Family • Wellbeing • Adventure

Sunday 25 January 2015

52 Week Photography Challenge | Week 4 - Light


Welcome back to week four of the 52 Week Photography Challenge, this weeks theme is light. I had so many idea's for this weeks theme, I really wanted to capture the late afternoon sun and a beautiful silhouette of trees. This week has been really tough as I have just been so drained, I literally have got home from work and just crashed! So unfortunately, I didn't get to go to my favourite spot to capture this. However, I did get a shot of late afternoon sun, shining through our little tree in our Garden. I really love the colours in this picture, so pretty!

Thank you again for linking up last week, again, no photo the same! So I am really looking forward to everyones pictures for this weeks theme. As always, please make sure you leave some comments, its great to share the love and/or tips - its a great opportunity to learn from one another. For example, I would love to know what camera you used to shoot this weeks photo. I used my Canon EOS 600d with my 50mm lens.

Next weeks theme is 'Lifestyle'.

Mummy B xoxox


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Tuesday 20 January 2015

Darcie's Good Reads | The Slightly Annoying Elephant



This week I bring you this hilariously silly book, The Slightyly Annoying Elephant by David Walliams and illustrated by artistic genius Tony Ross. You may recognise these names, yes I mean David Walliams, funny guy from TV and film and Tony Ross who did the illustrations for Roald Dahl. Walliams, has released quite a few older children's stories, I work in a high school and a lot of the younger years love his wicked humour. This book, is his first picture book and Darcie adores it. 

The story is based around a boy named Sam, who adopts an elephant. Literally adopts an elephant. This elephant knows exactly what he likes and little Sam tries to be as hospitable  as you can be, for an annoying elephant!


The story is fun, silly, and everything you could hope for from Walliams. This has been a big hit in our household, and I really love reading this to Darcie - I have my own annoying elephant voice!

Have your children ever read anything by Walliams?

Mummy B xoxox

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Monday 19 January 2015

BOB Revolution Pro Pushchair | Review

There is no denying that in our house, we love the countryside. Long walks, through the woods or by the beach, its a favourite pastime that helps us all to relax and appreciate all that our area has to offer. Darcie is of an awkward age, she loves to run around and explore but still tires if we are on a long walk - enter the BOB Revolution Pro.

We were kindly sent the BOB Revolution Pro to review, and I have to say we were very excited as I have been eyeing these up at local Park Runs. This pushchair is simply "fully loaded" with fantastic features to allows you and your baby/toddler the chance to explore, keep fit or just nip into town, whilst being super safe and comfy. So lets run through everything that this fantastic pushchair has to offer.


As I said, I first spotted these at a local Park Run. Lots of mums and dad runners seem to favour these  and they looked so easy to push even when going off road whilst running. The children too, looked safe and snug - and not being thrown around like you would imagine. When I received mine I noticed it had a setting near the front wheel. The city mode allows for the front wheel to swivel freely, whilst the sport mode keeps the wheel locked for improved stability whilst jogging or on trickier terrain. For the most part I have kept the wheel on city mode, and manoeuvres really well on all terrain we have tested so far. 


While we are on the topic of wheels, lets just talk about how great they are! I love that they are nice and chunky, it allows for such a smooth ride. We never get stuck like we have in previous pushchairs when we go on our adventures through the woods. It really is the most fantastic pushchair for outdoor folks like us!


 Additionally this pushchair is full of great safety features which can't go unmentioned. This pushchair boasts a hand activated rear drum brake, designed to add control to be able to conquer hills and inclines. You can also see here that it also has a safety wrist strap that also doubles up as a handy fold lock when the pushchair is folded.


The handle bar also moves into 9 different positions. 9!!! I love this because, its great for my lanky 6ft 4 husband. Its also handy because you can move the handles into different positions depending of terrain and incline too. For example, I found putting the handle bar like on the picture on the right, is amazing for when you are going up hills - and really helps you push! 


As well as the hand brake it also has the traditional foot brake too. This is a simple feature that is very easy to use. In previous pushchairs I have been so frustrated with how fiddly these foot brakes can be - which given that they are a necessity, is quite worrying. So this pushchair pleased me a lot in this area! You can also see here the quick release clips for the tires, which is great if you have a smaller car boot. Surprisingly this pushchair folds quite nicely and easily (with a two step fold), for saying it is a fairly large pushchair.


Another essential point is the comfort for little ones - as lets face it that is something key when purchasing a pushchair. The seat itself is well cushioned and is very wide with little pockets on the side to keep snacks and drinks to hand (such a nice feature in my opinion!). The back reclines fairly easily allowing little ones to have ultimate comfort when sleeping. And yes, Darcie actually falls asleep in this pushchair! Hurrah! I love the little window too, its great to able to keep an eye on them, giving parents piece of mind. 





Lastly, another great feature is the shopping basket. It's a descent size and nice and high off the ground so you don't get that really annoying scrapping along the floor like you do with some other pushchairs! There is also another handy storage compartment on the back of the chair, as well as the internal storage compartment near the seat that I mentioned earlier.


Round up of features


Pro’s

  • Hand activated brake.
  • Adjustable handlebar with 9 different positions.
  • Both sport & city modes to give you the smoothest ride on any terrain.
  • Easy, two-step folding, lightweight frame for convenient transport and storage.
  • Brilliant suspension system, making sure you little ones have a smooth journey.
  • Can be used from birth as a complete travel system using BOB B-Safe Infant Car seat & adapter.
  • Adjustable reclining seat and five point harness.
  • Large hood that you can adjust for protection against the elements. Large viewing window lets you keep an eye on your baby.
  • High-impact polymer composite wheels with pneumatic tires and tubes take on tough terrain.
  • Low Boy Cargo Basket provides plenty of undercarriage storage. Additional space in large seatback pocket. Internal seat pockets provide a great place for snacks and toys.
  • Foot activated parking brake.
  • The wrist strap helps you secure stroller when strolling and provides handy fold lock when folded.
  • Is also available as a double pushchair.
  • Can be used as a jogger.

Con's

  • No rain cover (sold separately)
  • Limited colours

This pushchair is a fantastic all rounder that can be pushed to the limits. Meaning you don't have to miss out on any adventure, just because you have a pushchair! We have decided to take this pushchair with us to Disneyland next month. Darcie loves it so much and finds it so comfy, so will be perfect for long days at the park.

What do you think of the BOB Revolution Pro?

Mummy B xoxox

* I was sent this product for review, but all opinions and thoughts are my own.

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Sunday 18 January 2015

52 Week Photography Challenge | Week 3 - Simplicity


Hi guys and welcome to week 3 of the 52 Week Photography Challenge! This weeks theme is 'simplicity' and I'm so looking forward to seeing everyone's interpretation! I don't there has been two photo's even similar throughout this challenge so far - which just goes to show how creative you all are!! 

For this weeks theme I was really struggling (again!) as to what to photograph, and when having a cup of tea yesterday - a light bulb started flashing in my head! We are a nation who loves tea, a simple love that lots of people struggle to function without. 

Last week, again, there were so many fantastic photo's that were linked up so please make sure you go and check them out if you haven't already done so. Next weeks theme is 'light'.

Mummy B xoxox

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Thursday 15 January 2015

Redseven Funniest Hen Competition


One thing I love about being a photography junkie is being able to reminisce about some pretty fun times. My Hen Do was no different. With my camera in tow I managed to capture some funny moments. Having said that, my Hen Do was relatively tame. We spent the day at the spa then headed to Bury St. Edmunds for an evening out. Whilst tame, it was exactly what I wanted - the relaxing day with all my loved ones.

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Tuesday 13 January 2015

Darcie's Good Reads | The Crocodile Who Didn't Like Water


We have another splendid book to share with you today, its one I have been meaning to share with you all for a while! The Crocodile Who Didn't Like Water by Gemma Merino is a funny little story about a little crocodile who just doesn't fit in with his family. I mean what crocodile doesn't like water?! Well this little crocodile doesn't and for very good reason, he is not actually a crocodile!! 


We got this book way back last summer, when Darcie was going through her "dragon" (big clue there ;) ) faze and picked it up from a local book shop. The book is well written, and has lots of engaging illustrations for your little ones to ogle over and this little "crocodile" is an easy character to fall in love with.

I think every child has a dragon/dinosaur faze, so this is the perfect book to add to your little ones library. 

Do you have any dino/dragon book recommendations?

Mummy B xoxox

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Monday 12 January 2015

{The Ordinary Moments 15} #2


For this weeks ordinary moment, simply just melted my heart. Again. I think that's one thing about being a parent, these little moments just jump out of know where and completely blow you away.

This moment happened whilst we were swimming on Sunday. We are really trying to encourage Darcie to become more confident in the water as we haven't taken her very often. Bad parent alert! But we have been for the last two weekends and we love it. Darcie has always loved water and has never really been scared or intimidated by it, I think its really important your child learns to swim its such a vital "life skill" - plus its lots of fun! Anyway, we were busy playing away and Darcie had started to swim (with armbands) between me and Jamie. When I say swim I mean she we give her a little push so she glides through the water and then she kicks away... She suddenly then shouted "THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVEEER" in true Tangled style (if you have seen the film you will know what I mean!) and me and Jamie just grinned like big kids! She then threw her arms around mine and Jamie's necks and planted two huge kisses on each of our cheeks. 

Whilst this is a moment was such a lovely one, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at the same time. Darcie clearly loves to swim that I wish we had taken her more during her little life! We will certainly be making up for lost time.

Does you little one/s like to swim??

Mummy B xoxox
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Sunday 11 January 2015

52 Week Photography Challenge - Cold



Welcome back! This week's theme was "cold", I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone's interpretation. For me, I found it really tricky. Last week I had a beautiful frosty image and so didn't really want to go down the same route. One morning, when Darcie was playing in her room, she asked for her Elsa dress. Once it was on and she was in full Frozen mode, I knew I had my image for this week. I mean you can't get much colder than Frozen - right?! 

Whilst I set up this project to better my photography skills, I still love to take images of her. In my opinion if you can photograph a child then you can photograph anything! Here Darcie is in the middle of a perfect rendition of "Let it Go".

Thank you so much to everyone who linked up last week. I loved looking at everyone's images and felt so inspired. Please make sure you go and check them all out - there are some gooden's! If you didn't link up last week but would still like to partake - please do, its all just for a bit of fun and to help each other improve. 




Mummy B xoxox

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Saturday 10 January 2015

Organic Children's Bath & Shower | Review


Today I have a review for you from Organic Children By Green People. It's a beautiful bath & shower wash in berry smoothie that has 81% organic ingredients. 

You may or may not know, Darcie suffers with eczema quite badly - to the point where her whole chest feels like sandpaper. We're still investigating what exactly triggers it, so we're very mindful as to what her skin comes into contact with.  We have tested out a lot of skin care products aimed for her age group and now always look out for the more organic products. So, naturally, when we were asked to review this product we simply had to say yes. 


This product we have used in the bath, and has not irritated her skin,  at all. So for us this is already a winner. It produces lots of lovely bubbles which can sometimes be a floor of many organic products - but not with this one.  And it smells heavenly, I mean good enough to eat heavenly! As with other products I have tried from this range, a little really does go a long way and has lasted us a good few weeks. This price tag is on the higher end at £8.95, but as I said a little really does go a long way. 
An important mention would be that it does not contain petrochemicals, methyilsothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, synthetic colorants or preservatives - which is fantastic if you do have sensitive skin.


Have you tried anything from Organic Children? We also love Organic Babies Mum & Baby Rescue Balm, which is amazing on bad breakouts of eczema.

Mummy B xoxox


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Wednesday 7 January 2015

{The Ordinary Moments 15} #1



I have decided to try and link up with the wonderful Katie at Mummy Daddy Me more, and write about our ordinary moments. Because, lets face it, these are the ones that are so easily taken for granted.

Over the weekend I was thinking a lot about returning back to work and how I will, yet again, miss my little Darcie B. There were so many moments when I just sat back and observed my little family, and thought just how grateful I am for all that we have and how much love I have for these two special people.

On Monday we popped into town to do a few bits and bobs, like get the forms for Darcie's passport. I didn't get my first passport until I was around 11, when I first went to Disneyland and now Darcie will be doing the same. She is an incredibly lucky girl. So, once we had done our errands we headed to Costa's for a little treat. I say a little treat, Darcie has become quite addicted to Babyccino's! Once we had our beverages, we took a seat on the comfy sofas so we could just chill out. 

  
Darcie had finished her drink, she asked her daddy if she could have a story. Our local Costa's has a fairly good selection of books for little ones. So she picked up her story and plonked herself next to her daddy and he started to read the story. I sat opposite them listening to Jamie become the storyteller Darcie adores, when another elderly lady sat close by to us catches my eye. She is watching Jamie and Darcie with admiration and then makes eye contact with me and smiles. In that moment it hit me again, I love this man to pieces. 

I decided to write this little piece of our everyday life, because I wanted to remember just how proud I felt in that very moment. How a stranger can feel touched by just seeing a father read to his daughter. Its a simple thing, but in this busy and hectic world we live in, can be something so magical and heart warming. 

Mummy B xoxox

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Tuesday 6 January 2015

Darcie's Good Reads | An Amazing Snowman


Darcie was really lucky over Christmas and got quite a few brilliant books. Darcie loves her books and has her own personal favourites that she asks for over and over again. This latest book to her collection, An Amazing Snowman by Barbara Jean Hicks & illustrated by Olga T. Mosqueda, it has been read every single night since Christmas.

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Monday 5 January 2015

Gruffalo in the Woods!


Tomorrow I go back to work, after having two glorious weeks off. The 'January Blues' may well sink in but I'm staying up beat and positive because we have lots of lovely things to look forward too. As much as I love the holidays, I am very much looking forward to getting ourselves back into a routine. Whilst on holiday I get way too comfy and put all my usual jobs get put to one side, its safe to say I get into the full "holiday" mode and become a lazy bum!

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Sunday 4 January 2015

52 Week Photography Challenge - Week 1




Hi all and welcome to the first week of my 52 Week Photography Challenge. This weeks theme is "Beginnings".  On a cold and very frosty morning I decided to head out and take some pictures. I find frost really beautiful the way it glistens in the sun (oh such a cliché) and quite an interest subject to photograph. This has inspired me to get some macro lenses, which I have found on amazon for a relatively cheap price (around the £30 mark), and have a little play! Anyway, whilst I was admiring the frost, I decided to write "2015". This week we welcomed 2015, and I'm so excited for what it may bring, the beginnings (see what I did there??!) of something wonderful hopefully!

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Friday 2 January 2015

Stackable Bracelets from Beaverbrooks


This Christmas I was exceptionally lucky and was sent the beautiful 'Stack Up The Style' bracelet set (£99). I took part in their #HintList over the Christmas period, and these were the bracelets I had been lusting over.

I was so excited on Christmas morning,  Jamie had intercepted the post and wrapped them up for me so I could open them on Christmas morning! They had been beautifully wrapped and presented. Each bracelet was placed in a beautiful pouch and the put into a this lovely boxed filled with tissue paper and confetti stars. If you're anything like me, the packaging can make a gift that extra bit special.


These bracelets are utterly gorgeous. I was literally blown away by how beautiful they where. For the price, they are 100% worth every penny. Now unfortunately the set is currently unavailable but you can buy them separately. The Infinity bracelet can be found here (£40) and the rose gold tennis bracelet here (on sale at £75 was £95!!) and the rose gold triple strand bracelet here (£30). 

If you're thinking ahead to valentines day, then be sure to check out Beaverbrooks range. We purchased quite a few wedding gifts from here, including our bridesmaids necklaces and my mum's and step mum's too. They are the high street jewellers I turn to when I'm looking for that something extra special.



Oh they're just soo pretty and make the perfect arm candy!

Mummy B xoxox

*Was sent this for my participation in the #HintList, I did not need to post this review - but loved the items so much I felt they deserved their own post!

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Thursday 1 January 2015

How to keep your blog organised throughout 2015


As with most years, January is a month were I feel the urge to try and get organised, whether it be at home, work or on the blog front. Today, I thought I would share with you some of the things I am doing to try and be a wee bit more organised whilst blogging throughout 2015.  First thing I have been doing is setting up a couple of spreadsheets on my MacBook, I have created a schedule spreadsheet so I can have a good overview of the month ahead and also another spreadsheet keeping track of any earnings. 
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