Essentials Mummies Need To Get Through The Day

There’s no two ways about it, being a mum is hard work. Especially when it’s to a baby or toddler, lack of sleep on top of everything else doesn’t make getting from day to day any easier. Don’t get me wrong, being a mum is the best thing that you could ever do, but, and it’s a big but, it’s seriously hard work.

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The good news is that while being a mummy can be stressful at times, there are ways that you can make life easier for yourself. I’m talking little things that you can do to make getting through the day that little bit easier. So here’s my list of all the essentials that us mums need to make life that little bit less stressful.

Breakfast and a cup of coffee

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Being a mum requires a lot of energy, so it’s crucial that you always have breakfast and a cup of coffee to start the day. I know when you’ve got to keep both eyes on your little one, making breakfast and coffee can be tricky. However, skipping your morning energy boost is a big no-no.

Prepare your breakfast the night before and then all you’ve got to do is concentrate on eating it. Overnight oats are healthy, filling and packed full of energy, so are ideal for us mums. All you need to do is mix some oats, yogurt, chopped fruit, seeds and nuts into a container and place it in the fridge. Then, come morning, you’ll have a delicious breakfast to enjoy. Or, if all else fails, a banana makes a fantastic breakfast. Just make sure that you eat something, even if it’s just a piece of fruit or a cereal bar.

As for your morning coffee, why not treat yourself to a state of the art coffee machine? Or for a more affordable option, what about a coffee dripper, like the Hario v60? This works a bit like a cafetiere, brewing the coffee freshly for you. All you need to do is add the coffee and some boiling water, wait a few minutes, and you’ll have lovely fresh coffee to enjoy. (While your coffee’s brewing you could be dressing your little one.)

Healthy snacks for your little one

Kids get grumpy when they’re hungry, so it’s important always to keep their tummies well stocked up. While this is easy at home, when we’re out and about, often chocolate and sweets seem to be the only option. Instead of giving yourself a hyper child - every mum’s worst nightmare, pack snacks and drinks before leaving the house.

Chunks of apple, carrot and cucumber batons, and sliced grapes all make ideal on-the-go snacks for kids. Dried fruit is also ideal, as are mini bags of vegetable crisps and organic baby crisps. Pineapple sticks and mango chunks also make great snacks. There are plenty of healthy foods that make ideal on-the-go snacks for kids, you just need to find the ones that work for you.

Wet wipes and hand sanitizer

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Kids get messy; it’s a fact of life. If you want to keep yourself and your little ones looking half presentable, carrying wet wipes and hand sanitizer is a must. Sticky hands, spilt yogurt, questionable substance on your child’s hands, all you need is a wet wipe. Oh, and maybe some hand sanitizer too.

A tablet  

You know those moments where you just need a couple of minutes to yourself? Well, that’s what tablets are for - why else would they make special tablet covers for kids? Every mummy needs a tablet packed full of children’s games (educational, of course), movies and TV shows. You probably don’t want your little ones sat glued to a tablet 24/7 but a few minutes a day won’t hurt. Plus, it’ll give you a few much-needed minutes of relaxation time.

There you have it, the essentials that us mums need to make it through the day. Have I missed anything - what are your mummy survival items?

*Guestpost


Keeping Your Baby/Toddler Warm When Out and About

Recently here in the UK the weather has turned bitterly cold.
Although December was the wettest and warmest on record January
has felt so much more like winter. 
 Here in Bedfordshire we have had slight bit of snow
although I know some of you in different areas of the UK have had loads. 



So what can you do to make sure little ones are warm and snug in the cold weather? 

1. Layer up. 
When its really cold we make sure that Blake wears a long sleeve vest as well as a jumper on under his coat/snowsuit. 

2. Coat/Snowsuit 
Depending on how cold it is we put Blake in either a coat or a snowsuit.
Snowsuits are great as you can get ones that cover the feet for little babies and some
even come with mittens attached. 

3. Hats and Gloves
We always put Blake in a hat for extra warmth with his hood from his snowsuit/coat up. 
We do this even though he may pull it off for reassurance that he is warm. 

4. Cosytoes/Footmuff 

We recently decided to purchase a Cosytoes for Blake as we felt it would be ideal 
to have one with the cold weather looking to last longer. 
Blake like most babies and toddlers loves to keep taking his shoes and socks off!
By having a cosytoes if Blake manages to get his shoes and socks off at least our minds will be 
at rest knowing that the cosytoes will keep his little feet warm.
Most cosytoes have a fleece lining which makes it extra warm and cosy and 
you can find ones that go for your brand of travel system/buggy or you can purchase a universal one. 

Do you use a cosytoes/footmuff? 

Comparison: Fisherprice Laugh and Learn Puppy Vs Leapfrog My Pal Scout

When it comes to toys there are so many products on the market that some people don't know where to start or know which are the best brands etc. 

Now for Christmas Blake got two different interactive puppies which we love. 
I decided to do a comparisons post as then I give my thoughts on both of them
so if you have seen both before and not sure which one to get then this post should help you. 

Blake loves both and they both have different songs etc for play and learning. 
So the first is the Fisherprice Laugh and Learn Puppy (smart stages) then we have the  Leapfrog My Pal Scout which you can also purchase in purple called
My Pal Violet.


I'll start with the FisherPrice laugh and learn puppy. 
This puppy comes with the smart stages technology so that the puppy can grow with your child. 
There are a variety of developmentally appropriate songs, phrases and sounds within three levels of play. Puppys light-up heart even twinkles along to the music! 

Smart Stages Technology Level 1 
 Explore  6M+ First words and sounds spark babys curiosity 

Level 2 
Encourage  12M+ Prompt baby through questions and simple directions

 Level 3 
Pretend 18M+ Imaginative fun and early role play. 

With this puppy we like that it is touch sensitive and that on the back you have an on and off switch and also can change the volume to high or low.  The songs are great and teach numbers, colors,ABC's etc so it fits in well with your child's development. 

The downside is the off switch on the paw as Blake keeps turning it off and on and
its a pretty annoying hearing it say bye bye frequently. Other than we really love it.


My Pal Scout  can be personalised which is amazing!
This is done via connecting to your mobile or tablet using the app.
You can personalise it to says your child's name but its worth 
checking in advance if your little ones name is on there if its unique name. 
You can then choose your child's favorite food, color and animal from a wide selection. 
Scout comes with 5 pre-loaded songs, or you can select and download your choice of learning tunes and lullabies from an online list of 30 songs. Press a paw to play music, learning songs or games. 

The cute puppy teaches:
- Learning about numbers: children are introduced to number names and number order through counting games and activities.

- Introducing daily routines: learning about daily routines help children develop a sense of time and sequence.

Learning about feelings: even very young children can begin to recognise and express their feelings, as well as the feelings of others.

Again like the fisherprice puppy My Pal Scout is touch sensitive which we love. 
I like that the color of Scout is eye catching so catches Blake's attention easily. 
There is an on and off button on Scouts foot like the laugh and learn puppy but it 
is quiet when it turns off. 

Blake loves both of them and we love that each puppy teaches him different things.
The fact that Scout is personalised is just an added bonus to the interactive puppy. 

Does your little one/s have one or both of these puppies? 
I'd love to know your thoughts
comment below




In The Night Garden Live Discount Code

If you read my blog regularly you will know that Blake loves In the night garden and Iggle Piggle. 
Even though he is only going to be around 19 months when shows start I really want to take him to 
In the night garden live. 
I am super excited that the tickets go on sale tomorrow and that I have been given a discount code
so that you can get a discount for ordering your tickets. 
  





The shows takes place in its own Showdome with plenty of toilets, baby-changing facilities and buggy parking. Which is obviously just what us parents will need.
  With just 13 rows of seats, wherever you sit you'll get a great view. Using a purpose built venue allows us to create a space that's completely family-friendly.

The Showdome will be visiting;

Blackheath, London
26 May – 11 Jun 2016

Richmond Old Deer Park, London
18 Jun – 2 Jul 2016

Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
9 Jul – 23 Jul 2016

The Trafford Centre, Manchester
30 Jul – 20 Aug 2016


See Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka brought to life before your eyes with beautiful costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music, and breathtaking projections that make it feel like you're actually in the Night Garden.

There are two different shows to choose from, one where Igglepiggle loses his blanket and one where Makka Pakka washes everyones face. Both of the shows will include all the main characters. The shows are just under an hour each and you can choose to meet a character after the show. 


You can book to meet Igglepiggle and/or Upsy Daisy (£15 for one character, £30 for both)  when you book your tickets as well as pre-book a goody bag. 
Goody bags are full of exclusive In the Night Garden toys and souvenirs that you can’t buy anywhere else. The 2016 Goody Bag has a total value over £60 and contains a light-up windmill, a set of four puzzles, a hand puppet, a Tombliboo soft toy, a souvenir story book set, a drinking bottle, ‘Magical Times’ DVD and a copy of In the Night Garden magazine. Pre-booked goody bags cost £29 and they can be bought at the show for £39. 

I just know that Blake would love to meet Iggle Piggle and I can just picture his face light up. I am very tempted by the goody bag for the price that it is as I know Blake will love each of the items included.



Tickets for the show are priced between £12.50 and £35 depending on the time and demand of the show. Every ticket includes a Souvenir Activity Brochure worth £7!

So if you want to take your little one/s to see In the night garden live you can get £5 off orders over £60 or 5% off orders under £60 by quoting 
EARLY78W

The code is valid up to 29th February 2016


Will you be going to see In the night garden live this year? 

Aldi special buys baby event

 It's that time of year again when Aldi hold their baby and toddler event. 
The baby and toddler event for 2016 starts tomorrow Thursday 28th January. 
I love the baby and toddler special buys as its a great time to stock up on 
items such as nappies and wipes as you can get jumbo boxes for £5.99. 


Tea time favorites
This Alpha wooden high chair  (£39.99) will keep your child safe with its stable build, integrated safety bar and adjustable panels, meaning that the chair can grow with the child. 
Also available for meal times is a selection of bowls, cups, spoons and cutlery. 



Out and about
The Hauck Sport Buggy (£22.99) is a light weight and agile stroller which is ideal for 
a quick trip to the shops or long walks in the park. 
What I love about this buggy is the extra large basket which is always handy. 



Nursery needs
 For your little ones nursery look no further than Aldi's special buys in this event where
you can find Aldi's Moses Basket (£19.99),  Moses Basket Stand (£10.99),
Fitted Moses Basket Sheets (£3.99), Mamia by Hush Comfort Digital Baby Monitor (£16.99) and many more items for your bundle of joy. 


Toys
Aldi have a fab selection on offer in their event with 
 Teething Toys for £2.99,Bath Toys (£2.89) and Story Books (£0.99 each).


I was sent some of the books that are on offer at the event which I am looking forward to 
reading to Blake as we are big readers and I love reading to Blake everyday.



There are a great range of baby and toddler products in the event and 
I will be heading their myself to see what there is. 
I know that Bambinio Mio are collaborating with Aldi and releasing some new prints 
in their all in one cloth nappies for £7.99 
So I'll be definitely checking them out!

If you go to the event I'd love to know what you get! 
comment below and let me know.




Milton mini steriliser

Blake has had a dummy since he was about 4 weeks old. 
We are lucky though that he only really has his dummy during nap time and bed time. 
Now that Blake is over the age one we no longer have to sterilise bottles etc, however we choose to continue
to sterilise his dummies. 

One of the best ways to do this is with the Milton Mini Steriliser. 
We love the Milton brand and you may have read my post on their sterilising tablets and wipes.
We only recently got the Milton mini steriliser and we so wish we had got this much sooner. 

The Milton mini steriliser is a sterilisation device designed to provide you with convenience and ease of mind whenever you're on the move. As it's watertight and compact it can be easily put in your changing bag. 
We have used ours at home so that we no longer have to have our big steriliser out just for Blake's dummies. 
All you have to do is fill it up to the line with water and then add a sterlising tablet that comes with it into 
the water add the dummies, pop on the lid and off you go! 

Once inside it takes 15 minutes for your dummies to be sterlised. 
It also comes with a strap that allows you to attach the device to your pushchair. 


The Milton mini steriliser comes in two colors
-Blue and White
and
- Pink and White. 


What do you think of the Milton mini steriliser? 
Would you find it handy if your little one uses a dummy? 

Choosing the right mattress to ease back pain

If you suffer from a bad back, you will know how difficult it can be to get comfortable once you’re in bed. You might have back pain due to a sporting injury, arthritis or by lifting and sitting awkwardly. Sleeping on the wrong mattress can also cause back aches and pains and even worsen the symptoms you are already experiencing. A mattress that lacks support and strains your muscles is not something you should be putting up with. To choose a mattress that offers both comfort and support while you sleep, use this guide to help you.


Replace your mattress

It’s recommended that you should be replacing your mattress every eight to ten years. This will ensure you are getting sufficient support for your back and spine which is essential as we age. If your mattress is currently looking saggy, out of shape and worn, it might be time to change it. Mattresses can often be expensive items to purchase. But it’s essential that you replace them to receive the best support and comfort possible. With so many suppliers and style available it’s easier than ever to find a suitable mattress that is well within your budget.


Know your mattresses

Before you buy, it’s always best to get some understanding of the different types of mattresses available. Mattress suppliers have altered how mattresses are made to optimize their comfort. Meaning there is a lot more choice now than ever before. You could buy a Luxury hybrid foam mattress, an open coil mattress or a pocket spring to name a few. Not doing your research beforehand can mean you get overwhelmed by the jargon given to you on websites and in mattress stores. This lack of knowledge could also make you feel pressured into buying a particular product which might not be right for you. You can find all the information you need online, and you can even ask other back pain sufferers for their recommendations.





Personal preference is key

There is no right or wrong mattress for someone suffering from back pain. We all have personal preferences when it comes to comfort, and we all have different needs to cater. Something that might have worked for your friend or relative may not work for you. Instead of dismissing particular styles and firmness levels,  try out all the mattresses available. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you find out and the one you thought would be no use, could be the best option for you. Always go for something that appeals to your comfort levels and eases the pain you are experiencing. Don’t be talked into buying something that is on offer or lacks support just because of the cheaper price tag. The right mattress should give you comfort, support your back and improve your posture.


Mattress shopping may be difficult at times. But getting a comfortable night’s sleep will allow your spine and muscles to rest and rejuvenate. So it you’re suffering from back pain, keep these tips in mind and find your ideal mattress today.

Places we would love to go :Bedfordshire/Buckinghamshire

 With Stuart booking the week off work at the beginning of February its got me thinking of places
we could go nearby to us in Bedfordshire.

We obviously can't afford to go out ever day somewhere .But its got me thinking of compiling a list of places we would love to go a doing a few when Stuart has the week off and then we can revert back to the list in the future if we want to go somewhere but can't decide where to go. 

So here is my list: 

Leighton Buzzard Railway 
This an ideal place if you love trains (which Blake seems to) and is the closest to us. 
I have been twice before, once which was with Blake when he was dinky. 
There is a approx 70 minute steam train return journey. Discover the fascinating history, dating back to the dark days of the First World War, and experience the vanished world of narrow-gauge light railways.


Rushmere County park (Heath and Reach)
I've been once before it's filled with big green spaces full of scenic footpaths and bridleways, which you can get maps around at the Heron's View Visitor Centre, also home to the Treetops Cafe .



Mead Open Farm (Billington) 
I really want to take Blake here as I have heard many good things
about the place and know a lot of my Mummy friends go here regularly.
Unfortunately there is no public transport that goes that way so if we do
go we will have to factor in paying for a taxi to get us there and back. 

Snakes and Ladders (Dunstable)
This is a fab soft play area!
We took Blake there for his first birthday and he loved it.
There is lots to do and food there is cheap too (just so you know) 

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo 
Another place that will be fab to take Blake where we have been before. 
I don't think we will go in February as when we last went we went in April and it was
pretty cold so this would be an ideal day out when the weather is much warmer. 


Tring Local History Museum
I've never been before I don't think Stuart has either 
but its sounds very interesting and is only a train ride away. 

Willen Lake and Park (Milton Keynes)
I've been here many times before as I grew up in Milton Keynes
and my Mum use to take me and my sister here all the time.
I think it will be great for Blake to experience it too in his buggy
whilst we walk around the lake. 

Gullivers Land (Milton Keynes)
I think Blake is a little too young at the moment but me and my sister use to go here as
a child too and loved it. So another place I want Blake to experience. 

Wendover Woods (Wendover)
We aren't too sure how accessible Wendover woods is to get to when you have to rely on public 
transport so we are going to have a look into and see if we would be able to get there. 
We love going for walks so this sounds fab. 


Stockwood Discovery Centre (Luton)
This place is again a place me and Stuart have be to before. 
It's very close to where we use to live when we briefly lived in Luton so we know where it
is and we enjoyed it last time so worth taking Blake. 

Safari MK Soft Play (Milton Keynes)
This a fairly new soft play in Milton Keynes and is close to near where my family live.
A place I definitely want to try out. 


I am leaving it at that for now.There are so many places we would love to go to nearby so
I definitely want to go out as a family a lot more, I think it will be even better in the summer.

Mini Superdrug Haul

Hi everyone so recently I popped into Superdrug as I wanted to get some new make up bits. 
I don't spend an awful lot on make up and tend to get new bits in drips and drabs but this time 
I picked out seven items to add to my make up collection. 

First up I picked up the Makeup Revolution Antibacterial Brush Cleaner
If you read my what I got for Christmas post you would know my sister brought me some of the
Real Techniques make up brushes. So I decided that I needed to get a good brush cleaner. 
This cleaner is specially formulated to keep your makeup brushes clean and free from bacteria.
It is web exclusive and cost £5 for 200ml. I really like the smell of this and you need about 4 sprays per brush to get them clean but for £5 its pretty good as I know a lot of brush cleaners tend to be more expensive. 


I then purchased the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder I have heard good things about this powder
and it retails at £3.99 so a great price too. I picked this up in number 01 Transparent. 


I also decided to try out a foundation I have heard about but never actually tried before. 
The Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in number 10 light porcelain. 
I am pale so find it hard when it comes to choosing the right shade foundation. 
I tend to stick with what I know but from time to time I do like try to find something new. 
I've not tried this out yet but have just run out of my usual foundation so tomorrow I'll be giving this a go. 


This is actually the second one I have brought of this mascara and I love it. 
I go for a waterproof mascara all the time as I do find that if I don't my mascara will always smudge. 
This mascara is hands down my favorite so far.  I have tried so many different ones and they just 
haven't been for me. 


Now when it comes to eyeliner I've never really got on with it. 
I use to use a eyeliner pencil but always found it smudged easily and 
I have been too nervous to use a liquid or gel liner so I just didn't bother. 
That is until now I have started using the Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner 
and love it. I have gone for the color number 5 brown but it comes in other colors too. 
I feel that a black one would be too dark for me but I am now getting much better at doing eyeliner
and just wish I had tried properly before. 

I also picked out the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer again its a product
I have heard good things about and I love. 
I love using this under my eyes to get rid of my dark circles and it's amazing.
I also use it on spots and red areas of my face. 



Last of all is the Collection Matt Lip Butter Pencils I picked up the shade 2 Pumpkin Pie but 
I also own more from the collection which is hence why I went and picked up a shade I don't have.
Pumpkin pie is a orangey shade which looks very pretty. 
I love Matt ones as the color stays on my lips all day. 
In the Matt shades I have this one and the number 1 Marshmallow pink which is also very pretty.
In the regular ones I have the colors cappuccino and vintage rose which are more natural. 
I do love the other colors so will probably buy them at some point. 



I hope you have enjoyed my little Superdrug haul. 
Have you tried or use any of these products? 
I'd love to know comment below. 

Transition: Formula to cows milk

Hi everyone I wanted to share my experience today on how we got Blake to go from formula to cows milk. 
We were quite lucky and found the transition from formula to cows milk pretty simple with Blake. 
From four weeks old Blake was on Cow and Gate formula and then after he turned one last month he has 
been drinking whole cows milk. 

We started off by giving him cows milk mixed in with weetabix and then moved on to giving him
whole milk as his first feed of the day. As he only has 2 feeds a day he was having one bottle of cows milk in the morning and a bottle of formula in the evening before bed. 

He now drinks whole milk both in the morning and night as well as mixed in with meals such as cereal. 
 We have been lucky that he hasn't seemed to have noticed any difference or if he has he's not made a fuss. 
We still heat his milk as he has always been fussy with the temperature.

Our next step is to try and get him to drink his milk from a cup instead of a bottle I am hoping that he
will be fine with it as he tends to be really good drinking water from his cup. 



If your little one has started drinking cows milk how did you get on?