Shake, Ruffle and GO - Hairydust Review

As a young girl, I used to dread that sentence my mum would shout from up the stairs, whilst running the bath:

" Hair wash, tonight".

NOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Now, as a parent, I dread saying that very same sentence to my daughter. I know a huge hissy fit will ensue followed by every excuse under the sun as to why she doesn't need one and once I have promised her that daddy will buy her a pony if she has one, the bathroom soon resembles a scene out of Waterworld (a really bad Kevin Costner film!)

So let me introduce you to Hairydust (love this name!):

The first natural and organic dry shampoo for children. and unlike adult dry shampoo's, Hairydust does not volumise the hair. I wouldn't want Molly going to school with Dolly Parton-esqe hair. It also has a lovely, natural fragrance which isn't too overpowering. 

I wash Molly's hair 2/3 times a week, so I thought I would give this a whirl on an in-between wash day. We did a little patch test on her skin the day before and proceeded the following day. The sprinkle holes are fairly small which is a god send as there is nothing worse than powder going everywhere. I worked in into her roots and her hair INSTANTLY looked fresher and natural.

                                    

                                   

                                    

                                    

I highly recommend Hairydust because lets face it, kids love getting food, mud, snot (gross!) and anything else I can't think of right now, in their hair. And, who has time to wash hair every night - for my own sanity, I'd rather not.

Hairydust is £9.99 and is available to buy from www.maxandnancy.co.uk

I h.e.a.r.t MAC

There is something about September/October that has me reaching for the red wine, brown chelsea boots and chunky knits. But it's not only my wardrobe that I love updating - my make-up bag gets a good seeing to too. Gone are the pretty pastels, to make room for dramatic eyes and deep lips. 

The beauty calendar is bursting at the seams with new autumnal collections and various palettes - a beauty junkies paradise. But MAC draws me back every time. I'm completely obsessed with their lipsticks, 'Please Me' being my staple lip colour but its time for a change.

I went for 'Twig' satin lipstick. Still long-lasting, but heading to the more warmer shades in the range. It's probably too dark for the school run look but perfect for those cosy winter evenings snuggled by the pub fire. 

I've never tried MAC's mascara before,  I've always been a YSL gal, but change is always a good thing. Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash sounds a bit OTT but honestly, its given YSL False Lash a run for their money. My lashes were defined, volumised without looking clumpy - perfect for a statement look!

What's your favourite A/W lip colour?

New starts..

I don't know about you, but although I left school 16 years ago - wait, WHAT??! Shit, I'm old - I still see September as the start of a new year. It's almost as good as January as far as I'm concerned.

So it seems fitting that our September brought us lots of changes.

We moved house. That's right. Stressful, chaotic, no idea where my beloved Russell & Bromley bag has gone in the big move. But not only have we moved house, but we have moved to a village. It's so beautiful, I didn't see myself as the 'country bumpkin' type, but it's growing on me. It's very peaceful, and quaint - although the church bell practise is still yet to grow on me. Why on earth do they need to practise so much?!
Molly started school. It feels like it's been a long time coming, with Molly being more than ready for it. However, a few days before, I started looking at Molly. That sounds odd - I do look at Molly, but I mean really looking at her, taking it in, that my baby is actually growing up. She is still very young but I know that in less than a year, she won't be as little. And she has started denying me kisses at bedtime - I HATE that. Really hate that. She used to love our kisses and cuddles in bed but now pushes me away. Im assured it's a girl thing as our son, Jack, albeit only 9 months, is so very different! He loves a snuggle with me....

So after all this craziness, my mum and dad are selling their house. Wait. Did I say 'there' house? Whoops, I meant MY house. The house I grew up in. From nappies to falling up the stairs blind drunk and inviting boys back to sitting in my room waiting for James (daddy to Molly and Jack and my other half!) to text me back.
Selling my childhood home is really starting to get to me. Some people don't understand it. 'It's just bricks!' But to me it's waaaaay more. It's memories. The BEST memories.

So change is good. And one day I won't want the change to change - but for now, I'm just getting used to our new life.

A place in the..... UK!

As a young girl, the thought of having our actual summer holiday 'holiday' in the UK would've made me stamp my feet and throw an almighty strop! Back then, late 80's/90's, it was all about the package holiday. Of course, we did spend

A place in the sun

Boy, oh, boy. Do I have the holiday blues or what!

My lovely family and I, have just returned from a week away in sunny Majorca. It was the typical holiday: Sun, Sea and um, Sangria. Actually, it was Estrella.

However, we stayed in a gorgeous place called Puerto Pollensa and our apartment was quite literally, on the beach! So, we would wake up (pretty late for us as they have shutters, so you think it's midnight, when in fact it's morning!) pop out onto the balcony with coffee in hand and watch the sea and life just breeze by.

Molly, is a water baby and just lived for the beach. She couldn't get enough. Jack, being a little bit younger, probably didn't appreciate the heat as much but did he really complain? Never! 

But what was really lovely, is that even though it's a highly popular tourist destination - there is not one (well, not that I came across) English restaurant, no awful Brits abroad and the locals were just great.

Ok, so I know that sounded snobby but I don't want to feel like I've travelled hundreds of miles to holiday in a hotter version of the UK. 

We've decided we will be going back and have started looking already. 

So, tonight, I have the holiday blues. But as of tomorrow, I need to focus on the big MOVE*......

*Coming soon to a blog post 

NEW Radox Creamy Range

OOver at Dolly's and Daydreams headquarters (bedroom!), I'm a bit of a shower obsessive. Literally.

I LOVE being in the shower. And love it scorching hot... Could spend hours in there. However, I'd rather not resemble a burnt prune and I'm pretty sure my children would destroy my house/cover themselves in glue/generally everything they shouldn't do, if I did.
So being sent these divine Radox shower gels, has made that 'quick, in-and-out' shower all the more harder.
First off, let's talk scent. So, I have 'Rejuvenated with orange oil and vitamin E' and 'Pampered with Shea butter and ginger'.
The orange oil: smell SO delicious that I literally could eat it. Don't worry, I won't. And what I would call, a perfect summer scent.
Shea Butter: This has a little more depth to it and probably one I would look to using when the days get shorter and it gets a little colder outside. A bit more luxurious.

There are also two more scents within the range:
- Romantic with Orchid and Blueberry
- Calm with Jojoba Oil and Chamomile

One to suit every mood.

For me, orange oil was my absolute fave. Such a refreshing smell, and I felt like I was on holiday!
The creaminess is perfect as its not too thick but still moisturises enough. 
If you can't find me... I'll be in the shower!

Cream teas, fish & chips and sea air.

ISo we've just got back from our week away to Devon - Saunton to be precise.

This is the 3rd summer we have come here and stayed in our fave little resort by the sea; Saunton Sands Hotel.

Why do we keep going back? Well, the view for a start. If you're lucky enough to get a sea view room, then its worth every penny. Waking up to this is just INCREDIBLE.

If you have children, then this place is where you should be headed. Like most hotels, especially in peak season, there is entertainment for the children. Most evenings there are clowns, magic shows, Take That tribute band....so much. The children even get to attend workshops in the day, so that they can take part in the shows in the evening. 

But not only that, they have a kids playroom with activities ALL day. From picking the children up in the morning to take them for pancake breakfasts, to beach hunts, to pizza making and even a movie night in PJ's until 10.30pm. The kids didn't even come up for air...which meant James and I had some ACTUAL, REAL LIFE time together. Y'know, where we had to actually talk to each other. Like a proper conversation!

I do feel for what you pay, the rooms could be a little more up to date - the lounge and lobby are really lovely but the rooms still have a little old-fashioned feel to it (not awful) but this is not a cheap hotel, and I do feel the rooms do not reflect this!

Aside from the crazy kids schedule, we managed to sneak in fish and chips at our fave place, Squires, and the kids managed to do some pottery painting on a crap weather day and I even managed to have an evening where I drank not 1 but 4 mojito's. Any mum to young children would understand that drinking is just not high on my list. Not because I'm sensible, but more to do with the 'morning after' fuzzy head and voming, ha!

4 mojito's and I felt rough as a badgers arse!

I do love my crazy little family and having some quality time away with them was just what I needed!

Saunton Sands Hotel

Squires

Braunton Pottery

Gorgeous Little George.

Once upon a time ago, I came upon a lovely little website called 'Gorgeous Little George' and what seriously, gorgeous clothes they have!

Jack (gorgeous Jack!) let mummy use him as a model, so he could show off this amazing tee:

Ok, so Jack is not the easiest of models to work with. Asking a baby to sit perfectly straight so mummy can see what the writing says, is not an easy task. But, seriously, look at his cute, chubby little face!

MUMMY IS A BLOGGER!

And doesn't he look proud. 

If you get the chance to have look at some of their other tees and things, please do. Plus the t-shirt is from American Apparel, so the quality is great.

Jack had so many people coming up to him at the hotel and asking what it said on his tee and then they asked about my blog, so great publicity too. 

www.gorgeouslittlegeorge.co.uk

Does it really matter?

It happened again.

Random stranger: Ah, he is gorgeous and SO big. Hope labour wasn't too hard for you with this one?

Me: It wasn't easy, but ended up with emergency c-sec again.

Stranger: Oh really? I'm sorry to hear that.

WHY? WHY ARE YOU SORRY?

....

Breathe, Holly. Do not give lady evil death stare. Walk away.

How many of you has this happened to? I don't get it. There is no law to say that natural birth is the holy grail of labour. Who the hell cares? Who cares if you took a months worth of drugs in the space of 24 hours just to numb the excruciating pain. Who cares if you told your partner you hated him and to feck off for what he has done to you.

What really matters? That gorgeous baby that is happily smiling back at you right now because he is being fed his favourite yoghurt.

My babies will not feel let down because they were born by a c-sec. 

Ladies, labour and raising babies is a tough enough job as it is. Less of the patronising or condescending tone. 

We're in this together right? 

Saunton Sands|| Family time.

The time has finally arrived for our family vacay. This has been a long time coming. Those with children at school or preschool, know that the end of term is literally a C-R-AZY time. School trips, end of term parties, picnics, parent watching week, open days... The list is endless. 

So.... We have come to our fave place :

If you've never been here, then seriously think about it. The hotel is located on the beach, the place is a great mix of elegance but still very child friendly. 

I'm not one for shipping kids off all holiday for kids club, I think it's important to spend time together, BUT saying that, the girls love the kids club. It really is amazing. Pancake breakfast club, beach trips, pyjama movie night. I want to go.

Today, my wait is finally over. For the thing I've been waiting for since April (the last time we came).

FISH AND CHIPS! - seriously the best F&C you'll ever have.

Anyway, I'm off for some breakfast and then beach time. Ta-ra x

NEW Sure Compressed Variants!

Feeling fresh with Sure Compressed Variants - RRP £3.29* Nationwide

Ok, so I have to admit, I was a bit dubious about the sound of Sure's new deodorant. Motionsense definitely sounds like something you would hear throughout a tennis match at Wimbledon but I can tell you now, I have been pleasantly surprised.

Let me explain: Sure have created the world's first anti-perspirant that is activated directly by movement using Motionsense technology, so the more you move, the more you are protected.

Sounds a bit too good to be true? I put it to the test.

So I decided to go with Shower Fresh. First thoughts.... smells DIVINE! Really does live up to its name. I felt fresh as a daisy. Being a mother to 2 very active children (Molly is 4 and does not stop moving and Jack who is very nearly 8 months and into EVERYTHING), I knew this deodorant would be put through its paces. 

I popped the deodorant in the changing bag just in case I needed a little top up through out the day - these are the perfect handbag size - and I didn't need to reach for once. That lovely, fresh smell stayed with me ALL day AND I kid you not, even when I woke up the following day. According to Sure, it would even last for another 24 hours, although I'm not that brave to test that out.

These little wonders really are one to look out for when you are next doing a drugstore shop.

*Prices may vary depending on stockist

Cocoonababy Love

Hello folks.

So it only seemed like yesterday I was laying in an operating theatre thinking 'here we go again!' But 6 months on and I have the gorgeous, and a tummy baby Jack!

I will post about my birth in another post but firstly I wanted to draw attention to a product literally sent from heaven!

The Cocoonababy.

Now, 4 years ago when my little Molly was born, we really struggled with her reflux and constant griping pain especially at night time. We propped her head up with pillows, spent a fortune on reflux pillow wedges, you name it. The Cocoonababy would've made life so much easier.

We were lucky enough to have one for Jack, however.

At first, it feels a bit weird popping them in there. With just a little strap over them - but all we had to do was look at how content he was to know all was good.

The Cocoonababy literally is the shape of their body and is so soft and comforting. It almost feels like a little nest for them.

Those few weeks and months are so precious, even when they are sleeping you just can't help but want to stare at them. Jacks sleeping was greatly improved by the Cocoonababy - he felt safe and secure. Although, let's not kid ourselves here, I was still a boob leaking, constipated and emotional mess at 2 am at night feeds. 

But that's another story.

Fruit Heroes

I don't know about you but in our house treats are becoming less like treats. 'Mummy, can I have a treat from the cupboard?' I'm so tempted to chuck out all the party bag sweets, Christmas chocolates... The list is endless. Finding a healthy treat is hard to find - don't get me wrong, Molly loves fruit and she has a well balanced diet, but she is just like me. Loves her naughty goodies.

We've been sent Fruit Heroes to sample.

These are marketed as lunchbox snacks and this is what they are perfect for. On the go snacks which are a healthy alternative to chocolates, sweets and crisps. 

Let me clarify:

- No preservative

- No added sugar

- High in fibre

- One of your 5 a day

Yummy flavours too: Strawberry, Banana, Blackcurrant, Apple and Raspberry.

Molly loved these and at first was a little reluctant, I do feel that they don't look particularly appetising but she loved them and have been packed in our bags on many occasion.

Discover more about Fruit Heroes, including nutritional information and recipes you can do with the kids at http://fruitheroes.co.uk/

Hold on good weather... My body's not ready!

Post Christmas - miserable, wet, no money. The worst time of year. We're all so eager for Spring to make its grand entrance with freakishly good weather and have everything crossed for the best Spring we've had in years!

But wait...

You wake up one morning and the sun is shining, birds are tweeting and it no longer shows a - on the temp gauge in the car. Spring is here. But shit... I'm not ready physically!

I'm still shifting my Xmas weight (& baby) and my skin resembles a snakes. 

Sound like you? I can't help with the weight but I'm LOVING this new must have product:

Kai Body Glow is literally a slice of heaven. Having to bear more than an elbow? Then Kai literally gives you an all over body glow and makes you feel just glorious.

Not only that but smells bloody delicious too.

Kai Body Glow £25 from CultBeauty.

Letts Wild About Review - 9-11yrs

We've been lucky enough to have been given more Letts Wild About books, which are aimed at 9-11yr olds. These books are a fantastic way to improve your child's maths and English whilst also learning about the wider world around them.

What I love about Letts books, is that they are not only educational but exciting and capture a child's imagination and attention. Let's face it, the older your child gets, the less 'fun' homework becomes!

My cousins daughter Olivia is 9 and although she has a few more years until her SATS, these books will last her right up until she starts secondary school.

Olivia and her mummy have reviewed the books for you:

I just wish I had these when I were Olivia's age - but let's face it I'm sure there are a few things I could still learn from these books.

Letts Wild About books are also based on the new curriculum that was introduced into primary schools in September.

Discover more about Letts Wild About, including weird and wonderful animal facts and free activity sheets at www.wildaboutmathsandenglish.co.uk