WIN a Spa Day For Two!

Win a Ragdale Experience Day for two people at award winning Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa (worth £180 – valid Monday to Friday)

Ragdale Hall, located in the rolling Leicestershire countryside, combines state-of-the-art facilities with the charm of traditional Victorian architecture to create one of the most luxurious and relaxing health spas in the country. Wheather you are looking for total relaxation, me-time and pampering or to kick-start a healthier lifestyle, Ragdale Hall is the perfect choice. Our great selection of spa days and breaks include something for everyone.

You and a friend could spend a relaxing day (valid Monday – Friday) at Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire on a Ragdale Experience Day to include:

• Light lunch in the Verandah Bar.
• Plus use of all of Ragdale’s facilities including the multi-million pound Thermal Spa featuring candle pool, indoor/outdoor waterfall and a series of heat and water experiences plus two further pools, including whirlpool bath and cascade
• Gym, exercise classes and outdoor facilities.

NB 10.30am arrival - 6.30pm departure.

Him and Her in April

April has been quite a mixed month for us so far. We had the excitement of birthdays with Jamster turning 9 then Minxy turning 11 and we had a lovely relaxing holiday away in Wales over Easter. From there things seemed to go downhill quite quickly however and we had a full week of illness where we were all struck with the nasty Norovirus one after the other. It completely ruined the break from school and all of our remaining plans.

I'm not great at dealing with sickness as it is but when poorly myself and handling unwell children it certainly is a struggle. It's absolutely exhausting and I was praying for it to come to an end for everyone. Sorting sick is just another part of parenthood that we just have to crack on with though, however horrible, although you never get used to seeing your little ones suffer and I hate the feeling of helplessness. I wish I could take the pain away for them.

In some ways, trying to think positively, I was lucky that it was one child followed by the next rather than them both being ill together. Minxy was able to fetch flannels, tissues and toast when required to help her brother and Jamster plumped pillows and made drinks when it was his sisters turn to be down. At the time we all just did what needed to be done, no questions asked, but looking back now after we have all recovered it's quite lovely to think about how they were both so kind and caring for their sibling. Neither grimaced at the sight of the other (or how untidy our home was from a lack of housework!). Neither complained of boredom and not being able to go out. They didn't moan about helping when needed and in fact they even offered to at times or did so without me mentioning. Both were concerned for the other and it was really quite sweet.

They are back to their normal bickering now so they must be on the mend!
Here's hoping that May is better, although it is already set to be.

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Girls Summer Fashion from Melijoe

Although I'm a little disappointed the Easter holiday has now come to an end and the Mini Mes have returned to school, I'm still feeling rather content due to the endless sunshine that we seem to be having at the moment - I love it! It really reminds me of summers gone by which always bring thoughts of BBQs, afternoons in the garden and of course lazy days spent on the beach. The pace of living seems to slow down between July and September and everyone just seems so much happier, don't they.

With this in mind I started to think about how unprepared I actually am for the warmer weather, and our holidays abroad, as our wardrobes are some what lacking in suitable summer fashion! Minxy in particular has had a bit of a growth spurt recently so I soon found myself browsing Melijoe for some key designer pieces. 

I put together these three lovely outfits...

I selected the Rykiel Enfant Flared printed cotton poplin skirt as it is a piece that Minxy could wear all year round. It goes perfectly with the pretty Pom d'Api sandals but at the same time she could team this with some tights and boots when Autumn arrives. Being black and white it would go well with a lot of her existing clothing and the Liu Jo top I've teamed it with is such a lovely deep shade of fuschia and a style that can be both dressed up or down for any occasion making it very versatile.

Our Top 6 Family Movies To See This Summer

I've always had a love for the movies. I really enjoy the whole experience of going to the cinema, picking up a hot dog (with lots of mustard) and a tub of Ben & Jerry's before settling down on the back seats to see something new and exciting. The big screen, comfy seats and atmosphere in the darkness are really mesmerising for me. 

The Mini Mes have a similar passion for films and there are quite a few releases this summer that they are looking forward to seeing. These are the top 6 on our family watch list!

Cinderella - Out Now at Cineworld

This classic tale has just hit the box office as a live-action version and I really can't wait to see it. I'm not sure who is more eager to get tickets; the Mini Mes or me! I'm such a big Disney fan and this really leaves me feeling a little nostalgic at the thought. The idea of an ordinary girl finding a prince is magical and the fact that his royal highness is played by Richard Madden makes it that little bit more appealing. A great family must-see with a wonderful cast and amazing costumes.

Christmas Gift Giveaway - Squeaky Jumpers

Squeaky Jumpers provide a quirky variety of crew neck sweatshirts with beautiful hand printed images. Established earlier this year all of their products are produced in the UK and feature fun prints which are inspired by the countryside - including frogs, pigs and dogs!

You may have even noticed X-Factor singers in them!

Not only are they funky and stylish they are warm too, so perfect for this time of year to keep your little one snug.

*** WIN ***

Squeaky jumpers have kindly provided a child's jumper in any size and style of the winners choice!

You can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below before 20th December 2012.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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