9 of the Best Christmas Crackers under £10

Gold Foliage Christmas Crackers from M&S £9.50

Decorate Your Own Placemats Crackers from John Lewis £8 

Snake and Ladders Christmas Crackers from Oxfam £2.99

Homespun Spots and Strips from House of Fraser £6

Opulent Cube Crackers from Cancer Research UK £9.99

Choc on Choc Crackers £10

Soft Foil Crackers from Tesco £3

Family Red and White Crackers from Sainsbury's £5.99

Smart Price from ASDA 75p

Stocking Fillers for Children £5 and Under

Colour with Me Crayons & Pictures from ELC £2

Gruffalo Expandable Flannel from Boots £2

Tangrams from Orchard Toys £2.25

Froobles Books from Top That Publishing £2.69

Counting And Colouring Book from made with love by Mrs Booth £5

BRIO Classic Bell Rattle from Baby Duck Shop £3.99

Wilko Play Heavy Haulers Car Transporter £3.97

Review – Personalised Christmas Cards from Bonusprint

*My family please do not read this or you will see this year’s Christmas card early*

I have wanted to print my own Christmas cards for years but never really get around to it. This year a friend of mine took some pictures of BG and I had them turned into cards at Bonusprint who kindly gave me a free credit to do so.

It was really easy to do, I just uploaded the image and then it took me through all the steps.

You choose the size you want, then you add the frame, and outer message, inner message and then you get to check it all before you order.

They arrived really quickly and they look great

Prices start from 55p each but the more you order the cheaper they are. I will be doing this every year as they are great!

Until the 12^th December you can get 15% off everything just enter WBFFTEEN at the checkout.

To ensure they are here for Christmas order by the 16^th December.

5 of the Best Christmas Stockings £12 and Under

Christmas Bird Stocking from Cath Kidston £12

Snowy Christmas Stocking from Birdyhome £11.75

Made With Love from Marks and Spencers £9.50

Small Red Stocking from John Lewis £8.95

Santa Long Legs Stocking from Mothercare £5

A Christmas Tradition: The Radio Times

This may sound like a stupid tradition but its mine and I have been doing it ever since I lived by myself 12 years ago (that makes me feel really old).  I don't generally buy TV magazines but I make an exception at Christmas. 

I got really excited today when I saw it in the supermarket and it is now hidden until I have some time to myself. 


This is what I need:


*I have to be all by myself and this takes at least an hour


*One copy of the Radio Times and it *has* to be the Radio Times. Know one is allowed to read it until I have!


*One pen, you can use any but I find a felt tip pen best


*Christmas Music 


*Hot drink, preferably a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows


*Slice of cake


*Blanket


I then snuggle on the sofa and plan my Christmas viewing. This may happen more than once to make sure I haven't missed anything. 


The magazine may become dog eared by the time New Year is here but that doesn't matter, it can take it.


With the added bonus of having sky + I can also spend time scheduling it all in on reminders, moving things around and looking for repeats as necessary. 


Don't judge me, try yourself. I am going to try and sneak an hour to myself this week to do this. It really gets me in the Christmas spirit, I love all the Christmas specials. It also helps with crazy in me that Christmas brings out, I like to be well organised. 


What silly traditions do you have?


By Carol

STOP BEFORE YOU BUY ANYMORE STUFF AND READ THIS…

Some clarity at this consumer crazy time of year in this post by Becky from Baby Budgeting 

*******************

Parents can often get themselves in a money pit pickle at Christmas. They love their kids and want them to have the BEST time and so they buy and buy and buy for them.  People want their homes to look nice, the food to be great, everyone to look good, If money is tight this can seem pretty impossible and so we go into debt figuring we have the rest of the year to sort it out. It’s not worth the stress/debt that will come,  one day of magic does not have to cost the earth. Read these 10 tips. I hope they help.

1. Wrap early and write a list of everything you have bought your child and that you know they are getting. This will reassure you they have fab pressies and DO NOT need more.

2. You haven't visited Santa? Hold onto your money and visit HERE

3. Not sent your Christmas  cards don’t buy any visit HERE

4. Need a fab table decoration but don’t want to spend money. Here's a beauty

5. Find out what’s on for free over the next few weeks, christingle, nativity plays, craft fir kids at a Christmas fayre and plan your diary. Free and much more festive than soft play!

6. Rich food just makes you and your kids hyper…don’t buy lots of chocolate and sweets. Just a few and RATION them for all your sakes

7. Forgot a pressie? Need some standbys, Don’t panic and buy something expensive, instead grab some hot chocolate packs, batch make these gorgeous choccy spoons and have them on standby.

8. Christmas is about faith, tradition , family not just STUFF so pack your home with reindeer dust , visits to those you love and some carols, storytelling and a Rudolph inspired disco. Plan these into your diary and you will look back on this Christmas and these are things you will remember not the STUFF you bought. One of my kids favourite things is to drive around in the dark and go ooooooooh at all the lights!

9. Dried sliced oranges and some cinnamon sticks make your house smell lovely just add a quick decutter too and it will look brilliant, Get  the best plates out,  Super ironing and hanging yours and the children's best clothes can make them feel pretty special too. Make the best of what you have, there is no need to shop for that feeling you can create it.

10. Breathe, relax  Christmas is for you too mum. Long baths, your music for once, everyone together. Let yourself off the hook. YOU have done a great job.

Oh and if someone invites your family for Christmas dinner...Say YES! It will save you tons of stress (effort, energy and money!)

Have a good one xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tips for making your Christmas more enjoyable, and more economical!

When it comes to this time of year I often hear people describe the festive season as hectic, expensive, tiring and stressful. It really doesn’t need to be that way…

Wrapping paper – this can get expensive, particularly if you have many people to buy for. This year, ditch the ribbons, bows and matching gift bags and replace them with... brown parcel paper. Children (even the older ones who are too cool to admit it) love helping with Christmas themed activities. Have them decorate the paper using stickers, stamps and such-like , or for more cost effective decoration go with metallic pens which you can pick up for a very reasonable price at pound shops and similar.

Everyone cooks. When having people over for Christmas dinner or a festive occasion, split the cooking. Be it a buffet or the “full monty”; if everyone brings a dish it really helps to keep the costs down and saves a lot of preparation for the host.

Homemade can be expensive. Making homemade hampers / similar up makes wonderfully personal gifts but can often be more expensive than a conventional gift. The benefits of hampers (etc) is that you can pick things up as you go along and spread the cost but do keep an eye on what you are actually spending or run the risk of blowing your Christmas budget.

5 of the Best Christmas Tree Decorations under £3

Wooden Robin Tree Decoration £2.50 from John Lewis

3D Star Tree Decoration £1.50 from M&S

Handpainted Gold Glitter Star £2.95 from Bollywood Christmas 

Glass Angel Baubles £1 from Poundland 

18 Luxury Glass Baubles £2.99 from Poundstretcher

Homemade Christmas: M&M Cookie Gift Jars

 These jars make great gifts for those on a budget or wanting to give a more personal gift and are great to get the children to help with.


I love the simplicity of these gift jars as well as how cheap and easy they are to make. These are fab little gifts for any occasion. You will probably have a lot of the supplies in the house somewhere already and for a few pounds you can transform them into a gift.


M&M Gift Jars
You will need:
1 Kilner jar (You can get these in supermarkets for around £1.50)
2 cups of flour
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup sugar
1 bag of M&M’s
Some ribbon
A small piece of card

1. Take your jar and add the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt, compact it down so that you have a nice even layer in your jar. (At first it might look like the flour fills the whole jar but compact it down with your fist/knuckles and you should be able to halve the space it takes up).

2. Add the brown sugar and again compact it down to form a layer.

3. Repeat with the white sugar.

4. Repeat with the M&M’s and seal the jar.

5. You will then need to make a label for the jar with instructions how to make the cookies.


There are lots of fun ways you can decorate the labels: photographs, postcards, painting, drawing, bubble painting, potato painting etc.
You can then print off a label to add to the reverse of your label.


Here are the instructions for M&M cookies.

M&M Cookies In A Jar
You will need;
3/4 cup of butter at room temperature
1 egg
1tsp vanilla essence
1. Empty contents of this jar into a large bowl and mix,
2. Beat together butter, egg and vanilla essence
and add to the dry ingredients,
3. The dough should now be a little crumbly,
4. Shape into small balls (1 inch),
5. Place on a baking tray and cook in the oven
on 180oC for 10-14 minutes until the edges
start to brown. 

You can adapt these gift jars to a variety of things. You can alter the flavour of the cookies (nuts or chocolate chips work well), you could even try flapjack or chocolate brownies. 

From Snaffles Mummy

Win a 2 Bottle Boxset from Adesso

I have a yummy giveaway for you today! Adesso is a Manchester based business run by Rizwan Rashid and Brian Goodhand, who have been actively involved in the food industry for several years. But, have only recently been inspired to create a range of Extra Virgin Olive Oil based Ambient Marinades, Dips and Drizzles.

Each of their products has several uses for example their Lemon and Herb marinade can be used on Chicken Drumsticks, lamb and vegetable kebabs. They even share the recipes.

At just £5 a bottle they won’t break the bank and they make a great gift idea for any foodies you know!

I have a 2 Bottle Boxset worth £11.50 to giveaway to one lucky winner.

All you have to do is tell me which university Adesso have collaborated with.  

Closing Date: 12^th December

Good Luck

*One entry per household

*Open to residents of the UK only

*No cash alternative offered

Tried & Tested Christmas Gifts for Adults £50 and Under

Twinkle Twinkle – Organic Luxury Facial 

 Price: £40 
 Available from: Green People Organic 


Initial Reaction: This special gift set is beautifully presented and I was looking forward to trying it out. Green People products use fairly traded, organic ingredients, so ethically they’re right up my street. Green People are joint third in the Ethical Consumer shopping guide for skincare products with 14.5/20 – compared to 6/20 for ‘natural’-styled brands like Aveda and Origins, and 0/20 for Olay and Boots. I was hoping that the products would be as good as the ethical credentials. The Twinkle Twinkle gift set contains three products: Brightening Exfoliator, Rejuvenating Facial Oil and Reviving Day and Night Cream. 


At first I was a bit sceptical: they want me to put oil on my face?! I have combination skin and short cropped hair that’s often covered in oil-based hair wax, so I can easily end up with spots and was wary of putting more oil on my skin. With this in mind, I started out just using the moisturiser. At first I thought it was great, as it’s rich but not too heavy. After a few days, however (especially given the wintery weather) my skin began to feel dry and tight. The moisturiser on its own wasn’t enough; it needs to be used with the oil for the best results. 

Since I started using the oil my preconceptions have really been proved wrong. It’s totally different from having oily, greasy skin – I apply just one squirt of oil after washing my face and I find it really soothing. It leaves my skin relaxed and primed for the moisturiser – not at all greasy, which is what I was expecting. I was also a bit sceptical about the concept of a ‘day and night’ cream. Usually I use a lighter moisturiser in the daytime and a heavier cream at night and I wasn’t sure that one cream would do both jobs well. But because the moisturiser is rich and nourishing, I feel it does a heavy-duty job on my skin overnight – but it isn’t too heavy for the daytime. I’ve been using the oil and cream combination for two or three weeks now and I’m really impressed – my skin is smooth, doesn’t feel dry in the wind and cold, and I’ve even had fewer spots.

Tried & Tested Christmas Gifts for Children £40 and Under

Winnie the Pooh Interactive Friend 

Price: £39.99
Available from:  Tesco, Argos, Amazon 
Suitable from:  12 months + 


Initial Reaction:   A lovely traditional looking Winnie the Pooh Bear. Couldn’t wait to get him out of the box.

Pros:

• Lovely and cuddly.
• Just the right size for a 1 yr old to carry.
• Programmable by parents to match their own child’s individual routine.

Cons: 

• Takes a little while to programme, as you have to go through every bit of your child’s routine and put in the times (bed time, meal times etc.)
• If your child isn’t in a set routine Winnie the Pooh won’t match every day.
• Winnie will suddenly pipe up and say something when you aren’t expecting it. I made the mistake of putting him to bed with Brandon the first day we got him. After Winnie tried to get Brandon to play Hide and Seek when he should be sleeping  he was moved back downstairs (Winnie, not Brandon).You can programme the evening sleep, but I didn’t realise that Winnie randomly came to life lol.
• Although Winnie will not “play” when your child has bedtime, he will snore really really loudly if your child accidentally rolls onto him. It didn’t wake Brandon up, but did wake me up every time I heard it over the monitor.

Value for money?  Ok 


Overall Reaction:  Winnie is a lovely toy. Although he can’t sleep with Brandon & still occasionally frightens me when I hear his “old man” voice calling I would still buy him. Brandon loves him.   

By Sarah 

Light Strike Assault Striker with Mini Target

Electronic guns, Action at the speed of light. 


Price:   £40 
Available from:  Amazon, All good retail stores, for full range visit Lightstrike.com or wowee.com 
Suitable from:   8+ 


Initial Reaction:   Oh, my boys were absolutely over the moon to receive the light strike set and couldn't wait to get them out and start a battle. 


Pros:  Lots of play value, sturdy, volume control switch 


Cons: No batteries included, each set requires 4xAA for the assault striker and 3xAAA for the strike target, so that is a lot of batteries needed before you can start. 


Value for money?  Very good value, I was quite surprised and expected the set to be more expensive.


Overall Reaction:   Overall, we were really pleased with the light strike, the boys play with these every day.

 


By Cherilyn

15% off at Unique Editions

At Unique Editions you can personalise your child's books. They have a  great range of books, including e books and some gorgeous Christmas books. 


 Not only will your child's name appear in the book but their picture as well!


Its simple to and makes a great gift for any child (or adult)


I have a discount code to get you 15% off all books valid until January 5th 2012. Just enter XMAS2011 at the checkout.


Enjoy! 

Tried & Tested Christmas Gifts for Adults £30 and Under

Freya Pollyanna White Nursing Bra

Price: £29.00 
Available from: Freyalingerie 
Suitable from: D cup through to HH 


Initial Reaction: A nursing bra for a yummy mummy. It was nice to find a nursing bra which was young and hip.


Pros:

• The bra offers firm support
• The bra is designed to support the entire breast
•  The bra offers complete comfort
• The bra has easy drop down cups
• The bra has four hook settings at the back
• The design features an all over mock broidery anglaise floral print combined with pretty lace and beautiful floral motif detailing

Cons: None 


Value for money? Yes 


Overall Reaction: I really like this bra; it has a lovely discrete pattern which makes you feel feminine and girly without being over the top. I found I had lots of support when wearing this bra and could easily release the clips to nurse my child. The straps are very soft and nice and thick too which makes it very comfortable. 


On the back strap there are four different hooks so the bra can be let out or taken in depending at what stage you at with nursing or pregnancy.


 Throughout my pregnancy and whilst I have been nursing I have searched for a nursing bra which suits me and I haven’t come across many that do. I found that the Freya Nursing bra ticked all of the boxes. 


I will continue to use this bra for as long as I am nursing as it fits really well and makes me feel good at the same time. It washes really well and holds it shape and size. I would buy this bra and I would recommend it to others.  

By Vicky 

Lynsey Full Cup Bra by Fantasie 

Price: from £30
Available from:  Leia Lingerie 


Initial Reaction:  Felt really well made and the fabric was pretty


Pros:

• Fits really well
• Supportive
• Washes well
• Gives a great shape
• Nice thick shoulder straps but they look pretty
• Looks great

Cons:

• The only problem I have was after a while the underwire started to hurt. However that is probably due to the fact that I haven’t worn an underwire bra since I was first pregnant.

Value for money? I struggle to find nice bra’s in my size and would pay any price and think that its quite reasonable for a decent bra. 


Overall Reaction:  I really love the shape and support this bra gives me. I can’t wear it all day as the underwire starts to hurts a little in the middle, but to be honest I would probably save a bra like this for going out.  Apart from that I found it great to wear and it is nice to find good bras in my size that aren’t dull and boring (38D). 


You can also get the matching knickers, shorts or thong to go with the bra

By Carol

Tried & Tested Christmas Gifts for Children £30 and Under

Big Red Trains Children Cushion

Price: £24 
Available from:  Scamp Baby Gifts 


Initial Reaction:  It arrived wrapped in tissue paper and just looked so lovely.
Pros:

• Handmade
• The trains are screen printed
• Case is machine washable
• Feels nice
• Looks great
• Good size
• Nice and plump

Cons:

• It’s really hard to find anything wrong with this

Value for money? A good price for a handmade product 


Overall Reaction:  You can tell a lot of love and work has gone into this cushion. The fabric on the back is bright and the trains look great.  It would look great in any nursery and babies will love the bright colours. And of course it’s handy for parents when they are feeding! Scamp Baby Gifts have a great range of handmade products, a site to visit for Christmas and New Baby gifts!    

By Carol 

Hot Wheels Wall Track 

Price: Starter set : £29.99 Downhill Flip Drop-Track £29.99
Available from: Amazon, Toys r us, Argos, Tesco 
Suitable from: 4 Years 


Initial Reaction: My eldest son (4) loves all things cars. In fact we already own some of the regular hot wheels tracks. So when this toy arrived he was beside himself with excitement. He couldn't wait for it to be assembled. 


Pro's: It's a great idea to have the tracks on the wall. With previous hot wheel tracks we have had to put them away and reassemble (not easy) them regularly as they take up a lot of floor space. They work better than some floor based tracks because you have gravity on your side. 


Con's: You need a fairly large clear piece of wall to put the tracks on. We had to rearrange furniture. 


Value for money: The price is in line with other Hot Wheels sets. I think they are a little expensive. 


Overall Reaction: The tracks have been a popular toy in this house, my little boys love them. However I have never found Hot Wheels tracks hold their attention for very long. Good for short play sessions

By Ella 

 iHelicopter

Price:  £29.99 
Available from: ParamountZone 
Suitable from:  14+ 

Initial Reaction:  Well made product. My son couldn't wait to have a go.


Pros:

• Supported by android phones, not just iphones (check website for full list of phones)
• The app will be updated when new features are available.
• Crash resistant material
• Charges via USB cable (included)
• Can be controlled just by tilting your phone.

Cons:

• Very difficult to control until you get the hang of it.
• Could damage wallpaper if used in a small room.

Value for money? Good (it's currently on offer) 


Overall Reaction: I would move anything breakable out of the way to start with. Despite the fact that it was very difficult to control at first, my son soon got the hang of it. There were a few unfortunate crashes into the walls and the ceiling though. Even though the helicopter crashed at speed more than once, it did not damage it in any way. 


Apart from the fact that the baby was terrified of it, this gadget is actually brilliant and great fun to play with. I think it’s definitely a toy for the boys :) 

By Sarah