Sun sun sunny sun… Slip Slap Slop Wrap
Lookie look! The SUN is OUT!
Naturally, sitting out for some much needed brightness with my lunch I managed to scald my cheeks an attractive lobster shade… Which is a bit sore, but did remind me that we were going to run a series for ‘Sun Awareness Week’ a little while ago – which we didn’t. Because it was raining. Would’ve been stoopid.
But now the sun is shining (and yes, my nose is smarting) so here – from our resident experts at The Beach Factory; a quick reminder on keeping the family safe in the sunshine, whilst still managing to enjoy it.
- Slip on a shirt
- Slop on sunscreen
- Slap on a hat
- Wrap on sunglasses.
The SunSmart message is really simple to implement for all ages and if you follow the “Slip-Slap-Slop-Wrap” code there is no reason for sore shoulders, burnt faces, fractious kids and permanent sun damage.
1. Nothing can spoil a family holiday quicker than sunburn! Sun protection UV swim shirts and UV sunsuits, tested to the maximum standard of UPF 50+, are ideal products to wear as sunscreen only has to be applied on exposed areas (Laura says – we fell in love with these in 2008, and have never looked back)
LOVE this Lion in the Sun sunsuit which is on sale at under £20, age 2-8yrs.
2. Carry a pocket size Sunsense roll on sun cream in your bag, useful for days out when it starts off cloudy and then the sun comes out. Perfect size to pack in school bags too so older kids can apply their own cream when at school.
FAB idea - roll on sunscreen in your bag. No more leaky tubes!
3. Don’t forget sun hats whether you are at home or abroad. Wide brimmed sun hats and legionnaire style hats are ideal to wear to school and in the water.
LOVE these reversible Tuga hats (£15) which are good for in the pool too.
4. Eyes are so vulnerable; make sure you use sun glasses tested to UV 400. Kids Banz glasses with adjustable straps stay on younger children, J Banz and Squids suit older children.
I know my boys would totally wear these £13 JBanz. Cool, no?
5. Try to stay out of the sun at least between 11-3pm by either hiring or buying a big parasol or investing in a UV tent which will shield the family from harmful UV rays.
There's no point in having the children nicely in the shade while you sizzle, is there?
Spotted! Drop Your Pants!
Brilliant, no?
Don’t think you need to know any more than that, really.
The wooden Drop Your Pants laundry sign is a mere £8 from the always fabulous Jonny’s Sister.
Read MoreSpotted! The Most Beautiful Giant Floor Cushion
Just. Want. This.
Isn’t it beautiful?
And yes I know it’s £150, but this is a cushion that will last your child a lifetime – sit on it as a child, and also use it for their own child to learn to sit on.
Perfect for the book corner of a child’s bedroom, but equally at home in your own sitting room.
Like I said. I just *want* one.
We Spotted it on Etsy in the fabulous Big Bird’s Boutique. (please note each one is made to order, so there’s some weeks delay before you can get your hands on your own one!)
Read MoreTOOTSIE & FUDGE FLASH CLEARANCE SALE!
Fabulous and fun online children’s retailer Tootsie and Fudge are having a flash clearance sale this weekend to make way for new summer stock.
Sale starts at noon on Friday 11th May, with 50% off many items it’s well worth a look to grab yourself a bargain!
Read MoreSpotted! Totally *want* This Tea Tumbler
I don’t know about you but I rarely hold my mugs by the handle – I much prefer wrapping my hand around the comforting warmth, creating a multi-sensory enjoyment of a cup of the Good Stuff.
I also have a secret love of all things wonky and odd-shaped (oh, hush).
So how much do I LOVE this tea tumbler?
A LOT, that’s how much.
(and yes, it’s dishwasher safe too. Genius.)
(I'm also rather yearning for the birch cups...) £28.16
All available from Josies Pot Shop on Etsy, the Tea Tumbler is £22.13
Read MoreOkay. I confess.
NB - This was taken at 33wks, the morning after a late night 10-pin bowling session. There *may* have been much hilarity by friends watching my bowling-ball-shaped self trying to lob a ball (and NOT myself) down the lanes. Anyway, you're supposed to be looking at the clothes, not my leftover mascara and last-night's-hair look.
At the bottom of the cupboard in my wardrobe is a box. Inside that box is a pile of clothes. Not a big pile – just a neat, folded, carefully placed pile. A range of items – a basic wardrobe collection, in fact. Jeans, tops, a cardigan. All worn, but all looked after, and still with ‘plenty of wear in them’ as my Granny used to say.
They are all maternity clothes.
My youngest child is five.
There will be no more children.
And yet, that box remains.
It’s not that I long for another child (four is more than enough, in anyone’s book) – much as I truly loved every second of each of my pregnancies, and would actually do the pregnancy thing again in a heartbeat, having another toddler in the house? No. Thank you.
So why that box of clothes?
I think it’s because they remind me. I see them, and I smile.
But that’s silly – I smile every time I see my children (except, you know, when I’m snarking angrily at them). They remind me too. And I have photographs. And I am never ever going to wear them again. Even that gorgeously perfect Isabella Oliver white tee. And those jeans (oh! Those jeans! How I loved my bum in those jeans. *sigh*).
So – next week we’re visiting Salisbury. And I shall be taking my box along, and popping it into TKMaxx while I’m there (I might just top it up with a few other choice items I can clear out while I’m there. Ooooh, I feel a whole wardrobe decluttering coming on… *rubs hands in glee*).
*This post was written as part of the Tots100 Carnival in aid of Give Up Clothes for Good, which is asking everyone in the UK to take their quality, unwanted items to their local TK Maxx store in April. Donated items are tagged and sorted before being sold through Cancer Research UK stores around the country. Every penny raised from these items will be used in the fight against kids’ cancer.
In the 1960s, only around 1 in 4 children with cancer survived. Today, almost 3 in 4 survive, thanks to the work of organisations like Cancer Research UK. But there’s more work to be done before we beat kids’ cancer for good. Please take one minute to watch this video and see why this issue is so important to us all, as parents.
Read MoreSpotted! Gorgeous child’s mug from Big Tomato Co – PLUS a secret 20% discount code!
Love love LOVE the Big Tomato Company – and love love LOVE this range of children’s mugs. The duck is my favourite, but the lamb is seriously lovely too.
PLUS… we happen to know that for the next 48hrs there is a Secret Sale.
Oh yes.
20% discount on everything if you use the code SSHHH1312.
That makes this utterly brilliant £30 Retro Robot child's breakfast set reduced to just £24...
And this £70 Use Your Loaf bread crock is reduced to just £56...
Go, look, shop – there’s Pretty to be had…
Browse The Big Tomato Company ‘s site – there a factory clearance section too, which is always worth a look.
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Okiedog Changing Bag review
I love this changing bag! I have been sent Okiedog’s Urban Mondo bag in red… and I also have a six week old baby alongside two other children – four and six.
When my older two were tiny my changing bag was heavy and thicker in material; so you not only had nappy weight and all the other things that go in but also the actual weight of the bag.
The Okiedog however is incredibly lightweight (but robust) and the strap is wide and comfortable on the shoulder. It’s incredibly well made, and has the necessary gazillion pockets that cater for what you need. I particularly like the hook for keys in one of the front pockets – in fact I have commandeered both front pocket for MY ‘stuff’ – diary, phone, purse, lipstick and keys etc, which still leaves ample room inside the bag for the baby stuff.
I also like the bottle pocket with its carrying case, and the accessories bag, the handy hooks to go on the pram, the fact the milk bottle case is designed to hang from one of the straps if so desired… the bag is just very well thought out and practical to use, which in the end is all you’re looking for in a baby changing bag. And I love the fact that mine’s red!
The 2012 Okiedog range is available from Mothercare – there’s different styles in different fabrics, but all in the same strong lightweight design.
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Spotted! Simply fabulous wall art. There’s Penguins and Whales and Balloons!
This was genius spot by Katy – how much do you LOVE these prints?
The Showler & Showler site is crammed full of sheets of brilliance, and we want them. All of them.
Mr Penguin above is wonderful, but so is this piece of Happy...
Or maybe being a big fish is more your thing?
All prints come in various sizes, ready for you to frame. Prices start at £12.99 for an 18 x 24cm print, and there’s about a gazillion fantastic styles to choose from over at Showler & Showler.
Read MoreSpotted! Brand new Koochu Capri Changing bag *flutters*
LOVE this bag!
I don’t even use a baby changing bag any more, and I still *want* it.
Not released until the end of June, the Koochu Capri is available on pre-order from Mummy & Little Me. All that pretty, and yet it’s a totally practical and sensible Baby Bag too.
Brilliant.
Koochu Capri Changing bag is £130, available now on pre-order from Mummy & Little Me.
Read MoreLush Chocolate Hamper from Thorntons and we have a 15% Discount Code!
Okay, so it’s a bit of cliche; but really – what’s wrong with a hamper of chocolate on Mother’s Day, huh?
And this is a pretty delicious hamper, in anyone’s books.
AND those brilliant people at Thornton’s have reduced the hamper from £30 to £25.
Oh yes.
AND – we have a discount code you can use to take another 15% off that.
Oh YES!
Pop ‘RTMD‘ in the box at the checkout, and that hamper comes down to £21.75
Baaaargaa-a-a-in!
The I Love Chocolate Hamper is available on the Thornton’s site – be quick and order (*cough* someone else to get it) today if you want it sitting ready for you on Sunday Morning…
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Mother’s Day Gift – The Aqua Sana Spa. Ple-e-e-ease.
Considering I know that a day at a spa is all about relaxing, I wasn’t particularly relaxed at the idea of going to the Aqua Sana Spa at Center Parcs Whinfell. Partly because since I started working from home, I struggle to get up the enthusiasm for going anywhere at all, but mainly because I wasn’t sure of the “rules” and worried about making an arse of myself. But when I got to the spa, a nice woman showed me around and introduced me to everything (not literally – “Keris, this is the Turkish Hammam; Turkish Hammam, Keris”) and I felt much happier.
I decided to ease myself in gently with breakfast. After a lovely latte and a chocolate twist I felt more than ready for… a little snooze. First, I tried out the reflexology footbath, which was just lovely, but didn’t exactly liven me up so I made a beeline for the water beds. Now I don’t think I’ve ever been on a water bed before and they have such a dodgy 70s swinger reputation that I wasn’t sure if I’d like them, but oh my goodness. Unbelievably comfortable. Warm and cosy and, yes, womb-like. I knew I had to try out some other stuff, but I really didn’t want to get up. Eventually, I convinced myself to read a chapter of my book and then to get off the bed entirely, but I wasn’t happy.
I’d been keen for a swim in the outdoor pool, but it was actually rather disappointing-looking, just an oblong outside the building looking more like a council lido than anything particularly spa-like. I was hoping for something a bit magical and maybe grotto-esque and I just couldn’t convince myself to strip off and get in, so I headed for the indoor hydrotherapy pool instead. I gave myself a bit of a pummelling with the jets and then I discovered I could do what I call ”tethered swimming” (after an episode of The Simpsons) - the jets were so strong that even though the pool was really small I could swim on the spot. Once I’d exhausted myself in there (about 5 minutes), I sat in front of the zen garden (but indoors) to dry off and read a bit more. I should just mention here that every seat I sat on in the entire place was ridiculously, blissfully, stupidly comfortable. I don’t want to keep going on about how hard it was to drag myself back up every time I sat down, so just take that as read from now on, okay?
I was a bit nervous about the steam rooms/saunas, since I’ve never really been in one before, but the nice woman who showed me round told me that they were arranged in order of heat, so I went back to the first one: The Laconium. It was nicely warm, brightly lit and sweet-smelling, but so pleasant as to be a bit boring, so I went next door to the Greek Herbal Room, which was lovely – warm and sweaty without being oppressive. Dark too, so I didn’t have to worry about my flabby bits/shaving rash (TMI?). After a ‘Tropical’ shower (you can have a cold shower too, but that was not fun) and more reading, I went looking for whichever room had a menthol smell, since I’ve had a cold for a few weeks and thought that might shift it. Well, I think I tried every single door in the place before eventually finding it was the Turkish Hammam (“You again!” it said.) (It didn’t really.) The air in there was like a physical presence (as was the hairy bloke sitting in the corner). I was dripping with sweat (and my nose started to run) almost instantly, which was a pretty odd sensation. Not unpleasant though. I would’ve stayed longer, but my feet felt like they were burning, so I hauled myself out, into the shower, and then for another sit’n'read to allow my face to go back to its natural colour.
“Readers, this is the Turkish Hammam; Turkish Hammam, our Readers”
At lunch – a gorgeous salad with roasted peppers and mozzarella – I tried to remember when I’d last felt so relaxed. I think it was under anaesthetic. After lunch – and more wafting, sitting and reading – I went for the pre-booked Harmony Massage. Now I love a massage and this one was one of the best I’ve ever had, but my already relaxed state meant that I almost nodded off a few times, which was a bit embarrassing. At least I didn’t snort awake or blurt out anything random (I once said “The kitchen bin smells of cabbage…” as I fell asleep) or if I did, the massage therapist was too polite to say. Post-massage, I was ushered into the ‘Relaxation’ room and then it was time to go…
And if I’d thought it was hard to get out of the chairs, I had no idea how hard it would be to leave the spa entirely. I kept picturing myself snoozing on the water bed forever. But I mustered enthusiasm by promising myself a walk through Center Parcs and a Starbucks at the gate while I waited for the bus. Center Parcs was lovely (we have to go back). The Starbucks was closed. And I fell up the stairs at the train station. Relaxation over. Back to reality. But it was glorious while it lasted. And now I have to convince David to buy a waterbed.
Keris Stainton
OUT NOW! Jessie Hearts NYC
“A breezy summer rom-com, with oodles of New York glamour.” The Bookseller
Twitter @keris
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Girls ? Books
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Keris visited the Aqua Sana at Whinfell Forest in Cumbria, where a Spa Day costs £69 plus any Treatments you choose.
Read MoreThe Devil’s In Your Details…
I found this video just ever so slightly disturbing. Which is, I guess, the point…
I used to laugh at the smallness of the risk – until it happened to me. And I bet it’s happened to someone you know too.
To find out a bit more about how to protect yourself from fraud just visit The Devil’s In Your Details
Read MoreMother’s Day Gifts – The Head Case
Is it wrong to really have snorted at these?
Like most of Twisted Twee’s items, they’re quirky, foolish – and a lot of fun.
Naturally of the best quality Egyptian Cotton, though.
And this one made my boys snigger too…
(Though I’m not sure if that’s indicative of my mood upon being woken, or my sculpted bed head hair…)
All Head Case pillowcases are £15 berzackly from the ever-odd-but-always-brilliant Twisted Twee.
Read MoreGorgeously Practical Maternity Coat from Vertbaudet
REDUCED! Down from £99 to £74!
When I first found I was pregnant with baby #2 and my regular clothes started to nip in places they hadn’t before, my first stop was to search out my “pregnant” clothes from last time round. I despaired! Have styles and fashions (and my tastes!) REALLY changed that much in just 3 short years?! Er, yes. They have. So, it was back to the drawing board for my 9 month stretch in maternity wear. This is where the lovely Laura steps in and asks if I could possibly review some maternity wear from Vertbaudet. YAY! Lifesaver! (My bank manager also applauds you my dear!)
So, what did I get to review? Some bootcut jeans, a long-line cardi and a winter coat. Now, I’ve had them for some time, and they formed my core wardrobe for the duration of my pregnancy, so my thoughts are based on washing and wearing repeatedly, not just occasional wear.
When I opened my parcel, I was like a child on Christmas morning. Seriously, I’m sure if you had been a fly on the wall you would have laughed at my squeaks of glee at the selection I received from my wishlist. I was particularly pleased to have been blessed with the addition of the wool-cloth coat to keep me and the bump warm in the colder months. I can confirm now – it did its job well! I am a fuss-pot when it comes to coats. I admit it. I am desperately hard to please in that department (same as with jeans, but we’ll get to that later!) so when I say the coat was great, it really must have been. At first viewing, I thought it might be a bit lightweight should the weather be VERY cold, but despite the lack of weight, it was cosy and comfortable. A roomy fit around the bump, with plenty of room for expansion (even at the very end) but nicely fitted at the top to give some definition to the shape of the wearer – none of this waddling around looking like a blob thank you very much! The style and cut impressed me further by having “moveable arms”. Yes, I KNOW that seems like a small ask, but am I the only one who has a pet hate for these stylish but non-functional coats and jackets that you have to take off before getting in the car to drive? Grrrrr! Vertbaudet have it all worked out though – I happily drove around wearing the coat with no restrictions on my movement. Well done designers! So, for all the good things I have to say, I will add a small negative – it has no hood. I may not actually use a hood that often, but I do like a nice winter coat to have the option to keep my head dry should I need it. Take this coat and add a hood and I would be a VERY happy lady indeed.
Maternity Wool Coat now reduced from £99.99 down to £74.25 (that’s 25% off!). Bargain.
Read MoreMother’s Day Gifts – Kindle Skins. *swoon*
I used to be VERY sniffy about the Kindle.
Tis true, I did.
Then I wavered.
And succumbed.
And got one for Christmas.
Now?
I *LOVE* it.
But… tis a vay ugly thing in it’s dull grey boringness.
I made a little pouch for it to protect it from the contents of my handbag, but when I’m holding it and using it… dullness.
But now – would you just look at THESE?
Decals for the kindle. Loads and loads and LOADS of them.
SO pretty.
*WANT*
The Doodle Colour is fresh and funky
There's an Owl Family!
Maybe you're a Library kind of girl...
Oh, there’s too many to show you – but there’s pages of the Kindle Decal Girl Skin
Mother’s Day Gifts – Pretty Little Glass ‘Mum’ Key Ring
Back in the dim and distant past i used to collect key rings. I had a large chain in my bedroom, and I used to clip them on – I think I had over 250 at one point.
Sadly, I no longer proudly display 250-odd dangly things to decorate my bunch of keys – but it did leave me with a deep-seated affection for a pretty keyring.
Nothing bold and brash and obvious, but there’s always room for a little ‘pretty’ on your bunch of keys.
And when I saw this on the Born Gifted site, I did a little “oooh! That’s Nice!”.
And at under £15, it’s a pretty attainable Mother’s Day Gift, too.
Read MoreMother’s Day Gifts – Maminka Slippers = *happy feet*
Don’t you just *love* these?
Oh I WANT them.
I do I do I do.
And I bet you thought these were only for babies, right?
As always with Starchild, you get gorgeous Italian leather, and the slippers are actually made right here in the UK.
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Mothers Day Gifts. Ugg Boots. Like you’ve never seen them before… *seriously pretty things*
So.
If I say ‘Ugg Boots’ to you, what springs to mind, huh?
Come on, you can say it.
Ugly slouchy scuffy slipper boots.
Warm, cosy – but oh-so UGG-ly.
*nods*
But.
Just hold your horses there, young missy.
I have a surprise for you.
Just you climb down off your high horse and cast your eyes over this little lot…
Lucianna Silk platform wedge £140
Not quite so Ugg-ly now, huh?
But of course, platform wedges may not be your thing. So how about some fabulous canvas kicks?
Womens Evera Canvas Kicks £110
Or maybe the most perfect of summer Totes?
Womens Straw Tote £255
There. Told you I’d surprise you…
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WOMEN’S UGG BOOTS
UGGÆ sheepskin boots are a must-have in any womanís wardrobe. Once you try them on, you wonít want to take them off. Tall or short, thereís a pair for you.
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MEN’S UGG BOOTS
Get your hands on a pair of men’s boots from UGGÆ for men – the hottest look for men this winter. Using only the finest materials, they give you a comfort that is like nothing else.
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MEN’S SLIPPERS
Relax in style with a luxurious pair of menís sheepskin slippers from UGGÆ. With the legendary warmth and feel of UGG, you wear them in and out of the house.
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ACCESSORIES
Slip on the luxurious feel of UGGÆ leather gloves this winter. With its famous sheepskin lining, itís the only way to keep your hands toasty and stylish.
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ABOUT UGGÆ
Make sure your UGGÆ Boots are genuine. Be wary of any websites selling discount UGGÆ boots. Visit the official UGGÆ Australia website for authentic UGG products.
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Blurb Books. What do we think?
Well. I’ll show you, actually…
I did warn Blurb books that I was not going to be a good reviewer for them. I’m married to a high-end professional wedding photographer, and one of my many hats is designing his (hand-bound-in-Italy) wedding albums.
Let’s just say I Know My Albums.
No no, Blurb books said. Go for it.
So I did.
I created a book with our 2011 images ready for the annual Gift For the Grandparents.
And it was flippin’ brilliant.
The paper quality was excellent, the printing was good considering there was no calibration involved, and the cover was genuinely lovely.
Better still, the process of creating it was dead simple and actually quite fun. Once you’ve uploaded your chosen images your creative side takes over you’ll be swooshing pictures about, cropping them, trying new layouts. It’s just a fab album-design-for-beginners tool – I’m quite sure anyone can get really great looking results.
And best of all, the album stays online for you to share with everyone.
Totally winner – we’ll definitely be using Blurb Books for photo books again.
We chose a hard cover with an image wrap, but kept to standard paper and end sheets. The whole 44 page book would have cost £25.95, which is incredibly reasonable, and makes it a truly special gift.
Click here and try it for yourself – you’ll love it!
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