Mothers Day Eve

To promote the release of Motherhood, starring Uma Thurman – Metrodome Distribution will launch a special new date in the calendar – ‘MOTHER’S DAY EVE’ - which will fall on the Saturday night 13th March before Mothering Sunday, 14th March 2010. New comedy ‘Motherhood’ follows Uma Thurman as mother and wife racing against the clock to prepare for her daughter's sixth birthday party in the face of chaos.

To celebrate the new date for MOTHER’S DAY EVE, Metrodome Distribution will be giving 200 groups of mothers the opportunity to win “hold-your-own house party screenings” across the country on Mother’s Day Eve. In addition to the Motherhood DVD the first lucky 20 winners will win £100 worth of vouchers, redeemable at ASDA stores, to enable them to stock their party as they wish

The remaining winners will also be able to claim a DVD and a standard voucher pack with a variety of indulge-yourself brand offers for treat evenings. Participating brands include great deals with Champneys, Browns Bar & Brasserie, La Tasca and many more. Full details and further fantastic offers available at the film website www.motherhoodmovie.com.

The Apollo cinema chain will also be holding exclusive screenings of the film on Mother’s Day Eve for those who fancy catching Motherhood on the big screen

Motherhood will host interactive Facebook and Twitter environments, creating a fun environment for parents to interact with one another to offer parenting advice, share their most embarrassing moments and take part in contributing to our Mother’s Day Eve manifesto:

‘Mothers Day Eve’ Manifesto for husbands:

Rule 1 – Dad has to put the kids to bed in order to let Mum get ready for her night out/ in.
Rule 2 – Emergency phone calls only (NB. these do not include calls asking where the TV remote is)
Rule 3 – A lie in for Mum in the morning (NB. A lie in is post 9am)
Rule 4 – Mild hangovers cannot be remarked upon and must be treated with sympathy.

Motherhood can be seen at the Apollo cinemas from 5th March 2010 and available on DVD, Pay Per View, I Tunes, VOD from 8th March 2010

So get over to www.motherhoodmovie.com and claim your vouchers pack and have a great Mother's Day Eve.

Revitalise your life - Live Web TV Show

Too busy, tired or stressed to get everything done that you need to? Watch this webTV show to find out how you can reclaim those essential minutes.

Chat date: Wednesday 24th February
Chat time: 4pm

How many times over the past year have you declined a social invitation because you were just too tired? Whether it was a friend’s birthday party, a sneaky wine at the local bar after work, or even a hot date, a shocking 60% of us have cancelled a plan or engagement because we were too exhausted from a day at work or running around trying to keep our home in order.

It can often be difficult to fit everything we need to do, into just one day. Rushing from meeting to meeting or looking after the kids, the household and sorting dinner, it seems like we could all do with a few more hours each day. Sadly though, unless the earth decides to spin slower, that’s not going to happen. Instead we need to learn how to manage our time better and find ways to keep our energy levels up naturally.

Luckily for you this live WebTV show, professional life coach Rebekah Fensome will be on hand to answer your questions and offer some great tips on how to get organised and increase your motivation and energy– bringing a better balance to your life. She’s joined by Sandra Peirce from natural ginseng range, Red Kooga.

Rebekah Fensome and Sandra Peirce join us live online here  on Wednesday 24th February at 4pm to discuss how best to juggle it all



Click here to submit questions before the chat

The Silver Cross 'Surf'

Silver Cross is launching a new pushchair/pram next month and to say I’m excited is a understatement!

Look how pretty it is

Its called the ‘Surf’ and is a unique all-terrain reversible pushchair pram combination, so it can be front facing or parent facing. The suspension is air sprung making the ride really smooth and comfortable

It is lightweight with the frame weighing just 7.5 kg and ultra compact meaning it will fit into even the tiniest of boot spaces. The ‘Surf’ is suitable from birth to toddlerhood; the whole package includes the frame, the seat, the newborn baby nest, rain cover, seat liner, insect nest and protective apron

Silver Cross has worked hard on this pushchair using feedback from customers, online forums and blogs!

I for one can’t wait to for it to launch.

To celebrate the launch of their new Facebook page and the new ‘surf pushchair, Silver Cross are running a competition to win one, and when I say one I mean number one off the production line!

It will be hand crafted with a unique number 1 embroidery ensuring you have the number 1 Surf, which Silver Cross think of as their most exciting launch to date

So what are waiting for, go and enter now

Pampers Underjams

As a parent, it can be difficult to watch your child struggle through any problem. The challenges faced by bedwetting can be especially hard.
UnderJams wishes to help parents not just manage the problem with the new product, but also help overcome the problem by working with the charity ERIC, so parents can understand the causes of bedwetting and read up on top tips that may help provide a solution.

UnderJams understands the importance of empowering your child so they feel confident enough not to miss out on important childhood events, like sleepovers with friends. That’s why protection has now been made private, thanks to your child’s new Pyjama Partner. New UnderJams are the quietest overnight protection for kids, as well as being shaped lower at the front to offer the most discreet fit.

New UnderJams are designed to look and fit like underwear so that they can be worn discreetly under pyjamas.



1. Absorbent underwear that helps kids get the night time protection they need with the privacy they want.
2. Designed like underwear so that protection is made private.
3. Helps provide night time protection without the world having to know.
4. The quietest Pyjama pant.


If you would like a free sample of Underjams email me at newmummy@live.co.uk and I will arrange for a sample to be sent to you.
 
NM X

Pancake Fun

Last month the lovely people at Lyles Golden Syrup arranged for a group of parent bloggers to have some Pancake Fun , me and BG couldn't go because she was poorly.

They very kindly sent me a goody bag to make my own pancakes at home, including a new frying pan!!

So on Monday me, OH and BG attempted pancakes, we have tried recipes in the past but have failed to make them perfect. Well lucky us, they also sent us a video clip of Emma Forbes (who was there on the day) cooking the perfect pancake.

You can see the video your self if you pop along to http://www.welovepancakes.co.uk/

There are 4 steps to the perfect pancake:-

STEP ONE: PREP IT 

STEP TWO: COOK IT

STEP THREE: FLIP IT

STEP FOUR: TOP IT!

You can find the full recipe and the four steps here

Ok so here are some pictures of OH cooking pancakes (yeap I made him do them, he has a great wrist action for the flip)

Looks good doesn't it?

I tried to get an action shot but my camera is pants!

BG had a little honey and banana's in hers

(Before it was assembled)

She tried them....

But to be honest she ate the banana and licked off the honey, the pancake ended up on the floor

I had banana and golden syrup in one

and banana and chocolate spread in the other

Mine ended up in my tummy!

OH has his just with a bit of lemon

The panackes were really nice and really easy to do (said OH)

Now don't forget that Pancake Day is Tuesday 16th Febuary, thats next tuesday!!

To make you life a bit easier I've had a quick surf on the internet....

Sainsbury's has 33% off selected pancake ingriedients including flour, Jiff Lemone, Lyle's golden syrup, batter mix and if you really don't have time to make them ready made pancakes

Co-Op also have some offers on pancake goodies including Jiff Lemon and batter mix

Pop along to Aldi and grab you self a bargain frying pan for £3.99 or a Pancake maker plus all you need to make them

Lastly Morrisons have some great offers, with items either £1 0r 50p!!

So have a great Pancake Day

NM X

The Great Bathroom Clear Out

Last week I promised to clear out my bathroom, as part of the Rubbish Diets challenge

Well I did it, it took about an hour and I felt good afterwards. I’m a real hoarder of things and a bargain hunter which leads to a lot of clutter as you can see below

There's more....

I took everything out of the cupboard and the basket on the side and sorted it into groups...

I found 2 Shampoos, 2 conditioners, 6 shower Gels, 3 body scrubs, 4 bubble baths, 2 bath salts, 2 gift sets, 3 tubes of toothpaste, 5 bars of soap and a lot more

In the cupboard was also empty toilet roll packets, carrier bags and some empty bottles, theses have all been recycled.

My bathroom is now clean and clutter free

I have organised the cupboard and I won’t be buying any new toiletries until they are needed!

I promise to no longer be swayed by offers and to ‘stock up’, I will buy only what is needed and where possible by unisex shower gels so me and OH can share, and share bubble bath with BG (I haven’t told them yet!).

I also promise to only buy packs that are recyclable

Next week I’m tackling my bedroom, which I fear has more lotions and potions

NM X

Bag Yourself a Bargain on baby basics at Boots

This February Boots is offering Mums and Dads a series of fantastic deals on everyday baby essentials.

 From now until 16th February 2010, parents shopping in Boots stores or online at http://www.boots.com/ will be able to take advantage of 3 for 2 on Huggies and Pampers Wipes 4 packs.

 Boots is offering a range of price promotions on branded baby products including:-

2 for £18 on Pampers Jumbo Packs

Half price on Pampers Easy Up Carry Packs

 

Furthermore, Boots Parenting Club members are entitled to double Advantage point on over 1,000 baby products every time they shop in store or online at boots.com.That’s a huge eight Advantage Card points for every pound spent on products in the Boots Baby range

Boots Advantage Card users usually earn four points for every £1 they spend

Applies to stores in England and Wales and on boots.com only. Points cannot be collected on prescription items, infant milks (up to 6 months), gift vouchers/cards, gift boxes, delivery charges or postage stamps.

Guest Post - By Tracey-Jane Hughes Bras for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

bras4mums is based in Chorley, Lancashire, England, set up by a Mother with 2 small boys (the idea formed when the youngest was 3 weeks old!).

bras4mums is a website set up to help women find the right type of maternity bra or nursing bra for this different and special time in their life. It has been designed by a Mum who breastfed 2 babies until they were about 8 months old after receiving some awful advice and nursing bras during pregnancy and breastfeeding! All the lingerie stock, swimwear, breast feeding pillows, tops and breastpads have been tried and tested by Mums to be and Mums, with feedback throughout the site to guide you.

Tracey-Jane has put together this great guest post on how to choose the best bras for pregnancy and breastfeeding

Bras! Where do you start? Some women when they get pregnant ignore the changes in their breasts and just carry on as usual and then finally when it all gets too uncomfortable buy new bras. But at that stage they then realise that they could have been comfy all along!

So, we suggest that you get new bras when you start to feel that the ones you’ve got don’t fit any more. Makes sense really doesn’t it? That’s what we do with our other clothing (unless we’re in denial about dress sizes!), so why not our bras?

Our breasts start to get ready for breastfeeding baby (even if you don’t plan to breastfeed, your breasts don’t know that!), when you first conceive. So we usually expect women to need a new bra during the first trimester. We suggest a simple soft bra, usually a bustier type bra, is a good buy at this stage. Women often get tender and sore breasts in the first 12-16 weeks, so a soft bra that you can sleep in is a good investment.

If you get more structured bras (that do up at the back, with a bit more support in them), I’d suggest you get them towards the end of the first trimester. Maybe after your first scan so you don’t mind too much about spending money now you know it’s really true that you’re pregnant! A rule of thumb for buying a maternity bra at this stage is to increase the band size, and keep the same cup size, or increase it. You’ll know what’s best for you, and specialist bra fitters can always advise you on what’s likely to last to the end of pregnancy.

There are a few unlucky ladies whose breasts continue to grow during pregnancy, but this is rare. So, the bra that you get at the end of your first trimester should last you to the end of your pregnancy, AS LONG AS YOU’VE FITTED IT ON IT’S TIGHTEST SETTING WHEN YOU BOUGHT IT, to allow for the band to grow with your rib cage during pregnancy.

The best time to get fitted for nursing bras, is at about 35-36 weeks, when your ribs are at their biggest. This way we know that your ribs will get smaller, but your breasts will get bigger – yes, again! So, the starting point at this stage is your pre-pregnancy band size, and 2-3 cup sizes bigger than you were before you got pregnant.

Always make sure the bra covers your whole breast as anything pressing on the breast can cause blocked ducts, and potentially lead to mastitis, which you really do not want. Sometimes you need to change the style of the bra, rather than just change the size. Ask a specialist fitter for advice on different styles you can try.

Bra fitting is not easy at the best of times, with all styles and manufacturers fitting differently. It’s even more complicated with an ever changing body and breast shape. But, it’s so important to be comfortable. Yes, comfort above style during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some would disagree, but if you’re not comfy, it can affect your milk let down when feeding, and can also make you feel grumpy about being uncomfortable.

There is so much selection out there of maternity and nursing bras (and you can wear nursing bras during pregnancy if they’re the right style for you. We have older ladies wearing the HOTmilk styles as they want attractive bras without wires!). Some of you will have more limited choice with your size. But there may still be a choice if you use a specialist bra shop.

bras4mums is a specialist maternity and nursing bra shop that offers online, email, phone advice. We offer unlimited free UK returns and exchanges, so that we can work with you to get the right style and size if the first ones aren’t quite right. We stock the widest selection of maternity and nursing bras in the UK, and have a shop in Lancashire and offer a home fitting service in the North West of England. We try to attend as many regional baby shows as we can to offer a fitting service in other parts of the country. Please do ask, challenge, or let us know what bras or advice have worked for you. We love to find new styles that suit more women!

Thank you so much for this post Tracey-Jane

The Rubbish Diet

If you haven’t found the Rubbish Diet Blog then please go over and take a look, this woman is a great inspiration.

ALMOST MRS AVERAGE She has already slimmed her bin down to almost size zero and is now inspiring others to reduce their waste. She is hoping to turn the blog into a book and is busy with her manuscript: "Almost Mrs Average's Rubbish Diet: Confessions of an accidental eco-blogger".

Almost Mrs Average has started an 8 week challenge that I’m really behind on, but it’s never too late to start!

There are many reasons to slim down your bin, one is for environmental reasons, far too much is going to landfill and being wasted and also it can save you a lot of money

Last year in the New Mummy household we made a good start on recycling we bought a composter, made sure that we were recycling what we could, reused our bags and I started planning meals to make sure I only bought what food we needed. This year we need to push it up a notch and really slim our bin down and our clutter. Now I’m really bad at following challenges, but I do promise to cut down on what we use and throw away so my first step at home is my makeup and bathroom products.

I’m a bargain shopper, if something is on offer I will buy it and because of that my bathroom cupboard is full of shampoos, showers gels and toothpaste! So this week I am going to see exactly what I’ve got, what is still useable (I am known to have about 6 shower gels on the go) and what I can giveaway to friends ( I’m sure there is shampoo and condition in their for brown hair and I’ve now gone blonde). With all that I have in the cupboard and what I got for Christmas I don’t think I actually need to buy any toiletries for a long time

So operation clear the bathroom starts this week; I will tell you all how it goes next week.

NM X

50% off at Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut have extended their 50% off when you dine  until 12th Febuary

Offer valid all day, everyday

Click here for the voucher

Guest post from Liz at LivingwithKids

 How to afford time off with your baby

By Liz at LivingwithKids

I went back to work far too quickly after giving birth because I was afraid that if I didn’t I would find myself without a job to go back to. It’s something I really regret because I missed out on a lot and if I could turn the clock back I would. But I know lots of mums who have found themselves in the same position recently and have been worried about surviving on statutory maternity pay

In her fab book the catchily titled ‘How To Afford Time Off with Your baby’ full-time mum Becky Goddard-Hill gives 101 ways to ease the financial strain of having kids. Like me, she’s a fan of online grocery shopping to save money, stocking up and she also has some really cool tips on cutting the cost of children’s parties, saving for your baby’s future (don’t forget http://www.kidstart.co.uk/ is a great way to do this) and cheaper Christenings, plus lots more.

But my absolute favourite tip from Becky has to be her one about growing your own. I’m lusting after a greenhouse at the moment and at the risk of sounding like an Earth Mother (I’m so not!) what could be better than growing your own veg (and even fruit)? Lemons, herbs, olives... mmmmm. Mind you I draw the line at getting free-range pigs and chickens (I’m not sure if this was a serious suggestion, Becky). It’s bad enough clearing up child/puppy mess.

What are your favourite money saving tips? Share them below:

Thank you Liz for the great guest post!

NM X