No more ink cartridges | Review of the Epson ET-25000 Printer

In my opinion having a printer at home is a necessity. The amount of times we have had to print things off my parents printers was becoming a bit of a joke. When I got the opportunity to review the new Epson ET-2500, I had to say yes. Then when I was informed that I was going to be saying goodbye to ink cartridges too, I leapt with joy. I detested our old printer, it ate (or drank... I'm not sure!!) through cartridges so quickly and I just couldn't justify the expense of constantly having to re-stock. But the Epson ET-2500 does away with this stress and claims that you only have to replace the ink once every two years. Intrigued? Then read on.

Could your family benefit from a clothing clearout?

Is your clothes storage technique more floordrobe than carefully closeted? Today we're talking space saving, clear outs and ultimate storage spaces, is it time you took control of your family's clothing collection? Read on for some top tips!

Skechers From Bells Shoes | Review

When the lovely people at Bells Shoes asked if I would like to review a pair of shoes, I, or course, jumped at the chance. Bells Shoes was established back in 1890, so they know a thing or two about good shoes. They have an extensive range of products at some incredibly low prices. They have carefully selected products from a range of quality brands such as, FitFlop, Clarks, Skechers, Ecco, and many more - all selected for their style, durability, fit and value for money.

5 Ways I Try To Save Money Each Month

Being on maternity leave, whilst lovely, can be a stressful time when it comes to finances. With less money coming in and another little person to feed & dress it can become a bit of a challenge. Bizarrely, it's one that I have actually enjoyed trying to manage. I am, by no means, an expert when it comes to money. In fact I have a lot to learn if my bank statements are anything to go by. That being said I think we're coping ok (even if dear old dad may have had to bail me out a couple of times - damn car... thanks dad!). 

So how exactly have I managed to save money each month now our income is around £800 less each month?

"I'm Still Little"

There are times when I look at Darcie and I can't believe just how grown up she is. I remember the moment Jamie walked through the recovery room doors with her in his arms and I got to lay my eyes on her for the very first time (I had a c-section and was put to sleep). She was so tiny, delicate and oh so precious.

Cheeky Chompers, Comfort Chew | Review

We're at that stage, the drooling, whinging, quick grab the Calpol stage. Yes, teething has hit the Burgess household once more. Luckily I have a few things under my belt in order to help the little one through this inevitable rough patch. When Henry was around 7 weeks old we got him something I had been eyeing up for a while, the Comfort Chew from Cheeky Chompers. The Comfort Chew doubles up as a comfort blanket and a teether to help sooth little ones. I loved the idea and thought I would give it a go.

5 Alternative Resolutions for the New Year

January is the official month of the ‘new year, new me’ campaign, after all what better time to start with a clean slate than in January. If health resolutions start to get you down after a while (going from full on Christmas indulgence to a lettuce leaf is hard) then why not take on some of these alternative resolutions for the New Year. 

I Want a Healthier Lifestyle

You may remember when I wrote my 2016 goals that my mission this year is to have a healthier lifestyle. I don't want to diet, I have done that in the past and failed miserably. What I want is a change of attitude and outlook towards food and fitness, but I was a little lost as to where to begin.

Baby Boy Haul 6-9 Months

Henry is four months old, but is starting to wear 6-9 months clothes. Which means Mummy has been shopping. If you fancy having a look at what I manage to pick up for him in the sales check out my latest haul video...

Enjoy!

Mummy B xoxox

Send Her Flowers

Valentine's Day is a little over a month away, it's time to get those hints in to your significant others. For me and my Hubby, we often combine our anniversary and Valentine's Day together (our anniversary is on the 5th of February). Valentine's Day, though some may find gimmicky, is a celebration I have grown to love. Especially now we're parents. Trying to get time for you as a couple can be tricky, but Valentine's Day can often force you to have some quality time with that special person in your life. I like the typical Valentine's gifts, flowers, a dinner out and quality time with my Hubby (child free please!). Very often we will do this, and I'm hoping we can do this again this year. 

Henry at Four Months Old

Henry James is four months old! How is he four months old already?! I can't get over just how much he has changed in the last month. Personality wise, it would seem he is developing a sensitive little soul, or as I like to call him, my little wuss pot (only kidding). He is becoming more aware of the world around him and can be very unsure of unfamiliar noises etc. However, he does love to meet new people and is seemingly pretty confident, he doesn't mind being "passed around". This is making me feel a little more at ease because in just a few months I will be returning to work, so I'm hoping he will continue being a confident little chap when he is away from me.

Making 'We' Time

When you have little ones getting any quality time for yourselves can feel like a rare occurrence, and you begin to forget what it was like having some time as a couple without the demands of tots. But for your own sanity and the sake of your relationship it’s important to set aside evenings, even just a few hours to spend as a couple, enjoying each others company, and having to the chance to be yourselves rather than mum and dad. If once a week simply isn’t achievable, diarise an evening with your other half once a month, and ensure that you both stick to it and commit. 

Of course the real difficulty always lies in finding something different to do rather than the usual dinner or cinema date, although this may feel like a luxury in itself. This list of ideas should help to reinvent your date night and make you feel as though the world is your oyster, even if it’s just for one evening. 

Home Decor Projects for 2016

As with every year, in January I like to look ahead to projects that I want to do around the house over the year. In 2015 we obviously re-decorated the room which is now Henry's bedroom, I was so pleased how it turned out, but we didn't end up doing anything else around the house! For 2016 there are a number of projects that really need to be done. We've lived in our home now since 2011 and some area's are definitely in need of a bit of TLC.

The Ume Lite Pushchair | Review

I have said this before and I will say it again, choosing the right pushchair can be a nightmare. Will you be using it on public transport? Across different terrains? Do I need a double or single? There are so many things to consider. If like me, and probably most of the mums I know, one pushchair just doesn't seem to be enough. For me, I do love a good travel system. But, they can be bulky, a nightmare on public transport and take up a lot of room in the car. When I was contacted to see if I was interested in reviewing the Summer Ume Lite Pushchair, I jumped at the chance. Could this be the answer to my pushchair woes?

Blogging Goals for 2016

Whilst I have made a number of personal goals for 2016, there are a few goals I have made for the blog too. I thought it might be nice to share with you as I have been enjoying other's who have done similar posts. 2015 has been a fantastic year for my blog and I'm really proud how far it has come along. I was fortunate enough to work with some fantastic companies, awarded Next's blogger of the month for October and was featured in Esential's magazine as 'Top Blog" in thier December issue. My readership has almost doubled and I'm so thankful that so many of you come back and (seemingly) are enjoying my posts.