Project 365 - Week 01/52
1st January 2018
2nd January 2018
3rd January 2018
4th January 2018
5th January 2018
6th January 2018
Hello 2018! Just like that we've had the first week of the year and it's certainly been the calm before the storm of normality. Nick went back to work on Wednesday so although the start of the week was very relaxed, as the days went on it slowly got busier and more hectic. Noah is back at nursery this week after two and a half weeks off, it's flown! It'll be strange to be doing the nursery runs again and I can't say I'm particularly looking forward to it as we've all really enjoyed our lazy mornings together!
What have you been up to this week?
MORI Panda Collection - Competition
MORI, the organic bamboo cotton baby essentials brand, known for its super soft fabrics
and socially conscious approach to manufacturing launched their Panda
collection on 7 July 2017.
The adorable, mainly monochrome, collection comprises jumpers, hoodies, t-shirts, joggers, shorts and
baby daytime outfits for babies and toddlers from newborn to 36m made using 100% organic cotton.
Each piece in the collection features a unique panda design, which has been hand-drawn in London by
MORI’s in-house design team.
In true MORI style, the collection has an ethical promise. £1 from every panda product sold through
the MORI website will go towards adopting MORI pandas in China and MORI will be sharing pictures
and updates about their pandas with the MORI community.
Commenting the launch, Akin Onal and Cam Miller from MORI said: “We were inspired to launch a
panda collection as the panda is a symbol of peace and protection. We are passionate about making
sure our little ones grow up in a beautiful world, which means protecting wildlife and nature. This
collection is our way of helping to preserve and protect one of the most endangered, and most loved,
animals – whilst making sure little ones look gorgeous too!”
I've teamed up with MORI to giveaway one of their Panda Sweatshirts (which come in sizes 0-3 through to 2-3 years, in either pink or khaki) worth £26.00 to one lucky winner! To enter simply use the Gleam form below! Good luck and don't forget to enter my other blog competitions!
Terms & Conditions.
1. There will be 1 winner who will win the prize mentioned above in their choice of size and colour.
2. Prize sent directly by the PR.
3. Competition ends 04/02/17
4. Incomplete entries with be disqualified.
5. UK entries only.
4. Incomplete entries with be disqualified.
5. UK entries only.
A Moment For Jars With HiPP Organic - Review & Competition
At the start of Ava's weaning journey we were asked to be a part of the HiPP Organic Moments Team, I was so excited, talk about perfect timing! Our first assignment was to try out their Pure Vegetable and Stage 1 Savoury jars which you can read all about here. They went down a storm with Ava and they helped start our weaning journey off on the right foot.
Ava is now ten months old and weaning has been everything I wanted it to be and more. Just like her big brother, she has a love for food and really enjoys to try new flavours and textures. She pretty much eats everything that we give her and likes to eat whatever we are having. When cooking I just take out a portion for her if the meal I'm cooking involves salt or spice. I love being able to make one meal and it be suitable for all of us. We still use jarred baby food and pouches on occasion, they are great and perfect when you are short on time or on the go.
For our second assignment we were sent a personalised hamper full of goodies for Ava and a selection of their stage 2 and 3 food jars for her to try out. The flavours we received were; spaghetti bolognese, mashed potato and beef, green vegetables with cous cous and turkey, vegetables with noodles and chicken, vegetable lasagne and pasta italienne with ham. As you can see it was quite the array of different jars and some sounded so delicious that I wished I could've sample them too!
The first jar that Ava tried was the pasta italienne with ham, which was consumed in a matter of minutes for her lunch. On opening I noticed how different these jars are when it comes to texture, the tomato sauce was thicker and it contained tiny circular pieces of pasta. I took one look at it and I knew that Ava would enjoy it as she's always been a fan of foods with more texture and substance. I tasted a little and although very different in consistency, it's still a very mild in flavour which is great for a weaning babies delicate palate. Ava managed to try all the different flavours within a couple of weeks and every one of them was thoroughly enjoyed, the pasta one's in particular! She's a fan of the carbs just like her Mummy!
The HiPP Organic jars are made with the finest organic ingredients which are gently steam cooked to keep in all the goodness and flavour. The new savoury jars also have no hidden fruit, making them perfect for every stage of weaning and ideal for that tricky part of weaning when you don't want to overload them with too many sweet flavours.
The jars from HiPP Organic now have a wider opening to make feeding easier and the jars themselves are 100% recyclable. You can either pop them in your recycling bin once you are done or you can give them a wash and use them for something else. I decided to wash them, remove the labels and create some quick and easy sensory jars for Ava. With it being Christmas I decided to run with a little theme. I filled three of the jars with water and added different items to each; gold balls from a Christmas tree decoration in one, blue glitter to add a bit of festive sparkle in another and white icing to create a snow effect in a jar in the third. She really enjoyed turning these jars over and inspecting what was inside, so did Noah! The gold jar was a firm favourite as they were able to shake them around and watch them sink. There's so many different ways you could reuse the jars if you didn't want to recycle them. You could paint them, use them as paint pots, use them to store paint brushes and crayons, use them for storing little trinkets, or seeds and so on.
If you are planning on purchasing some HiPP Organic jars soon then please use this money off coupon which has been created especially for the readers of the blog and for more information on the new recipes and products from HiPP Organic and for the best weaning advice, head to the HiPP UK website. Last but certainly not least, how would you like to win a selection of HiPP Organic Stage 1 and 2 Jars? To enter simply use the Gleam form below! Good luck and don't forget to enter my other blog competitions!
- This post is written in collaboration with HiPP Organic.
A bundle of HiPP Organic Stage 1 and 2 Jars
If you are planning on purchasing some HiPP Organic jars soon then please use this money off coupon which has been created especially for the readers of the blog and for more information on the new recipes and products from HiPP Organic and for the best weaning advice, head to the HiPP UK website. Last but certainly not least, how would you like to win a selection of HiPP Organic Stage 1 and 2 Jars? To enter simply use the Gleam form below! Good luck and don't forget to enter my other blog competitions!
- This post is written in collaboration with HiPP Organic.
Terms & Conditions.
1. There will be 1 winner who will win a selection of HiPP Organic Jars.
2. Prize sent directly by the PR.
3. Competition ends 28/01/17
4. Incomplete entries with be disqualified.
5. UK entries only.
5. UK entries only.
December Degustabox - Review
At the end of December we received our monthly Degustabox but with the madness of Christmas and New Year I'm only just getting round to publishing the review. This however gave us plenty of time to tuck into all the different products and they were all thoroughly enjoyed throughout Christmas and New Years. The November Degustabox was named the "Christmas" themed box so I did wonder how they'd follow on from with the December but as usual it was full of fantastic products, ideal for the festive period. Keep reading to see the images, product list and pricing of everything that was included.
Willies Cacao Black Pearls - £6.59
Popchips Galactic Barbeque Puffs - £1.99
Taking the Pea Smoked Ham Coated Crunchy Peas - £1.50
Candy Kittens Sour Watermelon Gourmet Sweets - £3.00
Planters Nut-Rition Nut Protein Mix - £1.29
Planters Nut-Rition Nut Mix Energy Mix - £1.29
Ryvita Lightly Salted Rye Cakes - £1.39
Mary Berry’s Lemon & Mustard Seed Vinaigrette - £2.99
Lift Matcha Instant Green Tea - £4.49
Robinson’s Fruit Creations Peach & Raspberry squash - £1.99
Coldpress Valencia Orange Juice - £1.50
San Miguel 0% Beer - £3.00
Sleep Well Vanilla Milk Drink - £1.75
Total: £32.77
Total: £32.77
The December box was fantastic, they never disappoint! It was filled to the brim with fantastic products, brands which were new to us and familiar favourites too. I thought that the choice of different drinks in this months box was perfect for this time of year. The non alcoholic beer, fruit juice, squash and green tea were all ideal for detoxing after all the naughty food and drink we've been indulging in around Christmas and New Years!
Food wise the selection of nuts, peas, rye cakes and potato puffs were great to nibble on and I brought some of them out for our Christmas party. The Taking the Pea Crunchy Peas were so popular, people commented on how they'd never tried anything like them before and that they were going to have to buy a couple of packets themselves! They were so moreish! Noah absolutely devoured the Pop Chips Galactic Puffs and was very impressed that they were Star Wars snacks! He called them his Star Wars crisps!
It was a little hard to choose our favourite product this month but in the end I decided to go or the Robinson's Fruit Creations squash as it's something we've all been able to enjoy. Robinson's has been a household favourite for years but these new juices contain twice the fruit and are so delicious and refreshing! It also contains no added sugar, perfect if you like to add a dash to your little ones water.
Degustabox costs £12.99 per month but if you would like to try it for the first time use the code: CTOMW at the checkout to receive a huge £7.00 off! That means you can get your first box for just £5.99!
What products or brands would you like to see in Degustabox next?
- We were sent this product for the purpose of this review however all opinions are my own.
All About My Year - 2017
I know I say it every year but I honestly cannot believe how fast the year has gone, 2017 seemed to vanish in the blink of an eye! So much has happened in 2017 that when Cassie from Lily's Little Learners tagged on this post I knew I had to take part as it would be great to look back at at a future date!
1. What did you do for your birthday?
I spent my 29th birthday in a family members villa in Marbella, it was heaven! Ava was only 12 weeks old at the time and I did wonder how we'd manage taking a three year old and such a young baby abroad for a week but I didn't need to worry, it was great. I remember sipping on sangria by our private pool, music on loud without a care in the world. The best way to spend a birthday I think! In the sun, surrounded by family with a tipple in your hand.
I spent my 29th birthday in a family members villa in Marbella, it was heaven! Ava was only 12 weeks old at the time and I did wonder how we'd manage taking a three year old and such a young baby abroad for a week but I didn't need to worry, it was great. I remember sipping on sangria by our private pool, music on loud without a care in the world. The best way to spend a birthday I think! In the sun, surrounded by family with a tipple in your hand.
2. Whats the biggest thing to happen to you?
The birth of Ava, no doubt about that! The labour was quite hellish, so much so I've not actually got round to writing my birth story yet, but she was worth every moment of pain, just like all babies are. I still can't get my head around the fact that she's now almost 10 months old, it doesn't feel two seconds ago that I was pregnant with her, feeling her wriggle around inside my belly.
The birth of Ava, no doubt about that! The labour was quite hellish, so much so I've not actually got round to writing my birth story yet, but she was worth every moment of pain, just like all babies are. I still can't get my head around the fact that she's now almost 10 months old, it doesn't feel two seconds ago that I was pregnant with her, feeling her wriggle around inside my belly.
3. What was the biggest thing to happen for your child/children?
Ava, being born of course and she seems to be meeting all her milestones very quickly, without even batting an eyelid! For Noah there's been a couple of big things. Firstly, becoming a big brother! I never had any doubt that he'd be anything other than an amazing brother but he's been perfect, we couldn't have asked for anything more. It must have been difficult for him in those first couple of weeks, adjusting to having a baby around that takes up so much of his Mummy's attention. Now that she's older she's always rummaging through his toys or trying to climb all over him and he has the patience of a saint, he loves her so much and is so protective of her. He also turned four in November, which again I can't get my head around. How is he four?! He now goes to nursery four full days a week and although he'd rather be home with us he loves it and has so many friends.
4. Could you pick a favourite week of 2017?
I don't think I can! Can I pick four? It has to be the week that Ava was born, our week away to Spain, our week at Butlins and this past week, Christmas week! I could pick more, all have been favourites for different reasons, but one thing they all have in common is that they are all weeks which Nick has been off work, when we've all been together.
I don't think I can! Can I pick four? It has to be the week that Ava was born, our week away to Spain, our week at Butlins and this past week, Christmas week! I could pick more, all have been favourites for different reasons, but one thing they all have in common is that they are all weeks which Nick has been off work, when we've all been together.
5. Do you have a favourite photograph of yourself from 2017?
There's quite a few pictures of the kids and I which I like so I struggled to pick just one. The one above is a favourite, taken on holiday back in May. It was Ava's first dip in the pool, though we only dipped her feet. She was too young and the pool was too cool for her to enjoy.
There's quite a few pictures of the kids and I which I like so I struggled to pick just one. The one above is a favourite, taken on holiday back in May. It was Ava's first dip in the pool, though we only dipped her feet. She was too young and the pool was too cool for her to enjoy.
6. What was your best day out?
One that springs to mind is one of our trips to Bowland Wild Boar Park. We've visited countless times but whenever we go we always have such a great time. One day in particular was perfect, it was sunny and both kids were in such great moods. We walked for miles, admired the scenery, had ice cream, visited the animals, fed them, went to the park, watched the animal shows, rode on tractors. It was wonderful and we can't wait to go back once the weather starts warming back up again.
One that springs to mind is one of our trips to Bowland Wild Boar Park. We've visited countless times but whenever we go we always have such a great time. One day in particular was perfect, it was sunny and both kids were in such great moods. We walked for miles, admired the scenery, had ice cream, visited the animals, fed them, went to the park, watched the animal shows, rode on tractors. It was wonderful and we can't wait to go back once the weather starts warming back up again.
7. What is the best film you've seen?
I could recommend a few but the one which springs to mind first has got to be Get Out. It's such a unique movie! A thriller which had me gripped from start to finish, it has one epic twist too! Watch it now!
I could recommend a few but the one which springs to mind first has got to be Get Out. It's such a unique movie! A thriller which had me gripped from start to finish, it has one epic twist too! Watch it now!
8. Is there anything you wish didn't happen?
Not really. I mean I wish our car hadn't been broken in to or that our boiler hadn't broke and cost us a couple of hundred quid but that's life! You've got to roll with it.
9. What would you like to achieve or improve for 2018?
I'd like to lose the rest of the baby weight (I've lost two stone since Ava was born) and I'd like to be more active. I'd like to make more time for Nick and I as a couple, our relationship is still as strong as ever (it's coming up to our ten year anniversary) but we didn't have one single date night last year so that's something we need to change. I'd like to finish more work on the house, including the attic renovation. I'd also like to earn more from the blog and prioritise my work more too. Lots of goals to tick off the list.
I'd like to lose the rest of the baby weight (I've lost two stone since Ava was born) and I'd like to be more active. I'd like to make more time for Nick and I as a couple, our relationship is still as strong as ever (it's coming up to our ten year anniversary) but we didn't have one single date night last year so that's something we need to change. I'd like to finish more work on the house, including the attic renovation. I'd also like to earn more from the blog and prioritise my work more too. Lots of goals to tick off the list.
10. How will you be celebrating/did you celebrate New Years Eve?
Nick and I stayed in with the kids, not much you can do with such a young baby but there was nowhere I'd rather be. Once the kids were tucked up in bed we had a tipple, watched a movie and tucked into a big bowl of ice cream!
What a great year it's been, I'm sad to see it go but welcome 2018 with open arms. I tag Nicola from A Life Through My Eyes and Tammy from Us Two Plus You to see if they'd like to take part too!
Nick and I stayed in with the kids, not much you can do with such a young baby but there was nowhere I'd rather be. Once the kids were tucked up in bed we had a tipple, watched a movie and tucked into a big bowl of ice cream!
What a great year it's been, I'm sad to see it go but welcome 2018 with open arms. I tag Nicola from A Life Through My Eyes and Tammy from Us Two Plus You to see if they'd like to take part too!