How To Wear This Seasons Blazer on a Budget

Despite what you may think the blazer still has its place as an important staple item this season. Blazers are all over the High Street in every colour from black to rust and in all shapes and sizes from boyfriend to cropped. 

There is however no reason to run out and buy one! For those of you that have a blazer tucked away in the back of your wadrobe, think about reworking it, rolling up the sleeves or changing its colour. I recently dyed an old cream linen jacket to a deep rust/terracotta colour and rolled up its sleeves. It's given it a whole new lease of life. Also try hunting around your local charity shops for a blazer you can restyle at a fraction of the cost, even a plain black one can be worn with all this seasons hottest looks.

Here are some ideas using both High Street and Vintage.

Colour Pop Tribal

5 of the Best Paddling Pools Under £5

1. ELC Blue Wave Pool £4.80 

2. Chad Valley 3 Ring Pool from Argos £3.99

3.  Animal Fun Set Pool from Amazon £4.99 

4. 3 Ring Paddling Pool from B&Q £4 

5. Kids Paddling Pool from Poundland £1

Secret Songs from a Mother to her Child (a perfect gift)

In this post from Becky at Baby Budgeting, she shares her very special idea for a truly unique christening gift:

*********

Some gifts cost nothing but love and these are wonderful to create on those most special of occasions. I have gifted songs to both my children as they were christened.


Secret songs  (Zaire).

The Mbuti who live in the forests of Zaire are considered one of the most peaceful communities on Earth. Mbuti women when pregnant will, decorate their bodies with special leaves and flowers to honour their body, the child within, and the event that has yet to take place. During the last trimester, they also spend time alone in a special spot of the forest, which the mother has chosen specifically for her baby. Here they create special songs, which they sing to their child within the womb. These songs are never sung or heard by anyone else. They are secret lullabies.

My children each have their own secret song that I composed for them when they were christened; they are ‘our’ songs and never shared with anyone.

My son will ask me sometimes, in a whisper, to sing his song to him if he feels the need for some comfort.  My daughter similes serenely when I sing hers to her.

How precious these songs are.

The Property Game - Money Saving Tips

Liz over at Me and My Shadow shares her prudent hints and tips for surviving the property market.

I don't profess to be an expert in the property market, but having just recently sold our house in under three weeks, in what everyone seems to be describing as a 'dificult time' and buying our new house at £15k under their asking price, I thought I would share some tips and experiences, and hopefully save you some cash (and stress) if you're moving home soon.  Granted, you could take the DIY approach and sell it yourself, list it on ebay and do your own conveyancing, but frankly selling your house is stressful enough so I'm not going to recommend you take it all on yourself.  But even taking the traditional route, there are ways to be smart about it.

Image credit: 24dashcom

Selling your home

Maclaren Twin Techno Pushchair Review

Maclaren Twin Techno pushchair

Price: From £220

Available from:  Kiddisave , Mothercare and other retailers 

Suitable from: birth - toddler

Initial Reaction:  Easy to assemble and once set up, a very impressive looking pushchair.

Pros:  Simple and quick to set up and store away, lots of space to store shopping and the manoeuvrability in town and on slightly rougher terrain was excellent.

The braking system is easy to engage and release and filled me with confidence that I could (momentarily) leave it unmanned on an incline or decline. 

Cons:  Initially I needed help lifting it out of the box as a little on the heavy side. Once out, however, I had no problems lifting in and out of the car.

Value for money? Yes, great for mums of twins or if you have little ones of a similar age.

Overall Reaction:  This is a pushchair that is value for money through and through and does not scrimp on build quality or added features and benefits. You get an awful lot of pushchair for your money.

By Jenny 

Maclaren Travel Bag for Mother and Baby Review

Maclaren Travel Bag for Mother and Baby

Price: £60

Available from: Maclaren.co.uk, Mollie Moo 

Suitable from: Birth

Initial Reaction: I was intrigued to see how a brand well known for things like pushchairs could produce a range of bath/skincare products. On opening the bag I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and look of the bottles.

Pros:

• All ingredients are organic and natural which is good to know when using on your little ones and yourself.
• Glass bottles look very expensive and look good sat on a shelf in babies nursery when not in use.
• Travel bag is made from recycled material and is really soft, it has internal pockets so that you can keep the bottles all safe whilst travelling.
• The Absorbing Dusting Powder for Baby doesn't contain talc and smells lovely, the lavender and tea tree mix is perfect for drying babies skin as well as soothing.
• I really liked using the Comforting Room Mist, the lavender is calming and the soothing chamomile and mandarin left the room smelling lovely.
• After a day chasing a toddler round, tidying and cooking for my family the Alleviating Leg Lotion was perfect for tired feet and legs (even better if you can get someone else to rub it in for you)
• I’m not normally one for using anything on bottoms as my daughter doesn’t suffer from nappy rash but after a little bout recently the Protecting Nappy Change Balm was perfect for putting on, especially since the ingredients are natural and smell lovely.
• I enjoyed using the Balancing Facial Mist, it was a quick pick me up after an early start and just gives you a second to yourself to stop breath and relax.
• Finally the Connecting Massage Oil, although I am no longer pregnant this was a gorgeous oil that I could rub into my entire body including my belly (to help with the stretch marks), it keeps my skin nice and soft and the calming lavender helps me to relax.

Cons:

• Glass bottles say on them that if dropped to throw away as glass particles can enter the mist/liquid.
• Quite expensive, but obviously from a brand that is well known and loved world wide.

Value for money? If you are looking for a special gift for a new mum then it has everything but at £60 it isn’t something I would buy myself.

Overall Reaction: The look and feel of the range is one of luxury and it really looks lovely sat on the side in the nursery. All of the items smell lovely and being organic they are good for the environment and both mine and my babies skin. Overall I have enjoyed using the range and it makes you feel that little bit special.

By Ellie 

Rubber Food Shopping

Nicki from Curly and Candid shares her top tips on stretching the family food budget.

I promise I don’t actually feed my family on rubber, I do however know how to make my budget stretch.  I give myself a budget of £80 a week for shopping for four of us (and can usually stick to it). This includes any cleaning materials, toiletries etc.  Some people who are savvy shoppers and used to a tight budget will be nodding and know this is perfectly achievable. Others may be shaking their head and wondering how on earth they could manage on such a measly sum. Each to their own, but it is most definitely possible. And this is how...

How to Make eco-friendly Seedling Pots by Lyndsey Young

Today's guest post is a fantastic video tutorial by Lyndsey Young, the Queen of Easy Green. Lyndey is a Mum, an Entrepreneur, Eco-Inventor, Innovator of 'eco-easy' kitchenware products, Green living expert, Columnist and Speaker. 

She was the winner of the Extraordinary Women Awards 2010 (Extraordinary Entrepreneur); finalist for the Mumpreneur awards 2010 best green business and shortlisted for the Barclays Trading Places award and Mum and Working awards.


So it's a great honour she has found the time to share her helpful hints here on New Mummy's Tips.


In this video she shows you how to make free; easy and biodegradable pots for your seedlings so you can grow your own.  Pop over to her website to see more great eco-living tips, or follow Lyndsey on Twitter.

Tried & Tested - Outdoor Toys and Activities

Fifi and the Flowertots gardening set
Price: £3.49

Available from: Focus DIY

Suitable from: None give - would say 2+

Initial Reaction: Surprise .Great and sturdy looking kit for litter gardeners.

Pros:

• Very pretty set
• All perfect size for little fingers/hands
•  Will encourage gardening/outdoor play .
• Light weight,

Cons:

• Bucket could be a little flimsy and may break if stood on
• Knee pad again may not last

Value for money? Yes

Overall Reaction: I loved this kit and so did the kids, not only is it cute but it is also practical. Nothing is to heavy/dangerous and is just perfect for kids to play with (or help out mummy with) . The knee bad was great and really helped protect their knees. It is hard to say anything this - it is very cheap and great value for money. After about 4 weeks of being used most days it is still in great condition and the kids love getting in the garden with it. All little girls should have this set. 

By Laura

Happy Hopperz

Price: From around £20+
Available from: Stores nationwide check list here


Initial reaction: When I was sent this to review I was really excited! I was a child of the 70's and fondly remember my orange space hopper.  With Happy Hopperz, bouncing just got even cooler!  These cute, bold coloured animals are fast becoming an iconic product.


Pros:

• Quick and easy to inflate and deflate, these take up much less storage space than traditional sit on toys.
• Aids core balance and stability as well as helping develop co-ordination skills.
• Fun and funky - this is fast becoming a 'must-have' toy.
• Wide range of colours and animals to choose from.

Cons:


At 3 years old my daughter decided she was too old for it - like she's so grown-up now! I really don't get her sometimes - I personally would love an adult version for myself! Our friend's 2 year old absolutely adored it though, as do other children who've visited.


There was quite a bit of falling off while they got the hang of it, so I'd recommend using indoors on carpet etc or grass outside.


Value for money: Yes. I was actually surprised at the price - I'd seen them at the Baby Show and expected them to cost a lot more.


Overall reaction:


These are definitely ones for 'cool kids'!  Really quirky characters, a great innovation and I think they'll become a household name.  Great fun - Happy Hopperz, if you're reading, can we have a grown up version please?!

By: Liz

Win a Kurtis Baby Peace Sun Cover

There is nothing worse than trying to shade your child from the sun and failing. When BG was little I found the parasols didn’t work well and would try and attach muslin cloths to the buggy to protect her.

The Kurtis Baby Peace Sun Cover can do that all for you now!

Baby Peace is a 100% organic protective curtain that easily attaches to the hood of your pram or car seat shielding your baby from both the sun and wind, leaving your baby to settle in a calm and secure environment. This new innovative product was created by Swedish designers and comes in various colours and prints (optional) to compliment your current pram or car seat style.

It is quickly attached using simple plastic rings, without marking your hood, allowing you to either move the curtain aside or flip over the back of the pram or car seat for easy access to your baby.

The Baby Peace is available at JoJo Maman Bebe,  www.babye.co.uk, www.bentalls.co.uk ,
www.myfunnybunny.co.uk and several online retailers and costs £29.99.

You can find Kurtis Baby Peace on Facebook and Twitter   follow them for new design news, offers and giveaways.

I have Baby Peace to giveaway to one lucky person.

All you have to do is tell me what your favourite Baby Peace design is and why.

Closing Date is Monday 4^th July

Good Luck.

• One Entry Per Household
• No Cash alternative offered
• Open to residents of the UK only.

How Did You Choose Your Child’s Name?

This post is provided by bounty

When we were thinking of baby names for BG we knew what name we wanted for a girl but it was the boys names we got stuck on. It was hard to choose as we didn’t know if we were having a boy or a girl.

I knew from a really early age what name I wanted for it I had a girl, of course we went through girls names but ultimately I my choice won.  Though we were stuck for middles names we decided not to go with parents names as I couldn’t be doing with the arguments so eventually we just went for a name we thought sounded good with the first name we had chosen.

I also had a boy’s name I liked but OH vetoed it so we had to make a list of the names we liked. My favourites were Ollie, Harry and Toby.

It was really important for us that a name suited our child throughout their whole lifetime.  Some names sound really cute on a child but don’t suit an adult. I won’t give an example as I will probably offend someone!

We also checked the initials to make sure they didn’t make a funny word.

I think it’s really hard to know what name is right until your baby is born. We knew with BG we had chosen the right name it suited her.

How did you choose your child’s name?

By Carol

Cybermummy Meet and Greet

Not long left now until Cybermummy 2011, I am very excited about it.


I have to say a huge thanks to my sponsor John Crane Ltd! 


Carly at Mummy's Shoes has a meet and greet linky on her blog, so here is my entry:


Name: Carol

Blogs: New Mummy's Tips, Dance Without Sleeping, Parent Panel and Make it, Bake it

Twitter ID: @caroljs

Height: 5ft 3

Hair: Short and reddish

Eyes: One Brown and One green

Likes: Hugs, cupcakes, vanilla latte's, chocolate, rock music, hugs.

Dislikes:  Hypocrites, judgemental people, mayonnaise, Lady Ga Ga (I just don't get it)

Please come over and say hello and am really friendly but be warned I hug!

The Winner of the Tots and Tiddlers Giveaway is....

Claire Willmer

Well Done!

The Winner of the aden + anais giveaway is....

Libby Alexander

Well Done! 

PictureBox Review – The First Two Months

I have been asked to review PictureBox for the next year. What is PictureBox I hear you shout!

Well it’s a brand new subscription service which is available on Samsung Internet-connected smart TVs, iPads and PCs.  There is a selection of 28 movies every month and they load a new 7 every week. Have a look at the current selection.

There is also a Movie lounge which changes theme each month, this month its ‘Hot guys. Hot girls. Hot movies.’ - a month of irresistible movies, featuring Hollywood’s hottest guys and girls. Melt in the presence of Scarlett Johansson in Match Point, swoon as Jude Law turns on the charm in Alfie and get hot under the collar with Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct.

Over the Easter period they showed a selection of family movies.

We have had it two months now and have watched a few films on the laptop. I watched Interview with Sienna Miller and Steve Buscemi. I have to say I was slightly disappointed in the film, it just did’t seem to go anywhere.

Me and BG watched an old Chipmunk Movie, a cartoon version which she absolutely loved.

The picture and sound quality is fantastic and it’s really easy to use. You just choose the film you want and it starts playing, not waiting or downloading.

It costs £4.99 a month which I think is reasonable, though they are not the latest releases.  We haven’t made the most of the service yet but plan to in the future.

We are really looking forward to bringing you more film reviews over the next 10 months.

You can find PictureBox on Facebook.

By Carol

App Review: EA Games for the ipad

We were recently sent an ipad pre loaded with some EA games to try out. This is what we thought.

Game: Boggle

Tap "Quick Play", shake your iPad to scramble your letter cubes, and the wordsearch countdown begins. Invite friends to BOGGLE with you in a new tabletop experience that features dazzling graphics and a large, immersive board.

Overall Experience:  I got really addicted to this game. It’s harder than you think! You can play as multi players though I got bored what for OH to finish his go as you get 3 minutes to play. It’s simple to use and lots of fun. I hold the record in this house!

Game: Monopoly

Overall Experience:  Great family game. You play and pass the ipad which I really liked. Graphics are pretty good. Only downside is you can’t cheat ;)

Game: Sims 3

Overall Experience: Not quite a family game but enjoyable all the same. I love these types of games and can become rather addictive to them. Great value for money

Game: Scrabble

Challenge friends, anytime, anywhere. Connect with friends on Facebook and play up to 25 games at a time, square off via Pass N' Play, or Local Network Play. Try the iPAD EXCLUSIVE Party Play mode, too

Overall Experience:  We spent a whole night trying to beat each other at this. It’s play and pass game. It has a dictionary which I really liked. Good graphics.

Game: Game of life

Overall Experience: I had never played this before and really enjoyed it. Though I have to admit I didn’t always know what was happening.  It’s a play and pass game, it can get a little bit boring waiting for the other player when they have a busy turn but other than that it’s a great family game.

We have lots of fun with all of the EA games.  Boggle is my favourite and I have purchased it myself for my ipad. We will be buying some more for our holiday in case it rains!

These games are all available from the app store.

Last Minute Father's Day Gifts

There is only two days left until Father's Day, its a bit to late to order online but don't worry we have some last minute gift ideas for you!


Alcohol 


If your dad likes a nice glass of wine then why not treat him to a bottle. We have been testing some at home for you (its a hard life) and these are a few of our favourites.


Nottage Hill Cabernet Shiraz RRP£6.73

Nottage Hill Pinot Noir  RRP£6.73

Kumala Cabernet Shiraz  RRP£6.79

Kumala Sauvignon Blanc RRP£6.79

Fish Hoek Sauvignon Blanc RRP£6.99

Fish Hoek Shiraz  RRP£6.99 

My most favourite was the Fish Hoek Savignon Blanc and OH loved the Nottage Hill Pinot Noir.


All of them are under £7 so it won't break the bank. 


If your dad is a whisky man then pop to Sainsbury's and pick up a bottle of Isle Of Jura Malt Whisky. The 10 year old single malt is on offer at £18.99.

Apps


If your Dad has a smart phone then why not buy him an app.

Real Football 2011 - £1.99 from Blackberry App World 

his app is packed with new graphics, animations and players, with 245 teams to choose from nine different soccer leagues.  Real Football 2011 allows you to play with family and friends through Bluetooth with the ability to climb the RS league leader board.

Flickr App for Window 7 Phone - Free 

The new Flickr app is perfect for sharing those precious family moments whilst you’re out and about 

Men's Health Workouts - iphone £1.19


Does your Dad need a little exercise, well now he will have no excuse! This app has 23 pre loaded workouts and a new one is added every month.

On a Budget

Don't let lack of funds bring you down, visit your local Poundland. Now don't stick your nose up, they actually have some fantastic products available. 

Films 

Why not get your Dad one on the latest film releases.

Music 


If music is his thing then there are some great albums out at the minute

and if that doesn't help then you can't go wrong with a big Toblerone!

By Carol