The Funny Things Kids Say and Do - Tween Attitude

Children are often pushing boundaries and seeing just how far they can go before parents pop from pure frustration, and this is the same with the Mini Mes. Generally there is very little conflict in our household, which is just how it should be, but with Minxy turning into a teen (how is she nearly 13 already?!) hormones can certainly hit hard at times and cause a few minor issues. 

Life isn't perfect and my stress levels do sometimes increase...

When out recently purchasing new school shoes, the Mini Mes had asked if we could have dinner at a nearby restaurant. I must admit that a night away from the oven and dishwasher was rather tempting, along with the salad bar, so we agreed but made sure that they both knew we would be having the pulled pork I had planned for that evening the following lunch instead. 

WIN an Ultimate English Hamper

This Valentine’s, why not treat your loved one to the ultimate hamper of English fudge.

Launched in 2014, the Ultimate English range offers traditional goods made in Yorkshire, with a modern twist. We obviously think that fudge is great all year round, but what could be better than snuggling up with your loved one and a hamper of traditionally crafted confectionery?

This hamper is lovingly filled with a selection of Ultimate English products for you and your loved one to enjoy this 14th February:

• Rhubarb Coconut Ice
• All Butter Fudge
• Salted Caramel Fudge
• Madagascan Vanilla
• Lemon Coconut Ice

Warning – you might find it hard to share!

Save Money on Baby Essentials with NurserySavings.com (PLUS WIN a Pram!)

Preparing for the arrival of your bundle of joy can be a costly experience. There is not only the day to day expense of a child's upbringing like nappies, food and clothing to take into consideration but also the initial outlay. Cot beds, car seats and prams don't generally come cheap but NurserySavings.com should thankfully make shopping a little easier on the bank balance for you.






This small family run business launched on eBay in 2011 and has blossomed ever since, due to the low cost but high quality items they provide. Their annual turnover has increased dramatically during the past few years and they have now opened their website due to it's ongoing success, to provide more shopping options for their thousands of customers.

Nursery Savings generally deal with returned nursery stock from high street retailers, like Mothercare, which they then sort, refurbish and grade before selling to you and I at very affordable prices. These are often items that were simply sent back with no or very little use by the original recipient so you can pick yourself up the latest goods for a fraction of the cost and with free delivery too.

Items include highchairs, bouncers, storage solutions and so much more. You can pick up all of the larger essentials all in one place while in the comfort of your own home. This is certainly beneficial for the heavily pregnant as wandering around shopping centres may not be a priority!

How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Vision?

 

 

Pregnancy is an incredible experience. Feeling the first flutterings of movement, watching your bump grow week by week and welcoming a precious bundle of joy into the world is truly magical. Your body can change considerably during these 9 months, often in ways you wouldn't imagine, and your sight can surprisingly be one of the things to be affected.

 

Vision Direct questioned Mumsnetters to find out if they noticed any alterations with their eyes while preparing for motherhood and discovered that 70% noticed some changes! The below infographic shows the break down of the statistics teamed with some facts from the experts which may be particularly useful if you're trying to conceive or already have a child on the way.

Days Out With A Difference

The summer holidays are fast approaching and if you aren't jetting off for some sun, sea and sand you may wish to book a few days out nearer to home for entertainment. These fun and quirky ideas might be just the thing you're looking for!

The Abbey Pumping Station is the museum of technology and science in Leicester and it has some rather interesting exhibits! Apart from the restored Beam engines, steam shovel and narrow gauge railway you can also explore the history of bodily waste. That's right, there is a talking toilet, Victorian loos and Roman water pipes. The transparent bowel and cistern allow you to follow the journey of poo - the kids are going to love this one!

With over 800 figures in a picturesque woodland setting, the opportunity to decorate your own and a little tea room for treats, Gnome Magic is an unusual yet low cost attraction. There is a relaxing atmosphere as you take a stroll in the gardens but keep your eyes open for the terrapins and snakes! They may be slithering around the natural ponds along with the ducks.

Preparing For A Special Day

Is it too early to mention the C word? Some of you may think it is but how nice would it be to have everything purchased and ready weeks in advance; it would be amazing! You could sit back and enjoy the festivities without worrying about forgotten gifts or getting a turkey last minute. I'm going to be super organised this year when it comes to buying perfect presents for family and friends and having all the food and drink we require ready for an unforgettable feast. 

I'm also hoping that shopping early will save me money, which it most certainly can do when you know where to look.

Ship Ahoy! - Magical Moments

The ferry trip across the English Channel from France to end our fantastic Eurocamp adventure was a little rocky, to say the least. It was quite a windy and wet day so I expected the sea to be less calm than our initial crossing to Calais but still, it was a little worse than I had hoped for.

Me and the sea usually results in sickness so I wasn't looking forward to it, although I had prepared for the worst with a few nappy sacks in my pocket just in case much to everyone's amusement!

When travelling abroad we generally fly so this was a new experience for us as a family. I had travelled by boat once or twice with my parents as a child but never as a parent myself (bar a few

Benidorm: The Place to Be for Happy Families

What used to be a small town on the east coast of Spain, Benidorm has morphed into one of today’s top tourist destinations. The numerous clubs, late-night bars and cabaret attracts many UK and European holidaymakers, out for nightlife, entertainment and good-quality Spanish beer.

However, the interesting, educational and adventurous kids’ activities make Benidorm a fine destination for families too. Here’s just a taste of what Benidorm holidays have to offer families: