Summer Garden Play to Chilly Christmas days

With the Olympics 2012 having had its ‘closing ceremony’ many have been left feeling a little lost. After all, what are we going to watch now? Ok, we still have the Paralympics but this is also due to become a memory (a great one but a memory nonetheless).

I’ll be honest when stating that yes, I’ve done a lot of sitting while watching the games at home. Sadly this meant the children failed to have my full attention and family play was done around the TV. However, there was positives too! It was nice to see how inspired the children had become following each event & awards presentations.

Then I remembered about a certain press release I was sent a few weeks before and the realisation started to set in! I’d not done much at all and with this release I could go about changing this.

The Press release was sent by them lovely lot over at Argos, a great brand that I’ve worked with on my blog for almost a year now. This time Argos were promoting their latest play campaign where they aim to encourage British families to swap a sedentary summer for one of a Playcation.

This was of particular interest to me given I’ve recently blogged about the alternative ways one can entertain the children on a low budget during the school holidays.

As I mentioned before, money isn’t exactly flowing out from my purse in the form of twenty pound notes. We do have some trips line up (more so over these last coming weeks of the holidays) but I love gaining new ideas of ways to entertain the children.

Argos has teamed up with television presenter and exercise enthusiast Laura Hamilton to create a ‘Summer Playcation Guide’ full of games and tips.

Argos sent me a copy of the guide along with some outdoor toys for the kids. The toddler in particular has had lots of fun playing with these.

The guide features three original games alongside a whole host of activity and toy suggestions. Families wishing to download the Playcation guide should visit the Argos Chad Valley Facebook page at www.facebook.com/chadvalleyendlessplay

Staying on the subject of Argos, I also attended the Argos Christmas show last month with Harley. There was lots to do and see (not that I got to do much, what with the toddler finding it so difficult to remove himself away from the fab toys on display). Argos were great though and Harley and I had a really great time. It wasn’t just toys on show but everything from homeware to Emma Bunton’s new clothing range to see.

During my visit I was able to see the Argos Top Ten toys for Christmas 2012:
· Furby – price available from September 2012
· Web Shooting Spiderman – £34.99
· Lego Monster Fighters Ghost Train – £59.99
· LeapPad 2 – £89.99
· Batman ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ The Bat – £34.99
· Cinderella Feature Doll – £29.99
· Star Doll Fallen Angel – £23.99
· Vtech Innotab 2 – £84.99
· Minnie Mouse Precious Pets Tour Van – £29.99
· Twister Dance – £26.99

The Furby was awesome, it’s come a long way since I was a kid.

The Top Ten Toys for 2012 are available in all Argos stores and online at www.argos.co.uk

Be Stylish, Be-Scene

I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned on here before, how we live in an accident hotspot! Seriously, we live on a main road and on this main road there has been a very large number of road traffic accidents whether car on car collisions or accidents involving pedestrians being hit when crossing.

Sadly many of these accidents have involved children and even worse have been fatal! I’ve seen a number of lives lost right outside my door.

Yes, we have traffic lights, unfortunately these are not always used and not so long ago a school child lost their life at a green light.

Of course this scares me, I’m a mother, its my job to worry! Thankfully my eldest gets transport to school and my daughter has no reason to use the main road as the route to school doesn’t require her to use it. Nonetheless, she still crosses two small roads on route to school!

 Kids One Stop Shop (which I’ll explain a little more about in a bit) introduced me to an awesome brand with an amazing idea. The brand called, “B-Scene” is a unique company that has designed a range of children’s wear with a difference! This is a company that puts safety into fashion.

B-Scene is a revolutionary new clothing brand to the childrens-wear market which has been developed with a built-in safety aspect to help prevent horrific road accidents and potentially save children’s lives.

 We were sent an B-Scene duffel coat for my daughter that has this built-in safety feature! Basically the coats pink and brown check design has a hidden feature that can only be seen in the dark when a light is shone in its direction… i.e., car head lights.

The coat has reflective stripes woven into it, that reflect the light, kind of like the jackets and vest you find the police, dustman, lollypop man or workmen wearing. This is a great feature especially during the winter months when the days are shorter and children are at higher risk when walking or commuting home from school.

What’s great about the duffle coat that the “Kids One Stop Shop” Sent my daughter to try out, is the fact it’s really stylish and you can’t see the reflective stripes in the daylight (well, not unless you look super hard). It’s a lovely pink and brown check, it’s quilted throughout making it extremely warm (so, I’ve been told) plus it has a super soft fluffy fur hood. The Coat fits Alice-Sara really well and will last another winter for sure. It also has an inside pocket for her MP3 player. Note, my daughter understands that she shouldn’t be listening to her MP3 player when crossing the road!

I was super impressed with the quality of this beautiful coat, as-well as the clever innovative idea behind it! Would I buy this type of thing? Yes, without a doubt! These garments are high visibility to drivers but children can still be trendy and not stand out from the crowd, I honestly think it’s a genius idea

Here’s what the company behind the idea have to say about their B-Scene collection.

B-Scene views the increasing problem of road traffic accidents across the UK involving children so seriously that we are working in close conjunction with Brake charity, the government road safety organisation and local councils to help raise awareness and look at methods of prevention for the future.

Now, here’s some need to know information!

The B-Scene Girl’s duffle Coat is available in sizes 3-4 through to sizes 9-10 its priced at £44.99 and a version for boys is also available (see picture above)! 

However if you buy this same coat via The Kids One Stop Shop you can obtain a code that gets you the lovely B-Scene duffle coat at a remarkable £22.50 Thats a massive 50% discount!

If you’re a parent it’s totally worth checking out Kids One Stop Shop! Founded by Wendy Mother to 3 year old daughter Lilly, she has created a place that suits all parents, whether you want to sell or buy pre loved items from kidswear, ladies wear, DVDs, toys, baby equipment and more, there’s bound to be something to catch your eye! Plus you can check out the many brands using the site, and therefore find some top discounts on items like that of the B-Scene duffle coat. If that’s not great in itself, there’s also event listings for your area, plus a news section and somewhere to gain parental advice. It really is a fantastic website, catering for all them parenting needs. If it wasn’t for Kids One Stop Shop I probably wouldn’t have discovered B-Scene and their great range of kids safety wear!

Don’t just take my word for it! Check out “Kids One Stop Shop” HERE and you can visit the B-Scene website by clicking HERE  To obtain the reduction code for the coat In particular (which is also available for boys) just click HERE!

Update – Davina for Next

Last week was a busy one, so I apologise for my late update! On the plus side, I’ve likely done more exercise than I actually think I did, what with all the rushing around! So, I’ve continued with the Davina ultimate workout and fell both on and off the diet wagon more times than I care to mention. I’m yet to take up any form of running but continue to engage in some power walking (unless with the toddler, this is like walking at a snail’s pace)! I’ve walked around our local woods so many times in the past 4 weeks, I could tell you where the squirrel’s hide their nuts!

Sadly, I didn’t do much dancing last week, unless you include my antics at the Lollibop mini disco at the ‘Ministry of Sound’ London, or that of me shaking my butt to a bit of Kiss 100 every morning as I go about doing the horrible task of get the kids out of bed and ready for school (it all counts doesn’t it)!

Most importantly, I’m feeling somewhat better within myself. I’m eating at reasonable hours, despite the odd slip, as well as making simple lifestyle changes that are now fitting into with my daily routine without much difficulty, I mean, it’s not so much of a struggle, I’m naturally making healthier choices without feeling like its a chore! I’ve also found that I am actually much more motivated now then I was a week ago, maybe it just took a while to kick in.
Last week I faced the fear of having to brave my swimsuit in order to take the toddler swimming. I continued to declare I just didn’t have time, but if the truth be told, deep down, It’s the fact that I’m still not comfortable in the way my body looks since baby number 3. Swimming is something that will help me get back in my size 8’s, so to avoid it seems a little crazy (plus Harley is two now and has never been, I can’t be holding him back due to my own body hang ups)!

Now as we start a new week, I’ll also be preparing to write my last update, Yep, it’s all going to be finished, leaving myself and my fellow 9 ‘Davina for Next’ virtual workout buddies, to our own devices. Last week I was a bit worried that I’ll just let it slip when it’s over, one week will turn into two weeks and before you know it I’m back to my old ways! I thought that without the need to send a weekly report I may just sit eating lashings of dessert as I watch Eastenders, going back for seconds and maybe thirds! I actually think I was just having a low week and wasn’t thinking about it properly. You see, I will continue on my journey to get back in my size 8’s and make lifestyle changes that will stick with me, because I want it so much, I want to do this for myself! I really won’t need to share and I’m sure as hell, you’ll all have had enough of my battle to combat the flab anyway! 🙂

So with only one more post to write, I thought that this would be a great time to share some of the lessons I’ve learnt from having started this journey to get fit with Davina and Next!

◆ We, all fall of the diet wagon from time to time, beating ourselves up in the process only makes us depressive, looking for comfort in something sweet. So, instead of embarking on a chocolate eating frenzy, I tell myself off and jump back on the diet wagon.

Image via Wikipedia

◆ We often become more motivated when we have failed at something! If I notice I’m actually gaining a few pounds as opposed to shifting them, I’m disappointed, though it makes me all the more determined to kick my own arse the following week!
◆ Stop being so restrictive! Yes, this one makes me feel like a hypocrite as its one I know to be true, though I do struggle with. You see, I know by putting yourself on a really tight diet you will drop it quicker, but like they say… It’s just as easy and speedy to stick it back on! Not only this, I find myself, moody, irritable, and not all that nice to be around. I’m therefore trying to be less extreme and more realistic yet happy.

◆ If like me, you have a serious disliking to the weighing scales then just don’t go near them. I really dislike weighing myself, it can determine my whole mood for the day and I don’t want to be worrying myself stupid every time I gain a pound or two! I instead go by my dress size and the way my clothes fit. You know when you’re losing weight or toning up in many ways, scales only make you obsessive, I know as it ruined a good few years of my life.

Image via Wikipedia

◆ An important one, that I myself discovered last week, (the hard way) is don’t push yourself to far when your body is telling you you’re getting sick! I think a certain amount of light exercise when uncomfortable (example the time of the month) is a great way to feeling more you again plus it also helps create natural pain relief, however, when you feel like you’re coming down with a horrible flu then rest! I didn’t, I ignored it, and ended up in bed recovering from a horrid flu that then converted itself into the worse ever stomach flu. I know, that for the 3 days I battled on ignoring the messages given off  by my body and that’s why it caught up with me and likely put me out of action longer than It probably would have done if I sweated it out in bed from the start.image from google docs

◆ Eating little and often makes calories easier to burn off, while only eating till your full will likely be the real key to success. My mother always told me as a whining child claiming I was starving not long after lunch, to drink some water! It’s so true, we often mistake thirst for hunger!
◆ When that dreaded time of the month hits and you feel yourself reaching for that family bar of Cadbury dairy milk, grab a handful of Cherry plum tomatoes that have been stored in the fridge, instead. Ok, I’m not going to lie… of course this isn’t the same (give me the family bar over a tom any day of the week) however, they are nice and actually really juicy and sweet! For me it helps put the sweet craving at bay which is just brilliant as monthly’s are usually the time when my willpower runs of without me.

Image via Wikipedia

◆ You really can exercise while sitting on your back-side! Once you have it nailed, you find your engaging in such a task without realising it. When sitting watching my favourite programme… let’s say… “BBC3 Being human, which was on last night & I love it, I’ll do some pelvic floor exercises (so, important and  just doesn’t apply to those new mothers) then I’ll do some leg lifts or when actually really in the mood and trying, I’ll sit on the exercise bike for half an hour or so. I’ve discovered that it’s these little extra things that end up amounting to big differences and once done once or twice they come naturally without becoming a dreaded chore! If I forget one night, it doesn’t matter, I’ll still gain from them,  tomorrow!
◆ Walk as opposed to driving or using any other forms of transportation (buses, taxis etc…) OK, if we are talking long haul distances then go on… I’m with you if you wanna start the car up, but those journeys within walking distance will leave you feeling better (probably not at the time) and will also help you reach any goals quicker. This is especially the case if you are shopping. I’f my bags are heavy but I can mange regardless of a little struggle, I then refuse to call a taxi. Instead I focus on landmarks to help me get back without putting the bags to the ground and wiping the sweat from my forehead just 2 minutes up the hill (yes, I
have to walk the shopping up the hill)! Once I’ve reached the landmark, example traffic lights, I may be half way there, so I then focus on something else, It really seems to work well and is not only a great way to shift calories and tone the tops of your arms, but a good way to penny pinch too!

I was  going to share some pictures of myself in my Davina for next clothing and give an update on whether my chosen pieces have withstood the test of time, especially that of the washing machine. However, given that this is now my final week and in a few short days I’ll give you my final update, I’ve decided to save them till then, when I’ll also share some recipes, ideas, my highs and lows, progress and final thoughts! After all… I want to finish on a bang!

So to discover my final last words and see some photos I was thinking about burning… then get yourselves over here on Wednesday the 15th February

To checkout the ‘Davina for Next’ fitness range of clothing and innovative footwear click Here

Related articles

• Making Progress with Davina (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Week one – Getting fit with Davina (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Davina for Next – Week 2 (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Davina for Next, working out in style (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Davina for Next – Week 3 (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)

Making Progress with Davina

Getting fit with Davina and Next has been a blast and sadly we are now coming up to our last few weeks of the challenge. 😦 

 This week has been intense as I’ve struggled to get back onto the “Diet Wagon” though with the receiving of a gift from the those lovely people at Next and Davina herself, I have managed to keep going on the exercise front. Yes, I was sent the all new “Davina, Ultimate Target” DVD and have done the workout at least 4 times this week. It would also seem that I have inspired my 9 year old daughter because every time I turn around their she is working out beside me, bless her.

The DVD consists of a “Fabulous Fat Burner” Cardio workout with funky Latino moves, “Brillent Boot Camp” A squats and toning fest, “Target Abs” fifteen minutes of tummy toning and lastly “Target Workouts” 3 short but effective routines targeting specific problem areas such a them horrid bingo wings, summer shoulders and bikini bum.

I am loving the DVD and the fact it aims to sort this specific problem areas is nothing short of a god send!

 There is some more good news this week! I’ve not had one Redbull… NOT ONE! So, I’m feeling pretty pleased with myself on that front.

 I do at times worry, that without this challenge, I will flake and fall back into my old dirty ways (well, I say dirty, what I mean is lazy)! Yes, I’m enjoying it and I think this should be enough to get me going, though I’m just so used to worrying I guess that explains the reason I’m doing so now. I do however have my picture of my old sized 8 super bod and that of Davina’s super abs which I’m sure will be all the kick in the backside I need. 

 I’ve continued with my crunches and struggled on with my push ups. I’m enjoying long walks in the park with the toddler and having fun dancing with the 9-year-old daughter! 

 I’ve done loads of skipping with Little man and if anything this is turning into a family fitness plan.

 Next week I intend on doing my new Davina DVD workout DVD every night before bed… I may even brave it and share a clip of me doing it… (of course with Alice by my side)! Otherwise I’ll just carry on with what I’m doing (apart from eating like a piggy)!

 I’m also planing on trying some Zumba, as I’ve been inspired by the lovely Clairejustinoxox who has been way braver than myself in sharing a video of herself working out (umm, yes, maybe next week). I’m also considering doing a little running as opposed to power walking, though I’m a little worried about “Killing myself” in the process.

Above: Some of my many Workout DVD’s

 I do hope you are all enjoying my journey to get fit and would love to hear your own stories or any super tips you may have (all are very welcome)!

Checkout some some the fabulous “Davina for Next” workout wear by clicking HERE

Davina for Next – Week 2

As I write this, I am dying to run downstairs and munch one of the soft, sugary ring donuts the other half brought home for the children! The fact that I am still here, not there, shows how my flaking willpower has started its journey in repairing itself!

Yes, it’s now my second week on the road to fitness with the help of Next, Davina MCcall and 9 other bloggers (who have all been very supportive, via twitter and commenting here on the blog).

So… How was week one?

On the food front, I’m hanging in there, its hard, I cannot deny! Yet, I am proud of myself and how I’m sticking to a healthier eating plan (I’ve only had chocolate once this week, and that my friends, is a miracle)! I’m now eating healthier options which this week has consisted of mainly foods high in portion reducing my carb in-take a little. I’ve also eaten at more sensible hours and I have tried to ensure that nothing crosses these lips in the late hours.

What about RedBull Lights, I hear you asking? Well, I haven’t stopped drinking these completely, id be a liar if I said I have, though what I can report is, I’m now drinking a huge amount less of the horrid addictive stuff than I was before I started my health kick… No more than one can per-day and yesterday I had not a drop (massive improvement from the five cans I’m used too)! This one isn’t easy, the stuff is addictive like coffee… but worse if I’m honest!

Exercise

For the first 4 days it was going so well! I did most of what I planed to do, with the exception of dog walking (my mother embarks on such a task at the strangest of hours, with three kids to parent, my mum has done her duties alone). I’ve also not been swimming or clubbing on a Friday night, more to the petty! I did buy a gym ball (the peanut kind) and I admit I went crazy and brought not one but 5 fitness DVDs and have tried a few. Everything on the plan was going really well, then four days in I was struck down with a horrid flu bug and exercise was the last thing on my mind, so I’ve basically spent three days struggling to climb out of bed! Nonetheless, I’m starting to feel like myself again and I plan to make up for lost time and up my todo list this week.

There was however, a nice surprise on Saturday afternoon that helped brighten up a rather gloomy day! My new Next FIT shoes, available via the ‘Davina for Next’ innovative footwear range, arrived at my door.

These are my beautifully shiny red pantent corsage slab shoes, equipped with the new ‘Next FIT’ technology!

Lovely, don’t you think?

Not only do these shoes look lovely but they are really comfortable too! I have to say, when I first saw them, I really never expected them to be so comfortable to wear! There was no new shoe blisters or no aching feet, and since they have arrived, I’ve worn them on most days and even in the house like slippers. Choosing a pair of shoes from the Davina range was the hardest task for me, I choose my fitness outfit within a few minutes but I seriously studied the pages of the Next Website that host these innovative shoes, and it took me the best part of an hour to decide. They do the slab shoes in one or two designs and in a range of colours, I’m seriously considering getting myself a black pair too. At £31, I feel they are very good value, if anything a bit of a bargain!

So… enough about shoes (this crazy loving shoe mum, could talk shoes all day)! Let me finish by jotting down and sharing my goals for the week ahead.

Goals for Week 2

All of the goals recorded in week one can stay with the exception of dog walking, this just isn’t gonna work! I’m upping the pace a little to make up for the past three days sickness and have decided to do this by upping the number of sit-ups and push-ups by adding 20 more on each, and I will also do a few more squats (Yer… I love squats really)!

I’ve now got a gym ball which I’m loving! I will incorporate this more into my daily exercise routine (yes, instead of just siting on it)!

I’m also hoping to have a Friday night on the dance floor this week or next, so all you fellow bloggers, come fitness freaks (aka fellow 9 Davina for Next bloggers) you fancy getting your groove on? I say let’s go swing our pants and have some serious fun getting fit!

So… that’s it

Till next week… its good-bye 🙂

Others joining me in the Davina for Next fitness quest

• Jessie’s Crazy Kitchen
• Nadine – X
• Clairejustineoxox
• Super amazing mum
• Marisworld
• Snugglebubby
• Pret-a-Style
• Mummy Mummy Mum
• Mum of one

Related articles

• Week one – Getting fit with Davina (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Davina for Next, working out in style (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Davina McCall’s Spring 2012 Collection for Next (lifeloveandlivingwithboys.wordpress.com)
• Davina McCall: Biggest Loser hosts joins show’s contestants in toughest workout yet (thesun.co.uk)
• New Year, New You with Next and Davina McCall (fashion-mommy.com)

Davina for Next, working out in style

If any of you read my last post regarding New years resolutions you will know I’ve decided to keep them to myself! However, I did mention the fact that I would be participating in a number of keep fit programmes (whether I last the course is yet to be seen).

So, when I joined up to the Next bloggers network and discovered that Davina McCall had teamed up with Next to launch a new fitness range of clothing and footwear I was eager to learn all about it and hopefully get a sneaky peek of the range which is due to launch in spring 2012.

When I was pregnant with Harley now 2, It was the Davina Pre and post pregnancy DVD that I followed. I was actually as huge as a house with Harley, it didn’t help that he was such a big baby but I found the DVD really easy to follow although I did get lazy and slacked a bit during my third trimester.

Considering it’s now 2 years since he was born and I’m still struggling to zip up my jeans, I’ve decided something has to be done!

If I have to work out to get the body I desire, I at least wanna look hot in the process (and no, I don’t mean all flashed and sweaty, I mean smoking hot). Yet, when I think about fitness wear I have this horrid vision of tight unflattering Lycra and cycling shorts that show of some of my most undesirable areas, one’s I’d rather keep hidden.

Well, it would seem that both Davina and Next have made it their mission to create a range that resembles nothing of that above. The ‘Devina for Next’ range that will be launching in the Next Directory, online at next.co.uk and at selected stores, provides us with not only the ultimate workout range but also a great selection of post workout clothing along with a range of innovative everyday footwear featuring dual density technology to reduce stress on joints.

Here’s what Davina McCall had to say about the range

“My approach was to concentrate on what I would wear. I’ve thought very carefully about the details that matter to me, like a place for an MP3 player, or reflective strips on the bottoms – essential when you’re jogging in the early morning or at dusk. And I’ve ensured the workout tops are extremely solid and secure so your boobs won’t be bobbing around while you’re working out!”

I’m no flat chested Moma so this was like music to my ears, bobbing bobs isn’t the look I’m aiming for!

The range does sound delightful, the idea of having a place to pop my MP3 is fantastic, like many I’m motivated when listening to some of my favourite upbeat dance tracks and really couldn’t see myself jogging without earphones hanging from my ears.

There really is something for everyone, whether you prefer to go for a run, engage in some aerobics or maybe Pilates is more you’re thing? With modern shapes stunning colours and comfortable fabrics the Davina for Next range ensures that you can do it in both comfort and style.

Here’s a few key pieces that I myself fancy putting to the test.

As for footwear, most know I’m a bit of a shoe junkie so was pleased to discover that there were some lovely stylish everyday shoes on the menu. The fact that these are not only advertised to provide comfort but performance and muscle activation makes them so much more appealing (and there was me assuming such technology was restricted to trainers only)!

Cute round toe ballerina pumps in red and neon pink patent are just a few of the fabulous designs on offer. These sleek shoes designed to reduce stress on load bearing joints have been designed with NEXT’s dual density mid-sole technology which gives me an even bigger reasons to indulge my love for shoes.

I have to admit, the pretty ballerina pumps are my favourite.

For those of you looking for something that bit different, why not check out Davina’s ultra-feminine trainers, embellished with bands of shimmering bright candy colours that promise to exert 25% less pressure on the ball of the foot, or some floral print canvas pumps designed to decrease heel impact.

I’m pretty excited for the launch, whether I’ll look as great as the lady behind them, will depend on this mummy’s motivation.

Bring it on Davina 🙂

Related articles

• New Year, New You with Next and Davina McCall (fashion-mommy.com)
• Davina McCall’s Spring 2012 Collection for Next (lifeloveandlivingwithboys.wordpress.com)
• Davina McCall launches a new fitness range (heatworld.com)

Children’s fashion by Vertbaudet

Being a blogger,  you get some awesome opportunities come your way.

 This was one off them, I was frilled when asked to review something from the Vertbaudetchildren’s range.

 I find it hard to find clothing for Little man as he wears nothing but tracksuits as he is defensive to most materials due to his problems with his sensory processing.

 I was going to try out a tracksuit for the purpose of this review but unfortunately the stock was all sold out when I choose the one I liked. With this I decided that it would be the perfect opportunity to showcase some children’s wear that would be suitable for the upcoming party season.

 I couldn’t resist the girls clothing, they have some truly beautiful pieces. I spent what seemed like hours scoring over the girls dresses and came across some stunning pieces. I narrowed it down to a top and a skirt, (sold individually) together the cost of the outfit was a total of £31 which I thought was pretty reasonable given the excellent quality of both the items.

 Check out the gorgeous items we chose.

 Girls top

 This pretty long-sleeved 100% pure cotton jersey, is great for the child who has sensitive delicate skin. It features a print motif with embroidery and sequins (embroidery only in sizes 2-3 for health and safety reasons). It has back button fastening as-well as small gathers.

Available in a choice of 3 colours from ages 2yrs to 13/14 years Priced between £9-£13

Girls Frilled Skirt

 A stunning dot print tulle with adjustable waistband with inner elastic and buttons. There is a side zip and a pretty velvet ribbon and bow on the waistband. The skirt is machine washable and 100% cotton satin lining with 100% polyester outer to give it that tulle frilled effect.

Available in five colours and from ages 2yrs all the way up to age 13/14yrs

priced between £14-£18

 WHY I LOVE THESE ITEMS

Although these items are great worn together as a party outfit  (perfect for the approaching party season this Christmas) they are also great worn separately. The top can be worn with almost anything as we chose the colour white. The top looks causal but pretty worn with a nice pair of bootcut jeans (Alice has worn this with a pair of leggings, however it’s getting a tad cold for that).

 Although the skirt is quite dressy it still looks funky dressed down in a pair of winter tights and boots (the website shows a perfect example of this when worn by one of their models).

 I just loved the fact it had an adjustable waistband, great for the child with no waist or one who is slightly larger. The skirt is a great length coming just over the knee and this combined with the adjustable waistband means your child with get some good wear out of it and your pennies will have gone that bit further.

 These are real girlie pieces and Alice-Sara loves them worn both together and individually.

 The quality is super impressive meaning you don’t mind spending that little bit more as you know it will last that bit longer.

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Vertbaudet price they’re clothing based on the dress size ordered, example, the skirt in a 2-3 will cost you £14 where it’s £18 for a 9-10 year old, which seems fair enough given the extra material needed to make the clothes, plus this seems to be the way most mail order companies now operate .

 Level of service and delivery 

 I was super impressed with both items, the delivery process and speed, plus the level of customer service was fantastic.

Current online promotions 

When browsing the Vertbaudet online store I discovered that they have currently got some “Not to be miss” promotions running, so thought I would share a few!

up to 30% off selected lines in the Autumn range and 20% off full priced items with the addition of a free gift of a £12 ‘baking kit’ by entering the promotion code 8074 at the checkout (Limited time only)

 Mid-Season Sale with 100s of items currently 50% off

 Half-Term back to school 10% offer

 New costumer offer £15 plus free delivery on first order

 Free delivery on orders over £60

 Visit Vertbaudet where you can also request a free catalogue by clicking HERE

Related articles

• Leading Children’s Clothing Designer Vertbaudet Introduces New ‘After School Clothing Collection’ (prweb.com)
• Vertbaudet Partnership With UNICEF Finances 400,000 Child Vaccinations in Central African Republic (prweb.com)

My Little Eskimo

The warm beautiful sunshine seems to be a distant memory! 

We are now officially in autumn and the weather is getting wetter and colder by the day!

 Don’t get me wrong, I love both autumn and winter… the ground turns into a blanket of golden brown and I get to wear my beautiful knee length boots and winter coat! I love being sat by the fire or snuggled up in a warm bed with the sound of the rain pelting down on the window pane! There’s Bonfire night and Christmas to look forward to, the seasons where everything becomes magical . 

 However despite my love for all that’s listed above, there is one thing autumn does bring that myself and children, are not all that keen on, and that’s getting drenched during an English downpour & freezing our butts off!

 The kids will be coming home from school with some lovely runny noses, coughs and what ever else happens to be flying around this year, another thing I’m not looking forward to!

 So, when I recently discovered that Adventure Togs (provider of children’s winter waterproofs) were on the look out for reviewers, via twitter, I went for it!

 I was extremely lucky to be sent the Eskimo suit  for my youngest to road test! There was no chance Little man would have worn one of these full body waterproof padded snow suit as he is unable to tolerate the waterproof material that these are made from. Nevertheless and lucky for me, 22 month Harley had no such problem. 

 

The Eskimo suit we received came in a lovely dark blue colour with light blue lining, in a size 2-3 years.

  However this same suit is available in a choice of 4 colour-ways and is suitable for boys and girls, between the ages of 6 months through to 4 years. 

 The Eskimo Suit has a cute little image of a dolphin on the beast, with a cute dolphin zip pull that Harley loves playing with when sat in his buggy. 

 

The all in one design is hooded and its padded material means not only is this completely waterproof but it’s lovely and warm too. 

 We received the Eskimo suit  just under a week ago just as the weather turned that little bit colder. Harley has now worn the suit a number of times, given he often refuses to use his buggy preferring to walk ever so slowly, the suit has done a delightful job at keeping him warm and dry. Teamed with his funky green froggy wellies the, ‘Eskimo suit’ looks kinda neat and Harley seems to think so too!

 With Snow due to cover the ground sooner than you think, now might well be a good time to check out the  Adventure togs online site, where you will discover a range of good quality waterproofs for children of all age.

The Eskimo Suit is sold at Adventure Togs  for a price of £32.99 with free to delivery to the UK

To visit the store click HERE

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It’s a pyjama day

I don’t know about you guys but I love it when my little ones and not so little ones have had their bath and are ready for bed in a pair of cosy pyjamas.

We will huggle (Yes, that is a made up word) and watch a DVD together.

When Indulging in a little twitter recently I replied to a tweet about testing a range of toddler PJ’s. The lovely Tracey, owner of Stitch, baby + kids an online Australian store, shipped me a total of six pyjamas, two girls and four boys in a range of different cute designs.

I decided that little Amy-Leigh, my cutie-pie of a niece who is just 10 weeks younger than my little Harley, would test the girls pyjamas while Harley of course would put the further four boys pairs to the test.

Harley, like little man (aka a boy with aspergers) is a tad fussy when it comes to clothing. He will get pretty stressed out if his clothing is baggy, flopping over his ankles or worse still his feet. Another of his pet hates is wet clothing, anything gets the slightest bit wet there coming off.

Tracey let me chose the six pyjamas myself via her online store which states…
“We’re always on sale”
She also offer’s free shipping for orders over $15 which is great for us in the UK and so easy done.
The site offers a range of baby and toddler pyjamas, all in ones, rompers and a range of tees.

Tracey a mother of two states that she has opened the store to offer her buyers the chance to buy brands which are quite hard to find online to order in Australia (Through she ships to a number of countries including the UK)
She doesn’t stock a massive range but is steadily adding to the store all the time.

All Pyjamas are currently on sale, priced at $12.00 each, a reduction from the $16.00 price they started at.

We had our delivery in under a week which is quite impressive given they travelled from the other side of the world.
Note: It was clear to see the items were brand new however non are tagged and even-though they are sold individually all come packaged together. This is fine, I guess its like buying a pack of six here in the UK

Here’s what we got.

Loin Pyjama’s

Rock Star Panda

Rocket Pyjamas

Porcupine Love Pyjamas

Dinosaur kids pyjamas

Love Bird

Both Harley & Amy-Leigh were pretty impressed with the designs. Harley loves pandas so the, ‘Rock-Star Panda’ went down a storm. Harley also roared an awful lot while wearing his loin set.

All pyjamas were two piece sets. Five long sleeves tops and full length bottoms and one short sleeve tee and shorts.
I ordered three pairs at a size 2 years, two pairs at an age 3 years and the remaining pair in a size 18-24ms. I figured Harley would be fine with the 2 years as at 22 months his tall and I could put the age 3 years away for a later date. However the trousers are a little tight on the leg of both Amy-Leigh’s and Harley’s pyjamas (the waist was fine) this is either the design (the long-john effect) or the sizing slightly differs here in the UK. So I guess Harley will be in his age three PJs sooner than I first thought.

What I found awesome about the PJs were the bottoms of the trousers are elasticised meaning they don’t go baggy around the ankles or flop over the child’s feet. This was perfect for little Harley just as he liked them.

Also I should mention that the pyjamas are branded as baby gap which was a pleasant surprise as I wasn’t expecting a well-known brand label to arrive.

I’ve only washed them once and they washed up fine on the first wash.

Visit the store and check them out
Stitch baby + kids
Don’t forget that these are priced at $12.00 Australian dollars which is currently around £7.79 at the moment.

My First Silent Sunday