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

Prepare your children for the clock change

We've packed away the flip flops, the little dresses have been put yo back of the wardrobe. My dear friends, Summer is over. Or it most definitely is on the 26th October when the clocks go back.

Most people hate this time of year, dark by 5 and feeling chilly. I, however, love it! I love Autumn and the feel of winter creeping in. But I do have to say, since having Molly, I have noticed that I dread clock change. 

Her body clock takes ages to adjust and we have a good few weeks of her waking up at ridonkulous times! 

Our good friends at In the Night Garden, have come up with some great tips and are holding a web discussion on the 10th October which will be live and they will be answering your questions. 

 Mandy Gurney, sleep expert and founder of a children’s sleep clinic will be offering her advice on how to adapt your child’s routine to cope with an extra hour in bed. From practical things about how to ease them with wind down time to the importance of establishing bedtime routines so that there are as little disruptions possible so they don’t get ratty.

The reason why they are doing it 2 weeks before the clocks go back is that is how long sleep experts recommend it takes to adjust a child’s routine, In the Night Garden is behind this as they’ve conducted some research showing parents notice their children being affected by the clocks going back.

The show will be live and interactive so people can send in any questions they might have in advance of the show going live, and also during the show.

To watch the show live and/or submit a question, click on this link http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/prepare-your-children-for-the-clocks-changing-and-get-an-extra-hour-in-bed  http://www.studiotalk.tv/show/prepare-your-children-for-the-clocks-changing-and-get-an-extra-hour-in-bed

 Show date: 10th October 2014 

 Show time: 3pm  

Website: www.inthenightgarden.co.uk 

 #NightGardenBedtime

Collins Back To School books - review

As Molly is only 3, school seems like a way off yet, but it's just around the corner...
I'm becoming more & more conscience of preparing her and getting her reading and writing up and running.
We've been so fortunate to receive a great bundle of pre-school books to help and guide Molly through the beginnings of her education.
What I was most surprised about was the variety of books available. And there sure is nothing better than the smell of new books.... Just very exciting!

Here's what we were sent;

I think the most reassuring thing is the trust in the brand. I remember my first Collins school dictionary, it's a name we all know and rely on  and Collins certainly covers it all.

Have a look at my video review:

And YOU get to join in on the fun too...

Collins are offering parents the chance to get 30% off their range of Back to School books until 30 September 2014. Simply use promo code SCHOOLBAG30 at Collins.co.uk

AND... Parents can enter a competition to win one of 50 bundles of books for their child in a Collins branded school bag at Collins.co.uk/backtoschool

Who knew learning could be so exciting!

Kate & Mim-Mim - CBEEBIES review!

Molly & I have been really lucky to have been asked to watch and review a BRAND-NEW childrens programme Kate & Mim-Mim which will start airing on CBEEBIES on 4th August at 5.30pm.

©2013 KMM Productions Inc., A Nerd Corps Company

So, Molly and I sat down and watched the first episode, 'Rip Roaring Race'. But first let me explain about Kate & Mim-Mim;

It's the creation of Scott & Julie Stewart who were inspired by their children and toy bunny, Mim-Mim!

It tells the story of feisty five-year-old Kate and her BIG imagination. Whenever Kate faces a problem or something stirs her curiosity, she and her favourite toy bunny Mim-Mim twirl off to the fantasy world of Mimiloo, where Mim-Mim transforms into a larger-than-life playmate! 

There are lots of different characters based in Mimiloo, which all add to the fun of the programme.

Episode 1: Rip Roaring Race

Kate and Dad are building go-karts to race on their homemade track. In Mimiloo, Kate, Mim-Mim and all their friends race their own cars in the Rip Roaring Race at the Rumbly Race Track. In everyone's haste to win, Mim-Mim is the only one who tested his car beforehand. Lucky for his friends, Mim-Mim added some special parts!

Episode 2: The Need for Seed

Kate doesn't understand why her flower is so much smaller than Mum's. In Mimiloo, Kate and Mim-Mim help their friends catch a surprise sapling seed-a speedy seed that sprouts in the most surprising way! The wiggly seed leads them on a wild underground pursuit in search of its ideal place to grow. But will it be worth the chase?

So what did we think?

As soon as it started, all I noticed was how bright and colourful it was. Lots of vibrant colours which catch your attention instantly. First impressions (especially with children) are vital! The episode was fast-paced and didn't drag. Sometimes, not naming any names, some programmes are literally 5-10 minutes too long and you've completely lost the attention of your viewer!

Molly was hooked from start to finish. As soon as it ended she wanted to watch more, and we will need to wait like everybody else.

As a parent, it explored important themes like friendship, problem solving and adventure but it allows children to use their imagination and work together. 

It also helped that not only did we get to watch the first episode before anyone, we get some major cute Mim-Mim bunny ears. And something for mummy; NERD sweets - my all-time fave!! 

We cannot wait to watch all next week especially episode 2 on Tuesday 5th August! 

Make sure you watch and let me know what you think...

To follow Kate & Mim-Mim, LIKE their Facebook page;

www.facebook.com/kateandmimmim