and heartbreaking in equal measure.  I am a vegetarian but I have massive respect for the farmers who run their farms with such integrity, commitment and love.  The Preseli Hills' animals are obviously living a good life.  It all sounds very idyllic to me and I'm enjoying the insight into this world!

Mummy Manda
Mummy Manda is a happily married mum to two lovely little ones.  The blog includes a 30 day weightloss challenge which is always a topic I can relate to (...damn this last half a stone!!)  Mummy Manda also does product  reviews and giveaways and is a Maxi Cosi Noa tester.  As a Graco Ambassador I'm looking forward to reading all about it!

Working London Mummy 
An academic, a doctor and a proud mummy to a beautiful little girl, juggling being a mother with a having successful career in London and writing about the joys and challenges!  WLM writes eloquently and given that her French husband is a talented cook, frequently talks about food!  This blog opens up a world to me, that is far removed from my own life as a rural stay-at-home-mum, but we all have motherhood in common and can relate to tales of unconditional mother love.


This is the beauty of the Blogging world.  We are a diverse bunch, all blogging for our own reasons, writing for different audiences and taking pride in our own personal corner of Cyberspace.  We are all sharing a part of ourselves, sharing our beliefs, our highs, our lows, our hobbies, our family life and our experiences.  We find ourselves in a unique position, where technology has allowed us to connect with each other on a scale that would have been unimaginable a few years ago.  I for one, am loving the roller coaster ride of a journey that this blogging adventure has become.  I feel proud, honoured and humbled to be a part of this community and I am thrilled to have met so many wonderful women!

Whatafind.com Panasonic Camera Review...Save over £50!

The savvy shopper's secret website, for designer brands at hugely discounted prices, was revealed on my blog last month.  Whatafind.com   is a real Aladdin's cave of treasures for the home and now includes a dedicated section on Toys with huge savings.

There is no doubt that there are great savings to be made across their easy to navigate website, but to enable me to honestly review the site, Whatafind.com  generously agreed to let me experience the service for myself by sending me one of their products.  I was absolutely thrilled to receive this camera.

The Panasonic FP1 12MP Camera in pink has a RRP of £150.

Amazon currently has it for sale at £125.58.

Whatafind.com is selling it for £69.99

That is a massive saving (53% off the RRP).

The goods sent from Whatafind.com arrived in a sturdy box delivered by UPS.  Whatafind.com make it clear that their products are returns, unwanted duplicates, not delivered, overstocks or end of line.  The camera box was clearly previously opened and taped up and a bit scruffy looking, but didn't look like it had been hit or crushed.  It was just a bit shop soiled and rough around the edges.

Inside the box, everything looked as good as new.  The accessories were all in their original packaging and looked brand new.  The instructions and the camera itself all looked pristine.

The camera is very slim and ergonomic.  It has a rechargeable Lithium battery and a sliding cover to protect the lens.  It has a good flash, a 4X optical zoom and Facial Recognition.  It can also record HD film for the PC and has red-eye correction.  I love the cropping facility on the camera allowing you to trim your photos and resave a copy instantly!

Here is a photo I have taken of Fred in the garden using the Panasonic camera.  I then cropped it on the camera and saved a copy of the newly cropped and centred image!  Impressive!!

I would highly recommend this camera.  It is slim and sleek and would easily fit into a pocket or handbag.  The slide down cover protects the lens and flash.  The 12 MP picture quality is excellent and it is so easy and uncomplicated to use.  If you are looking for a camera with Intelligent Auto functionality and ultra modern design that is discreet yet still takes good photos, then look no further.  And if you want it at a super cheap price head down to Whatafind.com now! (Other cameras are also available such as the Panasonic Lumix G2 in blue for £391.30, or the Next 10MP camera for just £22.95.)

You will have no excuse when it comes to submitting photographs for Silent Sunday or The Gallery!

Whatafind.com is definitely worth checking out before you commit to any major purchases...furniture, laptops, fashion, nursery equipment, mobile phones, luggage, gifts, toys...can all be discovered at bargain prices!  The stock is constantly updated which does mean if you see something you like, it's best not to wait too long in case the stock runs out.  In the same vain, it's worth bookmarking Whatafind.com and checking in regularly to see what is new.  I will definitely be comparing prices before I buy anything online again...there are amazing savings to be made at a time when every penny counts!

Good Books for Tough Times

As a parent there are times when you have to discuss things with your children that make you feel awkward, uncomfortable or just plain inadequate.  The death of a pet, losing a grandparent, divorce or parental depression are realities that affect our children.  There are situations that young people find themselves in that can make them feel alone and afraid.

A children's charity has recognised the value of reading relevant storybooks during hard times, to help children cope with difficult feelings or situations such as bereavement, bullying or family break-ups, and has launched a new independent guide to recommend relevant material.  Partnership for Children's Good Books for Tough Times has been sent to 23,000 primary schools, 3500 libraries and is available free online for parents.  The guide will help parents, teachers and librarians find the right books to help children going through difficult circumstances.  It can help children deal with anxiety and give them a sense of perspective.  Reading a story about someone who has gone through a similar experience and come through it, is a real source of comfort to a child.  The promotion of mental and emotional wellbeing for life is the aim of this charity, and if children can find comfort through reading and be encouraged to speak out if they are anxious, then it is a positive step in the right direction.

Michael Morpurgo said "Reading is probably the best therapy there is, other than talking to Mum or Dad."

The latest edition of the guide (following on from an earlier version for 5-8 year olds)  focuses on the 9-12 age group and recommends 59 books.  The guide is divided into the following topics:

• Friendship and Difference
• Bullying
• Family Issues
• Bereavement
• Coming of Age

David Walliams's "The Boy in the Dress" is featured and shows, in an entertaining way, that it is OK to be different.  It celebrates the right of everyone to be themselves!

Roald Dahl's "Matilda" will hearten any child being bullied and give them confidence and hope.

Jacqueline Wilson's "The Illustrated Mum" deals with mental illness in the family.  The story tells of sisters dealing with a manic depressive, single parent mother.

Suzanne LaFleur's "Love, Aubrey" is a beautifully written novel about bereavement,  loss, understanding, forgiveness and ultimately hope.  

Kelli Dunham's "The Boys'/Girls' Body Book" gives clear factual information on growing up, bodily changes, emotional problems and stressful situations.  It is presented in a friendly, reassuring, non-patronising way.

The "Harry Potter" series is also recommended as books dealing with friendship, bereavement, growing up, loneliness and loss.

The list is available free of charge online  here.  There is lots of information and advice on the site.  So whether your child is an independent reader or if you snuggle up to read together, you will find entertaining, enjoyable reviews with suggestions that might just help your child through a hard time.

CLOSED**Munchkin Caterpillar Spillers Bath Toy Giveaway

Let bath time be fun time with Munchkin’s Caterpillar Spillers

I’ve got three sets to give away!

Make bath time, a fun time with bathing essentials from award-winning baby brand, Munchkin.  I am a particular fan of their Caterpillar Spillers Bath Toy (which also works well in sand) as its both fun and educational. The brightly coloured bath toy has seven numbered cups that stack and link to make a caterpillar but can also be placed one inside of another to handily pop away. What’s more, the patterned sieving holes provide little ones with endless scooping and spilling fun. Suitable from nine months on, this fab toy will help your child with counting, colours and motor skills.

The Caterpillar Spillers are part of Munchkin’s award-winning bathing range that features the innovative White Hot Safety Duck and Tub which changes colour when the water is too hot – a real must-have for bath time! Munchkin products are available from Asda plus online.

Be sure to check out Munchkin’s great Facebook page Munchkin UK  and Twitter page @Munchkin_UK  full of interesting posts, conversation and competitions.

We are offering three sets of Caterpillar Spillers worth £4.99 to giveaway.  To win simply :

1: Follow my blog (GFC/Networked Blog links in the sidebar)and leave me a comment with a way of contacting you. (1 entry)

EXTRA ENTRIES!

2: Follow Munchkin UK on Facebook and tell me you have done so in a comment. (1 entry)

3: Follow @Munchkin_UK on Twitter and tell me you have done so in a comment. (1 entry)

4: Tweet this:  " I've entered to win a @Munchkin_UK Caterpillar Spiller with @wendymcd83 Inside the Wendy House  http://tinyurl.com/3jjqnhn "  then tell me you have done so in a comment with your twitter id. (1 entry)

5: Like Inside the Wendy House on Facebook and post "I've entered to win the Munchkin Giveaway at http://tinyurl.com/3jjqnhn  " on your own wall.  (1 entry)

 Maximum 5 entries per person...PLEASE leave a separate comment for each entry!

UK only.

Closing date 27th April, 2011.

Winners' details will be forwarded to the PR company.  Please respond within 48 hours of being informed if you are a winner.  Thank you :)

The Gallery...Mother Love

Not the best photo in the world as it was snapped on Ian's mobile while we were on holiday last year.  But it captured a moment when my children all jumped onto my bed when we arrived at our French gite.  Megan isn't in it which makes me a bit sad and Kizzy's face is blurry...but it shows me at my happiest.  Surrounded by my babies!

MAD Awards Open for Nominations

I started this blog in September 2010, with no real direction or idea of where it was going.  Over the months it has become my therapy, my diary, my way of sharing experiences and a forum for me to join in with other bloggers taking part in a myriad of fun memes and bloghops.

The direction of my blog has been altered by the opportunity to do reviews.  I know a lot of old school, purist bloggers, whom I respect greatly, frown upon the inclusion of reviewing.  However, I honestly believe that it provides a service, gives people like me a voice and brings a transparency to many brands that was up until recently, non-existent.  I do it with integrity, giving the same time. effort and attention to the product regardless of its price.  I hope I keep my reviews entertaining by employing the services of my team of Tiny Testers and making fun videos and taking original photographs.  I'd like to think I help people who read them weigh up the pros and cons of purchasing decisions, and give some money saving ideas along the way.

I hope my mix of personal anecdotes, ramblings, confessions, parenting ideas and reviews makes my blog relevant and enjoyable to read.  I love blogging...it has become an outlet for me, a way to connect and something to keep me off the streets (so to speak) during my time as a Stay at Home Mum.  I have found confidence, personal growth and unexpected friendships.  I've learned to edit films, dabble in HTML and have even started vlogging.  It's been a wondrous journey that has quite literally changed my life.

The MAD Awards have now opened for nominations.  I would never presume to think that anyone would nominate me.  There are blogs out there that are far more worthy than mine.  Inspirational women, hilariously funny folk, people with stories to share that have made we weep.  I am in awe of the written words I read on a daily basis, I frequently laugh out loud and have cried absolute buckets at stories that have stayed with me.  That is the beauty of the blogging world...I am proud and honoured to be a part of this community.

To be honest, I never really thought anyone would ever read my blog and so have been delighted, excited and humbled by feedback.  I'm now nearing 30,000 page views which blows me away.  If anyone wanted to nominate me in one of the categories I would be thrilled.  But I know I am a little fish in a big pond full of greatness and will be happy to just play my part in this wonderful celebration of blogging.

Be sure to use your votes.  Show your support and nominate those blogs that have brightened your day, touched your soul or helped you feel less alone in the world.  Use the badge displayed in my sidebar to direct you to the website.  Join in and celebrate our beautiful, diverse, eclectic blogosphere!

Movie Meme...The Eighties!

This week Hannah's theme is the perfect one for me...the 80s!  My teenage years were spent revelling in the fashion, the music and the films of this iconic decade!

By the mid 80's I was tall enough to get into the local cinema to watch 'AA' and 'X' Rated movies (we didn't have 15's and 18's then!)  The first multi-screen cinema complex opened up in Slough by the late 80's, offering half price entry on Wednesdays, so I was a bit of a regular. Good memories.

My first choice of favourite 80's movie was The Lost Boys featuring the lovely Kiefer Sutherland long before CTU claimed him as their own.  It was a vampire movie which was made how a vampire movie should be made, with hot, vicious teen vampires on the rampage.  But as Hannah shares a similar taste in all things horrific and chose it herself, I'm having to take a different direction with my choice!

So the film I have chosen is Gremlins.  Released in 1984, it was the must see Christmas movie.

I saw it at the cinema and we all fell in love with the adorable Gizmo, the cute little pet who came with his own set of rules!!  When the rules are broken it leads to a horde of malevolent, mischievous, green monsters overtaking the town and wreaking havoc.

I loved this film.  The characterization of the marauding creatures was beautifully done...from the beer swilling, card playing gamblers to the cross dressing, over made-up protagonists in the local pub.  The scenes where the Gremlins were killed off in the kitchen was classic...who could forget the untimely death by blender or the explosive  microwave moment!

Joe Dante directed and created genuine suspense without losing the humour from what was essentially quite a horrific premise.  All the while as the hideous creatures caused mayhem, Gizmo looked on with his big eyes with a look of disappointment and genuine sorrow at what his progeny had become.  (I'm sure there is some deep analogy to be made there for media students!)

I remember not knowing what the creatures looked like and being blown away in the cinema when the box with the Mogwai in was opened.  Then the second generation evil ones were produced and we all gasped as they transformed into the reptilian monsters. We laughed and we felt slightly nervous all at the same time. None of the sequels came close in capturing the magic of the first film.  We knew what to expect second time round and the suspense was replaced with a rehashing of a "small-creatures-attack-town" storyline that relied heavily on slapstick humour.

Gremlins rocked!

Glorious Skinny Soup

Glorious! is a fabulous range of soups and cooking sauces that have bold, unexpected flavours from around the world which are convenient and easy to prepare.  Perfect for busy parents who want something a little bit different!

The people at Glorious! sent me a selection of their Skinny Soups for me to sample.  Being vegetarian, I was delighted with their fantastic recipes.  Asian Tomato, Rice and Ginger, Goan Spiced Tomato and Lentil and New England Butternut Squash.  

Excitingly, Glorious! Soups have been approved to feature in the new Government backed publication called "You and your Family" which is endorsed by the Royal College of Obstetricians, The Soil Association and the NHS.  The products selected have been chosen to help guide mums (and dads!) into making good choices for their family in terms of health, nutrition and wellbeing.

The Skinny Soups contain approximately 150 calories in a half pot serving and give you one of your five a day.  They are truly delicious with intense authentic flavours and textures.  They are also very filling.  Perfect for those of us still battling the baby bulge.  They are convenient, quick and easy so there is no excuse for not having a wholesome lunch, even when your routine is demanding! 

New England Butternut Squash Soup in my Diet Plate Bowl!

Available for £1.99 in Morisson's, Asda and Sainsbury's they are great value for money and really are the tastiest ready-made soups I've ever eaten. It's no surprise to me that they won a Gold Award at the Grocer Food and Drink Awards in February.  This is a seriously good range!

Find GLORIOUS! on Twitter and on Facebook and join in the chat!

Poundland for Easter

With the credit crunch taking its toll, I've been looking at ways of saving money.  With the end of term just a  week away I was glad to receive a parcel of Easter goodies from Poundland to try out, giving me ideas for cutting costs without missing out on the fun!

Poundland have an extensive range of items in store all for just £1!  With character Easter Eggs featuring favourites such as Spongebob,  Barbie, Hello Kitty, Toy Story and Star Wars, there is something to please everyone.  You can also pick up big brand confectionery such as Smarties Egg Heads, Cadbury's Mini Eggs, Galaxy Eggs and Kinder Eggs.  Perfect for Easter Egg Hunts.  We were sent some Malt Easter bunnies to try which are available at 3 for £1!  Ella was very impressed with them and they are cheaper in Poundland than in the supermarkets!

They also stock a great range of Gifts, Cards and Wrap.  The large gift bag we were sent is great quality and a really cute design with googly eyes!  It will be a lovely way to present an Easter Egg or gift to a loved one. The Easter Bunny Cuddly Toy is a lovely, cute, cuddly toy, perfect for your little one and an absolute bargain at £1! They are available in a range of colours, and other designs of cuddly toy are also available.  The box of Easter Chicks will make excellent Easter decorations...perfect for dotting around the house or for using to make an Easter bonnet!  The range also includes Money Wallets, Make Your Own Card Sets and Hats.

If, like me, you have children who love Arts and Crafts, then look no further than Poundland for an amazing selection of fun Make Your Own Kits.  Ideal for creative fun over the school holidays.  With cookie cutters, colouring mats, cross stitch kits, egg painting kits and dressing up accessories, there is a whole host of things to keep your little ones entertained.  We were sent a Make Your Own Puppet Kit with everything you need to make six fun, Easter finger puppets...just add glue.  Your kids could put on an Easter Puppet Show...great fun for all!

Whatever your budget, Poundland can help stretch your funds that much further.  Whether you are planning a big Easter Egg Hunt or a small family party, Poundland will help make it a weekend to remember without breaking the bank!

Oxo Tot...Perfect for Snacking

I recently reviewed an Oxo Tot Training Plate and Cutlery Set.  I was very impressed with the thoughtful designs and the way in which the products really helped Freddy eat independently.  So when Oxo Tot kindly sent me some other items in their feeding range, I was only too happy to try them out with Freddy.

We were sent the Tall Sippy Cup, Snack Disc and the Flip Top Snack Cup in Aqua. Again, I was impressed with the lovely simple designs and the thoughtful features of the products.

Freddy took to them straight away.  The Sippy Cup is a good size for a toddler, holding 11 oz of liquid.  The transparent walls lets you see exactly how much your baby is drinking, and the non-slip grips makes it perfect for little hands to hold.  The spill proof beaker has a leak proof valve and is easy to sip.  A dimple in the lid makes room for little noses when the beaker is tipped up.  Graduated markings on the side of the cup let you measure how much drink you are making your tot.  Useful when using concentrates.

The Flip Top Snack Cup is the perfect size for Freddy to hold. The attached lid flips up allowing baby to reach in to get to the snacks inside.  Freddy found it easy to open and close. It would be perfect for car journeys or can be easily popped into your handbag or pocket to take out and about.  Think of the money you could save by taking out a little pot of dried fruit, cereals or grapes, instead of having to buy toddler snacks from the shops!

The Snack Disk is a lidded dish.  The non slip base and wide bottom minimizes spills.  The opening in the top of the bowl is plenty big enough for easy access, and the snap on lid keeps snacks fresh inside and allows you to transport a pot of goodies when out and about.  It was a good size and I made Freddy a fruit salad which he thoroughly enjoyed scoffing on.  The Snack Disk was easy for him to hold and the curved shape was fun and unique.

We were hoping for the return of the sun to test the snack pots on a picnic...but as ever, the English weather has been unpredictable so we had an indoor picnic instead!

Freddy has enjoyed using the Oxo Tot Feeding range.  The products are lovely and do exactly what they they say on the packet!  They really have been made to make life easier for parents and babies.  I love the contemporary designs and the simplicity.  I think it is great that these items can save you money in the long run and let you pack healthy, home-made snacks for your toddler for taking out and about.

Oxo Tot products are available from Amazon and Kiddicare.  

Graco Nautilus Car Seat

One of the fabulous things about being a Graco Ambassador is that I get to try out items from their range of baby products.  Our latest product is the Graco Nautilus Car Seat.  The seat is suitable for stages 1,2 and 3 which means it can be used for children from approximately 9 months to 12 years old.  It can be adapted to suit your child's stage of development so it grows with your child making it a cost effective option.

The seat looks very smart with its Blackstone cover.  It has a cup holder which is just perfect for holding a beaker or bottle.  There is a recline handle for the seat if baby nods off, but it only reclines a little way from the upright position.  The five point harness is easy to use and can be adjusted with baby, ideal to tighten or loosen the straps depending on what baby is wearing  The straps are padded and height adjustable.  The mechanism on the harness is not fiddly, which is a real consideration when wrestling a wriggly toddler!  The crotch strap is adjustable and we moved it to the next position making it the perfect fit for Freddy at 20 months.  I liked that the straps were fully adjustable, it gave me confidence that it fitted him perfectly.

The seat is a good size and Freddy seems comfy in the padded seat. It is quite high giving him a good view out of the car window which he enjoys.  He sleeps in it quite happily, resting his head on the padded sides.  The seat fits really securely into the car and I feel very confident with its side impact protection.  It feels very sturdy, strong and safe.

Freddy is definitely testing out the Nautilus fully.  He enjoyed the dregs of my Starbuck's Chocolate Frappuccino seated comfortably in his seat and used the cup holder for his straw. Thank goodness the cover is fully machine washable!

This seat can be used without the harness by using the seat belt when the child weighs 15-18kg.  It will last Freddy for years!  The head rest is height adjustable and having a play with it I can see how it will grow with him.

Ian was really impressed with this seat.  He fitted it easily and it was very intuitive.  He said it felt "solid as a rock" and "would withstand impact". He said it made our former seat look "flimsy by comparison".  He definitely approves of this seat to keep his precious boy safe in the car!!

The Nautilus is available to purchase from Halfords, Toys R Us and Amazon and other good retailers.  Priced at £129.99 it is a really cost effective option that will last until your little one is no longer required to use a car seat!  It has a five star rating on Halfords website and is currently available at the great price of £99 (so be quick!).  So if you want a car seat that will last and is safe, comfy and secure...check out the Graco Nautilus!

The Best Mother's Day Present Ever

             My daughter Ella gave me the best Mother's Day present that she could give me.  She wrote me a song and performed it for me as well as putting it onto YouTube for me to watch over and over again.  I am so proud of her and so delighted that I got my own song for Mother's Day.  I wept buckets when we sang it to me earlier!!  So here it is...a celebration of mothers everywhere!
    
    

Mother's Day Reflections

When I was a little girl I won a competition in the local paper writing a Mother's Day poem  for my mum.  I won a £2 postal order.  Somewhere I've still got that faded, yellow paper clipping from 1977.  My Mum was very proud of me and I remember feeling so happy that she liked my poem.

Today, I still feel that childish sense of happiness when my Mum is proud of me.  When she comments on my blog and tells me that she likes what I am doing I feel that acceptance and validation that I sought as a small child.  

It is this knowledge that makes me so aware of the importance of letting my children know how incredibly proud of them I am.  It's not difficult for me to tell them how wonderful they are.  I feel honoured to be their mum.  On Mother's Day it is a time for me to reflect on my role and celebrate the fact that I am blessed with these five children who have made me who I am today.  They define me.

My two eldest children couldn't be with me in person, but both sent me messages that moved me to tears.  Even though they are grown-up, they are still as connected to me as they ever were.  My youngest three have been a source of delight.  From our early morning walk to the local Farmer's Market, where we bought delicious cupcakes from Cookes Cakes and wonderful vegetarian roasts (Staffordshire Cheese & Leek, and Carrot & Sweet Potato) for tonight's dinner, to being serenaded by Ella with a song she had written for me...it's been a lovely day.  

Cookie Dough, Raspberry Ripple, Raspberry and Lemon and Chocolate Fudge...YUM!

I count my blessings everyday that my life has turned out how it has. I hope Mothers everywhere have felt as contented as I have today.  

Listography...5 First Albums

Kate's theme for Listography this week is the First Five Albums you ever owned. In our household we were inundated with Top of the Pops albums.  Cheesy cover versions of popular songs, sung by some unknown randoms with some page 3-esque bird on the front, was my introduction to vinyl.  I don't know at what age I realised there was more to music than my dad's embarrassing LP collection!

Having two big sisters I eventually had my aural journey started listening to Pink Floyd, Yes, Led Zeppelin,  and Bowie.  By the '80's Japan and the Human League became by favourites by proxy, but I still didn't own any albums of my own.  By the age of 12ish I started to make my own foray into musical choices and racking my brains, I think these are some of my earliest musical possessions.

1: My very first album that I owned was not awfully cool, but it was much loved.  My Tommy Steele Family Album was made of awesome and with hits such as Flash Bang Wallop, it was a sing along sensation for my uncool pre-teen self.  It was bought from Woolies along with a quarter of Pick 'n' Mix.

2: This was followed in about 1979 by "The Grease Monkeys sing the songs from Grease"...not even the John and Liv version from the film, but a shocking cover version that cost a fraction of the price of the OST.  The Top of the Pops upbringing clearly raised its ugly head as I spent my saved up pocket money on this monstrosity.  Needless to say, I can not find any evidence of this LP on the internet.  Clearly I was the only person to have ever bought this hideous travesty.  So I've used a picture of the original...the album I should have got in the first place. 

3: I got cooler shortly after this.  The Best of Blondie was my first dabble into the punkish stage that I was to adopt in my teens.  I loved Atomic.  I still went for a "best of" rather than a proper LP but I was learning!

4: Finally I found my musical niche when I fell in love with Bauhaus in 1981.  I was massively in love with Pete Murphy and their obscure, macabre lyrics spoke to the emerging darkness in my psyche.  They were the first band I ever saw too...amazing!

5: Bowie's Ziggy Stardust was another purchase that cemented my path towards black lipstick, nail varnish and eyeliner.  I loved the Bowie albums and would sing along with my next door neighbour Julie in her bedroom, whilst jotting down the lyrics in our rough books.  We thought we were pretty cool!

Mini Club Clothing

Freddy is a lucky boy!  He has been sent a gorgeous Springtime outfit from Mini Club.  Mini Club is a Mothercare clothing range stocked exclusively at over 300 Boots stores.  It offers contemporary, stylish and affordable clothes for kids aged 0-6 years.  Designed for children who love life, they are made for playing in, growing in and living in.

Fred was sent a pair of long denim shorts with a belt, a gorgeous T-shirt with a cool nautical design, a striped hoodie and a pair of green and white checked swimming shorts.  The colours are bold and bright, bang on trend for this season.  The designs are fun with strong graphics and the fabrics are top quality.

Today, as it is Mother's Day, my little man is dressed in his new outfit.  He looks adorable!  The 18-24 month size is plenty big enough for him at 20 months.  I love the quality of the garments and the attention to detail is great.  The shorts are 3/4 length on Fred.  They are made from a soft denim and have an adjustable waist band.  The pockets on the knee are really trendy and the canvas belt is a lovely addition.  The T-Shirt transfer is well applied and the seams are stitched well.  Its a great quality cotton that is tumble drier safe.  The hoodie is gorgeous with bold stripes of orange and stone with pale blue detailing.  It zips up and looks so comfy on Freddy.  The green and white long swim shorts have a drawstring waist band and will be perfect for when the summer sun returns!

The Mini Club prices are affordable (the T Shirt is £4, the Hoodie is £12, the Jeans £11 and the Swim Shorts £7).  They are great quality and really well designed, stylish, modern classics with a fun, contemporary twist.

Freddy loves his new outfit and it is comfy, casual and easy to wear.  Check out this video of him out and about in his cool, trendy new outfit!

  

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