Mum Reviews...

Boob sets the pace – now using more than 80 per cent greener materials

Boob makes clothes for pregnant and nursing women and their little babies. The trade mark stands for a high level of design, function and quality, as well as continuous efforts to produce garments with a minimum impact on the environment. In a very short time, Boob has reached a leading position when it comes to using a high proportion of alternative materials that are more environment-friendly. In just two years, Boob has increased the proportion of greener materials in the total production from 20 to 81 per cent.

Boob started in 1999, based on the idea of making life more comfortable, more beautiful, and less complicated for mothers and their newborn babies. By making clothes that are both stylish and functional, Boob has over and over again demonstrated that mothers don’t have to choose between comfort and design. At the same time, care for people and the environment has been at least as important. Boob wants to create better conditions for mothers and babies not just here and now, but also in the future. For Boob, it’s just as natural to reduce the environmental impact caused by the production of our clothes as it is to make garments that are beautiful to look at and comfortable to wear.

Product Review: Sequin Kitten Heel Mules at Pink Heaven

As the mother of two beautiful daughters (and one son!) you might expect our house to be overcome with pink glittery things. Well, not quite as only one of my daughters has ever expressed an interest in the girly side of life and personally I've always been more of a tomboy myself - even as a child...

However, all is not lost since my second daughter is on a one girl quest to bring all things pink and shiny into our home!

She loves dolls, make-up, sparkly nail polish, fancy hairstyles, pretty clothes - you get the idea! So when online store Pink Heaven asked me if I'd be interested in reviewing a product from their fabulous range of pink products I had no hesitation in requesting the most adorable sequin kitten heel mules for my little princess, Sarah!

ITALIAN FOOD MARKET VISITS SILVERBURN

Silverburn is playing host to an authentic Italian market from Friday 15^th to Sunday 17^th April.

Featuring the finest Italian foods including cheese, salami, olives, Sicilian arancini, cannoli and calzoni: the market will also have on sale delicious olive oils and a selection of balsamic vinegars as well as pastries and handmade sweets.

The Italians are famed for their exquisite taste in stylish accessories and so the market will also have on display a selection of stunning Murano glass pendants and rings.

David Pierotti, Silverburn’s centre director, is delighted to host a taste of Italy at Silverburn.

David commented: ”We strive to create a dynamic shopping experience at Silverburn by presenting visitors with the unexpected.  This is a delicious addition to the Silverburn offer and we are confident that it will be appreciated by those who share the Italian passion for food as well as style.”

For opening hours, log on to www.silverburn.com

 

On the Third Day of Christmas at Next

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me ... Stop! Three French Hens! Can you just imagine how you might respond if your loved one presented you with three French hens for Christmas?

Thankfully, for me that's not likely and for my hubby, the gift I've chosen for him this winter season is the loveliest Charcoal Wool Rich Coat from Next.

Although I'd intended giving it to him for his birthday (which falls on Boxing Day), given the recent cold snowy weather here, I ended up giving him his new coat a few weeks early!

Despite the fact that he now has nothing fancy to look forward to from me on his special day, he's absolutely thrilled with it and says he's never had such a warm coat and as someone who is what we call cold-blooded, ie feels the coal more than most, that's saying a lot. He looks really cosy and very stylish heading into the office every morning this week!

Visit Next.co.uk to see more of their fabulous jackets for men - you never know, you might just end up buying one for your true love too!

On the Second Day of Christmas at Next!

On the second day of Christmas apparently the lady's true love presented her with two turtle doves!

Well, I didn't attempt to find any birds today, but I have just returned from another very successful and impromptu shopping trip to Next where I bought some lovely and perhaps more practical gifts for my son and my nephew.

Adam, my nephew, is Star Wars crazy at the moment and guessing that Santa Claus will probably deliver some Star Wars toys I decided I'd try to get him some themed clothes instead. I was delighted when I spied some long-sleeved tops and almost chose one when I noticed a lovely Star Wars and Lego themed fleecy hooded top instead.

Twelve Days of Christmas at Next

Have you checked out your local Next store lately?

I ask because I've recently discovered that they've opened a second larger store near my home and upon visiting I was blown away by the huge variety of fantastic products available - everything from clothes for the whole family to home furnishings and unusual gifts perfect for Christmas!

I was thrilled. Why? Well, particularly since I've had children, I often pop in to treat either them, myself or my husband to something nice. I find their clothes are always top quality and wear so well that my second daughter usually gets great wear out of her older sibling's clothes.

Just last week in fact, I bought Tara this lovely purple hoody and pink skinny cord trousers as well as some nice new items of clothing for hubby!

For an audition that Sarah attended a few weeks ago, I purchased a lovely black sparkly top with matching leggings and a wool peaked hat.

What Would You Do With £40,000?

Have you ever sat down and asked yourself what you'd do with £40,000 if it just landed in your lap?

Well, you might just get the chance to find out if you win £40000 which is what PayPal are offering at the moment. In order to be in with a chance of winning what for many is a dream salary, all you have to do is pay for your online purchases using PayPal. 

The draw will take place weekly so the more times you pay via PayPal the more entries into the competition you'll get! You can use the following link to find out more about the competition: www.paypal.co.uk/win

Well, now that I've told you what to do, here's what I'd do if I was to win.

How to Avoid Wasting Money on Routine Family Health Expenses

As families grow so to does the cost of covering everybody's medical expenses. Whilst people should never put off getting health related help when they (or a loved one) needs it, in the current economic climate many are now feeling as if they have to make the choice between getting adequate medical attention and saving money. The truth is it doesn't have to be like that, because often there are several ways families can save money on healthcare related bills without having to deny anyone access to the treatment they need.

Perhaps the most important method for saving money on healthcare is to have a good understanding of your families medical needs. This requires you figure out how much healthcare each member of your family uses on a yearly basis, with it being particularly important to note down any recurring costs for prolonged treatment and whether or not excessive use of preventative care is causing you to pay more than is necessary.

From there take the time to explore your insurances EOB (Explanation of Benefits) forms, to see if your plan is actually providing you adequate cover, if you find it isn't make sure to shop around and see if there is an option available to you that provides better savings for your families particular needs.

Choosing The Right Car Insurance

Whether you’re a first time driver, a business commuter or an experienced road user, choosing the right car insurance is extremely important.

In today’s market, almost every car insurance provider is haggling for your business, offering special deals and exclusive discounts to entice you to go with them… but are they offering the right cover? As with any insurance policy, it is important that you choose the best cover for you, your family and your vehicle. We’ve put together a few tips on how to choose the best policy, provider and cover to help save you time and money.

Choosing Your Policy – Before you start shopping around for car insurance, it’s important to establish what kind of policy cover you need. There are many different policy options available, all varying in price and coverage. The minimum level of insurance is ‘Third Party’ which covers your liabilities to other parties but does not cover theft, fire or damage to your own vehicle. Another option is ‘Comprehensive Cover’ which provides you with fire, theft and third party cover as well as accidental and malicious damage made to your own vehicle. Make sure you check out all your options before agreeing to any insurance deal.

Birthday Party Planning - It's Easy When You Know How!

Birthday Parties, oh the planning and organising are not something I'm that great at! However, since two of our three children have birthdays within a week of one another, it's something I can't escape - so July is always a busy month in the party planning department of our house!

Normally I get myself pretty stressed out when it comes to organising parties. I'm not one of those lucky people who have a wonderful knack of throwing together the most amazing, fun party at the drop of the proverbial party hat. 

For me, it takes some thought and I'm always the frazzled mum racing around the supermarket the day before-hand trying to find the cake I saw last week which is now sold out and wondering what on earth to put in the party bags that won't endanger a bunch of toddlers or embarrass the pre-teens!

Despite my last minute approach, however, most of my birthday parties usually pass without incident.

For the party itself, I often find pizza and chips are pretty much the food of choice for most children and whilst I've been known to stick a pre-bought one in the oven, a pizza delivery service can be a fabulous and much tastier time-saver!

Afterwards, if my children are anything to go by, lots of sweets, crisps and party pieces are the order of the day, so I tend to pop into one of the pound shops and grab a few bargains to help keep costs down and for filling the party bags. 

Trying to provide entertainment can be challenging although most children respond well to an age-appropriate movie, even if they've seen it already. Games like Pass The Parcel and Pin the Tail on the Donkey are also winners and even the old games, like Hide and Seek and Tig are fun ways to keep the kids happy.

Like most mums, after spending ages planning and hosting the party, I dread the mess afterwards - but making a game called "Tidy up Time" can be fun with a prize for the fastest tidier. Most children will know this routine from school anyway so they'll get on with it quickly.

When everyone's gone home, and my own three children are all away to bed, for me, it's time to relax with a nice glass of red wine and maybe a slice or two of left-over party food!

Well, that's just a few of my suggestions for getting through the day. Why not share your top tips in the comments below!

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