Emma Levine - Review

Since becoming mama to Molly, one thing I have noticed is the growing competition between online children sites selling unique and incredibly stunning products. Targeted at mummies like me who always think 'only the best for my child' and a complete sucker for anything bright, funky and Boden-esque.

My new find is the gorgeous Emma Levine store, which I just need to share with you. If you are weak like me with a penchant for spending on your kids and run the risk of bringing up incredibly spoilt children, you may want to look away now. You're still looking aren't you......

Emma's inspiration comes from all things vintage. And if you take a look at the website, you will find nothing remotely tacky. In fact, I absolutely adore every single item. And the best bit: It's reasonably priced. YAY!

Molly was sent two fabulous outfits. A butterfly printed jersey t-shirt and legging combo and a romper with hat.

The jersey legging outfit (£29) is just adorable. In fact, I want one for me.

The romper is also equally as adorable, however the hat didn't fit Molly (yep mummy googling large baby head!) and also instead of where poppers are, they have used buttons. Classier, yes. Annoying, yes!!!!

Take a look at the outfits below, and my gorgeous Molly too. And then get exercising those fingers for some intense online shopping at Emma Levine.

*Only girls clothes sold, I'm afraid!!

Emma Levine also has a Facebook page. Take a look.

Annabel Karmel 20th Anniversary - REVIEW

In the big, wonderful and exhausting world of mummy's, there's a name that sits comfortably with everyone. A lady, who at times of complete confusion when it comes to weaning, manages to spell things out especially for those who lost their brains during pregnancy (er, me!) And that name be Annabel Karmel - I think the title of this post probably gave it away a little while ago!

But for those of you strange beings who are not quite sure of Karmel's wise words, then a little more about her:

Annabel Karmel decided to come up with her own recipes because her first son, Nicholas, was an incredibly fussy eater. So in 1991, she wrote the original Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner, which has since sold over 2 million copies.
Annabel has sold over 3 million books worldwide and her wide range of Annabel Karmel ready meals are sold in numerous top children's attractions, holiday destinations, supermarkets and restaurants all over the country.
Now, she is celebrating her 20th year and has released a special 20th Anniversary edition of her best selling book Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner.

As a first time mum, this book has been a god-send. If you remember, way way back, I admitted that I can't cook. Apart from an amazing spag bol. But other than that, it's James who don's the pinnie!
I love the Plum pouches and Heinz pots for Molly, because they really are packed full of goodness but it's nice to make fresh, nutritious recipes and plus I can't have Molly growing up telling everyone "my mum can't cook!'. The shame.
What I love about the book is that it explains about what Molly can and can't have to begin with, it even has a helpful meal planner diary to really help you with some kind of routine. I started with just first tastes....Broccoli, Carrot, Potato, Banana just so she could get used to different tastes. Fair to say, she has a sweet tooth, or should I say gum! But I am persevering, I want Molly to love a variety of foods!
As of tomorrow, I am progressing to the combined tastes. I have taken my time with Molly, I am in no hurry. I did start weaning at 4 months, purely because of her reflux, and admittedly it has got worse since, but only from her milk - she rarely brings up food.
Now, I am not going to say this too loudly but I am starting to like the domestic goddess life. I like boiling veg, using the blender (that's it so far!) It's not rock 'n'roll but god damn, I like it!
I have decided to cook the following combinations for the next week or so:

• Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato
• Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato and Cauliflower
• Pea and Parsnip

There are various other books in the Annabel Karmel range - I thoroughly recommend this book especially if you are weaning and clueless like myself :-)
Check out all of Annabel's other products at: www.annabelkarmel.com

You can also catch Annabel on CiTV on 'Annabel's Kitchen' every day for cooking with children inspiration.

Manhattan Toys - REVIEW

7 years ago my beautiful niece Erin, had a little toy called a Whoozit. She loved it, and the Whoozit is a fond memory of when Holly first became Auntie Holly.

Now Auntie Holly has become mummy, I desperately searched for a Whoozit...which I found in shopping paradise AKA John Lewis. But being in contact with a lovely chap from Manhattan Toys, has opened my eyes to all the other wonderful toys they produce.

They sent me a lovely (big) parcel with some Manhattan Toy goodies for Miss Molly to try. After tearing her away from her best friend Mr Whoozit, she certainly took a liking to these new little goodies in her life.

Molly's new playmates:

Whoozit Wrist Activity Spiral











My Snuggly Patches - Blankie

Wimmer Ferguson Sight & Sounds Travel Toy

Classic Baby Beads











See? LOTS of goodies!!

Molly adores the Whoozit Wrist Activity Spiral and I have to laugh when i put it on her as her face is a picture. 'Mummy what is this strange thing on my wrist? I don't know what it is, but I kinda like it'. This is incredibly handy as Molly is of the age where she is becoming incredibly active but not yet able to sit up, so laying down this keeps her entertained without the annoyance of her dropping it and unable to pick back up!

The Panda Snuggly Patches came in extra handy when it was nap time in the morning after breakfast! Molly loves soft toys against her face when she sleeps and as soon as dummy and Snuggly Patches were in place, she was out for the count!

The Wimmer Ferguson Sight & Sound Travel toy also keeps her incredibly entertained. It's great as it has lots of different textures, and her favourite noise....something that squeaks! I usually pop this on her car seat and it has a Velcro tie on so can hang, although once we have arrived at the destination, the toy has been pulled off and is playing with it or trying to eat every part of it!!

Molly has also played with the Classic Baby Beads, although for now I am holding onto them as she can't quite get the grip of them and just hits herself over the head with them. So I am holding them hostage and as soon as I feel she no longer beats herself up with them, i will let you know how we get on with them!

Stay posted for some more future Manhattan Toy goodies!

http://www.manhattantoy.com/?site=EU
Facebook Page
Twitter

Baby Luxe - Bonnie Baby

A few months ago flicking through my fave 'Molly' mag called Baby Hampshire, an advert for a designer baby clothing company caught my eye. Bonnie Baby. As soon as I caught sight of the advert, it was only a matter of minutes before I was on their website picking out everything and adding to the basket.....I wish!

Bonnie Baby offer a unique and stylish wardrobe for your special little bundle. Not only are the clothes made with care and gorgeous fabrics, they are also timeless little classics. Traditional yet on trend!
Its no wonder they won the Designer Baby Fashion award at the Junior Design Awards 2011.

So I was thrilled when the gorgeous ladies at Bonnie Baby sent me a little package (when I say 'me' I really mean 'Molly' but lets face it I really mean 'me'!)
Not only that but it was packaged so so beautifully - In a special Bonnie Baby box with a handwritten card and a Bonnie Baby hanger, along with their catalogue, which again I have picked out everything from there too!
I couldn't wait to try the clothes on my Moo Moo's and she looked adorable! Take a look:

                                                          I love their trademark apple!

                                                         

                                                          Rib cardigan with silk buttons

It's easy to see why Bonnie Baby is also the celeb choice of clothing for their children. Jools Oliver, Crown Prince Christian of Denmark and Gwyneth Paltrow are all fans. Who knows...maybe Harper Seven Beckham may be their next little fan!

The clothing is so scrummy that I am going to look at their new bits and bobs and also their FAB sale!

                                   Thank you Bonnie Baby for making my baby look bonnie!



www.bonniebaby.co.uk
www.facebook.com/pages/Bonnie-Baby-Ltd/107518432320

Beauty and the Bib - Review

Beauty and the Bib really is a fairytale business story come true. Started up as a small Greenwich Market stall in 2004, Lara (the founder) was snapped up by the likes of Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Daisy & Tom. The product? Beautiful but practical bibs! Simple, yet actually really hard to find!
The bibs are really soft and absorbent, yet fun and incredibly cute. Molly suffers with reflux, so sick is an issue after every milk feed, so the fact the bibs cover most of her body saves me having to change her every hour....trust me this was the case a little while back!!

Beauty and the Bib geneorously sent me two beautiful bibs to try on Molly. Both came in a gorgeous organza bag each, which will come in handy when traveling.

The first one is a star shape bib with busy bees on. I used this for Molly's lunch feed, which as we know, is incredibly messy. Down her face, hands, on her clothes, even on my sofa...ARGGGH! But the bib caught it all, very impressive and I must say it's a must just for the cute factor!

Another fab thing about both bibs, is that they are big enough to pop round the neck, they simply velcro round the back. Some bibs are so fiddly and tight, that it aggravates Molly before her feed and then it really is a battle between Molly, Mummy and the spoon!

The next bib is a strawberry one. And in my opinion my fave. Absolutely gorgeous!!

Both bibs cost £8.00 each and there are lots of other scrummy designs to choose from. The cupcake design is currently being sold in Harrods, it's stunning!

Beauty and the Bib have loads to offer too. Rompers, hats, slippers and they even have a sale on.

Check out their Facebook and Twitter too for updates.







Who would of thought a bib could be so beautiful!