Wet and Cold at Whipsnade

I find it totally impossible to go shopping with Sam and Sophie in tow. What is required is a mixture of speed and stealth, planned with the utmost precision. That means that sale shopping is pretty much a no-no. Sam even tried to sell himself in the window of Gap in Cambridge the other day...

Therefore, we decided to brave the snowy sleet of the Dunstable Downs, one of the coldest places in the UK and visit the Zoo. Whipsnade is brilliant this time of year as there are hardly any visitors and you can drive around for free! We discovered the last remaining living Turkeys in the UK and Sam was frightened of some sheep. Just another day in my glamorous life!

Wet and Cold at Whipsnade

All Change!

Last summer I was wondering about what to do with this blog, then I sort of carried on making it a mixture of crafty things, reviews, opinions and stuff about my children. I don't think it has really worked all that well. So, from 2010 its all change here. This blog will be home to sewing projects, reviews and general stuff about mummyhood. I have a new blog for my personal stuff which will include video and photographs of the kids and much more personal information, this will help me to stay in touch with my friends across the world. The new blog will be available for personal blog friends and family only. If you would like to read it, then contact me with your email address and I will send you a link.

Thanks for reading and commenting this year, if you would like to guest post at Being a Mummy then do get in touch.

All Change!

The 2010 Manifesto

Lets face it, there is no point in making New Year resolutions, none of them are kept beyond the 4th of January. So instead, this year, I present you with a list of things which I think will make the UK a better place. With the elections coming up this year, any party that adopts at least some of them will of course, secure my vote. Here are some of my ideas for a more authoritarian, yet pleasant state. In no particular order:

• Rid the BBC of all celebrities and their salaries, thus saving money which can either be used to reduce the license fee or to produce quality programming. I personally don't care whether I am watching a so called celebrity or a no body. What I want is good television. Let all the gold diggers go to the ITV.
• Enforce a licensing system for all dog ownership. Dogs should not be allowed off the lead in public places and fines should be enforced. Dogs can be off the lead in designated areas and on private land.
• Fit all vehicles with a device that masks mobile phone signals. This will prevent them being used whilst driving.
• A serious cut in hospital administration, there are just far too many different departments for individual letter writing and waiting lists.
• Revolutionise the management structure of Local Government. From examples I have seen or read about there are far too many Chiefs and not enough Indians to provide a quality service.
• Limit air travel for a year to essential travel. This will help the environment, the UK tourist industry and streamline the whole business. Loss of jobs in the air industry will be counter-balanced by an increase of those in the UK tourist industry. This may also highlight the fabulous holiday opportunities available in the UK.
• Get rid of the school examination system, whereby the under tens are put under pressure to perform well in exams rather than concentrate on actually learning valuable skills.

Suffice to say there are plenty more where that lot came from, if you are a member of a political party and want to hear more then feel free to contact me!

The 2010 Manifesto

The Being a Mummy Christmas Speech

It has been a busy and eventful year, births, deaths and marriages. Looking back there has been much happiness amongst the hardness of everyday life.

Silliness aside; Thanks to one and all, new friends and old, closest and distant family, for reading the blog, enriching our lives and for looking after us so well. As you can see, we have had a really lovely day. Fifi enjoyed her first Christmas, Toddler boy was positively jumping up and down with the excitement of receiving Buzz Lightyear. Mummy and Daddy were all misty eyed at it all. A really joyous celebration and a happy family day to remember for life.

The Being a Mummy Christmas Speech

Christmas Thoughts

Five years ago, I would never have pictured myself where we are today. We had been trying for a baby for a while unsuccessfully, trying to sell our ex-council house, unsuccessfully and I was having a hard time at work, so much so that I couldn't even bring myself to attend our work drinks. I did feel miserable, the only way I could make myself feel better was to go to the Liberty shop in London and spend more money than is sensible on a Mui Mui handbag.

Now, I live in a lovely detached house in a nice suburban road. I have two beautiful children, a job that I don't worry about (well, quite so much) and after a hard year health wise I feel better than ever. I have a doting husband and a lovely family. All I want for Christmas is for them to be happy and healthy next year.

For me, Christmas is always retrospective. It's a marker in the year to assess where I am, what I'm doing and what has happened to family, friends and myself. Each year I spend a little bit of time reflecting on the last Christmas that we had with my Nanny who passed away at Christmas time and, now even more so that I am a mum, how my own mother must feel about it. I miss my Nanny, I would have loved her to see me get married and to meet my children. I can't imagine how my mum must feel at this time of year. I hope that the joy of having grandchildren can make up for her loss in some small way. I also like to think that my Nanny is with us, making sure that we are all alright throughout the year.

I think its important to try to explain the meaning of Christmas to the children and that is why we took part in providing the Church Travelling Crib with an overnight stay . I have also been reading the Lion Children's Bible to them at bedtime. I am not sure they understand it all yet, I'm not sure I do. But I hope that its a start in introducing them to the potential benefits that a little bit of faith can bring to life. I want my children to appreciate what they have and how lucky they are compared to others in the world. I think its important to think about the homeless, children who may not have the luxury of both parents and those who are lonely or sick.

However, I do not want them to dwell on this and worry at their age. I want them to feel the excitement and joy that I felt when I was little. Waking up in the middle of the dark night to see a pillowcase of presents at the end of my bed. Feeling desperate to open a tiny unnoticeable crack of wrapping paper, just so I could see what was contained within. Trying to keep one eye open all night long, just so I could see Father Christmas with his delivery.

This is the first Christmas since I was little that I feel really excited about. I know for sure that Toddler boy understands what is going on. The anticipation of watching him open his presents is all too much. Now I understand what all the fuss is about. Christmas is the reward for all the sleepless nights, tantrums, sickness and worry throughout the year. The birth of Jesus helps to place yourself and your life in context and it's the start of another incredible journey.

I hope you all have a lovely, healthy, joyous Christmas!

Christmas Thoughts

St Albans in the Snow

We have spent a lovely weekend in the St Albans snow. We made snowmen, ran about Verulamium Park (some of us also rolled about in the snow) and we brought snow indoors for baby Fifi to play with.


















To add to all this we had a visit from the local church travelling crib. It was fun playing with the donkey and helped us to at least try to tell the children about the actual meaning of Christmas.

St Albans in the Snow

Review: Leapfrog Tag Junior Reading System

Toddler boy is a bit spoilt on the toy front, he tends to use things for a short period of time and then discard them for the next new bright thing. It's my fault entirely, I try to cycle them around, however, in practice I just take a random selection upstairs and over the course of a couple of weeks, they slowly move back downstairs again. Some days I can hardly get into the living room. I find myself wishing for an even bigger house with the luxury of a playroom as well as the library (ahem).

I've written before about how this short attention span means that he takes only fleeting interest in most books, unless it seems, they contain scenes of graphic violence and robots or best of all both. So when I was asked to test the LeapFrog Tag Junior Reading System, I did feel a bit skeptical. However, as Fifi loves books, I thought she would get some use out of it as we do get to keep it.

The LeapFrogTag Junior Reading System for 2- 4 year olds, is one of those bits of children's technology that you look at and really begin to think it might be magic. Of the Harry Potter kind. Its basically a little 'reader' that the child scans across the pages of a book (there are a few titles to choose from) and it reads the text and provides musical accompliment to the images. But how does this work? Well, I had to go and find out and this is what it says on their Website :

"This toddler-sized “book explorer” is powered by the same technology that drives the
Tag reader: a small, sophisticated infrared camera that “reads” words and pictures
printed on the special dot-patterned pages of the sturdy, child-friendly board books
in the Tag Junior collection"

At £29.99 its the sort of toy that you would get a child for a birthday or Christmas or extra-especially good behaviour. I wondered if it would be a five minute wonder, however Claire's kids really enjoyed using it, so I I was less skeptical to start with than I normally would have been.

When the box came we ripped it open with much anticipation and excitement only to find that you needed to go to the website and download the information for the reader and locate a battery (the cardinal sin of toy manufacturers had been committed- no battery provided and one of those special small AAA batteries was required, not your bog standard ones). Luckily we had a battery, however this mummy didn't have a very good grasp of the downloading interface as she was doing it whilst trying to placate over excited toddler. Lots and lots of swearing later and I finally managed to load it all up and get it ready to use. By this time Toddler boy had wondered off, probably to look for crisps, sweets and robots in imaginary places.

So anyway, I left it for a day and then we tried again. This time Toddler boy enjoyed it. He actually sat and used it once I had shown him and it kept him amused for a while, he particularly liked the Curious George book. From that point of view, I think its a brilliant toy for those moments when you don't want to put the television on but you want a slow calm activity Whig doesn't necessarily require your input. I am impressed. However, the surprise of the day was when 11 month old baby Fifi sat there using it unassisted. she must have been watching her brother. It has rapidly become one of her favourite toys. Now, I am not suggesting my child is a genius, but you have to admit that she is a bit advanced. I do have a smug look on my face. Therefore, if you also have a genius child, why not buy this system nice and early on and give it to them to see. You will then get a good amount of use out of it and it will represent real value for money.

All in all, we liked it a really good Christmas option...

Review: Leapfrog Tag Junior Reading System

No Longer Mummy

So now I am not called 'mummy', despite my best efforts my little boy is calling me by my name. What to do on this one? I like being called mummy, its one of the perks of the job. In the outside world people might not think he belongs to me, except he looks like me. It is a little bit strange though, a bit sort of post modern in an 'I'm trying to be cool with my kids' kind of way. Except I'm not. I like being mummy. I don't approve of modern new fangled ideas such as this. I will be campaigning to have my status restored henceforth. I blame the parents.

No Longer Mummy

Disappointment

Toddler Boy is convinced he is getting Buzz Lightyear for Christmas. It is as read. Buzz Lightyear is coming from Father Christmas. Except we haven't got him that. What to do?

Disappointment

S'nowthing Like a Bit of Cold Glass

The first snow in months, little noses pressed against cold glass, a slight fluttering in my tummy; I have so much to do, please, please don't let this snow settle, until Christmas Eve at least. That's the funny thing about snow isn't it? When you are between one and fourteen years old it is THE best thing ever, once you reach that magical age of self-consciousness about falling over, the magic goes. It's a nuisance. Unless you happen to be on a lovely Ski holiday, that is.

Snow fills Toddler boy with great joy, he can remember the last lot of snow. His baby sister wasn't even a month old. I can remember the trip he dragged me on to our local Waitrose, the buggy literally bogged down in the snow stands out very clearly. In fact, most of my adult memories of snow, other than of skiing are of the sort of misery that comes with it. Clearing the snowy ice from the car, slippy sliding places, that special level of cold which chills you to the bone and so forth.

However, deep within the cavernous recesses of my brain lurk childhood snow memories. I can clearly remember building snow men, snowball fights and clearing snow with my dad. These are the sorts of memories that I hope that my children will have. The way they were both bizarrely licking the cold glass in anticipation of getting out in the snow earlier, I think somehow they will. I just need to regain my youthful enthusiasm for all things chilly.

S'nowthing Like a Bit of Cold Glass

Wordless Wednesday; What Snow Should Look Like

Wordless Wednesday; What Snow Should Look Like

Things I'd Like for Christmas

Some of you may notice a little honey-pot on this site. It's all to do with a fab competition and this got me thinking about what would happen if we won the best competition of all, one that requires absolutely no skill other than being in the right place at the right time, The National Lottery! If you are a friend or relative reading this and you happen to win the lottery at Christmas time then you are in luck. It does of course go without saying, that all these products also require testing and reviewing. So should any PR also be reading this, I would be more than happy to help.

This blog would be immeasurably improved if I were to write it on a Macbook such as this.






This absolutely fabulous tree house from Living in Trees would keep the children happy for hours





This Beautiful Peacock ring from Boodle and Dunthorne would match any outfit.










This dress from Yong at Liberty only £645.01. Perfect for day/ night transitional wear.













I would quite like to own Sundial House in Lyme Regis as my own private holiday cottage. You can currently rent it out, but that's not the same is it?










Whilst I'm at it, this house at Mackeyre End a snip at £4, 600, 000 would make a nice family home.






Failing all of that, I have to admit I would be more than happy with this bar of chocolate. It's the simple pleasures in life isn't it!

Things I'd Like for Christmas

A Record of Baby Progress

This year so far;

Toddler boy has;

• Learnt how to peddle his bike
• Started to string sentences together
• Mastered the art of going to school
• Discovered a love of lollipops and the delights of 'Fish-Chips'
• Started eating professionally with cutlery
• Gone off Bob the Builder, gone through Fireman Sam and out the other side to Buzz Lightyear
• Loved his Spiderman socks
• Swam in the sea with his Daddy
• Broken his foot

Fifi has;

• Grown two teeth
• Crawled, cruised and taken a few independent steps
• Discovered the joy of blueberries, breadsticks and FOOD!
• Learnt how to say 'mamma, dadda, cat'
• Worked out how to brush hair
• Learnt how to straddle the trike
• Enjoyed lots of books
• Not slept very much
• Loved her dummies
• Been to the beach
• Camped for the first time
  

Neither has realised;
Just how very very much their mummy and daddy love them and think the world of them. Now, the purpose of this is to see how they progress between now and the New Year!

A Record of Baby Progress

Review: Kozikids Outdoor Clothing

With winter on its way, I was really pleased when KoziKidz who sell fashionable and functional outdoor clothing for kids sent Toddler boy this fleece lined rain overall. Toddler boy has had buggy suits, in the past, but nothing which is both waterproof AND warm. Kozikidz clothing benefits from being Swedish designed, the Swedes know a lot about weather! It's really worth checking out their site as they have all manner of funky kids outdoor clothing from ski jackets and raincoats through to fleeces.

The quality of the rain overall was to the best that I have ever come across. I would think that this is reflected in the price, although I am unsure of it, so cannot comment. We really liked the colour combination which was really funky. It also has handy reflective strips for this time of year. The suit is easy to get on and off, as it has a really long zip. This is important, as small boys don't like it if you take too long over dressing them! Size wise, at two and a half Toddler boy fits the 2- 3 years perfectly. However, I don't think there is a lot of growth room, so if I had been buying this in a shop I would have got the next size up. He isn't all that big for his age either.

In order to provide the ultimate test conditions that we could think of, within driving distance, we decided to take Toddler boy on a trip to one of his most favourite places; The Imperial War Museum Duxford. This is also one of the windiest places in the UK and generally there seems to be a little rain cloud poised for our visits. Today was no exception, however, Toddler boy was comfortable and warm enough to spend the whole day running about, despite the weather. In fact, he even felt it warm and cosy enough to have a little lie down in the playground. I suspect we are going to become long-term customers!

Oh, by the way this is a blog about the little girl modelling above http://lovisaalbinsson.blogspot.com

Review: Kozikids Outdoor Clothing

Review; A Toddler's Dictionary

Forgive me, for I have been a slightly bad reviewer, the lovely Iveta of the fab website Mums Like You and Twitter friend of mine asked me to review this booklet that she co-produced. Its been sitting there waiting in the inbox and at the back of my mind, somehow one of those things that I haven't managed to get around to doing. It wasn't because I didn't think it important, it was more that I have been incredibly busy at work...

Anyhow, the Toddler Dictionary is the result of the Totspeak competition that ran on the Mums Like You website and Twitter. Iveta, along with Sarah of Mothers of Innovation, Antonia Chitty (who I have also had the pleasure to meet) and Bliss, the premature baby charity, have collated 200 words used by toddlers and put them into this little printed booklet which is available to buy for a measly £1.99. I feel like I should just tell you to go and buy it and see what you think yourselves really, a good cause and all. However, I was asked to review it, so I had better do as I am told, lest feel the wrath of at least three very savvy women!

I should point out that this is not a dictionary for toddlers, rather it's a useful interpretation guide for adults. You know what? I thought it was just the sweetest, cutest little book I have seen in a long time. It made me laugh, it made me think about my own children and the funny things they say and it really bought to mind just how important it is to cherish childhood and enjoy those silly words. I urge you to get a copy, for once you really cant go wrong. Now it's time for me to leave the pooter and go get a dink...

Review; A Toddler's Dictionary

The Middle and Pensionable Age in the Queue at Sainsburys

I nearly committed murder today, twice. I thought I would be brave and go to Sainsbury London Colney, this is a large out of town 'superstore' with a Marks and Spencer, Next, Boots etc attached. The parking is awful, but I figured that as it was early on a weekday it wouldn't be so bad. Anyhow, as expected the mother and baby parking spaces appeared to be full of pensioners jostling with each other, so I ended up parking miles away from anywhere no trolleys in sight, but where once I was trying to get Fifi out of the car appeared to be the busiest route in the car park. Still, thems the breaks, fancy expecting to be able to park at the supermarket in one of the TOO few mother and baby spaces.

At breakneck speed we located a trolley with a wobbly wheel, a wet seat and a dirty old bit of bread lying in the bottom. Lovely, it would be so nice if they cleaned them occasionally wouldn't it. Oh, yes, I forgot, if all their customers don't get Swine Flu they wont make so much in the way of profits from cold and flu remedies.

I strolled around the store, having to wait for minutes at each item as there was inevitably someone else blocking it with their trolley full of booze. Not to worry, its not like I don't have all day or anything. I mean, babies don't need feeding, toddlers don't need picking up from pre-school, I don't have any other sort of life.

To the tills, I approach one and start queuing up, a middle aged woman with a basket comes along pushes in front of me with a smile. Let it go I think, t'is only a basket. Then her husband comes along with an over flowing trolley. What to do? I'm British. Oh, god the clock is ticking. I'll just go to another till. I move away from where I am standing and head directly at speed to the next till. Quick as a flash a couple of pensioners moving faster than I have ever seen the elderly move barge in front of me. I think I am either going to cry or scream. Hold on a minute. I don't have to, as Fifi is doing it for me. Then I notice all the looks. I say loudly that I am 'JUST GOING TO LEAVE THIS BLOODY TROLLEY'. People look at me knowingly. Then I think, why should I? I wait and wait, then 'pushing in' pensioners then finished their shopping and pay and STAND THERE CHATTING for five minutes. I think, primarily, to hold me up further.

At that moment, the till supervisor comes over, I explain what has happened and how cross I am and how this seems to frequently happen when I shop here. It has never happened at Tescos. 'It's this time of year love, nothing we can do'. Well actually, yes there is something that you can do. YOU CAN OPEN ANOTHER TILL.

So anyhow, I have been thinking on this and I am going to start a new campaign. I am dammed if I am going to pay for food deliveries from the supermarket when you don't end up with half the shopping you wanted. No, supermarkets should install Mother and Baby Tills during the peak hours for Mother and Baby Shopping. These tills will have dedicated staff, no pensioners to poke prod breathe on babies, there will be no sweets lining the way, the staff will not engage in chit-chat, but push the stuff through as quickly as possible. Anyone else with me on this one?

The Middle and Pensionable Age in the Queue at Sainsburys

Wordless Wednesday; Alternative uses for the Whirly bird

Wordless Wednesday; Alternative uses for the Whirly bird

With Regards to Christmas I am a Bad Mummy

Lots and lots of blogger friends are regaling us with their Christmas craft activities and tips. The ability to do lots of crafts with children seems to be part and parcel of being a good mummy at Christmas time. Now, can I just say that I am not one to shy away from craft activities, usually we do plenty of them. However, in the past few weeks I have been so incredibly busy, the sum total of my activities has been to make some little salt dough Christmas trees. I did attempt a bit of card making, but Toddler boy wanted to watch Buzz Light year for the millionth time and Fifi wanted to eat the paint, so I gave up.

It was three days after the start of advent when I managed to acquire an advent calender, I did intend to print out some little Christmas themed drawings and pop one in each stocking. I haven't got around to that yet, so they are filled up with Celebration chocolates. I have managed to hang up some decorations that childminder made with the kids. This is major progress. We had all good intentions to acquire a tree on Sunday, but we couldn't make up our mind. Then the kids got tired and so that has been postponed. The thought of a big dusty thing taking up space in my living room doesn't fill me with the greatest sense of glee anyhow.

Part of it is that I don't much like Christmas and I am forcing myself to get into the spirit, part of it is that I am just too busy now I am back at work. The other part, well to be honest I can't be bothered. I'm sure that I am not alone in this. So please, join me in listing your bad Christmas Mummy credentials.

With Regards to Christmas I am a Bad Mummy

Review: Phil & and Teds Traveller Travel Cot

The Phil & Teds Traveller™ cot is a remarkable product. It’s a supremely light compact, sturdy travel cot. You can see more details about the specifications here

When the traveller arrived I was really amazed. It came in the smallest box I have ever seen for a travel cot. It was also the lightest. The idea is that it will fit into the pushchair tray. From two years experience of lugging a bulky heavy travel cot around, I can’t tell you how fantastic this feature alone is, as it means that you can actually move it about fairly easily. If you happen to travel by public transport, you won’t be weighed down as it weights only 5.5 llb!


I quickly decided to construct it and so attempted to do so with two children trying to help. I have to admit that I failed. It was not so easy under these circumstances and not having done it before, I personally did not find it intuitive. However, I think it is one of those things that once you have done it once, it’s really quick and easy to do again. The hubby, unassisted or, unhindered by children, constructed the cot in a matter of seconds. The long sides are constructed of two pieces that click together, which means when you pack it away, the bag is a lot shorter than other travel cots, which makes it much more versatile when it comes to wedging it in the boot or shoving it in the bottom of a wardrobe.


The traveller is a unique cot as far as I am aware. It has special feet, which have holes which enable you to peg it down if you are camping and a roof which zips on. That means that in the hot summer months it is actually possible to use it to sleep outside. We loved this; it also made it a really fun playpen as it can effectively be used as a little den. Toddler boy loves it. It also looks funky rather than clunky!


In terms of space, it is neatly compact, whilst providing a good sleeping space. In fact, Toddler boy at 2.5 could happily and comfortably sleep in it. The self-inflating insulating mattress is also a brilliant idea.


Unfortunately for us, we have to pass it onto a charity immediately as Phil & Teds gift their review items to charity www.buggiesforgood.com. However, we think it is so good we are actually going to buy one. You can’t get a more highly recommended product than that. Fabulous, if you want a travel cot, this is the one to buy.

Review: Phil & and Teds Traveller Travel Cot

Tutu, old, old, hush hush yes you are

Last week I went to H & M in my lunch break from work. It must be the second child free shopping trip I have experienced in the last two years. It was exciting, darkly thrilling and strangely exhilarating in a faintly embarrassing way. Wandering around the store I saw lots and lots of things I had to try on. These were all practical work-a-day basics which I knew wouldn't fit, unless I selected them in a couple of sizes bigger than I choose when I shop in Next or Marks and Spencer. So, size 14's or 16's all the way then.

There is nothing I like more than a bit of sparkly party wear, despite working in a stuffy museum environment which is more fleece and joggers, than sequins and high heels. In fact, I sometimes rock the boat and team a sparkly cardy with jeans. Way out I know. So, when I reached the party wear section, my little heart skipped a beat, sparkly cardies, silver and black sparkly mini skirts, which I picked up and then put down with a sigh. Then, the key teenage item de jour Tutu's!

Well, as you know, I am extra especially jealous of Fifi with her pink Frilly Lily Tutu. Oh, how I dream to be able to wear one of them. Here I was standing in a shop presented with my opportunity. Was I tempted? Of course I was. However, whilst I was standing there a teenager, all leggings and bat wing jumper barged past me and grabbed one "Mum! I've gotta have one of these!" I looked over at mum, she was probably all of two years older than me. The embarrassment. I hope she didn't see me coveting them, I wasn't looking at them for me, honest.

Therein, you have another aspect of my week long theme about doing things when you are younger. When I was in my teenage years and twenties I was, I have to admit, veering on the sensible side of clothing options. Indie rock band t-shirts, jeans and DM boots all the way for me. The picture of above is me at the Reading festival in 1994. Occasional trips to Equinox in Watford or CarWash in London warranted a dress, sandals and a feather boa, but that is about the most adventurous I ever was. I do regret this, I think I should have attempted to crush my shy retiring side and been much more outlandish wearing the things that I really thought were cool. For now, in my mid thirties and a mum of two, it is a bit too late. After all, only Madonna and other egocentric celebrities can really get away with children and tutu's. You can't wear a tutu around Tesco's after your nineteenth birthday, but you can wear that Marks and Spencer cardy. This a small piece of wisdom which I shall pass onto my daughter.

Tutu, old, old, hush hush yes you are

Review: Zoobug Sunglasses

The Being a Mummy household enjoy skiing. We cant wait until we have saved up enough money to take Toddler boy and Fifi on their first ski adventure. However, it's the time of year when many people are about to head off skiing, including some of the Mummy Reviews team. Therefore, we thought it would be a good time to test out some sunglasses for our readership. Luckily enough, at that moment, Zoobug issued a press release about their new Zoom sunglasses. We contacted them and asked if we could loan some sunglasses to do a review. Fortunately they said yes, and we got a pair of the new Zoom glasses to trial and they were kind enough to give Toddler boy a pair from their Heritage range to keep.

Lets be honest here, retailing from £29 Zoobug sunglasses are high end price range for toddlers and children. I have to admit that I would only consider them if I was going on the sort of holiday where sunglasses are essential; skiing or foreign climes. At the moment, my kids are making do with some cool shades from Marks and Spencer and H & M. However, you need to be careful with these cheaper sunglasses. "Toy sunglasses do not provide safe protection for kids whose eyes are particularly sensitive to UV and blue light," explains Dr Julie Diem Le, ophthalmologist and director of Zoobug. "Many people do not know that overexposure to UV without proper protection can burn the surface of the eye, just as the skin can become burnt, red and painful. This is a temporary condition of the eye, but can lead to blurring of vision and is distressing for young children." That is a warning, that will get me checking what I buy in future!

Now I have seen the quality and style of the Zoobug range, I have to admit, I can really tell the difference. In fact, I would say that if you could afford them and were sure that they wouldn't get lost, then actually they would be an ideal investment. Not only are the glasses uniquely unusual in their design and quality, the lenses are second to none, having been specifically designed by an optometrist. One of the best features is that the age ranges to which they fit is quite broad. Thus, instead of buying a new pair every couple of years, you might get away with a pair for three or four years.

Toddler boy really liked the heritage pair he is modelling above. They seemed to fit well and have special ends to the arms which enable you to fit them to the child's head more closely, so they wont fall off. He is also really keen on the case which comes with a stretchy camel. This was a good thing as it means he is keen to put them away properly and look after them. This summer he will be the coolest toddler on the block and we are very grateful.

The Zoom model is suitable for a slightly older age group than Toddler boy. It's intended for 6- 12 year olds, so we tried them on Louise from Mummy Reviews little boy who at 5, is slightly younger than the intended age group. But we figured that it would be a good test as mum's do tend to buy the next size up. Louise's little boy absolutely loved them, he liked the chequered design along the arms which he said made them look like a Ferrari. This made them even better. As a little boy that likes to be comfortable, it has been hard getting sunglasses in the past and so he has been slightly reluctant to wear them. However, he reported back that these sunglasses were really comfortable. The sunglasses fitted him now, they were not very big, so Louise did wonder whether they would last for the number of years that they were intended. I guess it depends on the size of your child's head.

All in all, the Zoobug range has some fantastic sunglasses, which are ideal for those holidays which require good quality sunglasses. It's worth noting that the frames are available for normal children's glasses, something that I would certainly look at. If Fifi needed to wear glasses I would be really tempted with these flower ones...

Review: Zoobug Sunglasses

An offer from Boots.com and Review: Boots Baby Lotion

Until the 15th December Boots.com are offering 10 % off when you shop on-line. You just need to type in the offer code BSCF28 at the checkout. Terms and Conditions are below. Click here to go to the Boots Mother & Baby section and start shopping.

That's particularly helpful with the expense of Christmas coming up. I have to admit that Boots is one of the four or five shops that I regularly visit. I have not actually used their baby lotions before though, favouring branded products. However, as a welcoming gesture to encourage me to pass on some of their offers I was sent a lovely package of Boots branded products. It included these really cute weaning bibs, which I haven't seen in store and some Baby Lotion. I didn't actually need to review any of these products. However, I thought I would mention how impressed I am with the Baby Lotion. It has a lovely smell, its a rich, smooth consistency which is usually found in some more expensive brands and at just £1.79 I think it has to be one of my top ten baby buys.

Terms and Conditions of the offer

The offer excludes prescription items, gift boxing, delivery charges, gift vouchers, infant formula (up to six months) and Mini Mode.
The offer applies to pushchairs, car seats, nursery equipment, selected baby toiletries from Cowshed and Miamoo and selected maternity underwear.
Boots UK Limited reserves the right to withdraw the offer without notice.
The offer is valid from 02.12.2009 until 15.12.2009.
You must be registered with Boots.com and logged in when placing your order to receive the discount.
This promotional code is valid only once for each registered Boots.com user as defined by their registered email address and/or credit card address and/or delivery address.
Only one promotional code can be used per transaction.
The offer cannot be used in conjunction with certain other Boots.com offers.

The offer is non-transferable.

An offer from Boots.com and Review: Boots Baby Lotion

Why having babies in your twenties is a good idea

Last night was a typical night in our house, Fifi was up every hour, then we had a 5:30 am start to the day. This was after a half day at work in my part-time job and an afternoon of childcare with both baby and Toddler. In short, I am exhausted. I can tell, I have spots, I have bags under my eyes. I feel tired permanently and I am in such a routine of non-sleep that I don't think I could sleep even if I had the chance.

We have had pretty much, if you include the first pregnancy three and a half years of this. I love my children and I am happy that I had them, I do feel absolutely blessed. However, I am convinced that they have aged me at least ten years.

I didn't have much choice, I wasn't in a position to have children before my thirties. Instead, I went to university, tried to have a career, rooted myself in a comfortable lifestyle and generally became a bit set in my ways. Looking back, I feel a bit skeptical as to whether this was actually the right choice. Certainly, if I had got onto the property ladder earlier, we would have had an even nicer house, or a smaller mortgage.

Where I live, I could probably be considered quite a young mum, in fact at most of the mother and baby groups, I am. It's an affluent commuter belt town. There are large numbers of twins, many, many people have become pregnant as a result of IVF. Is this a good thing?

The mums in their twenties that I see, have lower expectations for their standard of living. I think it's that they are not so used to the nice restaurant meals, endless clothes, theatre trips, sleep and so forth. As a result they don't, generally, seem to ponder and worry and even push their children quite as much. They accept things much easier and generally seem the fare a lot better on the lack of sleep. I just don't think parenthood takes its toll quite as much. Some would argue that this is of course, nature. Its only in the last 100 years or so that we have been able to really dictate when we have our children, biologically. I am sure that there are probably health benefits to doing it earlier.

With some of these arguments in mind, I think that actually, on reflection its much better to have your children earlier on in life, for your sake. So if its something you are considering, don't wait. There is never a right time.

Why having babies in your twenties is a good idea

Review; Isabella Oliver Maternity Dress or What to Buy Your Pregnant Wife For Christmas

I didn't much enjoy being pregnant, especially second time around. Everything ached with the pain of SPD, I didn't get any sleep. It was hard looking after a toddler, going to work and running the house. I felt miserable, about myself, about the state of the house, about everything really. It's all logged somewhere in this blog. A few really flash gifts would have helped my state of mind. I'm not blaming the hubby, he did lots of lovely things and looked after me very well. Its just that I'm a girl who likes clothes.

Anyway, a little while ago uber posh designer maternity wear company Isabella Oliver asked if I would like to review and keep any maternity wear. I'm not pregnant, but my friend is, so we jumped at the opportunity to review this lovely dress which has been featured on Vogue magazine. This is what she said:

The excitement of not only knowing you are carrying a precious bundle, but that you have an excuse to buy lots of new clothes was quite overwhelming for a girlie like me who loves shopping. So the chance to try a fabulous designer dress by Isabella Oliver sent my heart beat racing above and beyond what was probably healthy. It arrived in packaging so beautiful that temptation grew, as I carefully spent time untying bows and unwrapping tissue paper.

Once I had calmed down from looking at the pretty packaging, the dress itself is rather fabulous, worn by celebs and now myself. If you want to find it on their website it's here (the Tie Knot dress). I have to admit, I struggled with figuring out how to tie it all together, in fact I had to resort to the on-line guide to work out what I was doing. But it was all worth it. The quality is second to none, but lets face it, you would expect that from a £109 dress.

The only downside, is I am a rather petite size 8-10 and only 4 months pregnant, so I am rather swamped by it at the moment. However, with lots of clever tying of the wrap feature and adding tights I was happy and comfy and think that although I am not going to get any taller, I am going to get wider (!) so its a great investment for the whole pregnancy run. The only thing I would like to say, is that at 5ft 2 its not like on the girl in the picture. Its more ankle length which is probably not what the designer had in mind. I toned it down with a black cardy and black tights I felt well dressed, classy and perfectly attired for the office. All in all, a great investment dress. Thank you Isabella Oliver.

Can I add, after seeing it, that if we could have afforded it, if hubby had come home with a lovely dress such as this, well, I would have been over the moon. It strikes me that with Christmas coming up, there might be a lot of men out there wondering what to get their pregnant wives; this is the answer.

If you want to find out more you can read the Isabella Oliver blog at http://IsabellaOliver.com/weblog

Review; Isabella Oliver Maternity Dress or What to Buy Your Pregnant Wife For Christmas

Review: How to Afford Time off With Your Baby by Becky Goddard- Hill

This book comes from the baby budgeting movement, whereby women are encouraged to become stay at home mums. The idea behind the book is to demonstrate to mums that there are ways to budget and stay at home during your children's formative years. I was very excited to read this, hoping that I will be given some special secrets which might allow me to better budget.

The book is divided into different chapters, which broadly relate to the different stages in the life of yourself and your child, there is also a handy resource section. Its well designed so that you can dip in and out of it easily.

I have to admit, I was really disappointed as the book really didn't tell me an awful lot which I didn't already know. We all know that it's cheaper to buy baby clothes from the supermarket or second-hand, that you should accept help, and that its cheaper to take your own juice and baby food out with you. I think it would be better marketed towards women who are yet to have their children. It will give some sort of an idea of how your life really does change.

Anyhow, there are quite a few useful sections, I thought pre-school chapter with its ideas for games to play was really good. The resource bank at the end of the book with sources of information and support is also helpful.The book was well written, in the perfect style for this sort of book. This made it a quick and easy read, and I did relate to such a lot of it, that I enjoyed reading it. I could really identify where the author was coming from.

All in all, I did gleam some useful information. However, that didn't really relate to budgeting. In the spirit of the book, I would suggest that you either borrow it for the library or buy it and pass it onto your friends. You can find out more on the author's website here

Review: How to Afford Time off With Your Baby by Becky Goddard- Hill

Review; Bambino Merino

Bambino Merino sell high quality baby sleeping bags, hats and pyjamas. Their products are made using the finest 100% natural pure merino wool. Toddler boy has been given a set of pyjamas and a hat to test. Yet again, I am jealous. Why can't these companies make nice adult things too?

Anyhow, Toddler boy received these pyjamas. The quality is superb. Size wise they are actually a fairly generous fit and the wool is slightly stretchy which means that they will last a reasonable amount of time. At £24.95 they are fairly pricey, but the quality is really, really great. They are really soft and silky and well made. We all liked the little sheep logo stitched into the front corner. I have now washed toddler boy's pair about 5 times and they seems as good as new.

The best thing about merino wool is that it adapts to the temperature and prevents overheating. This is a really important factor with cot death prevention. running off his little moody brow. But did it work? Well, the sweat seemed to be the same level running off his little moody brow, as when he was wearing a cotton t-shirt. Given that these are wool, I guess they worked quite well. He certainly likes them and they have become his favourite pyjama choice.

Toddler boy also got a hat, however, it was one size fits all. It actually didn't fit him at 2.5 years, although it would have looked lovely. I think he has quite a big head, its a perpetual problem. Fifi is the proud owner of it now, she doesn't mind. I reckon one of these hats would probably make quite a good baby gift.

If you want to find out a little bit more about Bambino Merino they have a surprisingly informative website full of facts about merino wool. They sell lots of things which would make ideal baby gifts.

Review; Bambino Merino