A Mr Moose Grobag review

Bed times and more importantly, sleep is always a big issue when it comes to babies and toddler. It's what dominates conversations at baby groups and online forums. Lack of sleep is one of the biggest shocks to the system after the labour or delivery it's self. As adults we forget that babies need to learn to sleep, to learn that when they feel tired, sleep happens and that babies can only sleep when they feel safe, comfortable and secure. Despite all my training and knowledge, I've not had any children who have been great sleepers (although I suspect this is probably more down to my parenting style than anything my boys have done wrong!) Over the years I've tried lots of sleep aids, with grobags being one of my favourite.

I've used a bed nest from about 3 weeks as this was the only way to help Baby R to sleep in his crib and was safer when I brought him into my bed and grobags are the perfect compliment to it. With a bed nest there's always a gap between baby and the blankets due to their raised sides and it gets difficult trying to tuck them under the end. Grobags stay with the baby, keeping them snug, safe and warm.

It was also much easier when feeding at night as I just placed him straight down, he didn't get cold being out of the cot in the wee small hours and he couldn't kick off the blankets. 

I also find them safer when co sleeping as he can't come under the duvet with me but trying to keep him covered with a sheet and a blanket and not having anywhere to tuck them in, I was worried he'd wriggle under. 

So imagine my delight when I was contacted to ask if Id review a 3.5 tog grobag.

We use a log burner to heat the house and try to avoid using the central heating too often so the bedrooms never get too hot. I'd already been using the 2.5 tog and the nights were getting colder so it was perfect timing!

You can instantly tell the difference between a genuine Grobag and a baby sleeping bag. 

They come nicely packaged, with lots of information and their own thermometer. I find these invaluable as it gives you an idea, along with the guide on the back, as to what to dress your baby in according to the room temperature.  You can also buy a Gro egg which is what I use, it's night light as well.  (See my Top 10 Baby buys)

The grobag it's self feels deliciously soft and snuggly with a velour outer and cotton jersey lining. I was sent a Mr Moose style which had pretty snowflake embroidery and an appliqué and embroidered Mr Moose character. It's got a lovely Christmassy look to it, or is that just me feeling all festive? 

One of the main features I love about this grobag is the zip cover. Other sleeping bags I tried haven't had this and it's resulted in the zip digging into Baby R, the zip cover prevents this and there's no danger of it rubbing under his arm pits.

The zip runs through through one full side to along the bottom and there are poppers to the top of each shoulder,  meaning cold early morning and middle of the night nappy changes don't involve having to wrestle a sleepy baby back in, everything's held in place. 

I'll be using baby sleep bags for a few years yet (See my Top 10 Baby buys) so I'm really please that they cater for all year round temperatures. It's become part of our bed time routine, helping Baby R know what's happening and to settle down for the night, plus there's nothing nicer than an early evening snuggle and carrying a sleepy baby to their cot, without worrying about them being too hot or cold, or wriggling down under the covers. 

With love from lovely Devon

x

Disclaimer
I received no money for this review. I was sent a 3.5 tog grobag and these are my honest thoughts.

For more information on grobags or safe sleeping for babies and toddlers 

please visit www.gro-store.co.uk

Bring on Christmas, I've found the perfect breastfeeding party dress!

Right, confession time. You're invited to a party / wedding / trip to the mother and baby group what's the first thing you think of?

 I'm really hoping I'm not alone when my initial thoughts are what am I going to wear?  

In the past, even in my gothic/grunge phase, my wardrobe was carefully thought out and although I'm less about keeping up with the latest fashion trend  (I dress more for comfort than style these days!)  I do try and throw together something tasteful and that suits my shape. Crop tops and long skirts are a big no no being 5 ft 3" with a mummy tummy and don't even get me started on g strings! The only purpose they'd serve in my house is a stand by sling shot for Tween's v shaped stick obsession. 

So when I'm planning my Christmas festivities I also try and find something nice to wear on the big day it's self. I could add at this point that I'll be attending endless parties over the next few weeks but I'd be lying! I'm still breastfeeding so alcohol is out if the question along with anything past 10pm. 

Back to my planning 

I had my list -

Sparkly nail varnish. Check

Sensible height heels. Check

Dress noooooo! No check, de nada. Panic! 

I headed off to cyberspace to try and find an outfit that was glamorous and breastfeeding friendly, we're having 14 round for Christmas lunch and as much as I don't mind feeding in public, I didn't want to make anyone else feel uncomfortable (unless Nigel Farage was in the room, I feed half bloody naked just to make him squirm!) and was on the lookout for a breastfeeding friendly dress. Que a recommendation for Milk and Mummy! I'd looked at a few websites but could only find overly expensive or very casual, then put out an SOS and was recommended Milk and Mummy.com. I'd never heard of them before but Google lead me to this fab store where the dress I was in search of graced the home page. It was love at first sight! 

The Vida was just what I was searching for, I'm having a little lace love revival thing going on ever since Kate and William's fairy tale wedding add this to the fact I HATE being cold and am the colour of milk so I loved the lace sleeves and the tummy skimming skirt means I won't have to chant "hold it in" all day.

The ordering proceeds took minutes, I'm a busy mum and time is precious so I really appreciated this. There's a Paypal option as well so no faffing around trying to remember credit card pass words. Throw in the free 1st class recorded delivery and the £5 voucher, could it get any better?
I was updated through emails all along the way. All I had to do now was be patient!

Milk and Mummy was created from an aim is to bring you beautifully cut, outstanding quality breastfeeding tops and dresses that look first and foremost like great fashion pieces, but have very clever and completely fuss-free hidden nursing openings. Some of their  items are suitable for maternity wear too! There's something for every occasion from casual everyday nursing wear to chic breastfeeding dresses for weddings. 

When my parcel arrived, it was carefully wrapped in tissue paper. I love these special touches, it makes the whole buying process feel like your unwrapping a present. I had 2 dresses to chose from, the winter teal and black. It was nigh on impossible to choose between them. they were both stunning. They're made from a beautifully soft stretch 92% bamboo fabric which is unbelievably comfortable and the cut is perfect. As there is lots of stretch it will be fine as you loose the baby weight or if you eat too much Christmas dinner!

I can still wear a nursing bra underneath as the under layer straps are thick enough and the v shape is very flattering.  There are no fiddly zips, buttons or anything that Baby R would catch himself on. 

The nursing access is just below the bust line and is seam free. I've got a few breastfeeding tops that show the access panels through the fabric but you honestly wouldn't know this was a breastfeeding friendly dress. I'll be happy to wear this as an ordinary special occasion dress. 

My verdict
For new mums, established breast feeders or anyone looking for a glamorous special occasion dress this is perfect. It allows you to feed easily, discreetly and comfortably without showing off any post baby wobbly tummy. There's no keeping a hungry baby waiting while you fiddle around and I'm sure you could even feed in Claridge's with out causing upset! It would also be perfect if you're out on the tiles without baby in tow but still need to express as it provides quick access but looks like an ordinary but very beautiful, dress. 

Roll on Christmas Day!

We eventually decided on the black,
 I'm going to be wearing it with pearls, skin coloured tights,  black heels and a Santa hat. 

FANCY OWNING A MILK and MUMMY SOPHIA DRESS? 

HEAD ON OVER TO EDSPIRE FOR A GIVEAWAY AND READ ANOTHER FABULOUS REVIEW OF THE MILK and MUMMY RANGE.

With love from lovely Devon
x

****   Last posting date is 22/12/2014! *******

Disclaimer 

I received no payment for this reviews. I was given a 50% discount and these are my own, honest thoughts. 

   

Why I need a slate top table in my life.

A few weeks ago, I was offered the chance to borrow a slate top table from a small, local company based here in Devon called Slate Top Tables ( funnily enough!), they wanted to put one through the rigours of family life to show their customers the benefits they would have the real world. As a family of 5 which includes a baby, tween and teenager, we could pretty much guarantee a thorough 'living with' experience.

And with Christmas coming, I thought this was a fab chance to see how these hardy pieces of furniture lived up to some serious craft and baking sessions. Not to mention a few other handy things we discovered along the way.

Here's my top 10 of why I need a slate top table in my life;

1. Pastry making. A cold surface makes the perfect place to craft all those pasties us West Country folk eat. 
2. Reminders. It saves nagging and there's no denying you haven't asked anyone to do something when it's right there in front of you. It's like the elephant in the room.
3. Tough and durable and gets better with age, just like the perfect man!
4. It makes meal times fun. I always leave chalk out so anyone can doodle which has led to a few interesting meal times, although Tween writing "the person who sits here stinks." wasn't my intention, neither was teenager showing us what a ougie board looked like while tucking into our Sunday roast. 
5. It keeps my laptop cool during intense blogging sessions! I'm nervous of this as our laptop died  a few years ago due to over heating. I've also seen horror stories where people have burnt their legs from using the laptop while resting on them. 
6. When doing anything crafty, you don't need a separate cover (unless you're painting something  with gloss or spray paint, obviously. It's not kryptonite!) It's especially useful when toddlers are in charge of the felt tips.
7. Helping Tween to learn his lines for the school play / times tables / spellings. 
8. Letting everyone know who's dinners were who to save tea time confusion (and Tween eating the bolognaise with the melted cheese that was destined for Teenager, then Teenager refusing to eat his dinner after the swap due to Tween germs. It happens a lot in my house!)
9. It doesn't show up tomato based sauces that are impossible to shift when they escape off the plate, or are flung at a sibling when I'm not in the room.
10. They look pretty damn cool! I've had lots of compliments. You can choose bespoke options and  even have one painted in your own choice of Farrow and Ball colour. Dave the slate man hand paints them himself. These aren't production line creations. 

 ******************  GIVEAWAY!*******************

Dave and Matt, the Slate Top Tables team, have kindly offered one of their slate heart signs as a giveaway so you too can have a chance to experience the beauty and durability of slate, or just write lovely messages to your family and guests. 

You can enter below and it would be great if you could like their Facebook page when you visit, it's open to UK, over 18 residents. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclaimer
I have received a slate top table on short loan. I received no money for this post. 

Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com

Service with a smile ; )

It's Saturday morning, you wake up feeling, mmm, peckish. 

Not 'what's in the cupboards I'm hungry' peckish.

Indulgent peckish.

Spoil yourself and throw caution to the wind peckish.

The peckish that a bowl of Weetabix or even a Saturday morning bacon buttie can't cure. 

You need good quality, tasty grub that only a trip to a restaurant will do.

Yes, that's the one.

Well this was exactly how Hubby and I were feeling one grey, groggy morning. So off we drove to our favourite seaside town, Sidmouth. We had brunch on the brain and nothing else would do.

Now anyone who has a baby and dog will understand it takes military planning to get out the house so we knew we were pushing it to make it on time for last brunch orders but we struck gold that day when we stumbled upon a hidden gem we'd never been to before, The Loft.

Hidden between two un assuming shops, lurking like a private member's club. Like Sidmouth's very own Platform 9 3/4, blink and you'll miss it. Yet there's no reason why it should be hidden away. 

We climbed the stairs to be greeted by a helpful, cheery chap who, on hearing our pleas for brunch, checked with the chief and obliged.
Now I'm not sure  at this point, whether to begin by describing the meal or the decor as both were simply fab. While we checked out the menu and tried to hold conversation, our gaze kept falling on our quirky surroundings.

From the Lyle's Treacle cutlery holders, to the vintage Women's Own magazines, there' plenty of conversation starters. Even our bill came served in an old sweet tin hidden with jelly beans. Who 

needs chocolate mins when jelly beans are in the offering.

I was captivated! 

A friendly chat with the owner, we found out that all their food is locally sourced, which is reflected in the taste. After 9 months of 'no runny egg hell' I opted for Eggs Royal and wasn't disappointed at all, it was almost worth the pregnancy induced extended wait. Hubby and Tween ordered their man and mini man brunches and weren't disappointed. 

But you know what makes a restaurant trip all the more special? 
For me, it's the welcome. 

Knowing you're a valued customer is the Piece de resistance in any encounter and that's exactly how we were made to feel. The atmosphere was so warm and relaxing, nothing was too much trouble and warm, friendly banter was prevalent. The good food a bonus. Even Baby R and Tween got some attention. 

We left that morning with warm glows and full bellies, knowing we'd return.

I didn't have to wait too long, lunch with my mum on my birthday. 

With love from lovely Devon
x


Disclaimer
I received no incentive for this review, it was just a really nice meal that I wanted to share! See for your self  click here 

Upper Floor 

3/5 Old Fore Street

Sidmouth

Devon

EX10 8LS

Telephone: 01395 489 681

Email: theloftsidmouth@gmail.com

Forever Bespoke Christmas Decoration Review and Win!

I love Christmas.

End of.

I love the build up, the planning, the traditions everything.
My house is decorated inside and out, my phone plays a Christmas jingle, Elf and The Grinch are our Sunday films.

I love everything.

But as Teenager and Tween grow older, I can't help feel a tinge of sadness that the magic of Christmas is slipping away. We haven't been to see Santa in his grotto for a few years now and a letter to Father Christmas is more of a shopping list to Mum and Dad. So with our late addition, Baby R,  I feel like I've been dealt a second chance to enjoy all the little things that I thought I'd lost.This Christmas will be special once again, the only difference is that this year, I know, will be our last First Christmas which is why little things to mark it are so important.

One of our traditions is for Tween and Teenager to choose a Christmas decoration which is their own and to keep forever. They have their own Christmas decoration box with the idea that when they leave home they take their box with them and hopefully, all the memories of the Christmas' that each decoration represents.

Luckily for Baby R (and un be known to the lovely lady at Forever Bespoke ) she's started this tradition off for him by sending a 'My first Christmas' decoration for a Mum in a nutshell review. Personalised with his name (blurred out for the photo, sorry!) and date of his first Christmas. 

It arrived in a lovely, padded presentation box which will help protect it for years to come. 

I love the rustic touches, like the twine hanger, and that you can see all the detail of the wood.(Hubby's a tree fanatic so these details weren't lost on him!)  I only wish there was a way you could smell it!
It's divine!
I'm not sure if it's intentional, but one whiff and I'm reminded of winter afternoons by the log burner. They're sourced  from a sawmill in Scotland and the stars are cut out from sheets of Scottish Oak. 
All the designs are done by their in-house graphic designer too.

  

If you've read my Funky Giraffe review, you know how much I appreciate personalisation services. With Baby R having quite an uncommon name, we'll never get to choose anything 'off the shelf'. 
  

The stars retail at £9.99 and I think they'd make a fabulous gift for a baby. Too many toys are wasted on them at this age so I'd be more than happy to receive a keepsake like this. 

If you'd like to see for your self click here to go to their website.

Competition

Forever Bespoke are offering you the chance to win a personalised star for your self or as a Christmas present for a lucky baby you know. 

You can enter below and the winner will be chosen at random when it closes on the 24th November. 

Goodluck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway






With love from lovely Devon
x

Disclaimer
I received no money for this review. Forever Bespoke sent me this product for me to share my opinion on www.muminanutshell.com. These are my honest thoughts.  

Competition Terms and Conditions 
Prize consists of a Forever Bespoke My First Christmas star decoration personalised with the winner's choice of name . There is no cash alternative. Competition is open to UK residents, age 18 or above only. Winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter and the winner will be notified. Once chosen, they will be contacted within 48 hours and their  details will be passed on to Forever Bespoke who will send the prize. If there is no response from the winner after 4 days then a new winner will be chosen. 
Winners will be announced on Twitter No other details will be shared.

Itchy heads put to bed!

**** WARNING, READING THIS POST MAY CAUSE ITCHINESS*****

Any mum, dad or carer of school age children will understand the never ending nightmare of head lice, it's tantamount to fire fighting with a cup of water. No longer the dirty word that you never dare admit to, nit woes are sense of despair at Tween's school gates, as we share tips and moans of the itchy critters.

I've not quite worked out the formula for their preference but Teenager never seemed to bring home the nasty nippers as much as Tween does, it's got to the point now when we get the dreaded letter from school, informing us that there is an outbreak (which feels like every other week sometimes) I don't even bother to check his hair, we just simply de-nit that evening regardless. I personally would prefer a straight to it, 'your child has been itching all day and we've seen movement' letter. I know that schools have to be discreet and not single children out, but I'm sure that there is one child in each class (at least) who never gets treated and is the constant supplier, leaving all the other parents to tackle the problem endlessly. (moan over.)

This isn't the most glamorous product review I've ever done, but  I jumped at the chance to try out a new treatment called Vamousse, especially as it seems we've tried everything else.

It's just as shame this couldn't have been a whole class experiment as 1 in 3 children primary school aged children will get head lice this year.
And I didn't have to wait long to put the treatment to the test. I saw an itch I knew we had visitors again.

 




Vamousse is a mousse headlice treatment  and comes with a handy comb, which is perfect as I'm always forgetting where I've put ours from the last time.

 The instructions are easy to follow as well.



















What I found really useful was the free mobile gaming app, 'High Noon for Head Lice' that Tween played while I was combing the mousse through, meaning there wasn't a "how long?" grumble in sight.   It's available  to download free in the App Store and Google Play store. 










You start by parting your hair into sections, this helps make sure you're covering every last strand.
 I had to convince Tween on this one as he thought I was making
him look too girly, but once I'd assured him that this would stop the itching he was ok.

The mousse is really easy to apply, as so much comes out with a the smallest squirt you can get really good coverage.













It took at most 10 minutes to get the whole head covered and the mousse combed through. It 'melts' into the hair, covering every strand without dripping or running onto clothes.

The smell wasn't too over powering, Tween said it was lemony but Husband thought it was strawberry. Either way it wasn't too chemical smelling. 

You then wait 15 minutes, then comb through again, wiping in-between each comb through on a tissue. This is how you can really tell it works as the eggs and lice were visible on the tissue.








It's rrp is £14.99 for a bottle and comb and I only used approximately a 1/4 of the bottle on Tween's hair. For longer hair though you'd probably need 1/2 to the whole bottle but with the comb included and by using the shampoo it compares well to the other brands on the market.

You can find Vamousse at Boots, Superdrug and other leading chemists.

We've followed this up by washing a few days later with the protective shampoo so when Tween goes back to school tomorrow we're in full armour mode and hoping that it's put an end to our nit nightmare!

I'll report back and update this post in a month's time to let you know how well the shampoo performed.
.















More information on how to treat head lice can be found here and how to prevent the little critters here

Disclaimer
I received no money for writing this review. I was sent a bottle of both the treatment and shampoo to trial and this is how we got on. 

My Top 10 Baby Buys

Now Baby R is 5 months old I've had enough time to put everything I've beg, stole or borrowed,   bought, gifted or borrowed, through its paces.

So I thought it only fair to share what I've found fantabulous. 

1. Tiny Love Symphony-in-motion cot mobile Baby R coos and smiles as soon as he sees it. The black and white patterns really grab his attention. It's a shame it's only recommended up until 6 months as he'll miss it. This has been through 4 babies and is still going strong!
2. Ewan the Dream Sheep. This fab sleep aid has got me through the wee small hours since he was a week old. It plays white noise, with a couple sounding womb like, (not that I can remember!) and a melody. It also has a very soft red glow. The 'tunes last about 20 minutes before automatically switching off. 
3. Garnier BB cream. This face cream has covered a multitude of sins accumulated through lack of sleep, hydration and just simply being on the wrong side of 30.
4.  GroEgg. Perfect for keeping an eye on the temperature and so that I know what to dress Baby R in at night. The soft glow it gives off at night is just enough to check on him as well. 
5. SleepyHead Deluxe bed nest. My best find. It helped Baby R settle in his crib and gave him a safe place to sleep when I brought him into our bed when he was tiny. It's supposed to make them feel like their still being held. I'm using it with gro bags at night do there's no danger of him wriggling under any covers either. Not that he moves much. He loves it. 
6. Play gym. I was given a cheap and cheerful one and Baby R loves it. It's given him the drive to reach out, grab and swipe. At the moment he uses it to pull him self on his tummy. It proves you don't need to spend a fortune on some baby things.
7. Cloth nappies. Much easier than I ever imagined real nappies would be. And look so cute on. I'm not brave enough to try them at night yet but I've been using them for 3 months now. 
8. Baby Bjorn baby chair. Baby R loves the detachable bumper bar and looks so comfy in the organic cotton seat. It has 3 recline positions so has been in it since he was small. 
9. Baby Hawk Mai Tei baby carrier. Really easy to put on, comfortable to carry in on long dog walks and carries Baby R in the right ergonomic position.
10. Changing station. It's the perfect height for nappy changing and post bath changing. I keep all my nappies underneath as well as Baby R's bedding so it's always within easy reach during middle of the night changes.

With love from lovely Devon

x

Disclaimer

I received no incentive for this post. This is purely my own opinion.