[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":12087},["ShallowReactive",2],{"category-lifestyle":3},[4,276,469,556,636,737,816,960,1092,1197,1286,1381,1475,1594,1723,1791,1903,1995,2142,2264,2323,2496,2547,2624,2706,2831,2902,2998,3109,3195,3263,3341,3428,3504,3644,3747,3904,3974,4042,4116,4214,4295,4361,4438,4533,4624,4726,4791,4839,4913,4955,5118,5178,5289,5388,5442,5502,5556,5646,5713,5806,5902,6021,6079,6206,6284,6380,6476,6552,6598,6667,6737,6853,7028,7194,7339,7458,7557,7703,7782,7843,7944,8012,8093,8186,8275,8467,8563,8715,8793,8844,8917,9034,9091,9299,9388,9487,9559,9630,9714,9765,9842,9953,10046,10141,10302,10349,10419,10482,10530,10591,10663,10720,10797,10861,10951,11039,11116,11192,11322,11422,11501,11566,11628,11656,11804,11830,11982],{"id":5,"title":6,"author":7,"body":8,"category":261,"cover":18,"date":263,"description":253,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":266,"legacy_id":264,"meta":267,"meta_description":268,"meta_title":264,"navigation":269,"path":270,"seo":271,"sponsored":272,"status":273,"stem":274,"subtitle":264,"__hash__":275},"posts/how-busy-mums-can-use-ai-to-make-life-easier-3-game-changing-ways-to-get-started.md","How Busy Mums Can Use AI to Make Life Easier: 3 Game-Changing Ways to Get Started","Lisa Collette",{"type":9,"value":10,"toc":252},"minimark",[11,19,22,25,28,33,36,42,55,60,63,66,69,75,79,82,86,97,101,109,116,119,125,129,132,136,144,148,151,154,157,160,164,167,172,183,186,190,193,213,219,224,235,238,244,247],[12,13,14],"p",{},[15,16],"img",{"alt":17,"src":18},"AI for mums with Lisa","/ai_mum_tips.png",[12,20,21],{},"As a mum of three and mumpreneur, I'm always looking for ways to streamline the mental load that comes with managing a busy family. Recently, I've discovered that AI tools (like ChatGPT, Claude, and others) can be absolute lifesavers for everyday mum tasks. And the best part? They're free and incredibly easy to use!",[12,23,24],{},"I'm starting a new series here on LeeLee Loves all about practical ways mums can use AI to save time, reduce stress, and make family life run more smoothly.",[12,26,27],{},"This isn't just about sharing my day-to-day life anymore – I'm on a mission to help other mums better theirs and pave the way for mums in the world of AI. Today, I'm sharing my top 3 ways to get started, with simple prompts you can copy and paste right away.",[29,30,32],"h2",{"id":31},"_1-smart-food-shopping-meal-planning","1. Smart Food Shopping & Meal Planning",[12,34,35],{},"Gone are the days of staring blankly into the fridge at 5pm wondering what to make for tea! AI can create weekly meal plans based on your budget, dietary needs, and what you've already got in the cupboards.",[12,37,38],{},[39,40,41],"strong",{},"How to do it:",[43,44,45,49,52],"ul",{},[46,47,48],"li",{},"Open ChatGPT, Claude, or any free AI chat tool",[46,50,51],{},"Copy one of the prompts below and adjust it to your family's needs",[46,53,54],{},"Get a complete meal plan with shopping list in seconds",[12,56,57],{},[39,58,59],{},"Prompts to try:",[12,61,62],{},"\"Create a weekly meal plan for a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 children) with a £100 shopping budget. Include 7 dinners, packed lunch ideas, and a complete Tesco shopping list organised by aisle.\"",[12,64,65],{},"\"I have chicken breasts, pasta, tinned tomatoes, and frozen veg in my kitchen. Give me 3 quick family dinner ideas using these ingredients plus basic store cupboard items.\"",[12,67,68],{},"\"Plan 5 budget-friendly slow cooker meals for busy weeknights. Include prep instructions and a shopping list for Aldi.\"",[12,70,71,74],{},[39,72,73],{},"Top tip:"," Take a photo of your fridge and cupboards, upload it to the AI, and ask \"What meals can I make with these ingredients?\" – it's brilliant for reducing food waste!",[29,76,78],{"id":77},"_2-managing-school-diary-dates-family-calendar","2. Managing School Diary Dates & Family Calendar",[12,80,81],{},"If you're anything like me, keeping track of World Book Day, non-uniform days, parents' evenings, and after-school clubs can feel overwhelming. AI can help you organise it all.",[12,83,84],{},[39,85,41],{},[43,87,88,91,94],{},[46,89,90],{},"Forward school newsletters or letters to yourself",[46,92,93],{},"Copy the text into your AI tool",[46,95,96],{},"Ask it to extract and organise all the important dates",[12,98,99],{},[39,100,59],{},[12,102,103,104,108],{},"\"Here's our school newsletter ",[105,106,107],"span",{},"paste text",". Extract all important dates, events, and deadlines, and create a formatted calendar list I can add to my phone.\"",[12,110,111,112,115],{},"\"I have these upcoming events: ",[105,113,114],{},"list events and dates",". Create a weekly preparation checklist so I remember costumes, baking, and permission slips on time.\"",[12,117,118],{},"\"Help me write a reminder system for my three children's different school schedules. Child 1 has swimming on Mondays, Child 2 has football on Wednesdays, Child 3 has dance on Thursdays. Create a weekly prep list of what needs to be packed each day.\"",[12,120,121,124],{},[39,122,123],{},"Bonus tip:"," Once you have your organised list, ask the AI to \"create reminders in a format I can import to Google Calendar\" – it'll give you properly formatted entries you can quickly add!",[29,126,128],{"id":127},"_3-quick-party-planning-activity-ideas","3. Quick Party Planning & Activity Ideas",[12,130,131],{},"Whether it's a rainy day activity, birthday party planning, or keeping the kids entertained during school holidays, AI is like having a creative assistant on call 24/7.",[12,133,134],{},[39,135,41],{},[43,137,138,141],{},[46,139,140],{},"Tell the AI your child's age, interests, and any constraints (budget, time, location)",[46,142,143],{},"Get instant ideas tailored to your needs",[12,145,146],{},[39,147,59],{},[12,149,150],{},"\"Give me 10 indoor activities for rainy days suitable for children aged 3, 7, and 9. Include things I can do with items already at home.\"",[12,152,153],{},"\"Plan a dinosaur-themed 5th birthday party for 15 children with a £150 budget. Include games, food ideas, decoration suggestions, and a shopping list.\"",[12,155,156],{},"\"I need 5 educational but fun activities to do with my children this weekend in the North West of England. Weather forecast is mixed. Budget £50 for the family.\"",[12,158,159],{},"\"Create a treasure hunt for my 7-year-old around our house and garden with 10 clues and small challenges.\"",[29,161,163],{"id":162},"getting-started-is-easy","Getting Started is Easy!",[12,165,166],{},"The beauty of AI tools is that they're conversational – if you don't like the first answer, just say \"make it simpler\" or \"give me more budget-friendly options\" and it'll adjust. Think of it like texting a really knowledgeable friend who never gets tired of your questions!",[12,168,169],{},[39,170,171],{},"My favourite free AI tools for mums:",[43,173,174,177,180],{},[46,175,176],{},"ChatGPT (chatgpt.com)",[46,178,179],{},"Claude (claude.ai)",[46,181,182],{},"Google Gemini (gemini.google.com)",[12,184,185],{},"All work on your phone or computer, and you don't need to be tech-savvy to use them.",[29,187,189],{"id":188},"whats-next","What's Next?",[12,191,192],{},"This is just the beginning! Over the coming weeks, I'll be sharing more specific prompts and strategies for:",[43,194,195,198,201,204,207,210],{},[46,196,197],{},"Meal prep and batch cooking planning",[46,199,200],{},"Educational support and homework help",[46,202,203],{},"Managing family finances and budgets",[46,205,206],{},"Creating bedtime stories and learning activities",[46,208,209],{},"Organising family holidays and days out",[46,211,212],{},"Writing emails to teachers and managing school communications",[12,214,215,218],{},[39,216,217],{},"Don't miss out!"," Come back to LeeLee Loves regularly for fresh AI tips, ready-to-use prompts, and real-life examples of how I'm using these tools in my own busy family life. I'm here to help you better yours and show you that mums can be at the forefront of the AI revolution.",[12,220,221],{},[39,222,223],{},"Follow me on social media for daily tips:",[43,225,226,229,232],{},[46,227,228],{},"Instagram: @leeleeloves",[46,230,231],{},"Twitter: @leeleeloves",[46,233,234],{},"Facebook: LeeLee Loves",[12,236,237],{},"I'd love to hear how you get on! Have you tried using AI yet? What tasks would you most like help with? Drop me a comment below or send me a message on Instagram – let's make mum life easier together and pave the way for mums everywhere in this exciting AI journey!",[12,239,240],{},[241,242,243],"em",{},"Lisa x",[245,246],"hr",{},[12,248,249],{},[241,250,251],{},"P.S. Remember, AI is a tool to support you, not replace your brilliant mum instincts. Use it to free up time for the important stuff – like actually enjoying those family moments!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":255},"",2,[256,257,258,259,260],{"id":31,"depth":254,"text":32},{"id":77,"depth":254,"text":78},{"id":127,"depth":254,"text":128},{"id":162,"depth":254,"text":163},{"id":188,"depth":254,"text":189},[262],"lifestyle","2026-01-28T16:55:00Z",null,"md","ai_mum_tips.png",{},"Discover 3 practical ways busy mums can use free AI tools to save time on meal planning, family organisation, and kids activities. Simple prompts you can copy and paste.",true,"/how-busy-mums-can-use-ai-to-make-life-easier-3-game-changing-ways-to-get-started",{"title":6,"description":253},false,"published","how-busy-mums-can-use-ai-to-make-life-easier-3-game-changing-ways-to-get-started","zplybHzKtI6jKrm8J_ThJX4Pn4R1DeygSlQtWhtWdxo",{"id":277,"title":278,"author":7,"body":279,"category":459,"cover":264,"date":460,"description":283,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":461,"legacy_id":264,"meta":462,"meta_description":463,"meta_title":464,"navigation":269,"path":465,"seo":466,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":467,"subtitle":264,"__hash__":468},"posts/winter-wellness-self-care-for-parents.md","Why Taking Time for Yourself This Winter Makes You a Better Parent",{"type":9,"value":280,"toc":446},[281,284,287,290,296,300,303,306,309,313,318,321,326,337,340,344,347,352,355,358,362,367,370,373,376,380,383,388,397,400,404,407,410,413,417,420,423,426,429,433,436,439,441],[12,282,283],{},"There's a phrase I keep coming back to, especially during the darker winter months: you can't pour from an empty cup. It sounds like one of those Pinterest quotes that gets shared endlessly, I know. But honestly? When you're deep in the chaos of parenting through winter – the early mornings in darkness, the endless cold and flu season, the juggling of school runs and work and everything in between – it becomes absolutely true.",[12,285,286],{},"We're so good at putting everyone else first, aren't we? Making sure the kids are warm enough, fed properly, getting enough sleep. Checking in on partners, friends, family. But when was the last time you actually asked yourself: am I okay? Am I looking after myself the way I look after everyone else?",[12,288,289],{},"Here's what I've learned: taking time to look after ourselves isn't selfish. It's essential. Because when we're running on empty, we can't show up as the parents, partners, and people we want to be. Winter, with its slower pace and longer evenings, is actually the perfect time to build in those small rituals that restore us.",[12,291,292],{},[15,293],{"alt":294,"src":295},"Very wellness products","/very-wellness/winter_wellness_very_02.jpg",[29,297,299],{"id":298},"why-winter-self-care-hits-different","Why Winter Self-care Hits Different",[12,301,302],{},"There's something about winter that makes self-care feel particularly important – and particularly challenging. The lack of natural light affects our mood and energy levels. The cold makes everything feel harder. We're indoors more, which can feel isolating. And if you're parenting through winter? The combination of poorly children, cabin fever, and your own depleted energy stores can be absolutely exhausting.",[12,304,305],{},"But winter also offers us permission to slow down. To create cosy rituals. To turn inward and actually rest rather than pushing through until spring arrives. The key is being intentional about it rather than waiting until you're completely burnt out.",[12,307,308],{},"I've been thinking a lot about what winter wellness really means for me as a mum. It's not about expensive spa days or week-long retreats (though wouldn't that be lovely!). It's about those small, achievable moments woven into regular life that help me feel like myself again.",[29,310,312],{"id":311},"small-winter-rituals-that-actually-make-a-difference","Small Winter Rituals That Actually Make a Difference",[314,315,317],"h3",{"id":316},"start-your-day-gently","Start Your Day Gently",[12,319,320],{},"Mornings in winter can be brutal, especially when you're trying to get everyone up and out in the dark. But what if you gave yourself just 15 minutes before the chaos starts?",[12,322,323],{},[15,324],{"alt":294,"src":325},"/very-wellness/winter_wellness_very_04.jpg",[12,327,328,329,336],{},"I've recently discovered the magic of a ",[330,331,335],"a",{"href":332,"rel":333},"https://www.very.co.uk/browse/health-and-beauty-wellness-light-therapy",[334],"nofollow","Sunrise Alarm Clock"," – specifically the Lumie one that gradually fills the room with light before your alarm goes off. It sounds like a small thing, but waking up to simulated daylight rather than a jarring alarm in pitch darkness honestly changes how you feel starting the day. Your body responds to that gentle light, making it so much easier to actually get up rather than hitting snooze repeatedly.",[12,338,339],{},"Those few quiet minutes before everyone else wakes? That's your time. Even if it's just sitting with a cup of tea in actual silence, or doing some gentle stretching, it sets a completely different tone for the day ahead.",[314,341,343],{"id":342},"create-an-evening-wind-down-routine","Create an Evening Wind-Down Routine",[12,345,346],{},"If mornings are chaos, evenings are when we can finally exhale. Once the kids are in bed, this is your window to properly decompress rather than just collapsing in front of the TV (though there's absolutely a time and place for that too!).",[12,348,349],{},[15,350],{"alt":294,"src":351},"/very-wellness/winter_wellness_very_08.jpg",[12,353,354],{},"I've been making a conscious effort to build in proper wind-down time. Slipping into my Lyle & Scott dressing gown the moment everyone's settled – there's something about changing out of \"day clothes\" that signals to your brain it's time to relax. Wrapping up in my Dreamland heated throw on the sofa with a book or just sitting in the quiet. These aren't grand gestures, but they're moments that belong entirely to me.",[12,356,357],{},"The key is making it a ritual rather than something you do \"if there's time.\" Because here's the thing: there will never magically be time. You have to actively create it and protect it.",[314,359,361],{"id":360},"support-your-body-from-the-inside","Support Your Body From the Inside",[12,363,364],{},[15,365],{"alt":294,"src":366},"/very-wellness/winter_wellness_very_01.jpg",[12,368,369],{},"Winter wellness isn't just about external comfort – it's also about how we're nourishing ourselves when our bodies are working harder to fight off every bug the kids bring home from school.",[12,371,372],{},"I've started taking Bio Synergy's skin and hair supplements, not because I'm worried about how I look, but because winter genuinely takes its toll on both. The central heating dries everything out, the lack of sunlight affects my skin, and stress definitely shows up in how my hair feels. Taking something that supports my body from the inside feels like a small act of care that has knock-on effects.",[12,374,375],{},"It's the same principle as putting your own oxygen mask on first: you're not being vain or selfish by looking after your own health. You're ensuring you've actually got the resources to care for everyone else.",[314,377,379],{"id":378},"make-comfort-a-priority","Make Comfort a Priority",[12,381,382],{},"Winter is the season for being genuinely, unapologetically cosy. And yet so many of us (guilty!) will make sure everyone else is warm and comfortable while we're still wearing threadbare loungewear or sitting on the cold sofa without a blanket.",[12,384,385],{},[15,386],{"alt":294,"src":387},"/very-wellness/winter_wellness_very_03.jpg",[12,389,390,391,396],{},"Invest in the things that make you feel comfortable at home. A proper ",[330,392,395],{"href":393,"rel":394},"https://www.very.co.uk/browse/womens-nightwear-dressing-gowns",[334],"dressing gown"," that you actually want to wear, not the ancient one that's falling apart. Throws and blankets that make your sofa feel like a sanctuary. Slippers that are warm and supportive rather than ones you grabbed cheaply years ago.",[12,398,399],{},"These aren't frivolous purchases – they're the things that make your own home feel like a place where you can genuinely rest and restore, not just somewhere you exist between taking care of everyone else.",[29,401,403],{"id":402},"the-ripple-effect-of-self-care","The Ripple Effect of Self-care",[12,405,406],{},"Here's what I've noticed since being more intentional about winter self-care: I'm more patient. I have more energy for play rather than just managing logistics. I'm less resentful when things don't go to plan. I'm genuinely present rather than just going through the motions while running on fumes.",[12,408,409],{},"When I'm rested, I'm a better mum. When I'm less stressed, I'm a better partner. When I've actually taken care of my own needs, I have so much more capacity to show up for everyone else. It's not rocket science, but it's easy to forget when you're in the thick of it.",[12,411,412],{},"The people in your life need the best version of you, not the most exhausted, depleted version. And sometimes the most radical thing we can do is admit that we need care too – and then actually do something about it.",[29,414,416],{"id":415},"permission-to-prioritise-yourself","Permission to Prioritise Yourself",[12,418,419],{},"If you're reading this thinking \"that sounds lovely but I don't have time,\" I want you to know: I get it. Time is the scarcest resource when you're parenting. But I'm also going to gently push back and say that you deserve those moments just as much as everyone else in your family does.",[12,421,422],{},"Start small. One tiny ritual. Ten minutes before everyone else wakes. Fifteen minutes after bedtime where you do something restorative rather than productive. A weekly bath with the door locked. Saying no to one thing so you can say yes to rest.",[12,424,425],{},"Winter asks us to slow down and restore. For once, let's actually listen rather than pushing through until we crash. Because looking after yourself isn't taking away from your family – it's the very thing that allows you to show up for them properly.",[12,427,428],{},"You're doing an incredible job. And you deserve to feel warm, rested, and cared for too.",[29,430,432],{"id":431},"what-does-winter-wellness-look-like-for-you","What Does Winter Wellness Look Like for You?",[12,434,435],{},"I'd love to hear what helps you feel restored during winter. Do you have evening rituals that help you decompress? Morning routines that set you up for the day? Small acts of self-care that make a real difference? Share in the comments – we can all learn from each other.",[12,437,438],{},"And if you're currently running on empty? This is your gentle nudge to do one small thing for yourself today. You're worth it.",[245,440],{},[12,442,443],{},[241,444,445],{},"This post is created in collaboration with Very.co.uk. All opinions and experiences are my own.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":447},[448,449,456,457,458],{"id":298,"depth":254,"text":299},{"id":311,"depth":254,"text":312,"children":450},[451,453,454,455],{"id":316,"depth":452,"text":317},3,{"id":342,"depth":452,"text":343},{"id":360,"depth":452,"text":361},{"id":378,"depth":452,"text":379},{"id":402,"depth":254,"text":403},{"id":415,"depth":254,"text":416},{"id":431,"depth":254,"text":432},[262],"2025-12-11T11:38:00Z","winter_wellness_very_02.jpg",{},"Winter self-care tips for parents who put everyone else first. Why looking after yourself makes you a better parent, with practical wellness ideas.","Winter Self-Care Tips for Better Parenting","/winter-wellness-self-care-for-parents",{"title":278,"description":283},"winter-wellness-self-care-for-parents","1PGe8oSrseolsyToWjh2EL23ssa4DO7pgpRXxUXDcb8",{"id":470,"title":471,"author":7,"body":472,"category":547,"cover":480,"date":548,"description":476,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":549,"meta":550,"meta_description":551,"meta_title":471,"navigation":269,"path":552,"seo":553,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":554,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":555},"posts/keep-outdoor-play-space-cool-summer.md","How to keep your outdoor play space cool in the summer",{"type":9,"value":473,"toc":540},[474,477,481,487,490,493,497,500,503,507,516,520,523,527,530,534,537],[12,475,476],{},"Children’s outdoor playground equipment can often get extremely hot to the touch, especially on hot summer days. This is a big thing to keep in mind when taking your child to the park as kids are less tolerant to the heat than adults, so it is important to make sure they are well protected. You should be extra cautious of this when taking your kids out as the playground equipment can become very hot and burn your children.",[15,478],{"alt":479,"src":480,"title":479},"Back Yard Wooden Swing Set on Green Lawn","/images/2023/01/istockphoto-118371084-612x612.jpg",[12,482,483,484],{},"Back Yard Wooden Swing Set on Green Lawn ",[39,485,486],{},"Install Shade Structures",[12,488,489],{},"One of the best ways to keep your playgrounds cool is to add shaded areas that could be  umbrellas, canopies, awnings, and pergolas. These can help with sun, rain, or wind however one thing to keep in mind is the size of the playground, the climate, the type/style of materials you’re using, and your overall budget as they can range from different prices. Adding any of these can provide protection for the children from any weather and keep them safe.",[12,491,492],{},"Having these in children’s playgrounds is important as it gives a safe spot for children to go whilst playing if the equipment is starting to get very hot or if your kids are starting to overheat from being out in the sun too much. You can use shaded areas as a spot for you to go during the day to eat food or to chill out if you don’t want to go home and are out for the full day.",[29,494,496],{"id":495},"plant-tree","Plant Tree",[12,498,499],{},"Planting trees could be a great option as it is good for the environment and is better than installing big sculptures. Trees are very environmentally friendly and are a safe option, they provide natural shade and can reduce playground equipment to around 7 degrees cooler than it is. Although one thing to think about when adding trees to a children’s playground is the time it takes to grow, trees will take up to 30 years to fully grow. Also, another thing to think about when having trees is maintaining them, they need to be continuously cut down and taken care of otherwise they could become dangerous for kids to play near. However they are a very good option and are helpful for the environment and pollution, they can also add some color to the playground to improve the view.",[12,501,502],{},"Also, when planting trees, you are advised to choose a tree native to your area as it might be difficult to grow. This is something to consider as it might not survive in the climate you are in due to weather or pollution. You should also plant the tree around 18-20 feet away from the playground equipment as it could damage the playground if it is too close.",[29,504,506],{"id":505},"use-reflective-materials","Use Reflective Materials",[12,508,509,510,515],{},"Another way to keep children’s ",[330,511,514],{"href":512,"rel":513},"https://creativeplayuk.com/",[334],"playground equipment"," protected from sunlight is to use materials that reflect the sun. This can keep the playground cooler because the sunlight will reflect off it so it isn’t overheating. Some Common reflective materials that people use include white gravel, white sand, and white concrete. These help to reflect the sun off the floor making it a lot cooler for kids to play on. You can also use certain paints that reflect the sun off them for the actual equipment like slides, swings, or any of the equipment that children will be constantly touching.",[29,517,519],{"id":518},"install-a-mist-system","Install a Mist System",[12,521,522],{},"Using a misting mechanism is a system of pipes that spray light water around the playground keeping it cooler throughout the day it starts to get too hot. They can help to regulate the temperature and lower it by around 10 degrees. When installing mist sprays it is best to get it done by a professional as it can be quite difficult to do on your own. They can also be costly depending on what you do, so this option might not be advised for everyone. However, it is a good choice as it will cool the playground surfaces down very quickly and can be good entertainment for the kids if they want to cool down fast as well.",[29,524,526],{"id":525},"cover-the-playground-equipment","Cover the Playground Equipment",[12,528,529],{},"Another good way of keeping the playground cool is by adding a cover over it, it is recommended to use some type of tarp or protective cover for it to work the best. When having a tarp covering the playground it is advised to take it off when the playground is not being used as it could cause heat or rain damage if it is left out for too long, doing this will help to maintain it for a better outcome. Also when you have a covering installed it is important not to cover the whole playground with it as heat can get trapped underneath it making it dangerous to play under and it will damage the cover.",[29,531,533],{"id":532},"add-some-water-elements","Add Some Water Elements",[12,535,536],{},"Adding water elements can be a great way of keeping the playground cool, you can add sprinklers, mini pools, or fountains; these all help to decrease the temperature of playground equipment making it safer for children to freely play. They can also help to cool kids down if they are out on a hot day, they can be entertainment for children as you can have many different water toys for them to play with. However, it is very important that you are regularly changing the water to make sure it doesn’t get mold around the playground or mosquitoes breeding in them.",[12,538,539],{},"To summarize, there are several ways to keep a playground cool during the summer, including providing shade, installing water features, using cool surfaces, improving ventilation, and adjusting schedules. By implementing these strategies, you can create a comfortable and enjoyable environment for children to play in during the hot summer months.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":541},[542,543,544,545,546],{"id":495,"depth":254,"text":496},{"id":505,"depth":254,"text":506},{"id":518,"depth":254,"text":519},{"id":525,"depth":254,"text":526},{"id":532,"depth":254,"text":533},[262],"2022-12-24T20:47:00Z","11935",{},"Keep playground equipment cool in summer. Shade structures, trees, reflective materials, mist systems, covers, and water elements. Child safety in hot weather.","/keep-outdoor-play-space-cool-summer",{"title":471,"description":476},"keep-outdoor-play-space-cool-summer","T4nk0tCr6mqYR-xwcrHl9ACukO9oEJfVJBbd_f2PL9U",{"id":557,"title":558,"author":7,"body":559,"category":627,"cover":565,"date":628,"description":566,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":629,"meta":630,"meta_description":631,"meta_title":558,"navigation":269,"path":632,"seo":633,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":634,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":635},"posts/four-purchases-improve-homes-energy-efficiency.md","Four Purchases That Could Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency",{"type":9,"value":560,"toc":625},[561,567,576,581,584,587,591,594,598,601,609,613,622],[12,562,563,566],{},[15,564],{"alt":253,"src":565},"/images/2022/12/thermostat.jpg","Energy efficiency is a leading concern for households today, and not just due to the growing publicity around the urgency of the climate crisis. More immediately, household bills are becoming untenable, as energy bills significantly higher than their 2020 average.",[12,568,569,570,575],{},"The government’s ",[330,571,574],{"href":572,"rel":573},"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-bills-support/energy-bills-support-factsheet-8-september-2022",[334],"Energy Price Guarantee has capped bills at an average of £2,500 per year",", but this is still more than twice the average energy bill from before the inflation crisis. What can you do to improve energy efficiency in your household, and reduce your expenditure as a result?",[577,578,580],"h5",{"id":579},"led-lightbulbs","LED Lightbulbs",[12,582,583],{},"Addressing your home’s lighting may be a small way to approach energy efficiency, but it is an actionable one – and can have surprisingly effective results over time. Many households have already made some form of switch from older incandescent lightbulbs to relatively more efficient halogen lightbulbs. However, some households still rely on the former, while the latter still loses a not-insignificant amount of energy to heat.",[12,585,586],{},"LED lightbulbs are the next step in energy-efficient light fitting design, requiring replacement much less often that their alternatives and running at a much higher efficiency rating than any other form of light fitting. Swapping all your home’s bulbs for LED bulbs can reduce energy usage on lighting manifold.",[577,588,590],{"id":589},"low-flow-showerhead","Low-Flow Showerhead",[12,592,593],{},"Energy is also used somewhat wastefully in the heating of water for cleaning use. Heat is lost to radiation, and water is naturally wasted as a function of cleaning processes – even showers, efficient as they are in comparison to baths. Installing a low-flow showerhead reduces the flow of water, reducing the amount of water that needs to be heated per shower and thus reducing the energy cost of each shower.",[577,595,597],{"id":596},"air-or-ground-source-heat-pump","Air- or Ground-Source Heat Pump",[12,599,600],{},"Next, the mechanism by which your water is heated is the same mechanism that handles the heating of your home. Your home’s central heating system is likely fed by a combi boiler, which boils water on-demand for supply to your radiators and separately to your faucets. These boilers are reliant on the burning of gas, and hence not only pollutive but also relatively inefficient – at least, in comparison to modern technological advancements and alternative heating systems.",[12,602,603,608],{},[330,604,607],{"href":605,"rel":606},"https://eecityplumbing.co.uk/homeowners/",[334],"Air source heat pumps are powered by electricity",", and transfer heat from the outside air to internal water pipes via a heat exchanger. Ground-source heat pumps perform the same function but through transferring heat from the ground. Both can be used in service of a new heating system that runs much more efficiently than conventional systems.",[577,610,612],{"id":611},"smart-thermostat","Smart Thermostat",[12,614,615,616,621],{},"If moving away from a standard central heating system is not an option for you, there are still ways in which you can directly impact its energy efficiency. According to smart thermostat providers, ",[330,617,620],{"href":618,"rel":619},"https://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/mar/30/how-smart-thermostats-can-save-you-fuel-and-money#:~:text=In%20theory%2C%20yes,you%20currently%20use.",[334],"homeowners can save up to 31% on their energy bills through their use",".",[12,623,624],{},"Smart thermostats are IoT (Internet of Things)-enabled devices that give users more control over their heating systems. They can use home temperature and boiler data to maximise the efficiency of home heating, and can be controlled by app – allowing you to switch the heating on or off wherever you are, whether you forgot on your way out or simply want a warm living room when you return. With the right add-ons, you can change temperature room by room, switching on individual radiators and ensuring wasteful heating is minimised.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":626},[],[262],"2022-12-22T15:35:00Z","11932",{},"4 energy-efficient home purchases. LED lightbulbs, low-flow showerheads, heat pumps and smart thermostats. Save up to 31% on energy bills. UK guide.","/four-purchases-improve-homes-energy-efficiency",{"title":558,"description":566},"four-purchases-improve-homes-energy-efficiency","Qv_dq3RAg7SmkHmDYGIu1NnKXtWZLXH1OVLdxR_08UI",{"id":637,"title":638,"author":7,"body":639,"category":728,"cover":648,"date":729,"description":643,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":730,"meta":731,"meta_description":732,"meta_title":638,"navigation":269,"path":733,"seo":734,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":735,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":736},"posts/5-christmas-gift-ideas-parents.md","5 Christmas gift ideas for your parents",{"type":9,"value":640,"toc":726},[641,644,649,657,660,667,676,683,686,691,698,707,714,723],[12,642,643],{},"It’s hard to know what to get the people who not only gave you the greatest gift of all when they brought you into the world but the two people who probably already have everything they need. However, don’t lose all hope! It is possible to gift your parents a great Christmas gift that they’ll treasure forever. Here are 5 Christmas gift ideas for your parents.",[12,645,646],{},[15,647],{"alt":253,"src":648},"/images/2023/01/boy-receiving-christmas-gift-parents-smiling-home-37124878.jpg",[650,651,652],"ol",{},[46,653,654],{},[39,655,656],{},"Activity out",[12,658,659],{},"Want to gift your parents something they’ll never expect? Gifting an activity is a brilliant way to dodge the problem of your parents having it all. Decide a new activity you think they’ll both love – like cooking classes or wine tasting – and locate the activity near their hometown. Then all you have to do is buy a gift card for the experience, and bob’s your uncle!",[650,661,662],{},[46,663,664],{},[39,665,666],{},"Something personal",[12,668,669,670,675],{},"If you’re struggling to find something in store, creating your own personalised gift is also a foolproof Christmas idea for your parent’s presents! Get creative by turning your hand to ",[330,671,674],{"href":672,"rel":673},"https://www.photobox.co.uk/blog/diy-craft/how-to-make-a-photo-book",[334],"making a photo album"," of your favourite family photos, knitting them something they can use for the cold winter weather, or even painting them something they can use at home like a coaster or a plate. Creating your own personalised gifts will guarantee they won’t get the same thing from anyone else!",[650,677,678],{},[46,679,680],{},[39,681,682],{},"Play on their hobbies and personalities",[12,684,685],{},"Discovering their favourite hobby and running with it means they can continue what they love, albeit with slightly better equipment! If your parents enjoy entertaining at home, wine glasses or drinking utensils will ensure they can continue entertaining in style, or if they enjoy gardening, some new garden tools will ensure they can easily keep those pesky weeds away.",[12,687,688],{},[15,689],{"alt":253,"src":690},"/images/2023/01/christmas-presents-festive-decor-over-wooden-background-58947791.jpg",[650,692,693],{},[46,694,695],{},[39,696,697],{},"Book a weekend away",[12,699,700,701,706],{},"Has it been a while since your parents enjoyed a well-deserved holiday? This could be your chance to give it to them! Help your parents ",[330,702,705],{"href":703,"rel":704},"https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/best-weekend-breaks-uk",[334],"explore the beauty of the UK"," by booking them a weekend away in some of the best British countryside, on some of the best British sands, or in some of the best British cities!",[650,708,709],{},[46,710,711],{},[39,712,713],{},"Christmas cards",[12,715,716,717,722],{},"If your parents really don’t want you to spend your money on them, go hard on the Christmas cards instead! ",[330,718,721],{"href":719,"rel":720},"https://www.cardfactory.co.uk/christmas/christmas-cards/christmas-cards-for-him/dad-and-daddy-christmas-cards/",[334],"Christmas cards for dad"," and mum can be presents in themselves and can be something your parents can treasure for all of the festive period on their windowsill.",[12,724,725],{},"Looking for your next Christmas gift for your parents? Look no further than these 5 great ideas.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":727},[],[262],"2022-12-20T23:44:00Z","11944",{},"5 Christmas gift ideas for parents. Activity experiences, personalised gifts, hobby-based presents, weekend breaks and heartfelt cards. Thoughtful.","/5-christmas-gift-ideas-parents",{"title":638,"description":643},"5-christmas-gift-ideas-parents","6uN13H7j-AD3Wizz0Rl2MBx6KZrqo4iR751DackH-Gg",{"id":738,"title":739,"author":7,"body":740,"category":807,"cover":778,"date":808,"description":747,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":809,"meta":810,"meta_description":811,"meta_title":739,"navigation":269,"path":812,"seo":813,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":814,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":815},"posts/clever-ideas-make-space-stairs.md","Clever ideas to make the most of the space under your stairs",{"type":9,"value":741,"toc":805},[742,748,753,761,766,774,782,785,790,799],[12,743,744,747],{},[15,745],{"alt":253,"src":746},"/images/2022/12/633c914686ca1766339713.jpg","When adding a staircase to the home, large spaces can be created underneath that can look unsightly. You might want to make use of this space if your home is on the smaller side, or fancy getting creative and turning the area into a functional living space. From play areas to office space, check out our top under-stairs design ideas that will hopefully inspire your next home makeover project!",[12,749,750],{},[39,751,752],{},"Install built-in storage",[12,754,755,760],{},[330,756,759],{"href":757,"rel":758},"https://www.hammonds-uk.com/fitted-wardrobes/wardrobes-for-awkward-spaces/wardrobes-for-under-stairs",[334],"Adding built-in wardrobes containing drawers or cupboards under the stairs"," is not only a great way to maximise the storage space in your home but also a simple way to add a unique and stylish touch to your home, which will increase its value in the long term. A well-ordered home is the key to a well-ordered life – hide your unsightly items and store your outdoor clothes here for easy access and a clutter-free hallway.",[12,762,763],{},[39,764,765],{},"Build a playroom for the kids",[12,767,768,773],{},[330,769,772],{"href":770,"rel":771},"https://www.idealhome.co.uk/childrens-room/childrens-room-ideas/playroom-ideas-35498",[334],"Turn the small open space into a little den for the kids","; not only does this make for the perfect hiding spot, but it also keeps the toys out of the living areas. Here you can store books, games and other small playthings, ready for the next games night. You can also get your children to help decorate the interior of the playroom however they like – this way they don’t ruin any other areas of the house!",[12,775,776,779],{},[15,777],{"alt":253,"src":778},"/images/2022/12/under-the-stairs-nook.jpg",[39,780,781],{},"Create a cosy reading area",[12,783,784],{},"For areas under the stairs that are possibly too small to build anything too extravagant, the space could be perfect as a reading nook. All you need here is a small bench, some comfy cushions and a good source of lighting. After a long day, having a place to chill and relax in the home is ideal.",[12,786,787],{},[39,788,789],{},"Use it as a workstation",[12,791,792,793,798],{},"With more of us working from home or adopting a hybrid working policy, we are finding ourselves ",[330,794,797],{"href":795,"rel":796},"https://www.idealhome.co.uk/home-office/small-home-office-ideas-222302",[334],"trying out different ideas for a home office",". Not everyone will have a spare room to dedicate to a workspace, which requires a little more creativity. Regardless of the size of the space under your stairs, a suitable desk and chair can easily make the area feel like a private workstation. If you want to, why not install a few shelves to store all your important work documents and office stationery?",[12,800,801,804],{},[15,802],{"alt":253,"src":803},"/images/2022/12/under_stairs_02.png","Hopefully, our tips will help to give you some ideas on how to transform your understairs space into something unique and practical. If you have any other suggestions, leave them in the comments below!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":806},[],[262],"2022-12-14T12:18:00Z","11916",{},"Under-stairs space ideas. Built-in storage, children's playroom, cosy reading nook, and home office solutions. Maximise small spaces creatively at home.","/clever-ideas-make-space-stairs",{"title":739,"description":747},"clever-ideas-make-space-stairs","5JopAWIsyshsMIi1kR-DNK7oK8673aCEar7rE80VcJQ",{"id":817,"title":818,"author":7,"body":819,"category":950,"cover":827,"date":952,"description":253,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":953,"meta":954,"meta_description":955,"meta_title":818,"navigation":269,"path":956,"seo":957,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":958,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":959},"posts/little-joys-christmas-gift-guide-boots.md","Little Joys Christmas Gift Guide with Boots",{"type":9,"value":820,"toc":948},[821,828,833,836,839,842,845,848,851,856,859,862,865,870,873,882,885,888,893,908,922,931,939,942,945],[12,822,823],{},[241,824,825],{},[15,826],{"alt":253,"src":827},"/images/2022/12/Boots_little_joys_christmas_gifts2.jpg",[12,829,830],{},[241,831,832],{},"**Advertisement Feature in collaboration with Boots**",[12,834,835],{},"Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year!",[12,837,838],{},"I love almost everything about the festive season.",[12,840,841],{},"All but one.",[12,843,844],{},"The shopping!",[12,846,847],{},"The stresses of choosing items for everyone in the family. Trying to stick to budgets while hoping you’ve found something they’ll love… Who needs that kind of pressure and stress at the happiest time of year? None of us. We need to be curled up on the sofa. Watching Jude Law as Mr Napkin head, with a mulled wine. That’s what we should be doing.",[12,849,850],{},"Of course, I do enjoy the festive atmosphere. Roaming the beautifully decorated shops with hot chocolate and festive songs playing everywhere I go.",[12,852,853],{},[15,854],{"alt":253,"src":855},"/images/2022/12/Boots_little_joys_christmas_gifts4.jpg",[12,857,858],{},"Taking the current cost of living into consideration I, like many, will be budgeting this festive period. We can still give gifts that people will love without breaking the bank. It’s the thought that counts, no matter how big or small.",[12,860,861],{},"Don’t forget presence over presents people!",[12,863,864],{},"I’ve had more than my fair share of family loss. Getting to be with those you love is a gift in itself, trust me. Even if you like to bicker with siblings or a festive fight often breaks out. These are the memories you’ll look back on and laugh about.",[12,866,867],{},[15,868],{"alt":253,"src":869},"/images/2022/12/Boots_little_joys_christmas_gifts3.jpg",[12,871,872],{},"I’ve teamed up with boots this year to show their amazing range of Christmas gifts for the whole family. Shopping boots 3 for 2 is a core part of Christmas shopping for me. I’ve been gifting from their range since I was 15 and buying gifts for my siblings. As one of 3 children, I always got one for myself too 😅",[12,874,875,876,881],{},"Boots have a gift for everyone whether it be friends and family or the ",[330,877,880],{"href":878,"rel":879},"https://www.boots.com/christmas/secret%20santa",[334],"Secret Santa Gifts"," for Bob and Sue who sit across from you in the office. Sue obviously loves a Yankee Candle, and Bob would be happy with a Costa Coffee gift set. Both of which you can find at Boots!",[12,883,884],{},"Boots really do have you covered when it comes to Christmas this year, all at affordable prices too.",[12,886,887],{},"Many of the gifts I’ve found were under £10 AND included in the Boots 3 for 2 offers, making them even cheaper again. Ensuring you can gift all of the “Little Joys” this Christmas, without breaking the bank.",[12,889,890],{},[15,891],{"alt":253,"src":892},"/images/2022/12/Boots_little_joys_christmas_gifts6.jpg",[12,894,895,896,901,902,907],{},"With an extensive range of gifts for children from ",[330,897,900],{"href":898,"rel":899},"https://www.boots.com/gift/advent%20calendars",[334],"Advent Calendars"," to the perfect ",[330,903,906],{"href":904,"rel":905},"https://www.boots.com/christmas/stocking%20fillers",[334],"Stocking Fillers"," , I’ve grabbed some great bath products as well as cosy Pyjamas which will make a great addition to our Christmas eve box and stockings.",[12,909,910,913,916,917,621],{},[15,911],{"alt":253,"src":912},"/images/2022/12/Boots_little_joys_christmas_gifts7.jpg",[914,915],"br",{},"\nThere is no shortage of gifts for the ladies at Boots, many of us shop there year-round as well as 3 for 2 gifts theirs always an endless array of beauty and perfumes available at boots when looking for ",[330,918,921],{"href":919,"rel":920},"https://www.boots.com/christmas/gifts%20for%20her",[334],"Christmas Gifts for her",[12,923,924,925,930],{},"Having said that they also have after-shaves, skincare, and electrical items for the men in your life. Making finding ",[330,926,929],{"href":927,"rel":928},"https://www.boots.com/christmas/gifts-for-him",[334],"Christmas gifts for him"," simple too!",[12,932,933,936,938],{},[15,934],{"alt":253,"src":935},"/images/2022/12/Boots_little_joys_christmas_gifts5.jpg",[914,937],{},"\nYou can shop Boots’ full range of Christmas gifts online and in-store.",[12,940,941],{},"Have you spotted anything you love?!",[12,943,944],{},"I hope this helps you find some beautiful gifts without breaking the bank this Christmas.",[12,946,947],{},"Wishing you a beautiful festive season friends!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":949},[],[262,951],"parenting","2022-12-12T12:28:00Z","11894",{},"Boots Christmas gift guide. Little Joys collection featuring 3 for 2 offers, stocking fillers, beauty sets and secret Santa gifts. Budget-friendly.","/little-joys-christmas-gift-guide-boots",{"title":818,"description":253},"little-joys-christmas-gift-guide-boots","xap3L9Gzcbq3J9-ZNiKeNMYcFV4OKFuB1XkaW3uj4Ms",{"id":961,"title":962,"author":7,"body":963,"category":1083,"cover":971,"date":1084,"description":253,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":1085,"meta":1086,"meta_description":1087,"meta_title":962,"navigation":269,"path":1088,"seo":1089,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":1090,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":1091},"posts/win-neighborhoods-christmas-lighting-competition.md","How to win your neighborhood’s Christmas lighting competition",{"type":9,"value":964,"toc":1081},[965,972,981,984,987,996,999,1002,1005,1014,1023,1026,1034,1041,1044,1047,1056,1059,1062,1070,1073,1078],[12,966,967],{},[39,968,969],{},[15,970],{"alt":253,"src":971},"/images/2022/12/christmaslights_01.jpg",[12,973,974,975,980],{},"If you’re trying to ",[330,976,979],{"href":977,"rel":978},"https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-63828839",[334],"ward off the winter doom and gloom",", what better way to do so than with a friendly(ish) Christmas lighting competition?",[12,982,983],{},"Christmas is a beautiful time to spend with loved ones and get into the community spirit. To try and encourage some festive cheer, some places across the UK organise Christmas competitions. Many of which are centred around cool lighting displays!",[12,985,986],{},"If you’re hoping to take part, here are some tips to help you beat your neighbours…",[12,988,989,992,993],{},[15,990],{"alt":253,"src":991},"/images/2022/12/christmaslights_02.jpg","1. ",[39,994,995],{},"Plan it in advance",[12,997,998],{},"Like most things in life, it helps to plan it in advance!",[12,1000,1001],{},"To start with, grab a notepad and pen and have a look at your house. Look at areas that will lend themselves to getting a festive makeover.",[12,1003,1004],{},"Then, once you’ve decided where your Christmas lights will go, think logistics. Are there plug sockets that you could use to ensure your house remains lit up for the duration of the competition? If not, how will you work around this?",[12,1006,1007,1008,1013],{},"If you’re concerned about ",[330,1009,1012],{"href":1010,"rel":1011},"https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-62738249",[334],"cutting your energy bill",", then don’t worry. You can still take part! Where you can, make sure that your lights are LEDs. Or invest in solar-powered or even battery-powered lights.",[12,1015,1016,1019,1020],{},[15,1017],{"alt":253,"src":1018},"/images/2022/12/christmaslights_03.jpg","2. ",[39,1021,1022],{},"Get good quality lights",[12,1024,1025],{},"Sometimes, you get what you pay for. Although it might be tempting to buy some cheap lights, often the quality is just not the same – and might cost you your win!",[12,1027,1028,1033],{},[330,1029,1032],{"href":1030,"rel":1031},"http://www.lights4fun.co.uk/collections/outdoor-lights",[334],"By investing in some good quality outdoor lights",", you can ensure your Christmas display not only looks better – but is safer.",[650,1035,1036],{"start":452},[46,1037,1038],{},[39,1039,1040],{},"Start early",[12,1042,1043],{},"Unless you’re a Christmas elf, putting lights up takes time. To ensure you don’t end up with a half-finished display, give yourself plenty of time. After all, if you end up completing your display ahead of time, you can always sit back and relax with a well-earned cup of tea.",[12,1045,1046],{},"If you can’t start early, be sure to draft in the whole family for that Christmas team effort.",[12,1048,1049,1052,1053],{},[15,1050],{"alt":253,"src":1051},"/images/2022/12/christmaslights_04.jpg","4. ",[39,1054,1055],{},"Don’t forget walkways and pathways",[12,1057,1058],{},"When you’re taking part in a Christmas light competition, it’s important to light up your pathways and walkways to guide viewers through your winter wonderland.",[12,1060,1061],{},"If you don’t, as well as potentially costing you the competition, you could end up with injuries if people trip over in the dark. Don’t say we didn’t warn you…",[650,1063,1065],{"start":1064},5,[46,1066,1067],{},[39,1068,1069],{},"Light up anything in sight",[12,1071,1072],{},"You only get one chance to win. So, it’s important to go all out. Make sure to light up anything in your front porch or garden – including any trees!",[12,1074,1075],{},[39,1076,1077],{},"Final thoughts…",[12,1079,1080],{},"Once you’ve done this, the hard work is done! Now all that’s left to do is to sit back and relax as your neighbours gaze in awe at the marvelous creation you’ve made this Christmas.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":1082},[],[262],"2022-12-10T15:07:00Z","11920",{},"Win your neighbourhood Christmas lights competition. Planning tips, quality lights, early setup, pathway illumination and going all out. UK festive guide.","/win-neighborhoods-christmas-lighting-competition",{"title":962,"description":253},"win-neighborhoods-christmas-lighting-competition","dzVjYKelesjEEjQOHLm15V5o0IHDr8bjXilMq0F-c6M",{"id":1093,"title":1094,"author":7,"body":1095,"category":1188,"cover":1101,"date":1189,"description":253,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":1190,"meta":1191,"meta_description":1192,"meta_title":1094,"navigation":269,"path":1193,"seo":1194,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":1195,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":1196},"posts/preparing-move-prepare-big-day.md","Preparing To Move? How To Prepare For The Big Day",{"type":9,"value":1096,"toc":1186},[1097,1102,1105,1108,1113,1116,1125,1130,1133,1142,1147,1150,1159,1162,1167,1172,1175,1178,1183],[12,1098,1099],{},[15,1100],{"alt":253,"src":1101},"/images/2022/09/MOVING02.jpg",[12,1103,1104],{},"Moving house can be simultaneously exciting, stressful, scary, and emotional. You’re leaving memories behind, with the promise of new ones to come. The toll can be both physical and psychological, moving heavy boxes comes alongside often nightmarish logistical problems.",[12,1106,1107],{},"We’ve put together a guide with some top tips on preparing for moving day, designed to streamline the process and ensure your move is as smooth as possible. Read on to find out more.",[12,1109,1110],{},[39,1111,1112],{},"Organise your Things",[12,1114,1115],{},"The first thing to do before a move is a preliminary organisation and de-cluttering of your possessions. Clear out those old, forgotten cupboards and drawers of bric-a-brac, and be ruthless in disposing of things you don’t need, it can be surprising when you realise how much junk you’ve accumulated over the years.",[12,1117,1118,1119,1124],{},"Remember, not everything needs to come to your new home straight away. Box up some old books or photo albums and consider putting them in storage for the time being. It can help reduce the load for the removal van and gives you a few less things to worry about. Most UK cities offer personal storage spaces, for ",[330,1120,1123],{"href":1121,"rel":1122},"https://www.safestore.co.uk/self-storage/birmingham/",[334],"local storage options"," try Safestore, where you’ll find a range of unit types and sizes to suit your needs.",[12,1126,1127],{},[39,1128,1129],{},"Visualise your New Home",[12,1131,1132],{},"Having a clear picture of what your new home will look like is an excellent way of simplifying the moving process. It allows you to assess what items need moving as a priority, where things should go and what you can get rid of.",[12,1134,1135,1136,1141],{},"Make sure you have a floorplan of your new home and try visit as often as possible before the move to get a feel for space and take measurements. Always remember to ",[330,1137,1140],{"href":1138,"rel":1139},"https://furnitureacademy.com/how-to-measure-doorway-for-furniture-deliveries/",[334],"measure the doorways",", trying to move a couch through a door that’s too small can cause serious delays.",[12,1143,1144],{},[39,1145,1146],{},"Book a Removal Company",[12,1148,1149],{},"This might not be a necessary step for some. If you live alone in a one-bedroom flat or apartment you could potentially make do with a small van, or even a few trips in a car.",[12,1151,1152,1153,1158],{},"However, if you live in a larger house and a removal van is needed, there are a few things to bear in mind. ",[330,1154,1157],{"href":1155,"rel":1156},"https://www.which.co.uk/money/mortgages-and-property/home-movers/moving-house/how-to-choose-the-best-removals-company-ak3kc6x5bdl6",[334],"Shop around",", get price quotes from a few different companies and compare, there’s no need to go for the first one you come across. Ask for full price breakdowns to compare accurately, and be sure to ask about overtime rates should any unexpected delays occur.",[12,1160,1161],{},"Finally, check insurance policies for each removal company, especially if you are moving valuable items. Policies can differ in terms of claim time limits and limits per item, so ensure you’re aware of all conditions.",[12,1163,1164],{},[15,1165],{"alt":253,"src":1166},"/images/2022/09/MOVING_01.jpg",[12,1168,1169],{},[39,1170,1171],{},"Start Packing",[12,1173,1174],{},"Once you’ve got your belongings organised, you know where everything’s going, and you’ve booked your removal company, it’s time to get your boxes packed. Use durable boxes and don’t overpack them, while distributing heavy items evenly between boxes.",[12,1176,1177],{},"For valuable items, wrapping them in bubble wrap and tissue paper can help protect them from breaking during the move. Labelling your boxes is a great way of making the unpacking process easier.",[12,1179,1180],{},[39,1181,1182],{},"Conclusion",[12,1184,1185],{},"Moving day doesn’t need to be a stressful experience. With the proper planning, preparation, and implementation, the day can be condensed into a select number of key steps. Organising your belongings should come first, disposing of what you don’t need and storing what you might need later. Picturing your new home will allow you to prioritise your furniture, while booking the right removal company will put your mind at ease before you start packing boxes.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":1187},[],[262],"2022-09-21T13:21:00Z","11861",{},"House moving tips and preparation guide. Organising belongings, visualising your new home, booking removal companies, and packing strategies. UK moving advice.","/preparing-move-prepare-big-day",{"title":1094,"description":253},"preparing-move-prepare-big-day","a5lDoPUeqAArSVt4tiynPYqrSKHWSZ0fO0eWHuEGuQg",{"id":1198,"title":1199,"author":7,"body":1200,"category":1276,"cover":1277,"date":1278,"description":1204,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":1279,"meta":1280,"meta_description":1281,"meta_title":1199,"navigation":269,"path":1282,"seo":1283,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":1284,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":1285},"posts/5-reasons-look-getting-porcelain-veneers.md","5 Reasons To Look Into Getting Porcelain Veneers",{"type":9,"value":1201,"toc":1274},[1202,1205,1208,1213,1218,1227,1232,1235,1240,1249,1254,1263,1268,1271],[12,1203,1204],{},"There are millions of us across the UK that have chipped, discoloured, or malformed teeth. If you’re in this category, you’re not alone. And while you should never feel like you have to change your appearance, for those who aren’t confident with their teeth, this could be stopping you from living your best life.",[12,1206,1207],{},"Cosmetic dentistry treatments have continued to rise in popularity. More and more people are looking into procedures like porcelain veneers as a way to enhance their smile and restore confidence. Here we will explore the potential benefits of getting porcelain veneers and why it’s one of the most popular treatments performed in cosmetic dentistry.",[12,1209,1210],{},[15,1211],{"alt":253,"src":1212},"/images/2022/07/depositphotos_52684065-stock-photo-shade-determination.jpeg",[12,1214,1215],{},[39,1216,1217],{},"Look and Feel Natural",[12,1219,1220,1221,1226],{},"Porcelain veneers are custom made to provide a natural appearance. This means unless you told someone you’ve had cosmetic dental treatment done, they would not have the slightest idea! We’re all aware of the horror stories of people getting cosmetic dental work that looks anything but natural. However, with porcelain veneers, you can be guaranteed they won’t stand out for all the wrong reasons. Make sure you pick a reputable dentist like ",[330,1222,1225],{"href":1223,"rel":1224},"https://cheritondentalpractice.co.uk/",[334],"Cheriton Dental Practice",". They’re a Christchurch dentist who provide porcelain veneer treatment. Other treatments they offer include teeth whitening, gum care, and fillings.",[12,1228,1229],{},[39,1230,1231],{},"Can Cover Cracks, Chips, and Discolouration",[12,1233,1234],{},"For those who have small cosmetic issues, they may be noticeable when you talk or smile. If you opt for porcelain dental veneers, they’re able to fix chips, cracks, and discolouration. However, if you’ve got a fragile tooth, your dentist may advise you have a dental crown to restore your tooth to its natural appearance and strength.",[12,1236,1237],{},[39,1238,1239],{},"Increase Confidence",[12,1241,1242,1243,1248],{},"Unfortunately, some people find their confidence hits rock bottom because of the way their teeth look. If you’re not happy with your smile, you may be reluctant to open up and socialise. This can affect you in many aspects of life. Whether you’re ",[330,1244,1247],{"href":1245,"rel":1246},"https://www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-prepare-for-an-interview/",[334],"attending a job interview"," or going on a first date, if you’re not confident with your smile, you could be stopping yourself from all kinds of opportunities. When you opt for porcelain veneers, they can transform you into a more confident and assertive person. When you know your smile is dazzling, you won’t be able to stop showing it off!",[12,1250,1251],{},[39,1252,1253],{},"Low Maintenance",[12,1255,1256,1257,1262],{},"One of the great positives of porcelain veneers is they’re stain resistant. However, you will need to still ",[330,1258,1261],{"href":1259,"rel":1260},"https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/how-to-keep-your-teeth-clean/",[334],"brush your teeth twice each day and remember to floss"," to keep on top of your oral health. Also, make sure you have regular dental checkups. This will help to keep your veneers clean and allow you to continue enjoying a beautiful, white smile.",[12,1264,1265],{},[39,1266,1267],{},"Long-Lasting",[12,1269,1270],{},"We’re not going to say porcelain veneers will last you a lifetime. But, if you take diligent care of them and follow the above, they can last for roughly 10 years. Porcelain veneers provide excellent longevity and aesthetics, meaning you won’t have to get them replaced for many, many years.",[12,1272,1273],{},"Porcelain veneers can help restore your smile from cracks, slight chips, and discolouration. If you’re not happy about your smile and want to make a change, it may be time to consider this option. Before making your mind up, do your research into cosmetic dentists in your area to ensure you find a reputable clinic to carry out treatment.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":1275},[],[262],"/images/2022/07/istockphoto-1164174572-612x612.jpg","2022-07-08T12:43:00Z","11840",{},"5 reasons to get porcelain veneers. Natural appearance, covers chips and discolouration, boosts confidence, low maintenance and long-lasting. UK dentistry.","/5-reasons-look-getting-porcelain-veneers",{"title":1199,"description":1204},"5-reasons-look-getting-porcelain-veneers","BItcWBVl_g4O5g5-nI0kiBDxBNy_sIBaFxTW7rVlMAs",{"id":1287,"title":1288,"author":7,"body":1289,"category":1371,"cover":1342,"date":1372,"description":1293,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":1373,"meta":1374,"meta_description":1375,"meta_title":1376,"navigation":269,"path":1377,"seo":1378,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":1379,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":1380},"posts/harry-potter-gifts-potterhead-life-young-old.md","Harry Potter gifts for the Potter heads in your life, young and old!",{"type":9,"value":1290,"toc":1368},[1291,1294,1297,1305,1308,1319,1322,1332,1335,1338,1348,1351,1354,1360,1363],[12,1292,1293],{},"Happiness can be found in the darkest of times – Albus Dumbledore.",[12,1295,1296],{},"Loved by many, young and old. The Wizarding World boasts many collectibles and gifts for all. Asan avid fan of all thing Potter I’ve compiled a guide of gifts that would be sure to make any Potter Head smile!",[314,1298,1300],{"id":1299},"_1-kano-coding-kit-harry-potter-wand-3999",[330,1301,1304],{"href":1302,"rel":1303},"https://kano.me/uk/store/products/coding-wand",[334],"1. *Kano Coding Kit – Harry Potter Wand £39.99",[12,1306,1307],{},"Coding is part of the curriculum in schools today and plays a heavy part in the way our work now works. This particular gift is one we thought was perfect for our 6-year-old. He loves Harry Potter and daddy is a developer so coding is something we’d love for him to learn and enjoy too.",[12,1309,1310,1313,1314],{},[15,1311],{"alt":253,"src":1312},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_harry_potter_kano_coding.jpg","### ",[330,1315,1318],{"href":1316,"rel":1317},"https://minalima.com/de/product/harry-potter-and-the-philosophers-stone-signed-copy/",[334],"2. House of Minalima Philosophers stone book £30 signed",[12,1320,1321],{},"A book like no other, and one that ALL Potter Heads should own. A truly stunning work of art with fold-out, pull out and moveable pieces within. I highly recommend watching a video to get a glimpse inside. We also have The Chamber of Secrets by Minalima and its beautiful!",[12,1323,1324,1313,1327],{},[15,1325],{"alt":253,"src":1326},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_harry_potter_minalima.jpg",[330,1328,1331],{"href":1329,"rel":1330},"https://www.adenandanais.co.uk/harry-pottertm-iconic-cotton-muslin-dream-blanket-admc10002hp",[334],"3. *Aden + Anais Cotton Dream Blanket",[12,1333,1334],{},"For the little Potter heads in your life this beautiful Cotton Muslin Dream Blanket from Aden + Anais is the perfect gift. Adorned with golden snitches on one side and owls and castles on the other this blanket is generously sized and perfect for both babies and toddlers.",[12,1336,1337],{},"Although you might be tempted to keep it for yourself!",[12,1339,1340,1313,1343],{},[15,1341],{"alt":253,"src":1342},"/images/2020/12/Aden_anais_harry_potter-2.jpg",[330,1344,1347],{"href":1345,"rel":1346},"https://www.harrypotterplatform934.com/products/gryffindor-scarf-enamel-pin?_pos=37&_sid=2746c951a&_ss=r",[334],"4. *Wizarding World Harry potter Pin Seeking pins £8.95",[12,1349,1350],{},"For those who love Pin Seeking new house pins from Wizarding World make a great gift and perfect for a stocking filler.",[12,1352,1353],{},"This pin features a Hogwarts scarf design with the wording “You Might Belong In Gryffindor, Where Dwell The Brave At Heart”. against the Gryffindor house colours. This enamel pin is part of the Harry Potter Fan Club Pin Seeking collection and comes with a Gryffindor-inspired backing card with a scannable Enchanted Key that unlocks hidden surprises with the Wizarding World app*.",[12,1355,1356,1359],{},[15,1357],{"alt":253,"src":1358},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_harry_potter_pin.jpg","### 5. Harry Potter Vans shoes £12",[12,1361,1362],{},"These kids Vans were a total bargain at £12 in the vans online reduction, there are still plenty of Harry Potter styles and sizes available, but be quick as I can’t imagine they’ll be around for long!",[12,1364,1365],{},[15,1366],{"alt":253,"src":1367},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_harry_potter_vans.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":1369},[1370],{"id":1299,"depth":452,"text":1304},[262],"2021-12-12T13:26:00Z","11735",{},"Harry Potter gifts for all ages. Kano coding wand, MinaLima books, Aden + Anais blanket, Wizarding World pins, and Vans shoes. Perfect Potterhead presents.","Best Harry Potter Gifts for Potterheads","/harry-potter-gifts-potterhead-life-young-old",{"title":1288,"description":1293},"harry-potter-gifts-potterhead-life-young-old","QWCkWxlk9SAdR_cddXdehDFq7kHWX-c25iR25kEPD9Y",{"id":1382,"title":1383,"author":7,"body":1384,"category":1466,"cover":1393,"date":1467,"description":1388,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":1468,"meta":1469,"meta_description":1470,"meta_title":1383,"navigation":269,"path":1471,"seo":1472,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":1473,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":1474},"posts/5-tips-skin-acting.md","5 Tips for When Your Skin is Acting up",{"type":9,"value":1385,"toc":1464},[1386,1389,1395,1402,1405,1412,1415,1422,1431,1439,1442,1449,1452],[12,1387,1388],{},"During times when your skin is acting up, it can be confusing to figure out what the causes are and to figure out what it needs. Sometimes our skin is simply not happy, and the reasons can be many: from PMS, to cold dry air, a harsh product, irritation… and the list goes on! When your skin is angry the best thing to do is push the restart button and calm it down.",[12,1390,1391,1394],{},[15,1392],{"alt":253,"src":1393},"/images/2021/11/content-pixie-TxBQ7yLj6JU-unsplash.jpg","Here are 5 tips for how to calm angry, irritated skin:",[650,1396,1397],{},[46,1398,1399],{},[39,1400,1401],{},"Use a gentle cleanser",[12,1403,1404],{},"A gentle cleanser that is effective but doesn’t strip or irritate the skin is essential when your skin is acting up. Many cleansers have added ingredients for purifying the skin such as an acid, and this is the time to focus on a soothing cleanser that is hydrating.",[650,1406,1407],{"start":254},[46,1408,1409],{},[39,1410,1411],{},"Do a delicate exfoliation",[12,1413,1414],{},"Exfoliating is a step where many people say they can easily run into overdoing it. A delicate exfoliation with a chemical exfoliant is effective in helping the skin reset, but it doesn’t further irritate it like a physical exfoliant can. When your skin is acting up, scale back how often you exfoliate and how long you use one for. And if your skin is really sensitive, you can skip this skip entirely until it gets to a better place and can handle the exfoliation.",[650,1416,1417],{"start":452},[46,1418,1419],{},[39,1420,1421],{},"Give it extra moisture",[12,1423,1424,1425,1430],{},"When dealing with irritation, you want to focus on soothing your skin and hydration is a critical piece for this. Now is the time to give your skin extra moisture with dedicated products like the ",[330,1426,1429],{"href":1427,"rel":1428},"https://skincare.bluelagoon.com/en/face/face-mask.html",[334],"hydrating Blue Lagoon face masks",", and avoid using extra products such as makeup when possible so your skin can breathe and focus on soaking up all the products.",[650,1432,1434],{"start":1433},4,[46,1435,1436],{},[39,1437,1438],{},"Wear sunscreen!",[12,1440,1441],{},"Sunscreen is essential, and especially when you are trying to calm sensitive skin you want to be sure you are protecting it whenever and wherever possible. Reapply during the day and it will help to reduce further irritation and sensitivity caused by the sun rays.",[650,1443,1444],{"start":1064},[46,1445,1446],{},[39,1447,1448],{},"Try to identify your triggers",[12,1450,1451],{},"Though it can be challenging, try to identify your triggers so you can reduce the number of flare ups and intensity of them in the future. It can be helpful to keep a skincare log so you can write down what you notice about your skin, ideas of triggers, and try focusing on one at a time to see the result. For example, if you think you are over-exfoliating your skin this can be a major stressor on the skin as it impacts your skin barrier. Then you can scale back your routine and follow some of these steps here to help soothe the skin.",[12,1453,1454,1457,1458,1463],{},[15,1455],{"alt":253,"src":1456},"/images/2021/11/jocelyn-morales-JiqTLjzEH18-unsplash.jpg","Overall, taking steps to soothe your skin and give it time to recover is essential to caring for skin that is acting up. And no matter what, ",[330,1459,1462],{"href":1460,"rel":1461},"https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-stop-picking-face",[334],"do not pick"," your face! Resist the urge to touch your skin and do not apply thousands of different products, as this will only make it worse.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":1465},[],[262],"2021-11-18T06:25:00Z","11821",{},"5 tips for irritated skin. Gentle cleansing, delicate exfoliation, extra moisture, sunscreen protection, and identifying triggers. Calm angry skin naturally.","/5-tips-skin-acting",{"title":1383,"description":1388},"5-tips-skin-acting","BaYW1GqlqAm_nkWfldPkae1QI3xmZjKFG0DT9RdlTDM",{"id":1476,"title":1477,"author":7,"body":1478,"category":1585,"cover":1558,"date":1586,"description":1482,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":1587,"meta":1588,"meta_description":1589,"meta_title":1477,"navigation":269,"path":1590,"seo":1591,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":1592,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":1593},"posts/tips-creating-family-friendly-bathroom.md","Tips For Creating A Family-Friendly Bathroom",{"type":9,"value":1479,"toc":1579},[1480,1483,1486,1493,1496,1499,1534,1538,1541,1544,1547,1550,1553,1560,1563,1566,1569,1573,1576],[12,1481,1482],{},"If you are just starting a family, it can be tough to know what kind of design elements and décor style to use to make your home family-friendly. This is especially true for the bathroom, which is full of hard materials like porcelain and metal.",[12,1484,1485],{},"With that in mind, here are some tips and tricks that will help you create a family-friendly bathroom.",[29,1487,1489,1492],{"id":1488},"so-what-should-be-considered",[15,1490],{"alt":253,"src":1491},"/images/2021/03/designer_bathroom_02.jpg","So, What Should Be Considered?",[12,1494,1495],{},"When you are designing a family-friendly bathroom, you will want to include as many child-friendly features as you can. Making it both a safe and comfortable environment for your little one will help in combating any fears they may have about bath time.",[12,1497,1498],{},"Some of the things that you should think about including to your new family-friendly bathroom are:",[43,1500,1501,1504,1507,1510,1513,1516,1519,1522,1525],{},[46,1502,1503],{},"Soft-close toilet seats",[46,1505,1506],{},"Shower screens with curved edges",[46,1508,1509],{},"Textured, non-slip floor coverings",[46,1511,1512],{},"Flat-base baths to avoid slipping",[46,1514,1515],{},"A thermostatic shower to reduce the risk of scalding",[46,1517,1518],{},"Taps fitted with temperature regulators",[46,1520,1521],{},"Non-slip bath and shower trays",[46,1523,1524],{},"Hand-held shower head to make short work of hair washing",[46,1526,1527,1528,1533],{},"A ",[330,1529,1532],{"href":1530,"rel":1531},"https://www.traderadiators.com/heated-towel-rails/designer-heated-towel-rails",[334],"heated towel rail"," with thermostat control.",[29,1535,1537],{"id":1536},"the-design","The Design",[12,1539,1540],{},"One thing that is paramount to consider in your family-friendly bathroom design is to remember that it will change as your kids change. The needs for a baby versus the needs for a curious toddler will be vastly different.",[12,1542,1543],{},"It’s best to avoid installing features designed specifically for children into your bathroom, things like smaller toilet seats because in a few years they’ll have simply outgrown them.",[12,1545,1546],{},"The key to future-proofing your bathroom is adopting a design that works for adults but is easily accessorised for kids.",[12,1548,1549],{},"For example, instead of a kid’s toilet seat, something like a stool may be a better choice. This allows your kid access while keeping the room adult-friendly too. Stools also come in a wide range of colours and designs specifically for kids.",[12,1551,1552],{},"Other great options are shower baths, and child steps for access to the sink.",[29,1554,1556,1559],{"id":1555},"make-it-colourful",[15,1557],{"alt":253,"src":1558},"/images/2021/09/bathroom_01.jpg","Make It Colourful",[12,1561,1562],{},"Just because your bathroom needs to be child-friendly doesn’t mean it needs to be entirely child-focused. But keeping your bathroom colourful, warm, and stimulating to your child will create a calming atmosphere for them.",[12,1564,1565],{},"The paint scheme of the bathroom can be fairly subtle; such as cream, white, or peach. You can then choose to contrast this with colourful accents and accessories to give your room some gusto. So, for example, picking coloured skirtings, rugs, mats, and having a plant or two.",[12,1567,1568],{},"Another really simple and fun idea you can do is have individual towels, with each member of your family picking their own colour. Not only will this make your bathroom look colourful, but it also helps you stay on top of the laundry.",[29,1570,1572],{"id":1571},"in-summary","In Summary",[12,1574,1575],{},"There are so many ways to make your bathroom child friendly without having a complete overhaul. The key is committing to accessories for kids, rather than re-working your whole bathroom.",[12,1577,1578],{},"With this in mind, get creative with it and make your bathroom the best it can be.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":1580},[1581,1582,1583,1584],{"id":1488,"depth":254,"text":1492},{"id":1536,"depth":254,"text":1537},{"id":1555,"depth":254,"text":1559},{"id":1571,"depth":254,"text":1572},[262],"2021-09-12T14:00:00Z","11797",{},"Family-friendly bathroom tips. Safety features, future-proof design, colourful accessories, soft-close seats, non-slip surfaces, and thermostatic controls.","/tips-creating-family-friendly-bathroom",{"title":1477,"description":1482},"tips-creating-family-friendly-bathroom","CaufNaAZWe0Is2XGAIyYpKCtFJsec4NpVcWKMz6l988",{"id":1595,"title":1596,"author":7,"body":1597,"category":1713,"cover":1714,"date":1715,"description":1601,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":1716,"meta":1717,"meta_description":1718,"meta_title":1596,"navigation":269,"path":1719,"seo":1720,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":1721,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":1722},"posts/owning-car-uk-city-taking-look-pros-cons.md","Owning a Car in a UK City – Taking a Look at the Pros and Cons",{"type":9,"value":1598,"toc":1711},[1599,1602,1605,1612,1615,1621,1624,1630,1633,1639,1642,1648,1657,1663,1672,1681,1687,1690,1699,1705,1708],[12,1600,1601],{},"City living in the UK is one that affords all kinds of wonderful opportunities. You have all the modern conveniences you could possibly need, and typically there is a fair amount of history and lovely architecture that is intertwined within those modern buildings. City living can be perfect for singles, couples, families, and empty-nesters, as there’s a bit of everything offered. With that said, city living is quite different to life in the countryside. It’s not just the scenery and the pace of your everyday; it also affects other aspects of life.",[12,1603,1604],{},"A common question city folk find themselves asking is whether or not it’s worth it for them to own a car? Will that make life easier living in the city, or do the negatives outweigh the positives? So, let’s take a closer look at the many pros and cons to owning a car in a big UK city.",[1606,1607,1609],"h4",{"id":1608},"pro-complete-freedom-to-go-where-you-want-when-you-want",[39,1610,1611],{},"Pro – Complete Freedom to Go Where You Want, When You Want",[12,1613,1614],{},"The biggest pro is also the most obvious, and that’s the sense of freedom a car offers. When you have your own car, you don’t have to worry about how far your home is from the nearest train station or bus station, what the schedule is, how many transfers you may need to make, and how close it gets you to your final destination. With a car, you can literally jump in and go whenever you want.",[1606,1616,1618],{"id":1617},"pro-handy-for-families-with-small-children",[39,1619,1620],{},"Pro – Handy for Families with Small Children",[12,1622,1623],{},"If you happen to be a family with small children, owning your own car can make life a whole lot easier. It makes outings and errands smoother and more comfortable for all.",[1606,1625,1627],{"id":1626},"pro-road-trips-can-be-a-regular-thing",[39,1628,1629],{},"Pro – Road Trips Can be a Regular Thing",[12,1631,1632],{},"When you have your own car, you also tend to be more willing to explore outside your city, and really get out and see the sights and attractions around you.",[1606,1634,1636],{"id":1635},"pro-it-can-help-increase-your-work-opportunities",[39,1637,1638],{},"Pro – It Can Help Increase Your Work Opportunities",[12,1640,1641],{},"Owning a car can also increase your work opportunities since you can look outside of areas that are serviced by public transit.",[1606,1643,1645],{"id":1644},"con-traffic-and-road-rage",[39,1646,1647],{},"Con – Traffic and Road Rage",[12,1649,1650,1651,1656],{},"This isn’t an issue that is unique to UK cities – ",[330,1652,1655],{"href":1653,"rel":1654},"https://inews.co.uk/essentials/lifestyle/cars/car-news/the-uks-most-congested-cities-and-a-roads-revealed/",[334],"heavy traffic"," and road rage is something that just about every big city around the world has a problem with. It can be incredibly frustrating when you only have to go a short distance, but thanks to the amount of traffic, it ends up taking what seems like forever.",[1606,1658,1660],{"id":1659},"con-the-cost-of-fuel",[39,1661,1662],{},"Con – The Cost of Fuel",[12,1664,1665,1666,1671],{},"The ",[330,1667,1670],{"href":1668,"rel":1669},"https://www.bbc.com/news/business-21238363",[334],"cost of fuel"," is very much a negative as well, especially as prices continue to climb on what seems like a regular basis. While you might be able to find an independent filling station that undercuts their larger competitors, you’re still going to be forking out a lot for your fuel.",[12,1673,1674,1675,1680],{},"When trying to save fuel, it is worth considering your driving style and looking for alternative routes to be more economical. Alternatively, the ",[330,1676,1679],{"href":1677,"rel":1678,"title":1677},"https://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/electric_hybrid_vehicles/which-industries-could-benefit-most-from-electric-20210113",[334],"rise of electric cars"," is enticing many city dwellers as a way of saving money on petrol and diesel.",[1606,1682,1684],{"id":1683},"con-the-cost-of-insurance",[39,1685,1686],{},"Con – The Cost of Insurance",[12,1688,1689],{},"And it’s not just the cost of the car itself, along with the repairs/maintenance; there is also insurance to worry about. Once you add the monthly insurance cost into your budget, suddenly what seemed to be an affordable car may not be so cost-effective.",[12,1691,1692,1693,1698],{},"One tip to keep in mind is that it can be well worth your time to do a little comparison shopping where car insurance is concerned – you should be able to save a lot more by shopping around for insurance than you would if you were shopping for cheaper fuel prices. You can use the site ",[330,1694,1697],{"href":1695,"rel":1696},"https://www.quotezone.co.uk/car-insurance",[334],"Quotezone.co.uk"," which is known for helping drivers find cheap car insurance in the UK. All you’ll need to do is fill in one quick and easy form, and then you are given a list of comparison quotes from some of the top insurance providers on the market right now. That allows you to find a rate that matches your budget better, and hopefully keep the cost of car ownership affordable.",[1606,1700,1702],{"id":1701},"con-lack-of-parking",[39,1703,1704],{},"Con – Lack of Parking",[12,1706,1707],{},"Lack of parking also exists in many of the UK’s biggest cities, which can leave you driving around in circles looking for a place to stop.",[12,1709,1710],{},"At the end of the day, owning a car in a UK city is really about a lifestyle choice. Weigh up the pros and cons, and always make sure the cost is justified.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":1712},[],[262],"/images/2016/04/babyzen_yoyo__2_02.jpg","2021-05-07T13:51:00Z","11481",{},"Owning a car in a UK city: pros and cons. Freedom vs traffic, family convenience vs parking struggles. Fuel costs, insurance tips, and lifestyle choices.","/owning-car-uk-city-taking-look-pros-cons",{"title":1596,"description":1601},"owning-car-uk-city-taking-look-pros-cons","BWSiQjXSDrdJQ_zumBdla-GVnxJty1yqUln30AytQ-U",{"id":1724,"title":1725,"author":7,"body":1726,"category":1781,"cover":1782,"date":1783,"description":1732,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":1784,"meta":1785,"meta_description":1786,"meta_title":1725,"navigation":269,"path":1787,"seo":1788,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":1789,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":1790},"posts/4-tips-designer-bathroom.md","4 Tips for a Designer Bathroom",{"type":9,"value":1727,"toc":1779},[1728,1733,1744,1758,1771],[12,1729,1730,1732],{},[15,1731],{"alt":253,"src":1491},"Designer bathrooms are beautiful. Tempting refuges from the daily bustle, a place where you can be alone for a moment, and a haven where the hassles and stresses of the day can literally be washed away. And almost anyone can have a designer bathroom for less than you might think! Check out some showrooms before you begin, to get an idea of what you are looking for, and then:",[12,1734,1735,1738,1740,1741,1743],{},[39,1736,1737],{},"Make a Plan",[914,1739],{},"\nConsider every detail of your ideal bathroom, and then incorporate that – or as much as you can, anyway – into your existing bathroom space. A good way to do this is visually, either by sketching it on a piece of paper, or by finding software that allows you to input the dimensions of your bathroom to give you a ‘blank canvas’ upon which you can layout bathroom design after bathroom design until you find the perfect combination of style, colour, décor and convenience that will make your bathroom into your dream bathroom!",[914,1742],{},"\nMake sure your measurements are accurate – there is nothing worse than finding out that the space that should be just big enough for a storage cabinet is a few millimetres too narrow! – and print out your favourite three options, just in case you need to change your preferences for any reason.",[12,1745,1746,1749,1751,1752,1757],{},[39,1747,1748],{},"Pick a Style",[914,1750],{},"\nWhich interior design style works for you? Are you soothed by minimalist décor and monochrome or black and white colour schemes; enlivened by ornate chintz soft furnishings and bright and shiny gilt fitting, or enamoured of smooth cold marble and elegant muted gold points? Whichever décor style you prefer, make sure that the soft furnishings (bath mat, toilet pedestal set, curtains and even your towels) all work well with the paint or wall-paper used in your new bathroom. For example if you are somewhere in Yorkshire (Harrogate) and you want to explore options – you can take help from a local brand. If you are looking for designer bathrooms in Harrogate – you can check on the",[330,1753,1756],{"href":1754,"rel":1755},"https://www.my-bathrooms.co.uk/",[334]," My Bathrooms website here"," to see all the beautiful options available, get some inspiration and perhaps even get started planning your very own designer bathroom!",[12,1759,1760,1763,1765,1768,1770],{},[15,1761],{"alt":253,"src":1762},"/images/2021/03/designer_bathroom_01.jpg",[914,1764],{},[39,1766,1767],{},"Seamless Spacing",[914,1769],{},"\nWhen you are planning your ideal designer bathroom, a simple step can make dramatic changes to the look of your bathroom. Make the room look as spacious as possible by installing glass walls, or removing the walls altogether. You can achieve the latter by transforming the entire bathroom into a wet room with a shower drain in the middle of the floor, installing a walk-in shower and keeping the tub, if you decide to include one, small and discreet, out of the way. Increasing the apparent size of the room is a great way to make your bathroom look welcoming and spacious – which automatically imparts an expensive air to the room too!",[12,1772,1773,1776,1778],{},[39,1774,1775],{},"Panoramic Art",[914,1777],{},"\nA modern trend that looks absolutely stunning when done right is to opt for an enormous piece of wall art instead of more standard paint or wallpaper. A desert scene is an ironic nod to the steamy wetness available in your bathroom, while a sea-scape – realistic with fish, coral and other marine creatures or fantastical with mermaids, tame giant sea-horses and magical underwater castles and cities – will make you feel as though you are under the sea whenever you shower!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":1780},[],[262],"/images/2021/03/sdesigner_bathroom_03.jpg","2021-03-29T13:59:00Z","11759",{},"4 tips for creating a designer bathroom. Planning advice, style selection, seamless spacing solutions, and panoramic wall art ideas. Affordable luxury at home.","/4-tips-designer-bathroom",{"title":1725,"description":1732},"4-tips-designer-bathroom","FORCgykrIA2Z_MvA0ncjpnUz8Hid5g1acWxsjj_0nC4",{"id":1792,"title":1793,"author":7,"body":1794,"category":1893,"cover":1816,"date":1894,"description":1798,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":1895,"meta":1896,"meta_description":1897,"meta_title":1898,"navigation":269,"path":1899,"seo":1900,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":1901,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":1902},"posts/christmas-gifts-girls-aged-2-5.md","Gifts for girls aged 2-5+",{"type":9,"value":1795,"toc":1890},[1796,1799,1802,1805,1809,1812,1818,1821,1827,1830,1840,1843,1846,1852,1855,1861,1867,1873,1876,1882,1885],[12,1797,1798],{},"With each passing year, I find shopping for gifts gets harder, especially for my son. This year however I found it hard not to over-buy for my daughter. She turns 3 days before Christmas and I could have bought SO many things for her!",[12,1800,1801],{},"Here are some of my favourite items to give you ideas fir birthdays and special occasions. Some of the items marked with an * have been gifted to us to feature whereas any other items are amongst favourites I’ve purchased for my children.",[12,1803,1804],{},"Fingers crossed you’ll find something your little ones will love!",[314,1806,1808],{"id":1807},"_6-rubens-barn-tummies-45","6. Rubens Barn Tummies £45",[12,1810,1811],{},"Harriets most loved possession in the entire world is “baby” her Ruben Barn doll. We’ve had other dolls over the last 2 years and none have been shown any love. Dinkum dolls, plastic dolls, all of the dolls. Nothing. Only Rubens Barn ones. I can’t blame her, they’re gorgouse. This year they released Tummies, a range of cute friends with a wheat bag inside you can either heat or freeze. I can’t wait for her to meet her new friend on Christmas!",[12,1813,1814,1817],{},[15,1815],{"alt":253,"src":1816},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_rubens_barn.jpg","### 6. Olli Ella Holdie Folk and Seagrass Basket",[12,1819,1820],{},"Although H never took to the Dinkum doll last year she did become fond of a little Holdie Folk that came with our parcel. Usually £14.95 each these little guys were in sale for around £7 each and she loves playing with them in her dolly house. I also picked up the Nyla Seagrass basket on offer for her Baby to sleep in. It also works as a great backdrop for flatlays as you can see",[12,1822,1823,1826],{},[15,1824],{"alt":253,"src":1825},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_olli_ella.jpg","### 6. *Sand Sational from Addo Play",[12,1828,1829],{},"A firm favorite here is this magical sand that never dries out and provides hours of play. A great one for rainy days. Available on Amazon.",[12,1831,1832,1313,1835],{},[15,1833],{"alt":253,"src":1834},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_sandsational.jpg",[330,1836,1839],{"href":1837,"rel":1838},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FD6YSPK/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=a63eb893e85f74feee7d427539b8f4c5&creativeASIN=B07FD6YSPK",[334],"8. *Stocking fillers from Zimpli Kids",[12,1841,1842],{},"If you’re yet to experience the joy of Gelli Baff and it’s friends Slime baff, Crackle Baff or the cute playsets you’ll be both amazed and slightly horrified all at once",[12,1844,1845],{},"The first time we tried one I was wary but the children loved it, it’s non-toxic, it’s safe and the bath did not get clogged up. It really is magic!",[12,1847,1848,1851],{},[15,1849],{"alt":253,"src":1850},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_zimpli_kids.jpg","### Crayola Mess Free Colouring",[12,1853,1854],{},"Anything that claims to be mess-free and fun is coming home with me! We’ve had these before and both children love them. A perfect stocking filler for those rainy days or when you just want 5 minutes of quiet.",[12,1856,1857,1860],{},[15,1858],{"alt":253,"src":1859},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_frozen.jpg","### Addo Play Pitter Patter Pets",[12,1862,1863,1864,1866],{},"This cute little dog from Addo Play can walk, woof and wag its tail.",[914,1865],{},"\nA fun addition for anyone who doesn’t want to commit to a real pet.",[12,1868,1869,1872],{},[15,1870],{"alt":253,"src":1871},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_addo_dog.jpg","### Disney Animator mini dolls",[12,1874,1875],{},"I’ve had my eye on these dolls ever since I saw them on Harriet Sheersmiths insta, they’re the cutest. But they no longer sold these sets. This Christmas the sets were back and I managed to catch them during an offer bagging them for £56 rather than £90! I hope the little lady with have hours of fun these and they’re a great size to pop in a bag for taking out and about.",[12,1877,1878,1881],{},[15,1879],{"alt":253,"src":1880},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_disney_animator_princess_dolls.jpg","### Aqua Beads",[12,1883,1884],{},"The perfect activity to keep little hands busy, this is a shared gift for both of my children, I can see them having plenty of fun with these making creations to share with friends and family.",[12,1886,1887],{},[15,1888],{"alt":253,"src":1889},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_aqua_beads.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":1891},[1892],{"id":1807,"depth":452,"text":1808},[262],"2021-02-03T07:17:00Z","11733",{},"Christmas gift guide for girls aged 2-5. Rubens Barn dolls, Disney Animator princesses, Olli Ella toys, Aqua Beads and mess-free colouring. Birthday ideas.","Christmas Gift Guide for Girls Aged 2-5 Years","/christmas-gifts-girls-aged-2-5",{"title":1793,"description":1798},"christmas-gifts-girls-aged-2-5","BsELRGuxsfQUum_TXRQFN4_zosheuDNNLCn5hpvqU8s",{"id":1904,"title":1905,"author":7,"body":1906,"category":1986,"cover":1971,"date":1987,"description":1910,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":1988,"meta":1989,"meta_description":1990,"meta_title":1905,"navigation":269,"path":1991,"seo":1992,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":1993,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":1994},"posts/7-gifts-get-holiday-season.md","7 Gifts to Get Yourself This Holiday Season",{"type":9,"value":1907,"toc":1979},[1908,1911,1915,1919,1928,1934,1937,1941,1944,1948,1951,1957,1960,1964,1967,1973,1976],[12,1909,1910],{},"It’s that time of year to purchase those Christmas gifts. While we get gifts for our friends and loved ones, there’s someone else to pick up a gift for: yourself! That being said, I do have to admit that I am a fan of not just gifting yourself with something special for the holidays, but really throughout the year as you want to do reward yourself with something or just because",[314,1912,1914],{"id":1913},"here-are-7-gifts-to-consider-gifting-yourself-this-holiday-season","Here are 7 gifts to consider gifting yourself this holiday season:",[314,1916,1918],{"id":1917},"new-handbag","New Handbag",[12,1920,1921,1922,1927],{},"There’s just something about having a new bag in your collection. Whether it is a classic that you will wear over and over, or a unique standout bag that adds something special to your looks, a new bag makes for a great gift to give yourself. Online in stores like Mirta, you can shop gorgeous and high-quality ",[330,1923,1926],{"href":1924,"rel":1925},"https://www.mirta.com/collections/woman/bag-category_top-handle-bags",[334],"top handle bags",", an evergreen classic style that is super trendy right now.",[12,1929,1930,1933],{},[15,1931],{"alt":253,"src":1932},"/images/2020/12/leisara-FskOHt3xuig-unsplash-1.jpg","### Cute Loungewear Set",[12,1935,1936],{},"A cute and cosy loungewear set is always an essential, but especially during these cold months while we are spending more time at home than ever. If you already have the essential warm and cosy set, try out an off-the-shoulder option or mix and match set.",[314,1938,1940],{"id":1939},"that-new-book-youve-been-eyeing","That New Book You’ve Been Eyeing",[12,1942,1943],{},"Now is the time to treat yourself to that book you’ve been eyeing.. just in time for the season where you’ll want to cosy up on the couch, under a blanket, with a book in a hand. Consider the “alone time” also part of the gift.",[314,1945,1947],{"id":1946},"face-serum","Face Serum",[12,1949,1950],{},"A face serum is that product that can completely change up your skincare routine. Whether your skin goals revolve around clarity, brightness, hydration, or a combination of many, a new face serum can be just what your skin wants. Plus, it gives you the excuse to take an extra moment and enjoy this time for self-care.",[12,1952,1953,1956],{},[15,1954],{"alt":253,"src":1955},"/images/2020/12/angelica-echeverry-KPI0ApYdzUI-unsplash.jpg","### Chelsea Boots for the Winter",[12,1958,1959],{},"Chelsea boots are a winter staple, both practical and stylish shoes for the cold weather. There are flat and heeled options, in leather and suede options so there are plenty of options to choose from. These are an item that you’ll be especially thankful for investing in as you move further into the cold weather. Bonus: they are easy to slip into and look effortlessly chic.",[314,1961,1963],{"id":1962},"luxury-candle","Luxury Candle",[12,1965,1966],{},"Candles create a sweet ambiance in your space, and can help you to unwind and relax. Gift yourself with a luxury candle this year, perhaps one that is as much a piece of décor as it is a beautiful candle.",[12,1968,1969,1972],{},[15,1970],{"alt":253,"src":1971},"/images/2020/12/stories-mFTOFzUKdl0-unsplash.jpg","### Sports Wear",[12,1974,1975],{},"Whether you love to exercise or you know some new sports wear would make you enjoy working out more, a new gym kit makes for a great gift! It will give you a confidence boost wearing it, and perhaps inspire you to get more into your self-care and exercise.",[12,1977,1978],{},"Whether it be with one of these items or something else you have been dreaming of, it’s important to treat yourself from time to time. Who says you have to wait for someone to gift you something, especially when it’s an item you really want and know you will use?",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":1980},[1981,1982,1983,1984,1985],{"id":1913,"depth":452,"text":1914},{"id":1917,"depth":452,"text":1918},{"id":1939,"depth":452,"text":1940},{"id":1946,"depth":452,"text":1947},{"id":1962,"depth":452,"text":1963},[262],"2020-12-16T07:09:00Z","11748",{},"7 self-care Christmas gifts to treat yourself. From handbags and loungewear to Chelsea boots and luxury candles. You deserve something special.","/7-gifts-get-holiday-season",{"title":1905,"description":1910},"7-gifts-get-holiday-season","9yo0Iv7CsFNrdYINHQKMSn5j2jumPgd_jbk2t0J5bfE",{"id":1996,"title":1997,"author":7,"body":1998,"category":2132,"cover":2022,"date":2133,"description":2002,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":2134,"meta":2135,"meta_description":2136,"meta_title":2137,"navigation":269,"path":2138,"seo":2139,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":2140,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":2141},"posts/gifts-boys-aged-4-8.md","Gifts for boys aged 4-8",{"type":9,"value":1999,"toc":2127},[2000,2003,2006,2009,2011,2015,2018,2029,2032,2040,2048,2051,2057,2060,2066,2069,2074,2076,2084,2092,2095,2103,2105,2107,2116,2119,2122],[12,2001,2002],{},"Another year has come and almost gone, it’s time to start buying those Christmas gifts!",[12,2004,2005],{},"2020 may not have been the best of years, for obvious reasons. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ourselves and shower our loved ones with gifts should we choose!",[12,2007,2008],{},"Here are some of my favourite gift ideas for boys ages 4-8 years old. Some of the items marked with an * have been gifted to us to feature whereas any other items are amongst favourites I’ve purchased for my children.",[12,2010,1804],{},[314,2012,2014],{"id":2013},"_1-hotwires-from-john-adams","1. *Hotwires from John Adams",[12,2016,2017],{},"Hotwires is a fantastic STEM toy for those inquisitive minds. Retailing from £44.99 upwards it’s the ultimate electronic starter kit. Make anything from a flying disc to a burglar alarm, from a voice recorder to an FM radio to even a lie detector with your Hot Wires Set! Follow the easy-to-use instructions to become an electronics wizard. Over 100 exciting experiments.",[12,2019,2020,2023,2024],{},[15,2021],{"alt":253,"src":2022},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_hor_wires.jpg","### 2. ",[330,2025,2028],{"href":2026,"rel":2027},"https://www.skates.co.uk/scooters/stunt-scooters/",[334],"*Ryan Williams Nitro Circus Signature Junior scooter from Skates.co.uk",[12,2030,2031],{},"The R Willy replica scooter is a stunt scooter most little boys dream of! This is going to be a great step up from a 3 wheeler and intro to stunt scooting for my little boy. Available in black and Gold it’s a mini version of the pros sweet ride. T loves all things Gold so he going to flip when he sees this!",[12,2033,2034],{},[330,2035,2037],{"href":2026,"rel":2036},[334],[15,2038],{"alt":253,"src":2039},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_nitro_circus_scooter_ryan_williams_rwilly.jpg",[314,2041,2043],{"id":2042},"_3-lite-brite-1499",[330,2044,2047],{"href":2045,"rel":2046},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N6B8SX0/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=0c4b1e29c356dc1519d4076d532949c8&creativeASIN=B01N6B8SX0",[334],"3. Lite Brite £14.99",[12,2049,2050],{},"When I saw that Lite Bright was making a come back I got a little excited. I remember having one of these as a child! I’d spend hours creating pictures with this and if I’m honest I think I’ll be having a go of this too!",[12,2052,2053,2056],{},[15,2054],{"alt":253,"src":2055},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_lite_brite.jpg","### 4. Rizmo",[12,2058,2059],{},"Last Christmas Rizmo was all the rage, and in true mum fashion, my kids get the latest trend the year after. Because this guy was just £19.99 when last year he was £49.99! A big difference. Especially when you’re unsure if it’s just a fad or not. Rizmo is a cute toy that you teach and he gradually transforms from a ball with eyes to a fluffy monster type thing. It gives me Mogwai vibes! We’ve gone for stereotypical Blue and Pink for the children, mostly because they can’t be trusted with white!",[12,2061,2062,2065],{},[15,2063],{"alt":253,"src":2064},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_rizmo.jpg","### 5. Sonic The Hedgehog",[12,2067,2068],{},"This year my 5-year-old wants all things sonic, these aren’t easy to come by! This 2 pack of figures was £19.99 at Smyths. They’re posable and look like he’s going to really enjoy them. We also found more of the range at the SEGA shop.",[12,2070,2071,1826],{},[15,2072],{"alt":253,"src":2073},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_sonic_toys_knuckles.jpg",[12,2075,1829],{},[12,2077,2078],{},[330,2079,2082],{"href":2080,"rel":2081},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YL1LKH7/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=ef9112ab5c724c226619710e3f2740a9&creativeASIN=B07YL1LKH7",[334],[15,2083],{"alt":253,"src":1834},[314,2085,2087],{"id":2086},"_7-windy-knickers-from-ideal",[330,2088,2091],{"href":2089,"rel":2090},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08DJ85L4Z/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=9cc99f191f2df2b3551edc496b78491b&creativeASIN=B08DJ85L4Z",[334],"7. *Windy Knickers from IDEAL",[12,2093,2094],{},"A fun family game that will have everyone in fits of giggles. Don’t let Granny get her knickers in a twist! Can you help Granny put out her washing? I’m looking forward to us playing this one as a family on Christmas day!",[12,2096,2097,1313,2100],{},[15,2098],{"alt":253,"src":2099},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_windy_knickers.jpg",[330,2101,1839],{"href":1837,"rel":2102},[334],[12,2104,1842],{},[12,2106,1845],{},[12,2108,2109,1313,2111],{},[15,2110],{"alt":253,"src":1850},[330,2112,2115],{"href":2113,"rel":2114},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PNRCMBS/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=20f38c2733675eca9654df52c344aae6&creativeASIN=B07PNRCMBS",[334],"9. Bakugan Battle Planet",[12,2117,2118],{},"A new favourite in our house is Bakugan. These starter packs are a great way to get going and learn to play the popular game.",[12,2120,2121],{},"Jumpstart your Bakugan collection! Includes 2 Bakugan Ultra, 3 Bakugan, 10 bakucores, 5 character cards and 5 Ability cards. Roll against your friends to see who will become the ultimate Bakugan Master! For ages 6+",[12,2123,2124],{},[15,2125],{"alt":253,"src":2126},"/images/2020/12/christmas_birthday_gift_guide_boys_girls_bakugan.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":2128},[2129,2130,2131],{"id":2013,"depth":452,"text":2014},{"id":2042,"depth":452,"text":2047},{"id":2086,"depth":452,"text":2091},[262],"2020-12-02T14:28:00Z","11711",{},"Christmas gift guide for boys aged 4-8. Hotwires STEM kit, Ryan Williams scooter, Lite Brite, Rizmo, Sonic toys, and Bakugan. Perfect birthday presents too.","Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys Aged 4-8 Years","/gifts-boys-aged-4-8",{"title":1997,"description":2002},"gifts-boys-aged-4-8","c8vBBHvAf6AozSv7Z7QUGMSYse6lSzaS-UJnn4BlJFE",{"id":2143,"title":2144,"author":7,"body":2145,"category":2255,"cover":2191,"date":2256,"description":2149,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":2257,"meta":2258,"meta_description":2259,"meta_title":2144,"navigation":269,"path":2260,"seo":2261,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":2262,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":2263},"posts/fight-right-happy-healthy-skin-blogonepaderm.md","Fight for your right, to happy healthy skin.",{"type":9,"value":2146,"toc":2253},[2147,2150,2153,2156,2159,2162,2167,2170,2173,2176,2179,2184,2187,2192,2195,2198,2201,2204,2207,2210,2213,2218,2221,2224,2227,2230,2235,2238,2241,2244],[12,2148,2149],{},"Both of my children have struggled with eczema and allergies since birth, and if theirs one thing I’ve learned it’s that you have to fight for the right treatment.",[12,2151,2152],{},"It’s all trial & error but finding the right skincare products makes a huge difference.",[12,2154,2155],{},"It’s the difference between being able to stop using steroid creams that can cause the skin to thin.",[12,2157,2158],{},"The difference between being allowed more than one splashy fun bath a week.",[12,2160,2161],{},"The difference between being able to risk going to a swimming pool over the summer or simply having feeling comfortable enough to have your skin on show. Something we should be able to do with confidence.",[12,2163,2164],{},[15,2165],{"alt":253,"src":2166},"/images/2020/12/03_Epaderm.jpg",[12,2168,2169],{},"Eczema is complex. It’s more than a patch of dry skin and a bit of cream.",[12,2171,2172],{},"It’s soap substitutes, endless emollients, saying no to bubble bath, soft organic cotton clothing, daily doses of antihistamine to stop them scratching. Sore, tired-looking skin that flakes and bleeds.",[12,2174,2175],{},"Eczema and dry skin isn’t something I’ve ever really struggled with myself. Not enough to warrant anything more than a basic moisturiser anyway.",[12,2177,2178],{},"It’s something I wasn’t well educated about either until I had Children. And those who don’t fight the battle daily don’t understand the level of care it can require.",[12,2180,2181],{},[15,2182],{"alt":253,"src":2183},"/images/2020/12/04_Epaderm.jpg",[12,2185,2186],{},"We’ve had 22 doctor’s appointments and 9 different prescription creams over the years for the children’s skin. Just when you think something is working the flare-ups begin, the scratching, the bleeding, the night wakings, and it all begins again.",[12,2188,2189],{},[15,2190],{"alt":253,"src":2191},"/images/2020/12/05_Epaderm.jpg",[12,2193,2194],{},"We now use Epaderm and have a good skin routine in place, but it wasn’t without a fight.",[12,2196,2197],{},"Epaderm is available on prescription or over the counter in the UK.",[12,2199,2200],{},"Our GP was reluctant to prescribe it to us. It’s not the cheapest option they can give on prescription and the NHS will of course save money where they can. Which I get, but given that it’s available on prescription, if it was going to make a difference, I wanted to try it! I was eager enough to buy a bottle myself to try it out, eventually, a prescription was given.",[12,2202,2203],{},"Having been through the mill of Aquous, Dermol, Aveeno, Doprobase, Doublebase, to name but a few… I was well and truly fed up.",[12,2205,2206],{},"It’s hard enough battling your children each day to douse them in creams, but it’s harder knowing it isn’t making much difference.",[12,2208,2209],{},"Before using Epaderm Harriet was scratching her back until it bled, she was being doused in steroid creams and something had to give. A regimen that once worked for her no longer did.",[12,2211,2212],{},"Like most things, I researched the back teeth out of options that might work and Epaderm Junior was next my next quest to help her.",[12,2214,2215],{},[15,2216],{"alt":253,"src":2217},"/images/2018/05/cuticura_medicated_talcum_powder-comparison.jpg",[12,2219,2220],{},"2 GP appointments, another 2 alternative creams, and 3 phone calls later we finally got there.",[12,2222,2223],{},"Three weeks into using Epaderm Junior and the steroid cream was back on the shelf.",[12,2225,2226],{},"Where hopefully, it can stay!",[12,2228,2229],{},"I still have to endure the nightly battle of applying it, which is usually helped by allowing her to put some on her baby. I usually apply it to her back at the same time, while she’s busy!",[12,2231,2232],{},[15,2233],{"alt":253,"src":2234},"/images/2020/12/06_Epaderm.jpg",[12,2236,2237],{},"You might see these pictures and think her skin looks pretty good, and right now it does. Because we’re in a routine that works and I couldn’t be happier.",[12,2239,2240],{},"Only a few weeks ago her back was red raw and bleeding. Her calves still bare scabs and strangers stare if her skin is on show. But I guarantee if you ask her who the most beautiful girl in the world is, she’ll always reply with “Meeee!” and a very cheeky grin.",[12,2242,2243],{},"Her skin doesn’t define who she is, she’s a happy confident little human and I do my best to provide her with the best care to ensure she",[12,2245,2246,2247,2252],{},"This post is part of my entry to the ",[330,2248,2251],{"href":2249,"rel":2250},"https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/blogonepaderm/",[334],"#blogonepaderm"," contest. As daily users of the product, we feel strongly about its ability to help you on your way to happy skin.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":2254},[],[262],"2020-11-28T10:54:00Z","11679",{},"Fighting for happy healthy skin with Epaderm Junior. Honest eczema journey sharing treatment struggles, GP battles, and finding the right skincare for children.","/fight-right-happy-healthy-skin-blogonepaderm",{"title":2144,"description":2149},"fight-right-happy-healthy-skin-blogonepaderm","WG7BExDu0Ybo_yo4o9oqFlSqYlfTs_37aev9ZOpc84g",{"id":2265,"title":2266,"author":7,"body":2267,"category":2313,"cover":2314,"date":2315,"description":2271,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":2316,"meta":2317,"meta_description":2318,"meta_title":2266,"navigation":269,"path":2319,"seo":2320,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":2321,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":2322},"posts/love-car-better-car-servicing-care-tips.md","Love your car better: Car servicing & care tips",{"type":9,"value":2268,"toc":2311},[2269,2272,2275,2278,2283,2286,2291,2300,2305,2308],[12,2270,2271],{},"Do we all give our cars the kind of love it truly deserves? The real answer to this is: not all the time. Life gets challenging and car care is the last thing we think about.",[12,2273,2274],{},"It is a good habit to monitor your vehicle for any repair. A regular monitoring will help you save increased long run expenditure on unexpected car repairs. If you are living in a busy city like London you need to keep your vehicle uptight so that you do not face any car troubles between your drive.",[12,2276,2277],{},"You can follow simple car supervision steps in order to make your automobile more fit to be driven around the city and increase its future resale value.",[12,2279,2280],{},[39,2281,2282],{},"Monitor your Engine",[12,2284,2285],{},"Starting off by checking the engine of your car can be very effective if you want to save up on car maintenance costs in the long run. Not just this it will help improve your fuel efficiency too.If you think that your engine is showing initial signs of corrosion then you need to get it fixed before it impacts the other parts of the vehicle. Corrosion on the engine can also cause the quality of engine oil to deteriorate with time. Hence it is better to monitor your vehicle for any engine deterioration.",[12,2287,2288],{},[39,2289,2290],{},"Get your Car Serviced",[12,2292,2293,2294,2299],{},"At times we tend to get lazy and ignore taking proper care of our vehicles.In such situations it is always better to take your car to a proper service garage where all your required parts will be repaired before you face any serious car trouble later. This will help you save up on your car maintenance expenses and also will later make your car MOT proof when time comes. A proper car servicing regime includes checking car battery, the air filters, the tyre pressures along with their quality and windshield check to name a few. For an area like London, there are many car servicing centres – operating local in the area. You can check with ",[330,2295,2298],{"href":2296,"rel":2297},"https://www.dattyres.co.uk/car-servicing",[334],"DAT tyres for booking an appointment for car servicing ","in London. Alternatively this is their number if you want to call them tel:020 8969 3030",[12,2301,2302],{},[39,2303,2304],{},"Clean your car",[12,2306,2307],{},"It is important to note that cleaning your car for any dust or dirt is a good strategy. It can be exterior as well as interior cleaning. If you are washing the exterior part of your vehicle using an anti bacterial detergent and normal tap water will help remove any dangerous bacterias and dust from your car. It will not only be disinfected but also look visually spick and span. Moving to the interior part of your car , you can use a portable vacuum cleaner that may be available in your home used to clean your furniture or sofas. This vacuum will not only help remove dust from car carpets but also clean the seats perfectly hence making your family safe and happy to be in it.",[12,2309,2310],{},"Following the above techniques once a month will help improve your car’s performance along with its fuel efficiency in the long run.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":2312},[],[262],"/images/2017/07/disney_with_toddler_cruz_cars3.jpg","2020-11-19T09:54:00Z","11675",{},"Car servicing and care tips for busy families. Engine monitoring, regular servicing and cleaning advice to improve fuel efficiency and save costs.","/love-car-better-car-servicing-care-tips",{"title":2266,"description":2271},"love-car-better-car-servicing-care-tips","98qVo__HSPmYUIpvYdNheQJhT4QINm1fHn0AiWXbngU",{"id":2324,"title":2325,"author":7,"body":2326,"category":2487,"cover":2411,"date":2488,"description":253,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":2489,"meta":2490,"meta_description":2491,"meta_title":2325,"navigation":269,"path":2492,"seo":2493,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":2494,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":2495},"posts/routine-comforts-lockdown-collaboration-tempur.md","Routine Comforts during Lockdown – In collaboration with TEMPUR",{"type":9,"value":2327,"toc":2485},[2328,2332,2335,2341,2344,2347,2350,2356,2359,2362,2365,2371,2374,2377,2380,2386,2389,2392,2395,2407,2413,2422,2425,2428,2431,2437,2440,2443,2449,2452,2458,2461,2464,2470,2473,2479,2482],[577,2329,2331],{"id":2330},"this-post-is-in-conjunction-with-tempur-but-all-thoughts-are-my-own","This post is in conjunction with TEMPUR but all thoughts are my own",[12,2333,2334],{},"I’ve teamed up with TEMPUR to share how routine comforts have helped us throughout lockdown. And how we’ve stayed consistent ready for the much-anticipated return to school!",[12,2336,2337,2340],{},[15,2338],{"alt":253,"src":2339},"/images/2020/08/2020_routine.jpg","Routines prime us for success.",[12,2342,2343],{},"They help us achieve more, think clearly, and do work that actually matters.",[12,2345,2346],{},"They keep us from stumbling through our day and make sure we get the most important things done.",[12,2348,2349],{},"Ask any successful person what their routine is and they’re sure to have one. Because setting yourself up for the day and knowing how your day is going to go allows you to be more efficient and successful in life.",[12,2351,2352,2355],{},[15,2353],{"alt":253,"src":2354},"/images/2020/08/mocha_.jpg","Some of the world’s most successful people start their day as early as 4 am. – I’m not that crazy. But I do love a good routine and believe it’s key to a successful day.",[12,2357,2358],{},"Like many, during the lockdown, we struggled.",[12,2360,2361],{},"The biggest factor for this was that our routine was gone.",[12,2363,2364],{},"Staying at home and having no structure to our days was not the norm and the smallest people in our house were affected by this the most.",[12,2366,2367,2370],{},[15,2368],{"alt":253,"src":2369},"/images/2020/08/lockdown_2020_adcenture_frugi.jpg","We went from having a set time to be ready and leaving the house each day to having nowhere to go. Our usual evening activities and weekend plans were no longer an option.",[12,2372,2373],{},"Nobody left the house.",[12,2375,2376],{},"This was the hardest for me.",[12,2378,2379],{},"Gone were the days of myself and the 2-year-old coming home from school run to a quiet house. Drinking tea in front of the television or sharing toast at our favourite toddler group.",[12,2381,2382,2385],{},[15,2383],{"alt":253,"src":2384},"/images/2020/08/messy_play_homelearning.jpg","Those first few weeks we let our routine go, and this was our downfall.",[12,2387,2388],{},"Emotions were high, homeschool felt impossible and we found ourselves drifting from one day to the next with no known destination.",[12,2390,2391],{},"Seeing how this was affecting our family I knew we needed to get back into some form of routine.",[12,2393,2394],{},"This began with a good bedtime routine for the children.",[12,2396,2397,2398,2400,2401,2406],{},"A good night’s sleep is vital to a productive day.",[914,2399],{},"\nWe’ve always made sure our children have a good ",[330,2402,2405],{"href":2403,"rel":2404},"https://uk.tempur.com/mattresses/",[334],"mattress"," for their growing bodies to ensure they sleep well.",[12,2408,2409,2412],{},[15,2410],{"alt":253,"src":2411},"/images/2020/08/tempur_routine_comfort-1.jpg","Our bedtime routine consisted of both children getting ready at a set time, the same time every night, they choose two books each and we alternate which parent they get each night. I’ll do one, Daddy does the other. The following night, we switch.",[12,2414,2415,2416,2421],{},"We used to read stories cuddled up in bed with them. Taylor has a ‘small double’ bed which you can find on the TEMPUR ",[330,2417,2420],{"href":2418,"rel":2419},"https://uk.tempur.com/tempur-guide.html",[334],"mattress size guide",". It’s the perfect size to shimmy in next to him and cuddle up and will last him many years to come. This, however, wasn’t helping our routine.",[12,2423,2424],{},"Given that hygiene is a top current concern, TEMPUR will be offering disposable mattress covers, protective gloves, and antibacterial hand gel in stores to ensure that in-store mattress testing is as safe as possible.",[12,2426,2427],{},"Stories are now read from the side of their beds, so we’re not cuddled up in bed with them.",[12,2429,2430],{},"This allows them the space to relax and wind down by themselves and means when we leave the room they’re not immediately disrupted by our absence and can settle by themselves.",[12,2432,2433,2436],{},[15,2434],{"alt":253,"src":2435},"/images/2020/08/tonie_box_audio_book.jpg","We then put their audiobooks on using the Yoto player and Tonie box and leave them to drift off alone.",[12,2438,2439],{},"Following on from the bedtime routine, consistency has been a key part of minimising stress and anxiety in our home since lockdown.",[12,2441,2442],{},"Setting a consistent schedule helped everyone feel calmer, knowing what was expected next in the day meant we were no longer drifting through our day and we could focus on the tasks at hand.",[12,2444,2445,2448],{},[15,2446],{"alt":253,"src":2447},"/images/2020/08/home_school_lockdown_2020_osmo.jpg","The children responded better knowing that once they were up, they had to get dressed. They then knew that Schoolwork and playtime would follow this. Instead of 2 hours of Netflix in their pyjamas!",[12,2450,2451],{},"Being consistent with our new routine was key, without consistency nobody knows what to expect and everything begins to unravel again.",[12,2453,2454,2457],{},[15,2455],{"alt":253,"src":2456},"/images/2020/08/painting_202.jpg","We began practicing mindfulness, baking, colouring and encouraging the children to take time out for themselves.",[12,2459,2460],{},"Being surrounded by one another 24/7 had its pros but in some instances, it was too much and everyone can benefit from having their own space.",[12,2462,2463],{},"This was more beneficial to me. Finding an hour to be alone and recharge was, and still is, vital to keeping our routine going.",[12,2465,2466,2469],{},[15,2467],{"alt":253,"src":2468},"/images/2020/08/lockdown_2020_play.jpg","You can’t run on empty and you can’t put all of your efforts into making things easier for everyone else if it is detrimental to your own wellbeing.",[12,2471,2472],{},"As the summer holidays draw to a close and we prepare for school to reopen, I like many parents across the nation, am feeling nervous about the safety and wellbeing of my family.",[12,2474,2475,2478],{},[15,2476],{"alt":253,"src":2477},"/images/2020/08/louise_pentland_book.jpg","If, like myself, you’re feeling nervous about the return to school. Or you’re worried about the potential of another lockdown occurring, remember routine and consistency is key.",[12,2480,2481],{},"Stick to your routine and your days will run more smoothly.",[12,2483,2484],{},"You’ve got this!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":2486},[],[262],"2020-08-17T13:32:00Z","11636",{},"Routine comforts during lockdown with TEMPUR. How bedtime routines, consistency, and mindfulness helped our family cope. Tips for maintaining structure at home.","/routine-comforts-lockdown-collaboration-tempur",{"title":2325,"description":253},"routine-comforts-lockdown-collaboration-tempur","UwmMLY3bK75gb8KrCdtK5H1RDiBnpC5-nE3JTr9Ia3Q",{"id":2497,"title":2498,"author":7,"body":2499,"category":2538,"cover":253,"date":2539,"description":2503,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":2540,"meta":2541,"meta_description":2542,"meta_title":2498,"navigation":269,"path":2543,"seo":2544,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":2545,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":2546},"posts/find-perfect-birthday-gift-orchard-toys.md","Find the perfect birthday gift with Orchard Toys!",{"type":9,"value":2500,"toc":2536},[2501,2504,2507,2510,2513,2516,2519,2522,2525,2533],[12,2502,2503],{},"Choosing gifts for Children’s birthdays is difficult at the best of times, not to mention whilst in lockdown. A favourite go-to of ours are games from Orchard Toys.",[12,2505,2506],{},"My children have a nice selection of these and we love gifting our favourites to their friends in the hope that their family will enjoy it just as much as we do. I can’t count how many times we’ve gifted The Rocket Game and Shopping List game to their friends.",[12,2508,2509],{},"I like to think they’re a gift that would always be well received, nobody likes the abundance of random plastic tat you can often accumulate when it’s your Childs birthday, not to be ungrateful, it’s wonderful when people have thought of your child, but I’d like to think whatever we gift it’s something that will be used and appreciated, not tossed into a charity bag a few weeks down the line.",[12,2511,2512],{},"I love that they’re fun and educational, it’s been a great way to get some sneaky learning in when homeschool hasn’t been working.",[12,2514,2515],{},"Orchard Toys are all made in Britain and that they are all teacher-tested which means you know they are good quality and perfect for helping with your child’s education.",[12,2517,2518],{},"With many children celebrating their birthdays in lockdown, Orchard Toys have created a fantastic new online resource where you can make your own birthday card activity sheet. So even if you can’t see your friends, you can give them an amazing birthday card!",[12,2520,2521],{},"All you need to do is download, print, cut around the dotted lines and then colour in and send to your person of choice. A great way to cheer up a friend who you haven’t seen for a while due to lockdown!",[12,2523,2524],{},"We’ve posted a few of these friends ourselves and as only a few children have returned to school we’ll have plenty more to do in the coming weeks too. A great activity to keep the children entertained and their friends have loved receiving them too!",[12,2526,2527,2528],{},"You can print out your own cards to send to friends at ",[330,2529,2532],{"href":2530,"rel":2531},"http://www.orchardtoys.com/birthdaycards",[334],"www.orchardtoys.com/birthdaycards",[12,2534,2535],{},"And don’t forget if you choose to buy an Orchard Toys game as a gift, sneak one in the basket for yourself! They’re super fun. Our Curren favourite is Rainbow Unicorns, both my 5-year-old boy and 2-year-old girl have played this one repeatedly.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":2537},[],[262],"2020-08-09T12:02:00Z","11633",{},"Orchard Toys birthday gift ideas. Educational British-made games perfect for lockdown gifting. Download free birthday cards and discover Rainbow Unicorns game.","/find-perfect-birthday-gift-orchard-toys",{"title":2498,"description":2503},"find-perfect-birthday-gift-orchard-toys","rxu_ydLxxASsCvljEd-bYRQ9GRvsmmPsh9JGPC-p8sE",{"id":2548,"title":2549,"author":7,"body":2550,"category":2614,"cover":2615,"date":2616,"description":2554,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":2617,"meta":2618,"meta_description":2619,"meta_title":2549,"navigation":269,"path":2620,"seo":2621,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":2622,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":2623},"posts/ways-relax-unwind-busy-mum.md","Ways to relax and unwind as a busy mum",{"type":9,"value":2551,"toc":2612},[2552,2555,2558,2567,2573,2579,2585,2594,2603,2609],[12,2553,2554],{},"Being a busy Mama can be exhausting. That’s why it’s so important that we take the occasional time out to look after ourselves. You can’t look after others if you don’t take care of yourself!",[12,2556,2557],{},"Easier said than done, I know. Here are my top 5 ways on how to wind down and take care of yourself. From the easily achievable to the wish list wonders.",[12,2559,2560,2563,2566],{},[15,2561],{"alt":253,"src":2562},"/images/2015/11/preapring_to_return_to_work_feature.jpg",[39,2564,2565],{},"1. Read a book –"," If you’re a bookworm like myself (or ex-bookworm since having children) I find taking time out to read is a great way to unwind, relax and be me! Except the new me takes a really long time to finish a book.",[12,2568,2569,2572],{},[39,2570,2571],{},"2. Pamper –"," This can mean anything from a haircut, which I haven’t had in 2 years. To unwinding at home with a nice hot bath. Also, a great time to pick up that book.",[12,2574,2575,2578],{},[39,2576,2577],{},"3. Shower and shave –"," Some mums struggle with daily tasks such as a simple shower. A clingy newborn or toddler can get in the way of what was once the norm. Making time to shower and shave can really make you feel like a new woman. (Give the kids to someone else, or do it whilst they sleep)",[12,2580,2581,2584],{},[39,2582,2583],{},"4. Shopping –"," For some of us retail therapy is a real treat. If like myself you’re always treating the children and spending every last penny on them, you’ll find it hard to spend money on yourself. Don’t feel bad, just do it! The kids probably have too much as it is and you’re still wearing that 2 year old pair of maternity jeans, aren’t you?",[12,2586,2587,2588,2593],{},"5. Hair Care – Looking after your can be a treat in itself after looking at ",[330,2589,2592],{"href":2590,"rel":2591},"https://www.lilyhair.com/collections/tape-in-extension",[334],"solutions for thin hair"," I found their are many ways out there to take care of your locks and relax at the same time. From a hair mask to a fancy treatment at the salon. Let somebody take care of you!",[12,2595,2596,2597,2602],{},"You could also change up your entire look with ",[330,2598,2601],{"href":2599,"rel":2600},"https://www.lilyhair.co.uk/collections/clip-in-hair-extensions",[334],"hair extensions for short hair"," to give yourself a fresh new style.",[12,2604,2605,2608],{},[39,2606,2607],{},"6. A night off –"," This isn’t something I’ve experienced but imagine would be a great way to recharge. Simply having a night off. Whether that means your partner, if you have one, taking over bedtime & morning routine or the kids staying elsewhere for a night. The opportunity to relax, in peace, and sleep sounds like bliss! Oh the sleep, just imagine.",[12,2610,2611],{},"What’s your favourite way to relax and make time for yourself?",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":2613},[],[262],"/images/2017/05/taking_care_of_mum.jpg","2020-05-01T07:17:00Z","10050",{},"6 ways busy mums can relax and unwind. Reading, pampering, shopping, hair care and taking a night off. Self-care tips for exhausted mothers.","/ways-relax-unwind-busy-mum",{"title":2549,"description":2554},"ways-relax-unwind-busy-mum","jq6jES74yasyqUUhKFUgCR0I6uRgV1zix8a7tLCEx4w",{"id":2625,"title":2626,"author":7,"body":2627,"category":2697,"cover":2645,"date":2698,"description":2631,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":2699,"meta":2700,"meta_description":2701,"meta_title":2626,"navigation":269,"path":2702,"seo":2703,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":2704,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":2705},"posts/not-just-mum-practicing-self-care-2020.md","Not Just a Mum – Practicing self care in 2020",{"type":9,"value":2628,"toc":2695},[2629,2632,2635,2638,2641,2647,2650,2659,2665,2677,2686,2689],[12,2630,2631],{},"As January comes to a close I’ve been thinking about the whole “New Year, New Me” Mantra that gets thrown about each year.",[12,2633,2634],{},"Whether we make promises to ourselves get exercise, change our diets or do better as the new year begins. Does it ever work?",[12,2636,2637],{},"This year I won’t be making any resolutions as such or promising myself I’ll do an array of things that are unobtainable. Who needs the pressure?",[12,2639,2640],{},"I will, however, be trying to make more time for myself and practise self-care. Because it’s easy to let yourself become just a mum. Taking care of everyone, but yourself. We need to remember to put ourselves first from time to time. Are you with me?",[12,2642,2643,2646],{},[15,2644],{"alt":253,"src":2645},"/images/2020/01/84512166_2788738678025894_3885309170664079360_n.jpg","#### Self Care –",[12,2648,2649],{},"As part of my new self-care routine, I’ve been making changes to my skincare routine. Using better products and taking care of myself. I’d like to invest in a new facial cleansing brush at some point to help improve my complexion. I wouldn’t hesitate to spend money on nice outfits, nappies and toys for the children, so why am I using the cheapest products on myself? I’ve started using Pixi for my skincare and love it!",[12,2651,2652,2653,2658],{},"I’ve also been looking at options for getting Invisalign in the near future, many dentists such as The Vallance Dental Centre near to Manchester City Centre offer this service – ",[330,2654,2657],{"href":2655,"rel":2656},"https://www.vallancedentalcentre.com/",[334],"click here"," to check them out – Although it’s one I’ll have to save up for!",[12,2660,2661,2664],{},[15,2662],{"alt":253,"src":2663},"/images/2020/01/84609801_552745941986846_1711583809356431360_n.jpg","Making more time for myself, childfree is high on my list. Obviously this is easier for some more than others and requires somebody to take your children. I’ve had two childfree days so far. It’s so refreshing when you come home feeling ready to rule the roost again.",[12,2666,2667,2668,2670,2671,2676],{},"One thing I never do is take care of my hair and I want to take the time out to treat myself more often.",[914,2669],{},"\nWith so many options out their aside from cuts and colours you can create fun new looks from ",[330,2672,2675],{"href":2673,"rel":2674},"https://www.niawigs.co.uk/collections/hair-weaves-uk",[334],"Hair Weft Bundles",". Extensions, implants and many other treatments for thicker, fuller hair . I’m lucky if get mine cute twice in. year!",[12,2678,2679,2680,2685],{},"I might not be about to overhaul my look or go as extreme as purchasing ",[330,2681,2684],{"href":2682,"rel":2683},"https://www.niawigs.com/collections/remy-hair-wigs",[334],"remy hair wigs"," anytime soon. But I can commit to having a cut and colour more often!",[12,2687,2688],{},"Before being a Parent Blogger I was actually a Book Blogger, reading is something I’ve always loved, yet rarely find the time to do anymore. I’m hoping to spend more time losing myself in the world of friction this year and rekindling my love of books.",[12,2690,2691,2694],{},[15,2692],{"alt":253,"src":2693},"/images/2020/01/83254085_191908238864259_7410887089094393856_n.jpg","What are you doing this year to practise self-care? If you have any suggestions I’d love for you to share them in the comments below!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":2696},[],[262],"2020-04-23T14:38:00Z","11562",{},"Self-care tips for busy mums in 2020. Skincare routines, making time for yourself, reading books, and treating yourself. Putting yourself first without guilt.","/not-just-mum-practicing-self-care-2020",{"title":2626,"description":2631},"not-just-mum-practicing-self-care-2020","veXcy_JbCvx1rjB932RvOME_RUW7HkaOVFYU1JmiRoU",{"id":2707,"title":2708,"author":7,"body":2709,"category":2822,"cover":2719,"date":2823,"description":253,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":2824,"meta":2825,"meta_description":2826,"meta_title":2708,"navigation":269,"path":2827,"seo":2828,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":2829,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":2830},"posts/love-note-mum-mothers-day.md","A Love note to my Mum this Mother’s Day",{"type":9,"value":2710,"toc":2819},[2711,2715,2721,2724,2733,2746,2749,2752,2756,2759,2762,2765,2768,2771,2774,2777,2780,2783,2786,2789,2792,2795,2798,2801,2804,2807,2810,2813],[1606,2712,2714],{"id":2713},"this-post-is-an-advertisement-feature-with-boots-uk-but-all-thoughts-are-my-own","This post is an advertisement feature with Boots UK but all thoughts are my own",[12,2716,2717,2720],{},[15,2718],{"alt":253,"src":2719},"/images/2020/03/mothers_day_love_note.jpg","This Mothers Day, Boots have asked me to write a Love note about my mother and the scent that best describes her.",[12,2722,2723],{},"This year is the Eleventh year I won’t be purchasing a Mothers Day card or gift for my mum.",[12,2725,2726,2727,2732],{},"At first I thought I couldn’t possibly take part in this, my mum isn’t even here. I can’t treat her to the ",[330,2728,2731],{"href":2729,"rel":2730},"https://www.boots.com/fragrance/perfume",[334],"perfume"," or send her my letter to show her how much she means to me. But writing can be therapeutic and saying what you never had chance to can be uplifting.",[12,2734,2735,2736,2740,2741,2745],{},"I wrote about my mum on mothers day 5 years ago – ",[330,2737,2739],{"href":2738},"/mothers-day-without-mum","you can read it here"," – and how on that last mothers day I bought her favourite perfume. Estee Lauder Youth Dew was her scent of choice. A rich woody scented ",[330,2742,2744],{"href":2729,"rel":2743},[334],"womens perfume",", with spicey orange and Middle notes of cloves. To this day I can’t smell it without having a flood of memories and emotions rush over me.",[12,2747,2748],{},"And that made me realise, the scents our loved ones wear mean more to us when they’re no longer here. Our sense of smell has the ability to trigger memories and take us back to moments in time.",[12,2750,2751],{},"I hope my own children can smell particular scents and have that same close and comforting feeling that it gives me when I smell my mum nearby.",[314,2753,2755],{"id":2754},"so-here-it-is-a-love-note-to-my-mum-and-how-her-scent-helps-keep-the-memories-alive","So here it is. A love note to my mum, and how her scent helps keep the memories alive.",[12,2757,2758],{},"Dear Mum,",[12,2760,2761],{},"It’s been eleven years since I heard your voice or felt your touch. Eleven years since I last saw your beautiful face and talked about my day with you on the phone.",[12,2763,2764],{},"A lot has happened over time, both good and bad times have been had, yet they’d have all been greater with you here.",[12,2766,2767],{},"I got that degree a year after you passed, you’d have been so proud and I have two children of my own now who you would absolutely love. I could have given one of them your name but I know how much you hated your own name and naming a baby Deborah would be mean, in fact I think you’d have a go at me if I did.",[12,2769,2770],{},"Taylor is 5 and Harriet is 2, they’d have loved having you in their lives, I know you’d have spoilt them rotten and made them laugh just as much as you did the rest of us.",[12,2772,2773],{},"There would have been family BBQ’s with the kids running around in the summer, sleep overs and endless laughter with their Grandma and Granddad.",[12,2775,2776],{},"I still regret not coming and helping you shave your legs or paint your nails, in those final weeks, like I’d said I would. I was caught up in uni and work, which at the time seemed to matter, looking back those things shouldn’t have mattered at all. I should have been with you.",[12,2778,2779],{},"We were all naive in thinking things were going to be different, the talk of colostomy bags and treatment gave false hope. None of that happened, you were taken far sooner than I expected.",[12,2781,2782],{},"I’ve never gotten a tattoo, because I’ve never wanted one, but also because I hear you every time saying “If you get a tattoo you won’t be stepping foot in this house!”",[12,2784,2785],{},"I can’t smell your perfume without having floods of memories come rushing over me, it’s bittersweet like waves lifting you up as they rise, and then crashing as they fall. The good memories, and the guilt, wishing I’d been there more and done more.",[12,2787,2788],{},"Memories of you dancing around to The Beautiful South as you cleaned the house, always laughing and smiling, the year we had two Christmases because Dad was away on the actual day, that summer you broke your leg and the time you told me we were going hat shopping for you and you took me to on the Metro the life centre.",[12,2790,2791],{},"Our first and only holiday abroad together when I was 15, and you taking me to buy my new phone on my 18th Birthday.",[12,2793,2794],{},"Eating your Sunday roast whilst watching the soaps, Little House on The Prairie and The Waltons. Goodnight Jim Bob!",[12,2796,2797],{},"That last summer, when Dad found those bags full of pigs in the attic, we were all sat in the living room with toy pigs all over us, I can still hear your laughter.",[12,2799,2800],{},"I remember when you used to talk about your own mum, who I never got to meet, and how you’d say even grown ups miss their mums, you weren’t wrong. People say it gets easier with time, but it doesn’t, you just learn to carry on, it doesn’t change anything.",[12,2802,2803],{},"I recall one day long before we knew you were sick, when you hugged me so tight and said “I love you, you know that don’t you?” like you knew something we didn’t.",[12,2805,2806],{},"We’re all doing well and you’d be so proud of Eric and Naomi. Eric has a family now too and if it’s true what they say about loved ones watching over us, then you’ll know that it hasn’t been easy, for any of us. I’d give everything to have you back here with Dad and everyone still making those amazing memories.",[12,2808,2809],{},"I could go on forever talking about Christmases past, family trips to beach with the dingy and summer days in the garden growing up.",[12,2811,2812],{},"Until the day we meet again I’ll hold onto the memories and think of you. Especially when I smell that iconic scent that reminds me of you. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for you. You always put us first. I wish we could have done more for you.",[12,2814,2815,2816,2818],{},"Happy Mothers Day, Mum.",[914,2817],{},"\nLove you always, Lisa xxx",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":2820},[2821],{"id":2754,"depth":452,"text":2755},[262],"2020-03-12T13:46:00Z","11597",{},"A love note to my mum this Mother's Day. Personal tribute about loss, grief, memories, and how scent triggers emotions. Dealing with Mother's Day without mum.","/love-note-mum-mothers-day",{"title":2708,"description":253},"love-note-mum-mothers-day","trG18n3-n6ZvPFGsr469qq4ZP8x-oWIND9Bu815ttg4",{"id":2832,"title":2833,"author":7,"body":2834,"category":2892,"cover":2893,"date":2894,"description":2838,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":2895,"meta":2896,"meta_description":2897,"meta_title":2833,"navigation":269,"path":2898,"seo":2899,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":2900,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":2901},"posts/reusable-bags-and-boxes.md","Reusable bags and boxes for shopping since the plastic bag levy",{"type":9,"value":2835,"toc":2890},[2836,2839,2842,2853,2856,2859,2868,2871,2874,2877,2885],[12,2837,2838],{},"I often want to kick myself whilst out shopping, for forgetting to bring a tote bag. I own plenty of them, I just can’t for the life of me remember to carry one.",[12,2840,2841],{},"Since the UK law for sales on plastic carrier bags came into place people are more likely to use tote bags or reuse carrier bags. Which is of course the intention. Who wants to pay 5 pence in every store for something you’ve usually got loads of at home? I like to think I’m not alone when it comes to the ‘carrier bag drawer’ that lives in the kitchen. The place all the bags are scrunched up and stored at the end of each shop.",[12,2843,2844,2845,2852],{},"I’ve also found this has brought out the brand snob in me. I can’t deny should I have nicer ",[39,2846,2847],{},[330,2848,2851],{"href":2849,"rel":2850},"https://www.4imprint.co.uk/tag/3/Carrier-Bags?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=carrierbags&utm_source=mummybloggers",[334],"branded carrier bags","  to hand I will generally opt to use those over one from the pound shop. I wouldn’t collect and keep pound shop bags for reusing in the same way I like to keep bags from the likes of Cath Kidston.",[12,2854,2855],{},"They have to look good. Not necessarily a big brand name, but a nice brand.",[12,2857,2858],{},"Surprisingly the branded bags I like to reuse don’t cost 5pence in the first place. They’re usually made of paper and aren’t chargeable!",[12,2860,2861,2862,2867],{},"We also like to use ",[330,2863,2866],{"href":2864,"rel":2865},"https://www.harryprint.com/",[334],"large boxes for shopping"," when doing a food shop with the car, it’s easier than using many bags.",[12,2869,2870],{},"Reusing branded bags isn’t a new fad since the carrier bag charge came into place though. Teenagers across Britain have been doing this for generations.",[12,2872,2873],{},"Carrier bag snobbery! – If you had to take a carrier bag to school be it for your packed lunch of your P.E kit, it had to be a particular bag from that seasons trending store. God forbid if you took a Lidl bag… Nobody wanted to be that kid.",[12,2875,2876],{},"Branded carrier bags have the potential to keep a name going and be consistently seen within the public eye.",[12,2878,2879,2884],{},[330,2880,2883],{"href":2881,"rel":2882},"http://info.4imprint.co.uk/",[334],"4imprint"," have put together a fab infographic on the power of branded bags, are you a branded bag enthusiast? Have you found yourself digging out your best carrier bags since the new system came into place or are you happy to carry anything?",[12,2886,2887],{},[15,2888],{"alt":253,"src":2889},"http://www.4imprint.co.uk/email/infog/shopping_bags/shopping_bags.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":2891},[],[262],"/images/2016/08/retail_tags.jpg","2020-03-02T21:41:00Z","9435",{},"carrier bag usage and designer bags","/reusable-bags-and-boxes",{"title":2833,"description":2838},"reusable-bags-and-boxes","TGJtkR3qDuI0gX3E5wgh0fsYGNxj3Wcw2vlIDNiBfUg",{"id":2903,"title":2904,"author":7,"body":2905,"category":2989,"cover":2943,"date":2990,"description":2909,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":2991,"meta":2992,"meta_description":2993,"meta_title":2904,"navigation":269,"path":2994,"seo":2995,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":2996,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":2997},"posts/christmas-gift-guide-5-year-old-boys.md","Christmas Gift Guide for 5 year old boys",{"type":9,"value":2906,"toc":2987},[2907,2910,2913,2921,2927,2930,2938,2944,2947,2958,2961,2971,2974,2984],[12,2908,2909],{},"It’s almost Christmas! – Here are some of our top ideas for boys this Christmas. These are items we love and have chosen for our little boy this year. Some he will receive for Christmas, others will be for his 5thnd birthday which is one week after Christmas.",[12,2911,2912],{},"Hopefully, some of the items will help you when it comes to finding the perfect gift for 5 year olds. Whether it be for Christmas or a Birthday!",[1606,2914,2916],{"id":2915},"lego",[330,2917,2920],{"href":2918,"rel":2919},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=lego&i=toys&ref=nb_sb_noss_2",[334],"Lego –",[12,2922,2923],{},[15,2924],{"alt":2925,"src":2926},"Lego building blocks","/images/2019/12/christmas_guide_14.jpg",[12,2928,2929],{},"A staple item under the Christmas tree for generations, a classic toy loved by girls and boys, Lego! You can’t go wrong with the worlds #1 building blocks to keep little one’s imaginations running wild and feed their creativity. We’re finally moving up from Duplo and introducing Classic Lego to our little one. There are great deals to be had on Lego so shop around, we found Amazon and Asda to be the best.",[1606,2931,2933],{"id":2932},"tonie-box-6995",[330,2934,2937],{"href":2935,"rel":2936},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=tonie+box&i=toys&ref=nb_sb_noss_1",[334],"Tonie Box £69.95 –",[12,2939,2940],{},[15,2941],{"alt":2942,"src":2943},"Tonie Box audio player","/images/2019/12/christmas_guide_08.jpg",[12,2945,2946],{},"The Tonie Box and Tonies are in the Top 10 Toys for this Christmas and I can see why. If you’re looking for something a little bit different that will entertain little ones without using screens you need Tonies. A softshell speaker with interactive characters, pop your Tonie on the box and an audiobook or songs will begin to play. The Tonie Box Retails at around £69.95 with each Tonie costing around £14.99 so it’s certainly an investment. One of which I think will be well-loved in our home. We read 3 books a night at bedtime and it’s never enough, our 4-year-old will get up and ask for more. The Tonie Box is going to be a great way t say goodnight after reading and leave him to listen to his own stories! You can also add audio recordings or books to the Creative Tonie yourself or buy the pre-loaded characters.",[12,2948,2949,2952,2953],{},[15,2950],{"alt":253,"src":2951},"/images/2019/12/christmas_guide_05.jpg","#### ",[330,2954,2957],{"href":2955,"rel":2956},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/John-Adams-10775-BLOPENS-Hanging/dp/B07PWGWS9F/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=blo+pens+neon&qid=1576679520&s=kids&sr=1-3",[334],"Blo Pens £11.99 –",[12,2959,2960],{},"Blo Pens are a real blast from the past for me. I remember having so much fun with these a child. T is always drawing and painting. We’re also getting him an easel this year and these will be a fantastic addition for his creative moments.",[12,2962,2963,2952,2966],{},[15,2964],{"alt":253,"src":2965},"/images/2019/12/christmas_guide_09.jpg",[330,2967,2970],{"href":2968,"rel":2969},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=hangrees&i=toys&ref=nb_sb_noss_1",[334],"The Hangrees £6.66 –",[12,2972,2973],{},"Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock you’ll know slime has been all the rage the last few years. Combine slime with things that poop and their favourite characters, you have The Hangrees! T loves Spiderman so I’m sure finding Splatter-Maaan under the tree will have him in fits of laughter.",[12,2975,2976,2952,2979],{},[15,2977],{"alt":253,"src":2978},"/images/2019/12/christmas_guide_02.jpg",[330,2980,2983],{"href":2981,"rel":2982},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Squeezamals-Squishie-Squeezy-Scented-Animals/dp/B079T5QNRQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=GE7B8EUXQN&keywords=squeezamals&qid=1576680062&s=kids&sprefix=squee%2Ctoys%2C146&sr=1-1",[334],"Squeezamals £8.45 –",[12,2985,2986],{},"A slow rising soft toy with a face so cute, how could you resist giving them a cuddle? These little cuties are perfect for popping into stockings and tick the list of the squishy craze that’s been going around. Squeeze as hard you like and watch as your character returns to its original shape. They also have a lovely sweet scent!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":2988},[],[262],"2019-12-02T14:32:00Z","11539",{},"Christmas gift guide for 5-year-old boys. LEGO, Tonie Box, Blo Pens, The Hangrees, and Squeezamals. Perfect birthday and Christmas present ideas for children.","/christmas-gift-guide-5-year-old-boys",{"title":2904,"description":2909},"christmas-gift-guide-5-year-old-boys","TM5rcn5IX0-MUpVw7VD82QhslzOnNJ-imms2Vf6URJo",{"id":2999,"title":3000,"author":7,"body":3001,"category":3098,"cover":3010,"date":3100,"description":3005,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":3101,"meta":3102,"meta_description":3103,"meta_title":3104,"navigation":269,"path":3105,"seo":3106,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":3107,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":3108},"posts/finding-perfect-group-3-forward-facing-car-seat-introducing-maxi-cosi-kore-pro-size.md","Finding the perfect Group 3 forward facing car seat – Introducing The Maxi Cosi Kore pro i-Size",{"type":9,"value":3002,"toc":3096},[3003,3006,3012,3015,3021,3027,3030,3039,3065,3071,3077,3083,3086,3090],[12,3004,3005],{},"Choosing a car seat that meets the highest of safety standards whilst being affordable and suitable for your child is an absolute minefield.",[12,3007,3008,3011],{},[15,3009],{"alt":253,"src":3010},"/images/2019/11/maxi_cosi_kore_pro_09.jpg","This is our 4th car seat out of two children, choosing their first infant car seats seemed like such a huge task. Deciding what was good enough to hold our precious newborns. Taylor went from his infant Car Seat into the Maxi Cosi 2Way Pearl, where he was rear-facing up until 2 months ago. At almost 5 years old he finally reached the height limit of the car seat, and I must say after 4 years of daily use it was starting to look tired.",[12,3013,3014],{},"It has however been passed onto his sister for now. Although car seats do have expiration dates stamped on them, so I must check this!",[12,3016,3017,3020],{},[15,3018],{"alt":253,"src":3019},"/images/2019/11/maxi_cosi_kore_pro_08.jpg","After searching for months to find a car seat I was comfortable with we stumbled upon the Maxi Cosi Kore Pro i-size. Moving Taylor into a forward-facing group 2/3 seat after so long rear-facing seemed like a big deal. Especially as he’d be using the seat belt instead of a 5-point-harness.",[12,3022,3023,3026],{},[15,3024],{"alt":253,"src":3025},"/images/2019/11/maxi_cosi_kore_pro_06.jpg","Most Group 3 seats I’d seen just didn’t look sturdy or of a high enough quality. Until now.",[12,3028,3029],{},"The Kore Pro i-Size The Kore Pro i-Size completes Maxi-Cosi’s range of i-Size car seats and boasts the following features that helped us in our decision making:",[12,3031,3032,3035,3036],{},[15,3033],{"alt":253,"src":3034},"/images/2019/11/maxi_cosi_kore_pro_21.jpg","- ",[39,3037,3038],{},"Swift and secure isofix installation",[43,3040,3041,3049,3057],{},[46,3042,3043,3046,3048],{},[39,3044,3045],{},"Superior Side Protection",[914,3047],{},"\nThe Kore Pro i-Size shell provides full-body side protection by covering your child from lap to head. The car seat is also equipped with the Side Protection System Plus (SPS Plus), which consists of glass fibre shock absorbers in the side wings combined with energy-absorbing material. This complete system provides superior side protection for your child at all time.",[46,3050,3051,3054,3056],{},[39,3052,3053],{},"Grows with your child",[914,3055],{},"\nDesigned for children between 100 and 150 cm, Kore Pro i-Size expands in both height and width simply by adjusting the headrest. It gives your child more space and the utmost comfort.",[46,3058,3059,3062,3064],{},[39,3060,3061],{},"Click Assist",[914,3063],{},"\nKore Pro i-Size is equipped with the ClickAssist light, an innovative feature that makes the buckle up area visible in all circumstances. It allows your little ones to fasten their seat belt by themselves up at all times. Kore Pro i-Size also offers the best safety.",[12,3066,3067,3070],{},[15,3068],{"alt":253,"src":3069},"/images/2019/11/maxi_cosi_kore_pro_14.jpg","Taylor loves his Kore Pro iSize, the bamboo fabrics means he doesn’t get too hot. He’s practising belting himself in with the click assist light guiding the way, although he still needs a little help he’s almost got it! The seat looks comfortable and stylish, thumbs up all round!",[12,3072,3073,3076],{},[15,3074],{"alt":253,"src":3075},"/images/2019/11/maxi_cosi_kore_pro_04.jpg","I’m a sucker for details so the high-quality look and feel of the seat. The fabric and the finer details such as the click assist light, SIP and easy to adjust headrest were all positives for me. The seat looks great in our car. It doesn’t stand out and is easy to clean.",[12,3078,3079,3082],{},[15,3080],{"alt":253,"src":3081},"/images/2019/11/maxi_cosi_kore_pro_15.jpg","Thanks, to Maxi-Cosi. Giving parents peace of mind and ensuring the safety of little lives.",[12,3084,3085],{},"If you have any questions about the Kore Pro pop them in the comments below!",[577,3087,3089],{"id":3088},"the-maxi-cosi-kore-pro-i-size-comes-in-4-colours-and-retails-at-199","The Maxi-Cosi Kore Pro i-Size comes in 4 colours and retails at £199",[577,3091,3093],{"id":3092},"i-was-gifted-the-maxi-cosi-kore-pro-i-size-car-seat-in-return-for-this-review",[241,3094,3095],{},"I was gifted the Maxi-Cosi Kore Pro i-Size car seat in return for this review",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":3097},[],[262,3099],"reviews","2019-11-04T15:58:00Z","11514",{},"Maxi-Cosi Kore Pro i-Size car seat review. Group 3 forward-facing with ISOFIX, superior side protection, grows 100-150cm. Bamboo fabric. £199.","Maxi Cosi Kore Pro i-Size Review | Group 3 Car Seat","/finding-perfect-group-3-forward-facing-car-seat-introducing-maxi-cosi-kore-pro-size",{"title":3000,"description":3005},"finding-perfect-group-3-forward-facing-car-seat-introducing-maxi-cosi-kore-pro-size","rly2sNJ3-KTAAIafjIUlcmSnY_SiexRye57u_lmmJVA",{"id":3110,"title":3111,"author":7,"body":3112,"category":3186,"cover":3127,"date":3187,"description":3116,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":3188,"meta":3189,"meta_description":3190,"meta_title":3111,"navigation":269,"path":3191,"seo":3192,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":3193,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":3194},"posts/5-productivity-tips-becoming-better-blogger.md","5 Productivity tips to becoming a better blogger",{"type":9,"value":3113,"toc":3184},[3114,3117,3120,3123,3129,3132,3136,3139,3143,3146,3149,3153,3162,3166,3169,3173,3176,3181],[12,3115,3116],{},"As somebody who is at home 80% of the time. And with a partner who works from home full time, it can be difficult to stay productive. If I could lounge around in bed watching NETFLIX all day, I would!",[12,3118,3119],{},"Alas, with a family, and a home to run alongside writing, that’s not an option.",[12,3121,3122],{},"The term “productive” can mean something different to everyone. For me, it means accomplishing the tasks that will lead me to my ultimate goal in the most efficient way.",[12,3124,3125,3128],{},[15,3126],{"alt":253,"src":3127},"/images/2019/09/productivity_planner_emily_norris.jpg","So turn off the TV and get ready!",[12,3130,3131],{},"Here are 5 tips to being more productive as a blogger.",[1606,3133,3135],{"id":3134},"_1-create-a-dedicated-and-distraction-free-workspace","1. Create a dedicated and distraction-free workspace.",[12,3137,3138],{},"Working from home comes with great freedom. Lounging in front of the TV as you catch up on the latest TV series and write sounds perfect. But it’s not conducive to productivity. Create a dedicated workspace that’s distraction-free. Whether it’s a home office or a spot at your kitchen table. Working distraction-free will see your productivity soar.",[1606,3140,3142],{"id":3141},"_2-focus","2. Focus…",[12,3144,3145],{},"For starters, switch off social media. Focus on the task at hand and you’ll find it’s completed in a fraction of the time. Working whilst checking social media. Watching TV or tending to home-related tasks isn’t productive. Focus on the task at hand and you’ll see the quality of your work improve as well as the time in which it takes to complete.",[12,3147,3148],{},"Why not try the Pomodoro technique. If you struggle concentrating on one task for prolonged periods of time. Treat yourself for 5 minutes of social media after 25 minutes of dedicated writing.",[1606,3150,3152],{"id":3151},"_3-a-fast-broadband-connection","3. A fast broadband connection",[12,3154,3155,3156,3161],{},"This is essential for uploading content. Streaming video and collaborating with others. Especially when uploading hi-res photography to your blog or uploading video content to youtube. Make sure you compare providers ",[330,3157,3160],{"href":3158,"rel":3159},"https://www.cable.co.uk/broadband/fast-broadband/",[334],"to get the best deal for you whilst saving money","! With 76 deals available in our area we’re able to save up to £28 a month on 63Mb broadband. Theirs a deal to suit everyone whether you require 10Mb or 60+ like us!",[1606,3163,3165],{"id":3164},"_4-write-a-task-list","4. Write a task list",[12,3167,3168],{},"Start each day with a task list. I like to go low tech for this. You can’t beat a traditional list using pen and paper. It makes ticking off those tasks all the more satisfying. Make note of each task you need to achieve in a day. Always start with the most important, time-sensitive task first thing. I like to start with my ‘Big Three’ anything else is a bonus. Then, let the satisfaction of crossing them off your list carry you into the rest of your busy day.",[1606,3170,3172],{"id":3171},"_5-use-a-kanban-board-to-prioritise-your-tasks","5. Use a Kanban Board to prioritise your tasks.",[12,3174,3175],{},"A Kanban board is a work and workflow visualization tool that enables you to optimize the flow of your work. This allows you to have a clear view of your projects at a glance. I love Trello for this, it allows me to have a view of current projects, drafts, and completed posts.",[12,3177,3178],{},[15,3179],{"alt":253,"src":3180},"/images/2019/09/productivity_emily_norris.jpg",[12,3182,3183],{},"Follow these simple tips and watch your productivity increase! Of course, some techniques work better for some more than others. Did this help you out? Head over to Instagram — AFTER you’re done tackling your big three, of course, and let us know what you do to stay productive!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":3185},[],[262],"2019-09-16T10:16:00Z","11469",{},"5 productivity tips for bloggers. Create dedicated workspace, focus techniques, fast broadband, task lists and Kanban boards. Increase efficiency.","/5-productivity-tips-becoming-better-blogger",{"title":3111,"description":3116},"5-productivity-tips-becoming-better-blogger","w5IsSCuhP8_tHZ0AoYoxnYnkyJze_64HG-Mc4CleQIk",{"id":3196,"title":3197,"author":7,"body":3198,"category":3253,"cover":3254,"date":3255,"description":3202,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":3256,"meta":3257,"meta_description":3258,"meta_title":3197,"navigation":269,"path":3259,"seo":3260,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":3261,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":3262},"posts/prepare-future-get-right-insurance-cover.md","Prepare for Your Future, Get the Right Insurance Cover",{"type":9,"value":3199,"toc":3251},[3200,3203,3206,3211,3220,3225,3234,3239,3248],[12,3201,3202],{},"Not enough young couples are planning for their future, or the future of their families. Many people don’t consider things like home insurance or home emergency cover when they begin to plan their future and make a home for themselves. Even life insurance has become a concern, with not enough young parents taking out policies to protect their loved ones in the event of their passing.",[12,3204,3205],{},"It is an important part of life to protect yourself and your family from disaster, and with different types of insurance, we can protect ourselves from a number of different emergencies causing us financial chaos. Here is a quick guide to the types of insurance anyone should consider, especially if they are starting a family.",[12,3207,3208],{},[39,3209,3210],{},"Home Insurance",[12,3212,3213,3214,3219],{},"Home insurance is often required by a mortgage lender, but the policies they require often under-serve or under insure the homeowner. Often, they will exclude the contents of your home, or won’t insure for damages caused by third parties. Make sure ",[330,3215,3218],{"href":3216,"rel":3217},"https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/home-insurance",[334],"you have the right level of home insurance"," for your needs, and that the contents of your home are adequately valued. Not enough people get the right amount of contents insurance for the expensive items they have in their homes.",[12,3221,3222],{},[39,3223,3224],{},"Home Emergency Cover",[12,3226,3227,3228,3233],{},"There are a number of emergencies that can strike your home. There is cover available for all kinds of emergencies, including boiler cover, and things like pest control and drainage issues. These kinds of problems can be very expensive, but the right policy will offer a more cost-effective alternative to paying out thousands to plumbers or electricians later on. You can even find cover that includes pest infestation and home security, such as this ",[330,3229,3232],{"href":3230,"rel":3231},"https://www.certi.uk/value-home-emergency-cover",[334],"value home cover"," policy by Certi. Having your home overrun by insects or rodents is unpleasant to imagine, and worse to have to deal with. Getting cover for emergencies like these is a worthwhile investment that protects you and your home.",[12,3235,3236],{},[39,3237,3238],{},"Life Insurance",[12,3240,3241,3242,3247],{},"Life insurance can ",[330,3243,3246],{"href":3244,"rel":3245},"https://www.money.co.uk/life-insurance/which-life-insurance-policy-is-right-for-you.htm",[334],"help protect your family"," in a time of immense loss. Nothing can ease the pain of losing a close family member, but these pains are only exacerbated by the financial demands or the sudden loss. The loss of income a family may suffer can adversely affect a family for years, so any parent or spouse owes it to their loved ones to protect them if the worst happens. Life insurance is an important investment for a parent to make for their children.",[12,3249,3250],{},"Having someone to call in an emergency for help gives you great peace of mind. Emergencies can’t be predicted, and some of them you may not even consider, like a drainage problem or pest infestation. The benefits of home insurance and life insurance may seem obvious, but not enough people take advantage of them or get the right cover for their needs. Make sure you take the time to think about your insurance needs and your options so that you can protect yourself and your family from excess financial costs at a stressful time in your lives.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":3252},[],[262],"/images/2018/06/uppababy_vista_03_.jpg","2019-05-17T14:56:00Z","11338",{},"Essential insurance guide for young families. Home insurance, home emergency cover, and life insurance protect your family from financial chaos and disasters.","/prepare-future-get-right-insurance-cover",{"title":3197,"description":3202},"prepare-future-get-right-insurance-cover","_FdsTZpuD1e7l66IfaLj-MSxi-hJTLPoON6IJplrUW8",{"id":3264,"title":3265,"author":7,"body":3266,"category":3332,"cover":3275,"date":3333,"description":3270,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":3334,"meta":3335,"meta_description":3336,"meta_title":3265,"navigation":269,"path":3337,"seo":3338,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":3339,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":3340},"posts/stay-safe-mardi-gras-simple-guide.md","How to stay safe during Mardi Gras – a simple guide",{"type":9,"value":3267,"toc":3330},[3268,3271,3283,3287,3296,3300,3303,3307,3316,3320,3323,3327],[12,3269,3270],{},"Is there anything more exciting than Mardi Gras? If you’re one of the thousands of revellers who are travelling down to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras season then you’re in for a treat. Parties, picnics, parades, costumes, live music, floats and warm, welcoming locals all put together in an eclectic mix of new meets historic in this beautiful, famous city. What could be better?",[12,3272,3273,3276,3277,3282],{},[15,3274],{"alt":253,"src":3275},"/images/2020/04/mardi-gras-featured.jpg","Sadly, for many revellers, the excitement and the fun of Mardi Gras is marred by injuries, crime and frightening experiences. None of which are their fault – click here for some straightforward ",[330,3278,3281],{"href":3279,"rel":3280},"https://onmyside.com/blog/safety-tips-to-help-stay-safe-during-your-mardi-gras-celebration/",[334],"Mardi Gras safety tips",". So, if you’re heading to Mardi Gras this year and want your trip to be filled with happy, fun memories rather than bad ones, read on for how you can stay safe during this fantastic festival.",[1606,3284,3286],{"id":3285},"stick-together","Stick together",[12,3288,3289,3290,3295],{},"Of course, Mardi Gras is a festival that is best experienced with friends, so make sure that the friends you’re travelling with are sensible, can be trusted and will look out for you as much as you’ll look out for them. ",[330,3291,3294],{"href":3292,"rel":3293},"https://www.self.com/story/large-crowd-safety-tips",[334],"Mardi Gras attracts huge crowds every year"," so you must stick together to avoid getting separated and lost. It’s always a good idea to come up with a plan so that way if you do get lost you can find each other again. Phone signal may not be great, so choose a location that you’re all familiar with to meet at if you become separated.",[1606,3297,3299],{"id":3298},"stick-to-areas-that-are-heavily-policed","Stick to areas that are heavily policed",[12,3301,3302],{},"Police = safety. So, it makes sense to enjoy the festival in the heavily policed areas where your safety is being monitored at all times. If you choose to party in an area with less of a police presence then you may find yourself at the mercy of pickpockets and other dangerous individuals.",[1606,3304,3306],{"id":3305},"drink-sensibly","Drink sensibly",[12,3308,3309,3310,3315],{},"Of course, everyone goes to Mardi Gras to have a good time and ",[330,3311,3314],{"href":3312,"rel":3313},"https://www.insider.com/best-bars-new-orleans-mardi-gras-2019-1",[334],"the drinks are always flowing"," during the festival. You want to have a great time and let your hair down, but you should still exercise caution. Only drink drinks that have been prepared in front of you, never leave your drink unattended and avoid drinking until you can’t stand up and your common sense is impaired. Opt to drink water between alcoholic drinks and don’t feel under pressure to keep up with friends and those around you. Be smart!",[1606,3317,3319],{"id":3318},"be-wary-of-strangers","Be wary of strangers",[12,3321,3322],{},"It makes sense to meet new people and party the night away, however, you should be smart. Not everyone you meet can be trusted and if someone is trying to lure you away from the crowds into a secluded area or back to there hotel then you should decline and remove yourself from the situation entirely. Always stay within sight of your friends and police officers.",[1606,3324,3326],{"id":3325},"leave-your-wealth-at-home","Leave your wealth at home!",[12,3328,3329],{},"Jewellery, expensive cameras, designer handbags, even watches and bracelets. Not only are you more likely to lose them but having your wealth on display makes you a simple and easy target for pickpockets! Be smart and only bring the basics.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":3331},[],[262],"2019-04-01T09:16:00Z","11607",{},"Mardi Gras safety guide for New Orleans. Tips on staying together, policed areas, sensible drinking, stranger awareness, and leaving valuables at home.","/stay-safe-mardi-gras-simple-guide",{"title":3265,"description":3270},"stay-safe-mardi-gras-simple-guide","W7CCYJoiz7CLZjRN_dO_sM9Hv_UYribE5tQnhufXSNI",{"id":3342,"title":3343,"author":7,"body":3344,"category":3419,"cover":3353,"date":3420,"description":3348,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":3421,"meta":3422,"meta_description":3423,"meta_title":3343,"navigation":269,"path":3424,"seo":3425,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":3426,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":3427},"posts/maximise-space-small-home.md","How to maximise space in a small home",{"type":9,"value":3345,"toc":3414},[3346,3349,3354,3358,3367,3370,3374,3377,3382,3391,3395,3404,3407,3412],[12,3347,3348],{},"Small homes can have both good and bad qualities. On the one hand, they can feel cosy and compact — perfect for snuggling up on a chilly evening. On the other, the lack of space can feel a bit claustrophobic, and even chaotic if there’s clutter everywhere. To find a happy medium, people often take advantage of tips and tricks that can transform a small home and make it appear more spacious. If you’re looking for ways to maximise space in your small apartment or house, take a look at these easy ideas.",[12,3350,3351],{},[15,3352],{"alt":253,"src":3353},"/images/2019/03/babystyle_vertbaudet_nursery_08.jpg",[314,3355,3357],{"id":3356},"use-mirrors","Use mirrors",[12,3359,3360,3361,3366],{},"Mirrors can be one of the best accessories to use in a small home. With the right placement and size, ",[330,3362,3365],{"href":3363,"rel":3364},"https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/5-perfect-ways-to-use-mirrors-in-small-spaces-168900",[334],"using mirrors in the home"," can create the appearance of a more open and spacious environment.",[12,3368,3369],{},"One great way to do this is to place a large mirror opposite a window. This way, natural light and greenery will be reflected into the room, instantly making it appear larger. Another option could be to layer framed artwork against a large mirror. This creates the illusion of a bigger space as it’s harder to see where the mirror starts and the room begins, while the frames on the artwork will blur the lines of the edges of the mirror. Large round mirrors are another popular choice, particularly when used in a room full of rectangular shapes.",[314,3371,3373],{"id":3372},"decorate-with-light-colours","Decorate with light colours",[12,3375,3376],{},"Dark coloured paint in a room tends to absorb light and make a room look much smaller than it already is. Since this is something you want to avoid if you’re looking to improve the appearance of space in the home, you should think about redecorating with lighter colours. Neutral shades like white, beige and cream work well, along with hues of light blue or other pastel colours.",[12,3378,3379],{},[15,3380],{"alt":253,"src":3381},"/images/2019/03/babystyle_vertbaudet_nursery_05.jpg",[12,3383,3384,3385,3390],{},"These type of colours will make your home appear bigger and brighter while maximising the effect of natural light. One other idea could be to paint the trim of your walls in a lighter shade, which will make the walls themselves feel farther back and create the illusion of more space. If you need a bit of inspiration, look at how property companies like ",[330,3386,3389],{"href":3387,"rel":3388},"https://www.rw-invest.com/student-property-investments/",[334],"RW Invest"," are making use of these shades in their buy to let rental properties. This company, amongst others, understand the effectiveness of lighter colours, using them in their student and residential apartments. Even in a small studio apartment, light and minimal paint shades can really influence the appearance of a property and avoid it feeling too cramped.",[314,3392,3394],{"id":3393},"utilise-storage-options","Utilise storage options",[12,3396,3397,3398,3403],{},"Filling each room with clutter isn’t going to do your small home any favours. If you’re serious about maximising space in your home, you need to do a thorough clean and de-clutter. ",[330,3399,3402],{"href":3400,"rel":3401},"https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/g1814/clean-out-clutter/",[334],"Throw out any old items"," you no longer need, rather than just cramming out-of-date makeup items or random bits and bobs into a drawer! Once you’ve got rid of any items you’ve been hoarding, create some new storage options to keep the things you do need.",[12,3405,3406],{},"In a smaller home, you need to be more creative with storage in order to maximise space. Consider ‘secret storage’ furniture like an ottoman bed or table and install some built in wardrobes if possible. Other good storage options for smaller rooms include floating shelves, wall cabinets, or coffee tables with built-in drawer",[12,3408,3409],{},[15,3410],{"alt":253,"src":3411},"/images/2019/03/babystyle_vertbaudet_nursery_07.jpg",[12,3413,3348],{},{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":3415},[3416,3417,3418],{"id":3356,"depth":452,"text":3357},{"id":3372,"depth":452,"text":3373},{"id":3393,"depth":452,"text":3394},[262],"2019-03-29T22:00:00Z","11317",{},"How to maximise space in small homes. Tips on using mirrors, light colours, decluttering, and creative storage solutions to make your home feel more spacious.","/maximise-space-small-home",{"title":3343,"description":3348},"maximise-space-small-home","fxm_9zVfYxYgT1OsgKREFZTYRFrvku1DjWspTsFITMQ",{"id":3429,"title":3430,"author":7,"body":3431,"category":3493,"cover":3495,"date":3496,"description":3435,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":3497,"meta":3498,"meta_description":3499,"meta_title":3430,"navigation":269,"path":3500,"seo":3501,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":3502,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":3503},"posts/staying-comfortable-stylish-pregnancy.md","Staying Comfortable and Stylish During Pregnancy",{"type":9,"value":3432,"toc":3487},[3433,3436,3443,3452,3456,3465,3469,3472,3476,3484],[12,3434,3435],{},"Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your usual style. Many people choose to completely change up their style to suit their bump and this can compromise how we feel about ourselves during pregnancy. Instead of turning to baggy maternity clothes, follow this guide to show off that bump and your amazing body during pregnancy, so you can stay comfortable and stylish.",[29,3437,3439,3442],{"id":3438},"find-pieces-that-can-grow-with-you",[15,3440],{"alt":253,"src":3441},"/images/2014/11/bibee_dresses_2.jpg","Find Pieces That Can Grow with You",[12,3444,3445,3446,3451],{},"When looking through your wardrobe or looking for new outfits, finding pieces that can stretch and grow as you do will ensure that you have pieces you can wear pre- and post-pregnancy. Nobody wants to spend a lot of money on pregnancy clothes, meaning finding flexible styles is essential. When you first find out you’re pregnant, go to the store and find some signature pieces that are stretchy. Items such as maxi dresses or pants and jeans that are made of elasticated material around the waist will all grow with you as your stomach begins to grow. Luckily, ",[330,3447,3450],{"href":3448,"rel":3449},"https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/baggy-pants-trend",[334],"floaty and oversized pants remain a big trend",", meaning you can remain both comfortable and chic.",[29,3453,3455],{"id":3454},"what-you-wear-on-your-feet-matters","What You Wear on Your Feet Matters",[12,3457,3458,3459,3464],{},"Being pregnant means carrying extra weight and so giving up those heels is a must if you want your feet and back to remain intact. Designer sneakers are taking the world by storm and many famous faces can be found sporting a pair of these. Whilst some women still choose heels over sneakers, now is the best time to find the perfect pair of designer sneakers that you can feel comfortable and stylish in. Other comfortable options if sneakers aren’t your style include sandals or chunky boots. ",[330,3460,3463],{"href":3461,"rel":3462},"https://www.ssense.com/en/women/designers/gucci/shoes",[334],"SSENSE"," stocks a range of Gucci shoes that can provide comfort and finesse to every outfit, including slippers, sneakers, sandals, and sliders.",[29,3466,3468],{"id":3467},"create-a-pregnancy-collection","Create a Pregnancy Collection",[12,3470,3471],{},"Visiting the wardrobe and constantly finding yourself having to re-try on outfits doesn’t make you feel very good about yourself and can lead to frustration. From the beginning, it is a good idea to be open and honest with yourself and create a pregnancy collection in your wardrobe. Try on outfits you know will still fit in the coming months, so you have an idea of what you still need to buy to style up these outfits. This makes choosing an outfit during pregnancy a breeze.",[29,3473,3475],{"id":3474},"make-use-of-belts","Make Use of Belts",[12,3477,3478,3483],{},[330,3479,3482],{"href":3480,"rel":3481},"https://fustany.com/en/fashion/stylish-mamas/how-to-wear-belts-during-pregnancy",[334],"Belts make a great accessory for the pregnant woman"," and if you don’t want to purchase maternity clothes, you can choose to buy bigger sizes in the brands you love and simply use a belt to add shape to your bump. Wearing baggy clothing if you didn’t before can feel strange to many and the addition of a belt can define your silhouette and add shape, so you can show off your body and bump and feel comfortable whilst doing so.",[12,3485,3486],{},"When possible, try to dress in clothing you can continue to wear post-pregnancy. If this isn’t an option, look for clothing you find fashionable, as you can always sell these clothes after pregnancy.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":3488},[3489,3490,3491,3492],{"id":3438,"depth":254,"text":3442},{"id":3454,"depth":254,"text":3455},{"id":3467,"depth":254,"text":3468},{"id":3474,"depth":254,"text":3475},[262,3494],"pregnancy","/images/2014/12/week_39_bump_1.jpg","2019-03-26T09:00:00Z","11605",{},"Pregnancy fashion guide for staying comfortable and stylish. Tips on stretchy pieces, comfortable footwear, belts for shape, and creating a maternity wardrobe.","/staying-comfortable-stylish-pregnancy",{"title":3430,"description":3435},"staying-comfortable-stylish-pregnancy","AZvF2hpIboEQmzXAI77iNICQXAvt-3qT0c7fg-R2LIg",{"id":3505,"title":3506,"author":7,"body":3507,"category":3634,"cover":3381,"date":3635,"description":3513,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":3636,"meta":3637,"meta_description":3638,"meta_title":3639,"navigation":269,"path":3640,"seo":3641,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":3642,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":3643},"posts/harriets-nursery-tour-ft-babystyle-vertbaudet-baby-mattress.md","Harriets Nursery Tour ft. BabyStyle, Vertbaudet and My Baby Mattress",{"type":9,"value":3508,"toc":3632},[3509,3514,3517,3522,3525,3528,3539,3545,3548,3557,3566,3572,3578,3584,3596,3599,3605,3608,3617,3620,3626,3629],[12,3510,3511,3513],{},[15,3512],{"alt":253,"src":3381},"Finally, it’s finished!!! The nursery is something we would usually decorate and have ready before the baby is even born.",[12,3515,3516],{},"Harriet was almost one by the time she moved into her room. So we will just call this room tour fashionably late. I can honestly say it was worth the wait. I love how it turned out and enjoy spending time there.",[12,3518,3519,3521],{},[15,3520],{"alt":253,"src":3353},"##### Mirror, Vertbaudet (gifted) – Chalkboard, Sass and belle – Dream sign, B&M",[12,3523,3524],{},"We were a lot more relaxed than the first time around when preparing for our second baby. We agreed we didn’t need to rush into making a nursery for our baby girl as we did for Taylor before he was born.",[12,3526,3527],{},"As much as I liked having everything prepared and in place, we knew it could wait until she was a little bigger and we didn’t need to rush.",[12,3529,3530,3533,3534,3538],{},[15,3531],{"alt":253,"src":3532},"/images/2019/03/babystyle_vertbaudet_nursery_10.jpg","When Taylor was a baby he had a 3 piece nursery set with a tiny wardrobe that wasn’t practical. And a changing table, which I insisted we needed. We didn’t. It didn’t get used much and it wasn’t long before he was too big for it anyway. You can see his nursery here – ",[330,3535,3537],{"href":3536},"/taylors-nursery-tour-decor","Taylors nursery"," – It was much bigger than Harriets!",[12,3540,3541,3544],{},[15,3542],{"alt":253,"src":3543},"/images/2019/03/babystyle_vertbaudet_nursery_13.jpg","##### Owl Moonlight & Melodies, Skip Hop (gifted) – Unicorn sign, B&M – Unicorn Doll, M&P – Picture frame, Sasse & Belle",[12,3546,3547],{},"This time around when choosing furniture I had my sensible experienced parent head on. A full-size wardrobe to grow with the baby, nothing too ‘babyish’ and no changing table. This seems to have worked out well for us and I can see her room growing with her meaning we won’t need to change anything too soon.",[12,3549,3550,3553,3556],{},[15,3551],{"alt":253,"src":3552},"/images/2019/03/babystyle_vertbaudet_nursery_04.jpg",[15,3554],{"alt":253,"src":3555},"/images/2019/03/babystyle_vertbaudet_nursery_06.jpg","##### Hollie Sleigh Cot, BabyStyle (Gifted) – Mattress, My Baby Mattress – Cloud rug, Sasse & Belle",[12,3558,3559,3560,3565],{},"Thanks to the lovely team at ",[330,3561,3564],{"href":3562,"rel":3563},"https://babystyle.co.uk/furniture-sets/",[334],"BabyStyle"," we were gifted the Hollie Sleigh Cot and Wardrobe for our little lady. They fit perfectly in her little bedroom leaving enough space for a nice chair, storage, and space to play. I’ll be filming a tour of the nursery including clips of the build. The furniture was built by us and took a few hours. It was easy enough and I loved that things like the rails for drawers were already attached, one less job to do. Thanks, Babystyle!",[12,3567,3568,3571],{},[15,3569],{"alt":253,"src":3570},"/images/2019/03/babystyle_vertbaudet_nursery_09.jpg","##### Unicorn head, M&P – Hollie Sleigh wardrobe, BabyStyle (gifted) – Curtains, Vertbaudet –",[12,3573,3574,3577],{},[15,3575],{"alt":253,"src":3576},"/images/2019/03/babystyle_vertbaudet_nursery_03.jpg","The Hollie Sleigh Cot is beautiful. Converting from sleigh-bed to day bed then into a stylish sofa bed it will stand the test of time. With a spacious drawer underneath, which is great for storing blankets, spare bedding and clothes she is yet to grow into, there is so much space! The drawer is a great way to add extra storage to this small room!",[12,3579,3580,3583],{},[15,3581],{"alt":253,"src":3582},"/images/2019/03/babystyle_vertbaudet_nursery_11.jpg","##### Sleepy eyes storage box, Vertbaudet (gifted) – Floor cushions, Vertbaudet (gifted)",[12,3585,3586,3589,3590,3595],{},[15,3587],{"alt":253,"src":3588},"/images/2019/03/babystyle_vertbaudet_nursery_01.jpg","With gorgeous accessories, gifted from ",[330,3591,3594],{"href":3592,"rel":3593},"https://www.vertbaudet.co.uk",[334],"Vertbaudet",", and a lick of paint, Harriet’s nursery looks beautiful. Sitting in this room each evening as Harriet has her milk and cuddle before bed is the most relaxing part of my day. It’s peaceful and I love spending time in here.",[12,3597,3598],{},"I used floor cushions and a cute storage box from Vertbaudet to create a cosy little reading corner in her room. The box is perfect for storing some books and toys at the right height to help herself. Harriet and Taylor both love sitting in this corner and listening to stories together.",[12,3600,3601,3604],{},[15,3602],{"alt":253,"src":3603},"/images/2019/03/babystyle_vertbaudet_nursery_12.jpg","##### Armchair, NEXT – Cloud cushion, M&P – Storage boxes, Matalan",[12,3606,3607],{},"The nursery also has a big armchair from Next which is where we have our nightly cuddles, it’s the best place to sit with the fairy lights twinkling as we read together.",[12,3609,3610,3611,3616],{},"Harriet also has a lovely mattress from ",[330,3612,3615],{"href":3613,"rel":3614},"https://groovystyle.co.uk/brands/my-baby-mattress/alana-pocket-spring-mattress-140cm-x-70cm.html",[334],"My Baby Mattress",". We didn’t think much about mattresses when we bought Taylors. We just got one that was of a reasonable price and thought nothing of it.",[12,3618,3619],{},"I have no idea if this mattress is sprinkled in magical baby sleep dust, or H is just a super good baby, maybe both? But she sleeps so so well on this mattress. The cover is completely removable and washable! A must for a baby, now I don’t have to worry if she’s sick or any accidents happen in her bed.",[12,3621,3622,3625],{},[15,3623],{"alt":253,"src":3624},"/images/2019/03/my_baby_mattress.jpg","Harriet really loves sleeping in her new cot and has a fantastic routine of sleeping and settling in her own bedroom. She sleeps better than her 4-year-old brother! No lie. I’m waiting for it all to fall apart, hopefully, it won’t! I feel like this relaxing room has really helped with the transition from the Snuzpod and she actually sleeps better in her own space.",[12,3627,3628],{},"Now it’s time to enjoy our lovely baby nursery until she gets a bit bigger and we have to transition it into a toddler room. Which shouldn’t require anything more than converting the cot. I’m really pleased I went with something that would grow with her and feel the decor will last.",[12,3630,3631],{},"What do you think of our little lady’s new nursery? This room is probably the girliest thing I’ve ever created, aside from the baby girl that sleeps in it of course!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":3633},[],[262],"2019-03-12T12:05:00Z","11238",{},"Harriet's nursery tour featuring BabyStyle Hollie Sleigh Cot, Vertbaudet accessories, and My Baby Mattress. Practical furniture that grows with baby.","Harriet's Nursery Tour | BabyStyle & Vertbaudet","/harriets-nursery-tour-ft-babystyle-vertbaudet-baby-mattress",{"title":3506,"description":3513},"harriets-nursery-tour-ft-babystyle-vertbaudet-baby-mattress","hW_Ee7I8o5UdwZt8b6ZZqergszvVvWdAWZWDCEK6gGg",{"id":3645,"title":3646,"author":7,"body":3647,"category":3736,"cover":3671,"date":3738,"description":3739,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":3740,"meta":3741,"meta_description":3742,"meta_title":3646,"navigation":269,"path":3743,"seo":3744,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":3745,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":3746},"posts/love-cereal-kelloggs-national-cereal-day.md","Love Cereal with Kellogg’s this National Cereal Day",{"type":9,"value":3648,"toc":3734},[3649,3661,3667,3673,3676,3682,3688,3694,3700,3706,3709,3715,3719,3731],[12,3650,3651,3654,3655,3660],{},[15,3652],{"alt":253,"src":3653},"/images/2019/03/kelloggs_love_cereal_manchester_01.jpg","In celebration of National Cereal Day, ",[330,3656,3659],{"href":3657,"rel":3658},"https://www.kelloggs.co.uk/en_GB/home.html",[334],"Kellogg’s"," have teamed up with Londons Cereal Killer Cafe. Opening their first EVER pop-up cafe in the heart of Manchester. Which for those who don’t already know, is where Kellogs are based. Yes, your favourite cereals are made right here in the north!",[12,3662,3663,3666],{},[15,3664],{"alt":253,"src":3665},"/images/2019/03/kelloggs_love_cereal_manchester_10.jpg","We popped over to the opening of the Pop-Up to see what Kellogg’s had in store for everyone. With an open bar serving up everyone’s favourite breakfast, and the best barista Mocha I’ve had in a long time, we were spoilt.",[12,3668,3669,3672],{},[15,3670],{"alt":253,"src":3671},"/images/2019/03/kelloggs_love_cereal_manchester_02.jpg","Catering for everyone from allergies, intolerances or lifestyle nobody went hungry. I was amazed to find that our favourite CoCo pops are dairy free. So with a little Soy milk, Harriet was able to enjoy some too.",[12,3674,3675],{},"We were given the VIP cereal treatment with choices from a special menu and concoctions I would never have thought of making myself!",[12,3677,3678,3681],{},[15,3679],{"alt":253,"src":3680},"/images/2019/03/kelloggs_love_cereal_manchester_07.jpg","To kick start my morning I had the Buzzin Bee Krunch, a mixture of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes, Coco Pops, and chocolate chips. Yes, chocolate chips. On cereal! I was apprehensive, it reminded me of when you’re 6 and mix a bit from every box. But to my delight it was delicious. So much so I had a second bowl. Oops.",[12,3683,3684,3687],{},[15,3685],{"alt":253,"src":3686},"/images/2019/03/kelloggs_love_cereal_manchester_09.jpg","We were also treated to Kellogs MCR goody bag. Containing a hat and tee, so now we can always be on trend and prepared for if we ever want to join the Kellogg’s crew!",[12,3689,3690,3693],{},[15,3691],{"alt":253,"src":3692},"/images/2019/03/kelloggs_love_cereal_manchester_11.jpg","There were also ginormous family size boxes of Crunchy Nut and Cornflakes to take away. However, with a baby in tow, I was unable to carry it. Good job I filled up on cereal whilst there.",[12,3695,3696,3699],{},[15,3697],{"alt":253,"src":3698},"/images/2019/03/kelloggs_love_cereal_manchester_05.jpg","After taking some pictures, seeing the Cereal Killers, and CoCo the monkey, we grabbed a Mocha to go and headed back into the cold, with our bellies full of cereal. Not your average morning in the city and well worth the journey.",[12,3701,3702,3705],{},[15,3703],{"alt":253,"src":3704},"/images/2019/03/kelloggs_love_cereal_manchester_08.jpg","Taylor has since declared that he’s getting a box of CoCo Pops with his face and name on because Ryan Toy review had cereal with his face on… Which I’m pretty sure his parents made. Keep an eye out for some DIY cereal boxes on my Insta Feed – Taylor Pops anyone?",[12,3707,3708],{},"Maybe that should be a thing, cereal with your face on?",[12,3710,3711,3714],{},[15,3712],{"alt":253,"src":3713},"/images/2019/03/kelloggs_love_cereal_manchester_06.jpg","The Cafe is open to the public over the next 4 days at 23a Princess Street Manchester – Look out for the big Kellogg’s MCR sign and you can’t go wrong!",[1606,3716,3718],{"id":3717},"kelloggs-opening-times-are-as-follows","Kellogg’s Opening times are as follows –",[12,3720,3721,3722,3724,3725,3727,3728,3730],{},"Thursday 7th 07:00-14:00",[914,3723],{},"\nFriday 8th 0700-14:00",[914,3726],{},"\nSaturday 9th 10:00-16:00",[914,3729],{},"\nSunday 10th 10:00-15:00",[12,3732,3733],{},"Head on down, get yourself some cereal, grab a coffee and bask in the glory that is Kellogg’s.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":3735},[],[3737,262],"days-out","2019-03-08T11:34:00Z","In celebration of National Cereal Day, Kellogg’s have teamed up with Londons Cereal Killer Cafe. Opening their first EVER pop-up cafe in the heart of Manchester. Which for those who don’t already know, is where Kellogs are based. Yes, your favourite cereals are made right here in the north!","11277",{},"Kellogg's National Cereal Day pop-up cafe in Manchester. Cereal Killer Cafe collaboration, custom cereal creations and dairy-free options. March 2019.","/love-cereal-kelloggs-national-cereal-day",{"title":3646,"description":3739},"love-cereal-kelloggs-national-cereal-day","-hRfbFb2AUEorq0ROT7PaS2zMpanDnpx8bA9dOGpoMk",{"id":3748,"title":3749,"author":7,"body":3750,"category":3895,"cover":253,"date":3896,"description":3754,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":3897,"meta":3898,"meta_description":3899,"meta_title":3749,"navigation":269,"path":3900,"seo":3901,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":3902,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":3903},"posts/style-next-getaway.md","How to style for your next getaway!",{"type":9,"value":3751,"toc":3893},[3752,3755,3760,3763,3766,3771,3774,3777,3782,3785,3788,3793,3796,3799,3803,3806,3809,3813,3816,3825,3830,3833,3836,3840,3843,3852,3856,3859,3862,3867,3870,3873,3877,3880,3883,3887,3890],[12,3753,3754],{},"We’re sick of beach holidays and we’re now looking to explore the world. You deserve a romantic trip away with your other half. But often, an unfamiliar location brings the biggest dilemma — what to pack!",[650,3756,3757],{},[46,3758,3759],{},"Reykjavik, Iceland",[12,3761,3762],{},"Every Brit wants to take a trip to Reykjavik, especially in the earlier months of the year. Have you considered this location for your quick Valentine’s getaway?",[12,3764,3765],{},"From the snowy landscape to the lit-up skies, you’ll be able to indulge in plenty of scenic views. As well as this, you might enjoy taking a relaxing spa day to another level by visiting the Blue Lagoon. There’s no denying that the climate in the Nordic country is extremely different to our own, so what should you wear?",[12,3767,3768],{},[39,3769,3770],{},"Boys Suitcase:",[12,3772,3773],{},"A winter coat is essential on a trip to Reykjavik. Rock bright hues that will make you stand out against the snowy backdrop when venturing outside — such as the Golden Circle tour. Hiking boots are also essential on this trip, especially if you’re moving outside of the city centre.",[12,3775,3776],{},"Remember that you can dress up on this trip, so pack something impressive! Shop for some thermals that can be worn beneath your usual nightlife gear.",[12,3778,3779],{},[39,3780,3781],{},"Girls Suitcase:",[12,3783,3784],{},"No one can brave Reykjavik without a winter coat. Again, you want to opt for something bright that will make you the star of the show when in Reykjavik. Thermals and hiking boots are a must for external trips.",[12,3786,3787],{},"A night out in Reykjavik is very similar to one at home, so you know it’s time for dresses and heels! Remember that you can always keep warm with a faux fur coat — this is something that you can keep in the cloakroom!",[650,3789,3790],{},[46,3791,3792],{},"Riga, Latvia",[12,3794,3795],{},"Everyone who visits Riga complements its thrilling architecture and we know you’ll love it just as much. This city has so much to offer, so you better be booking those flights!",[12,3797,3798],{},"There’s plenty of excursions in this area too, take a stroll through Central Market or visit one of its museums! But what should you wear?",[12,3800,3801],{},[39,3802,3770],{},[12,3804,3805],{},"You need to prepare for the chillier weather in Latvia. If you’re heading out to the Old City for a romantic walk with your partner, opt for a simple tee and a neutral coloured jacket. Pair with jeans and boots and you’re sorted.",[12,3807,3808],{},"Locals love casual attire, so this will be a perfect place to keep it cool. However, you can’t forget your hats, gloves and scarves for when you’re walking back to your hotel!",[12,3810,3811],{},[39,3812,3781],{},[12,3814,3815],{},"Riga is known for its fantastic dining scene. For visiting quaint cafes during the day, opt for a bold roller neck jumper and match with denim mom jeans, accompanied by some flat trainers and your favourite backpack.",[12,3817,3818,3819,3824],{},"Need an idea of what to pack? For dinner, choose a ",[330,3820,3823],{"href":3821,"rel":3822},"https://www.quizclothing.co.uk/clothes/dresses/?utm_source=leeleeloves&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=dresses&utm_campaign=QuizUK",[334],"dress"," and pair with some chunky heels and wear a faux fur panel jacket to stay on trend.",[650,3826,3827],{},[46,3828,3829],{},"Plovdiv, Bulgaria",[12,3831,3832],{},"Dubbed as an exclusive city after being built around seven hills, you’ll be thrown deep into the historic culture that comes with visiting this city.",[12,3834,3835],{},"Make sure that you schedule your activities ahead of arrival. Will you be heading to the world’ most intact ancient theatre or taking a trip to an aviation museum? The choice is yours.",[12,3837,3838],{},[39,3839,3770],{},[12,3841,3842],{},"If you love exploring, you’ll need to pack with this in mind. It’s likely that you’ll encounter some rain, so make sure you take a waterproof jacket with and some sturdy boots for your adventures.",[12,3844,3845,3846,3851],{},"On a night time, ",[330,3847,3850],{"href":3848,"rel":3849},"https://www.quizman.com/clothing/tops/shirts/?utm_source=leeleeloves&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=mensshirts&utm_campaign=QuizMan",[334],"men’s shirts"," are the way forward — just remember to pair with some light chinos. We recommend opting for some trainers in this city — you’ll nail the smart-casual look.",[12,3853,3854],{},[39,3855,3781],{},[12,3857,3858],{},"Flat trainers in Plovdiv are a must, but pair with some mom jeans and a fluffy jumper. Take a backpack to keep your belongings in and a jacket for when you get cold walking back to your hotel.",[12,3860,3861],{},"Considered a jumper dress for the night time? You’ll look phenomenal. Remember to opt for a wedged boot too!",[650,3863,3864],{},[46,3865,3866],{},"Krakow, Poland",[12,3868,3869],{},"Krakow is a destination on everyone’s mind. Flights to this city aren’t too pricey either, so it makes the perfect getaway for the most romantic day of the year while sticking to a budget!",[12,3871,3872],{},"Whether you’re going for the historic trips or the entertainment scene, there’s nothing that can’t be offered here. From partying in the main square to visiting castles and cathedrals, make sure you have enough time to explore everything.",[12,3874,3875],{},[39,3876,3770],{},[12,3878,3879],{},"The city centre in Krakow is perfect for a stroll with your other half. Stay casual for daytime adventures with a striped tee, leather jacket and some denim jeans. You can pull this outfit together with brogues or trainers — it’s entirely up to you!",[12,3881,3882],{},"Brogues should be kept for your evening table reservations too, but this time pair with chinos and a blazer.",[12,3884,3885],{},[39,3886,3781],{},[12,3888,3889],{},"Oversized tee’s are a must in Krakow. Pair these with some flat trainers or knee-high boots that are suitable for walking around the city with your other half.",[12,3891,3892],{},"You can wear almost anything for a night out in Krakow. But for Valentine’s Day date night itself, be the star of the show with a chic dress and matching jacket — and of course, heels!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":3894},[],[262],"2019-03-04T11:36:00Z","11236",{},"Travel styling guide for European city breaks. What to pack for Reykjavik, Riga, Plovdiv, and Krakow. Outfit ideas for romantic getaways and exploration.","/style-next-getaway",{"title":3749,"description":3754},"style-next-getaway","ASfAk7FW35kXEph9fkBCxPHbz9KwlTdSLFOmvTeiUEo",{"id":3905,"title":3906,"author":7,"body":3907,"category":3962,"cover":3963,"date":3964,"description":3965,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":3966,"meta":3967,"meta_description":3968,"meta_title":3969,"navigation":269,"path":3970,"seo":3971,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":3972,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":3973},"posts/my-goals-for-2019.md","My Goals for 2019!",{"type":9,"value":3908,"toc":3960},[3909,3915,3918,3921,3924,3927,3930,3933,3936,3945,3948,3951,3954],[12,3910,3911,3912,3914],{},"Not only is it 2019, but it’s also the year that I turn 30. That’s right, I’m getting older.",[914,3913],{},"\nMy MIL said it feels like I’ve been in my 20’s forever. There are so many things I’d like to do in life, some big, some small. So I thought I’d put together 30 things to do before I’m 30 lists, but then taking money and children into consideration I thought that’s probably not going to be easily achieved. For now, I’ll share my goals for 2019 and what I’d like to achieve both personal and lifestyle.",[12,3916,3917],{},"I’m setting goals rather than making resolutions, no pressure to succeed at doing something specific but pushing myself to do better in many areas. Here goes…",[12,3919,3920],{},"1. Read More – I used to read a lot. I was a book blogger, would you believe? So this year I’m hoping to get through more of my ever-growing TBR pile.",[12,3922,3923],{},"2. Meal Plan – I tried this last year and didn’t stick to it. I need to get better at meal planning and prep. I’m the worst at it. If you have any great tips or family meals do share them! I think meal planning will benefit us as a family and I’ll spend less time thinking about what we’re going to have each day!",[12,3925,3926],{},"3. Play more – By play I mean get down on the floor and play lego with my boy, with no distractions. Paint pictures and play-doh without thinking about blog deadlines, blog photos, other work or home related tasks. In 2019 lets play!",[12,3928,3929],{},"4. Be more organised – The past year has been a whirlwind for me, this year I ho tope be more organised. Make realistic deadlines, remove distractions and stick to my targets.",[12,3931,3932],{},"5. Wake up earlier! – I need to get up ealier, do things before the kids get up and kick start my day. I find I’m always in a hurry in the mornings and things would be so much calmer if I were to get up before them and prepare for the day ahead. I’d like to think I could get more done, but even if I just shower, dress and enjoy a cut of tea in peace I’m sure that will help too.",[12,3934,3935],{},"6. Learn something new – I don’t know what yet, but I’d like to learn something new. I’d like to ge ta cameo silhouette or Cricut and start making things, but that requires a large purchase. Maybe I’ll learn to cook, I mean, I can cook. But not as many things as I’d like!",[12,3937,3938,3939,3944],{},"7. Go on holiday! – I’d love to go to Florida again or NYC or stay in a cabin in the snow in Canada. But with 2 children under 4 that won’t be happening anytime soon. I’ll stick with something smaller. I’ve been looking at ",[330,3940,3943],{"href":3941,"rel":3942},"https://www.markwarner.co.uk/family-holidays",[334],"Mark Warner"," family holidays, British staycations and Euro Holidays. I’d love to do something before Taylor starts full time school and our options become more limited with prices during the holidays.",[12,3946,3947],{},"8. Date night – Make time for more dates nights, Harriet now takes bottles so we can leave both children with the grandparents for a few hours. Lets spend more time together and remember what it felt like to be us!",[12,3949,3950],{},"9. Push my book business! – I’m now an Usbourne organiser and since signing up it’s been christmas. I really need to prep and get this new little venture of my underway before it fails to take off at all! If you want to buy some Childrens books, hit me up 😉",[12,3952,3953],{},"10. Stress less – Pretty self-explanatory. I’d like to stop stressing out over every little thing and letting my anxiety get the better of me. I’m hoping for a more laid back year without any major illnesses or scares like last year. Last year with Harriet had me all over the place mentally and I like to think we’re now on the path to normality!",[12,3955,3956,3957,3959],{},"Do you have any goals for this year? I’d love to hear what you’re hoping to achieve!",[914,3958],{},"\nPop them in the comments below and lets inspire one another.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":3961},[],[262],"/images/2019/01/2019_goals.png","2019-01-08T13:15:00Z","Not only is it 2019, but it’s also the year that I turn 30. That’s right, I’m getting older.\nMy MIL said it feels like I’ve been in my 20’s forever. There are so many things I’d like to do in life, some big, some small. So I thought I’d put together 30 things to do before I’m 30 lists, but then taking money and children into consideration I thought that’s probably not going to be easily achieved. For now, I’ll share my goals for 2019 and what I’d like to achieve both personal and lifestyle.","11166",{},"10 goals for 2019 including reading more, meal planning, playing with children, being organised, learning new skills, family holidays, and reducing stress.","My Goals for 2019 - New Year Resolutions & Plans","/my-goals-for-2019",{"title":3906,"description":3965},"my-goals-for-2019","wBen6UVO-mI6j27PDsaw4OnbtVpDChxrCjPswpUFN_I",{"id":3975,"title":3976,"author":7,"body":3977,"category":4033,"cover":3983,"date":4034,"description":253,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":4035,"meta":4036,"meta_description":4037,"meta_title":3976,"navigation":269,"path":4038,"seo":4039,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":4040,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":4041},"posts/surviving-long-car-journey-children-top-5-tips.md","Surviving a long car journey with children – Top 5 tips.",{"type":9,"value":3978,"toc":4031},[3979,3984,3987,3992,4001,4005,4013,4016,4019,4022,4025,4028],[12,3980,3981],{},[15,3982],{"alt":253,"src":3983},"/images/2016/06/little_tikes_cozy_coupe.jpg",[12,3985,3986],{},"Travelling with children can be daunting. Aside from crossing your fingers that they’ll sleep for the majority of your journey you have to plan. We’ve experienced a 9-hour flight with a 2-year-old and had it not been for the strategic planning beforehand I don’t know how we would have survived. The same goes for car journeys. Last week we took a 5 hour car journey to mine head for a little staycation, this is our 3rd year doing the same journey. But our first year as a family of four. So how did we tackle a 5-hour journey with a 3.5-year-old and an 8-month-old?",[12,3988,3989],{},[15,3990],{"alt":253,"src":3991},"/images/2016/01/big_day_out_george_clothing_asda_baby_car.jpg",[12,3993,3994,3995,4000],{},"As much as I’d like to put my feet up for 5 hours cruising down the motorway in an ",[330,3996,3999],{"href":3997,"rel":3998},"https://www.john-clark.co.uk/audi/new-cars/new-audi-tt/",[334],"Audi TT"," or flashy sports car with the top down and music blaring, travelling with children is quite the opposite. We probably wouldn’t have been headed for a week in Minehead at all if we didn’t have children.",[1606,4002,4004],{"id":4003},"here-are-5-things-we-do-to-make-long-car-journeys-with-children-under-5-a-success","Here are 5 things we do to make long car journeys with children under 5 a success",[12,4006,4007,4008,4012],{},"1. – If possible, travel in a large family car. If you dream of driving around in a flash ",[330,4009,4011],{"href":3997,"rel":4010},[334],"Audi TT ","coupe – like myself – then you’re going to have to leave the kids at home! A big car is essential if you’re going to fit baggage, travel cots, prams and toys in.",[12,4014,4015],{},"2. – Keep bags and wipes to hand, in case of travel sickness! I keep nappy bags and wipes in the glove compartment at all times as well as spare clothes in the changing bag which can be easily accessed.",[12,4017,4018],{},"3. If you can, don’t set off too early. We embarked on our recent journey at lunchtime, this meant Taylor had been awake and playing for hours. This resulted in a 2.5-hour car nap. He no longer has naps at home but is guaranteed to sleep in the car!",[12,4020,4021],{},"4. Make frequent stops where possible. Preferably at a service station with the golden a 3-year-old with a happy meal is a happy 3-year-old! When travelling with a baby stop ever 2-3 hours, it’s advised to give babies break from the car seat for safety reasons. Stop at services for a clean, feed, and a cuddle.",[12,4023,4024],{},"5. If your little ones use a tablet, either download content before your journey or tether it to your phone so they can still watch their favourite YouTube Kids open surprise eggs from the comfort of their car seat, or if they’re old enough, play traditional car games!",[12,4026,4027],{},"Overall our recent journey went well, Harriet had a big bowl of porridge before we set off and slept for 3 hours, I had to wake her to be changed and fed! Taylor had a happy meal at the services and we played countless games off Rock, Paper, Scissors and Eye-Spy. Which was cute as it’s the first time he’s understood these games. He did, however, vomit all over himself on the journey home, you can’t win them all!",[12,4029,4030],{},"Do you have any special tactics for when travelling with little ones? I’d love to hear them, pop a comment below or via our social channels!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":4032},[],[262],"2018-09-10T08:32:00Z","11021",{},"5 tips for surviving long car journeys with children under 5. From travel timing and frequent stops to entertainment and emergency supplies. Strategic planning.","/surviving-long-car-journey-children-top-5-tips",{"title":3976,"description":253},"surviving-long-car-journey-children-top-5-tips","4W87e0fU3PgI8l-l4L5TK7XbxOnVCfUIDyUEJT0xVAw",{"id":4043,"title":4044,"author":7,"body":4045,"category":4106,"cover":4107,"date":4108,"description":4052,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":4109,"meta":4110,"meta_description":4111,"meta_title":4044,"navigation":269,"path":4112,"seo":4113,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":4114,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":4115},"posts/5-ways-protect-baby-summer.md","5 Ways to protect your baby this summer",{"type":9,"value":4046,"toc":4104},[4047,4053,4056,4063,4067,4070,4073,4076,4079,4082,4088,4091,4094],[12,4048,4049,4052],{},[15,4050],{"alt":253,"src":4051},"/images/2018/08/breastmilk_lolly_01-1.jpg","In true British style when an unexpected heatwave hits, we bask in the glory of the sun for all of 24 hours before we crumple up in a ball and moan repeatedly about how warm it is!",[12,4054,4055],{},"We’re just not prepared for the unexpectedly warm weather. We’re used to wet summers and brisk winters. But more importantly, our infants aren’t prepared either. If you’re struggling in the heat, chances are your little one is struggling more.",[12,4057,4058,4059,4062],{},"Throughout July, WaterWipes have partnered up with a child dermatologist ",[241,4060,4061],{},"Dr Wilkinson."," Who has provided a variety of top tips on taking care of little ones in the sun. We’ve taken our favourite tips, alongside some of our own, to help you keep your little ones safe this summer!",[1606,4064,4066],{"id":4065},"_5-ways-to-protect-your-baby-this-summer","5 Ways to protect your baby this summer –",[12,4068,4069],{},"1. Keep babies under 6 months in the shade. Sun cream is not tested on babies under 6 months and so should not be used.",[12,4071,4072],{},"2. For older children, offer plenty of fluids. Babies get their water from breastmilk or formula. Although some can benefit from cooled boiled water. if necessary. Make sure you consult your health visitor first as babies don’t generally need extra water.",[12,4074,4075],{},"3. Summertime means your baby may be exposed to potential skin irritants that they haven’t before, such as seawater, sand, sweat, sun cream, chlorine and air conditioning. Make sure you’re taking extra care and using tried and tested products to protect your baby’s skin. WaterWipes have been carefully designed to be gentle on babies’ sensitive skin. They are the world’s purest baby wipe that contains 99.9% water and a drop of grapefruit seed extract – a natural skin conditioner",[12,4077,4078],{},"4. Keep them cool with milk lollies! I don’t mean the kind you find in the freezer aisle of the local supermarket. I like to make breastmilk lollies for my little one when the heat really hits.",[12,4080,4081],{},"5. Wash off chlorine or sand in the shower as soon as possible and apply a moisturiser to the skin, especially if your baby is prone to eczema. WaterWipes don’t irritate the skin and are safe for use on sensitive skin.",[12,4083,4084,4087],{},[15,4085],{"alt":253,"src":4086},"/images/2018/08/IMG_0234.jpg","You can keep your little ones safe this summer by using safe, natural, tried and tested products on their sensitive skin.",[12,4089,4090],{},"As we prepare for a week away this summer we’ll be putting these methods into practice and ensuring our little ones are protected.",[12,4092,4093],{},"Do you have any top tips for keeping little ones safe in the sun? Share them in the comments below!",[577,4095,4097,4098,4103],{"id":4096},"this-post-is-in-partnership-with-waterwipes-to-find-out-more-about-waterwipes-visit-wwwwaterwipescom-or-waterwipes-on-facebook-twitter-and-instagram","This post is in partnership with WaterWipes – To find out more about WaterWipes visit ",[330,4099,4102],{"href":4100,"rel":4101},"http://www.waterwipes.com/",[334],"www.waterwipes.com"," or WaterWipes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":4105},[],[262],"/images/2018/08/waterwipes_cover.jpg","2018-08-05T12:11:00Z","10958",{},"5 ways to protect your baby in summer. Shade for under 6 months, hydration tips, gentle skin care with WaterWipes, breastmilk lollies, and sun protection.","/5-ways-protect-baby-summer",{"title":4044,"description":4052},"5-ways-protect-baby-summer","VpFEhnrSdfp0ot3KdUB8xBOKObBXzoS4O0GtfjQpUjo",{"id":4117,"title":4118,"author":7,"body":4119,"category":4204,"cover":4143,"date":4205,"description":4123,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":4206,"meta":4207,"meta_description":4208,"meta_title":4209,"navigation":269,"path":4210,"seo":4211,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":4212,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":4213},"posts/dream-small-space-nursery.md","My dream small space nursery",{"type":9,"value":4120,"toc":4202},[4121,4124,4127,4133,4136,4139,4144,4152,4155,4158,4166,4169,4172,4181,4184,4187,4193,4196,4199],[12,4122,4123],{},"Having lived in our new home for almost 2 years now I decided to bite the bullet and put paint on the walls, starting with the nursery!",[12,4125,4126],{},"Harriet will move into her room soon so I’d like to do something with it before she does. If you follow my column in Progressive Preschool magazine you may know I have a real love-hate relationship with her nursery furniture. If I could replace it and give hers to charity, I would. The nursery furniture used to be Taylors, It’s a dark walnut wood, which I have grown to dislike. I consider painting it most weeks but chicken out in fear of making it worse.",[12,4128,4129,4132],{},[15,4130],{"alt":253,"src":4131},"/images/2018/07/harriet_furniture.jpg","So, I’ve taken the plunge. Today I put paint swatches on the wall. I then proceeded to play furniture Tetris, again. To no avail. The dream would be to be rid of the changing table all together now she’s bigger, but I’d still need drawers for her clothes.",[12,4134,4135],{},"A wardrobe with drawers would be the dream for this small space. And a beautiful nursing chair.",[12,4137,4138],{},"So, although it’s not the end of the world not being able to create the room I want for a baby who won’t even care. I can still dream. And dream I will. I’ve even put together a mood board of what my dream nursery for Dolly would consist of. I started this whilst pregnant so I may as well share it with you!",[1606,4140,4141],{"id":253},[15,4142],{"alt":253,"src":4143},"/images/2018/07/nursery_baby_girl_cute_snuzkot_babygrey.jpg",[1606,4145,992,4147],{"id":4146},"_1-the-snuzkot-rococo-cot-bed-grey",[330,4148,4151],{"href":4149,"rel":4150},"https://www.snuz.co.uk/snuzkot-rococo-cot-bed-grey/",[334],"The SnuzKot Rococo Cot Bed Grey –",[12,4153,4154],{},"As huge fans of the snuzpod, it didn’t take much for me to fall for its big brother the Snuzkot. We bought our Snuzpod almost 4 years ago now whilst I was pregnant with Taylor. He slept in it for 8 months and now Harriet sleeps in the same one. It’s stood the test of time and 4 house moves. I can only imagine the Snuzkot is of the same supreme quality. It’s also a cot bed which will last for years to come.",[12,4156,4157],{},"And, it’s stunning. Have you seen those spindles? It’s the sort of cot you’d keep, for the grand babies!",[1606,4159,1019,4161],{"id":4160},"_2-tutti-bambini-lucas-white-sleigh-wardrobe",[330,4162,4165],{"href":4163,"rel":4164},"https://www.tuttibambini.com/product/lucas-room-set/",[334],"Tutti Bambini Lucas White Sleigh Wardrobe –",[12,4167,4168],{},"Instead of a change table, I’d pair the snuzkot with the Tutti Bambini Lucas wardrobe. So you still have drawers for clothes, but a hanging space for all those little dresses she’s already accumulated. You get the best of both worlds. Also, cute little shelves!",[12,4170,4171],{},"As much as I championed a changing table in my first pregnancy I soon learnt people were right. I should have listened, you don’t use it a whole heap and they soon start rolling around!",[1606,4173,4175,4176],{"id":4174},"_3-baby-grey-nelli-rocker","3. ",[330,4177,4180],{"href":4178,"rel":4179},"https://www.babygrey.co.uk/product/nelli-rocker",[334],"Baby Grey Nelli Rocker –",[12,4182,4183],{},"Having had a traditional glider with Taylor for those long night feeds, a bargain for £20 on Facebook at the time, I know how important having a nice place to sit is. Especially once they’re in their own room and you’re no longer scooping them up from beside you. I breastfed Taylor for 2.5 years, we wore that chair in and then some until it broke.",[12,4185,4186],{},"Nursing chairs have since moved up in the world. Although the traditional glider is still at large. There are now beautiful armchair rockers on the market. Baby Grey, Teddy One and Olli Ella all offer stunning armchairs that any mother would happily curl up in with their newborn. The Nelli from Baby Grey is a nice petite option and would be perfect for the space we have.",[12,4188,4189,4192],{},[15,4190],{"alt":253,"src":4191},"/images/2018/07/nursery_baby_girl_cute_snuz_sass_belle.jpg","##### 1. Velveteen Babies Garland 2. Next Light shade 3. Vertbaudet Curtains 4. Snuz Cot Bedding in Wave Rose 5. Sass and Belle rug",[12,4194,4195],{},"Throw in some accessories like those above and you have the perfect space to last a little lady for quite some time!",[12,4197,4198],{},"And that’s it, my dream nursery space would consist of these gems. With blush pink and pale grey walls, gold polka dots and a little bookcase. Do you think the man would notice if the current furniture accidentally fell apart or found it’s way to charity? 😂",[12,4200,4201],{},"What would your perfect nursery look like?",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":4203},[],[262],"2018-07-20T01:15:00Z","10945",{},"Dream small space nursery ideas. SnuzKot Rococo cot bed, Tutti Bambini wardrobe, Baby Grey rocker. Blush pink and grey colour scheme for baby girl room.","Small Space Nursery Design Ideas & Inspiration","/dream-small-space-nursery",{"title":4118,"description":4123},"dream-small-space-nursery","j_vZkjfe4UnbbUiCpEz-7GdDNnjzsPMo9WvVBgVIb2c",{"id":4215,"title":4216,"author":7,"body":4217,"category":4284,"cover":4232,"date":4285,"description":4286,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":4287,"meta":4288,"meta_description":4289,"meta_title":4290,"navigation":269,"path":4291,"seo":4292,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":4293,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":4294},"posts/thank-you-midwives-birth-tribute.md","#thankyoumidwives",{"type":9,"value":4218,"toc":4282},[4219,4228,4234,4237,4240,4243,4246,4249,4252,4255,4258,4261,4264,4267,4270,4273,4276,4279],[12,4220,4221,4222,4227],{},"Nothing in this world compares to the feeling of holding your newborn baby for the very first time. The moment the ",[330,4223,4226],{"href":4224,"rel":4225},"https://www.smartcells.com/baby/b/thank-you-midwives/",[334],"midwife"," hands them over to you your entire world changes.",[12,4229,4230,4233],{},[15,4231],{"alt":253,"src":4232},"/images/2018/01/harriet_announcement-0074.jpg","I remember that moment so clearly, as my partner held onto me whilst the midwife passed him up and I held him to my chest for skin to skin.",[12,4235,4236],{},"One of four midwives who cared for us throughout the 7 hours we spent in the labour ward. And I won’t lie, I don’t remember their names, I was in labour! I remember 15 minutes before he arrived. Just before we started to push that there was a shift change, and the lady who had been there throughout left, handing us over to somebody else.",[12,4238,4239],{},"I remember the amount of blood that covered the floor of the hospital room and the way my body shook. Seeing the midwife calmly clean it up.",[12,4241,4242],{},"I remember the midwife casually chatting to me afterwards as she stitched a tear. Like it was normal because for her it was, it was her normal. Her every day. For me, it was all surreal.",[12,4244,4245],{},"My second pregnancy and birth were totally different, more complicated. This lead to me being consultant lead and having an unexpected cesarian. But that isn’t to say I didn’t also have an amazing midwife before this.",[12,4247,4248],{},"Because midwives aren’t just on labour wards and in hospitals they’re in GP practices. They’re going door to door providing aftercare in those first weeks before handing over to health visitors.",[12,4250,4251],{},"I may have had a mixture of experiences between both of my pregnancies and births. But midwives played a big part in it all.",[12,4253,4254],{},"Thank you to the midwife who measured my bump and took my blood every two weeks.",[12,4256,4257],{},"Thank you to the midwife who held my hand and gave me reassurance.",[12,4259,4260],{},"Thank you to the midwife who asked how we were when she saw us in the supermarket.",[12,4262,4263],{},"Thank you to the midwife who brought me tea and toast.",[12,4265,4266],{},"Thank you to the midwife who helped me when I passed out in the shower.",[12,4268,4269],{},"Thank you to the midwife who took my newborn for an hour, so I could sleep.",[12,4271,4272],{},"Thank you to the midwife who cared.",[12,4274,4275],{},"Thank you to the midwife who helped me nurse my baby.",[12,4277,4278],{},"For all the things you do big and small. Thank you!",[1606,4280,4216],{"id":4281},"thankyoumidwives",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":4283},[],[262,3494],"2018-07-02T15:03:00Z","Nothing in this world compares to the feeling of holding your newborn baby for the very first time. The moment the midwife hands them over to you your entire world changes.","10917",{},"Thank you midwives tribute. Celebrating the incredible care, support, and dedication of midwives during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. #thankyoumidwives","Thank You Midwives: A Tribute to Birth Care Heroes","/thank-you-midwives-birth-tribute",{"title":4216,"description":4286},"thank-you-midwives-birth-tribute","uDBGb6NrvAIWjhSpJclJ8ISAn0VevHE-SeqwvI1nk9I",{"id":4296,"title":4297,"author":7,"body":4298,"category":4351,"cover":4352,"date":4353,"description":4302,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":4354,"meta":4355,"meta_description":4356,"meta_title":4297,"navigation":269,"path":4357,"seo":4358,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":4359,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":4360},"posts/were-konfidence-swimologist-ambassadors.md","We’re Konfidence 2018 Swimologist Ambassadors!",{"type":9,"value":4299,"toc":4349},[4300,4303,4315,4318,4325,4328,4331,4334,4337,4346],[12,4301,4302],{},"When it comes to some basic life skills I’m not the most qualified. I’m still taking my driving lessons, and I’m not the strongest of swimmers. Both of which are skills I wish I had focused on earlier in life.",[12,4304,4305,4308,4309,4314],{},[15,4306],{"alt":253,"src":4307},"/images/2018/06/Konfidence_swimologist_2018_01.jpg","When ",[330,4310,4313],{"href":4311,"rel":4312},"https://www.konfidence.co.uk/",[334],"Konfidenc","e asked Taylor to work with them as a Child Swimologist throughout 2018 we couldn’t wait to jump in!",[12,4316,4317],{},"Konfidence is a brand we trust when it comes to water safety. When we took Taylor to Disney World last summer, we also took the Konfidence Swim Jacket. A must for the water park!",[12,4319,4320,4324],{},[15,4321],{"alt":4322,"src":4323},"konfidence_toddler_swimming_blizzard_beach","/images/2017/07/disney_with_toddler_blizzard_beach.jpg","Teaching our children those all important life skills is something we’re passionate about. So to ensure we help them as much as we can we’ve started with swimming.",[12,4326,4327],{},"It had been a while since Taylor took swimming lessons as a baby. And now seemed like the perfect time to get him back in the water.",[12,4329,4330],{},"Taylor has been taking swimming lessons for two months and his water confidence has rocketed. He’s even rolling around in the bath! When before he would sit upright, avoiding getting his face wet at all costs.",[12,4332,4333],{},"Konfidence has sent us a bundle of lovely products to try on our journey to swimming success. From the warma wetsuit to the baby changing mat and swim nappy. Our little ones are all set to make a splash this summer.",[12,4335,4336],{},"We’re also going to be hosting a giveaway for your chance to win a £50 Konfidence voucher to set you up for this summer!",[12,4338,4339,4343,4345],{},[15,4340],{"alt":4341,"src":4342,"title":4341},"konfidence_warma_wetsuit","/images/2018/06/Konfidence_swimologist_2018_02.jpg",[914,4344],{},"\nTaylor has already started to put the Konfidence Warma Wetsuit to the test. And its really giving him the boost that he needs.",[12,4347,4348],{},"We’re heading off to the Splash Landings Water Park at Alton Towers this month to put our Konfidence goodies to the test! Even Dolly has her own little Konfidence baby warma wetsuit for her first swimming experience. Keep an eye out to see how we get on!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":4350},[],[262],"/images/2018/06/swimologist.jpg","2018-06-14T09:52:00Z","10804",{},"Konfidence 2018 Swimologist Ambassadors. Teaching children water safety with Warma wetsuits, swim jackets, and lessons. Building confidence in the water.","/were-konfidence-swimologist-ambassadors",{"title":4297,"description":4302},"were-konfidence-swimologist-ambassadors","Qk5utaZjAxvTSw1gzUa38C27MQH2VJyFIFdXwlUd5I4",{"id":4362,"title":4363,"author":7,"body":4364,"category":4427,"cover":4428,"date":4429,"description":4368,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":4430,"meta":4431,"meta_description":4432,"meta_title":4433,"navigation":269,"path":4434,"seo":4435,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":4436,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":4437},"posts/keeping-eczema-control-cuticura-mildly-medicated-talcum-powder.md","Keeping eczema under control with Cuticura Mildly Medicated Talcum Powder",{"type":9,"value":4365,"toc":4424},[4366,4369,4375,4381,4390,4395,4401,4407,4411,4414,4417],[12,4367,4368],{},"For most parents, the daily routine of getting their little ones ready for bed is pretty straightforward. It may involve bath time, or story time, a bottle of warm milk and some cuddles. For us, it involves a vigorous routine of lathering Little Foxes skin in various creams each morning and evening to ensure his eczema doesn’t flare up. To keep it under control, and stop him from scratching in his sleep.",[12,4370,4371,4374],{},[15,4372],{"alt":253,"src":4373},"/images/2018/05/cuticura_medicated_talcum_powder-0182.jpg","The trouble is when you think you’ve found the perfect combination of lotions and potions something will change. What once worked no longer takes effect and the flare-ups return. The one thing we try to avoid is the use of steroid creams, they aren’t a long-term solution, and can cause the skin to thin.",[12,4376,4377,4380],{},[15,4378],{"alt":253,"src":4379},"/images/2018/05/cuticura_medicated_talcum_powder-0092.jpg","Right now we have a good routine with a great combination of prescribed products and we’re in control. In a bid to help ease the itchiness caused by his eczema and reduce scratching we’ve also been using Cuticura Mildly Medicated Talcum Powder. Little Fox suffers mostly from dry patches on his arms and legs, around his joints and his face.",[12,4382,4383,4386,4387,4389],{},[15,4384],{"alt":253,"src":4385},"/images/2018/05/cuticura_medicated_talcum_powder-0505.jpg","We don’t usually use talcum powders on his skin as they can cause irritation and dry his skin out further. However, that hasn’t been the case so far with Cuticura Mildly Medicated Talcum Powder. It doesn’t dry the skin out where it’s already irritated and has helped retain moisture.",[914,4388],{},"\nOur most recent flare-up led to the sore irritated skin on his lower back which he scratched in his sleep until it bled.",[12,4391,4392,4394],{},[15,4393],{"alt":253,"src":2217},"With damp open sores that needed to be cleaned and covered to prevent infection without drying out his skin completely. Creams meant the open sores were remaining damp and were not healing. As the sores were along the top of his nappy line it was difficult to let the area air dry long enough to heal. Using Cuticura Mildly Medicated Talcum Powder worked really well at keeping the area dry without removing moisture from his skin. And helping with the healing process.",[12,4396,4397,4400],{},[15,4398],{"alt":253,"src":4399},"/images/2018/05/cuticura_medicated_talcum_powder-comparison_2.jpg","We’ve never had a routine of bath and bed in our house. It was clear from being just a few months old that too many baths dried his skin out, leaving it sore and scaly. Not something you want to see on your precious newborn! But we’re finding his skin can tolerate a few more baths than usual these days. Which is great, because 3-year-olds get so messy sometimes they need more than a wipe down!",[12,4402,4403,4406],{},[15,4404],{"alt":253,"src":4405},"/images/2018/05/cuticura_medicated_talcum_powder-0177.jpg","We’ve been using Cuticura Mildly Medicated Talcum Powder for two weeks now and have seen a visible difference in his eczema and the amount he scratches. The redness has reduced and itching is at a minimum. The open sores have healed nicely. Little Fox also loves applying Cuticura Mildly Medicated Talcum Powder himself, although we all end up wearing some! We’re going to continue use after each bath time to keep any patches of eczema soft and dry, reducing itching at bedtime.",[314,4408,4410],{"id":4409},"competition","Competition –",[12,4412,4413],{},"Today I am thrilled to be able to offer 20 of my readers the chance of winning some Cuticura Mildly Medicated Talcum Powder to try it for themselves.!",[12,4415,4416],{},"So feel free to enter by following the instructions on the widget below –",[12,4418,4419],{},[330,4420,4423],{"href":4421,"rel":4422},"https://gleam.io/uO8il/win-1-of-20-cuticura-mildly-medicated-talcum-powder",[334],"Win 1 of 20 Cuticura Mildly Medicated Talcum Powder",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":4425},[4426],{"id":4409,"depth":452,"text":4410},[262],"/images/2018/05/cuticura_cover.jpg","2018-05-31T11:31:00Z","10789",{},"Cuticura Mildly Medicated Talcum Powder for eczema. Reduces itching, keeps skin dry without drying out, and helps heal sore patches. Great for toddlers.","Cuticura Talcum Powder for Eczema Review","/keeping-eczema-control-cuticura-mildly-medicated-talcum-powder",{"title":4363,"description":4368},"keeping-eczema-control-cuticura-mildly-medicated-talcum-powder","_pBSM29Qi0rtAv4YDa9ODkCoqD0ptzxH93dzjyVGqAA",{"id":4439,"title":4440,"author":7,"body":4441,"category":4522,"cover":4523,"date":4524,"description":4525,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":4526,"meta":4527,"meta_description":4528,"meta_title":4440,"navigation":269,"path":4529,"seo":4530,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":4531,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":4532},"posts/prepare-delayed-flight-baby.md","How to Prepare for a Delayed Flight when you have a Baby",{"type":9,"value":4442,"toc":4520},[4443,4452,4457,4460,4465,4474,4479,4482,4487,4490,4495,4498,4503,4512,4517],[12,4444,4445,4446,4451],{},"It can be difficult if you have to wait around for ",[330,4447,4450],{"href":4448,"rel":4449},"https://www.readies.co.uk/flight-delay-compensation/",[334],"a delayed flight",", but if you have a baby with you, it can be even trickier. If they manage to sleep a lot of the time, then it will be easier but otherwise, you may find it hard to cope with. Below are some tips which could help the situation to be less stressful.",[12,4453,4454],{},[39,4455,4456],{},"Have plenty of spare nappies",[12,4458,4459],{},"It can sound really obvious, but to make sure that your baby is comfortable you will need to keep it in a clean and comfortable nappy. If you do not have enough in your hand luggage, then you will be able to buy some. However, if they are not the brand that your baby is used to, they may not feel as comfortable and it may impact their mood. You may find that the nappies leak more often and therefore you have to change them more, as well as changing clothes more often too. Buying nappies could also be really expensive at an airport.",[12,4461,4462],{},[39,4463,4464],{},"Make sure you are well prepared for feeding",[12,4466,4467,4468,4473],{},"You may be feeding your baby yourself or using a formula to feed them. Either way, you will need to make sure that you have everything you require for feeding. You may think that you are well prepared, but you need to make sure that you remember that you will be ",[330,4469,4472],{"href":4470,"rel":4471},"https://www.todaysparent.com/baby/breastfeeding/10-tips-for-breastfeeding-in-public/",[334],"in a public place"," and so that may change how you feed. You may also be delayed a long time and so you will need to make sure that you have enough resources for your baby.",[12,4475,4476],{},[39,4477,4478],{},"Bring spare clothes and muslins",[12,4480,4481],{},"You will know to bring spare clothing and muslins for baby, but pack more than you think you will need as you never know how long you might be delayed for. You may also want spare clothing for you as well in case baby is sick on you or wets on you as well. Also remember to bring a bag to put in any soiled or wet clothes so that you can put them separate to the clean ones.",[12,4483,4484],{},[39,4485,4486],{},"Consider the temperature",[12,4488,4489],{},"It is worth thinking about whether baby might be too hot or cold at the airport. With air conditioning and heating, it is often hard to know what the temperature might be. It is therefore wise to be prepared and bring plenty of layers and maybe a blanket and hat just in case and you will be able to keep baby at a comfortable temperature.",[12,4491,4492],{},[39,4493,4494],{},"Have some medication with you",[12,4496,4497],{},"If baby is old enough to take paracetamol, it could be wise to have some with you. Then if you feel that they are getting poorly, perhaps with a temperature, they are teething or something like that, then you will be able to make them feel better. If they are on prescription medication for anything, then you will need to make sure that you have that with you as well of course.",[12,4499,4500],{},[39,4501,4502],{},"Bring things to entertain baby",[12,4504,4505,4506,4511],{},"As babies grow they ",[330,4507,4510],{"href":4508,"rel":4509},"https://www.babycenter.com/400_how-can-i-keep-my-children-entertained-on-a-long-flight_500555_1.bc",[334],"need to be entertained",". Once they start being awake for longer periods, they will get bored if they are not doing anything. Therefore it is a good idea to bring a few things with you that will entertain them. They may have a favourite toy that they will want or they may have other things that they like. Obviously you will have to think practically with regards to the size and weight of the toys that you bring but you should still find that there will be things that you can bring with you, that will fit into your bag and still be great for entertaining.",[12,4513,4514],{},[39,4515,4516],{},"Take care of your own needs",[12,4518,4519],{},"One thing that parents often forget is to look after themselves. It is so important to make sure that you are looked after so that you can be a better parent. This means that you should have enough to eat and drink, be a comfortable temperature and not too tired as well. So pack yourself things so that you will be able to be as relaxed as possible and then you will be able to give all of your attention to your little one. It can be hard to put ourselves first as parents, but it can help to make us better parents if we are not grouchy because we need a coffee or too hot but unable to remove a layer of clothing as baby is taking up all of our time.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":4521},[],[262],"/images/2018/05/airport_travel_kids_plain_cover.jpg","2018-05-01T13:11:00Z","It can be difficult if you have to wait around for a delayed flight, but if you have a baby with you, it can be even trickier. If they manage to sleep a lot of the time, then it will be easier but otherwise, you may find it hard to cope with. Below are some tips which could help the situation to be less stressful.","10760",{},"Tips for handling delayed flights with a baby. Pack extra nappies, feeding supplies, spare clothes, entertainment, and medication. Stay prepared and calm.","/prepare-delayed-flight-baby",{"title":4440,"description":4525},"prepare-delayed-flight-baby","sthhxxHfNZ27EKPhsAwSJ3yL3h9dlP3ahWSDT_nj034",{"id":4534,"title":4535,"author":7,"body":4536,"category":4613,"cover":4614,"date":4615,"description":4540,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":4616,"meta":4617,"meta_description":4618,"meta_title":4619,"navigation":269,"path":4620,"seo":4621,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":4622,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":4623},"posts/less-time-laundry-time-living-samsung-tumble-dryer-review-ao-com.md","Less time for laundry and more time for living! – A Samsung Tumble Dryer Review with AO.COM",{"type":9,"value":4537,"toc":4611},[4538,4541,4547,4550,4553,4556,4562,4574,4582,4585,4591,4597,4608],[12,4539,4540],{},"They say when you have another baby your love grows, and they’re not wrong, my heart could burst with love for these mini humans. But your laundry basket grows more!",[12,4542,4543,4546],{},[15,4544],{"alt":253,"src":4545},"/images/2018/03/ao_samsung_dryer-0851.jpg","When you tell people you’re having a baby for the first time they’re quick to tell you what to expect. From sleepless nights to baby brain, everyone has something to say. A little nugget of advice that they feel you’d be oblivious to otherwise.",[12,4548,4549],{},"Because Harriet is our second baby people kept their advice to themselves. Thank god!",[12,4551,4552],{},"Surely we were pros by now? We’d been doing this gig for three years already. We didn’t need their advice.",[12,4554,4555],{},"I already knew there would be a lot of changes to come. What I didn’t expect is for the biggest change of all to be laundry.",[12,4557,4558,4561],{},[15,4559],{"alt":253,"src":4560},"/images/2018/03/ao_samsung_dryer-0837.jpg","This little lady creates mountains of washing. I don’t recall her brother going through as many outfits as she does. Of course, we can probably blame it on the reflux, and the countless illnesses she’s had in her first few months of life. With 3 hospital admissions and plenty of bags packed It’s not her fault. But laundry in our house soon became a logistical nightmare. The washer dryer was taking up to 6 hours to complete one wash. The drying time felt like an eternity when waiting for sleepsuits and the basket grew with each passing day. That was until my drying prayers were answered.",[12,4563,4564,4567,4568,4573],{},[15,4565],{"alt":253,"src":4566},"/images/2018/03/ao_samsung_dryer-0848.jpg","Thanks to ",[330,4569,4572],{"href":4570,"rel":4571},"https://ao.com/product/dv90m8204ax-samsung-heat-pump-tumble-dryer-silver-46347-126.aspx",[334],"The Samsung A+++ DV90M82 tumble dryer ","my washing woes are now water under the bridge. Or laundry out of the basket in this case!",[12,4575,4576,4577],{},"I can now dry a 9kg load in 1.5-2 hours, and whilst this happens another load is washing. ",[241,4578,4579],{},[39,4580,4581],{},"My laundry basket has never been more empty!",[12,4583,4584],{},"With heat pump technology, it dries clothes to perfection. The sensor drying means that it works out how damp the clothes are and automatically works out the drying time accordingly. Which is an amazing feature as I haven’t had clothes shrinking from excess heat.",[12,4586,4587,4590],{},[15,4588],{"alt":253,"src":4589},"/images/2018/03/ao_samsung_dryer-0834.jpg","I have been known to dry clothes so much before that they come out 3 sizes smaller… Now I’m no longer at risk of over drying! It also has nifty features that I haven’t seen before such as a drying rack for shoes so they’re not banging about in the drum. Such a clever idea! And internal lights! I did question why you would need lights in your tumble dryer? But having spent time digging through the dryer before now for one item without wanting to remove everything, it makes perfect sense. The lights are a welcome feature.",[12,4592,4593,4596],{},[15,4594],{"alt":253,"src":4595},"/images/2018/03/ao_samsung_dryer-0841.jpg","So, if you’re about to embark on a multi-mini human journey by way of growing your family, or you already have a large family, or maybe you just want to dry your clothes at epic speed with care and precision? I’d recommend The Samsung A+++ DV90M82 tumble dryer in a heartbeat. You know you’re getting old when you get excited about appliances, well I’m just a little bit in love with my dryer. Anything that saves time as a parent is a welcome addition to the home.",[12,4598,4599,4602,4603,4607],{},[15,4600],{"alt":253,"src":4601},"/images/2018/03/ao_samsung_dryer-0846.jpg","Our laundry routine now consists of one wash per day, and one nappy wash a week. The machines run seamlessly in conjunction with one another and i no longer feel like huge chunks of my day are spent waiting around for washing! You can also hook th dryer up to Samsung app and the ",[330,4604,4606],{"href":4605},"/saving-space-in-the-utility-room","Washer"," and control them. So I be at toddler group with the little ones and opt to start or stop either machine and select any features as if I were there with the machine.",[12,4609,4610],{},"I’m winning at life when it comes to laundry, now If only the clothes could fold themselves!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":4612},[],[262],"/images/2018/03/ao_dryer_cover.jpg","2018-03-21T09:49:00Z","10706",{},"Samsung A+++ DV90M82 tumble dryer review. Heat pump technology, 9kg capacity, sensor drying, and app control. Perfect for busy families. AO.COM.","Samsung Tumble Dryer Review | AO.COM","/less-time-laundry-time-living-samsung-tumble-dryer-review-ao-com",{"title":4535,"description":4540},"less-time-laundry-time-living-samsung-tumble-dryer-review-ao-com","KH3mkOQGpRsqssYhX94UALex6IJ7ecex4dQuTrC5TbA",{"id":4625,"title":4626,"author":7,"body":4627,"category":4716,"cover":4717,"date":4718,"description":4631,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":4719,"meta":4720,"meta_description":4721,"meta_title":4626,"navigation":269,"path":4722,"seo":4723,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":4724,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":4725},"posts/minimal-time-maximum-fashion-effortlessly-stylish.md","Minimal Time, Maximum Fashion: How to Be Effortlessly Stylish",{"type":9,"value":4628,"toc":4709},[4629,4632,4635,4638,4642,4645,4648,4652,4655,4658,4661,4665,4674,4678,4681,4684,4688,4691,4694,4697,4703],[12,4630,4631],{},"Do you love looking good but hate the hours of prepping and styling that sometimes goes into it? Whether it’s getting ready for a big day at work or sprucing ourselves up for a night out with the girls, creating the perfect outfit takes time.",[12,4633,4634],{},"So, is there a way we can save ourselves the effort and still look and feel great? To avoid cancelling on those plans or showing up late, embrace effortless style! This is the method of using key wardrobe staples to create a perfectly polished outfit with minimal effort — and it’s working for ladies already!",[12,4636,4637],{},"For advice on how you can adopt this trend and make it part of your getting-ready process, check out this style guide.",[29,4639,4641],{"id":4640},"jumper-dresses","Jumper dresses",[12,4643,4644],{},"Comfy and chic in one, the jumper dress has been a versatile trend in women’s fashion for decades. What makes this effortlessly stylish? It takes no time to match garments with this dress style, plus, long sleeves mean you don’t need to scour your closet for a complementing coat either!",[12,4646,4647],{},"Strike the balance between casual and smart by wearing knee-high suede boots with your jumper dress. If you’re in the mood to show off your curves, wrap a chunky belt around your dress to nip your waist in.",[29,4649,4651],{"id":4650},"accessories-bags-and-jewellery","Accessories: bags and jewellery",[12,4653,4654],{},"This season, opt to buy a few statement-making jewellery pieces that you adore and can wear with a range of colours and outfits to save you time hunting around for a matching ring or necklace every day.",[12,4656,4657],{},"Black, gold and silver are neutral but effective, making them ideal when getting ready in a rush. Statement earrings are key accessories, too. Tassels, chunky metal and huge are all acceptable and can be matched with most outfits.",[12,4659,4660],{},"What about bags? Most of us couldn’t leave the house without our essentials, so go for a cute black bag that you can wear with any outfit, on any day to save time. Black is an ideal option to go for if you’re hoping to use it every day. Buy one with a cute pattern to keep things interesting or purchase a brightly coloured one to wear with matching shoes, plain jeans and a boho-style top.",[29,4662,4664],{"id":4663},"knitted-fashion","Knitted fashion",[12,4666,4667,4668,4673],{},"When the weather’s poor and you don’t want to wear a lot of layers, ",[330,4669,4672],{"href":4670,"rel":4671},"https://www.quizclothing.co.uk/clothes/knitwear/",[334],"knitwear"," is your solution. The woollen trends predicted for this year include cable-knit designs, striped styles and oversized jumpers. Having some staple knitwear pieces in your wardrobe is essential for the colder months and can keep your outfits on fleek.",[29,4675,4677],{"id":4676},"footwear","Footwear",[12,4679,4680],{},"The ankle boot is one of the best footwear styles for maintaining an effortless stylish lifestyle. Keep an eye out for sock boots with a pointed toe, high heel and textured fabric that fits to the ankle. They are pull on for extra ease and can be paired with jeans during the day time and a stylish skirt for a night on the town.",[12,4682,4683],{},"When it’s time for work or lunch with friends, slip on a pair of plain black ankle boots and match with super skinny jeans and an oversized sweater — an on-trend look that takes five minutes to throw together.",[29,4685,4687],{"id":4686},"neck-styles","Neck styles",[12,4689,4690],{},"This season will focus on differing neck styles — especially the high-neck design. Give it a go by pulling on a polo neck jumper underneath a square-necked top. Couple with your favourite pair of jeans and an ankle boot to fully master the look.",[12,4692,4693],{},"You can even take on this effortless trend at work. Instead of a plain shirt, why not don a turtle-neck sweater and throw a tailored, slim-fit blazer over the top to add a touch of formality?",[12,4695,4696],{},"Effortlessly stylish tips are perfect if you want to maximise your wardrobe without spending hours getting ready for your social occasions.",[12,4698,4699],{},[330,4700,4701],{"href":4701,"rel":4702},"http://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/autumn-winter-2017-knitwear-trends",[334],[12,4704,4705],{},[330,4706,4707],{"href":4707,"rel":4708},"http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/style/celebrity-fashion/london-fashion-week-2017-7-9882484https://ego.co.uk/blog/aw17-ankle-boots/",[334],{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":4710},[4711,4712,4713,4714,4715],{"id":4640,"depth":254,"text":4641},{"id":4650,"depth":254,"text":4651},{"id":4663,"depth":254,"text":4664},{"id":4676,"depth":254,"text":4677},{"id":4686,"depth":254,"text":4687},[262],"/images/2018/01/quiz_clothing.jpg","2018-01-16T02:55:00Z","10633",{},"Effortless style guide. Quick fashion tips including jumper dresses, statement jewellery, knitwear, ankle boots, and high-neck trends. Look great in minutes!","/minimal-time-maximum-fashion-effortlessly-stylish",{"title":4626,"description":4631},"minimal-time-maximum-fashion-effortlessly-stylish","IWhHek5y2GPvqe6HZHxtofI20At-hB8zwCbrj02023I",{"id":4727,"title":4728,"author":7,"body":4729,"category":4780,"cover":4781,"date":4782,"description":4783,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":4784,"meta":4785,"meta_description":4786,"meta_title":4728,"navigation":269,"path":4787,"seo":4788,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":4789,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":4790},"posts/win-jet2-holiday-christmas.md","Win a Jet2 Holiday this Christmas!",{"type":9,"value":4730,"toc":4777},[4731,4743,4746,4749,4752,4761,4765,4774],[12,4732,4733,4736,4737,4742],{},[15,4734],{"alt":253,"src":4735},"/images/2017/12/jet2_holidays_hamper-0355.jpg","We’ve been getting into the festive spirit early this year thanks to ",[330,4738,4741],{"href":4739,"rel":4740},"https://www.jet2.com/",[334],"Jet2",". Who sent us this amazing basket of goodies to celebrate their upcoming advent competition.",[12,4744,4745],{},"Thanks to Jet2 I’ll just be over here enjoying the most amazing homemade hot chocolate I have ever experienced, and drowning in tiny shortbread Christmas trees. I am feeling well and truly festive right now.",[12,4747,4748],{},"The snow falling outside my window certainly adds to the experience. And we’ll be enjoying some festive baking and crafts from our Jet2 goodies to keep Little Fox entertained in the run-up to Christmas.",[12,4750,4751],{},"But If you’ve had enough of the cold winters chill already and are dreaming of warmer climates… We have good news!",[12,4753,4754,4755,4760],{},"Every day from the 1st to the 26th of December, you could be in with a chance of winning a ",[241,4756,4757],{},[39,4758,4759],{},"Jet2holiday","!",[314,4762,4764],{"id":4763},"entering-is-easy","Entering is easy –",[12,4766,4767,4768,4773],{},"All you’ve got to do is head to ",[330,4769,4772],{"href":4770,"rel":4771},"https://www.jet2holidays.com/",[334],"Jet2Holidays",", correctly answer a holiday-themed question, and you’ll be entered into the free prize draw.",[12,4775,4776],{},"Good luck – and thank you to Jet2 for our lovely treats!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":4778},[4779],{"id":4763,"depth":452,"text":4764},[262],"/images/2017/12/jet2_holidays_hamper-cover.jpg","2017-12-01T02:53:00Z","We’ve been getting into the festive spirit early this year thanks to Jet2. Who sent us this amazing basket of goodies to celebrate their upcoming advent competition.","10582",{},"Every day from the 1st to the 26th of December, you could be in with a chance of winning a Jet2holiday!","/win-jet2-holiday-christmas",{"title":4728,"description":4783},"win-jet2-holiday-christmas","NCKqgK36KA9bYmhvw2iV6RvBDahRQoSgrnYEb1oe6yg",{"id":4792,"title":4793,"author":7,"body":4794,"category":4829,"cover":4830,"date":4831,"description":4801,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":4832,"meta":4833,"meta_description":4834,"meta_title":4793,"navigation":269,"path":4835,"seo":4836,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":4837,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":4838},"posts/long-will-last-walking-dead-survivor.md","How long will you last as a Walking Dead Survivor?",{"type":9,"value":4795,"toc":4826},[4796,4802,4806,4809,4818,4821],[12,4797,4798,4801],{},[15,4799],{"alt":253,"src":4800},"/images/2017/11/zombies.jpg","We’ve followed Rick and the gang from the very beginning. They feel like family, we’re invested in their journey, their survival and what the future holds for them. We feel hate towards those in rival communities who try to bring harm. We can’t even put into words what we felt when Lucile came on the scene and all hell broke loose. Don’t deny it, you cried. We all did!",[314,4803,4805],{"id":4804},"but-could-you-survive","But, could you survive?",[12,4807,4808],{},"The Walking Dead is getting close to the two-year mark for the survivors, so we’re asking, as time goes on, how are food supplies holding up? Which rations of food will help you to survive over the course of time? How far along can you get before it gets too difficult to scavenge for your everyday food essentials?",[12,4810,4811,4812,4817],{},"Check out the below infographic by ",[330,4813,4816],{"href":4814,"rel":4815},"http://www.data-label.co.uk/",[334],"Data-label ","and see how long you would last.",[12,4819,4820],{},"I’m not sure I’d manage past two years if I’m honest. I’d probably meet my demise to a hoard of walkers whilst trying to source some better food. Do they have Dr Pepper and Cadburys in the apocalypse?",[12,4822,4823],{},[15,4824],{"alt":253,"src":4825},"https://photos-5.dropbox.com/t/2/AAAJUMLHUCdy-K4RvFV6kggEVLgz5Ugw-PTwgJ5MVjXuSQ/12/319938606/jpeg/32x32/3/1511971200/0/2/apocalyptic-timeline.jpg/EPaVtLwCGOwZIAcoBw/wbFk8zghRF88Ir2sOh2HrMC-sf4ZhltEPFg1UNzfeiE?dl=0&size=1280x960&size_mode=3",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":4827},[4828],{"id":4804,"depth":452,"text":4805},[262],"/images/2017/11/walking_dead_cover.jpg","2017-11-27T12:00:00Z","10531",{},"How long would you survive The Walking Dead apocalypse? Exploring food supplies, survival rations, and how long you could last as a zombie survivor.","/long-will-last-walking-dead-survivor",{"title":4793,"description":4801},"long-will-last-walking-dead-survivor","SEXxR8TunhsHUVObjb3GiwSPNdjiDD-TyYY-H579cuw",{"id":4840,"title":4841,"author":7,"body":4842,"category":4903,"cover":4904,"date":4905,"description":4849,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":4906,"meta":4907,"meta_description":4908,"meta_title":4841,"navigation":269,"path":4909,"seo":4910,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":4911,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":4912},"posts/lighting-ideas-never-thought-home.md","Lighting ideas you never thought of for your home",{"type":9,"value":4843,"toc":4901},[4844,4850,4853,4856,4859,4862,4865,4868,4877,4880,4883,4886,4889,4892,4895,4898],[12,4845,4846,4849],{},[15,4847],{"alt":253,"src":4848},"/images/2017/11/lighting_for_the_home.jpg","The lighting in your home can make a big difference to your overall decor and style, and even though the likes of spot lights or chandeliers can create a statement, these ideas might give you some inspiration for a new lighting source in your home.",[12,4851,4852],{},"Make a small change and reap the big difference to the look of feel of your space.",[12,4854,4855],{},"Layer lighting in your kitchen",[12,4857,4858],{},"There are plenty of different options when it comes to lighting your kitchen, and the trick to getting it right for your space could all come down to layering your lighting. You might want a pendant or spot lights in the ceiling, but the chances are you’ll need something else too. Whether that’s under cabinet or plinth lighting; the addition of lights under the worktop could also be beneficial to those who struggle to see inside their bottom cabinets.",[12,4860,4861],{},"Try spots lights in your wardrobe",[12,4863,4864],{},"Going into the depths of your wardrobe is an almighty mission for some, and the installation of some spotlights could make all the difference. The difference will not only be to how the wardrobe looks, but how you treat it too. If you make it look inviting and bright, the chances are you won’t want to stuff clothes in there, you’re likely to be a little more organised. Which can only result in you wearing the pieces that are typically pushed into a ball, in the deep and dark corners of your wardrobe.",[12,4866,4867],{},"Make a statement with bollard lighting in your front",[12,4869,4870,4871,4876],{},"Bring your path to life with the installation of ",[330,4872,4875],{"href":4873,"rel":4874},"https://www.firstlighting.co.uk/led-outdoor-lighting/led-bollard-lights/",[334],"bollard lighting",". If you’ve got a drive these will look incredibly expensive and make a huge statement on the exterior of your home. Adding elegance and style, the low-level lights aren’t only practical but add a stylish flair to your outside.",[12,4878,4879],{},"Light your staircase handrail",[12,4881,4882],{},"Make an ordinary element in your home a feature with the addition of LED strip lighting. Lighting on the stairs, or either side does look gorgeous, but it’s been done many times before. Lighting the handrail is something a little more obscure.",[12,4884,4885],{},"Hide your lights behind features like a headboard",[12,4887,4888],{},"Make the headboard in your room more of a statement feature by installing some lighting behind it. The addition of some simple strip lighting will drawer eyes right to this when they enter the room. Plus, if you’ve spent a lot on a gorgeous, plush headboard you’ll want all attention on this.",[12,4890,4891],{},"Make a feature of unusual walls",[12,4893,4894],{},"If you’ve got low or slanted ceilings why not make them a feature in the room with some strip lights. Instead of trying to disguise them, make them a focal point of your room with the addition of lights. You could even use metallic wallpaper so the lights reflect beautifully off the wall too.",[12,4896,4897],{},"Light up your home with brick lights",[12,4899,4900],{},"Want to give the outdoor of your home some illumination? Then why not try brick lights? Easy to install and incredibly robust, add some low-level brick lights to add some ambiance to the exterior of your home. They’re ideal for all around the house to help brighten dark spots or areas, but also provide some soft lighting for when you’re entertaining in the back garden.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":4902},[],[262],"/images/2017/11/lighting_for_the_home_cover.jpg","2017-11-22T14:55:00Z","10520",{},"Creative lighting ideas for your home. From layered kitchen lighting and wardrobe spotlights to bollard lights and LED strips. Transform your space beautifully.","/lighting-ideas-never-thought-home",{"title":4841,"description":4849},"lighting-ideas-never-thought-home","VuPZPiR9u3RC9FfYkEyUJV_V9VzkfvW6nH0RedJpvE0",{"id":4914,"title":4915,"author":7,"body":4916,"category":4944,"cover":4945,"date":4946,"description":4923,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":4947,"meta":4948,"meta_description":4949,"meta_title":4950,"navigation":269,"path":4951,"seo":4952,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":4953,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":4954},"posts/immerse-upside-stranger-things-season-2.md","Immerse yourself in the upside down with Stranger Things Season 2!",{"type":9,"value":4917,"toc":4942},[4918,4924,4927,4930,4936,4939],[12,4919,4920,4923],{},[15,4921],{"alt":253,"src":4922},"/images/2017/10/stranger_things_netflix-0398.jpg","#### It’s official. Stranger Things Season 2 is here!",[12,4925,4926],{},"If you loved Season 1 as much as we did then you’ll have been waiting what feels like an eternity for this moment to arrive. Maybe you’ve been insta-stalking Millie Bobbie Brown whilst you wait, or maybe that’s just me? Either way, Mike, Eleven and the gang have finally returned in what I expect to be an epic new Season. Set over Halloween, as the Demogorgon hits the town this is set to be a heart-stopping season.",[12,4928,4929],{},"If you don’t know, or for some insane reason you haven’t yet watched Season 1… The Demogorgon is a predatory humanoid creature featured in season one. Originating from the parallel dimension known as the Upside Down! It wasn’t pretty then and I’m sure Season 2 won’t be any different.",[12,4931,4932,4935],{},[15,4933],{"alt":253,"src":4934},"/images/2017/10/stranger_things_netflix-0416.jpg","As official Netflix Stream Team members, Netflix has sent us our own bundle of awesome to help us on our way to watching Stranger Things this weekend.",[12,4937,4938],{},"Although we’ll have to save the wine for the new year when I am sans-baby, I’m sure we’re going to enjoy it all. I may have started on the amazing marshmallows already.",[12,4940,4941],{},"The only question left now is, to binge or not to binge?",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":4943},[],[262],"/images/2017/10/stranger_things_cover.jpg","2017-10-27T19:15:00Z","10464",{},"Stranger Things Season 2 is finally here! Mike, Eleven, and the gang return for another heart-stopping adventure. Netflix Stream Team review and unboxing.","Stranger Things Season 2 - The Upside Down Returns","/immerse-upside-stranger-things-season-2",{"title":4915,"description":4923},"immerse-upside-stranger-things-season-2","U-xX6A8reyIKqpBuPBo5hnDrmLhx5LigcJ1Vv-EXDAQ",{"id":4956,"title":4957,"author":7,"body":4958,"category":5108,"cover":5109,"date":5110,"description":4962,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":5111,"meta":5112,"meta_description":5113,"meta_title":4957,"navigation":269,"path":5114,"seo":5115,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":5116,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":5117},"posts/creating-creepy-halloween-cupcakes.md","Creating creepy halloween cupcakes!",{"type":9,"value":4959,"toc":5103},[4960,4963,4969,4978,4984,4990,4996,5007,5010,5019,5053,5058,5062,5098],[12,4961,4962],{},"As Halloween fast approaches I’ve been looking at ways to keep Little Fox entertained. The half term break means our usual groups and classes aren’t running and mummy needs all the help she can get to keep him busy.",[12,4964,4965,4968],{},[15,4966],{"alt":253,"src":4967},"/images/2017/10/halloween_crownpoint-0285.jpg","From crafts and baking to home decorating we’re doing it all!",[12,4970,4971,4972,4977],{},"This year, thanks to his new found love of kids on youtube, he has some understanding as to what Halloween is. Taking this into consideration we headed to ",[330,4973,4976],{"href":4974,"rel":4975},"https://www.crownpointshopping.com",[334],"Crownpoint in Denton"," to stock up on Halloween supplies.",[12,4979,4980,4983],{},[15,4981],{"alt":253,"src":4982},"/images/2017/10/halloween_crownpoint-0164.jpg","Between us, we managed to find some amazing decorations all for under £25. With Poundland and Poundworld stocking some fantastic items, such as light up ghosts and window stickers. We could have decorated the whole house.",[12,4985,4986,4989],{},[15,4987],{"alt":253,"src":4988},"/images/2017/10/halloween_crownpoint-0203.jpg","Our favourite find was a cupcake kit in TK.Maxx, they have a great selection of decorating sets and cookie cutters for creating creepy cakes and cookies this Halloween. I wasn’t sure if it was too scary for him at first but when presented with a selection of ‘cute’ and ‘creepy’ sets he chose this.",[12,4991,4992,4995],{},[15,4993],{"alt":253,"src":4994},"/images/2017/10/halloween_crownpoint-0219.jpg","Little Fox loves baking and it’s one of our favourite activities to do together, albeit a messy one. A perfect way to entertain him whilst our weekly classes aren’t running. He doesn’t take the most care when it comes to decorating his bakes either but he definitely enjoys it. And of course, we all like to eat the outcome.",[12,4997,4998,5001,5002,5006],{},[15,4999],{"alt":253,"src":5000},"/images/2017/10/halloween_crownpoint-0230.jpg","These Halloween cakes came with a mix but they would be easy to create with some themed toppers. Whether from a ready-made kit or not, using our favourite ",[330,5003,5005],{"href":5004},"/baking-a-1st-birthday-cake-with-the-joseph-joseph-nest9","chocolate cake mix"," and purchasing some themed toppers you could recreate them too!",[12,5008,5009],{},"Here’s our favourite recipe to use if you want to DIY these cakes, or pop to Crownpoint and grab yourself a kit!",[29,5011,5013,5016],{"id":5012},"cake-ingredients",[15,5014],{"alt":253,"src":5015},"/images/2017/10/halloween_crownpoint-0241.jpg",[39,5017,5018],{},"Cake Ingredients:",[650,5020,5021,5029,5032,5035,5038,5041,5044,5047,5050],{},[46,5022,5023,5024],{},"50 grams Quality Cocoa Powder",[650,5025,5026],{},[46,5027,5028],{},"100 grams Dark Brow Muscovado Sugar",[46,5030,5031],{},"15 ml Boiling Water",[46,5033,5034],{},"125g Soft Unsalted Butter",[46,5036,5037],{},"150 grams Caster Sugar",[46,5039,5040],{},"225 grams Plain Flour",[46,5042,5043],{},"1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder",[46,5045,5046],{},"12 Teaspoon Bicarbonate of Soda",[46,5048,5049],{},"2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract",[46,5051,5052],{},"1 Large Eggs",[29,5054,5055],{"id":253},[15,5056],{"alt":253,"src":5057},"/images/2017/10/halloween_crownpoint-0251.jpg",[29,5059,5061],{"id":5060},"method","Method**:**",[650,5063,5064,5067,5070,5073,5076,5079,5082,5085,5088,5091],{},[46,5065,5066],{},"Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4/350°F.",[46,5068,5069],{},"Line a muffin tin with cases",[46,5071,5072],{},"Put the cocoa and 100g / half cup dark muscovado sugar into a bowl with a bit of space to spare, and pour in the boiling water. Whisk to mix, then set aside.",[46,5074,5075],{},"Cream the butter and caster sugar together, beating well until pale and fluffy; I find this easiest with a freestanding mixer, but by hand wouldn’t kill you.",[46,5077,5078],{},"While this is going on – or as soon as you stop if you’re mixing by hand – stir the flour, baking powder and bicarb together in another bowl, and set aside for a moment.",[46,5080,5081],{},"Dribble the vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar – mixing all the while – then drop in 1 egg, quickly followed by a scoopful of flour mixture, then the second egg.",[46,5083,5084],{},"Keep mixing and incorporate the rest of the dried ingredients for the cake, then finally mix and fold in the cocoa mixture, scraping its bowl well with a spatula.",[46,5086,5087],{},"Divide this chocolate batter between the cases and put in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.",[46,5089,5090],{},"Take the tray out and leave the tray on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes, before turning the cakes out to cool.",[46,5092,5093,5094,5097],{},"Add chocolate frosting (",[330,5095,5096],{"href":5004},"recipe here",") sprinkles, and toppers to suit your theme!",[12,5099,5100,5102],{},[15,5101],{"alt":253,"src":4967},"The kit we used was really simple to follow and the outcome is perfect for any Halloween themed parties you may have planned! Although I don’t think ours will last that long. Oooops!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":5104},[5105,5106,5107],{"id":5012,"depth":254,"text":5018},{"id":253,"depth":254,"text":253},{"id":5060,"depth":254,"text":5061},[262],"/images/2017/10/halloween_cupcakes_zombie.jpg","2017-10-23T06:00:00Z","10433",{},"Creating creepy Halloween cupcakes with kids. Easy chocolate cake recipe, themed toppers, and decorating ideas. Perfect half-term baking activity!","/creating-creepy-halloween-cupcakes",{"title":4957,"description":4962},"creating-creepy-halloween-cupcakes","zU34ZTX04dIGbovkK2R7gLzesr8inmSSsU5rhCpWNcU",{"id":5119,"title":5120,"author":7,"body":5121,"category":5168,"cover":5169,"date":5170,"description":5125,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":5171,"meta":5172,"meta_description":5173,"meta_title":5120,"navigation":269,"path":5174,"seo":5175,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":5176,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":5177},"posts/should-we-be-having-children-before-marriage.md","Should we be having Children, before marriage?",{"type":9,"value":5122,"toc":5166},[5123,5126,5129,5132,5136,5139,5148,5151,5154,5157,5160,5163],[12,5124,5125],{},"It’s 2017, we live in a world that is socially accepting of all religions, races, beliefs and sexualities. And rightly so. Everyone has the right to be themselves. But god forbid you should have children before you’re married. Surely that’s just wrong? You’d think so with the reactions I’ve had over the years.",[12,5127,5128],{},"Children before marriage are very common these days, of course, those who believe you should be wed first are entitled to an opinion. What they aren’t entitled to is to force it upon others. It’s none of their bloody business!",[12,5130,5131],{},"I myself am not married or engaged. But here I am gradually becoming a pregnant whale for the second time in as many as 3 years sans ring on my finger. Should I have waited until I was married? Should I have cared about the repeat remarks I received from a colleague the first time around? Having it announced in front of my colleagues that he needs to “get a ring on that finger before this baby arrives” wasn’t a highlight of my career. It’s 2017 and we have the right to choose.",[1606,5133,5135],{"id":5134},"do-i-want-to-get-married","Do I want to get married?",[12,5137,5138],{},"Sure, one day but it’s not a high priority. It’s never been a high priority of mine. I didn’t keep a diary documenting my dream wedding as a teenager. That’s not to say I’ve never thought about it.",[12,5140,5141,5142,5147],{},"Being presented with the ",[330,5143,5146],{"href":5144,"rel":5145},"https://www.fhinds.co.uk/engagement-rings/cheap-engagement-rings",[334],"perfect engagement ring",", in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. As the snow comes down around us in New York City….",[12,5149,5150],{},"That’s how it happens, right? (Phillip, that’s how it happens!) I wouldn’t say no to that.",[12,5152,5153],{},"We chose to have children and buy a house first. Weddings can be expensive, of course, they don’t have to be but saving a deposit for our home seemed like a wise decision.",[12,5155,5156],{},"Should we ever decide to get married I love the idea of having my children at my wedding. They’re a huge part of who we are and the things we’ve been through as a couple.",[12,5158,5159],{},"You see a whole new side of your life partner the day he’s holding you tightly, seeing the fear and the love in their eyes as you give birth to your first child and welcome them into the world together.",[12,5161,5162],{},"Marriage isn’t a test on your relationship. Being there for another through the loss of a parent, the birth of a child, sleep deprivation and seven house moves. That’s a test! And so far we’ve made it.",[12,5164,5165],{},"Now I’ll just wait for the day that surprise trip to New York happens 😉",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":5167},[],[262],"/images/2017/09/dream_engagement.jpg","2017-09-28T23:19:00Z","10357",{},"Should we have children before marriage? An honest perspective on modern family choices and why marriage isn't the priority for everyone in 2017.","/should-we-be-having-children-before-marriage",{"title":5120,"description":5125},"should-we-be-having-children-before-marriage","G_0X4VTZCglJ1D1rze--Bvt6_w0aMwqMF9Gi5HafUAE",{"id":5179,"title":5180,"author":7,"body":5181,"category":5279,"cover":5280,"date":5281,"description":5185,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":5282,"meta":5283,"meta_description":5284,"meta_title":5180,"navigation":269,"path":5285,"seo":5286,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":5287,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":5288},"posts/little-foxes-big-boy-bedroom-wishlist.md","Little Foxe’s ‘Big Boy Bedroom’ wishlist",{"type":9,"value":5182,"toc":5277},[5183,5186,5189,5192,5195,5208,5219,5230,5241,5257,5268,5274],[12,5184,5185],{},"As the arrival of our Baby Cub draws closer we’ve been putting a lot of thought into Little Foxe’s bedroom. He’ll be giving his furniture to the new baby, which could be traumatic. Or he might not be bothered at all, let’s hope for the latter. At almost 3 years old he no longer requires a nursery furniture set and I couldn’t justify buying another when we already have it all.",[12,5187,5188],{},"To make the experience a fun one we want to make his new bedroom as special as possible. It’s not every day you get upgraded from a toddler bed to a full sized single. Or that somebody comes and takes all of your things away to give to a person you haven’t yet met and who is guaranteed to intrude on everything in your life.",[12,5190,5191],{},"The last thing we want is for him to feel pushed out in any way, he’s our baby and in all honesty, I am terrified of how he’s going to take the change. Hopefully, it will be good for him to have a sibling but I can’t help worrying.",[12,5193,5194],{},"So far we’ve ordered his new bed, which is set to arrive tomorrow, exciting! And started to plan the rest of the room! Here’s what I’m hoping to include in Little Foxes big boy bedroom –",[12,5196,5197,5200,5207],{},[15,5198],{"alt":253,"src":5199},"/images/2017/09/big_boy_bedroom_tee_pee_bedroom.jpg",[39,5201,992,5202],{},[330,5203,5206],{"href":5204,"rel":5205},"https://www.roomtogrow.co.uk",[334],"TeePee bookcase £160 –"," This cute bookcase matches the bed I’ve had my eye on. It’s super stylish and looks ridiculously cool! This is most likely going to replace the kallax unit we currently have in his bedroom.",[12,5209,5210,5218],{},[39,5211,5212,5213],{},"2.",[330,5214,5217],{"href":5215,"rel":5216},"https://www.roomtogrow.co.uk/product/wild-west-single-teepee-bed/",[334],"TeePee Bed £399 –"," The TeePee bed is something I spent far too much time looking at. Telling myself we didn’t need one, whilst convincing myself we did. Well, it’s being delivered tomorrow so it looks like we really did need it!",[12,5220,5221,5229],{},[39,5222,5223,5224],{},"3.",[330,5225,5228],{"href":5226,"rel":5227},"http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/childrens-ikea-products/children-3-7/childrens-storage-system/stuva-storage-combination-with-drawers-white-blue-spr-09017765/",[334],"Ikea drawers £100 –"," The drawers that were previously in Little Foxe’s bedroom were a changing table so naturally, they’ll be going to the baby along with the matching wardrobe. He hasn’t got many things that require hanging so I’ve opted for this tall unit which should give us ample space for his clothes.",[12,5231,5232,5240],{},[39,5233,5234,5235],{},"4.",[330,5236,5239],{"href":5237,"rel":5238},"http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/childrens-ikea-products/children-3-7/childrens-storage-system/stuva-storage-bench-white-birch-spr-59032565/",[334],"Ikea storage box £49 –"," We have a lot of toys and any extra storage is always welcome. These boxes are huge! They also have the option of adding a padded cushion to create a seating area on top which I love.",[12,5242,5243,5251,5252,5256],{},[39,5244,5245,5246],{},"5.",[330,5247,5250],{"href":5248,"rel":5249},"https://www.utilitydesign.co.uk/furniture/stools",[334],"Artek Stool –"," These cute stools from ",[330,5253,5255],{"href":5248,"rel":5254},[334],"Utility Design"," match the furniture and decor of the room perfectly and would be great to use as a bedside table or a place for us to sit by his bed whilst reading stories at bed time.",[12,5258,5259,5267],{},[39,5260,5261,5262],{},"6.",[330,5263,5266],{"href":5264,"rel":5265},"https://www.ollieandleila.co.uk/mini-b-beanbag-range-of-colours-available/",[334],"Beanbag £59.99 –","  These gorgeous beanbags from Ollie & Leila make the perfect place for little bottoms to relax. I’ll be putting one by the bookcase to create a cosy reading corner.",[12,5269,5270,5273],{},[39,5271,5272],{},"7.Miffy lamp £135 –"," The Mr Maria Miffy lamps are stunning and would make the perfect finishing touch to little foxes bedroom. I’ve had my eye on them for far too long.",[12,5275,5276],{},"I can’t wait to see the room start coming together and can only hope Little Fox loves it!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":5278},[],[262],"/images/2017/09/wish_list_big_boy_bedroom_.jpg","2017-09-26T08:18:00Z","10352",{},"Creating a special big boy bedroom for a 3-year-old. From teepee beds to cosy reading corners, our wishlist for transitioning from nursery to bedroom.","/little-foxes-big-boy-bedroom-wishlist",{"title":5180,"description":5185},"little-foxes-big-boy-bedroom-wishlist","fpH5jFqDB4uqFiUj_t1GIQae2EqvhW-5erssxcifwqo",{"id":5290,"title":5291,"author":7,"body":5292,"category":5377,"cover":5378,"date":5379,"description":5380,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":5381,"meta":5382,"meta_description":5383,"meta_title":5291,"navigation":269,"path":5384,"seo":5385,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":5386,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":5387},"posts/8-important-things-know-travelling-la-toddler.md","8 Important Things to Know About Travelling to LA with a Toddler",{"type":9,"value":5293,"toc":5366},[5294,5303,5307,5310,5314,5317,5321,5324,5328,5331,5335,5338,5342,5345,5349,5352,5356,5359,5363],[12,5295,5296,5297,5302],{},"Who doesn’t deserve a holiday when they spend their time raising a young child? Ever since their birth, it’s been a constant battle to make sure everything is right. Combine this with work and life and it makes for a very stressful time. But now that the baby is a toddler, it’s possible to have a holiday in places a little further afield. Why not in LA? After all, it’s easy to search and find one of the more beautiful ",[330,5298,5301],{"href":5299,"rel":5300},"https://www.luxuryretreats.com/vacation-rentals/united-states/california-los-angeles/",[334],"vacation homes in Los Angeles"," that are family-friendly and more comfortable. And there are lots of fun activities for both young kids and parents in this sunny city in California. Here a few things parents should know before taking a toddler to LA.",[29,5304,5306],{"id":5305},"_1-prepare-for-a-long-flight","1# Prepare for a Long Flight:",[12,5308,5309],{},"If you’re flying from the UK or Europe, expect a long flight to reach Los Angeles. This will be a hard time for the little one and it’s essential to take measures to make it as comfortable as possible. Make sure all their favourite gadgets are fully charged and that they have lots of things to do to keep them busy and occupied. If possible, later flights are better than earlier ones to avoid disrupting their normal sleeping cycle. The travel day will be just like any normal day and they’ll hopefully sleep through most of the flight.",[29,5311,5313],{"id":5312},"_2-rent-a-car","2# Rent a Car:",[12,5315,5316],{},"The most important thing you can do as a parent with a young child is to rent a car. LA is a huge, sprawling city and the most convenient way to get from one place to the other is by driving. Taxis will eat up your budget in no time at all and public transport can be a bit slow. When you’re travelling around the city, put the well-being on your toddler as the number one priority. The last thing anyone wants is a tantrum.",[29,5318,5320],{"id":5319},"_3-anticipate-the-weather","3# Anticipate the Weather:",[12,5322,5323],{},"The weather and climate are probably going to be different to what you’re familiar with back at home. Even the winter sees temperatures that are similar to what you’d expect in the British summer. Anticipate warmer weather and endless sunshine and prepare for it. Hot weather can make everyone cranky, especially a jet lagged two-year-old. Make sure you and your child drink plenty of water to stay completely hydrated at all times.",[29,5325,5327],{"id":5326},"_4-choose-the-attractions-carefully","4# Choose the Attractions Carefully:",[12,5329,5330],{},"There’s something for everyone in Los Angeles. Theme parks and Disneyland for the kids and museums, culture, and upscale restaurants for the parents. But you’re travelling with a young child and their priorities need to be above your ideas of relaxing late into the evening with a glass of wine. Attractions can be far away from one another and may need a lot of time to drive to get to them.",[29,5332,5334],{"id":5333},"_5-plan-the-time-to-visit-the-attractions-even-more-carefully","5# Plan the Time to Visit the Attractions Even More Carefully:",[12,5336,5337],{},"The more popular attractions get very crowded and busy at peak hours during the day. This includes most of the places the little ones will probably enjoy the most. Can there be anything more horrifying than turning up somewhere to find an hour long line just to get inside under the hot sun? The best way is to simply visit as soon as it opens. Most visitors don’t want to get out of bed early enough to be the first in line. If you make the effort, you won’t have to wait around as much.",[29,5339,5341],{"id":5340},"_6-spend-a-day-at-the-beach-or-around-the-pool","6# Spend a Day at the Beach or Around the Pool:",[12,5343,5344],{},"Fast paced travel is OK for adults who are travelling on their own and want to take in as much as they can. But it’s not a good way to travel with a toddler. At the very least, you need to factor in at least one or two rest days for everyone to get their energy back. If you’re at a hotel or vacation home with a pool, spend the day lounging around. Or, you can take your child to the beach and show them how to build their first sandcastle.",[29,5346,5348],{"id":5347},"_7-take-advantage-of-parks-and-playgrounds","7# Take Advantage of Parks and Playgrounds:",[12,5350,5351],{},"LA is packed full of parks and green spaces that make for an ideal place to spend the afternoon. Some of these have a playground especially for young children. Come here in the early evening when the temperature cools down a little and let them play for an hour or two. Why not even buy a football and have a little kick around on the grass? This is certain to put a smile on their faces and allow them to have a great holiday too.",[29,5353,5355],{"id":5354},"_8-dont-get-frustrated","8# Don’t Get Frustrated:",[12,5357,5358],{},"The last and most important point is to avoid getting frustrated at all costs. This is easier said than done when unexpected things happen and how unpredictable the behaviour of a young child is. Expect things to go wrong and to have a few tantrums. But, don’t let this ruin your holiday. Just imagine the stress that the child has gone through to actually get to Los Angeles and how everything is so different for them. Be patient in the most stressful of situations and you’ll thank yourself for it later.",[29,5360,5362],{"id":5361},"the-takeaway-message","The Takeaway Message:",[12,5364,5365],{},"Los Angeles makes for a perfect-family vacation and has lots of family-friendly sights and attractions. Everyone will have a great time if you plan the trip carefully and take into consideration the toddlers needs. So why not start searching today how you can have a dream trip to the City of Angels?",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":5367},[5368,5369,5370,5371,5372,5373,5374,5375,5376],{"id":5305,"depth":254,"text":5306},{"id":5312,"depth":254,"text":5313},{"id":5319,"depth":254,"text":5320},{"id":5326,"depth":254,"text":5327},{"id":5333,"depth":254,"text":5334},{"id":5340,"depth":254,"text":5341},{"id":5347,"depth":254,"text":5348},{"id":5354,"depth":254,"text":5355},{"id":5361,"depth":254,"text":5362},[262],"/images/2017/09/TRAVELLING_TO_LA_COVER.jpg","2017-09-18T15:04:00Z","Who doesn’t deserve a holiday when they spend their time raising a young child? Ever since their birth, it’s been a constant battle to make sure everything is right. Combine this with work and life and it makes for a very stressful time. But now that the baby is a toddler, it’s possible to have a holiday in places a little further afield. Why not in LA? After all, it’s easy to search and find one of the more beautiful vacation homes in Los Angeles that are family-friendly and more comfortable. And there are lots of fun activities for both young kids and parents in this sunny city in California. Here a few things parents should know before taking a toddler to LA.","10290",{},"Essential tips for travelling to Los Angeles with a toddler. From managing long flights to choosing attractions, plan the perfect LA family holiday.","/8-important-things-know-travelling-la-toddler",{"title":5291,"description":5380},"8-important-things-know-travelling-la-toddler","8yWo7jJDbqQUTyGkUPIfZ1Bgy_lYy3IQojREF6Jidn0",{"id":5389,"title":5390,"author":7,"body":5391,"category":5433,"cover":253,"date":5434,"description":5395,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":5435,"meta":5436,"meta_description":5437,"meta_title":5390,"navigation":269,"path":5438,"seo":5439,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":5440,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":5441},"posts/mancunians-ultimate-happy-places.md","Mancunians Ultimate Happy Places!",{"type":9,"value":5392,"toc":5431},[5393,5396,5400,5408,5411,5414,5417,5420,5423,5426],[12,5394,5395],{},"A countryside walk in the Lake District has been voted as Manchester’s ultimate “happy place” when it comes to time spent away from the city, according to a new study.",[1606,5397,5399],{"id":5398},"coming-at-number-5-mancunians-love-nothing-more-than-walking-in-the-peak-district","Coming at number 5 Mancunians love nothing more than walking in the Peak District.",[12,5401,5402,5403],{},"Having lived all over the UK and in various parts of the North West, including Manchester city center, I’d have to agree. The Peak district is lovely. So lovely we decided to buy our first home here in the heart of the peaks. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but close enough to venture in whenever we should need to. But for those who prefer to stay close, you can always holiday in style with ",[330,5404,5407],{"href":5405,"rel":5406},"https://goo.gl/wktLfe",[334],"serviced apartments in Manchester",[12,5409,5410],{},"It’s a beautiful place to live when popping to a local shop is always going the scenic route you know you made a wise decision. To raise our children in the countryside with stunning scenery, animals, and nature on our step. I recall last year seeing int he news that there are children in Britain who have never seen a real Cow or Sheep. They don’t know where milk or meats come from and have never seen the animals in real life. I was shocked and I’m glad my children will be exposed to farm animals and nature from an early age.",[12,5412,5413],{},"More people across the nation are choosing to holiday in the UK. Where they’re closer to home in the event of an emergency, can travel by car and explore the British countryside.",[12,5415,5416],{},"Researchers from SACO, The Serviced Apartment Company, polled UK holiday makers and revealed more than a third of Mancunians (35 per cent) believe there is “no place like home” when it comes to holidays.",[12,5418,5419],{},"Around a third of Mancunians (31 per cent) say their best holidays have been in the UK, while two-thirds of them claimed if you could always guarantee the weather they would never go abroad.",[12,5421,5422],{},"We’ve ventured to various destinations at home and abroad and staycations have always been more relaxed for us, everything is more familiar and less stressful.",[12,5424,5425],{},"Where would your ideal holiday be?",[12,5427,5428],{},[15,5429],{"alt":253,"src":5430},"/images/2017/09/saco-happy-places-MANCHESTER.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":5432},[],[262],"2017-09-01T13:44:00Z","10284",{},"Discover where Mancunians love to escape. From Lake District walks to Peak District beauty, explore the top UK holiday destinations for Manchester residents.","/mancunians-ultimate-happy-places",{"title":5390,"description":5395},"mancunians-ultimate-happy-places","vkkaUWeHSYznPrIEAkYNkpkGR4epi_BvCQ-XYIVSaEE",{"id":5443,"title":5444,"author":7,"body":5445,"category":5493,"cover":5454,"date":5494,"description":5449,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":5495,"meta":5496,"meta_description":5497,"meta_title":5444,"navigation":269,"path":5498,"seo":5499,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":5500,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":5501},"posts/creating-safe-home-office-environment.md","Creating a safe home office environment",{"type":9,"value":5446,"toc":5491},[5447,5450,5456,5459,5462,5465,5468,5471,5474,5477,5480,5483,5486],[12,5448,5449],{},"Having worked in many offices over the years I’ve seen the everyday things that can cause a threat to employees. From broken chairs to slippery floors they’re more common than you might think.",[12,5451,5452,5455],{},[15,5453],{"alt":253,"src":5454},"/images/2017/08/safe_office_.jpg","Having since moved out of this environment in favour of working from home we’re redecorating our home office. And as much as it matters how this creative space looks, it’s also important it is safe. Especially with a toddler around the house who likes to wander in.",[12,5457,5458],{},"Referring to this helpful graphic from Accident Advice Helpline we’re creating a safe place to work. Where hopefully any and all injuries can be avoided. Unlike your busy corporate office environment.",[12,5460,5461],{},"Did you know 360 people a year are injured from items either toppling off of shelves or entire bookcases not being secure? That’s a lot!",[12,5463,5464],{},"Here are 5 ways to ensure a safe office environment –",[12,5466,5467],{},"1. Make sure all shelving is secured to the walls. Many bookcases come with wall fixings as standard. But few people are actually using them.",[12,5469,5470],{},"2. Check furniture is safe. From arms and wheels on chairs to table legs. Loose legs on chairs can cause people to fall.",[12,5472,5473],{},"3. Keep cables tidied away neatly. Making sure they aren’t a tripping hazard can also reduce the risk of danger the office.",[12,5475,5476],{},"4. Keep surfaces dry, a common cause of injury in the office is slippery floors. Make sure these are well sign posted or seen to before anyone can become hurt.",[12,5478,5479],{},"5. Heavy lifting is a common cause of back injury in the office. Make sure you’ve had the correct training before moving or lifting heavy objects in the office.",[12,5481,5482],{},"Taking these factors into consideration our home office should be safer than most offices. Once the furniture is safety checked and bookcases secured to the wall we can concentrate on the fun stuff. Like what colour to paint the walls?",[12,5484,5485],{},"Have you ever had an injury in a work environment? Check out the office hazards graphic to see how they could have been avoided.",[5487,5488,5490],"h6",{"id":5489},"this-post-is-in-collaboration-with-accident-advice-helpline-all-opinions-are-my-own","This post is in collaboration with Accident Advice Helpline, all opinions are my own.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":5492},[],[262],"2017-08-12T17:58:00Z","10240",{},"Essential tips for creating a safe home office environment. Learn how to avoid common hazards from loose furniture to cable trips when working from home.","/creating-safe-home-office-environment",{"title":5444,"description":5449},"creating-safe-home-office-environment","z908tOx_yuuKMTGTBltjMnFN5tNpAErPc4bIABB754M",{"id":5503,"title":5504,"author":7,"body":5505,"category":5548,"cover":5514,"date":5549,"description":5509,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":5550,"meta":5551,"meta_description":5552,"meta_title":5504,"navigation":269,"path":4605,"seo":5553,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":5554,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":5555},"posts/saving-space-in-the-utility-room.md","Saving space in the utility room",{"type":9,"value":5506,"toc":5546},[5507,5510,5516,5530,5538,5543],[12,5508,5509],{},"Upon moving into our new home one of the rooms I was most looking forward to having was the utility room. What woman doesn’t want one? A place to hide away the washing whilst keeping the washer and dryer out of the kitchen.",[12,5511,5512,5515],{},[15,5513],{"alt":253,"src":5514},"/images/2018/02/utility_room-0476.jpg","What I wasn’t expecting was for our utility room not to match that of the show home we had pictured our home to be. Our utility room only has a space for one machine, unlike the houses we viewed. The extra space is an add-on you pay extra for! This lead to the dryer being placed on top of the work surface taking up a lot of space.",[12,5517,5518,5521,5523,5524,5527,5529],{},[15,5519],{"alt":253,"src":5520},"/images/2018/02/utility_room-0477.jpg",[914,5522],{},"\nIn a bid to utilize the space to its full potential we decided to ditch the separate washing machine and dryer. Opting for a washer dryer, and giving us the best of both in one machine whilst saving space! ",[15,5525],{"alt":253,"src":5526},"/images/2018/02/utility_room-0459.jpg",[914,5528],{},"\nWe changed to the Samsung AddWash™ Ecobubble WD90K5410OX Washer Dryer giving us plenty of extra space for organising the mountains of laundry we seem to acquire each day!",[12,5531,5532,5535,5537],{},[15,5533],{"alt":253,"src":5534},"/images/2018/02/utility_room-0464.jpg",[914,5536],{},"\nNot to mention the addition of the amazing add-wash door. Having a 2-year-old and a baby on the way means I’m always needing to add to the wash.",[12,5539,5540],{},[15,5541],{"alt":253,"src":5542},"/images/2018/02/utility_room-0462.jpg",[12,5544,5545],{},"I was sceptical at first but the washer dryer works like a dream. My utility room now resembles that of an organised home, it’s tidy and looks the part!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":5547},[],[262],"2017-08-12T09:53:00Z","10651",{},"Saving space in the utility room with a washer dryer. Samsung AddWash Ecobubble review. Combining washing machine and dryer for organised laundry space.",{"title":5504,"description":5509},"saving-space-in-the-utility-room","v2BnNIjUVk2SB7HyAK8EVL6JlPyPGgyLYiIQ_rs8rpU",{"id":5557,"title":5558,"author":7,"body":5559,"category":5635,"cover":5636,"date":5637,"description":5638,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":5639,"meta":5640,"meta_description":5641,"meta_title":5558,"navigation":269,"path":5642,"seo":5643,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":5644,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":5645},"posts/take-toddler-walt-disney-world.md","Would you take a toddler to Walt Disney World?",{"type":9,"value":5560,"toc":5632},[5561,5570,5576,5580,5583,5586,5591,5594,5606,5611,5614,5626,5629],[12,5562,5563,5564,5569],{},"When we told people we were taking Little Fox on a 9-hour flight to Orlando, spending two weeks at ",[330,5565,5568],{"href":5566,"rel":5567},"https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_GB/",[334],"Walt Disney World",". People looked at us like we were crazy. Maybe we were? But we were going to give it a go anyway!",[12,5571,5572,5575],{},[15,5573],{"alt":253,"src":5574},"/images/2017/07/disney_with_toddler_toy-story.jpg","Having already accepted that he may not remember the experience when he’s older, we booked it. We needed a holiday and couldn’t think of anything better than sharing the magic of Walt Disney World with our boy. He might not remember it, but we will.",[314,5577,5579],{"id":5578},"so-what-was-it-like","So, what was it like?",[12,5581,5582],{},"Did we lose our minds or did we have the most magical time of our lives? I won’t lie to you, it was a mixture of the two. It certainly wasn’t easy or relaxing, but holidays with children aren’t.",[12,5584,5585],{},"Over the course of the first week, there were many tantrums and a lot of tears. Thankfully the second week was far more relaxed. He adjusted to the temperature and being out for a lot of the day. We also learnt to relax.",[12,5587,5588,5590],{},[15,5589],{"alt":253,"src":4323},"It didn’t take us long to realise during that first week that he craved freedom. He didn’t want his reins, he wouldn’t go in the pushchair. But he also wasn’t keen on holding hands. Not great. We relaxed more in the second week and allowed him to wander alongside us whilst inside the parks and it wasn’t so bad.",[12,5592,5593],{},"The hotel we chose wasn’t anything fancy and it wasn’t a Walt Disney World Park hotel. We stayed at the Park Inn by Raddison which was nearby. Maybe this is something we would do differently next time. The hotel did host school educational trips and days out within Orlando, it also housed a conference centre, Which meant a lot of groups were staying there. Little Fox was happy at the hotel and slept through each night… I say each night. For the first 3 nights, he woke at 2-3am thinking it was time to get up. But aside from that, he slept, it was great!",[12,5595,5596,5599,5600,5605],{},[15,5597],{"alt":253,"src":5598},"/images/2017/07/disney_with_toddler_cruz2_cars3.jpg","The temperature in Orlando was around 34 degrees. It was hot. So consider the time of year you go, the sun often causes me to break out in ",[330,5601,5604],{"href":5602,"rel":5603},"http://www.facingacne.com/exposed-skin-care-review/",[334],"acne"," which isn’t my idea of fun. Nobody wants acne from the sun or sunburn to ruin the fun. But when you’re 2 it’s worse, it’s humid and sweaty and somebody is always slathering sun cream on your face. Little Fox wouldn’t entertain wearing a hat but he managed well in the heat. We bought a water spraying fan to carry around and he loved it.",[12,5607,5608,5610],{},[15,5609],{"alt":253,"src":2314},"Although theme parks are usually aimed at older children and adults the Disney parks have plenty for a 2-year-old to do. Especially in The Magic Kingdom. This left us feeling confident that Disney wasn’t a total waste on a two-year-old. He had a great time!",[12,5612,5613],{},"Many of the rides were for all ages and great fun. We didn’t experience the bigger rides ourselves as we were always with him but this didn’t bother us. We had plenty of fun as a family, from Toy Story rides to flying carpets with Alladin and going on a real life safari we weren’t short of things to do. In the two weeks we were there we didn’t fit it all in!",[12,5615,5616,5619,5620,5625],{},[15,5617],{"alt":253,"src":5618},"/images/2017/07/disney_with_toddler_kylo_.jpg","Little Foxes favourite place of all was the water park. ",[330,5621,5624],{"href":5622,"rel":5623},"https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g34515-d107184-Reviews-Disney_s_Blizzard_Beach_Water_Park-Orlando_Florida.html",[334],"Blizzard Beach"," has a great toddler area, it’s shallow enough that little ones can crawl in the water with plenty of slides just for them. We stopped off here most days as it was a great way for him to unwind. We floated around a lazy river in doughnuts and had a blast!",[12,5627,5628],{},"On the whole, we had a fantastic time whilst taking our toddler to Walt Disney World. I don’t think the experience was wasted on him at all, he’s still talking about it 3 weeks on. It wasn’t always easy, he threw some epic tantrums and I almost lost my sanity once or twice but by the second week, we were having too much fun as a family to care!",[12,5630,5631],{},"Have you ever taken your little ones on a holiday of a lifetime, even if they may not remember it later?",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":5633},[5634],{"id":5578,"depth":452,"text":5579},[262],"/images/2017/07/taking_a_toddler_to_disney_cover.jpg","2017-07-25T22:41:00Z","When we told people we were taking Little Fox on a 9-hour flight to Orlando, spending two weeks at Walt Disney World. People looked at us like we were crazy. Maybe we were? But we were going to give it a go anyway!","10209",{},"Our honest experience taking a 2-year-old to Walt Disney World for two weeks. Was it worth it? Discover the tantrums, magic, and family fun in Orlando.","/take-toddler-walt-disney-world",{"title":5558,"description":5638},"take-toddler-walt-disney-world","7cUz6OWrirua5FKPX8EKBLuEM9Kii0P6wEXXCL_5fB8",{"id":5647,"title":5648,"author":7,"body":5649,"category":5704,"cover":5679,"date":5705,"description":5653,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":5706,"meta":5707,"meta_description":5708,"meta_title":5648,"navigation":269,"path":5709,"seo":5710,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":5711,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":5712},"posts/designing-dream-pet-petplan.md","Designing a Dream Pet with Petplan",{"type":9,"value":5650,"toc":5702},[5651,5654,5660,5669,5675,5681,5684,5687,5693,5696,5699],[12,5652,5653],{},"Growing up we always had pets, I can’t recall a time when we haven’t had one in our home. We have always been pet people. More specifically Cats. My first cat was aptly named blue as it was my favourite colour at the time.",[12,5655,5656,5659],{},[15,5657],{"alt":253,"src":5658},"/images/2017/07/petplan_dream_pet_03-0709.jpg","Little Fox loves our family cat, they’re still working on their relationship as the cat isn’t as keen on him. He’s also a fan of owls, rabbits and dogs. Imagine if we had all of those pets? Children change their minds so often we couldn’t possibly keep up.",[12,5661,5662,5663,5668],{},"When Petplan asked us to design our dream pet with Little Fox I was probably more excited than he was. This is the sort of thing I would have loved as a child! We have used ",[330,5664,5667],{"href":5665,"rel":5666},"http://www.petplan.co.uk",[334],"Pet insurance from Petplan"," from the day we brought our Norwegian forest kittens home five years ago. Giving us peace of mind when Dexter needed surgery and knowing we were in good hands. But what was our dream pet? More importantly, what did Little Fox want?",[12,5670,5671,5674],{},[15,5672],{"alt":253,"src":5673},"/images/2017/07/petplan_dream_pet_04-0716.jpg","We pulled out the pencils and set to work! With a little help from myself, otherwise, our drawing would simply be a scribble, we drew our dream pet.",[12,5676,5677,5680],{},[15,5678],{"alt":253,"src":5679},"/images/2017/07/petplan_dream_pet_01-0693.jpg","With little foxes art direction we created a masterpiece if I do say so myself. A Blue Rabbit Cat.",[12,5682,5683],{},"Once our drawing was complete we sent it over to the team at Petplan who used their magic to whizz it over to us in the form of a soft toy! How bloomin’ amazing!",[12,5685,5686],{},"Meet ‘Blue’ our new family pet.Little Fox also loves the colour Blue right now and chose a great name. He absolutely loves him and I’m amazed at how detailed he is. It’s as if he’s jumped off of the page and come to life, right down to his wonky eye.",[12,5688,5689,5692],{},[15,5690],{"alt":253,"src":5691},"/images/2017/07/petplan_dream_pet_02-0702.jpg","We won’t have to add him to our pet insurance but I’m sure he’ll be receiving lots of love and attention as all pets should.",[12,5694,5695],{},"Thank you, Petplan for turning Little Foxe’s dream pet into a reality. He is most certainly one of kind!",[12,5697,5698],{},"What would your dream pet look like?",[12,5700,5701],{},"This post has been possible thanks to Petplan, but all thoughts are my own",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":5703},[],[262],"2017-07-24T22:52:00Z","10197",{},"Designing a dream pet with Petplan. Creating a custom soft toy from a child's drawing. Blue Rabbit Cat comes to life. Fun family activity with pet insurance.","/designing-dream-pet-petplan",{"title":5648,"description":5653},"designing-dream-pet-petplan","WDUXpyHM9xHx3zmkjFi1oYzduXkO2HEqskYvDljziNg",{"id":5714,"title":5715,"author":7,"body":5716,"category":5797,"cover":5722,"date":5798,"description":5723,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":5799,"meta":5800,"meta_description":5801,"meta_title":5715,"navigation":269,"path":5802,"seo":5803,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":5804,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":5805},"posts/win-family-tickets-to-see-paw-patrol-live-at-manchester-apollo.md","Win family tickets to see Paw Patrol Live at Manchester Apollo!",{"type":9,"value":5717,"toc":5795},[5718,5724,5727,5733,5738,5743,5748,5753,5758,5763,5768,5773,5779,5786,5789,5792],[12,5719,5720,5723],{},[15,5721],{"alt":253,"src":5722},"/images/2017/07/PAW-Patrol-LIVE.jpg","The PAW Patrol pups are coming to an arena near you for their first ever UK and Ireland Livetour! When Mayor Goodway goes missing during the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race, the pups come to the rescue. Families can join Ryder, Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Rubble, Zuma, Skye, and Everest for an action-packed adventure that shows no job is too big and no pup is too small!",[12,5725,5726],{},"Little Fox was thrilled to come home to a box of Paw Patrol goodies inviting him to go and watch Paw Patrol live next week! Now we’re giving you the chance to go too.",[1606,5728,5730],{"id":5729},"tour-dates-2017",[39,5731,5732],{},"Tour dates 2017",[12,5734,5735],{},[39,5736,5737],{},"02 Apollo, Manchester – July 29th and 30th",[12,5739,5740],{},[39,5741,5742],{},"The SSE Arena, Wembley – August 4th and 5th",[12,5744,5745],{},[39,5746,5747],{},"Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham – August 9th",[12,5749,5750],{},[39,5751,5752],{},"Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham – August 12th and 13th",[12,5754,5755],{},[39,5756,5757],{},"Echo Arena, Liverpool – August 16th and 17th",[12,5759,5760],{},[39,5761,5762],{},"Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle – August 19th",[12,5764,5765],{},[39,5766,5767],{},"First Direct Arena, Leeds – August 23rd",[12,5769,5770],{},[39,5771,5772],{},"Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff – August 26th and 27th",[1606,5774,5776],{"id":5775},"win",[39,5777,5778],{},"Win!",[12,5780,5781],{},[330,5782,5785],{"href":5783,"rel":5784},"https://gleam.io/h0D3l/paw-patrol-live-at-manchester-apollo",[334],"Paw Patrol Live at Manchester Apollo",[12,5787,5788],{},"Paw Patrol Live have kindly given me a family ticket (5 x A–Reserve tickets) worth £150 for the 10.00am show at Manchester Apollo on Saturday the 29th July. Tickets can be used by either an adult or a child and children under 12 months of age do not require a paid ticket, provided they are seated on the lap of a ticket holder and do not occupy a seat.",[12,5790,5791],{},"The winners will receive a ticket voucher via email which they will need to bring on the day of the show in order to redeem the tickets from the box office. Good Luck and enter below!",[12,5793,5794],{},"The winner will be chosen after midnight on Saunday 23rd July, Good Luck!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":5796},[],[262],"2017-07-21T08:09:00Z","10186",{},"Win family tickets to Paw Patrol Live at Manchester Apollo, July 29-30. Competition for action-packed theatre show. UK tour dates and giveaway details.","/win-family-tickets-to-see-paw-patrol-live-at-manchester-apollo",{"title":5715,"description":5723},"win-family-tickets-to-see-paw-patrol-live-at-manchester-apollo","UbUa5tIbQabs8Ldm_ebm66_BQpQWZbfJG7-F-aKUGV8",{"id":5807,"title":5808,"author":7,"body":5809,"category":5892,"cover":5815,"date":5893,"description":5816,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":5894,"meta":5895,"meta_description":5896,"meta_title":5897,"navigation":269,"path":5898,"seo":5899,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":5900,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":5901},"posts/saved-deposit-became-first-time-buyers-one-year.md","How we saved a deposit and became first time buyers in under a year!",{"type":9,"value":5810,"toc":5890},[5811,5817,5820,5823,5832,5835,5838,5841,5844,5847,5850,5859,5862,5865,5874,5883,5886],[12,5812,5813,5816],{},[15,5814],{"alt":253,"src":5815},"/images/2017/07/1.jpeg","As first time buyers, we spent many years wondering if we would ever be able to save enough money to buy our first home. It was becoming more common for people to rent like us and many under 30’s were still living at home with their parents.",[12,5818,5819],{},"Getting onto the property ladder is becoming increasingly harder. People can’t afford current rent prices alongside saving. For many their’s nothing left to save!",[12,5821,5822],{},"We had already cut back on luxuries. Shopping, takeaways, subscription services that we didn’t ‘need’. We still had the odd treat but made sure we were being Savvy about it in order to prepare for our future!",[12,5824,5825,5826,5831],{},"Using vouchers and finding codes at places such as ",[330,5827,5830],{"href":5828,"rel":5829},"https://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/",[334],"My Voucher codes"," were a great way to still enjoy ourselves without spending as much.",[12,5833,5834],{},"We also had a spreadsheet that gave us a forecast of how many years it would take to save our deposit, and it was going to take a while. Around 5 years.",[12,5836,5837],{},"So how did we do it under one year? It wasn’t the easiest option and it isn’t something everyone is fortunate enough to be able to do…",[12,5839,5840],{},"It took a terrible landlord, a broken boiler and a cold Christmas with our baby to give us the push we needed. We moved out and we stopped having to pay rent. Without this change, we couldn’t have saved as much as we did, as quickly as we did!",[12,5842,5843],{},"We moved into my in-laws for 10 months. This meant 10 months of being able to save both of our salaries. No rent and utilities to pay were the biggest saving imaginable. Had we have still been renting this would never have happened. It was a sacrifice, moving into a relatives home isn’t the easiest, especially with a toddler in tow. But it was worth it.",[12,5845,5846],{},"We also avoided putting the little one into a nursery for this duration. His grandma was able to watch him, something that was a huge sacrifice on her part and saved us over £900 a month.",[12,5848,5849],{},"If you’re looking to save a deposit try something like my first home calculator, it can help you decipher where you can cut back and save more.",[12,5851,5852,5853,5858],{},"Use a reputable estate agent whether they be on the high street or an online agent such as ",[330,5854,5857],{"href":5855,"rel":5856},"https://www.hatched.co.uk/locations/nottingham",[334],"Hatched",", do your research as buying a house isn’t the same as choosing a place to rent. This is your future and an investment.",[12,5860,5861],{},"Once we had our house the saving didn’t stop there. There were things we needed to do in order to make it a home that required more money. We bought a new build house and what you see is not necessarily what you get. Not for the asking price anyway. What you actually get is the bare bones of the property you fell in love with at the show home. Making it a home is up to you.",[12,5863,5864],{},"Unless you account for an extra 10k+ to add all of the extras the developers offer you won’t get what you saw in a show home. And I don’t mean the luxury items such as integrated appliances or wall to wall mirrors. Of course, I didn’t expect those.",[12,5866,5867,5868,5873],{},"But you’ll need to foot the bill for flooring. We opted to do our own as it worked out cheaper, we still haven’t done it all! It’s a work in progress. We weren’t offered any incentives. We laid our own ",[330,5869,5872],{"href":5870,"rel":5871},"https://fayflooring.com/vinyl-flooring/",[334],"luxury vinyl flooring"," and wood flooring throughout. Buying a new build isn’t the same as buying a used house. You don’t get any carpet or tiles unless you’ve budgeted for it. Doing this ourselves, including fitting, meant a huge saving on our part. And we weren’t restricted to the choices that are on offer by the developers, we could have any flooring we desired.",[12,5875,5876,5877,5882],{},"Our next challenge is to furnish the house, we’ve been here for 8 months now. And although it is furnished with everything we had, it’s not our dream home just yet. I intend to be savvy again making use of offers, ",[330,5878,5881],{"href":5879,"rel":5880},"http://www.oakfurniturecompany.com/dining-room/dining-tables.htm",[334],"Oak Furniture Company"," often has great deals on furniture, and I have my eye on a new dining table from there. I’ll also be keeping an eye on My Voucher Codes for any offers we can get on furnishings. Just because you have the house, doesn’t mean you can’t still save!",[12,5884,5885],{},"If you’re saving for a new home make sure you check out some of our tips, use the calculator tool above and get savvy! It is possible, it may take longer than it did for us, but don’t give up. Your new home is out there!",[5487,5887,5889],{"id":5888},"this-is-a-collaborative-post","This is a collaborative post",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":5891},[],[262],"2017-07-20T08:49:00Z","10179",{},"How we saved a house deposit in under a year as first-time buyers. Money-saving tips, moving in with family, and buying a new build home on a budget.","First Time Buyers: How We Saved a House Deposit","/saved-deposit-became-first-time-buyers-one-year",{"title":5808,"description":5816},"saved-deposit-became-first-time-buyers-one-year","5_L528IKH7_0DiYMxKJkE1ploDKmbnrGF3zzduRNqyw",{"id":5903,"title":5904,"author":7,"body":5905,"category":6012,"cover":5912,"date":6013,"description":5913,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":6014,"meta":6015,"meta_description":6016,"meta_title":5904,"navigation":269,"path":6017,"seo":6018,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":6019,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":6020},"posts/essentials-for-traveling-with-a-toddler-this-summer.md","Essentials for travelling with a toddler this summer! ",{"type":9,"value":5906,"toc":6010},[5907,5914,5917,5921,5928,5931,5938,5948,5960,5967,5970,5977,5980,5987,5990,5997,6000],[12,5908,5909,5913],{},[15,5910],{"alt":5911,"src":5912},"travelling","/images/2017/06/toddler_packing_list_2.jpg","When travelling with children the list of things you need to take is endless. I must have gone over it so many times in my head that I’m losing the will to live, what could a child possibly need to go have fun in another climate? My top tip is to go through an average day with your child, anything you use on a daily basis you will need. But take into consideration the climate, heat, water, sun protection and you’ll need a whole lot more.",[12,5915,5916],{},"Here are some of the essentials we’ll be taking with us on holiday this summer!",[1606,5918,5920],{"id":5919},"what-to-pack","What to pack –",[12,5922,5923],{},[330,5924,5927],{"href":5925,"rel":5926},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beach-Magic-Coconut-Removal-Powder-x/dp/B01LX3KYFP",[334],"Beach magic £5.99",[12,5929,5930],{},"If you’re into the latest “mum hacks” you’ll know talc is praised for the removal of sand from little bodies on trips to the seaside. The only downside is you like Casper the friendly ghost and smells a newborns bottom. Beach Magic is specifically designed to make you look and smell great whilst removing sand and water residue. Its peachy tone eliminates the ghostly after effects and smells like coconut. A must for your suitcase this season!",[12,5932,5933],{},[330,5934,5937],{"href":5935,"rel":5936},"https://www.snoozeshade.com",[334],"Snoozeshade £29.99",[12,5939,5940,5941,5943],{},"Babies and toddlers often struggle in hot, humid places. This often results in more daytime napping. Snoozeshade provides spf sun protection on your pushchair/stroller and a safe environment for sleeping.",[914,5942],{},[330,5944,5947],{"href":5945,"rel":5946},"https://www.frezyderm.co.uk/kids-care/kids-sun-cream/kids-sun-care-spf-50/",[334],"Frezyderm Kids suncare spf 50+ £18.50",[12,5949,5950,5951,5953,5954,5959],{},"Factor 50 sun cream is a must if little ones are going to be in the sun.",[914,5952],{},"\nWe’re taking Frezyderm. Many indoor pools in hotels and villas have ",[330,5955,5958],{"href":5956,"rel":5957},"https://rooflanternsolutions.co.uk/roof-lanterns/atlas-slim-line-aluminium/",[334],"aluminium roof lanterns"," meaning the sun still comes through and sun cream would be advised!",[12,5961,5962],{},[330,5963,5966],{"href":5964,"rel":5965},"https://www.konfidence.co.uk/konfidence-jackets.html",[334],"Konfidence buoyancy jacket £24.99",[12,5968,5969],{},"Little Fox has taken swimming lessons from being 3 months old and has never used armbands. He cannot swim fully unaided though so we’ll be using the Konfidence jacket to give us reassurance and keep him afloat when we’re at waterparks, pools or the beach.",[12,5971,5972],{},[330,5973,5976],{"href":5974,"rel":5975},"http://www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk/the-little-green-sheep/ivory-sheepskin-pram-liner/",[334],"Sheepskin pushchair liner – £49.95",[12,5978,5979],{},"Sheepskin liners keep little ones cool in warm weather & warm in cold weather. They really are rather clever!",[12,5981,5982],{},[330,5983,5986],{"href":5984,"rel":5985},"http://www.gro-store.com/gro-anywhere-blind.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjwp83KBRC2kev0tZzExLkBEiQAYxYXOjn7mvbo18aBMiTRXsaDimFF21V4RTGoTsXZNIcisOMaAp1S8P8HAQ",[334],"Gro anywhere blind – £34.99",[12,5988,5989],{},"The gro anywhere blind allows you to blackout windows whilst away, we’ve used this since Little Fox was a newborn and it’s been amazing. convincing toddlers it’s bed time when it’s sunny outside is difficult!",[12,5991,5992],{},[330,5993,5996],{"href":5994,"rel":5995},"https://www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk/collections/babyzen-yoyo-plus",[334],"Babyzent yoyo+ £369",[12,5998,5999],{},"A compact pushchair is perfect when travelling. We use the babyzen yoyo+ at home and can’t wait to put it to the test whilst going away. It’s lightweight and small enough to be taken onboard flights as a carryon.",[12,6001,6002,6007,6009],{},[330,6003,6006],{"href":6004,"rel":6005},"http://tracker.marinsm.com/rd?cid=814hk512270&mkwid=sEk9FhxKp_dm&pcrid=201166093635&kword=&match=&plid=&lp=http://www.boots.com/milton-anti-bacterial-surface-wipes-x30-10053067%3Fcm_mmc%3Dbmm-_-Google+Boots+PLAs-_-%28GB%3AWhoop%21%29+Boots+Shopping+-+Category+%E2%80%93+Baby-_-%28GB%3AWhoop%21%29+Category+%E2%80%93+Baby%26product%3D10053067&gclid=Cj0KEQjwp83KBRC2kev0tZzExLkBEiQAYxYXOn3kwJGtQeYyK_2j0rM2i4XGaPrvrqSfD6UN73th-eIaAsRK8P8HAQ",[334],"Milton antibacterial wipes £2.05 and hand sanitizer ",[914,6008],{},"\nLittle Fox is always getting dirty and touching things he shouldn’t be, hand sanitizer is a must! It’s great for on the go nappy changes and the wipes are perfect for tables and high chairs when eating out on holiday.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":6011},[],[262],"2017-06-28T05:33:00Z","10152",{},"Toddler travel packing list for summer holidays. Beach Magic sand remover, Snoozeshade, SPF50 sunscreen, buoyancy jacket, travel pushchair, and baby essentials.","/essentials-for-traveling-with-a-toddler-this-summer",{"title":5904,"description":5913},"essentials-for-traveling-with-a-toddler-this-summer","a3LBRYQBfMEb1owwZ0M6A12imb7wHdAu8lvZiif35l4",{"id":6022,"title":6023,"author":7,"body":6024,"category":6070,"cover":6039,"date":6071,"description":6031,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":6072,"meta":6073,"meta_description":6074,"meta_title":6023,"navigation":269,"path":6075,"seo":6076,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":6077,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":6078},"posts/go-energy-instant-lyons-coffee-bags.md","On-the-go energy in an instant with Lyons coffee bags",{"type":9,"value":6025,"toc":6068},[6026,6032,6035,6047,6050,6056,6062,6065],[12,6027,6028,6031],{},[15,6029],{"alt":253,"src":6030},"/images/2017/06/lyons_coffee_03-0661.jpg","If you’d have offered me a cup of coffee 2 years ago I’d have grimaced at you. I was not a coffee drinker. And, I had no intentions of becoming one. Coffee for me went as far as a chocolate laced iced drink on the way to the office and nothing more.",[12,6033,6034],{},"Since becoming a parent I’ve found myself accepting caffeine. Needing that extra boost to keep going and wanting coffee!",[12,6036,6037,6040,6041,6046],{},[15,6038],{"alt":253,"src":6039},"/images/2017/06/lyons_coffee_02-0674.jpg","Rushing around with a little one, and being constantly on the go, I don’t always have time to stand around brewing my morning caffeine fix. In a bid to solve this I’ve been trying out the new ",[330,6042,6045],{"href":6043,"rel":6044},"http://lyonscoffeeuk.com/",[334],"Lyons Coffee bags"," to see if I can get my caffeine fix quickly and on the go.",[12,6048,6049],{},"Initially, I wondered if a coffee bag were going to be a good thing or not. Maybe we should leave the bags to the tea eh? I was so wrong. It works, and it’s a time-saving saviour.",[12,6051,6052,6055],{},[15,6053],{"alt":253,"src":6054},"/images/2017/06/lyons_coffee_03-0673.jpg","I can pop a coffee bag in my to-go cup moments before we rush out for our next toddler class at 9 am and not need to worry. The instructions recommend that the bag should sit for three to five minutes. Which is perfect for me as I don’t drink my coffee very strong. I pop my coffee in the pushchair and off we go. Happy mummy!",[12,6057,6058,6061],{},[15,6059],{"alt":253,"src":6060},"/images/2017/06/lyons_coffee_01-0681.jpg","The man also uses them for work, they’re great for sitting in the office or commuting. They work very much like a tea bag and produce a great quality coffee. At £2.60 for a box of 18, it’s a huge saving compared to the cost of takeaway coffees on the usual commute. I’ve been known to spend more than £2.60 on one cup when I could have been doing myself and have 18 cups for the same price.",[12,6063,6064],{},"I’ve used them in the home and outside and loved the convenience.",[12,6066,6067],{},"Win-win!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":6069},[],[262],"2017-06-26T16:49:00Z","10162",{},"Lyons Coffee Bags review. Quick on-the-go caffeine for busy parents. Like tea bags for coffee. £2.60 for 18 bags, perfect for commutes and rushed mornings.","/go-energy-instant-lyons-coffee-bags",{"title":6023,"description":6031},"go-energy-instant-lyons-coffee-bags","4bBKofLdS_nWQxwCsdblpyUEFVoFg6cMR3mA8tLsoEI",{"id":6080,"title":6081,"author":7,"body":6082,"category":6195,"cover":6196,"date":6197,"description":6089,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":6198,"meta":6199,"meta_description":6200,"meta_title":6201,"navigation":269,"path":6202,"seo":6203,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":6204,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":6205},"posts/fathers-day-gift-guide.md","Fathers Day Gift Guide",{"type":9,"value":6083,"toc":6193},[6084,6090,6093,6104,6114,6124,6134,6148,6159,6171,6182],[12,6085,6086,6089],{},[15,6087],{"alt":253,"src":6088},"/images/2017/06/fs_gift_guide2.jpg","I find choosing gifts for men difficult, especially the men in my family. They’re all about practicality. No gimmicks or jokes, just useful items that won’t be tossed aside after the occasion.",[12,6091,6092],{},"Taking this into consideration here are my gift ideas for this fathers day. Practical gifts that should make most dads day!",[12,6094,6095,6103],{},[39,6096,992,6097,6102],{},[330,6098,6101],{"href":6099,"rel":6100},"http://www.boots.com/oral-b-genius-9000-black-electric-toothbrush-powered-by-braun-10216322",[334],"Oral B Genius 9000 Toothbrush £280 at Boots"," –"," A smart toothbrush to Dad smile. With a techy side that men will love the Genius 9000 will also take care of teeth and look after his smile for years to come, hook it up to your smart phone and track your progress. This highly advanced brush features a dentist-inspired round head that surrounds and cups each tooth with dynamic oscillating, rotating and pulsating movements to remove up to 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush. It also features a pressure sensor to promote healthy gums.",[12,6105,6106,6113],{},[39,6107,1019,6108,6102],{},[330,6109,6112],{"href":6110,"rel":6111},"https://www.candymechanics.com/candycards/editor",[334],"Candy Mechanics chocolate card £12"," You can’t get more practical than this. My Dad is not a card person, he’s one of those people who moans about consumerism, wasting money and made up holidays…. You know the type. He really doesn’t like cards. But he loves chocolate! So now he can have his card and eat it. I can’t see their being any complaints with this one. Even I want to eat it.",[12,6115,6116,6123],{},[39,6117,4175,6118,6102],{},[330,6119,6122],{"href":6120,"rel":6121},"https://www.brownsfamilyjewellers.co.uk/watches-c20/paul-hewitt-brown-leather-watch-ph-sa-r-st-b-1m-p36472",[334],"Paul Hewitt Leather Watch £169"," A stylish leather watch. this Paul Hewitt watch from Browns Family Jewelers looks great and will last. You could have a cute message engraved too.",[12,6125,6126,6133],{},[39,6127,1052,6128,6102],{},[330,6129,6132],{"href":6130,"rel":6131},"http://www.boots.com/swisse-mens-ultivite-30-tablets-10201869",[334],"Swisse Mens – Mens multivitamins £9.99 at Boots"," Multivitamins to keep him healthy, support energy and muscle function. Packed with 41 ingredients, including botanical extracts Swisse for men are a great way to keep your man feeling his best!",[12,6135,6136,6147],{},[39,6137,6138,6139,6102],{},"5. ",[39,6140,6141,6146],{},[330,6142,6145],{"href":6143,"rel":6144},"https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/lego-and-bricks/lego-marvel-super-heroes/lego-76081-marvel-super-heroes-guardians-of-the-galaxy-the-milano-vs-the-abilisk/p/157659?gclid=Cj0KEQjwyZjKBRDu--WG9ayT_ZEBEiQApZBFuBYEvREImoEm3txRtXnacoEszNhEU2S3RoWJ8XazrTsaAvKl8P8HAQ",[334],"LEGO MARVEL Super Heroes: The Milano vs. The ","Abilisk (RRP: £44.99)"," You’re never too old for Lego, especially with sets from Marvel to Ghostbusters. I think dad’s are going to love these sets on Fathers Day. We’re particularly fond of the new Guardians of The Galaxy sets, It’s also a great activity for little ones to help Dad with this Fathers Day.",[12,6149,6150,6158],{},[39,6151,6152,6153,6102],{},"6. ",[330,6154,6157],{"href":6155,"rel":6156},"https://nest.com/",[334],"Nest Thermostat"," For the techy Dads out there Nest is a great option. A digital thermostat so they can control the house from their smartphone. I know Little Fox’s Dad is after one of these. The only downside is they’ll know when you’ve cranked the heating up!",[12,6160,6161,6164,6165,6170],{},[39,6162,6163],{},"7. Toiletries –"," Keeping to practical gifts I ordered a selection from ",[330,6166,6169],{"href":6167,"rel":6168},"https://www.chemist.co.uk/",[334],"Chemist.co.uk"," From facial scrubs to Dove mens moisturiser. An easy gift choice is something he uses daily and won’t mind recieving more of.",[12,6172,6173,6181],{},[39,6174,6175,6176,6102],{},"8. ",[330,6177,6180],{"href":6178,"rel":6179},"http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/audio-and-headphones/audio/hifi-systems-and-speakers/sonos-play-1-wireless-smart-sound-multi-room-speaker-black-21748991-pdt.html",[334],"Sonos Play 1 £199"," The Sonos Play 1 is a powerful wifi speaker that Dads will love. Great quality sound all controlled via smartphone or computer.",[12,6183,6184,6192],{},[39,6185,6186,6187,6102],{},"9. ",[330,6188,6191],{"href":6189,"rel":6190},"https://www.lostmy.name/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwg47KBRDk7LSu4LTD8eEBEiQAO4O6r3kGoVhflJW5s5T_TpTmYjUplxYGoVmvPeYuA7Vf93kaAqVi8P8HAQ",[334],"Kingdom of you £19.99"," Another superb book from lostmy.name. Kingdom of You is personalised to your child and would make a great story for little ones to share with Daddy this Fathers Day. Little Fox is already excited to share his copy with his dad. The illustrations are utterly beautiful and we love lostmy.name books!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":6194},[],[262],"/images/2017/06/fathers_day_gift_guide.jpg","2017-06-14T07:37:00Z","10113",{},"Father's Day gift guide. Practical gift ideas for Dad including tech gadgets, watches, LEGO, Nest thermostat, Sonos speaker, and personalised books.","Father's Day Gift Guide: Practical Gift Ideas for Dad","/fathers-day-gift-guide",{"title":6081,"description":6089},"fathers-day-gift-guide","-x6HfAGieOPKETEWq7ZlrPCXEr7_vGW_tdMLecYjqUI",{"id":6207,"title":6208,"author":7,"body":6209,"category":6274,"cover":6275,"date":6276,"description":6213,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":6277,"meta":6278,"meta_description":6279,"meta_title":6208,"navigation":269,"path":6280,"seo":6281,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":6282,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":6283},"posts/top-tips-for-a-stress-free-family-holiday.md","Top tips for a stress-free family holiday",{"type":9,"value":6210,"toc":6272},[6211,6214,6219,6228,6233,6242,6247,6250,6255,6264,6269],[12,6212,6213],{},"Look – we’re human. We understand that it’s no mean feat just choosing a destination that you’ll all agree on, but a family holiday shouldn’t be stressful – it should be the opposite. Here are some essential ways to keep calm and enjoy yourselves altogether when you next fly away.",[12,6215,6216],{},[39,6217,6218],{},"Research your destination – does it have something for everyone?",[12,6220,6221,6222,6227],{},"Perhaps the most important part of the holiday is ",[330,6223,6226],{"href":6224,"rel":6225},"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-chesnut/5-travel-tips-for-choosin_b_2008772.html",[334],"making sure you’re heading somewhere that’s right for everybody",". Sure, Mum might like a relaxed spa retreat, but Dad might like a golfing weekend. And what about the kids? It’s important you choose a location that has plenty to offer for all of you – boredom on holiday cannot be an option. Resorts and complexes are usually a safe bet, as they’ve got a multitude of things to get up to for all ages.",[12,6229,6230],{},[39,6231,6232],{},"Lists, lists, lists!",[12,6234,6235,6236,6241],{},"When there’s a group of you, somebody’s got to keep everything in check. ",[330,6237,6240],{"href":6238,"rel":6239},"http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/Holiday-packing-list-the-ultimate-guide/",[334],"Make lists so you don’t forget anything when packing",", you know what you need to do once arrived, and you know what you want to get up to during your stay. There’s nothing worse than realising you’ve left something behind in a drawer because you forgot about it. If you have everything written down you’re much less likely to forget, which in turn makes you much less stressed! Simple, isn’t it?",[12,6243,6244],{},[39,6245,6246],{},"Be prepared to compromise",[12,6248,6249],{},"There are always going to be things you won’t all agree on when you’re on holiday. You’ll likely be faced with challenges from the young ones over food, excursions and having to leave the pool at the end of the day. To ensure you keep the bickering and sulking to a minimum, you’re going to have to do a bit of compromising. Don’t take the kids to a restaurant that’s too “a la carte”, for example – try and find a place that offers something good for everyone. Alternatively, make a plan so you can let each other choose on alternative nights.",[12,6251,6252],{},[39,6253,6254],{},"Don’t be afraid to treat yourself",[12,6256,6257,6258,6263],{},"Just because it’s a family holiday, it doesn’t mean the parents should miss out on letting their hair down – even if it’s just for an afternoon. Check if your accommodation has a kids club, and if it does, use it to your advantage! Kids clubs are an amazing way for your children to ",[330,6259,6262],{"href":6260,"rel":6261},"https://www.comparetravelinsurance.co.nz/resources/kids-safety-travel-guide",[334],"make new friends and try something different"," to the usual poolside routine, especially when they’re toddlers. And, whilst they’re off enjoying themselves, you have time to do the same.",[12,6265,6266],{},[39,6267,6268],{},"Get out for the day",[12,6270,6271],{},"Why not go and explore? You’ll be surprised at just how fascinating your young ones will find an excursion to somewhere with historical significance – or even somewhere that just looks really pretty. Boat trips and tour guides are great options for getting out of the hotel and learning a bit more about where you’re staying. It might provide the kids with a bit of inspiration and knowledge, and will probably become the highlight of the holiday. And, to top it all off, they’ll be worn out and ready for bed at the end of the day. Everyone’s a winner!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":6273},[],[262],"/images/2017/06/stress_free_holiday_tips.jpg","2017-06-13T13:23:00Z","10108",{},"Stress-free family holiday tips. Research destinations, make packing lists, compromise on activities, use kids clubs and plan day trips for relaxed travel.","/top-tips-for-a-stress-free-family-holiday",{"title":6208,"description":6213},"top-tips-for-a-stress-free-family-holiday","NmTc0Wvo2Xe0TXYHBBM-uUEp22LEKce4hUr-_xLxh2A",{"id":6285,"title":6286,"author":7,"body":6287,"category":6370,"cover":6371,"date":6372,"description":6291,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":6373,"meta":6374,"meta_description":6375,"meta_title":6286,"navigation":269,"path":6376,"seo":6377,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":6378,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":6379},"posts/5-ways-brighten-home-summer.md","5 ways to brighten your home this summer",{"type":9,"value":6288,"toc":6368},[6289,6292,6295,6298,6312,6320,6334,6348,6362,6365],[12,6290,6291],{},"If you’re looking to make changes to your home, declutter and detox then we’re here to help. Light, bright, and minimalistic styles are currently what’s hot. In a world of people striving for that Pinterest perfect, insta-worthy home. It’s all about white walls and open spaces.",[12,6293,6294],{},"That’s not a problem for us right now. Simply because we haven’t gotten around to painting anything since moving. We’re letting the walls ‘breathe’ and rightly so, cracks are popping up everywhere!",[12,6296,6297],{},"Here are our 5 ways to brighten your home and take you one step closer to achieving that on trend look.",[12,6299,6300,6303,6305,6306,6311],{},[39,6301,6302],{},"1. White walls –",[914,6304],{},"\nAs I mentioned before clean white walls are a must. Rooms appear cleaner and feel more open. If you have children be sure to choose something that wipes clean like this ",[330,6307,6310],{"href":6308,"rel":6309},"https://www.dulux.co.uk/en/products/easycare-washable-tough",[334],"Dulux paint",". White walls can take some maintenance to keep white with little hands around!",[12,6313,6314,6317,6319],{},[39,6315,6316],{},"2. Declutter –",[914,6318],{},"\nRemoving anything unnecessary and having fewer items on show. Giving your room a minimalistic feel by having less on show. As the saying goes, tidy house tidy mind.",[12,6321,6322,6325,6327,6328,6333],{},[39,6323,6324],{},"3. Create open spaces –",[914,6326],{},"\nWhere possible create open spaces that let light in. If you’re thinking big and renovating your home thinking large windows or a ",[330,6329,6332],{"href":6330,"rel":6331},"https://www.foldingdoors2u.co.uk/other-products/aluminium-patio-doors.htm",[334],"triple sliding glass door",". Let the light in wherever possible.",[12,6335,6336,6339,6341,6342,6347],{},[39,6337,6338],{},"4. Storage –",[914,6340],{},"\nThis goes hand in hand with decluttering. If you’re taking things off of display you need a place to keep the items you still need but don’t want to show. Invest in some good storage that fits in with your decor. We use ",[330,6343,6346],{"href":6344,"rel":6345},"http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/collections/kallax/",[334],"IKEA kallax",", you don’t have to completely minimalise what you own but you don’t always have to see it. A must have if you have children and need to stash toys away!",[12,6349,6350,6353,6355,6356,6361],{},[39,6351,6352],{},"5. Daylight bulbs –",[914,6354],{},"\nIf your rooms are dark and extra windows aren’t an option try daylight bulbs. They give more natural light rather than the yellow tones most bulbs have. We use ",[330,6357,6360],{"href":6358,"rel":6359},"http://www2.meethue.com/en-gb/",[334],"Philips Hue"," as they offer many colour options.",[12,6363,6364],{},"These are just a few ideas on how you can brighten your home this season. We’re sure there are more ways to achieve this and will be on the lookout for your top tips!",[12,6366,6367],{},"If you have ideas for brightening the home that we may find useful please share them in the comments below!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":6369},[],[262],"/images/2017/06/brighten_your_home.jpg","2017-06-12T20:07:00Z","10103",{},"5 ways to brighten your home this summer. White walls, decluttering, open spaces, smart storage solutions, and daylight bulbs for light, minimalistic interiors.","/5-ways-brighten-home-summer",{"title":6286,"description":6291},"5-ways-brighten-home-summer","2HJ-wlSpSYCQgHV2-2YSjpDsHtSv0dBDL1Dve_NYfLM",{"id":6381,"title":6382,"author":7,"body":6383,"category":6465,"cover":6466,"date":6467,"description":6468,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":6469,"meta":6470,"meta_description":6471,"meta_title":6382,"navigation":269,"path":6472,"seo":6473,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":6474,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":6475},"posts/watch-netflix-year.md","What to watch on Netflix this year!",{"type":9,"value":6384,"toc":6463},[6385,6394,6402,6405,6416,6424,6427,6435,6438,6446,6449,6457,6460],[12,6386,6387,6388,6393],{},"Aside from the sheer excitement of House of Cards returning to ",[330,6389,6392],{"href":6390,"rel":6391},"http://www.netflix.co.uk",[334],"Netflix"," last night there is a whole world of fantastic shows that you should be watching. Here are some of our favourites that you can go ahead and watch now, right now. And a few things that are coming this year that you won’t want to miss!",[12,6395,6396,6399],{},[15,6397],{"alt":253,"src":6398},"https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/03/14/10/HoCs4.jpg",[39,6400,6401],{},"1. House of Cards",[12,6403,6404],{},"After opening the “Season 5 House of Cards is now on Netflix” email yesterday I was counting down to bedtime. We love House of Cards, it required nachos and dip. Alas having a 2yo meant we didn’t binge watch, we will most likely watch one per evening.",[12,6406,6407,6410,6412,6415],{},[15,6408],{"alt":253,"src":6409},"https://art-s.nflximg.net/004ee/a5128625b0ace9338f4aada10c3f6749092004ee.jpg",[914,6411],{},[39,6413,6414],{},"2. 13 Reasons Why"," Based on the YA novel by Jay Asher 13 Reasons Why is a gripping account of the events that lead to one girl’s demise. How the world of social media, peer pressure and simply being a teen can turn your world upside down. Having already watched every episode I recommend you do the same. I wasn’t convinced I’d like the series as much as the book but it’s better than I had ever expected.",[12,6417,6418,6421],{},[15,6419],{"alt":253,"src":6420},"http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/20/750x445/774056.jpg",[39,6422,6423],{},"3. Mind Hunter",[12,6425,6426],{},"Coming in October 2017 Mind Hunter is set in 1979 following two FBI agents who interview serial killers. Having seen the trailer for Mind Hunters it’s certainly on my watch list and I can’t wait for to arrive on Netflix!",[12,6428,6429,6432],{},[15,6430],{"alt":253,"src":6431},"http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2016/08/23/boys-and-eleven-radio-room.r_wide-91833326a576b002c5aaa30e341ff537e54809c5-s900-c85.jpg",[39,6433,6434],{},"4. Stranger Things Season 2",[12,6436,6437],{},"Coming October 31st it’s Season 2 of Netflix hit show Stranger Things. If you’ve seen season 1 then you’re most likely counting down to this like I am! Stranger things is set in the 80’s, it’s like ET and all my favourite John Huges movies had a baby.",[12,6439,6440,6443],{},[15,6441],{"alt":253,"src":6442},"http://www.popzara.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dinotrux_featured-770x472.jpg",[39,6444,6445],{},"5. Dinotrux",[12,6447,6448],{},"For the little people in your life, we love Dinotrux. Another Netflix original, aren’t all their best shows their own? This is perfect for boys and girls who love Transformers, dinosaurs, construction, a bit of everything! Little Fox loves jumping around the theme tune and shouting “Smash it!” we need more dinotrux.",[12,6450,6451,6454],{},[15,6452],{"alt":253,"src":6453},"http://cdn5.thr.com/sites/default/files/2017/04/glow_s01e01_still_3.jpg",[39,6455,6456],{},"6. GLOW",[12,6458,6459],{},"Coming to Netflix on the 23rd June GLOW follows a group of ladies looking for stardom who find themselves becoming female wrestlers!",[12,6461,6462],{},"What’s your favourite Netflix series that you feel is a must watch? Let us know so we don’t miss out!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":6464},[],[262],"/images/2017/05/boys-and-eleven-radio-room.r_wide-91833326a576b002c5aaa30e341ff537e54809c5-s900-c85.jpg","2017-05-31T11:45:00Z","Aside from the sheer excitement of House of Cards returning to Netflix last night there is a whole world of fantastic shows that you should be watching. Here are some of our favourites that you can go ahead and watch now, right now. And a few things that are coming this year that you won’t want to miss!","10093",{},"Best Netflix shows to watch in 2017. House of Cards, 13 Reasons Why, Stranger Things Season 2, Mind Hunter, GLOW, and Dinotrux. Must-watch recommendations.","/watch-netflix-year",{"title":6382,"description":6468},"watch-netflix-year","2IcaCfxFd9BICFIe4zZCYyaWSgvKwnMNqNRR63qhmjQ",{"id":6477,"title":6478,"author":7,"body":6479,"category":6543,"cover":6491,"date":6544,"description":6483,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":6545,"meta":6546,"meta_description":6547,"meta_title":6478,"navigation":269,"path":6548,"seo":6549,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":6550,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":6551},"posts/5-ways-stay-active-kids-summer.md","5 ways to stay active with the kids this summer",{"type":9,"value":6480,"toc":6541},[6481,6484,6503,6515,6526,6532,6538],[12,6482,6483],{},"The temperature is rising and school holidays are on the horizon it’s time get outside! Instead of the usual walk to the park this summer whilst the kids skate or scoot why not get in on the fun?",[12,6485,6486,6487,6489,6492,6494,6502],{},"Here are 5 ways you can get in on the action this summer. Don’t let the kids have all of the fun!",[914,6488],{},[15,6490],{"alt":253,"src":6491},"/images/2017/05/outdoor_toys_guide.jpg",[914,6493],{},[39,6495,992,6496,6501],{},[330,6497,6500],{"href":6498,"rel":6499},"http://www.micro-scooters.co.uk/",[334],"Micro Scooters ","–"," Scooters aren’t just for kids anymore, Micro Scooters also cater to adults. You might not be going off of the half pipe in the local park but you can certainly have fun scooting with your little ones. I can see myself scooting to the local shop, can’t you? I’m pretty sure Natasha Bailie of The Milk Stand has one, she’s pretty cool.",[12,6504,6505,6508,6509,6514],{},[39,6506,6507],{},"2. Heelys –"," The timeless classic that is the shoe with wheels in the heel, did you know they come in adult sizes too at ",[330,6510,6513],{"href":6511,"rel":6512},"https://www.skatehut.co.uk/shoes/heelys_1",[334],"Skate Hut","? If you’ve ever been curious about those kids wheeling their way around the supermarket it’s time you donned a pair for yourself and showed them who’s boss.",[12,6516,6517,6520,6521,621],{},[39,6518,6519],{},"3. Bikes –"," Cycling is a great way for families to stay active together. Whether the children have their own bikes or a seat on yours, it’s a great way to get outside this summer. Just be sure you know the rules of the road before heading out. I LOVE the ",[330,6522,6525],{"href":6523,"rel":6524},"http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/classic-bikes/orla-kiely-womens-classic-bike-olive-design",[334],"Orla Kiely bicycles at Halfords",[12,6527,6528,6531],{},[39,6529,6530],{},"4. Trampolines –"," Much to my dismay the man says we cannot get a trampoline, but that doesn’t mean you can’t! Imagine busting some moves in the garden this summer and showing the kids how fun you really are! If you get one, don’t tell me. I’ll be too jealous. You could sip cocktails on it in the evenings. I bet they’re fab to sunbath on too.",[12,6533,6534,6537],{},[39,6535,6536],{},"5. Football –"," Little Fox loves to kick a ball around the house or garden. or “Play balls” as he would say. It’s a simple activity that keeps up busy and tires him out. Win-win.",[12,6539,6540],{},"Are you a scooting parent or Heely hipster? We would love you to share your favourite summer activities with us in the comments below.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":6542},[],[262],"2017-05-04T09:59:00Z","10040",{},"5 ways to stay active with kids this summer. Micro scooters, Heelys, bikes, trampolines, and football. Family fitness ideas for school holidays and outdoor fun.","/5-ways-stay-active-kids-summer",{"title":6478,"description":6483},"5-ways-stay-active-kids-summer","pA12AdeoO8O3TdbfwrOYQhxwL3C5R1p0D2rn90hdv-w",{"id":6553,"title":6554,"author":7,"body":6555,"category":6588,"cover":6573,"date":6589,"description":6559,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":6590,"meta":6591,"meta_description":6592,"meta_title":6593,"navigation":269,"path":6594,"seo":6595,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":6596,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":6597},"posts/all-new-kazoops.md","All new Kazoops",{"type":9,"value":6556,"toc":6586},[6557,6560,6566,6569,6575,6578,6581],[12,6558,6559],{},"If you live with little ones of the cbeebies watching variety you may have already come across Kazoops. Starting this bank holiday Monday Kazoops is back with all new episodes. And we’re really rather excited",[12,6561,6562,6565],{},[15,6563],{"alt":253,"src":6564},"/images/2017/04/KAZ01_DDA_STILL_02.jpg","Monty Kazoops, is the little boy with a vivid imagination and a loyal pet pig, is back with brand new animated adventures in Kazoops, transmitting daily on CBeebies from Monday 17th April.",[12,6567,6568],{},"Monty Kazoop is a spirited boy of six, whose best friend is a pig called Jimmy Jones. In each episode Monty confronts a preconception about the grown-up world and sets out to challenge it, embarking on a wild imaginary adventure with Jimmy that offers them a fresh perspective.",[12,6570,6571,6574],{},[15,6572],{"alt":253,"src":6573},"/images/2017/04/KAZ01_TMO_STILL_06-1024x576.jpg","In Monday’s episode, Jimmy helps his family get a Piano up the stairs using his amazing imagination. As we see Jimmy come up with crazy suggestions his imagination helps solve the problem. Each episode sees Monty and Jimmy use their imaginations to go on far away adventures and solve everyday problems.",[12,6576,6577],{},"The variety of animals and funny scenarios in the new episode had Taylor and I laughing out loud. Kazoops is one of my preferred children’s programmes. I love the overall look and animation style of Kazoops alongside the very catchy theme music.",[12,6579,6580],{},"You can catch the all new episodes daily on cbeebies, watch out and don’t miss your daily dose of kazoops!",[12,6582,6583],{},[15,6584],{"alt":253,"src":6585},"/images/2017/04/Cbeebies_MPU_2_v02.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":6587},[],[262],"2017-04-17T15:42:00Z","9995",{},"All new Kazoops episodes on CBeebies. Monty and his pet pig Jimmy Jones return with imaginative adventures solving everyday problems. Daily on BBC.","Kazoops CBeebies - All New Episodes on BBC","/all-new-kazoops",{"title":6554,"description":6559},"all-new-kazoops","q3qDrCQ4NWz8eHMArNnxMya8_tiERjEtPENeGtdQdUA",{"id":6599,"title":6600,"author":7,"body":6601,"category":6657,"cover":6658,"date":6659,"description":6605,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":6660,"meta":6661,"meta_description":6662,"meta_title":6600,"navigation":269,"path":6663,"seo":6664,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":6665,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":6666},"posts/baking-chocolate-cherry-brownie-cake-little-piccolo.md","Baking a Chocolate Cherry Brownie cake with My Little Piccolo!",{"type":9,"value":6602,"toc":6655},[6603,6606,6612,6618,6626,6632,6638],[12,6604,6605],{},"You may be familiar with Mediterranean baby food brand Piccolo. From their veggie-packed pouches to delicious fruit pureè we’re rather fond of Piccolo pouches in our house.",[12,6607,6608,6611],{},[15,6609],{"alt":253,"src":6610},"/images/2017/04/my_little_piccolo_1st_birthday_cake_12.jpg","When Piccolo got in touch and asked us to help them celebrate their 1st birthday by baking a cake we couldn’t wait!",[12,6613,6614,6617],{},[15,6615],{"alt":253,"src":6616},"/images/2017/04/my_little_piccolo_1st_birthday_cake_13.jpg","First of all, we needed to choose our favourite Piccolo Pouches and conjure up a tasty recipe that we could incorporate them into.",[12,6619,6620,6621,6623],{},"Taking this into consideration we baked a chocolate cherry brownie cake. You can follow the recipe card below and give a go yourself.",[914,6622],{},[15,6624],{"alt":253,"src":6625},"/images/2017/04/Piccolo_BirthdayCake_Recipes-Chocolate_Brownie_Cake.jpg",[12,6627,6628,6631],{},[15,6629],{"alt":253,"src":6630},"/images/2017/04/my_little_piccolo_1st_birthday_cake_10.jpg","You can include pouches in both the mix and the frosting. Mix it up with your choice of flavour and decorate any way you want!",[12,6633,6634,6635,6637],{},"We let our two-year-old help bake and decorate ours. It might not be bake off worthy but we had so much fun!",[914,6636],{},"\nDonning our party hats and lighting sparklers we had a mini-party in honour of Piccolo turning one, although I think Little Fox thought it was his Birthday! He even had us singing Happy Birthday.",[12,6639,6640,6643,6646,6647,6654],{},[15,6641],{"alt":253,"src":6642},"/images/2017/04/my_little_piccolo_1st_birthday_cake_06.jpg",[15,6644],{"alt":253,"src":6645},"/images/2017/04/my_little_piccolo_1st_birthday_cake_07.jpg","Check out the 9 other fantastic Piccolo pouch cake recipes from fantastic bloggers ",[39,6648,6649],{},[330,6650,6653],{"href":6651,"rel":6652},"https://www.mylittlepiccolo.com/blogs/news/10-birthday-cake-recipes",[334],"here on their blog"," and give one a go! If you make our recipe we would love to see the end result.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":6656},[],[262],"/images/2017/04/my_little_piccolo_1st_birthday_cake_09.jpg","2017-04-16T23:07:00Z","9963",{},"Chocolate cherry brownie cake recipe using Piccolo baby food pouches. Celebrating Piccolo's 1st birthday with toddler-friendly baking and party fun.","/baking-chocolate-cherry-brownie-cake-little-piccolo",{"title":6600,"description":6605},"baking-chocolate-cherry-brownie-cake-little-piccolo","yP2vOF2thaQf9PwSo-vL2_URlnbOnqCAkuOj3oH_86E",{"id":6668,"title":6669,"author":7,"body":6670,"category":6727,"cover":6676,"date":6728,"description":6729,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":6730,"meta":6731,"meta_description":6732,"meta_title":6669,"navigation":269,"path":6733,"seo":6734,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":6735,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":6736},"posts/netflix-tickle-factual-fancy.md","Does Netflix tickle your factual fancy?",{"type":9,"value":6671,"toc":6724},[6672,6683,6686,6689,6693,6704,6707,6710],[12,6673,6674,6677,6678,6682],{},[15,6675],{"alt":253,"src":6676},"/images/2017/04/netflix_north_west_1.jpg","As a nation of entertainment lovers it’s likely you’ll have heard of ",[330,6679,6392],{"href":6680,"rel":6681},"https://www.netflix.com",[334],". If not, where have you been?",[12,6684,6685],{},"Having already made it’s way into homes nation wide Netflix have analysed member viewing in the UK from October 2016 to March 2017. The findings reveal which regions are more inclined to watch a specific genre compared to others.",[12,6687,6688],{},"Revealing how entertainment preferences compare across the UK – from The North, The Midlands and Greater London to The South, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It turns out, when members have the power to choose what they want to watch, some interesting regional patterns emerge.",[29,6690,6692],{"id":6691},"what-does-the-netflix-data-say-about-us-here-in-the-north-west","What does the Netflix data say about us here in the North West?",[12,6694,6695,6696,6699,6700,6703],{},"Research shows that here in the North West we love to watch factual content. Enjoying a dose of reality, ranging from the true and thought-provoking, like documentaries ",[241,6697,6698],{},"Amanda Knox"," and ",[241,6701,6702],{},"Making A Murderer."," And they’re not wrong!",[12,6705,6706],{},"We can’t get enough of documentaries in our house. We particularly loved Making A Murderer. Who needs sleep when you still haven’t found out who’s guilty? We couldn’t stop watching.",[12,6708,6709],{},"Are you a South East Romantic or a North East Horror fanatic? Check out the infographic below to see what genre you’re region is watching!",[12,6711,6712,6715,6716],{},[15,6713],{"alt":253,"src":6714},"/images/2017/04/Netflix-How-Tastes-Vary-Across-The-UK-with-shows-.jpg","#####  ",[241,6717,6718,6719],{},"Netflix is the world’s leading Internet television network with over 93 million members in over 190 countries enjoying more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments. Find out more at ",[330,6720,6723],{"href":6721,"rel":6722},"http://www.netflix.com",[334],"Netflix.com",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":6725},[6726],{"id":6691,"depth":254,"text":6692},[262],"2017-04-05T09:46:00Z","As a nation of entertainment lovers it’s likely you’ll have heard of Netflix. If not, where have you been?","9938",{},"Netflix UK regional viewing habits revealed: North West loves factual documentaries like Making A Murderer. How entertainment tastes vary by region.","/netflix-tickle-factual-fancy",{"title":6669,"description":6729},"netflix-tickle-factual-fancy","02qb6TWIH-O-g45sdjlZDm7pIeWQjzQqQAXqphMBFMY",{"id":6738,"title":6739,"author":7,"body":6740,"category":6843,"cover":6844,"date":6845,"description":6744,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":6846,"meta":6847,"meta_description":6848,"meta_title":6739,"navigation":269,"path":6849,"seo":6850,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":6851,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":6852},"posts/mothers-day-gifts-modern-mama.md","Mothers Day Gifts for the Modern Mama!",{"type":9,"value":6741,"toc":6841},[6742,6745,6748,6758,6761,6768,6771,6789,6795,6802,6805,6812,6815,6827,6830,6838],[12,6743,6744],{},"As Mothers Day creeps up on us I’ve put together a gift list of items mums actually want! If you’re a bit of an insta-mum like myself you’re going to love these. Of course we all want chocolate, but we also love thoughtful, meaningful gifts that will last. Make an impression this mothers day and help your little people by spoiling the woman in your life!",[12,6746,6747],{},"It’s the least you can do for the lady of the house.",[12,6749,6750,992,6753],{},[15,6751],{"alt":253,"src":6752},"/images/2017/03/mothers_day_gift_guide_giovanna_fletcher_boobbix_oralb_leeleeloves_.jpg",[330,6754,6757],{"href":6755,"rel":6756},"http://www.thenewmumsnotebook.co.uk/",[334],"The New Mums Notebook – £25 at thenewmumsnotebook.co.uk ",[12,6759,6760],{},"A fantastic new mum journal for those first 12 months. Whether this is your 1st baby or your 5th, this book is filled with mummy mantras and positivity to keep you going! – All orders for mothers day come complete with a mothers day card! –",[12,6762,1019,6763],{},[330,6764,6767],{"href":6765,"rel":6766},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baylis-Harding-Pink-Prosecco-Luxury/dp/B01N2VU50G/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=&creativeASIN=B01N2VU50G",[334],"Baylis & Harding Gift Sets – at Amazon",[12,6769,6770],{},"For that pampering session every mum deserveS give her Baylis & Harding. From their range of beautiful gift sets to heaven scent candles they’re the perfect way to unwind.",[12,6772,4175,6773,6699,6778,6783,6784],{},[330,6774,6777],{"href":6775,"rel":6776},"https://www.boobbix.co.uk/collections/lactation-cookies",[334],"Boobbix Lactation Cookies £9",[330,6779,6782],{"href":6780,"rel":6781},"https://www.boobbix.co.uk/collections/mum-clothes",[334],"Mama Gear £10-£35"," – ",[330,6785,6788],{"href":6786,"rel":6787},"https://www.boobbix.co.uk",[334],"At Boobbix",[12,6790,6791,6792],{},"For the breastfeeding mamas out there it has to be Boobbix. Delicious lactation cookies that taste great and help boost supply! They also have a fantastic range of apparel. My favourite being the sweaters ‘food not rude’ for nursing mamas and ‘Mum life’ for everyone and 25% of profits going to charity! As Mama to a boob addict toddler I absolutely adore this brand and their ethics. ",[39,6793,6794],{},"– Use code “mum10” for a 10% discount!",[12,6796,1052,6797],{},[330,6798,6801],{"href":6799,"rel":6800},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happy-Mum-Baby-adventures-motherhood/dp/1473651204/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=&creativeASIN=1473651204",[334],"Happy Mum Happy Baby by Giovanna Fletcher – £8.49 at Amazon",[12,6803,6804],{},"A superb read for new and existing mums. Filled with laughter and tears I’ve found this book to be the perfect night feed read. Having gone from supporting Gi’s journey into womens fiction 4 years ago I couldn’t wait to get my mitts on this. A raw and uncut look into motherhood.",[12,6806,6138,6807],{},[330,6808,6811],{"href":6809,"rel":6810},"http://scampanddude.com/product/cool-kid-joggers/",[334],"Leopard print tote bag – £26.00 at Scamp & Dude ",[12,6813,6814],{},"Tote bags are a must for me as a mum, especially since carrier bag charges came into place. Nobody like to get caught out without a bag. This beautiful leopard print tote from Scamp and Dude is perfect for modern insta-mums!",[12,6816,6152,6817,6822],{},[330,6818,6821],{"href":6819,"rel":6820},"http://www.lostmy.name/en-GB/personalized-products/lost-my-name-silly-snap-game",[334],"Lost My name Silly snap – £16.99 at ",[330,6823,6826],{"href":6824,"rel":6825},"https://www.lostmy.name/en-GB/personalized-products/lost-my-name-silly-snap-game",[334],"Lost My Name",[12,6828,6829],{},"A great way to share the mothers day fun. A personalised game of snap featuring your children on the cards. We’ll be writing a detailed review about this one but so far Little Fox and I have loved playing this game together, it’s a fun way to spend time with your little one.",[12,6831,6832,6833],{},"7. ",[330,6834,6837],{"href":6835,"rel":6836},"http://www.boots.com/electrical/electrical-dental/electric-toothbrushes/oral-b-genius-9000-rose-gold-electric-toothbrush-exclusive-to-boots-10220221",[334],"Oral B Genius 9000 Toothbrush – £1 40 at Boots",[12,6839,6840],{},"A Rose Gold tooth brush? What more could you want The Oral B 9000 will also take care of teeth and look after her smile for years to come. This highly advanced brush features a dentist-inspired round head that surrounds and cups each tooth with dynamic oscillating, rotating and pulsating movements to remove up to 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush. It also features a pressure sensor to promote healthy gums.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":6842},[],[262],"/images/2017/03/mothers_day_gift_guidefeature_image_.jpg","2017-03-20T17:24:00Z","9899",{},"Mother's Day gift guide for modern mums. Thoughtful presents including journals, Boobbix cookies, Giovanna Fletcher book, Oral B toothbrush, and pampering sets.","/mothers-day-gifts-modern-mama",{"title":6739,"description":6744},"mothers-day-gifts-modern-mama","-uPw-zIh8fcEdB2Hf5xba8JSd9fUWntkMRgNMMJynKA",{"id":6854,"title":6855,"author":7,"body":6856,"category":7019,"cover":6862,"date":7020,"description":6863,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":7021,"meta":7022,"meta_description":7023,"meta_title":6855,"navigation":269,"path":7024,"seo":7025,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":7026,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":7027},"posts/ideas-monochrome-toddler-bedroom.md","Ideas for a monochrome toddler bedroom",{"type":9,"value":6857,"toc":7017},[6858,6864,6867,6870,6880,6883,6893,6896,6906,6909,6914,6917,6927,6930,6940,6943,6948,6959,6975,6982,6987,6990,7000,7003,7008,7011,7014],[12,6859,6860,6863],{},[15,6861],{"alt":253,"src":6862},"/images/2017/02/toddler_bedroom_ideas2.jpg","Since buying our house I’ve been pinning and planning Taylor’s toddler bedroom. Granted this was before all our plans changed and I went from full time work to picking banana up off of the floor.",[12,6865,6866],{},"Their are so many things I want to do with it! His current furniture is a dark walnut wood, which looking back I wish was white. But his Daddy chose it so Shhhh. And it’s not all bad, it’s cute, a beautiful solid wood and it wasn’t at all cheap.",[12,6868,6869],{},"Following a grey/mono theme I’ve pinned a few ideas that I’d like to apply to his new room eventually. Mostly featuring chevrons and clouds. What do you think?",[12,6871,6872],{},[39,6873,6874,6875],{},"1. Cloud Boxes – £7 at ",[330,6876,6879],{"href":6877,"rel":6878},"http://www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2621160/bedroom-cloud-foldable-fabric-storage-box-33cm-x-33cm-x-31cm",[334],"Matalan",[12,6881,6882],{},"Cloud boxes for his Kallax unit. I’ve found these cute cloud boxes at Matalan that fit his Kallax perfectly. A great way to refresh something we already have.",[12,6884,6885],{},[39,6886,6887,6888],{},"2. Height chart – £7.99 at",[330,6889,6892],{"href":6890,"rel":6891},"http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0346354001.html",[334]," H&M",[12,6894,6895],{},"This cute height chart from H&M is a great price and will look good on the wall of a toddler room.",[12,6897,6898],{},[39,6899,6900,6901],{},"3. Name poster – £28 at ",[330,6902,6905],{"href":6903,"rel":6904},"https://www.sgtsmith.com",[334],"Sgt.SMITH",[12,6907,6908],{},"This awesome mono poster say’s Taylor’s name and is already a new feature in his bedroom. Available in a choice of colours it looks great!",[12,6910,6911],{},[39,6912,6913],{},"4. Wall letters – £11 each at Just For Tiny People",[12,6915,6916],{},"I’d use these to spell his name on his wall, replacing the brightly coloured bunting that is currently there.",[12,6918,6919],{},[39,6920,6921,6922],{},"5. Home bed – £519 at ",[330,6923,6926],{"href":6924,"rel":6925},"https://www.stokke.com/GBR/en-gb/nursery/4073.html",[334],"Stokke",[12,6928,6929],{},"The Home bed from Stokke just screams fun to me, as Taylor loves tents at the moment I think he would enjoy snuggling up in this bed.",[12,6931,6932],{},[39,6933,6934,6935],{},"6. Chevron storage bag – £28 at ",[330,6936,6939],{"href":6937,"rel":6938},"http://www.minene.co.uk/search.php",[334],"Minene",[12,6941,6942],{},"These storage bags a perfect for storing toddler toys and I love the chevron print.",[12,6944,6945],{},[39,6946,6947],{},"7. Pendant light – £119 at Nest",[12,6949,6950,6951,6958],{},"This pendant light from ",[39,6952,6953],{},[330,6954,6957],{"href":6955,"rel":6956},"https://www.nest.co.uk/pendants",[334],"nest.co.uk"," has an industrial feel and would look great with our colour scheme!",[12,6960,6961],{},[39,6962,6963,6964,6969,6970],{},"8. Miffy Lamp from ",[330,6965,6968],{"href":6966,"rel":6967},"https://mrmaria.com/",[334],"Mr Maria"," – £135 at ",[330,6971,6974],{"href":6972,"rel":6973},"http://www.miffyshop.co.uk/product/5582c2af882ef275528b474c/miffy-lamp",[334],"Miffy Shop",[12,6976,6977,6981],{},[330,6978,6980],{"href":6972,"rel":6979},[334],"T","he Miffy Lamp from Mr Maria has been on my wishlist since T was a newborn, we’re huge fans of Miffy and this lamp is just beautiful and perfect for a monochrome theme! Don’t you just want to give it a hug?",[12,6983,6984],{},[39,6985,6986],{},"9. Miffy Story Poster – £32.99 at Spineless Classics",[12,6988,6989],{},"This poster is made up of all the miffy stories, written by the great Dick Bruna who sadly passed away last week. We love miffy and this is going to be a cute addition to his bedroo wall.",[12,6991,6992],{},[39,6993,6994,6995],{},"10. Dulux pebble paint – £14 at ",[330,6996,6999],{"href":6997,"rel":6998},"http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/dulux-polished-pebble---matt-emulsion-paint---25l-424411",[334],"Homebase",[12,7001,7002],{},"I plan to paint a mountain range on Taylor’s wall in grey paint. This shade from Dulux would be perfect for it!",[12,7004,7005],{},[39,7006,7007],{},"11. Mono teepee – £165 at Just For Tiny People",[12,7009,7010],{},"This teepee fits our theme perfectly and Taylor wants everything to be a tent at the moment. It would be the perfect place for him to hide out and read his books.",[12,7012,7013],{},"These are just a few of my ideas for his room so far, some of the items such as the height chart, posters and boxes we already have. Others are on the wishlist.",[12,7015,7016],{},"What theme did you go for when transitioning from a nursery to a toddler room?",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":7018},[],[262],"2017-02-22T22:35:00Z","9781",{},"Monochrome toddler bedroom ideas: Grey and white nursery with cloud storage, chevron prints, Miffy lamp, Stokke bed, and mountain wall art.","/ideas-monochrome-toddler-bedroom",{"title":6855,"description":6863},"ideas-monochrome-toddler-bedroom","ktR_wrHM954KezFsfxtXTlrcr4T9AeUVj2kH9RwD2DQ",{"id":7029,"title":7030,"author":7,"body":7031,"category":7185,"cover":7043,"date":7186,"description":7035,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":7187,"meta":7188,"meta_description":7189,"meta_title":7030,"navigation":269,"path":7190,"seo":7191,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":7192,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":7193},"posts/valentines-day-gift-list.md","His & Hers Valentines Day Gift List",{"type":9,"value":7032,"toc":7183},[7033,7036,7039,7047,7055,7063,7073,7079,7089,7099,7107,7115,7125,7135,7141,7159,7169,7174,7180],[12,7034,7035],{},"Valentines Day is upon us and I’ve compiled a gift list that is bound to make you smile for more than just one day. Valentines Day is about showing your love for one another. I think the best way to do this is by looking after one another long term. Of course a Box of chocolates is nice to have, how about things that are going to make you happier and healthier in the long run?",[12,7037,7038],{},"Here’s a few ideas to help you on the path to a Happy, Healthy, Valentines Day!",[12,7040,7041,7044],{},[15,7042],{"alt":253,"src":7043},"/images/2017/02/valentines_gifts_for_him.jpg",[39,7045,7046],{},"Gifts for him –",[12,7048,992,7049,7054],{},[39,7050,7051,6102],{},[330,7052,6101],{"href":6099,"rel":7053},[334]," A smart toothbrush to make your man smile. With a techy side that men will love the Genius 9000 will also take care of teeth and look after his smile for years to come, hook it up to your smart phone and track your progress. This highly advanced brush features a dentist-inspired round head that surrounds and cups each tooth with dynamic oscillating, rotating and pulsating movements to remove up to 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush. It also features a pressure sensor to promote healthy gums.",[12,7056,1019,7057,7062],{},[330,7058,7060],{"href":6130,"rel":7059},[334],[39,7061,6132],{}," – Multivitamins to keep him healthy, support energy and muscle function. Packed with 41 ingredients, including botanical extracts Swisse for men are a great way to keep your man feeling his best!",[12,7064,4175,7065,7072],{},[39,7066,7067],{},[330,7068,7071],{"href":7069,"rel":7070},"http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_324007910260MISC_-1",[334],"Fitbit £130 at Debenhams ","– Create healthy competition with your partner and start a new hobby. Take up sports and track your progress with Fitbit.",[12,7074,1052,7075,7078],{},[39,7076,7077],{},"Cushion £4.99 at Aldi"," – A cute cushion to relax on and remind him how handsome you think he is!",[12,7080,6138,7081,7088],{},[39,7082,7083],{},[330,7084,7087],{"href":7085,"rel":7086},"https://www.aldi.co.uk/men%27s-starwars-lounge-pants/p/074474117012904",[334],"Starwars lounge pants £7.99 at Aldi"," – Relax at home in Starwars themed lounge pants.",[12,7090,6152,7091,7098],{},[330,7092,7095],{"href":7093,"rel":7094},"http://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/hamper-for-him.html",[334],[39,7096,7097],{},"Chocolate Hamper for Him £60.00 from Hotel Chocolat"," – It wouldn’t be valentines without a little, or a lot, of chocolate. Imagine kicking back with Netflix and this hamper!",[12,7100,7101,7104],{},[15,7102],{"alt":253,"src":7103},"/images/2017/02/valentines_gifts_for_her.jpg",[39,7105,7106],{},"Gifts for her –",[12,7108,992,7109,7114],{},[330,7110,7112],{"href":6835,"rel":7111},[334],[39,7113,6101],{}," – A Rose Gold tooth brush? What more could you want The Oral B 9000 will also take care of teeth and look after her smile for years to come. This highly advanced brush features a dentist-inspired round head that surrounds and cups each tooth with dynamic oscillating, rotating and pulsating movements to remove up to 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush. It also features a pressure sensor to promote healthy gums.",[12,7116,1019,7117,7124],{},[330,7118,7121],{"href":7119,"rel":7120},"http://www.boots.com/swisse/all-swisse-products/swisse-womens-ultivite-60-tablets-10201867",[334],[39,7122,7123],{},"Swisse Womens – Womens multivitamins £9.99 at Boots"," -Multivitamins to keep her healthy and give her the boost she needs. Packed with 39 ingredients, including botanical extracts. Check out their range for Hair, Skin and Nails too!",[12,7126,4175,7127,7134],{},[330,7128,7131],{"href":7129,"rel":7130},"http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_123901006199_-1",[334],[39,7132,7133],{},"Fake up by Benefit £20 from Debenhams"," – The perfect concealer to add to her makeup collection. I love this product!",[12,7136,1052,7137,7140],{},[39,7138,7139],{},"Baylis and Harding La Maison Linen Rose & Cotton Essentials £19.99 at Argos"," – Relax and unwind with treatments from Baylis & Harding. This set contains everything she’ll need for a relaxing soak in the tub.",[12,7142,6138,7143,7150,7151,7158],{},[39,7144,7145],{},[330,7146,7149],{"href":7147,"rel":7148},"http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_117372900999_-1",[334],"The Scent for her from Hugo Boss £47.00 at Debenhams"," – A beautiful scent to make her feel special, another beautiful item from ",[39,7152,7153],{},[330,7154,7157],{"href":7155,"rel":7156},"http://www.debenhams.com/content/valentines",[334],"Debenhams"," Valentines selection.",[12,7160,6152,7161,7168],{},[330,7162,7165],{"href":7163,"rel":7164},"https://www.brownsfamilyjewellers.co.uk",[334],[39,7166,7167],{},"Vamp Bracelet £60 from Browns Family Jewellers"," – Jewelry is always a nice luxury and this simple yet beautiful bracelet would be well received on Valentines day.",[12,7170,6832,7171,7173],{},[39,7172,7077],{}," – A cute cushion to relax on and remind her how special she is everyday.",[12,7175,6175,7176,7179],{},[39,7177,7178],{},"Prosecco £14.99 at Aldi"," – The perfect gift to share in the evening, kick back with Netflix and have a nice night in. It even comes with these beuatiful rose adorned glasses. Too cute!",[12,7181,7182],{},"Hopefully you’ll no longer be going out of your mind wondering what to get for the one you love, from an array for self care products to simply sitting on the the sofa with Prosecco and Chocolates. Whatever you choose to do I hope it’s a good one, the most important part is being with the ones you love!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":7184},[],[262],"2017-02-09T15:32:00Z","9763",{},"His & Hers Valentine's Day gift guide. Health and wellness presents including Oral B toothbrushes, Fitbit, Swisse vitamins, chocolates, beauty, and jewellery.","/valentines-day-gift-list",{"title":7030,"description":7035},"valentines-day-gift-list","juRuTRVGwK3ZtwWJaVHoHPW6SAaYwH4DmRaWmJp_BZA",{"id":7195,"title":7196,"author":7,"body":7197,"category":7330,"cover":7327,"date":7331,"description":7201,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":7332,"meta":7333,"meta_description":7334,"meta_title":7196,"navigation":269,"path":7335,"seo":7336,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":7337,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":7338},"posts/spiralizer-meatballs-courgette-tagliatelle-recipe.md","Italian style meatballs with spiralizer courgette tagliatelle",{"type":9,"value":7198,"toc":7328},[7199,7202,7205,7208,7217,7223,7246,7249,7257,7266,7274,7279,7287,7302,7315,7320,7323],[12,7200,7201],{},"As January comes to a close it’s about time we started to think about healthy eating. I’m certainly not one to start dieting after Christmas but I do enjoy a nice home cooked meal.",[12,7203,7204],{},"I’ve decided to give the spiralizing craze a go and see what family friendly meals we can try. Taylor isn’t overly keen on some veggies, but maybe if they’re sprialized he won’t mind?",[12,7206,7207],{},"As a mummy I’m making it my mission to learn to cook more home made meals. I can’t deny that I am a terrible cook. Take it out of the freezer and pop in the oven, that’s the kind of cooking I am used to.",[12,7209,7210,7211,7216],{},"Today I tried the below ",[330,7212,7215],{"href":7213,"rel":7214},"http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/italian_style_meatballs_69955",[334],"recipe by Justine Pattison",", I don’t think I did too bad either!",[12,7218,7219,7222],{},[15,7220],{"alt":253,"src":7221},"/images/2017/01/spiraliser_courgette_tagiliatelle_meatballs_04.jpg","Meatballs",[43,7224,7225,7228,7231,7234,7237,7240,7243],{},[46,7226,7227],{},"250g/9oz extra lean beef mince (5% fat or less)",[46,7229,7230],{},"1 small onion, very finely chopped",[46,7232,7233],{},"1 tsp dried mixed herbs",[46,7235,7236],{},"calorie controlled cooking oil spray",[46,7238,7239],{},"1 garlic clove, crushed",[46,7241,7242],{},"227g/8oz can chopped tomatoes",[46,7244,7245],{},"2 heaped tbsp finely shredded fresh basil leaves, plus extra to garnish",[12,7247,7248],{},"Courgette ‘tagliatelle’",[43,7250,7251,7254],{},[46,7252,7253],{},"2 medium courgettes",[46,7255,7256],{},"sea salt and ground black pepper",[12,7258,7259,7262,7265],{},[15,7260],{"alt":253,"src":7261},"/images/2017/01/spiraliser_courgette_tagiliatelle_meatballs_03.jpg",[39,7263,7264],{},"1."," Place the beef, half the onion, half the mixed herbs and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl and mix well. Form into 10 small balls.",[12,7267,7268,7271,7273],{},[15,7269],{"alt":253,"src":7270},"/images/2017/01/spiraliser_courgette_tagiliatelle_meatballs_06.jpg",[39,7272,5212],{}," Cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes, turning them until browned on all sides.Put the remaining onion",[12,7275,7276,7278],{},[39,7277,5223],{}," In the same pan and cook over a low heat for three minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a few seconds.",[12,7280,7281,7284,7286],{},[15,7282],{"alt":253,"src":7283},"/images/2017/01/spiraliser_courgette_tagiliatelle_meatballs_07.jpg",[39,7285,5234],{}," Stir in the tomatoes, 300ml/10fl oz water, the remaining mixed herbs and shredded basil. Bring to the boil, stirring. Return the meatballs to the pan, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce is thick and the meatballs are cooked throughout.",[12,7288,7289,7292,7294,7295,7297,7298,7301],{},[15,7290],{"alt":253,"src":7291},"/images/2017/01/spiraliser_courgette_tagiliatelle_meatballs_02.jpg",[39,7293,5245],{}," Half-fill a medium pan with water and bring to the boil.",[914,7296],{},"\nUse the ribbon blade on your spiralizer to slice the courgettes. We have the ",[39,7299,7300],{},"Kenwood electric spiralizer."," Cook the courgette in the boiling water for three minutes then drain.",[7303,7304,7305,7312],"blockquote",{},[12,7306,7307],{},[330,7308,7311],{"href":7309,"rel":7310},"https://www.instagram.com/p/BPxtIe1A87Y/",[334],"• E F F O R T L E S S • I thought spiralizing would be a faff but it’s really easy! What else can I spiralize? Comment with your meal suggestions. #food #yum #live #love #healthy #spiralizer #spiralizing #kenwood #ao #tasty #cooking #fblogger @kenwoodworld @ao",[12,7313,7314],{},"A video posted by Lisa – LeeLee Loves (@leeleeloves) on Jan 27, 2017 at 9:44am PST",[12,7316,7317,7319],{},[39,7318,5261],{}," Divide the courgette ribbons between two plates and top with the meatballs and sauce. Garnish with basil leaves.",[12,7321,7322],{},"The outcome was delicious, it wasn’t difficult to cook, not even for me. That’s saying something. The whole family enjoyed it and their was minimal mess.",[12,7324,7325],{},[15,7326],{"alt":253,"src":7327},"/images/2017/01/spiraliser_courgette_tagiliatelle_meatballs_01.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":7329},[],[262],"2017-01-27T17:33:00Z","9727",{},"Italian meatballs with spiralised courgette tagliatelle recipe. Healthy, family-friendly meal using a spiraliser. Easy to make with minimal mess.","/spiralizer-meatballs-courgette-tagliatelle-recipe",{"title":7196,"description":7201},"spiralizer-meatballs-courgette-tagliatelle-recipe","4H9g285T2X7I0l_XHY6EpzyXhN6nEkRp5rlx-jdnXjk",{"id":7340,"title":7341,"author":7,"body":7342,"category":7448,"cover":7366,"date":7449,"description":7346,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":7450,"meta":7451,"meta_description":7452,"meta_title":7453,"navigation":269,"path":7454,"seo":7455,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":7456,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":7457},"posts/spring-toddler-wishlist.md","Spring Toddler Wishlist",{"type":9,"value":7343,"toc":7446},[7344,7347,7350,7362,7368,7378,7381,7391,7394,7404,7407,7417,7420,7430,7433,7443],[12,7345,7346],{},"As winter comes to a close and we prepare for spring it’s time to start thinking about the little ones wardrobe. Again.",[12,7348,7349],{},"As Spring approaches I’ve been looking at what gems we can add to Tiny T’s wardrobe. Maybe one day I’ll actually update my own but toddlers seem to grow faster than the seasons change.",[12,7351,7352,7353,7361],{},"This months Wishlist includes items from the gorgeous ",[330,7354,7357,7360],{"href":7355,"rel":7356},"http://www.petit-bateau.co.uk/e-shop/bg/baby-boy.html",[334],[39,7358,7359],{},"Petit Bateau"," ","who we recently came across. They have some lovely items for girls and boys. Check them out!",[12,7363,7364,7367],{},[15,7365],{"alt":253,"src":7366},"/images/2017/01/giftguide.jpg","Shop the trend –",[12,7369,7370,7377],{},[330,7371,7374,7360],{"href":7372,"rel":7373},"http://www.petit-bateau.co.uk/e-shop/product/21144/K54/baby-boy-s-cardigan-with-hood.html",[334],[39,7375,7376],{},"Petit Bateau – Cardigan with hood","£28.80",[12,7379,7380],{},"I just love this little cardiagn from My Petit Bateau, especially as it has hood and a gorgouse little fox. It looks perfect for the spring weather indoors or out.",[12,7382,7383,7390],{},[39,7384,7385],{},[330,7386,7389],{"href":7387,"rel":7388},"https://www.welovefrugi.com/sale/view_all_baby_toddler/coats_pramsuits/adventure_print_coat_1_green_dinos.htm?nosto=frontpage-nosto-2",[334],"Frugi – Adventure Coat"," £27 in sale",[12,7392,7393],{},"As it’s still very cold up here in the peaks this warm coat is ideal for little ones who love going outside, scooting and riding trikes. Taylor currently likes Dinosaurs so he’d love this.",[12,7395,7396,7403],{},[330,7397,7400,7360],{"href":7398,"rel":7399},"https://www.welovefrugi.com/baby_toddler_clothes/boys_0-4_years/view_all/little_long_john_pjs_2_happy_days.htm?nosto=frontpage-nosto-2",[334],[39,7401,7402],{},"Frugi – Little Long John PJs","£23",[12,7405,7406],{},"Adorable PJs for little legs, I love these new styles and prints.",[12,7408,7409,7416],{},[39,7410,7411],{},[330,7412,7415],{"href":7413,"rel":7414},"https://www.welovefrugi.com/baby_toddler_clothes/boys_0-4_years/view_all/parsnip_pants_5_ink_whales.htm?nosto=frontpage-nosto-2",[334],"Frugi Whale Parnsip Pants"," £18",[12,7418,7419],{},"We love Parnsips so who doesn’t want them with Whales on?",[12,7421,7422,7429],{},[39,7423,7424],{},[330,7425,7428],{"href":7426,"rel":7427},"https://www.muddypuddles.com/unisex/wellies/puddlestomper_wellies_yellow_raindrop.htm",[334],"Muddy Puddles – Puddle Stomper Wellies"," £20",[12,7431,7432],{},"As Taylor loves wearing his welies all year round these bold yellow ones would be perfect for spring.",[12,7434,7435,7442],{},[39,7436,7437],{},[330,7438,7441],{"href":7439,"rel":7440},"http://www.petit-bateau.co.uk/e-shop/product/21386/K58/baby-boy-s-denim-dungarees.html",[334],"Petit Bateau – Denim dungarees"," £18.50",[12,7444,7445],{},"Toddlers in dungarees are the cutest and Petit Bateau have these gorgrous little grey ones. They would pair up perfectly with many of Taylors existing tops and look cute to boot.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":7447},[],[262],"2017-01-25T09:17:00Z","9704",{},"Spring toddler clothing wishlist. Adorable outfits from Petit Bateau, Frugi, and Muddy Puddles including coats, dungarees, wellies, and PJs.","Spring Toddler Clothing Wishlist: Cute Outfit Ideas","/spring-toddler-wishlist",{"title":7341,"description":7346},"spring-toddler-wishlist","d7FRTq4CNcvg48HDsYPIT_HqjgyoT4fAQn0AWLyXbLc",{"id":7459,"title":7460,"author":7,"body":7461,"category":7548,"cover":7476,"date":7549,"description":7465,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":7550,"meta":7551,"meta_description":7552,"meta_title":7460,"navigation":269,"path":7553,"seo":7554,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":7555,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":7556},"posts/toddler-clothing-gift-guide.md","Christmas Toddler Clothing Gift Guide: Best Festive Outfits",{"type":9,"value":7462,"toc":7546},[7463,7466,7469,7472,7480,7483,7486,7491,7494,7503,7506,7511,7514,7523,7526,7535,7538,7543],[12,7464,7465],{},"As Christmas approaches I’ve gathered a few of our favourite toddler threads, perfect for the festive season.",[12,7467,7468],{},"Little ones are hard to buy for and without doubt they’re going to have plenty of toys this Christmas. If you’re looking for a practical gift something to wear could be an option.",[12,7470,7471],{},"Some of the below is gender neutral. Some items may sway more toward being for boys as they were chosen for my boy . Without gender syereotyping I’ll let you decide if it suits your tot or not.",[12,7473,7474,7477],{},[15,7475],{"alt":253,"src":7476},"/images/2016/12/toddler_clothes_christmas_gidt_guide.jpg",[39,7478,7479],{},"1. Frugi Parnsip Pants Snowman Print £18",[12,7481,7482],{},"We love Frugi and their festive prints. These Parnsip pants are adorable and a favourite of ours. They’re roomy and perfect for cloth bums. Allowing plenty of room to move and be free!",[12,7484,7485],{},"We also have the dunagrees in this print and love them. We’ll be using these in the run-up to Christmas as they’re too festive not to.",[12,7487,7488],{},[39,7489,7490],{},"2. Frugi Lovley Babygrow £18",[12,7492,7493],{},"This babygrow is adorable! Perfect for any festive babies. The perfect choice to snuggle up after a Christmas Eve bath!",[12,7495,7496],{},[330,7497,7500],{"href":7498,"rel":7499},"https://www.oliverbonas.com/gift/pick-up-sticks-pyjamas-46323#selection=size:6-12%20Month__116",[334],[39,7501,7502],{},"3. Oliver Bonas – Pick up sticks pyjamas RRP £22",[12,7504,7505],{},"I simply love this geometric pattern and couldn’t resist buying these for T. Little ones will look totally on-trend with these.",[12,7507,7508],{},[39,7509,7510],{},"4. Three Bears Threads – River Babe Threads – Awake is The New Sleep £15.50",[12,7512,7513],{},"Does your toddler find being awake in the night more interesting than sleeping? Then this is for them! Awake is The New Sleep. A stylish Tee for those tots who want to make a statement.",[12,7515,7516],{},[330,7517,7520],{"href":7518,"rel":7519},"https://www.oliverbonas.com/gift/beau-the-bear-sock-box-46326#selection=size:6-12%20Month__116",[334],[39,7521,7522],{},"5. Oliver Bonas – Beau the bear sock box £9.90",[12,7524,7525],{},"Socks, with ears?! Sold in a beutiful little box their isn’t much more I need to say. They’re adorable and will be in Taylor’s stocking this year!",[12,7527,7528],{},[330,7529,7532],{"href":7530,"rel":7531},"https://www.joules.com/Baby/Baby-Boys-0-18-Months/James/Sweatshirt/Grey-Marl-Lion?id=V_INFJAMES%7CGRYMLIN",[334],[39,7533,7534],{},"6. Joules James Sweater £29.95",[12,7536,7537],{},"This cute little number from Joules features a lovely soft white fluffy lining. And best of all, it’s reversible! I love items that can give two completely different looks. It’s soft, cosy and has already been keeping T warm this winter.",[12,7539,7540],{},[39,7541,7542],{},"7. Rockin’ Baby – Bear Print Tee – £16 (currently on sale for £11.20)",[12,7544,7545],{},"A festive Polar Bear adorned long sleeve Tee that’s perfect for winter. The Polar Bear is soft to the touch and looks great with the contrasting sleeves.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":7547},[],[262],"2016-12-17T15:19:00Z","9635",{},"Christmas toddler clothing gift guide: Festive outfits from Frugi, Oliver Bonas, Joules, and Rockin' Baby. Practical alternatives to toys.","/toddler-clothing-gift-guide",{"title":7460,"description":7465},"toddler-clothing-gift-guide","B8kbpHr0izR24aprV3f9hB02TP-oqyx99BtwJaHXjLM",{"id":7558,"title":7559,"author":7,"body":7560,"category":7694,"cover":7566,"date":7695,"description":7567,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":7696,"meta":7697,"meta_description":7698,"meta_title":7559,"navigation":269,"path":7699,"seo":7700,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":7701,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":7702},"posts/toddler-christmas-birthday-gift-guide-two-year-olds.md","Toddler Christmas and Birthday Gift Guide for Two Year Olds",{"type":9,"value":7561,"toc":7692},[7562,7568,7571,7580,7583,7586,7595,7605,7608,7617,7620,7629,7632,7641,7644,7653,7656,7665,7668,7677,7680,7689],[12,7563,7564,7567],{},[15,7565],{"alt":253,"src":7566},"/images/2016/12/toddler_toys_christmas_gift_guide.jpg","It’s almost Christmas! – Here are some of top ideas for tots this Christmas. These are items we love and have chosen for our little boy this year. Some he will receive for Christmas, others will be for his 2nd birthday which is one week after Christmas.",[12,7569,7570],{},"Hopefully some of the items will help you when it comes to finding the perfect gift for 2 year olds. Whether it be for Christmas or a Birthday.",[12,7572,7573],{},[330,7574,7577],{"href":7575,"rel":7576},"http://www.littletikes.co.uk/go-green-playhouse.html",[334],[39,7578,7579],{},"1. Little Tikes Go Green Playhouse £249.99",[12,7581,7582],{},"This is a big one, but it’s also one that will last for years. I always wanted a little tikes playhouse growing up. I remember the girl next door having one. It was pink with little green shutters on the windows. Having seen Little Tikes houses and spent every evening on our visit to Butlins playing in them we knew Taylor would love his very own.",[12,7584,7585],{},"I think 2 is the perfect for it as he’s started to love role play at nursery. Giving it at a younger age also means you’ll get more time out of it. The Go Green Playhouse promotes little ones to think of the environment, recyle, grow your own plants and use solar energy. It really is impressive for a playhouse. I hope Taylor is going to love it as much as we do!",[12,7587,7588],{},[330,7589,7592],{"href":7590,"rel":7591},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/SmartMax-Build-XXL-Magnetic-Discovery/dp/B014SWSWFK",[334],[39,7593,7594],{},"2. SmartMax Build XXL £74.99",[12,7596,7597,7598,7604],{},"SmartMax are really fun magnetic building toys, we recently ",[39,7599,7600],{},[330,7601,7603],{"href":7602},"/love-creative-play-magnets-smartmax-playground-xl","reviewed a box"," and loved it so much I knew we would need to ask Santa Clause for some more!",[12,7606,7607],{},"SmartMax is the perfect present for toddlers, and I usually struggle for gift ideas! An award-winning magnetic construction system which allows children of all ages the chance to be creative. Smartmax can improve hand-eye coordination, teach logical thinking, colour recognition, form recognition in 2D & 3D, counting, sharing, and creativity. That’s a LOT for one toy.",[12,7609,7610],{},[330,7611,7614],{"href":7612,"rel":7613},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Playmobil-6765-1-2-3-Noahs-Ark/dp/B00361FUG4/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=&creativeASIN=B00361FUG4",[334],[39,7615,7616],{},"3. Playmobil 1.2.3 Noahs Ark £13.99",[12,7618,7619],{},"We haven’t had any Playmobil before but Taylor loves his ‘peoples’ he carries around a bucket with a mish-mash of plastic play people from various places and loves role-play since starting nursery. I thought Playmobil looks like a e great introduction to play sets withe people and is safe for his age. We’ve also gone for the Playmobil Suburban house which looks like fun.",[12,7621,7622],{},[39,7623,7624],{},[330,7625,7628],{"href":7626,"rel":7627},"http://www.brio.net/Products/pretend-play/kitchen/kitchen-combo",[334],"4. Brio Kitchen Combo we paid £49.99",[12,7630,7631],{},"I found the Kitchen Combo at a reduced price in T.K.Maxx, as Taylor currently loves role play I thought a kitchen would be a great gift for 2. Many play kitchens are unisex in their overall look and feel when compared to how pink they were when I was a child. Taylor will be receiving this for his 2nd Birthday on New Years Day and I think he’s going to love it.",[12,7633,7634],{},[39,7635,7636],{},[330,7637,7640],{"href":7638,"rel":7639},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Smart-Trike-T-Scooter-T3-Blue/dp/B01MTTP4D8/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=&creativeASIN=B01MTTP4D8",[334],"5. Smartrike T3 Scooter £69.99",[12,7642,7643],{},"The Smartrike T3 is a 3 wheel scooter for Toddlers. Taylor has been testing this out and thinks it’s great. Having used one of their trikes from being 10 months old we trust the brand and quality, it’s sturdy and perfect for learning as a first scooter.",[12,7645,7646],{},[39,7647,7648],{},[330,7649,7652],{"href":7650,"rel":7651},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/B-BX1201Z-Toulouse-Laptrec/dp/B0080AHJK6/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=&creativeASIN=B0080AHJK6",[334],"6. B.Toys Toulous-Laptrec £24.99",[12,7654,7655],{},"The B toys Laptrec is a magnetic drawing tray, it’s chunkier than most and great for a 2 year old. The bottom is also padded like a cushion. This has been played with non-stop since it arrived in our house and would make a great gift.",[12,7657,7658],{},[39,7659,7660],{},[330,7661,7664],{"href":7662,"rel":7663},"http://www.littletikes.co.uk/big-car-carrier.html",[334],"7. Little Tikes Big Car Carrier £29.99",[12,7666,7667],{},"After a week of playing with these at Butlins T was trilled to be sent his very own set. They’re great for playing indoors and outdoors. The truck itself is bigger than you might expect. Taylor has been sitting on it and riding it, he also lyes down across the top and likes to be pushed (gently) across the room on it. Endless fun, 2 year olds and cars are always a winner.",[12,7669,7670],{},[39,7671,7672],{},[330,7673,7676],{"href":7674,"rel":7675},"http://magformers.co.uk/shop/m106/",[334],"8. Magformers My First Buggy Car Set £19.99",[12,7678,7679],{},"Magformers are another magnetic building toy. The ‘My First’ line is perfect as an introduction to Magformers and they can be used to create all sorts. This set builds one blue buggy car and combines two of T’s favourite things, building and cars. I can’t wait to build his with him!",[12,7681,7682],{},[39,7683,7684],{},[330,7685,7688],{"href":7686,"rel":7687},"http://www.argos.co.uk/product/4008637",[334],"9. Postman Pat World of Pat Set £19.99",[12,7690,7691],{},"Postman Pat is a huge hit in our house right now and this set was a last minute find in Argos. It turned out to be smaller than the previous pat vehicles we already had but they’re still a good size for a 2 year old. The figures are on the smaller side though so we have taken Jess away until he is older and only have them out when supervised! Overall it’s a cute set for any Pat lover and great value.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":7693},[],[262],"2016-12-09T16:48:00Z","9646",{},"Christmas and birthday gift guide for 2-year-olds: Little Tikes playhouse, SmartMax, Playmobil, Brio kitchen, scooters, and magnetic toys.","/toddler-christmas-birthday-gift-guide-two-year-olds",{"title":7559,"description":7567},"toddler-christmas-birthday-gift-guide-two-year-olds","r3jMvGhWOPY2DGRKDJr86s-l9dbAiLrJFMPbyeuJ9Rg",{"id":7704,"title":7705,"author":7,"body":7706,"category":7772,"cover":7773,"date":7774,"description":7710,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":7775,"meta":7776,"meta_description":7777,"meta_title":7705,"navigation":269,"path":7778,"seo":7779,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":7780,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":7781},"posts/taylor-wore-taylorsaurus-natural-history-museum.md","What Taylor Wore | Ft the Natural History Museum and Zara",{"type":9,"value":7707,"toc":7770},[7708,7711,7724,7733,7736,7739,7742,7749,7752,7759],[12,7709,7710],{},"Clothes are something I’ll always love choosing for Taylor. Endless amounts of cute. From pretty patterns to cute characters he certainly has a better wardrobe than I.",[12,7712,7713,7716,7717,7720,7721],{},[39,7714,7715],{},"Warning",": include(templates/fashion-post.php): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in ",[39,7718,7719],{},"/Users/phill/Code/personal/leeleeloves/leeleeloves/wp-content/themes/leeleeloves-2017/includes/custom-functions.php"," on line ",[39,7722,7723],{},"181",[12,7725,7726,7728,7729,7720,7731],{},[39,7727,7715],{},": include(): Failed opening 'templates/fashion-post.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:') in ",[39,7730,7719],{},[39,7732,7723],{},[12,7734,7735],{},"This weeks outfit is a favourite of mine. Zara skinny jeans paired with a personalised Sgnt Smith tshirt.",[12,7737,7738],{},"When Taylor was 6 months old he was sent this beautiful tshirt from The Natural History Museum. It’s been almost one year and it’s finally fits him! Seriously… He’s always been a dinky dot!",[12,7740,7741],{},"This isn’t any old tshirt thought, it’s personalised just for him.",[12,7743,7744,7748],{},[15,7745],{"alt":7746,"src":7747},"sgnt_smith_natural_history_museum_personalised_tshirt_04","/images/2016/07/sgnt_smith_natural_history_museum_personalised_tshirt_04.jpg","‘Taylorsaurusrex – Discovered in 2015’ How blooming cool is that?! It just so happens that now he’s older he can appreciate it more too as he is rather fond of dinosaurs lately.",[12,7750,7751],{},"Watching Dinosaur movies in your Dinosaur tshirt though is obviously the best!",[12,7753,7754,7758],{},[15,7755],{"alt":7756,"src":7757},"sgnt_smith_natural_history_museum_personalised_tshirt_01","/images/2016/07/sgnt_smith_natural_history_museum_personalised_tshirt_01.jpg","From 0 – 18 months these tshirts come in a range of colours and prints, they also do rompers which look cute. The entire range is made of a 100% soft cotton and features those fab ovrlaps on the shoulder that parents love. It’s comfortable to play in and looks adorable.",[12,7760,7761,7762,7769],{},"You can purchase your own personalised tshirt or romper at the ",[39,7763,7764],{},[330,7765,7768],{"href":7766,"rel":7767},"http://www.nhmshop.co.uk/stegosaurus-grey-stripes-long-sleeve-baby-personalised-tshirt.html",[334],"NHM Shop for £20",". You could get one as lovely gift for somebody, or just treat yourself. Because you know your little one is going to look awesome in this right?",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":7771},[],[262],"/images/2016/07/sgnt_smith_natural_history_museum_personalised_tshirt_03.jpg","2016-07-06T11:41:00Z","9128",{},"#WhatTaylorWore featuring Natural History Museum personalised \"Taylorsaurusrex\" t-shirt with Zara skinny jeans. 100% cotton, customisable. £20 from NHM Shop.","/taylor-wore-taylorsaurus-natural-history-museum",{"title":7705,"description":7710},"taylor-wore-taylorsaurus-natural-history-museum","qltK_O1cTrHphgjnfd9VwXtpmoE1w2YTAMDT0UNAhYg",{"id":7783,"title":7784,"author":7,"body":7785,"category":7834,"cover":3983,"date":7835,"description":7789,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":7836,"meta":7837,"meta_description":7838,"meta_title":7784,"navigation":269,"path":7839,"seo":7840,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":7841,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":7842},"posts/place-play-taylors-little-tikes-garden-wishlist.md","A place to play; Taylor’s Little Tikes dream garden",{"type":9,"value":7786,"toc":7832},[7787,7790,7796,7799,7802,7808,7814,7823,7829],[12,7788,7789],{},"As the we get closer to our house being ready to move into I’ve been thinking more about what we’ll do with the new space. A clean slate for us to put our mark on, a beautiful family home where Taylor can grow and make memories.",[12,7791,7792,7795],{},[15,7793],{"alt":253,"src":7794},"http://www.littletikes.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/800x533/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/l/o/log_cabin.jpg","This lead me to thinking of our garden. A space where Taylor and any future siblings can play and enjoy the outdoors. A place where adventures take place and imaginationscan run wild.",[12,7797,7798],{},"The thought of spending each morning, evening and weekend watching Taylor develop and grow in our new home excites me.",[12,7800,7801],{},"For the past six months we’ve been living with Phill’s family whilst waiting to move into our new build home. Giving us plenty of time to think of all the amazing things we wants to do to the place.",[12,7803,7804,7807],{},[15,7805],{"alt":253,"src":7806},"http://www.littletikes.com/content/ebiz/shop/invt/628566/628566-pirateship-water-table_xalt2.jpg","I’ve been putting together pinterest boards of what we see our new home being like, I think our garden will heavily feature toys. Because lets face it, I’m not green fingered and our garden will be a space for Taylor to run wild. Maybe I’ll throw in a border or pansies in for good measure, Taylor can help plant them too.",[12,7809,7810],{},[330,7811],{"href":7812,"rel":7813},"https://uk.pinterest.com/leelee_loves/taylors-play-garden/",[334],[12,7815,7816,7817,7822],{},"Little Tikes currently have 20% off play houses at ",[330,7818,7821],{"href":7819,"rel":7820},"http://www.littletikes.co.uk",[334],"www.littletikes.co.uk"," and I’m very tempted to start ticking things off of our list but am uncertain as to whether or not I should wait until we move into the house or not! I’ve already ordered a cozy coupe now we need to decide which play house will be best!",[12,7824,7825,7828],{},[15,7826],{"alt":253,"src":7827},"http://www.littletikes.com/content/ebiz/shop/invt/620218/620218_woodside-cottage-playhouse_xalt3.jpg","I want the garden to be somewhere fun and exciting, a space that Taylor chooses to spend time. I’d rather him grow up wanting to play in the garden than wander off outside of the house. Well, until he’s old enough to say no to the suggestion anyway.",[12,7830,7831],{},"What do you enjoy the most about your garden, are their any toddler must haves we should look at?",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":7833},[],[262],"2016-06-17T08:28:00Z","9082",{},"Little Tikes garden wishlist for toddlers. Planning outdoor play space with Cozy Coupe, playhouses, water tables. 20% off playhouses. New build garden ideas.","/place-play-taylors-little-tikes-garden-wishlist",{"title":7784,"description":7789},"place-play-taylors-little-tikes-garden-wishlist","2H-vWJRS850vjYphla1igJJDPXdfvmvLsBUnh_QsRKQ",{"id":7844,"title":7845,"author":7,"body":7846,"category":7934,"cover":7935,"date":7936,"description":7850,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":7937,"meta":7938,"meta_description":7939,"meta_title":7845,"navigation":269,"path":7940,"seo":7941,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":7942,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":7943},"posts/buying-gifts-kids-wicked-uncle.md","How to buy gifts for children, without losing your mind!",{"type":9,"value":7847,"toc":7932},[7848,7851,7854,7861,7864,7872,7877,7880,7885,7894,7901,7910,7918,7921,7924,7927],[12,7849,7850],{},"If like myself buying gifts for children makes you want to bang your head against a wall you’re not alone. I can rack up hours searching google for answers whenever a Birthday approaches. It never ends well and I always winging it whilst hoping for the best.",[12,7852,7853],{},"Before having a child of my own I found buying presents for children to be an absolute minefield. Things I thought an 8 year old might enjoy were more suited to a 4 year old. My perception of what each age group and gender would appreciate or enjoy was all wrong.",[12,7855,7856,7860],{},[15,7857],{"alt":7858,"src":7859},"Wicked_uncle_wooden_toys_hape_05","/images/2016/05/Wicked_uncle_wooden_toys_hape_05.jpg","Even now, a year into parenting I’m still learning which toys are suitable for which age. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t googling what to buy for a 1st Birthday and a 1st Christmas back in December. It’s hard!",[12,7862,7863],{},"In a bid to help solve the problem Wicked Uncle asked us if we’d like to try their website. A gift buying site aimed at helping people find the perfect gift. Just what I need in my life!",[12,7865,7866],{},[241,7867,7868],{},[15,7869],{"alt":7870,"src":7871},"Wicked_uncle_wooden_toys_hape_06","/images/2016/05/Wicked_uncle_wooden_toys_hape_06.jpg",[12,7873,7874],{},[241,7875,7876],{},"Did we find it useful?",[12,7878,7879],{},"Finding a gift via their website was simple. You specify what you’re looking for based on age or gender, or both. Then choose from a selection of suitable gifts. I submitted Taylor’s age, gender and a budget which gave me a great selection of toys to choose from. We particularity love traditional wooden toys and found a nice selection of these within our search criteria.",[12,7881,7882],{},[241,7883,7884],{},"So, what did I choose?",[12,7886,7887,7888,7893],{},"I selected the ",[330,7889,7892],{"href":7890,"rel":7891},"http://www.wickeduncle.co.uk/childrens-presents/pound-n-tap",[334],"Hape Pound n Tap Bench"," for £29.95 which we love! It’s a multitude of toys all rolled into one. It’s a xylophone, a hammer, a ball track the possibilities are endless. You can even have a mini game of crochet with it.",[12,7895,7896,7900],{},[15,7897],{"alt":7898,"src":7899},"Wicked_uncle_wooden_toys_hape_01","/images/2016/05/Wicked_uncle_wooden_toys_hape_01.jpg","This toy has provided so many hours of fun in our house. Taylor loves anything with a ball. He’ll happily sit and play with just the 3 wooden balls. His face lights up when they twinkle their way down the xylophone making a melody. That is after he’s pounded them with a hammer, in a way more violent than I knew possible for a 1 year old.",[12,7902,7903,7904,7909],{},"I also chose the ",[330,7905,7908],{"href":7906,"rel":7907},"http://www.wickeduncle.co.uk/childrens-presents/magnetic-rocket---stack-up",[334],"Janod Magnetic Stacking Rocke","t for £16.95. A cute little wooden rocket that is handy to take out and about with us for entertaining Taylor. I love all things space so the Rocket was a must as soon as saw it and looks great on his shelf when not in use.",[12,7911,7912],{},[241,7913,7914],{},[15,7915],{"alt":7916,"src":7917},"Wicked_uncle_wooden_toys_hape_03","/images/2016/05/Wicked_uncle_wooden_toys_hape_03.jpg",[12,7919,7920],{},"I found the selection available had something for everyone from soft toys to wooden toys. It was easy to use and I was ready to check out in under 20 minutes. In comparison to my usual 3 hours googleathon this was perfect!",[12,7922,7923],{},"You can also choose to have your items gift wrapped alongside a card, written by elves! 😉",[12,7925,7926],{},"The website was easy to use and choose a gift, check out was also simple which I like, and delivery is fast. Overall if you’re stuck in a rut when buying gifts for Children then Wicked Uncle is a super fast and convenient way to find gifts they’ll love without any hassle or time wasting. Super!",[12,7928,7929],{},[241,7930,7931],{},"Disclosure; We were sent a voucher to contribute towards these items and test the gift buying experience, all opinions are honest and our own.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":7933},[],[262],"/images/2016/05/Wicked_uncle_wooden_toys_hape_07.jpg","2016-06-09T16:00:00Z","9034",{},"Wicked Uncle review: Age-filtered gift site featuring wooden toys like Hape Pound n Tap and Janod Rocket. Fast checkout with gift wrapping.","/buying-gifts-kids-wicked-uncle",{"title":7845,"description":7850},"buying-gifts-kids-wicked-uncle","bGQ6Do2nwPOoUqhgPmP83QStRVDd_qu-4ec9aVaaDPc",{"id":7945,"title":7946,"author":7,"body":7947,"category":8002,"cover":8003,"date":8004,"description":7951,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":8005,"meta":8006,"meta_description":8007,"meta_title":7946,"navigation":269,"path":8008,"seo":8009,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":8010,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":8011},"posts/dc-superhero-girls.md","Win £100 with DC Superhero Girls",{"type":9,"value":7948,"toc":8000},[7949,7952,7955,7964,7967,7970,7973,7980],[12,7950,7951],{},"Living with boys it’s no surprise we have a lot of superhero memorabilia in our house, and to be honest I’m a huge fan of DC myself. I’m a 26 year old mother who carries around a Batman Parker pen in her handbag and has Wonder Woman PJSs. Need I say more?",[12,7953,7954],{},"We’re a bit geeky, and I love it.",[12,7956,7957,7958,7963],{},"We recently discovered the DC Superhero Girls on ",[330,7959,7962],{"href":7960,"rel":7961},"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRdVJ9XqHCb6BqApCIO_TYg?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Web&utm_campaign=DCG%20FALL15_GB&utm_content=YTblog100",[334],"Youtube",", and It’s never too early to introduce the kids to good TV, good being the operative word. No baby talk, great animation and themed around DC Superheros.",[12,7965,7966],{},"If you’re looking for something action-packed, filled with girl power and a dynamic group of superheros you won’t be let down. Their is a character for everyone in this series and I’m pretty sure they based Bat Girl on me. Can you see the resemblance?",[12,7968,7969],{},"If Tails wants to put this on whilst we’re in bed of a Sunday morning I’ll happily sit and watch it with him!",[12,7971,7972],{},"Enter Below for your chance to win a £100 VISA Gift Card with DC Superhero Girls.",[12,7974,7975],{},[330,7976,7979],{"href":7977,"rel":7978},"http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e3840ef183/",[334],"a Rafflecopter giveaway",[5487,7981,7983,7984,6699,7989,7993,7996],{"id":7982},"you-can-find-more-dc-superhero-girls-on-their-website-and-youtube-channel-disclosure-this-post-is-in-collaboration-with-zeitghost-media-who-also-hold-all-control-over-the-giveaway-and-tcs-within-the-rafflecopter","You can find more DC Superhero Girls on their ",[330,7985,7988],{"href":7986,"rel":7987},"http://www.dcsuperherogirls.com/en-gb?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Web&utm_campaign=DCG%20FALL15_GB&utm_content=Siteblog100",[334],"website",[330,7990,7992],{"href":7960,"rel":7991},[334],"Youtube Channel ",[241,7994,7995],{},"Disclosure: This post is in collaboration with Zeitghost Media who also hold all control over the giveaway and T&C’s within the rafflecopter.",[330,7997,7999],{"href":7960,"rel":7998},[334],"  ",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":8001},[],[262],"/images/2016/04/dc_superhero_girls.jpg","2016-04-26T13:12:00Z","8858",{},"Enter to win a £100 VISA gift card! Discover DC Superhero Girls on YouTube – action-packed adventures with Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and girl power.","/dc-superhero-girls",{"title":7946,"description":7951},"dc-superhero-girls","aK6WPImzzOBBx5owgkNX9ayHPPXTLWLBO3GBkpJEPWw",{"id":8013,"title":8014,"author":7,"body":8015,"category":8083,"cover":8084,"date":8085,"description":8019,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":8086,"meta":8087,"meta_description":8088,"meta_title":8014,"navigation":269,"path":8089,"seo":8090,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":8091,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":8092},"posts/here-we-go-again-awards-season.md","Here we go again… Blogging Awards Season!",{"type":9,"value":8016,"toc":8081},[8017,8020,8030,8038,8045,8048,8055,8062,8068],[12,8018,8019],{},"It has been an entire year since we were finalists in The MAD (Mum and Dad) Blog Awards  – which was awesome! – and I have you lovely lot to thank for getting us that far. Being a Finalist means you get to attend a swanky party and drink fizz with other lovely bloggers. Amazing huh? Although last year Tails was still rather small, and feeding non-stop. So this Mamma stayed home and watched the awards via periscope.",[12,8021,8022],{},[330,8023,8026],{"href":8024,"rel":8025},"http://www.tots100.co.uk/nominate-in-the-2016-mad-blog-awards/",[334],[15,8027],{"alt":8028,"src":8029},"nom_button2","/images/2016/04/nom_button2.jpg",[12,8031,8032,8033,8037],{},"As awards season is upon us again, we would love for you to ",[330,8034,8036],{"href":8024,"rel":8035},[334],"nominate us in the MADS"," again, for a category you see fit. Most likely the Best Baby Blog category, as I have spent the last year at home with one of those, although I’ve since returned to work he is who I blog about each week alongside baby products. And best use of Photography as we’ve tried to improve in this area since our redesign! Although we’re evidently still mastering the famous ‘flat-lay’",[12,8039,8040,8044],{},[15,8041],{"alt":8042,"src":8043},"Processed with VSCOcam with t1 preset","/images/2016/04/nomination_harry_potter_baby-660x440.jpg","I’d like to think we’ve improved and upped our blogging game over the last year, although finding time to blog with a 1 year old and a full time job is hard it’s something we love.",[12,8046,8047],{},"This year saw us publish our first Vlog, feature in Fabulous Magazine, watch our baby grown into a toddler, and share the many milestones with you. We also started working some fabulous brands and have had a blast. From dressing him up in all kinds of crazy outfits, travelling to events and meeting new friends.",[12,8049,8050,8054],{},[15,8051],{"alt":8052,"src":8053},"meeting_giovanna_fletcher","/images/2016/04/meeting_giovanna_fletcher-587x440.jpg","Pop on over to the nomination form, and enter our URL for whichever category you think the blog is best suited to. – Nominations close on the 8th April and we’ll send you all virtual cake and hugs as thanks.",[12,8056,8057],{},[330,8058,8060],{"href":8024,"rel":8059},[334],[15,8061],{"alt":8028,"src":8029},[12,8063,8064,8065,8067],{},"Category: Best Baby Blog and Best Use of Photography",[914,8066],{},"\nBlog URL: /",[12,8069,8070,8071,8080],{},"Nominations for the BIBs are also live – so if you’d like to nominate us for those feel free to pop over to ",[241,8072,8073],{},[39,8074,8075],{},[330,8076,8079],{"href":8077,"rel":8078},"http://www.britmums.com/nomination-form-bibs-2016/",[334],"this form and nominate us"," for whichever category you see fit. Ah so many awards.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":8082},[],[262],"/images/2016/03/nominate_leeleeloves.jpg","2016-04-04T12:44:00Z","8685",{},"Blogging awards season 2016! Nominate LeeLee Loves for MAD Blog Awards and BIBs. Best Baby Blog and Best Use of Photography. Nominations close 8th April.","/here-we-go-again-awards-season",{"title":8014,"description":8019},"here-we-go-again-awards-season","ShQ3YdANLpDtDhn652v8aosNqTXkVPFlqUCedv0SQsI",{"id":8094,"title":8095,"author":7,"body":8096,"category":8176,"cover":8177,"date":8178,"description":8100,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":8179,"meta":8180,"meta_description":8181,"meta_title":8095,"navigation":269,"path":8182,"seo":8183,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":8184,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":8185},"posts/taylors-easter-basket-2016.md","What’s in Taylor’s Easter Basket",{"type":9,"value":8097,"toc":8174},[8098,8101,8108,8111,8118,8121,8124,8131,8134,8141,8144,8151,8154,8161,8164,8171],[12,8099,8100],{},"Last year Taylor was too young to enjoy the chocolate eggs associated with Easter. Although Chocolate isn’t something we generally give to him, this year he will be able to enjoy some traditional Easter treats.",[12,8102,1665,8103,8107],{},[330,8104,8106],{"href":8105},"/taylors-first-easter-basket","Easter basket"," I created last year contained a few items Taylor needed and would use, this years is a little bit more fun. He is, dare say it, a toddler? I’m in denial but It’s happening, he’s growing up.",[12,8109,8110],{},"Having his Birthday on January 1st means Taylor has a long wait after both Christmas and his Birthday to receive treats. I’ve taken this as an opportunity to get him a few grown up items such as a big boy dinner set and his first crayons.",[12,8112,8113,8117],{},[15,8114],{"alt":8115,"src":8116},"easter_basket_toddler_baby_chocolate_treats","/images/2016/03/easter_basket_toddler_baby_chocolate_treats-660x440.jpg","Chocolate –",[12,8119,8120],{},"Whilst it’s not a necessity, Taylor can enjoy chocolate this year. He rarely has anything like this so it may last him a while, unless mummy and daddy help 😉",[12,8122,8123],{},"He has Lindt milk chocolate lambs, a Milkybar egg and some marsh mallows shaped like chicks.",[12,8125,8126,8130],{},[15,8127],{"alt":8128,"src":8129},"easter_basket_toddler_baby_elc_crayons","/images/2016/03/easter_basket_toddler_baby_elc_crayons-660x440.jpg","My First Crayons –",[12,8132,8133],{},"I thought these would be a fun one for us to play with and let him create his first masterpiece. You never know he could be the next Picasso! As long as he doesn’t decide to make his mark on Grandmas walls, I’m sure these will be a big hit.",[12,8135,8136,8140],{},[15,8137],{"alt":8138,"src":8139},"easter_basket_toddler_baby_the_fox_and_the_satr_book","/images/2016/03/easter_basket_toddler_baby_the_fox_and_the_satr_book-660x440.jpg","Book : The Fox and The Star –",[12,8142,8143],{},"Before Taylor was born I bought him the Puffin Cloth bound Classics. Illustrated by my favourite designer, Coralie Bickford-Smith. I’ve wanted this book for a while now, it’s absolutely stunning inside and I’m sure Taylor will love it.",[12,8145,8146,8150],{},[15,8147],{"alt":8148,"src":8149},"easter_basket_toddler_baby_outfit_prince_george_tu_sainsburys","/images/2016/03/easter_basket_toddler_baby_outfit_prince_george_tu_sainsburys-660x440.jpg","Outfit from Tu at Sainsburys –",[12,8152,8153],{},"This outfit caught my eye and with 25% off all clothing I couldn’t resist! It screams Prince George with it’s Peterpan collar and will look adorable with sandals in the summer.",[12,8155,8156,8160],{},[15,8157],{"alt":8158,"src":8159},"easter_basket_toddler_baby_cath_kidston","/images/2016/03/easter_basket_toddler_baby_cath_kidston-660x440.jpg","Cath Kids Dinner Set –",[12,8162,8163],{},"Since Taylor has started to use the Tripp Trapp high chair he has become more independent at meal times. I chose this cute range of table wear from Cath Kidston to encourage him to enjoy meal times more and feed himself.",[12,8165,8166,8170],{},[15,8167],{"alt":8168,"src":8169},"easter_basket_toddler_baby_bunny","/images/2016/03/easter_basket_toddler_baby_bunny-660x440.jpg","I’ve also got a ridiculously cute and really rather silly outfit for Taylor to wear on Easter Sunday, we’re headed out to take part in a little Easter Egg hunt in the park and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to dress him up for the occasion! I’ll be sure to take plenty of pictures and share the days events.",[12,8172,8173],{},"What will you be doing this Easter weekend?",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":8175},[],[262],"/images/2016/03/easter_basket_toddler_baby_.jpg","2016-03-25T17:23:00Z","8657",{},"Taylor's Easter basket 2016 for toddlers. Lindt chocolate, first crayons, The Fox and The Star book, Tu Sainsburys outfit, Cath Kidston dinner set.","/taylors-easter-basket-2016",{"title":8095,"description":8100},"taylors-easter-basket-2016","hJ206y4T4tyIn7jKJpe462M8uOfQVhD5h-lSc1o9Plc",{"id":8187,"title":8188,"author":7,"body":8189,"category":8265,"cover":8266,"date":8267,"description":8193,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":8268,"meta":8269,"meta_description":8270,"meta_title":8188,"navigation":269,"path":8271,"seo":8272,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":8273,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":8274},"posts/taylor-wore-blade-rose.md","What Taylor Wore – With Blade & Rose",{"type":9,"value":8190,"toc":8263},[8191,8194,8202,8210,8219,8226,8229,8232,8239,8246,8249,8257],[12,8192,8193],{},"This week Taylor and I have been staying indoors during our free time as quite frankly it’s been chuffing freezing outside. We had 8 inches of snow last week. It’s been a bit chilly. We’ve spent our time playing with blocks, watching movies and reading books, it’s been great. Sometimes it’s nice to just stay indoors and enjoy each others company without the chaos of trying to leave the house and pack a changing bag.",[12,8195,8196,7716,8198,7720,8200],{},[39,8197,7715],{},[39,8199,7719],{},[39,8201,7723],{},[12,8203,8204,7728,8206,7720,8208],{},[39,8205,7715],{},[39,8207,7719],{},[39,8209,7723],{},[12,8211,8212,8213,8218],{},"Whilst enjoying our time at home on Saturday Taylor wore some cute items from ",[330,8214,8217],{"href":8215,"rel":8216},"http://www.bladeandrose.co.uk",[334],"Blade & Rose",". A leading British children’s clothing brand specialising in a trendsetting range of leggings and clothing accessories. Blade & Rose was created whilst designer Amanda was on maternity leave. Which ultimately led the company to be named after her childrens middle name ‘Blade’ and ‘Rose’. Each piece of the collection is unique and has the trademark design on the bum.",[12,8220,8221,8225],{},[15,8222],{"alt":8223,"src":8224},"blade_and_rose_clothing_whale_body_suit_star_socks","/images/2016/03/blade_and_rose_clothing_whale_body_suit_star_socks-660x440.jpg","We love the bright colours and bold designs of Blade & Rose. Taylor has put their comfort to the test with his active lifestyle, that means running, climbing, playing, eating and snoozing… He’s done it all and the outfit came out unscathed.",[12,8227,8228],{},"I particularly love how stretchy the leggings are, and of course the cute whale bum. They fit over cloth nappies with ease which is a plus in my book, and are easy to put on which is a plus for Tails too.",[12,8230,8231],{},"I found the body suit to be a tad small on the tummy but maybe that’s Taylor eating too many dinners! The socks have to be one of my favourite items as they are one of the only brands we’ve found that will actually stay on his feet for more than 5 seconds. That’s impressive!",[12,8233,8234,8238],{},[15,8235],{"alt":8236,"src":8237},"blade_and_rose_clothing_whale_bum_star_socks","/images/2016/03/blade_and_rose_clothing_whale_bum_star_socks-660x440.jpg","This won’t be the last time we see Tails in Blade & Rose, seriously, how cute is that whale bum? I need more of this in my life. He’s been scooting around in these little leggings all day and the more I see his little bottom waddle off with the whale the more I want to invest in a selection of prints.",[12,8240,8241,8245],{},[15,8242],{"alt":8243,"src":8244},"blade_and_rose_clothing_whale_bum_leggings","/images/2016/03/blade_and_rose_clothing_whale_bum_leggings-660x440.jpg","I love putting Tails in leggings, I know some don’t like them on boys whilst others love them. What are your thoughts, would you put both boys and girls in these awesome leggings?",[12,8247,8248],{},"Overall I love the quality of their products and how they were created by another mum, they also look different to your generic high street baby wear. I like outfits that are unique without lacking in comfort and style, this ticks all the boxes.",[12,8250,8251,8252,8256],{},"You can see the full range of prints available at",[330,8253,8255],{"href":8215,"rel":8254},[334]," www.bladeandrose.co.uk ","– I think Rockets will be next on our list, they’re so cute I can’t resist – Don’t say I didn’t warn you!",[12,8258,8259],{},[15,8260],{"alt":8261,"src":8262},"what_taylor_wore_badge_wide","/images/2015/12/what_taylor_wore_badge_wide-660x145.png",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":8264},[],[262],"/images/2016/03/blade_and_rose_clothing_whale_bum.jpg","2016-03-08T21:02:00Z","8526",{},"#WhatTaylorWore featuring Blade & Rose whale leggings with signature bum design, bodysuit, and star socks. British brand. Stretchy, comfy, unique prints.","/taylor-wore-blade-rose",{"title":8188,"description":8193},"taylor-wore-blade-rose","Mu7DyoM78tJeGAMcBk9HYNJMfVSaYhFOXP9AVv3kPig",{"id":8276,"title":8277,"author":7,"body":8278,"category":8458,"cover":8459,"date":8460,"description":8282,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":8461,"meta":8462,"meta_description":8463,"meta_title":8277,"navigation":269,"path":5004,"seo":8464,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":8465,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":8466},"posts/baking-a-1st-birthday-cake-with-the-joseph-joseph-nest9.md","Baking a 1st Birthday Fox Cake with the Joseph Joseph Nest 9",{"type":9,"value":8279,"toc":8453},[8280,8283,8286,8293,8301,8324,8330,8353,8360,8367,8378,8385,8391,8417,8424,8431,8438],[12,8281,8282],{},"On the 1st of January Taylor turned 1, I can’t quite believe it. I have a 1 year old! So naturally on New Years Eve I was baking a 1st Birthday Cake after having the crazy idea of a last minute tea party. Of course the theme was Foxes… What else?",[12,8284,8285],{},"The cake itself was baked following a lovely chocolate devils food cake recipe which I have shared with you below then decorated with the help of Taylor’s Grandma. I’d have made a real mess of it otherwise!",[12,8287,8288,8292],{},[15,8289],{"alt":8290,"src":8291},"fox_birthday_cake_baking_taylor_yum","/images/2016/01/fox_birthday_cake_baking_taylor_yum-660x440.jpg","I used the Joseph Joseph Nest9 set for baking the cake which lead to me having a very small amount of mess at the end which is always a plus. The set is compact and can be stored as one in the kitchen so it saves space and is convenient to pull out when baking, it includes measuring cups, jug, sieve, a strainer and a mixing bowl so you have everything in one bundle.",[29,8294,8295,8299],{"id":5012},[15,8296],{"alt":8297,"src":8298},"fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_nest9","/images/2016/01/fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_nest9-660x440.jpg",[39,8300,5018],{},[650,8302,8303,8305,8307,8309,8311,8313,8315,8318,8320,8322],{},[46,8304,5023],{},[46,8306,5028],{},[46,8308,5031],{},[46,8310,5034],{},[46,8312,5037],{},[46,8314,5040],{},[46,8316,8317],{},"1/2 Teaspoon Banking Powder",[46,8319,5046],{},[46,8321,5049],{},[46,8323,5052],{},[29,8325,8326,5061],{"id":5060},[15,8327],{"alt":8328,"src":8329},"fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_sieveing","/images/2016/01/fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_sieveing-660x440.jpg",[650,8331,8332,8334,8337,8339,8341,8343,8345,8347,8350],{},[46,8333,5066],{},[46,8335,8336],{},"Line the bottoms of two 20cm / 8inch round sandwich tins with baking parchment and butter the sides.",[46,8338,5072],{},[46,8340,5075],{},[46,8342,5078],{},[46,8344,5081],{},[46,8346,5084],{},[46,8348,8349],{},"Divide this chocolate batter between the 2 prepared tins and put in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.",[46,8351,8352],{},"Take the tins out and leave them on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes, before turning the cakes out to cool.",[12,8354,8355,8359],{},[15,8356],{"alt":8357,"src":8358},"fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_mixing","/images/2016/01/fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_mixing-660x440.jpg","I may have had a little help from my KitchenAid which certainly sped up every process however it can easily be done by hand, I’ve been doing it for years!",[12,8361,8362,8366],{},[15,8363],{"alt":8364,"src":8365},"fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_measuring_cup","/images/2016/01/fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_measuring_cup-660x440.jpg","I particularly liked using the nest 9 as it was convenient to have everything in one place, from measuring cups to a pouring bowl. I’ve usually stopped half way through baking before now to dig out a 1/2 teaspoon measure or find a measuring jug.",[12,8368,8369,8373,8377],{},[15,8370],{"alt":8371,"src":8372},"fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_pouring_bowl","/images/2016/01/fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_pouring_bowl-660x440.jpg",[15,8374],{"alt":8375,"src":8376},"fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_mixture","/images/2016/01/fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_mixture-660x440.jpg","The mix itself was so chocolately even I wanted to lick the bowl! – A professional baker would never so this. I did this. I am not a professional 😉",[12,8379,8380,8384],{},[15,8381],{"alt":8382,"src":8383},"fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_minimal_mess","/images/2016/01/fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_minimal_mess-660x440.jpg","The aftermath – I’m amazed that I baked a birthday cake at the last minute and didn’t make the kitchen look like a bomb site.",[29,8386,8388],{"id":8387},"frosting-ingredients",[39,8389,8390],{},"Frosting Ingredients:",[650,8392,8393,8396,8399,8402,8405,8408,8411,8414],{},[46,8394,8395],{},"125 ml Water",[46,8397,8398],{},"30 grams dark brown muscovado sugar",[46,8400,8401],{},"175 grams unsalted butter",[46,8403,8404],{},"300 grams best-quality dark chocolate",[46,8406,8407],{},"Onc the cakes are in the oven, get started on your frosting: put the water, 30g / 2 tablespoons muscovado sugar and 175g / 1 1/2 sticks butter in a pan over a low heat to melt.",[46,8409,8410],{},"When this mixture begins to bubble, take the pan off the heat and add the chopped chocolate, swirling the pan so that all the chocolate is hit with heat, then leave for a minute to melt before whisking till smooth and glossy.",[46,8412,8413],{},"Leave for about 1 hour, whisking now and again – when you’re passing the pan – by which time the cakes will be cooled, and ready for the frosting.",[46,8415,8416],{},"Set one of the cooled cakes, with its top side down, on a cake stand or plate, and spread with about a third of the frosting, then top that with the second cake, regular way up, and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides. Then if you wish, decorate to your own taste. – We foxed ours!",[12,8418,8419,8423],{},[15,8420],{"alt":8421,"src":8422},"fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_cover","/images/2016/01/fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_cover-660x440.jpg","Phills mum is basically a sugar craft guru who came to my rescue and sat with me until 11:30pm on new years eve to decorate the cake. She then went home to embroider him a personalised fox crown until 5am – The things Grandmas do!",[12,8425,8426,8430],{},[15,8427],{"alt":8428,"src":8429},"fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh","/images/2016/01/fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh-660x440.jpg","From crafting ears and attaching them with spaghetti to cutting out a fox face I was really pleased with our end result. Considering time restraints and how poorly planned this was Taylor still had a lovely cake for his birthday. This was also the first time Taylor has ever tasted cake. We managed an entire year without letting him taste cake so it would be more special on his birthday and I think he approved! He crashed and burned 5 hours later after a mad sugar rush but overall I think he liked it.",[12,8432,8433,8437],{},[15,8434],{"alt":8435,"src":8436},"fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_finished_cake","/images/2016/01/fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_finished_cake-660x440.jpg","If you’ve ever baked a Birthday cake for your children before you’ll know how stressful it can be. Especially when it’s the night before the big day, it’s new years eve, and they keep waking up. Baking with a baby is hard! How I didn’t burn the cake or make a mess of it I’ll never know!",[12,8439,8440,8444,8445,6783,8450],{},[15,8441],{"alt":8442,"src":8443},"fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_birthday_buffet","/images/2016/01/fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_birthday_buffet-660x440.jpg","The Nest 9 Plus retails at £45 from ",[330,8446,8449],{"href":8447,"rel":8448},"http://www.josephjoseph.com/en-gb/product/nest-9-plus",[334],"Joseph Joseph",[241,8451,8452],{},"We were sent the Nest 9 Plus in exchange or an honest review and to help bake this fabulous foxy cake",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":8454},[8455,8456,8457],{"id":5012,"depth":254,"text":5018},{"id":5060,"depth":254,"text":5061},{"id":8387,"depth":254,"text":8390},[262],"/images/2016/01/fox_birthday_cake_baking_joseph_jospeh_cake.jpg","2016-01-27T08:58:00Z","8333",{},"Baking a fox-themed 1st birthday cake using Joseph Joseph Nest 9 Plus. Chocolate devils food cake recipe with frosting. Last-minute baking tips for parents.",{"title":8277,"description":8282},"baking-a-1st-birthday-cake-with-the-joseph-joseph-nest9","xCdGX_9IMv5YFQ4733bAIwo6K2DhQDQKvw_6Nvu30jE",{"id":8468,"title":8469,"author":7,"body":8470,"category":8553,"cover":8554,"date":8555,"description":8474,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":8556,"meta":8557,"meta_description":8558,"meta_title":8469,"navigation":269,"path":8559,"seo":8560,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":8561,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":8562},"posts/what-taylor-wore-the-christmas-eve-edition-with-mamas-and-papas.md","What Taylor Wore – The Christmas Eve Edition, with Mamas & Papas",{"type":9,"value":8471,"toc":8551},[8472,8475,8483,8491,8500,8511,8520,8527,8534,8541,8544,8547],[12,8473,8474],{},"As we prepared for Taylor’s 1st Christmas, obviously a very big deal, I went on a mission to find a ‘First Christmas’ sleepsuit. Very few places I found did these in sizes big enough. I don’t think everyone realises that not all babies having their first Christmas are newborns.",[12,8476,8477,7716,8479,7720,8481],{},[39,8478,7715],{},[39,8480,7719],{},[39,8482,7723],{},[12,8484,8485,7728,8487,7720,8489],{},[39,8486,7715],{},[39,8488,7719],{},[39,8490,7723],{},[12,8492,8493,8494,8499],{},"Taylor was born on the 1st of January so he was almost one year old on his 1st Christmas. Fortunately for us we were given the opportunity to try the cutest First Christmas ",[330,8495,8498],{"href":8496,"rel":8497},"http://www.mamasandpapas.com/cat/clothing/",[334],"outfit from the Mamas & Papas"," ‘Welcome to The World’ collection which came in his size, and my search was over, it was perfect.",[12,8501,8502,8506,8510],{},[15,8503],{"alt":8504,"src":8505},"my_first_christmas_mamas_and_papas_outfit_10","/images/2016/01/my_first_christmas_mamas_and_papas_outfit_10-660x440.jpg",[15,8507],{"alt":8508,"src":8509},"my_first_christmas_mamas_and_papas_outfit_01","/images/2016/01/my_first_christmas_mamas_and_papas_outfit_01-660x440.jpg","We’re big fans of all things m&p and love the quality of their products from our pram, to nursery furniture and wallpaper, we invested a lot in m&p during our pregnancy.",[12,8512,8513,8514,8519],{},"Taylor’s coming home outfit when he was born was from the Mamas & Papas ",[330,8515,8518],{"href":8516,"rel":8517},"http://www.mamasandpapas.com/range/welcome-to-the-world/9931/",[334],"‘Welcome to The World’ collection"," and to this day the cutest little outfit I’ve ever seen, maybe I’m biased, it did house my tiny newborn after all? So it was no surprise to me when this little number arrived and turned out be just as gorgeous.",[12,8521,8522,8526],{},[15,8523],{"alt":8524,"src":8525},"my_first_christmas_mamas_and_papas_outfit_02","/images/2016/01/my_first_christmas_mamas_and_papas_outfit_02-660x440.jpg","Everything from this particular range has a luxury, traditional, feel to it. This set came complete with matching bib and hat embellished in ‘My First Christmas and finished with beautiful silver rope detailing, it truly was the perfect outfit. Taylor wore this outfit on Christmas Eve and it really added the finishing touch to creating a lovely 1st Christmas with our baby.",[12,8528,8529,8533],{},[15,8530],{"alt":8531,"src":8532},"my_first_christmas_mamas_and_papas_outfit_11","/images/2016/01/my_first_christmas_mamas_and_papas_outfit_11-660x440.jpg","After his bath we got him changed into the all in one, put out treats for Father Christmas and his reindeer, sprinkled reindeer food on the lawn and settled down for the evening. Of course Taylor didn’t have the foggiest what was going on but we should start as we mean to go on when it comes to Christmas and starting traditions.",[12,8535,8536,8540],{},[15,8537],{"alt":8538,"src":8539},"my_first_christmas_mamas_and_papas_outfit_12","/images/2016/01/my_first_christmas_mamas_and_papas_outfit_12-660x440.jpg","My mum always bought us new pyjamas for Christmas and I’ll be doing the same for Taylor. Wearing the mamas & papas all in one for bed on Christmas Eve meant Taylor was wearing his 1st Christmas all in one in the morning when we went downstairs to see if the big guy had been! He looked absolutely adorable and we caught it all on video.",[12,8542,8543],{},"I have no doubt it will be packed away with his other special outfits for safe keeping to be looked back upon in years to come.",[12,8545,8546],{},"Did you keep your little ones special outfits or repurpose them?",[12,8548,8549],{},[15,8550],{"alt":8261,"src":8262},{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":8552},[],[262],"/images/2016/01/my_first_christmas_mamas_and_papas_outfit_07.jpg","2016-01-14T09:06:00Z","8175",{},"#WhatTaylorWore featuring Mamas & Papas \"My First Christmas\" outfit from Welcome to The World collection. Sleepsuit with matching bib and hat for Christmas Eve.","/what-taylor-wore-the-christmas-eve-edition-with-mamas-and-papas",{"title":8469,"description":8474},"what-taylor-wore-the-christmas-eve-edition-with-mamas-and-papas","S6BW0CnHECqDgyFZryPbK1yGeJpBU1Dxo2UgGPsXdJk",{"id":8564,"title":8565,"author":7,"body":8566,"category":8705,"cover":8706,"date":8707,"description":8570,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":8708,"meta":8709,"meta_description":8710,"meta_title":8565,"navigation":269,"path":8711,"seo":8712,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":8713,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":8714},"posts/babys-big-day-out-george-asda.md","Baby’s Big Day Out – With George at ASDA",{"type":9,"value":8567,"toc":8703},[8568,8571,8574,8582,8590,8593,8602,8610,8621,8636,8647,8665,8682,8693,8696,8699],[12,8569,8570],{},"Although England, namely Manchester, is known for the ridiculous amount of wet weather I didn’t anticipate two weeks of non-stop rain over the festive period, a broken boiler and a very much un-planned house move. Where was the snow? The lovely boxing day walks around the park?",[12,8572,8573],{},"When ASDA asked us to take part in Baby’s Big Day Out whilst trying some of their lovely George clothing with Taylor I didn’t think twice. I did however need to plan around the weather and opted for a day of indoor adventures. Here’s what we go up to!",[12,8575,8576,7716,8578,7720,8580],{},[39,8577,7715],{},[39,8579,7719],{},[39,8581,7723],{},[12,8583,8584,7728,8586,7720,8588],{},[39,8585,7715],{},[39,8587,7719],{},[39,8589,7723],{},[12,8591,8592],{},"Having been back at work full time for a week I decided the weekend would be perfect for a Big Day Out with Taylor as it felt like I hadn’t seen him all week and my goodness did I miss his little face.",[12,8594,8595,8596,8601],{},"We started our day with a trip into town, Taylor wore his new ",[330,8597,8600],{"href":8598,"rel":8599},"http://direct.asda.com/george/baby/coats-jackets/hooded-quilted-coat/G005087805,default,pd.html",[334],"quilted jacket from George"," and traveled on a bus to the local book shop where we spent a voucher he received for Christmas. It wasn’t until we were home I realised all 3 books I selected for him were about cats. We do love cats!",[12,8603,8604,7716,8606,7720,8608],{},[39,8605,7715],{},[39,8607,7719],{},[39,8609,7723],{},[12,8611,8612,7728,8614,7720,8616,8618,8620],{},[39,8613,7715],{},[39,8615,7719],{},[39,8617,7723],{},[914,8619],{},"\nAfter completing a few errands together we headed home for a spot of lunch where Daddy was waiting to drive us to soft play!",[12,8622,8623,8624,8629,8630,8635],{},"We visited a new soft play area and had lots of fun in the baby section, although their were a few too many older children being silly Taylor remained unscathed and had a great time burning off some energy whilst meeting other babies. Taylor wore jeans and t shirt from the ",[330,8625,8628],{"href":8626,"rel":8627},"http://direct.asda.com/george/clothing/10,default,sc.html?&cmpid=ppc-_-geor-_-ggle-br-_-brand-_-%2Basda%20%2Bgeorge-_-mkwid-semfPbdNT_dc&cm_mmc=geor-ppc-_-ggle-br-_-%5Breduced_category%5D-_-%2Basda%20%2Bgeorge&channel=ppc",[334],"George range at Asda",", the quality of the items surprised me, the jeans are lined and so soft they’ve become a staple in his wardrobe along with the ",[330,8631,8634],{"href":8632,"rel":8633},"http://direct.asda.com/george/baby/tops/3-pack-assorted-tops/G005172461,default,pd.html",[334],"casual t shirts"," which come in packs of 3.",[12,8637,8638,8642,8646],{},[15,8639],{"alt":8640,"src":8641},"big_day_out_george_clothing_asda_baby_soft_play_07","/images/2016/01/big_day_out_george_clothing_asda_baby_soft_play_07-1173x880.jpg",[15,8643],{"alt":8644,"src":8645},"big_day_out_george_clothing_asda_baby_soft_play_05","/images/2016/01/big_day_out_george_clothing_asda_baby_soft_play_05-1173x880.jpg","Having put mummy and daddy through their paces at soft play we went on a Sunday drive to look at some houses and potential places to buy our future family home, followed by an early dinner of Chinese food and baby snacks. Making the most of an opportunity to try mummy’s ice cream too of course!",[12,8648,8649,8653,8657,8659,7716,8661,7720,8663],{},[15,8650],{"alt":8651,"src":8652},"big_day_out_george_clothing_asda_baby_eating","/images/2016/01/big_day_out_george_clothing_asda_baby_eating-1173x880.jpg",[15,8654],{"alt":8655,"src":8656},"big_day_out_george_clothing_asda_baby_icecream","/images/2016/01/big_day_out_george_clothing_asda_baby_icecream-1173x880.jpg",[914,8658],{},[39,8660,7715],{},[39,8662,7719],{},[39,8664,7723],{},[12,8666,8667,7728,8669,7720,8671,8673,8675,8676,8681],{},[39,8668,7715],{},[39,8670,7719],{},[39,8672,7723],{},[914,8674],{},"\nAs the day drew to a close we headed home to get our little minion ready for bed. After his bath Taylor wore these two piece ",[330,8677,8680],{"href":8678,"rel":8679},"http://direct.asda.com/george/baby/outfits/disney-tigger-pyjama-set/G005177031,default,pd.htmll",[334],"Disney pyjamas",", this was the first time Taylor has worn ‘big boy’ pyjamas and my goodness he looked so cute and grown up!",[12,8683,8684,8688,8692],{},[15,8685],{"alt":8686,"src":8687},"big_day_out_george_clothing_asda_baby_pyjamas_bed","/images/2016/01/big_day_out_george_clothing_asda_baby_pyjamas_bed-660x440.jpg",[15,8689],{"alt":8690,"src":8691},"big_day_out_george_clothing_asda_baby_bedtime_story","/images/2016/01/big_day_out_george_clothing_asda_baby_bedtime_story-660x440.jpg","After choosing one of his new books purchased that morning, Max at Night by Ed Vere, we snuggled up to read a story together where Max the cat went on a journey to find the moon and say goodnight to him.",[12,8694,8695],{},"We had a lovely day together as a family and I loved spending time out with my boys, Taylor was so well behaved all day, their were no tears or tantrums and he went to bed happy.",[12,8697,8698],{},"The perfect end to the perfect day!",[12,8700,8701],{},[15,8702],{"alt":8261,"src":8262},{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":8704},[],[262],"/images/2016/01/big_day_out_george_clothing_asda_baby_soft_play_03.jpg","2016-01-12T08:30:00Z","8131",{},"Join us for a rainy day family adventure featuring George at ASDA. From soft play to bedtime stories, discover quality baby clothing essentials.","/babys-big-day-out-george-asda",{"title":8565,"description":8570},"babys-big-day-out-george-asda","I0O-G5E87y3-fIWYrve8zb7YVZQmaYLwlLDgzLg6ALo",{"id":8716,"title":8717,"author":7,"body":8718,"category":8782,"cover":8783,"date":8784,"description":8785,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":8786,"meta":8787,"meta_description":8788,"meta_title":8717,"navigation":269,"path":8789,"seo":8790,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":8791,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":8792},"posts/what-taylor-wore-boxing-day-george-at-asda.md","What Taylor Wore – The Boxing Day Edition",{"type":9,"value":8719,"toc":8780},[8720,8728,8739,8745,8751,8758,8764,8767,8773,8776],[12,8721,8722,7716,8724,7720,8726],{},[39,8723,7715],{},[39,8725,7719],{},[39,8727,7723],{},[12,8729,8730,7728,8732,7720,8734,8736,8738],{},[39,8731,7715],{},[39,8733,7719],{},[39,8735,7723],{},[914,8737],{},"\nAs much as I wanted to get out and make the most of being off together as a family our Christmas break was mostly spent indoors, due to the awful weather, although we did manage to to fit in a few fun days with family. We spent boxing day with Phill’s family and had a very much needed break for one day, that was until Phillip ended up in A&E for 6 hours but that’s another story!",[12,8740,8741],{},[15,8742],{"alt":8743,"src":8744},"george_clothing_asda_baby_mickey_mouse_disney_04","/images/2016/01/george_clothing_asda_baby_mickey_mouse_disney_04-660x440.jpg",[12,8746,8747],{},[15,8748],{"alt":8749,"src":8750},"george_clothing_asda_baby_mickey_mouse_disney_03","/images/2016/01/george_clothing_asda_baby_mickey_mouse_disney_03-660x440.jpg",[12,8752,8753,8754,8757],{},"Taylor wore one of my favourite outfits for the day picked from the ",[330,8755,8628],{"href":8626,"rel":8756},[334],", a Mickey Mouse adorned romper with a festive print and the most gorgeous soft lined hood. Having bought items from George before I knew I could expect great quality products however I didn’t expect to love one item so much. I’ve even tried purchasing it in the next size up only to find their were none available! At a RRP of a mere £7 and then being reduced to £4 I can see why this disappeared so quickly.",[12,8759,8760],{},[15,8761],{"alt":8762,"src":8763},"george_clothing_asda_baby_mickey_mouse_disney_05","/images/2016/01/george_clothing_asda_baby_mickey_mouse_disney_05-660x440.jpg",[12,8765,8766],{},"This is certainly going to be another of those items i’ll be putting on him until I can no longer fasten it. It’s also easy to put on and remove due to it being a single zipper and perfect for quick nappy changes with poppers on the inside leg.",[12,8768,8769],{},[15,8770],{"alt":8771,"src":8772},"george_clothing_asda_baby_mickey_mouse_disney_07","/images/2016/01/george_clothing_asda_baby_mickey_mouse_disney_07-660x440.jpg",[12,8774,8775],{},"The lovely lining in the hood and back is so soft I wouldn’t mind one of these for myself. It also features a soft fleecy texture on the inside of the body, a bit like when you got a new school sweatshirt and it was nice and fuzzy inside, this made crawling around on the grandparents hard wood flooring softer for Taylor and he looked adorable playing all day in this gorgeous outfit.",[12,8777,8778],{},[15,8779],{"alt":8261,"src":8262},{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":8781},[],[262],"/images/2016/01/george_clothing_asda_baby_mickey_mouse_disney_06.jpg","2016-01-06T12:44:00Z","Warning: include(templates/fashion-post.php): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /Users/phill/Code/personal/leeleeloves/leeleeloves/wp-content/themes/leeleeloves-2017/includes/custom-functions.php on line 181","8089",{},"#WhatTaylorWore featuring George at Asda Mickey Mouse romper with festive print and hood. Affordable Boxing Day outfit. Originally £7, reduced to £4.","/what-taylor-wore-boxing-day-george-at-asda",{"title":8717,"description":8785},"what-taylor-wore-boxing-day-george-at-asda","-NP8bSTjJNO43acwU7H-4XTHc_6IBdnzSp8iI6L2xBQ",{"id":8794,"title":8795,"author":7,"body":8796,"category":8834,"cover":8835,"date":8836,"description":8800,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":8837,"meta":8838,"meta_description":8839,"meta_title":8795,"navigation":269,"path":8840,"seo":8841,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":8842,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":8843},"posts/the-perfect-christmas-dinner.md","How to Cook the perfect Christmas Dinner!",{"type":9,"value":8797,"toc":8832},[8798,8801,8804,8818,8821,8824,8827],[12,8799,8800],{},"With 7 days to go til Christmas it’s time to start thinking about that all important dinner, whether you have the entire family over or just yourself. It wouldn’t be Christmas without a Turkey dinner and all the trimmings!",[12,8802,8803],{},"This year is going to be different for us, usually I would spend the day with my Dad and Phillip would go to his parent’s house. This year however, we have our own little family to think of. It’s Taylors first Christmas and we still haven’t decided on what to do. One option would be to simply stay at home and make our own Christmas dinner.",[12,8805,8806,8807,8812,8813,4760],{},"Having never made Christmas dinner before I know it’s something we would need to read up on beforehand and look for guidance. Thankfully in the event that we do choose to host our very own Christmas dinner the lovely people at ",[330,8808,8811],{"href":8809,"rel":8810},"https://www.mayfairgranite.co.uk/",[334],"Mayfair Granite"," have put together this handy infographic showing us exactly what needs to be done, from Christmas Eve veggie prep to slow roasting big bird. I’ve actually started to believe that even I could cobble together the ",[330,8814,8817],{"href":8815,"rel":8816},"http://betterbakingbible.com/christmas-recipes/christmas-dinner-prep-a-guide-for-a-fast-and-easy-meal/",[334],"perfect Christmas dinner",[12,8819,8820],{},"Whether we choose to host our own dinner or visit family we are beyond excited for our first Christmas with Taylor, out of the womb, last Christmas he was preventing mummy from having as much fun as she would normally. This year however is likely to be our best yet.",[12,8822,8823],{},"Theirs something about babies that brings joy to those around them, whether it be close family and friends or a stranger on a bus. Babies manage to make everyone smile. We grow up believing that being a kid at Christmas is magical, but I’m fairly certain it’s all about having kids at Christmas!",[12,8825,8826],{},"If you’re cooking for the family, this year we would love to know your top Christmas Dinner tips and tricks!",[12,8828,8829],{},[15,8830],{"alt":253,"src":8831},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/xmas%20dinner%20infographic.jpg~original",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":8833},[],[262],"/images/2015/12/christmas_dinner_prep_2.jpg","2015-12-18T21:58:00Z","8079",{},"How to cook the perfect Christmas dinner guide. Turkey roasting tips, timing guide, and veggie prep for first-time hosts. Baby's first Christmas plans.","/the-perfect-christmas-dinner",{"title":8795,"description":8800},"the-perfect-christmas-dinner","xsvm-TJX-FYu5xx_14sSQCb8HqOb9rQynA_vva1mxGo",{"id":8845,"title":8846,"author":7,"body":8847,"category":8905,"cover":8906,"date":8907,"description":8908,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":8909,"meta":8910,"meta_description":8911,"meta_title":8912,"navigation":269,"path":8913,"seo":8914,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":8915,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":8916},"posts/babys-1st-christmas-linky-2.md","Baby’s 1st Christmas Linky #2",{"type":9,"value":8848,"toc":8903},[8849,8855,8858,8861,8864,8867,8870,8873,8876,8879,8885,8895],[12,8850,8851,8852,8854],{},"We’re back with another week of Baby’s 1st Christmas!",[914,8853],{},"\nWe’ve started our shopping, opened the advent calendar and drank baileys next to the tree. Maybe I’m peaking too soon in the festivities? Share your post below and i’ll tweet then as we go 🙂",[12,8856,8857],{},"Baby’s 1st Christmas is a linky for all posts relating to both Babies and Christmas. Old or new, link them up as I’d love to see what family traditions you might have, where you like to go over the festive period, gift guides, adorable festive outfits, you name it I want to see it and I’m sure many others do too!",[12,8859,8860],{},"Their is no need to be too specific, if you have a fab Christmas post but it doesn’t evolve around your little bundle, it doesn’t matter.",[12,8862,8863],{},"The linky will open on Wednesday (It was Tuesday I know! 😛 ) and close midnight on Friday giving you plenty of time to join in and enjoy your fellow festive friends posts.",[12,8865,8866],{},"1. You may link up to two posts per week, as long as they are festive one way or another.",[12,8868,8869],{},"2. Posts can be old or new it doesn’t matter.",[12,8871,8872],{},"3. Add the linky badge to your post so others may join in!",[12,8874,8875],{},"4. Comment on the host’s post (#1 at the start of the link-up) and a minimum of one other blog post, usually the one before yours so everyone receives some of the love!",[12,8877,8878],{},"Use the hashtag #1stChristmas when sharing your posts via twitter and follow @leelee_loves I’ll share posts throughout the week!",[12,8880,8881],{},[15,8882],{"alt":8883,"src":8884},"Babys_1st_christmas_badge_Wide","/images/2015/11/Babys_1st_christmas_badge_Wide-660x116.png",[8886,8887,8892],"pre",{"className":8888,"code":8890,"language":8891},[8889],"language-text","\u003Ctextarea style=\"background: #ffffff; border: dotted 3px #cc0000; color: #777777; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; text-align: left; padding: 7px 0 2px 5px; display: block; width: 90%;\">\u003Cdiv align=\"center\">\u003Ca href=\"/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Baby's First Christmas by Leelee Loves\">\u003Cimg alt=\"Baby's First Christmas by Leelee Loves\" src=\"/images/2015/12/babys_first_christmas_badge.png\" style=\"border:none;\">\u003C/img>\u003C/a>\u003C/div>\u003C/textarea>\n","text",[8893,8894,8890],"code",{"__ignoreMap":253},[12,8896,8897],{},[330,8898,8902],{"href":8899,"rel":8900,"title":8901},"http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=587323",[334],"click to view in an external page.","An InLinkz Link-up",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":8904},[],[262],"/images/2015/11/Babys_1st_christmas_cover.jpg","2015-12-09T07:00:00Z","We’re back with another week of Baby’s 1st Christmas!\nWe’ve started our shopping, opened the advent calendar and drank baileys next to the tree. Maybe I’m peaking too soon in the festivities? Share your post below and i’ll tweet then as we go 🙂","7836",{},"Baby's First Christmas linky week 2. Share festive posts about baby's Christmas, traditions, shopping, gift guides, and celebrations. Link up now!","Baby's First Christmas Linky Week 2 | Parent Blog","/babys-1st-christmas-linky-2",{"title":8846,"description":8908},"babys-1st-christmas-linky-2","_-e3ngpMi9v_vUw4Scq8WvCA0y2Pg_itMloj-Wbo6WM",{"id":8918,"title":8919,"author":7,"body":8920,"category":9024,"cover":9025,"date":9026,"description":8924,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":9027,"meta":9028,"meta_description":9029,"meta_title":8919,"navigation":269,"path":9030,"seo":9031,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":9032,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":9033},"posts/weaning-recipe-potato-carrot-and-sweetcorn-puree.md","Weaning Recipé: Potato, Carrot and Sweetcorn Purée",{"type":9,"value":8921,"toc":9021},[8922,8925,8928,8935,8941,8964,8980,8993,9000,9003,9006,9009],[12,8923,8924],{},"Knowing what’s in everything your baby eats is important and I find making our own food is the best way of doing this. Their are times where, for convenience, we have used alternatives. But where possible we do make our own baby foods.",[12,8926,8927],{},"One of our favourite recipes is Potato, Carrot and Sweetcorn purée from the very popular Annabel Karmel weaning book. This is a recipe I introduced to Taylor at around 9 months and it’s one of the first home made purées he didn’t spit back in my face. Winner! It’s got that lovely sweetcorn flavour and is an all round winner in our house. Best of all it only takes 30 minutes to make.",[12,8929,8930,8934],{},[15,8931],{"alt":8932,"src":8933},"Photo-29-10-2015-19-14-32.jpg","/images/2015/12/Photo-29-10-2015-19-14-32-660x440.jpg","If you want to give it a go here’s a simple step – by – step on how you can create it yourself!",[29,8936,8938],{"id":8937},"ingredients",[39,8939,8940],{},"Ingredients:",[650,8942,8943,8946,8949,8952,8955,8958,8961],{},[46,8944,8945],{},"25G Unsalted Butter",[46,8947,8948],{},"50g Onions",[46,8950,8951],{},"175g Carrots",[46,8953,8954],{},"200g Potatoes",[46,8956,8957],{},"250ml Baby veg stock",[46,8959,8960],{},"50g Sweetcorn",[46,8962,8963],{},"2 tbsp Milk",[12,8965,8966,8970,8971,8973,8974,8976,8977,8979],{},[15,8967],{"alt":8968,"src":8969},"making_baby_puree_08","/images/2015/12/making_baby_puree_08-660x440.jpg","• Melt the butter in a pan and saute the onion for 1 minute. Add the carrots and saute for a further 5 minutes.",[914,8972],{},"\n• Tip in the potatoes, cover with the stock or water and cook over a medium heat for 15 minutes.",[914,8975],{},"\n• Add the sweetcorn and continue to cook for 5 minutes.",[914,8978],{},"\n• Puree in food processor stirring in the milk to your chosen consistency.",[12,8981,8982,8986,8987,8992],{},[15,8983],{"alt":8984,"src":8985},"making_baby_puree_03","/images/2015/12/making_baby_puree_03-660x440.jpg","I find it’s always best to make baby food in batches. I use these Vital Baby ",[330,8988,8991],{"href":8989,"rel":8990},"http://www.vitalbaby.co.uk/types/bowls/8-mini-press-n-poptm-freezer-pots.html",[334],"Press ‘n’ Pop Freezer Pots"," allowing me to freeze half whilst keeping a supply chilled and ready for meal times. This saves time through the week. You can plan out and freeze your entire week of meals on the weekend.",[12,8994,8995,8999],{},[15,8996],{"alt":8997,"src":8998},"making_baby_puree_02","/images/2015/12/making_baby_puree_02-660x440.jpg","For so little time and effort this is one of the nicest purée recipes I’ve tasted, I often find myself having a few spoons to many when it comes to meal times, and baby food is usually known for tasting bad!",[12,9001,9002],{},"The thought of making your own baby food can be daunting, but It really is simple to create your own baby foods from home. With recipes like this you also have peace of mind that their are no foreign bodies in baby’s food. It’s also a really nice feeling when they enjoy the food you’ve made just for them 🙂",[12,9004,9005],{},"This recipe has real autumnal vibes but, if you burn a cinnamon candle and drink a gingerbread latte as you prepare it like I did I guarantee you’ll also feel festive.",[12,9007,9008],{},"Do you have any favourite recipes that your little ones love?",[577,9010,9012],{"id":9011},"this-recipe-can-be-found-in-the-annabel-karmel-top-100-baby-pureés-book-i-do-not-own-rights-to-this-recipe",[241,9013,9014,9015,9020],{},"This recipe can be found in the ",[330,9016,9019],{"href":9017,"rel":9018},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Top-100-Baby-Purees-healthy/dp/0091904994/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449570983&sr=1-4&keywords=annabel+karmel",[334],"Annabel Karmel Top 100 Baby Pureés"," book – I do not own rights to this recipe!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":9022},[9023],{"id":8937,"depth":254,"text":8940},[262],"/images/2015/12/making_baby_puree_04.jpg","2015-12-08T10:24:00Z","7898",{},"Homemade baby weaning recipe: Potato, carrot & sweetcorn purée from Annabel Karmel. Simple 30-minute batch cooking for freezing. Vital Baby pots.","/weaning-recipe-potato-carrot-and-sweetcorn-puree",{"title":8919,"description":8924},"weaning-recipe-potato-carrot-and-sweetcorn-puree","AEjsaVJrq_KAVKgjGXaVnyT7AOTHmLjaD17owDQ_dPY",{"id":9035,"title":9036,"author":7,"body":9037,"category":9081,"cover":8906,"date":9082,"description":9041,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":9083,"meta":9084,"meta_description":9085,"meta_title":9086,"navigation":269,"path":9087,"seo":9088,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":9089,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":9090},"posts/babys-first-christmas-linky-1.md","Baby’s 1st Christmas Linky #1",{"type":9,"value":9038,"toc":9079},[9039,9042,9048,9050,9053,9055,9057,9059,9061,9063,9067,9073],[12,9040,9041],{},"After weeks of procrastinating, thinking it’s too soon to utter the ‘C’ word and figuring out how all of this works I’m finally starting my first linky! It’s almost December and my favourite time of year is fast approaching. This year however is going to be totally different for me in the most amazing way possible, It’s my first Christmas as a mum, and of course my Baby’s First Christmas!",[12,9043,9044,9047],{},[39,9045,9046],{},"Baby’s 1st Christmas"," is a linky for all posts relating to both Babies and Christmas. Old or new, link them up as I’d love to see what family traditions you might have, where you like to go over the festive period, gift guides, adorable festive outfits, you name it I want to see it and I’m sure many others do too!",[12,9049,8860],{},[12,9051,9052],{},"The linky will open on Tuesday and close midnight on Thursday giving you plenty of time to join in and enjoy your fellow festive friends posts.",[12,9054,8866],{},[12,9056,8869],{},[12,9058,8872],{},[12,9060,8875],{},[12,9062,8878],{},[12,9064,9065],{},[15,9066],{"alt":8883,"src":8884},[8886,9068,9071],{"className":9069,"code":9070,"language":8891},[8889],"\u003Ctextarea style=\"background: #ffffff; border: dotted 3px #cc0000; color: #777777; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; text-align: left; padding: 7px 0 2px 5px; display: block; width: 90%;\">\u003Cdiv align=\"center\">\u003Ca href=\"/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Baby's First Christmas by Leelee Loves\">\u003Cimg alt=\"Baby's First Christmas by Leelee Loves\" src=\"/images/2015/11/Babys_1st_christmas.png\" style=\"border:none;\">\u003C/img>\u003C/a>\u003C/div>\u003C/textarea>\n",[8893,9072,9070],{"__ignoreMap":253},[12,9074,9075],{},[330,9076,8902],{"href":9077,"rel":9078,"title":8901},"http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=583799",[334],{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":9080},[],[262],"2015-11-24T08:28:00Z","7772",{},"Baby's First Christmas linky week 1. Share festive posts about baby's first Christmas, traditions, gift guides, and family celebrations. Join in!","Baby's First Christmas Linky Week 1 | Parent Blog","/babys-first-christmas-linky-1",{"title":9036,"description":9041},"babys-first-christmas-linky-1","5_44U4YTfovLoPLb7mmsyCr7FhbUWZtvrjjLVrP6mxw",{"id":9092,"title":9093,"author":7,"body":9094,"category":9289,"cover":9290,"date":9291,"description":9098,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":9292,"meta":9293,"meta_description":9294,"meta_title":9093,"navigation":269,"path":9295,"seo":9296,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":9297,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":9298},"posts/nothing-artificial-chicken-mushroom-and-bacon-pie.md","Nothing Artificial: Chicken, Mushroom & Bacon Pie!",{"type":9,"value":9095,"toc":9285},[9096,9099,9102,9105,9112,9117,9146,9151,9165,9168,9175,9182,9192,9197,9211,9218,9225,9240,9250,9263,9274,9277,9282],[12,9097,9098],{},"Home cooking is something I’ve been wanting to improve upon for a while, especially since I became a parent. It’s one of those life skills I assume all mothers have mastered.",[12,9100,9101],{},"One meal we have always enjoyed in the winter months is chicken and mushroom pie and I recently decided it was about time I learnt how to make my own! Not only would be it be more satisfying, I’d know exactly what was in it and my weaning 10 month old could try some too.",[12,9103,9104],{},"When preparing meals Taylor will be eating with us I like to avoid anything artificial, I do this by using fresh ingredients and making my own sauces. No jars or cans just fresh meat and vegetable seasoned to taste.",[314,9106,9107],{"id":8937},[241,9108,9109],{},[39,9110,9111],{},"Ingredients –",[12,9113,9114],{},[39,9115,9116],{},"Pie Filling",[43,9118,9119,9122,9125,9128,9131,9134,9137,9140,9143],{},[46,9120,9121],{},"3 Medium Sized Chicken breast",[46,9123,9124],{},"200g Mushrooms",[46,9126,9127],{},"3 Large Leeks",[46,9129,9130],{},"4 rashers of Bacon",[46,9132,9133],{},"300ml Chicken Stock",[46,9135,9136],{},"1 Heaped TbSp of Crème fresh",[46,9138,9139],{},"1 Heaped TbSp of Djon Mustard",[46,9141,9142],{},"Thyme",[46,9144,9145],{},"Nutmeg",[12,9147,9148],{},[39,9149,9150],{},"Rough Puff Pastry",[43,9152,9153,9156,9159,9162],{},[46,9154,9155],{},"250g Strong Plain Flour",[46,9157,9158],{},"Half a Teaspoon of salt",[46,9160,9161],{},"200g of Butter",[46,9163,9164],{},"150ml Cold Water",[12,9166,9167],{},"This pie is really simple to make and only uses a few simple steps, it really is just a case of taking the required ingredients, bunging them all in a pan and simmering until you have a lovely saucy pie filling!",[314,9169,9170],{"id":5060},[39,9171,9172],{},[39,9173,9174],{},"Method –",[12,9176,9177],{},[241,9178,9179],{},[39,9180,9181],{},"Pastry:",[12,9183,9184],{},[241,9185,9186],{},[39,9187,9188],{},[15,9189],{"alt":9190,"src":9191},"nothing_artificial_pie_chicken_finished","/images/2015/11/nothing_artificial_pie_chicken_finished-660x440.jpg",[12,9193,9194],{},[241,9195,9196],{},"You can make your own pastry, the easiest option of ‘Rough Puff’ or you can purchase premade making the process even quicker.",[650,9198,9199,9202,9205,9208],{},[46,9200,9201],{},"Sift the flour and salt in a bowl and chop the butter into chunks rubbing them into the flour mixture.",[46,9203,9204],{},"Make a well and pour in two thirds of cold water until dough is firm",[46,9206,9207],{},"Wrap dough in cling film and place in the fridge for 20 minutes.",[46,9209,9210],{},"Turn the flour out onto your work surface and knead the dough, roll the dough out and fold over onto itself 3 times alternate direction and repeat a further 3 times before wrapping the dough and placing it into the fridge for a further 20 minutes before use.",[12,9212,9213],{},[241,9214,9215],{},[39,9216,9217],{},"Pie Filling:",[12,9219,9220,9224],{},[15,9221],{"alt":9222,"src":9223},"nothing_artificial_pie_chicken","/images/2015/11/nothing_artificial_pie_chicken-660x440.jpg","1. Slice the chicken breast into chunks and place over a medium heat in a deep pan with Olive Oil.\n2. Whilst the chicken simmers place your bacon under the grill!\n3. Dice the mushrooms + one whole leek, and chuck them in with the chicken.\n4. Once cooked tear up the bacon into small pieces and add to the mix\n5. Pour over 300ml of stock\n6. Poceed to add the Crème Fresh, Mustard, a few sprigs of thyme, or approximately half a teaspoon of dried Thyme from the spice rack along with a generous sprinkling of nutmeg.\n7. Turn down the heat and allow the mix to do it’s thing ensuring that the chicken is cooked through before transferring to a casserole or pie dish.\n8. Place your pastry over the casserole dish and cook for 35 minutes at 180 degrees.",[12,9226,9227,9231,9235],{},[15,9228],{"alt":9229,"src":9230},"nothing_artificial_pie_bacon","/images/2015/11/nothing_artificial_pie_bacon-660x440.jpg",[15,9232],{"alt":9233,"src":9234},"nothing_artificial_pie_cooking","/images/2015/11/nothing_artificial_pie_cooking-660x440.jpg",[241,9236,9237],{},[39,9238,9239],{},"Buttered Leeks:",[12,9241,9242],{},[241,9243,9244],{},[39,9245,9246],{},[15,9247],{"alt":9248,"src":9249},"nothing_artificial_pie_leeks_clover","/images/2015/11/nothing_artificial_pie_leeks_clover-660x440.jpg",[12,9251,9252,9260,9262],{},[241,9253,9254],{},[39,9255,9256],{},[15,9257],{"alt":9258,"src":9259},"nothing_artificial_pie_leeks","/images/2015/11/nothing_artificial_pie_leeks-660x440.jpg",[914,9261],{},"\nI like to serve this pie with buttered Leeks, you can also serve roast potatoes depending on how hungry you are!",[650,9264,9265,9268,9271],{},[46,9266,9267],{},"Chop two whole Leeks into large chunks",[46,9269,9270],{},"Place two table spoons of butter into a pan (I used Clover)",[46,9272,9273],{},"Add the Leeks, pop a lid on the pan and leave them for 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally until soft and ready to serve.",[12,9275,9276],{},"I’ve made this meal a few times now and enjoyed it so much more than a shop bought pie, it’s definitely inspired to do more home cooking as it’s so satisfying to know you’ve made a meal from scratch!",[12,9278,9279],{},[241,9280,9281],{},"This recipe is my entry into the Clover #NothingArtificial contest.",[12,9283,9284],{},"Do you have any favourite family recipes I should try?",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":9286},[9287,9288],{"id":8937,"depth":452,"text":9111},{"id":5060,"depth":452,"text":9174},[262],"/images/2015/11/nothing_artificial_pie_filling.jpg","2015-11-19T01:22:00Z","7659",{},"Homemade chicken, mushroom & bacon pie recipe with rough puff pastry. Nothing artificial, fresh ingredients, baby-friendly. #NothingArtificial","/nothing-artificial-chicken-mushroom-and-bacon-pie",{"title":9093,"description":9098},"nothing-artificial-chicken-mushroom-and-bacon-pie","gjTUZ40Z7-1roozvmzGz_RbwIYct8ldRHITM0H7YR0g",{"id":9300,"title":9301,"author":7,"body":9302,"category":9378,"cover":9379,"date":9380,"description":8785,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":9381,"meta":9382,"meta_description":9383,"meta_title":9301,"navigation":269,"path":9384,"seo":9385,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":9386,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":9387},"posts/bobux-baby-shoes.md","What Taylor Wore – Featuring Bobux Baby Shoes",{"type":9,"value":9303,"toc":9376},[9304,9312,9323,9326,9333,9340,9343,9350,9357,9366,9373],[12,9305,9306,7716,9308,7720,9310],{},[39,9307,7715],{},[39,9309,7719],{},[39,9311,7723],{},[12,9313,9314,7728,9316,7720,9318,9320,9322],{},[39,9315,7715],{},[39,9317,7719],{},[39,9319,7723],{},[914,9321],{},"\nAs I forced a t-shirt over Taylor’s head trying not to squish his precious little nugget this morning I realised it might not be his massive bonce that’s the problem but the t-shirt. He’d been growing, AGAIN. You put them to bed one size and they wake up both longer and wider than the previous day.",[12,9324,9325],{},"This week Taylor wore an adorable long sleeved t-shirt adorned in raccoons from boots mini club in size 6-9 months, his trusty NEXT jeans, in size 3-6 months and his adorable Bobux soft sole shoes in size S, my child is officially better dressed than I am.",[12,9327,9328,9332],{},[15,9329],{"alt":9330,"src":9331},"baby_fashion_bobux_fox_shoes_boots_mini_club","/images/2015/11/baby_fashion_bobux_fox_shoes_boots_mini_club.jpg","As Taylor continues to develop at the speed of light he’s started to find his feet, and I don’t mean in the cute 3 month old stick your toes in your mouth kind of way, no, he’s on them and he’s moving! Taylor can’t walk independently yet but he can pull himself up grab his walker and disappear before you have had chance to blink. If he continues it won’t be long before he is walking!",[12,9334,9335,9339],{},[15,9336],{"alt":9337,"src":9338},"baby_fashion_bobux_fox_shoes_boots_cute","/images/2015/11/baby_fashion_bobux_fox_shoes_boots_cute-660x440.jpg","As he’s always crawling and climbing we’ve been using these adorable Bobux soft sole shoes so he can get used to the feeling of having something on his feet.",[12,9341,9342],{},"I particularly love these shoes as they’re made from soft, natural leather that breathes and moulds to a child’s foot and best of all as they’re elasticated around the ankle, they stay on! We can’t get a sock to stay on his foot, even with gizmo’s bought specifically for that purpose, so finding a soft sole shoe that stay’s on is just shy of a miracle.",[12,9344,9345,9349],{},[15,9346],{"alt":9347,"src":9348},"baby_fashion_bobux_fox_first_shoes","/images/2015/11/baby_fashion_bobux_fox_first_shoes-660x440.jpg","It’s advised that you keep children’s feet bare as much as possible and allow them the freedom to feel everything with their feet. You should also make sure anything you do put on their feet isn’t going to harm the development of the foot. Going barefoot is an absolute necessity for children for exploring the world inside and out!",[12,9351,9352,9356],{},[15,9353],{"alt":9354,"src":9355},"baby_fashion_bobux_boots_next_shoes","/images/2015/11/baby_fashion_bobux_boots_next_shoes-660x440.jpg","If you know me then you’ll know I love anything with a fox on, Taylor has some lovely fox themed items and these shoes are certainly one of my favourites in his collection.",[12,9358,9359,9360,9365],{},"You can purchase the soft sole shoes at ",[330,9361,9364],{"href":9362,"rel":9363},"https://www.bobux.co.uk/",[334],"www.bobux.co.uk"," for £20, they also have great information and advise on how to care for little feet, when to introduce shoes and which shoes best suit your baby’s needs",[12,9367,9368,9372],{},[15,9369],{"alt":9370,"src":9371},"baby_fashion_bobux_fox_shoes","/images/2015/11/baby_fashion_bobux_fox_shoes-660x440.jpg","Overall I love this outfit, the cute little leather shoesies combined with the raccoon print and skinny jeans looked great together, although it also made Taylor look really grown up. I’m not sure I like that. Some days I just like to keep him in a baby grow and have to remind myself he is still a baby. Jeans always make him look much older.",[12,9374,9375],{},"Which part of this weeks outfit do you like the most? I’m definitely going with the shoes. Foxes… Need I say more?",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":9377},[],[262],"/images/2015/11/baby_fashion_cute_bobux_fox.jpg","2015-11-17T22:54:00Z","7643",{},"#WhatTaylorWore featuring Bobux fox soft sole shoes. Natural leather pre-walker shoes with Mini Club raccoon top and NEXT jeans. £20 at Bobux.","/bobux-baby-shoes",{"title":9301,"description":8785},"bobux-baby-shoes","B_5NA8FzujW5958wfH6PE5icIpATsbVTsj_eB86FcYw",{"id":9389,"title":9390,"author":7,"body":9391,"category":9477,"cover":9478,"date":9479,"description":9395,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":9480,"meta":9481,"meta_description":9482,"meta_title":9390,"navigation":269,"path":9483,"seo":9484,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":9485,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":9486},"posts/support-movember-and-win-with-little-tikes.md","Support Movember and win with Little Tikes!",{"type":9,"value":9392,"toc":9474},[9393,9396,9399,9406,9416,9429,9437,9441,9446,9451,9454],[12,9394,9395],{},"As November has swooped in it’s time to say hello to yet another year of moustache mayhem!",[12,9397,9398],{},"I love Movember, I might not have the capability of growing my own mo as as a Mo-Mister but this Mo-Sister likes to have fun and it’s all in the name of charity.",[12,9400,9401,9405],{},[15,9402],{"alt":9403,"src":9404},"little_tikes_movember_cute_little_moustach","/images/2015/11/little_tikes_movember_cute_little_moustache-660x440.jpg","This year Little Tikes, creators of the iconic Cozy Coupe, are supporting Movember and giving you the chance to win one of 5 exclusive Mr Cozy Coupes with their very own Mo whilst giving to charity!",[12,9407,9408,9412],{},[15,9409],{"alt":9410,"src":9411},"little_tikes_movember_baby_walk_moustache_cute","/images/2015/11/little_tikes_movember_baby_walk_moustache_cute-660x440.jpg",[15,9413],{"alt":9414,"src":9415},"little_tikes_movember_baby_moustache","/images/2015/11/little_tikes_movember_baby_moustache-660x440.jpg",[12,9417,9418,9419,9424,9425,9428],{},"Every person who enters will be in with the chance of winning one of five exclusive Mr Cozy Coupes with moustache or one of many runners-up prizes. To get involved you can ",[330,9420,9423],{"href":9421,"rel":9422},"http://www.littletikes.co.uk/media/pdfs/Movember/Little-Tikes-Movember.pdf",[334],"download"," the seven moustache designs from ",[330,9426,7821],{"href":7819,"rel":9427},[334]," and choose which suits you best. Follow Little Tikes on social media to keep up with their Mo antics this month!",[12,9430,9431],{},[39,9432,9433],{},[15,9434],{"alt":9435,"src":9436},"little_tikes_movember_pink_moustache","/images/2015/11/little_tikes_movember_pink_moustache-660x440.jpg",[314,9438,9440],{"id":9439},"heres-what-you-need-to-do","Here’s what you need to do:",[12,9442,9443],{},[39,9444,9445],{},"Get creative and share your real and DIY moustaches with Liitle Tikes on their Facebook and Twitter page for your chance to win! For every photo shared they’ll donate a £1* to the Movember Foundation.",[12,9447,9448],{},[39,9449,9450],{},"Five lucky winners will win an exclusive Mr Cozy Coupe plus £100 Little Tikes vouchers and 10 lucky runners up will win £50 Little Tikes vouchers!",[12,9452,9453],{},"As you can see we’ve been having lots of fun with our print out moustaches, we even coloured them in and gave our Little Tikes toys their very own Mo’s! We’ll be submitting our entries, make sure you do too!",[12,9455,9456,9459,9463,9467,9470],{},[15,9457],{"alt":8042,"src":9458},"/images/2015/11/little_tikes_movember_ocean_explorers_moustache-660x440.jpg",[15,9460],{"alt":9461,"src":9462},"little_tikes_movember_cute_moustache","/images/2015/11/little_tikes_movember_cute_moustache-660x440.jpg",[15,9464],{"alt":9465,"src":9466},"little_tikes_movember_holding_moustache","/images/2015/11/little_tikes_movember_holding_moustache-660x440.jpg",[15,9468],{"alt":8042,"src":9469},"/images/2015/11/little_tikes_movember_cars-440x440.jpg",[15,9471],{"alt":9472,"src":9473},"little_tikes_movember_baby_moustache_cute","/images/2015/11/little_tikes_movember_baby_moustache_cute-660x440.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":9475},[9476],{"id":9439,"depth":452,"text":9440},[262],"/images/2015/11/little_tikes_movember_sitting_with_ocean_explorers_moustache.jpg","2015-11-06T14:53:00Z","7545",{},"Little Tikes Movember competition. Win exclusive Mr Cozy Coupe with moustache. Share moustache photos, £1 donated per entry. Support charity.","/support-movember-and-win-with-little-tikes",{"title":9390,"description":9395},"support-movember-and-win-with-little-tikes","g3K6nx_wAhBxrvp7k9x3DwaIAq4lWnkUK1OXiAmbBgI",{"id":9488,"title":9489,"author":7,"body":9490,"category":9549,"cover":9550,"date":9551,"description":9494,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":9552,"meta":9553,"meta_description":9554,"meta_title":9489,"navigation":269,"path":9555,"seo":9556,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":9557,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":9558},"posts/milestone-dads-the-word-at-9-months.md","Milestone: Dad’s the word at 9 months!",{"type":9,"value":9491,"toc":9547},[9492,9495,9498,9505,9508,9535,9542],[12,9493,9494],{},"Dear Taylor,",[12,9496,9497],{},"On the 1st of October you turned 9 months old and another month has passed us by. We were away in Scotland with your Grandma and Granddad Clarence having far too much fun to stop and write about it at the time.",[12,9499,9500,9504],{},[15,9501],{"alt":9502,"src":9503},"Taylor_mummy_9_months","/images/2015/10/Taylor_mummy_9_months-660x440.jpg","Firstly, I forgot to pack our milestone cards so we have no ‘Today I am 9 Months Old’ pictures. However, we do have pictures I took on the day out to Loch Ness! You probably won’t remember this in years to come but it was possibly the longest day of our trip and we spent most of it in the car. You were so good at travelling for the entire week, Daddy and I were so proud of you and also thankful as it wouldn’t have been as enjoyable with a screaming baby.",[12,9506,9507],{},"As always this month has seen you flourish and learn new skills, from words to waving you’re changing so quickly and we’re loving every minute of it.",[12,9509,9510,9514,9517,9519,9520,9522,9523,9525,9526,9528,9529,9531,9532,9534],{},[15,9511],{"alt":9512,"src":9513},"Taylor_baby_smiley_happy_9_months","/images/2015/10/Taylor_baby_smiley_happy_9_months-660x440.jpg",[39,9515,9516],{},"So this month you –",[914,9518],{},"\n☆ Said Daddy, Da, Dada, Dad… Everything involving ‘D’ and Dad, you even shout Dada at strangers on the tram and at the TV. You’ll no longer entertain the ‘A’ or ‘B’ sounds.",[914,9521],{},"\n☆ Learnt to wave! – It’s so cute, you wave goodnight and even wave at people on TV.",[914,9524],{},"\n☆ Are still wearing 6-9 month clothes. They might be a bit baggy but you’re growing fast.",[914,9527],{},"\n☆ Are eating 3 meals a day but would eat yoghurt for every meal if we let you.",[914,9530],{},"\n☆ Have been sleeping in your own bedroom for almost two months and doing really well at sleeping right through most nights.",[914,9533],{},"\n☆ Visited a beach for the first time and splashed in the water!",[12,9536,9537,9541],{},[15,9538],{"alt":9539,"src":9540},"First_trip_to_the_beach","/images/2015/10/First_trip_to_the_beach-660x440.jpg","September was really fun for us all, especially as we got to spend a whole week with Daddy on our first family trip. I especially loved us having the extra time together as a family, Daddy makes you laugh so much and your laugh is infectious. Every minute and every month is magical with you and we look forward to seeing what the next month brings.",[9543,9544,9546],"h1",{"id":9545},"deartaylor","#DearTaylor",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":9548},[],[262],"/images/2015/10/Taylor_mummy_daddy_9_months.jpg","2015-10-27T07:21:00Z","7441",{},"Taylor at 9 months saying \"Dada\", waving, eating 3 meals daily, and visiting Scotland beach. First family trip to Loch Ness. #DearTaylor milestone.","/milestone-dads-the-word-at-9-months",{"title":9489,"description":9494},"milestone-dads-the-word-at-9-months","tMAXNNgklgNN_7C9KXxnEM8NGL2cdy96Brg0YPBa7s8",{"id":9560,"title":9561,"author":7,"body":9562,"category":9620,"cover":9621,"date":9622,"description":8785,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":9623,"meta":9624,"meta_description":9625,"meta_title":9561,"navigation":269,"path":9626,"seo":9627,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":9628,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":9629},"posts/what-taylor-wore-monsters-inc.md","What Taylor Wore: The Disney on Ice Edition",{"type":9,"value":9563,"toc":9618},[9564,9572,9583,9586,9597,9600,9611,9614],[12,9565,9566,7716,9568,7720,9570],{},[39,9567,7715],{},[39,9569,7719],{},[39,9571,7723],{},[12,9573,9574,7728,9576,7720,9578,9580,9582],{},[39,9575,7715],{},[39,9577,7719],{},[39,9579,7723],{},[914,9581],{},"\nI’m so excited to bring back our weekly What Taylor Wore feature! This week saw us take Taylor to see Disney on Ice at the Manchester arena, so naturally we dressed him for the occasion.",[12,9584,9585],{},"I’m a huge Monsters Inc fan and love Sully, this particular outfit is one I purchased before Taylor was born and it finally fits. He also has matching booties but his feet are too small for them, he still has the tiniest feet.",[12,9587,9588,9592,9596],{},[15,9589],{"alt":9590,"src":9591},"What_Taylor_Wore_Baby_Fashion_Disney_Sully_Monsters_Inc","/images/2015/10/What_Taylor_Wore_Baby_Fashion_Disney_Sully_Monsters_Inc-660x440.jpg",[15,9593],{"alt":9594,"src":9595},"What_Taylor_Wore_Baby_Fashion_Disney_Sully_Monsters_Inc_portrait","/images/2015/10/What_Taylor_Wore_Baby_Fashion_Disney_Sully_Monsters_Inc_portrait.jpg","I particularly love how this has two rows of popper fastenings between the legs giving you two size options allowing for extended wear, the fabric is also super soft and he has a fluffy tummy!",[12,9598,9599],{},"I paired this with some blue skinny jeans for our outing and he attracted the attention of a lot of ladies!",[12,9601,9602,9606,9610],{},[15,9603],{"alt":9604,"src":9605},"What_Taylor_Wore_Baby_Fashion_Disney_Monsters_Inc_blowing_raspberry","/images/2015/10/What_Taylor_Wore_Baby_Fashion_Disney_Monsters_Inc_blowing_raspberry-660x440.jpg",[15,9607],{"alt":9608,"src":9609},"What_Taylor_Wore_Baby_Fashion_Disney_Monsters_Inc_goofy_smile","/images/2015/10/What_Taylor_Wore_Baby_Fashion_Disney_Monsters_Inc_goofy_smile-660x440.jpg","I think I’ll be making the most of this adorable outfit and letting my little monster crawl around the house in it as much as possible before he outgrows it. He had a full body fluffy onesie of Sully when he was smaller but as it was summer he didn’t get much wear out of it which was disappointing, it was adorable.",[12,9612,9613],{},"I may be biased but their is just too much cute going on here!",[9543,9615,9617],{"id":9616},"whattaylorwore","#WhatTaylorWore",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":9619},[],[262],"/images/2015/10/What_Taylor_Wore_Baby_Fashion_Dinsye_Smiling_Monsters_Inc.jpg","2015-10-15T20:47:00Z","7370",{},"#WhatTaylorWore Disney on Ice edition. Adorable Monsters Inc Sully outfit with fluffy tummy and blue jeans for Manchester Arena outing.","/what-taylor-wore-monsters-inc",{"title":9561,"description":8785},"what-taylor-wore-monsters-inc","R93UUyKvNAsSALbrjYC6FpgHRr4AJqs5QtSzWc59_QU",{"id":9631,"title":9632,"author":7,"body":9633,"category":9704,"cover":9705,"date":9706,"description":9494,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":9707,"meta":9708,"meta_description":9709,"meta_title":9632,"navigation":269,"path":9710,"seo":9711,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":9712,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":9713},"posts/milestone-8-months-old-and-moving-out.md","Milestone: 8 months and moving out!",{"type":9,"value":9634,"toc":9702},[9635,9637,9640,9643,9650,9659,9680,9687,9694,9696],[12,9636,9494],{},[12,9638,9639],{},"It’s now the 1st of September you are eight months old. As I write this, I’m clutching onto the baby monitor like my life depends on it as tonight is your first night in your own bedroom.",[12,9641,9642],{},"I usually write these updates whilst you sleep next to me in your Snüzpod. Tonight is the first night in the eight months that I won’t be going to sleep holding onto your tiny hand, and it’s a lot harder than I imagined it would be. You’re only a few meters away in your bedroom but it feels like miles.",[12,9644,9645,9649],{},[15,9646],{"alt":9647,"src":9648},"baby_sleep_happy","/images/2015/09/baby_sleep_happy-660x440.jpg","Daddy and I have put this off for as long as we could. Neither of us have been looking forward to it. If it wasn’t for the fact that you can now hold onto the sides of your Snüzpod to stand up and rock on it like a boat you’d still be there.",[12,9651,9652,9656],{},[15,9653],{"alt":9654,"src":9655},"happy_baby_weaning_pasta","/images/2015/09/happy_baby_weaning_pasta-660x440.jpg",[39,9657,9658],{},"This month you –",[12,9660,9661,9662,9664,9665,9667,9668,9670,9671,9673,9674,9676,9677,9679],{},"☆ Have FOUR teeth, the top right tooth is on it’s way down and the left has just cut. It’s all happening fast!",[914,9663],{},"\n☆ Are still wearing your 3-6 month clothes",[914,9666],{},"\n☆ Have started to really enjoy different foods and are eating a lot more.",[914,9669],{},"\n☆ Moved into your own bedroom… I’m clearly still coming to terms with this one!",[914,9672],{},"\n☆ Visited your cousins in Barford.",[914,9675],{},"\n☆ Said ‘Mama’ albeit whilst crying after waking up in your own room for the first time, we’re not going to put it down as your first word until we hear a repeat. It may have been a fluke!",[914,9678],{},"\n☆ Spent an evening with Granddad babysitting, he loves spending time with you.",[12,9681,9682,9686],{},[15,9683],{"alt":9684,"src":9685},"Baby_8_months_excited_milestone","/images/2015/09/Baby_8_months_excited_milestone-660x440.jpg","Overall August has been a big month for us all! If last months’ commando crawling wasn’t enough, this weekend you decided to casually get onto your knees and show us how it’s really done. You’ve been moving non-stop ever since, almost as though somebody hit the ‘crawl’ switch and away you went. You look adorable on your knees sticking your little bottom up in the air as you go.",[12,9688,9689,9693],{},[15,9690],{"alt":9691,"src":9692},"cute_baby_funky_giraffe_bib","/images/2015/09/cute_baby_funky_giraffe_bib-660x440.jpg","Your personality is really starting to emerge and you’re becoming more independent every day. From the smile upon your face the moment Daddy comes home to the cute way you hold your ears when you’re sleepy. It’s truly amazing to watch. We’re so proud of you and cannot wait to see what the next month has in store for us.",[9543,9695,9546],{"id":9545},[9543,9697,9698],{"id":253},[15,9699],{"alt":9700,"src":9701},"happy_baby_8_month_milestonecard","/images/2015/09/happy_baby_8_month_milestonecard-660x440.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":9703},[],[262],"/images/2015/09/Baby_8_months_smiling_cute.jpg","2015-09-03T11:10:00Z","7166",{},"Taylor at 8 months moving to his own bedroom. Four teeth, proper crawling, and possibly said \"Mama\". Emotional first night apart. #DearTaylor","/milestone-8-months-old-and-moving-out",{"title":9632,"description":9494},"milestone-8-months-old-and-moving-out","BwwGk6jcPDlcpX-qYHJiqYq8o5OjA95XVfrPKR4oT4o",{"id":9715,"title":9716,"author":7,"body":9717,"category":9755,"cover":2893,"date":9756,"description":9721,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":9757,"meta":9758,"meta_description":9759,"meta_title":9760,"navigation":269,"path":9761,"seo":9762,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":9763,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":9764},"posts/tamper-proof-labels.md","A retail security fail!",{"type":9,"value":9718,"toc":9753},[9719,9722,9733,9744,9747,9750],[12,9720,9721],{},"Standing in line for 15 minutes to pay for my new jeans seemed to take forever. Things always seem to take ten times longer when you’re strapped for time like I was. Finally, approaching the till point I was ready to pay before I had to dash for the bus home. That was until the lovely girl at the till noticed the price tag was wrong. In this instance I think they had been applied with the wrong label as it was in tact. However, having five years experience in the retail industry you’d be amazed how often people change price labels in stores. Which is essentially stealing, and the reason stores now use tamper proof labels. Once the correct price was found I dashed off with my new jeans and didn’t think much of it. I planned to wear them the following day. That was until I found the big metal security tag was still attached to them. How I never the store alarm off I’ll never know but they’re so annoying! You can’t remove them by yourself, I tried, they’re like magic.",[12,9723,9724,9725,9732],{},"A recent article from ",[39,9726,9727],{},[330,9728,9731],{"href":9729,"rel":9730},"http://www.freshplaza.com/article/160665/UK-49-procent-of-people-find-tamper-proof-labels-a-nuisance",[334],"Fresh Plaza"," highlights that 49% of people find tamper proof labels annoying when shopping for clothes, food, shoes or general items. Those labels which are a necessity to deter theft and keep items secure actually cause more annoyance to potential customers.",[12,9734,9735,9736,9743],{},"When these safety labels are removed, customers complain that they can cause marks and defects to clothing items. The survey, carried out by ",[39,9737,9738],{},[330,9739,9742],{"href":9740,"rel":9741},"http://www.datalabel.co.uk/",[334],"Data Label",", confirms that almost half of the population would possibly be happier shopping without them but would this affect the safety of products?",[12,9745,9746],{},"Whilst working in retial as student I watched a lady take a price label from one handbag and change it with another, she then proceeded to try and purchase it. Once informed teh price was incorrect she battled it out. “The Customer is always right” she said, “you HAVE to honour the price on the item” she exclaimed. Really? No, you’re not and no we don’t I thought. Some people are ruthless and will try anything to ‘save’ themselves a little.",[12,9748,9749],{},"Following my jeans debacle and my experiences in retail I’m a fan of security tag/labels in all forms as a whole, they’re there for a reason. Although I can see why they annoy people, I never got to wear those jeans when I wanted to and I missed the bus!",[12,9751,9752],{},"Would you rather have a annoying label or risk the economy by people changing price tags?",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":9754},[],[262],"2015-08-25T08:40:00Z","9248",{},"Retail security tags experience. Why tamper-proof labels matter for preventing theft, despite customer frustrations with security tags left on purchases.","Retail Security Tags: Why Tamper-Proof Labels Matter","/tamper-proof-labels",{"title":9716,"description":9721},"tamper-proof-labels","_G15i_US20lv7vAxAVUZQeUj3l413Hf8AoCr2fYYvFQ",{"id":9766,"title":9767,"author":7,"body":9768,"category":9832,"cover":9833,"date":9834,"description":9772,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":9835,"meta":9836,"meta_description":9837,"meta_title":9767,"navigation":269,"path":9838,"seo":9839,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":9840,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":9841},"posts/review-aden-anais-hooded-towel-set.md","Review: Aden + Anais Hooded Towel Set",{"type":9,"value":9769,"toc":9830},[9770,9773,9779,9791,9803,9806,9812,9819,9827],[12,9771,9772],{},"Quite possibly the most nerve wracking experience of having a baby to care for is bath time. The thought of being alone with your baby and a tub full of potentially dangerous water is something I have worried about on several occasions – as if you don’t have enough things to be worried about when becoming a parent!",[12,9774,9775,9778],{},[15,9776],{"alt":8042,"src":9777},"/images/2015/08/aden_and_anais_hooded_towel_set_02.jpg","Since Taylor was born we’ve bathed him on a bath support in shallow water and it’s really not as scary as I’d imagined, it’s actually a rather special time of day. Washing his hair and his tiny toes whilst he splashes in the water is now a fun experience and the older he gets, the more he enjoys it.",[12,9780,9781,9784,9785,9790],{},[15,9782],{"alt":8042,"src":9783},"/images/2015/08/aden_and_anais_hooded_towel_set_08.jpg","One of the things we were told at our antenatal classes was not to buy into products such a towels that are aimed at babies, just buy a normal towel, why waste your money? This didn’t stop me wanting something cute and different for Taylor. I wanted a towel that would be soft and durable, with one of those adorable little hoods – who doesn’t want that? We were very kindly sent the ",[330,9786,9789],{"href":9787,"rel":9788},"http://uk.adenandanais.com/en-gb/productlanding/7943/bath/towel-washcloth-sets/towel+and+washcloth+sets.aspx",[334],"Aden + Anais hooded towel set"," to review for bath time with Taylor, we absolutely love their products!",[12,9792,9793,9796,9797,9802],{},[15,9794],{"alt":8042,"src":9795},"/images/2015/08/aden_and_anais_hooded_towel_set_04.jpg","I initially thought they only sold swaddles and muslins but they have a whole range of products from bath towels to sleeping bags, and this week they launched a range of ",[330,9798,9801],{"href":9799,"rel":9800},"http://uk.adenandanais.com/en-gb/content/layette/clothing.aspx",[334],"muslin clothing",", which is absolutely adorable!",[12,9804,9805],{},"The set we received features the ‘twinkle’ star design, my absolute favourite from their line of prints. It’s gender neutral whilst looking clean and modern. The stars also match his bedroom and who doesn’t love a baby star print? The set is made of soft terry towelling cotton, with a muslin hood and trim. It also comes with a matching muslin wash cloth which is a lovely addition.",[12,9807,9808,9811],{},[15,9809],{"alt":8042,"src":9810},"/images/2015/08/aden_and_anais_hooded_towel_set_09.jpg","The towel is bigger than others I’ve seen so it’s perfect to snuggle him up in after bath time and he loves it as other smaller towels have left him chilly and a little grumpy after bath time. Since becoming more mobile, he now likes to scurry off with the hood on and the towel trailing behind him, it’s rather cute!",[12,9813,9814,9818],{},[15,9815],{"alt":9816,"src":9817},"aden_and_anais_hooded_towel_set_06","/images/2015/08/aden_and_anais_hooded_towel_set_06.jpg","The quality of the set is as you’d expect, a high quality product that is going to last. After heavy use ours is showing no signs of wear and washes perfectly.",[12,9820,9821,9822],{},"The aden + anais hooded towel sets are currently retailing at £29.95 and can be purchased at ",[330,9823,9826],{"href":9824,"rel":9825},"http://uk.adenandanais.com",[334],"uk.adenandanais.com",[12,9828,9829],{},"Let us know what your favourite baby bath time moments are in the comments below! Xx",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":9831},[],[3099,262],"/images/2015/08/aden_and_anais_hooded_towel_cover_.jpg","2015-08-14T11:19:00Z","6443",{},"Aden + Anais hooded towel set review. Soft terry cotton with muslin hood and washcloth in twinkle star design. Perfect for bath time. £29.95.","/review-aden-anais-hooded-towel-set",{"title":9767,"description":9772},"review-aden-anais-hooded-towel-set","350_3_9aVbBrWjh1U4GNZnBe-9MOxOpvImyMMov3c_M",{"id":9843,"title":9844,"author":7,"body":9845,"category":9943,"cover":9944,"date":9945,"description":9849,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":9946,"meta":9947,"meta_description":9948,"meta_title":9844,"navigation":269,"path":9949,"seo":9950,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":9951,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":9952},"posts/milestone-taylors-mobile-at-7-months.md","Milestone: So Taylor’s Mobile at 7 Months",{"type":9,"value":9846,"toc":9941},[9847,9850,9858,9885,9892,9899,9912,9915,9918,9921,9923],[12,9848,9849],{},"Today you are seven months old 01/08/2015 – You’re a lot more mobile than you were last month, you can now commando crawl the length of the room in seconds dragging your legs and pushing yourself forward with such determination, it’s great to watch and you won’t let anything stop you getting to where you want to be.",[12,9851,9852,7360,9856],{},[15,9853],{"alt":9854,"src":9855},"Taylor_7_month_update_01","/images/2015/08/Taylor_7_month_update_01.jpg",[39,9857,9658],{},[12,9859,9860,9861,9863,9864,9866,9867,9869,9870,9872,9873,9875,9876,9878,9879,9881,9882,9884],{},"☆ Weigh 14lb 12oz",[914,9862],{},"\n☆ Still have TWO teeth and I finally have pictures showing them, adorable",[914,9865],{},"\n☆ Still wearing your 3-6 month clothes",[914,9868],{},"\n☆ Tried roast chicken, strawberry, banana, one big chip.",[914,9871],{},"\n☆ Are wearing cloth nappies more and have moved into size 3 disposables",[914,9874],{},"\n☆ Learnt how to make the B sound, Baa A ababababa you don’t stop",[914,9877],{},"\n☆ Make fish faces alongside the B sounds, definitely my favourite so far",[914,9880],{},"\n☆ Love chasing the cats",[914,9883],{},"\n☆ Have a high chair and love shouting whilst hitting the tray!",[12,9886,9887,9891],{},[15,9888],{"alt":9889,"src":9890},"Taylor_7_month_update_05","/images/2015/08/Taylor_7_month_update_05.jpg","Over the last week since you’ve learnt make the B sound we have had a lot of fun watching you pull faces as you shout Ba and Abababa whilst pulling a funny fish face, the expression on your face is hard to describe but I’m keeping the camera close to try and capture it next time.",[12,9893,9894,9898],{},[15,9895],{"alt":9896,"src":9897},"Taylor_7_month_update_07","/images/2015/08/Taylor_7_month_update_07.jpg","You’ve finished swimming lessons until September so we’ve been going to the local pool on Sunday mornings, Daddy swims in the big pool before joining us to play. It’s not as warm or deep as the pool where you have your lessons but it’s keeping you in the routine of swimming each weekend, and you still love to splash.",[12,9900,9901,9905,9907,9908],{},[15,9902],{"alt":9903,"src":9904},"Taylor_7_month_update_02","/images/2015/08/Taylor_7_month_update_02.jpg",[914,9906],{},"\nYou’ve also taken more of an interest in watching things, you sat and watched the animated movie Home from start to finish with Daddy and I, you may have fallen asleep (so did Daddy!) but I was still surprised. ",[15,9909],{"alt":9910,"src":9911},"Taylor_7_month_update_04","/images/2015/08/Taylor_7_month_update_04.jpg",[12,9913,9914],{},"We’ve been on two trips this month, a day trip York with Grandma & Granddad and a night in Barford visiting Aunt Katie, Uncle Stephen and your cousins. You had a great time with Zak & Riley who wouldn’t leave you alone, it was adorable. I think you’ll grow up loving your big cousins!",[12,9916,9917],{},"Love & squishes, Mummy & Daddy Xx",[12,9919,9920],{},"ps: How cute are those little teeth! I’m so glad we finally captured them.",[9543,9922,9546],{"id":9545},[12,9924,9925,9929,9933,9937],{},[15,9926],{"alt":9927,"src":9928},"Taylor_7_month_update_03","/images/2015/08/Taylor_7_month_update_03.jpg",[15,9930],{"alt":9931,"src":9932},"Taylor_7_month_update_08","/images/2015/08/Taylor_7_month_update_08.jpg",[15,9934],{"alt":9935,"src":9936},"Taylor_7_month_update_09","/images/2015/08/Taylor_7_month_update_09.jpg",[15,9938],{"alt":9939,"src":9940},"Taylor_7_month_update_10","/images/2015/08/Taylor_7_month_update_10.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":9942},[],[951,262],"/images/2015/08/Taylor_7_month_update_cover.jpg","2015-08-06T22:00:00Z","6395",{},"Taylor at 7 months old. Commando crawling, two teeth showing, making fish faces, chasing cats, and loving his new high chair. #DearTaylor milestone update.","/milestone-taylors-mobile-at-7-months",{"title":9844,"description":9849},"milestone-taylors-mobile-at-7-months","vWdw840Vit8tytX57iZ7JBn_Rb6UWIXtob65ZBiBiNM",{"id":9954,"title":9955,"author":7,"body":9956,"category":10036,"cover":10037,"date":10038,"description":9960,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":10039,"meta":10040,"meta_description":10041,"meta_title":9955,"navigation":269,"path":10042,"seo":10043,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":10044,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":10045},"posts/milestone-happy-half-a-year-taylor-is-6-months-old.md","Milestone: Happy Half a Year! – Taylor is 6 Months Old",{"type":9,"value":9957,"toc":10034},[9958,9961,9968,9976,10003,10010,10013,10020,10023,10029,10032],[12,9959,9960],{},"Today you are six months old 01/07/2015, halfway through your first year and six months away from your first Birthday, how is that even possible? I say this every month but time really is passing us by so fast, people love to tell parents of newborns to cherish every minute and they’re right.",[12,9962,9963,9967],{},[15,9964],{"alt":9965,"src":9966},"Taylor_six_months_05","/images/2015/07/Taylor_six_months_05.jpg","Watching you flourish into your own little person is truly magical. You’re personality has started to show more over the last month, you’re very cheeky and as always, smiley. Daddy and I can sit blowing raspberries with you and laughing at your for hours.",[12,9969,9970,7360,9974],{},[15,9971],{"alt":9972,"src":9973},"Taylor_six_months_06","/images/2015/07/Taylor_six_months_06.jpg",[39,9975,9658],{},[12,9977,9978,9979,9981,9982,9984,9985,9987,9988,9990,9991,9993,9994,9996,9997,9999,10000,10002],{},"☆ Weigh 14lb",[914,9980],{},"\n☆ Have TWO teeth!",[914,9983],{},"\n☆ Have outgrown some of your 0-3 month clothing and now fit some 3-6 month!",[914,9986],{},"\n☆ After 6 months of being exclusively breastfed we have started weaning",[914,9989],{},"\n☆ Started to wear cloth nappies! Yay us",[914,9992],{},"\n☆ Learnt how to blow raspberries, and won’t stop 😛",[914,9995],{},"\n☆ You have started splashing all the way through your swimming lessons",[914,9998],{},"\n☆ Sitting up better, but prefer to roll and turn on your arms",[914,10001],{},"\n☆ You’re trying really hard to crawl!",[12,10004,10005,10009],{},[15,10006],{"alt":10007,"src":10008},"Taylor_six_months_02","/images/2015/07/Taylor_six_months_02.jpg","We’ve been having lots of fun at our weekly Baby sensory classes and you’ve become so sociable, you love engaging with other babies, even if that means trying to pull their ears off and kiss them.",[12,10011,10012],{},"Swimming has been going great and you really do love making a splash! We’ve finished for summer now so we plan to take you to the local pool ourselves until lessons start again in September.",[12,10014,10015,10019],{},[15,10016],{"alt":10017,"src":10018},"Taylor_six_months_01","/images/2015/07/Taylor_six_months_01.jpg","You’re trying very hard to crawl at the moment, albeit with your head on the carpet, ouch! You’ve also learnt to blow raspberries properly and won’t stop showering us in your dribble, it’s ridiculously cute though so we’ll let you off. You have TWO teeth now, your lower central incisors. My goodness it hurts when you bite down with those peggies!",[12,10021,10022],{},"So far I feel like we’re making the most of our time off together, we’re also trying to do more on Daddy’s days off as a family and it’s lovely, even if it’s just a trip to shops as a family.",[12,10024,10025,10026,10028],{},"I intend to spend the next 6 months doing as much as we can before I return to work full time and you head out on your own big adventures at nursery. It’s both sad and scary just thinking of whats to come so let’s make these 6 months really count!",[914,10027],{},"\nLove & squishes, Mummy & Daddy Xx",[12,10030,10031],{},"ps: How cute do you look in your little Buzz Lightyear onesie!",[9543,10033,9546],{"id":9545},{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":10035},[],[951,262],"/images/2015/07/taylor_6_month_update_cover.jpg","2015-07-22T12:39:00Z","6331",{},"Taylor turns 6 months old. Milestones include two teeth, weaning, cloth nappies, swimming, blowing raspberries, and attempting to crawl. #DearTaylor","/milestone-happy-half-a-year-taylor-is-6-months-old",{"title":9955,"description":9960},"milestone-happy-half-a-year-taylor-is-6-months-old","ZDtGodMOEN3xOJj-lr26CQPVJaoIzrMAQNRYQxCJkrU",{"id":10047,"title":10048,"author":7,"body":10049,"category":10131,"cover":10132,"date":10133,"description":10053,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":10134,"meta":10135,"meta_description":10136,"meta_title":10048,"navigation":269,"path":10137,"seo":10138,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":10139,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":10140},"posts/preparing-to-wean-with-vital-baby-top-tips.md","Preparing to Wean With Vital Baby  + Top Tips!",{"type":9,"value":10050,"toc":10129},[10051,10054,10060,10063,10070,10077,10084,10087,10096,10102,10105,10108,10111,10114,10117,10126],[12,10052,10053],{},"As Taylor approached the six month mark I knew we needed to start preparing for the big W, WEANING! As a first time mum I really was clueless and unlike other mums I know, our HV hasn’t contacted us at all about weaning, thankfully the team at Vital Baby did and wanted to help guide us.",[12,10055,10056],{},[15,10057],{"alt":10058,"src":10059},"Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_07","/images/2015/07/Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_07.jpg",[12,10061,10062],{},"I read a lot about my two main choices, puree and baby-led, before Taylor was born our lovely friends gifted us with a food processor and the very popular Annabel Karmel book as a Christmas present, seriously the most thoughtful and useful baby gift!",[12,10064,10065,10069],{},[15,10066],{"alt":10067,"src":10068},"Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_09","/images/2015/07/Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_09.jpg","I knew that I also wanted to try baby-led so decided I would do a combination of both, spoon feeding, whilst still giving Taylor the opportunity to get his hands dirty and try some soft but still solid foods on his own. It’s all about discovery!",[12,10071,10072,10076],{},[15,10073],{"alt":10074,"src":10075},"Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_03","/images/2015/07/Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_03.jpg","We have tried a few foods and I will admit the soft foods and puree have my favourites so far, every time I try something more solid I am terrified he might choke! He’s been fine so far but I am most certainly a paranoid first time mum, although I’ve taken on board the advise we received and have become a little more adventurous.",[12,10078,10079,10083],{},[15,10080],{"alt":10081,"src":10082},"Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_06","/images/2015/07/Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_06.jpg","We recently took part in live chat with Vital Baby’s in-house Weaning Expert and found that we could give T dairy!",[12,10085,10086],{},"I was under the impressions that dairy + cows milk were a no no until 1 year+, I didn’t realise this only applies as a replacement for their main feed/drink of breastmilk or formula. They can have dairy in food from 6 months, so that was it, hello yoghurt! (He loved it!)",[12,10088,10089,10093,10095],{},[15,10090],{"alt":10091,"src":10092},"Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_05","/images/2015/07/Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_05.jpg",[914,10094],{},"\nVital Baby’s in-house Weaning Expert Dr Rana Conway has also shared these other weaning top tips with us.",[12,10097,10098],{},[15,10099],{"alt":10100,"src":10101},"Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_08","/images/2015/07/Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_08.jpg",[12,10103,10104],{},"♥ Offer your baby a wide range of foods so she gets used to different flavours and textures. Babies naturally like sweet foods to start with, but offer slightly bitter foods too such as spinach, broccoli and green beans. Don’t be surprised ifthese are rejected at first. Every time you try, the chances of success increase.",[12,10106,10107],{},"♥ Let your baby set the pace. ‘Responsive feeding’ is key, so if your baby shows signs that he’s had enough don’t keep trying for one more spoonful. Teething and colds can put a baby off their food and pressure to eat will just cause food battles.",[12,10109,10110],{},"♥ Don’t give too much milk, as this is one of the main reasons for babies not taking to solids. Babies under 12 months need 3-4 breast feeds or 500-600ml of formula a day and giving more than this can make them too full for meals.",[12,10112,10113],{},"♥ Give your baby plenty of opportunities to handle food. Whether you’re starting with spoon-feeding or baby-led weaning, give some finger foods every day. Steamed vegetables such as carrot sticks or pieces of broccoli and soft fruit like bananas and pears are ideal.",[12,10115,10116],{},"♥ Make meal times enjoyable by sitting and eating together whenever possible. If you relax and take your time it will help your baby develop a healthy relationship with food.",[12,10118,10119,10123,10125],{},[15,10120],{"alt":10121,"src":10122},"Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_11","/images/2015/07/Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_11.jpg",[914,10124],{},"\nI hope you might find the above tips as useful on your weaning journey as I have, check back soon to see how we’ve been getting on an see what foods we’ve been enjoying.",[12,10127,10128],{},"If you’re about to embark on your own weaning journey or have done it all before I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":10130},[],[951,262],"/images/2015/07/Taylor_weaning_vital_baby_cover.jpg","2015-07-20T07:30:00Z","6305",{},"Preparing to wean with Vital Baby expert tips. First-time mum guide to baby-led weaning, purées, and introducing solid foods at 6 months.","/preparing-to-wean-with-vital-baby-top-tips",{"title":10048,"description":10053},"preparing-to-wean-with-vital-baby-top-tips","S89iFrqAyIM1NdWdSYYs2gHNnOd3Qj7aWtRXPWcA3CE",{"id":10142,"title":10143,"author":7,"body":10144,"category":10291,"cover":10292,"date":10293,"description":10148,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":10294,"meta":10295,"meta_description":10296,"meta_title":10297,"navigation":269,"path":10298,"seo":10299,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":10300,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":10301},"posts/super-tasty-choc-chip-cookies.md","Super Tasty Choc Chip Cookies",{"type":9,"value":10145,"toc":10289},[10146,10149,10152,10155,10158,10163,10166,10169,10172,10175,10178,10181,10184,10188,10191,10194,10197,10202,10205,10208,10213,10218,10221,10226,10231,10234,10239,10242,10247,10267],[12,10147,10148],{},"This week has seen me getting back into my baking groove, whilst Taylor’s had ten minutes going crazy in his Jumperoo I’ve been throwing together batches of these super tasty cookies. They’re similar to Millies or Subway cookies so they’re very sweet and they take minutes to make, totally mum-proof. Also great to get toddlers and older children involved in making!",[12,10150,10151],{},"A few of you have asked for the recipe so here it is, the initial recipe I tried contained ½ a tsp of salt taking the edge off the sweetness but I prefer them without it.",[12,10153,10154],{},"This can be done in a mixer or by hand, it’s not a stiff dough so it’s easy to do with either.",[12,10156,10157],{},"I’ve bobbed all my ingredients into the mixer to make it quicker, don’t forget theirs a baby jumping in his jumperoo whilst this is happening 😉 – I wouldn’t advise the mixer if you have children helping, plus that takes out all the fun of mixing yourself!",[12,10159,10160],{},[39,10161,10162],{},"You will need –",[12,10164,10165],{},"♥ – 125g butter, softened",[12,10167,10168],{},"♥ – 100g light brown soft sugar",[12,10170,10171],{},"♥ – 125g caster sugar",[12,10173,10174],{},"♥ – 1 egg, lightly beaten",[12,10176,10177],{},"♥ – 1 tsp vanilla extract",[12,10179,10180],{},"♥ – 225g self-raising flour",[12,10182,10183],{},"♥ – 200g chocolate chips",[12,10185,10186],{},[39,10187,9174],{},[12,10189,10190],{},"♥ – Pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees/gas mark 4",[12,10192,10193],{},"♥ – Cream your butter (125g) along with the caster (125g) and brown sugar (100g)",[12,10195,10196],{},"♥ – Add the beaten egg (1 egg) and vanilla extract (1tsp). Mix well.",[12,10198,10199],{},[241,10200,10201],{},"At this point you’ll have a rather runny sweet mixture.",[12,10203,10204],{},"♥ – Sift in the flour (225g self raising) – Make sure it’s self raising otherwise your cookies won’t spread and will be tiny!",[12,10206,10207],{},"♥ – Add those all important chocolate chips (200g), yum!",[12,10209,10210],{},[241,10211,10212],{},"Now your mix should look like a soft slightly sticky cookie dough",[12,10214,10215],{},[241,10216,10217],{},"Take your mix onto a clean flat surface",[12,10219,10220],{},"♥ – Gather the dough into a ball then roll in out into a long thick sausage, evenly slice your dough into separate pieces.",[12,10222,10223],{},[241,10224,10225],{},"This mix should give you between 12 and 15 good size pieces around the size of a walnut.",[12,10227,10228],{},[241,10229,10230],{},"I cook these cookies in batches of 5 one tray at a time.",[12,10232,10233],{},"♥ – Line a large tray with grease proof paper and space out 5 of your dough pieces (in the same pattern you find on a die to prevent them touching on your tray),",[12,10235,10236],{},[241,10237,10238],{},"I like to roll them into balls before popping them onto my tray, then press them down lightly. Your dough pieces may not seem very big but these will disperse in the oven.",[12,10240,10241],{},"♥ – Cook your cookies for around 7 minutes at 180 degrees/gas mark 4, take a look at them depending on your oven if you think they look ready take them out otherwise give them another minute or two!",[12,10243,10244],{},[241,10245,10246],{},"Leave them on the tray for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Don’t forget to scoff one whilst still hot 😉",[12,10248,10249,10250,10255,10256,10255,10261,10266],{},"If you give these a go share your results with us via ",[330,10251,10254],{"href":10252,"rel":10253},"https://twitter.com/leelee_loves",[334],"twitter",", ",[330,10257,10260],{"href":10258,"rel":10259},"https://instagram.com/leeleeloves/",[334],"instagram",[330,10262,10265],{"href":10263,"rel":10264},"https://www.facebook.com/LeeLeeLoves89",[334],"facebook"," or in the comments below!",[12,10268,10269,10273,10277,10281,10285],{},[15,10270],{"alt":10271,"src":10272},"baking_cookies_05","/images/2015/06/baking_cookies_05.jpg",[15,10274],{"alt":10275,"src":10276},"baking_cookies_04","/images/2015/06/baking_cookies_04.jpg",[15,10278],{"alt":10279,"src":10280},"baking_cookies_03","/images/2015/06/baking_cookies_03.jpg",[15,10282],{"alt":10283,"src":10284},"baking_cookies_06","/images/2015/06/baking_cookies_06.jpg",[15,10286],{"alt":10287,"src":10288},"baking_cookies_07","/images/2015/06/baking_cookies_07.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":10290},[],[262],"/images/2015/06/baking_cookies_cover.jpg","2015-06-16T09:06:00Z","6143",{},"Easy chocolate chip cookie recipe. Quick homemade treats similar to Millies cookies, perfect for busy mums and great for baking with children.","Super Tasty Choc Chip Cookies Recipe - Easy Homemade Treats","/super-tasty-choc-chip-cookies",{"title":10143,"description":10148},"super-tasty-choc-chip-cookies","c296rNWFDaDWBr2DdYItxrLq0fbueTijrYILOZV_Mnc",{"id":10303,"title":10304,"author":7,"body":10305,"category":10338,"cover":10339,"date":10340,"description":10341,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":10342,"meta":10343,"meta_description":10344,"meta_title":10304,"navigation":269,"path":10345,"seo":10346,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":10347,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":10348},"posts/baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-5.md","Baby Style: What Taylor Wore #5",{"type":9,"value":10306,"toc":10336},[10307,10315,10328,10331,10334],[12,10308,10309,10310,621],{},"This weeks outfit fast became a firm favourite, Taylor recently moved into his 3-6 month clothing and I absolutely love these Dungarees from ",[330,10311,10314],{"href":10312,"rel":10313},"http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Kids+Clothing/429,default,sc.html",[334],"House of Fraser",[12,10316,10317,10321,10322,10327],{},[15,10318],{"alt":10319,"src":10320},"What_Taylor_Wore_June__1_02","/images/2015/06/What_Taylor_Wore_June__1_021.jpg","These dunagress are from a brand named ",[330,10323,10326],{"href":10324,"rel":10325},"http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Rockabye+Baby+Babies+Diagonal+Stripe+Dungerees/221387825,default,pd.html",[334],"Rockabye Baby"," and retails at £29, they’re really cute and stylish and when they’re not in the wash he’s been wearing them. They have a very cute black and white striped pocked on the side and the brand name on the back. With poppers to the shoulders and and between the legs making them easy to put on and remove.",[12,10329,10330],{},"The material is a very soft cotton with a nice loose fit so they’ve been perfect for movement, Taylor has been non-stop rolling the last few weeks. I also love that his feet are out and the material is perfect for summer.",[12,10332,10333],{},"He’s wore them for play dates, baby sensory, walks in the baby carrier and rolling around the house, after numerous washes and wear they look as good as new, I just wish he wasn’t going to outgrow them eventually!",[9543,10335,9617],{"id":9616},{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":10337},[],[262],"/images/2015/06/What_Taylor_Wore_June__1_cover.jpg","2015-06-11T10:17:00Z","This weeks outfit fast became a firm favourite, Taylor recently moved into his 3-6 month clothing and I absolutely love these Dungarees from House of Fraser.","6118",{},"Baby style #WhatTaylorWore issue 5. Rockabye Baby diagonal stripe dungarees from House of Fraser. Soft cotton, perfect for summer movement.","/baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-5",{"title":10304,"description":10341},"baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-5","RJAyEmgkA5-wuJ87M5Vg6k__zSUUUvjwaeFY8kGOAiM",{"id":10350,"title":10351,"author":7,"body":10352,"category":10409,"cover":10410,"date":10411,"description":10356,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":10412,"meta":10413,"meta_description":10414,"meta_title":10351,"navigation":269,"path":10415,"seo":10416,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":10417,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":10418},"posts/tales-of-teething-taylor-cuts-a-tooth.md","Tales of Teething: Taylor Cuts a Tooth!",{"type":9,"value":10353,"toc":10407},[10354,10357,10360,10367,10370,10379,10382,10388,10391,10394,10397,10401],[12,10355,10356],{},"This week saw Taylor cut his first tooth, after months of dribble and flushed cheeks his left central incisor has completely cut through the gum!",[12,10358,10359],{},"I’ve tried on numerous occasions to get a picture of it coming through but it’s really not happening, every time I try he chews or sucks my hand instead.",[12,10361,10362,10366],{},[15,10363],{"alt":10364,"src":10365},"first_tooth_milestone_02","/images/2015/06/first_tooth_milestone_02.jpg","If Taylor could speak and give a speech in regards to this particular milestone I think he would like to say thanks to his best friend Sophie! She hasn’t left his side and has helped him through this difficult time, even when he has literally tried to bite her head off on numerous occasions, she’s still been there for him.",[12,10368,10369],{},"Oh Sophie, you’re the best friend a teething child could ask for!",[12,10371,10372,10376,10378],{},[15,10373],{"alt":10374,"src":10375},"first_tooth_milestone_04","/images/2015/06/first_tooth_milestone_04.jpg",[914,10377],{},"\nI’m not sure when most people count it as getting a a first tooth, from cutting through or being completely up and on show? Do let me know. Either way It’s there and it’s blooming sharp! Granddad learnt this the hard way on Thursday, he also told me they usually come in twos and now (Sunday) his right central incisor is half through.",[12,10380,10381],{},"I can’t believe my tiny 5 month old will soon have two pearly whites, he’s still a tiny newborn in my eyes.",[12,10383,10384],{},[15,10385],{"alt":10386,"src":10387},"first_tooth_milestone_05","/images/2015/06/first_tooth_milestone_05.jpg",[12,10389,10390],{},"From around 3 weeks old T has had his top left lateral incisor laying in wait so I really thought, although unconventional to the natural order, that this would come through first.",[12,10392,10393],{},"Overall he’s handled teething really well so far, we’ve had the odd night requiring Calpol and some use of teething gel but he’s not letting it get him down.",[12,10395,10396],{},"We’re looking forward to many toothy grins once these bottom teeth completely sprout up.",[9543,10398,10400],{"id":10399},"talesofteething","#TalesofTeething",[9543,10402,10403],{"id":253},[15,10404],{"alt":10405,"src":10406},"first_tooth_milestone","/images/2015/06/first_tooth_milestone.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":10408},[],[951,262],"/images/2015/06/first_tooth_milestone_cover.jpg","2015-06-09T06:57:00Z","6064",{},"Taylor cuts his first tooth at 5 months old. Tales of teething with dribble, flushed cheeks, and Sophie the Giraffe. Parenting milestone memories.","/tales-of-teething-taylor-cuts-a-tooth",{"title":10351,"description":10356},"tales-of-teething-taylor-cuts-a-tooth","bAVGKXjbkXm0z3nVrSkz0rcj624PNgYmZsIiNFk8rlw",{"id":10420,"title":10421,"author":7,"body":10422,"category":10471,"cover":10472,"date":10473,"description":10426,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":10474,"meta":10475,"meta_description":10476,"meta_title":10477,"navigation":269,"path":10478,"seo":10479,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":10480,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":10481},"posts/baby-sensory-classes-family-update-june-2015.md","Our Week in Pictures : #3",{"type":9,"value":10423,"toc":10469},[10424,10427,10443,10449,10452,10459,10462,10465],[12,10425,10426],{},"This week we attended our first Baby Sensory class, Tails absolutely loved it. It was like a challenge to see how many rattles, bells and balls he could try to eat within an hour. I’m still getting the hang off the songs but it really was a sensory delight for the little man. He slept so well on the way home!",[12,10428,10429,10433,10435,10436,10440,10442],{},[15,10430],{"alt":10431,"src":10432},"Our_Week_08_06_15_04","/images/2015/06/Our_Week_08_06_15_04.jpg",[914,10434],{},"\nWe started our week with the heart breaking news that Taylor’s nanny Mags, the lovely lady who made my Dad happy again had passed away. I will write more about Taylor and his amazing nanny Mags, she was a truly lovely lady and we can’t believe she is gone. Here’s a picture of Maggie and Taylor the day he was born, she absolutely adored him and I’m so thankful for that. ",[15,10437],{"alt":10438,"src":10439},"IMG_0767 2-2","/images/2015/06/IMG_0767-2-2.jpg",[914,10441],{},"\nAfter a recent family walk that saw us struggling to get the pram around a reservoir we decided to invest in a sturdy baby carrier, we purchase the Stokke My Carrier Cool and headed out for a little family picnic in the sunshine. Taylor loved it! He’s always been rather clingy and he really liked the closeness, he fell asleep half way around our walk. I think I’ll be hoovering and doing dishes with this!",[12,10444,10445],{},[15,10446],{"alt":10447,"src":10448},"Our_Week_08_06_15_03","/images/2015/06/Our_Week_08_06_15_03.jpg",[12,10450,10451],{},"Although Tails is still rather small this weekend saw us packing away the carrycot to his Urbo2, he’s spent the last week rolling over in it, pulling himself up and trying to sit in it. He’s still a bit dinky in the seat but seems a lot happier being able to sit up and look around. Our boy is growing up so quickly!",[12,10453,10454,10458],{},[15,10455],{"alt":10456,"src":10457},"Our_Week_08_06_15_06","/images/2015/06/Our_Week_08_06_15_06.png","This week also saw me host my first Medela Mum Breastfeeding Café, I was worried nobody would come but two lovely ladies did. I learnt some great new tips, enjoyed a hot drink and cake whilst making two new mummy friends with our little ones. What’s not to love? I can’t wait to arrange our next meet.",[12,10460,10461],{},"It’s been a busy week filled with new activities, we also had our usual swimming lesson Saturday and Taylor cut his first tooth, I’ve saved that milestones for a post of its own, my tiny baby has teeth! We were also thrilled to find out we’re finalists in The MAD Blog Awards and my cousins had her beautiful baby girl Evie Hope on Friday, a very full week of mixed emotions!",[12,10463,10464],{},"Let’s hope the week ahead starts off better making more happy memories.",[9543,10466,10468],{"id":10467},"tailsoftheweek","#TailsOfTheWeek",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":10470},[],[262],"/images/2015/06/Our_Week_In-Pictures_cover_03.jpg","2015-06-08T08:22:00Z","6091",{},"Baby sensory class experience and family updates. First tooth milestone, new baby carrier adventures, breastfeeding café, and precious family moments.","Baby Sensory Classes, First Tooth & Family Updates","/baby-sensory-classes-family-update-june-2015",{"title":10421,"description":10426},"baby-sensory-classes-family-update-june-2015","knsqjJbdlM1QieoGm78JpAidmu18BBMYPh-JSvsbTAs",{"id":10483,"title":10484,"author":7,"body":10485,"category":10520,"cover":10521,"date":10522,"description":10489,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":10523,"meta":10524,"meta_description":10525,"meta_title":10484,"navigation":269,"path":10526,"seo":10527,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":10528,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":10529},"posts/baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-4.md","Baby Style: What Taylor Wore #4",{"type":9,"value":10486,"toc":10518},[10487,10490,10502,10516],[12,10488,10489],{},"This weeks outfit is another mini club favourite, I can’t resist picking up a cheeky little outfit every time we pop into boots for something, and anyone with a baby will know you can find yourself popping into boots quite often!",[12,10491,10492,10496,10497,4760],{},[15,10493],{"alt":10494,"src":10495},"What_Taylor_Wore_June_1","/images/2015/06/What_Taylor_Wore_June_1.jpg","This cute little romper was £12 by mini club, however as I have mentioned previously if you catch the sales you may grab a bargain. They often have 25% off in store and if you have a boots card you often get an additional 25% off meaning you can combine them and scoop a 50% saving. ",[330,10498,10501],{"href":10499,"rel":10500},"http://www.boots.com/en/Kids-Clothing-Mini-Club/Baby-Clothing/",[334],"We love mini club",[12,10503,10504,10505,10510,10511,621],{},"This particular romper looks really cute on T and he loves being able to access his feet. We’ve teamed this up with my favourite dribble bib from ",[330,10506,10509],{"href":10507,"rel":10508},"https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ShopIndigoRocket",[334],"Indigo Rocket"," on etsy, this came in a set of 3 which cost £15 or can be ",[330,10512,10515],{"href":10513,"rel":10514},"https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/217582546/raindrop-dribble-bib-bandana-baby-bib?ref=shop_home_active_9",[334],"purchased alone for £5",[9543,10517,9617],{"id":9616},{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":10519},[],[262],"/images/2015/06/What_Taylor_Wore_June_1_cover.jpg","2015-06-05T07:00:00Z","6050",{},"Baby style #WhatTaylorWore issue 4. Mini Club romper from Boots paired with Indigo Rocket raindrop dribble bib from Etsy. Budget-friendly style.","/baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-4",{"title":10484,"description":10489},"baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-4","TahJbgIl1kmjmZ9JCIoxetsiRkvUa-Y6S9Q1HW2LkJM",{"id":10531,"title":10532,"author":7,"body":10533,"category":10581,"cover":10582,"date":10583,"description":10537,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":10584,"meta":10585,"meta_description":10586,"meta_title":10532,"navigation":269,"path":10587,"seo":10588,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":10589,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":10590},"posts/baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-3.md","Baby Style: What Taylor Wore #3",{"type":9,"value":10534,"toc":10579},[10535,10538,10549,10552,10565,10568,10577],[12,10536,10537],{},"Taylor has grown so much recently that I’m beginning to think he’ll have outgrown many of his 0-3 month outfits before we get the chance to share them! Here are two of our favourite outfits from this week.",[12,10539,10540,10545,10546,4760],{},[15,10541],{"alt":10542,"src":10543,"title":10544},"baby_fashion_may","/images/2015/05/What_Taylor_Wore_May_2.jpg","baby fashion","This outfit came as a complete set retailing at approximately £12 from mini club in Boots, however if you catch the sales you may grab a bargain as I snapped this up for £4! It’s one of my favourite outfits he has and it was so cheap, mini club is great value and has some of my favourite baby fashion pieces. They often have 25% off in store and if you have a boots card you often get an additional 25% off meaning you can combine them and scoop a 50% saving. ",[330,10547,10501],{"href":10499,"rel":10548},[334],[12,10550,10551],{},"The outfit is really soft and the panda on the front is adorable, although T spends a lot of his time in this outfit looking down whilst trying to chomp on those little panda ears.",[12,10553,10554,10558,10559,10564],{},[15,10555],{"alt":10556,"src":10557,"title":10544},"baby fashion may 2","/images/2015/05/What_Taylor_Wore_May_1.jpg","This little number comprises of two fantastic new brands we’ve found recently and will be adding to our list of favourites! T’s dribble bib is a ",[330,10560,10563],{"href":10561,"rel":10562},"http://www.mamascarf.co.uk/products/mamadesign-products/dribble-bib/",[334],"Snoodie from Mama Designs",", these retail at £6.95, we purchased a triple pack for £15 giving us a saving. I really love these as they seem to absorb more than a triangular dribble bib and should be on every baby fashion list.",[12,10566,10567],{},"His T-Shirt is from George at ASDA was a gift from his aunt, the front says ‘ Newest leaf on the family tree’ it’s really soft and comfortable with its cute slogan.",[12,10569,10570,10571,10576],{},"T is also sporting his new ",[330,10572,10575],{"href":10573,"rel":10574},"https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FredandNoah",[334],"Fred&Noah fox print leggings",", these were £12 and are so adorable and really stretchy, the material has a 4 way stretch making them perfect for cloth bums too.",[9543,10578,9617],{"id":9616},{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":10580},[],[262],"/images/2015/05/What_Taylor_Wore_May_cover.jpg","2015-05-28T07:33:00Z","6039",{},"Baby style #WhatTaylorWore issue 3. Mini Club panda outfit from Boots, Mama Designs Snoodie dribble bib, and Fred&Noah fox print leggings.","/baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-3",{"title":10532,"description":10537},"baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-3","ZvelZ9b9Egs0Ck2MHzaZImPIIMTwc1dQ0zdnZWMcWyw",{"id":10592,"title":10593,"author":7,"body":10594,"category":10653,"cover":10654,"date":10655,"description":10598,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":10656,"meta":10657,"meta_description":10658,"meta_title":10593,"navigation":269,"path":10659,"seo":10660,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":10661,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":10662},"posts/baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-2.md","Baby Style: What Taylor Wore #2",{"type":9,"value":10595,"toc":10651},[10596,10599,10606,10609,10621,10629,10636,10643,10646,10649],[12,10597,10598],{},"This week Taylor has worn some really cute little outfits, who doesn’t love a baby covered in cookie monsters? He’s starting to look so grown up and probably has more clothing than me! Here’s a few of the outfits Taylor wore this week –",[12,10600,10601,10605],{},[15,10602],{"alt":10603,"src":10604},"What_Taylor_Wore_April_2_02","/images/2015/05/What_Taylor_Wore_April_2_02.jpg","This week Taylor wore this Cookie Monster outfit complete with matching booties, which lasted all of 2 minutes before they were being put into his mouth!",[12,10607,10608],{},"I absolutely adore this outfit, the bottoms are really cute and soft whilst the body suit says ‘Feed Me’ If you know Taylor you’ll know he’s always being fed.",[12,10610,10611,10615,10616,10620],{},[15,10612],{"alt":10613,"src":10614},"What_Taylor_Wore_April_2_03","/images/2015/05/What_Taylor_Wore_April_2_03.jpg","These Raccoon print dungarees by Pumpkin Patch and rainbow stripe knit by Kite were featured in our ",[330,10617,10619],{"href":10618},"/house-of-fraser-childrenswear","House of Fraser "," post and now finally fit, I didn’t think we’d be waiting over 3 more months before he’d be able to wear them.",[12,10622,10623,10628],{},[330,10624,10627],{"href":10625,"rel":10626},"http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Pumpkin+Patch/BRAND_PUMPKIN%20PATCH,default,sc.html?fromBrand=Pumpkin%20Patch",[334],"Pumpkin Patch Raccoon Dungarees £9.99 in sale RRP £22"," – These dungarees are really soft and look cute whilst giving him plenty of room movement",[12,10630,10631,10635],{},[330,10632,10634],{"href":10625,"rel":10633},[334],"Kite stripy cardigan £9.99 in sale RRP £25"," – The rainbow stripe knit by Kite is a really nice soft material with cute little elbow patches, it’s nice and bright for spring/summer whilst being warm for those cooler days.",[12,10637,10638,10642],{},[15,10639],{"alt":10640,"src":10641},"What_Taylor_Wore_April_2_01","/images/2015/05/What_Taylor_Wore_April_2_01.jpg","Taylor’s Batman dressing gown has to be one of my favourites from his wardrobe, I love putting this on him after bath time or lounging around the house in the mornings. It’s so soft and snuggly.",[12,10644,10645],{},"We’re big DC & Marvel fans in our house and love Batman. I don’t know how much this retailed for as I purchased it on ebay before T was born, but I do wish we had it in every size!",[12,10647,10648],{},"Have you ever purchased a favourite item in more than one size for your little ones?",[9543,10650,9617],{"id":9616},{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":10652},[],[262],"/images/2015/05/What_Taylor_Wore_2_cover.jpg","2015-05-14T07:39:00Z","5945",{},"Baby style feature #WhatTaylorWore issue 2. Cookie Monster outfit, Pumpkin Patch raccoon dungarees, Kite rainbow cardigan, and Batman dressing gown.","/baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-2",{"title":10593,"description":10598},"baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-2","upHWvlX6jd5BBac7zrgDQzyaWMybEgHG8Vzm-r4rdks",{"id":10664,"title":10665,"author":7,"body":10666,"category":10709,"cover":10710,"date":10711,"description":10670,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":10712,"meta":10713,"meta_description":10714,"meta_title":10715,"navigation":269,"path":10716,"seo":10717,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":10718,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":10719},"posts/baby-swimming-lessons-date-night-may-2015.md","Our Week in Pictures: #2",{"type":9,"value":10667,"toc":10707},[10668,10671,10678,10685,10692,10699,10702,10705],[12,10669,10670],{},"On Tuesday we went to have Taylor weighed, he’s now 11lb 4oz, our tiny prince is starting to fill out. Just look at those chunky legs!",[12,10672,10673,10677],{},[15,10674],{"alt":10675,"src":10676},"Our_Week_01_05_15_02","/images/2015/05/Our_Week_01_05_15_02.jpg","I snapped this picture Taylor playing in his cot one afternoon, I’d left him there to go tidy the house a little. He seemed to enjoy himself and didn’t fuss at all, but we’re definitely not ready for him to move into his own bedroom just yet!",[12,10679,10680,10684],{},[15,10681],{"alt":10682,"src":10683},"Our_Week_01_05_15_03","/images/2015/05/Our_Week_01_05_15_03.jpg","This week I left Taylor for the first time, he spent two hours with his Grandma on Thursday. I don’t think he even missed me! Look at that smile.",[12,10686,10687,10691],{},[15,10688],{"alt":10689,"src":10690},"Our_Week_01_05_15_04","/images/2015/05/Our_Week_01_05_15_04.jpg","On Saturday Taylor started swimming lessons with Daddy, we were worried he might scream the place down but he loved it. He didn’t make a peep and was so relaxed. I really enjoyed watching them both having fun together. A brilliant bonding experience for Daddy.",[12,10693,10694,10698],{},[15,10695],{"alt":10696,"src":10697},"Our_Week_01_05_15_05","/images/2015/05/Our_Week_01_05_15_05.jpg","Following the success of leaving Taylor with Grandma on Thursday we were leading up to our first date night since he was born, I hadn’t been out since early December.",[12,10700,10701],{},"Phillip and I went out for a meal and to see the new Avengers film whilst the Grandparents baby sat, I couldn’t help but phone them to see how he was, it felt very strange to be without him for so long but it went well, I’ll share my experiences of leaving baby T for the first time in another post.",[12,10703,10704],{},"Overall we’ve had a fairly busy week which is unusual for us but hopefully the start of mummy and daddy being able to have the odd evening out as well as more day time activities with T now that I’ve been signing him up to various baby classes. That can only mean many more Tails of The Week to share with you!",[9543,10706,10468],{"id":10467},{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":10708},[],[262],"/images/2015/05/Our_Week_In-Pictures_cover_02.jpg","2015-05-05T08:17:00Z","5921",{},"On Tuesday we went to have Taylor weighed, had a date night and went swimming! It’s all happening.","Family Life: Swimming Lessons, Date Night & Baby Milestones","/baby-swimming-lessons-date-night-may-2015",{"title":10665,"description":10670},"baby-swimming-lessons-date-night-may-2015","R5-4PtyraZkT5kWQFQlADf_pofUzRuqlSdD0vy294M0",{"id":10721,"title":10722,"author":7,"body":10723,"category":10787,"cover":10788,"date":10789,"description":10727,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":10790,"meta":10791,"meta_description":10792,"meta_title":10722,"navigation":269,"path":10793,"seo":10794,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":10795,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":10796},"posts/milestone-on-a-roll-taylor-is-4-months-old.md","Milestone: We’re on a Roll – Taylor Turns 4 Months",{"type":9,"value":10724,"toc":10785},[10725,10728,10731,10735,10756,10763,10766,10769,10772,10775,10778,10781,10783],[12,10726,10727],{},"Today you are four months old 01/05/2015, where has the time gone? It feels like only yesterday we said our first hello and already you have grown from a tiny fragile newborn into this bright bubbly little boy.",[12,10729,10730],{},"That’s not to say you don’t have your grumpy moments, boy can you scream, you also appear to have discovered a new emotion, anger. If Craven-Mum doesn’t feed you instantly you sure let me know about it.",[12,10732,10733],{},[39,10734,9658],{},[12,10736,10737,10738,10740,10741,10743,10744,10746,10747,10749,10750,10752,10753,10755],{},"☆ Weigh 11lb 4oz and",[914,10739],{},"\n☆ Are still wearing your 0-3 month clothing",[914,10742],{},"\n☆ Started rolling over on Easter Sunday!",[914,10745],{},"\n☆ Love kicking your legs, you must burn more calories than you consume",[914,10748],{},"\n☆ Have been making us laugh with your shouting and endless smiles",[914,10751],{},"\n☆ Enjoy being sat up, although can’t support yourself just yet",[914,10754],{},"\n☆ Love making bubbles and gurgling your spit. It’s very cute but also very messy!",[12,10757,10758,10762],{},[15,10759],{"alt":10760,"src":10761},"Taylor_4_month_milestone_01","/images/2015/05/Taylor_4_month_milestone_01.jpg","Today is also National Batman day so naturally you wore your Batman robe for this months picture! You also enjoy chewing the milestone cards!",[12,10764,10765],{},"You would rather suck your thumb than take a dummy, everything goes in your mouth!",[12,10767,10768],{},"You’ve developed a funny little shiver you do when being changed, and it makes me laugh every time! You’re personality is becoming stronger with each passing day.",[12,10770,10771],{},"You always smile when Daddy comes home from work and enjoy sitting with him the evenings, he’ll have you writing code in no time.",[12,10773,10774],{},"Until now the longest I’d been apart from you was 10 minutes while I showered, and you were in the next room with Daddy. This week I continued my driving lessons which meant leaving you for two whole hours with Grandma. Of course you were fine, I came back to find you snoozing after having lots of fun with Grandma but I still worried.",[12,10776,10777],{},"Tomorrow you start swimming lessons with Daddy, I’ve never been a strong swimmer so I think it’s important that you start at a young age. I really hope you enjoy spending the extra time with Daddy and have fun together.",[12,10779,10780],{},"We’re looking forward what the month of May holds for us all and what cheeky things you’ll surprise us with next.",[12,10782,9917],{},[9543,10784,9546],{"id":9545},{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":10786},[],[951,262],"/images/2015/05/Taylor_4_month_milestone_cover.jpg","2015-05-01T09:39:00Z","5884",{},"Taylor at 4 months old - rolling over milestone, weighs 11lb 4oz, loves leg kicking, gurgling, and discovering new emotions. First swimming lesson starts.","/milestone-on-a-roll-taylor-is-4-months-old",{"title":10722,"description":10727},"milestone-on-a-roll-taylor-is-4-months-old","EkzcQVc4MMFyW-fpQeNxpwSCh2aq2tz-IBFKVEbZhCk",{"id":10798,"title":10799,"author":7,"body":10800,"category":10851,"cover":10852,"date":10853,"description":10804,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":10854,"meta":10855,"meta_description":10856,"meta_title":10799,"navigation":269,"path":10857,"seo":10858,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":10859,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":10860},"posts/baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-1.md","Baby Style: What Taylor Wore #1",{"type":9,"value":10801,"toc":10849},[10802,10805,10808,10811,10820,10829,10838,10844,10847],[12,10803,10804],{},"Now that Taylor has started to wear a few more grown-up outfits and has graduated from being just a sleep-suit baby I thought it would be nice for us to document and share some of his little outfits, including the cute sleep-suits as he still wears a lot of these.",[12,10806,10807],{},"I must admit as much as I do enjoy putting together nice outfits for him I love nothing more than a cosy soft baby grow. Theirs a reason why the adult version of these boomed in recent years, they’re just so snuggly!",[12,10809,10810],{},"I’m no baby clothing or fashion expert but I’ll be sharing a few of Taylor’s outfits each week in our new feature #WhatTaylorWore alongside where we bought it from, I’ll also place links where possible.",[12,10812,10813,10817,10819],{},[15,10814],{"alt":10815,"src":10816},"What_Taylor_Wore_April_1_02","/images/2015/04/What_Taylor_Wore_April_1_02.jpg",[914,10818],{},"\nThis week Taylor wore this cute little outfit, I’ve been waiting to put this little shirt style body suit on him for a while and he’s finally grown into it! He looked so grown up in this I almost shed a little tear at how fast he he growing, haha. The buttons on top are a little fiddly but overall it’s a soft loose fabric perfect for warm weather.",[12,10821,10822,10826,10828],{},[15,10823],{"alt":10824,"src":10825},"What_Taylor_Wore_April_1_03","/images/2015/04/What_Taylor_Wore_April_1_03.jpg",[914,10827],{},"\nHe’s really loved wearing these leggings as he is absolutely fascinated by his own feet at the moment. They’re really stretchy and feel so soft, I think he’ll get plenty of wear out of these. I’m really loving boy leggings right now!",[12,10830,10831,10835,10837],{},[15,10832],{"alt":10833,"src":10834},"What_Taylor_Wore_April_1_04","/images/2015/04/What_Taylor_Wore_April_1_04.jpg",[914,10836],{},"\nThis week he’s been practicing his panda face! I actually felt emotional seeing him in this one, it was purchased before he was born and I remember thinking it was so small at the time. In 0-3 months, I picked this up in the sale for approximately £5 with matching hat, which he won’t keep on. It’s only taken him almost 4 months to grow into it! It also has cute tiny panda faces all over the back.",[12,10839,10840],{},[15,10841],{"alt":10842,"src":10843},"What_Taylor_Wore_April_1_05","/images/2015/04/What_Taylor_Wore_April_1_05.jpg",[12,10845,10846],{},"That’s all for our first week, hopefully we’ll have more to share and say about Taylor’s outfits once we get into the swing of things. You may notice a lot of T’s outfits come from Next, I am a guilty Nextaholic mummy. Where do you like to shop the most for your tots?",[9543,10848,9617],{"id":9616},{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":10850},[],[262],"/images/2015/04/What_Taylor_Wore_April_1_cover.jpg","2015-04-30T09:37:00Z","5812",{},"Baby style feature #WhatTaylorWore issue 1. Four-month-old outfit inspiration from Next including shirt bodysuit, leggings, and panda sleepsuit.","/baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-1",{"title":10799,"description":10804},"baby-style-what-taylor-wore-issue-1","HNGwkh4quXiQjBDIr5rmsfa-Ei5CvaXUfdkfNQiBsp8",{"id":10862,"title":10863,"author":7,"body":10864,"category":10940,"cover":10941,"date":10942,"description":10868,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":10943,"meta":10944,"meta_description":10945,"meta_title":10946,"navigation":269,"path":10947,"seo":10948,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":10949,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":10950},"posts/weekly-baby-photo-diary-april-2015.md","Our Week in Pictures: #1",{"type":9,"value":10865,"toc":10938},[10866,10869,10872,10884,10891,10903,10910,10917,10924,10933,10936],[12,10867,10868],{},"I take a lot of pictures each week, even more so since getting a new camera and I don’t always have a post that they fit into in order to share them, which brings me to Tales of The Week, a homonym of our nickname for Taylor [Tails]",[12,10870,10871],{},"I’ll be sharing some of our favourite moments from each week as a nice way to show what we’ve been up to with Taylor, I know this is something his Auntie will enjoy seeing, even if it’s just a day at home on the play mat. 😉",[12,10873,10874,10878,10879,10883],{},[15,10875],{"alt":10876,"src":10877},"Our_Week_25_04_15_03","/images/2015/04/Our_Week_25_04_15_03.jpg","This week I tried T out in the seat unit of our Silver Cross Surf 2 ( ",[330,10880,10882],{"href":10881},"/the-silver-cross-special-edition-surf-2-city-living-at-its-finest","review here"," ) as I couldn’t see him too well in the carrycot, as you can see he spent most of his time staring at his feet with a rather shocked look on his face.",[12,10885,10886,10890],{},[15,10887],{"alt":10888,"src":10889},"Our_Week_25_04_15_01","/images/2015/04/Our_Week_25_04_15_01.jpg","A recent favourite of T’s is his m&p magic stargazer play mat, he spends a good hour kicking away on this mat and shouting his tiny head off, it’s great fun to watch!",[12,10892,10893,10897,10898,10902],{},[15,10894],{"alt":10895,"src":10896},"medela_pump_review_1","/images/2015/04/medela_pump_review_1.jpg","T has been busy helping mummy review the ",[330,10899,10901],{"href":10900},"/medela-swing-harmony-breastpump","Medela pumps",", we’ve been using them in preparation of continuing my driving lessons. (Which start this week, yikes!)",[12,10904,10905,10909],{},[15,10906],{"alt":10907,"src":10908},"Our_Week_25_04_15_10","/images/2015/04/Our_Week_25_04_15_10.jpg","My favourite picture from this week, although a poor quality iPhone picture, is this picture of Daddy and T watching Vikings together, they were both completely immersed in it and looked adorable together. I’m not sure either of them even know I managed to sneak a picture!",[12,10911,10912,10916],{},[15,10913],{"alt":10914,"src":10915},"Our_Week_25_04_15_04","/images/2015/04/Our_Week_25_04_15_04.jpg","Our front garden had some much needed TLC this week, whilst we had a few sunny days Tails donned his cute little summer hat and watched me spruce it up, It wasn’t until going through my pictures that I noticed the neighbours cat had also come to join in.",[12,10918,10919,10923],{},[15,10920],{"alt":10921,"src":10922},"Our_Week_25_04_15_05","/images/2015/04/Our_Week_25_04_15_05.jpg","Another favourite of T’s this week is his Sophie teether. She looks lovely, T adores her and it’s his go-to of all things to chew, I just cannot stand the squeaky sound of it rubbing on his gums, it goes through me.",[12,10925,10926,10930,10932],{},[15,10927],{"alt":10928,"src":10929},"Our_Week_25_04_15_08","/images/2015/04/Our_Week_25_04_15_08.jpg",[914,10931],{},"\nAfter winding up the traditional mobile for the 5th time in the space of half an hour one morning I finally decided to give-in and buy a battery operated mobile! T loves his new mobile, it plays more than one tune, unlike the tinny repetitive wind-up mobile, and it also has lights that project stars onto the ceiling at night.",[12,10934,10935],{},"Overall it’s been a rather quiet week staying at home, but as the weather gets nicer we’ll be heading out a lot more!",[9543,10937,10468],{"id":10467},{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":10939},[],[262],"/images/2015/04/Our_Week_In-Pictures_cover_1.jpg","2015-04-27T21:05:00Z","5799",{},"Weekly baby photo diary sharing Taylor's adventures. From play mat fun to first pram rides, capturing precious family moments and new baby milestones.","New Baby Adventures: Weekly Family Photo Diary","/weekly-baby-photo-diary-april-2015",{"title":10863,"description":10868},"weekly-baby-photo-diary-april-2015","_ZdZfsJCc29K-IBoiF_qsL6CHqz_X1loXeNQsbrpu7Q",{"id":10952,"title":10953,"author":7,"body":10954,"category":11030,"cover":11031,"date":11032,"description":10958,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":11033,"meta":11034,"meta_description":11035,"meta_title":10953,"navigation":269,"path":8105,"seo":11036,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":11037,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":11038},"posts/taylors-first-easter-basket.md","Baby's First Easter Basket: Gift Ideas for Little Ones",{"type":9,"value":10955,"toc":11028},[10956,10959,10968,10971,10980,10983,10992,10995,10998,11007,11010,11019,11022,11025],[12,10957,10958],{},"Gifts aren’t something I would usually associate with easter, when I was growing up it was always a chocolate egg and that’s your lot, however as this is Taylor’s first ever Easter I wanted to do something. At 3 months old the only way he’s having a chocolate egg is if I eat it first, which is one idea I’m not totally against 😉",[12,10960,10961,10962,10967],{},"After a lot of thought I was at a loss, what do you give a baby for easter? Thanks to Kerry over at ",[330,10963,10966],{"href":10964,"rel":10965},"http://www.ohsoamelia.com/2015/03/baby-toddler-easter-baskets.html",[334],"Oh So Amelia"," I decided to make a small easter basket for T, containing items I had already wanted for him or knew would come in handy.",[12,10969,10970],{},"Here’s what I’ve put into T’s first easter basket, next year he should be able to enjoy a small sweet treat instead! –",[12,10972,10973,10977],{},[15,10974],{"alt":10975,"src":10976},"easter_basket_guess_how_much_i_love_you_book","/images/2015/04/easter_basket_guess_how_much_i_love_you_book.jpg",[39,10978,10979],{},"Guess How Much I Love You Book –",[12,10981,10982],{},"First off we have a book, what kind of book lover would I be if I wasn’t taking every opportunity to expand my boys book collection? Guess How Much I Love You is the story of the little nutbrown hare, I love this story and thought it would suit the easter theme quiet well. We can read this on Easter morning! who wants to place a bet as to whether or not I tear up at this ridiculously sweet story?",[12,10984,10985,10989],{},[15,10986],{"alt":10987,"src":10988},"easter_basket_guess_how_much_i_love_you_outfit","/images/2015/04/easter_basket_guess_how_much_i_love_you_outfit.jpg",[39,10990,10991],{},"Guess How Much I Love You Outfit –",[12,10993,10994],{},"In keeping with the theme and being practical I bought this very cute outfit, this is by TU from Sainsburys, RRP £12 but they have had 25% off all clothing so it was a bargain!",[12,10996,10997],{},"Taylor has lots of clothing in his current size so I’ve bought this in 3-6 months for him to grow into, hopefully he can wear this when we have some nicer weather.",[12,10999,11000,11004],{},[15,11001],{"alt":11002,"src":11003},"easter_basket_blossom_farm_rattle_elc","/images/2015/04/easter_basket_blossom_farm_rattle_elc.jpg",[39,11005,11006],{},"ELC Blossom Farm Rattle –",[12,11008,11009],{},"Laurie lamb is a cute rattle by ELC, I purchased this in Boots for £4. Taylor doesn’t have many toys yet but has started to show an interest in holding objects and playing, he also stuck it in his mouth and started to suck on it so we were definitely buying it after that!",[12,11011,11012,11016],{},[15,11013],{"alt":11014,"src":11015},"easter_basket_mam_rabbit","/images/2015/04/easter_basket_mam_rabbit.jpg",[39,11017,11018],{},"MAM Oral Care Rabbit –",[12,11020,11021],{},"This is something I purchased before Taylor was born for £5.99, as it’s fitting with the theme I’ve placed it in his easter basket. I want him to get used to having his gums and teeth cleaned from an early age to try and avoid problems later.",[12,11023,11024],{},"Taylor has started teething already, after both a GP and nurse told me he couldn’t be for his age, they both ate their own words once they had looked in his mouth!",[12,11026,11027],{},"Do you have children who are too young for chocolate, can’t have dairy or just prefer not to give it to them, if so what are you doing for Easter?",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":11029},[],[262],"/images/2015/04/easter_basket_baby_cover.jpg","2015-04-04T07:53:00Z","5507",{},"Baby's first Easter basket gift ideas for 3-month-old. Guess How Much I Love You book and outfit, ELC rattle, and MAM oral care rabbit for teething.",{"title":10953,"description":10958},"taylors-first-easter-basket","L9aZsDkabEJHieRXGxmcAR7KcPyYRFesl9HeBUHVKM0",{"id":11040,"title":11041,"author":7,"body":11042,"category":11106,"cover":11107,"date":11108,"description":11046,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":11109,"meta":11110,"meta_description":11111,"meta_title":11041,"navigation":269,"path":11112,"seo":11113,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":11114,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":11115},"posts/milestone-getting-the-giggles-taylor-is-8-weeks-old.md","Milestone: Getting the Giggles – Taylor is 8 Weeks Old",{"type":9,"value":11043,"toc":11104},[11044,11050,11054,11072,11075,11078,11081,11084,11087],[12,11045,11046,11047],{},"Taylor turned 8 weeks old last Thursday, I can’t believe how fast time is passing us by. I thought being at home all day with a baby would be filled with long stressful days but it’s the complete opposite, T is spending a lot more time awake during the day now which is fun for both of us even if our day does begin at 5am, he spends much of his time smiling at me and shouting. Of course he isn’t perfect, I do get screamed at for half of the day, and pooped at. It’s all part of the adventure!",[15,11048],{"alt":253,"src":11049},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Taylor_8weeks_1_small.jpg",[12,11051,11052],{},[39,11053,9658],{},[12,11055,11056,11057,11059,11060,11062,11063,11065,11066,11068,11069,11071],{},"☆ Weigh 9lb 4oz",[914,11058],{},"\n☆ Had vaccinations and screamed! 🙁",[914,11061],{},"\n☆ Got cradlecap, it’s almost gone now",[914,11064],{},"\n☆ Started to outgrow newborn clothes",[914,11067],{},"\n☆ Learnt to gurgle and shout",[914,11070],{},"\n☆ Love laughing at Daddy!",[12,11073,11074],{},"I definitely don’t get to read as much as before, let alone find the concentration or time for an in-depth book review, I am working on it, I have a few half written blabbering night-feed written reviews to sort through and fix. I’m sure those who know me for my book addiction and blogging are getting sick of my baby blabbering but hey, I have a baby now and it’s amazing!",[12,11076,11077],{},"T has changed so much in the last four weeks, he is finally starting to fill out his newborn babygrows and will be moving into bigger ones. He now weighs over 9lb 40z’s, still a little small for 9 weeks so I hope he gains some weight before his next checkup although he does feed non-stop.",[12,11079,11080],{},"He wore a m&p 0-3 babygrow yesterday and it wasn’t that big on him, however compared to 0-3 from other brands it came up small. His others are huge! It’s hard to imagine he’s ever going to be that big.",[12,11082,11083],{},"Today T had his vaccinations, I know this one of those marmite subjects but I made the choice for him to have them just as I did when I was a baby. He took the oral without a problem however the injections weren’t received so well. I felt awful, but I know its for a good reason.",[12,11085,11086],{},"My tiny T is growing so fast.",[12,11088,11089,11092,11095,11098,11101],{},[15,11090],{"alt":253,"src":11091},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Taylor_8weeks_8_small.jpg",[15,11093],{"alt":253,"src":11094},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Taylor_8weeks_4_small.jpg",[15,11096],{"alt":253,"src":11097},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Taylor_8weeks_6_small.jpg",[15,11099],{"alt":253,"src":11100},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Taylor_8weeks_7_small.jpg",[15,11102],{"alt":253,"src":11103},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Taylor_8weeks_2_small.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":11105},[],[951,262],"/images/2015/03/taylor_8_week_cover.jpg","2015-03-09T21:24:00Z","5235",{},"Taylor at 8 weeks old with first giggles and smiles. Weighs 9lb 4oz, had vaccinations, outgrowing newborn clothes, and learning to laugh at Daddy.","/milestone-getting-the-giggles-taylor-is-8-weeks-old",{"title":11041,"description":11046},"milestone-getting-the-giggles-taylor-is-8-weeks-old","mM0arMtMjohezz0u9fIqJH6_u7sTG6YaOMUhsMLpWg8",{"id":11117,"title":11118,"author":7,"body":11119,"category":11182,"cover":11183,"date":11184,"description":11123,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":11185,"meta":11186,"meta_description":11187,"meta_title":11118,"navigation":269,"path":11188,"seo":11189,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":11190,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":11191},"posts/win-a-shmuncki-liberty-print-vest.md","Win: A Shmuncki Liberty Print Vest",{"type":9,"value":11120,"toc":11180},[11121,11124,11136,11139,11145,11150,11153,11172],[12,11122,11123],{},"I am a huge fan of floral prints and brands such a Liberty and Cath Kidston so the Liberty range by Shmuncki instantly appealed to me, of course I doubt Taylor would appreciate it if I were to dress him in floral dresses and sleepsuits but the Shmuncki range is subtle enough to be gender neutral if you like a pop of floral, and it looks so stylish!",[12,11125,11126,11129,11130,11135],{},[15,11127],{"alt":253,"src":11128},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_liberty_1_small.jpg","– Pictured above / ",[330,11131,11134],{"href":11132,"rel":11133},"http://shmuncki.com/collections/all",[334],"Betsy long sleeved vest"," (green) / RRP £18.50 –",[12,11137,11138],{},"The Betsy Liberty print vest is available in both pink and green, made from a rich soft Jersey cotton and features a roll down neckline as well as nickel free poppers on the bottom for swift nappy changes.",[12,11140,11141,11144],{},[15,11142],{"alt":253,"src":11143},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_liberty_2_small.jpg","If theirs one thing I love on baby clothing its a good old elbow pad and for me this adds a slightly more male touch to the product, imagine taking your little one to a spring or summer party in this!",[12,11146,11147],{},[15,11148],{"alt":253,"src":11149},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_liberty_3_small.jpg",[12,11151,11152],{},"For your chance to win your own green Betsy Liberty Print vest in size 0-3 months for your little bundle then simply follow the steps below – Good luck!",[12,11154,11155,11159,11161,11162,11166,11167],{},[330,11156,7979],{"href":11157,"rel":11158},"http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26870af25/",[334],[914,11160],{},"\nShmuncki are now on my list of go-to places when it comes to shopping for T as I know I can expect high quality products that will last, you can check out their full range of products including the lovely ",[330,11163,11165],{"href":11132,"rel":11164},[334],"Harbour"," range at ",[330,11168,11171],{"href":11169,"rel":11170},"http://www.shmuncki.com/",[334],"www.shmuncki.com",[12,11173,11174,11177],{},[15,11175],{"alt":253,"src":11176},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_liberty_7_small.jpg",[15,11178],{"alt":253,"src":11179},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_liberty_6_small.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":11181},[],[3099,262],"/images/2015/03/shmuncki_liberty_cover.jpg","2015-03-06T11:52:00Z","5257",{},"Win a Shmuncki Liberty print Betsy vest in size 0-3 months. Gender-neutral floral baby clothing with elbow patches and nickel-free poppers.","/win-a-shmuncki-liberty-print-vest",{"title":11118,"description":11123},"win-a-shmuncki-liberty-print-vest","jg3Q4fT7YycgbXI_lGAaIECInVnEKnKQT0xJ-dfzx0I",{"id":11193,"title":11194,"author":7,"body":11195,"category":11312,"cover":11313,"date":11314,"description":11199,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":11315,"meta":11316,"meta_description":11317,"meta_title":11194,"navigation":269,"path":11318,"seo":11319,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":11320,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":11321},"posts/review-shmuncki-baby-clothing.md","Review: Shmuncki Baby Clothing",{"type":9,"value":11196,"toc":11310},[11197,11200,11206,11214,11217,11220,11223,11226,11234,11241,11244,11247,11255,11262,11265,11273,11276,11284,11287,11295,11301,11304,11307],[12,11198,11199],{},"One of my favourite things has always been shopping, and since having T of course it’s all about babies. I’ve found it hard to find baby brands that sell something different and unique to those found on the high-street and love to be a little bit different. Then I found Shmuncki!",[12,11201,11202,11205],{},[15,11203],{"alt":253,"src":11204},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_harbour__1_small.jpg","Shmuncki is a 100% British baby brand created by Helen who is lovely, a mum who wanted nothing more than beautiful traditional looking baby garments that are both comfortable and easy for parents to use on their little bundles, and that’s exactly what she has achieved.",[12,11207,11208],{},[330,11209,11211],{"href":11169,"rel":11210},[334],[15,11212],{"alt":253,"src":11213},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_parcel_small.jpg",[12,11215,11216],{},"Upon receiving our parcel from Shmuncki I instantly loved the packaging and attention to detail, I’ve always loved independent brands for the personal touches and care that is given to their products. Hand packed in a gift box, wrapped in tissue paper and tied with a ribbon. Could this be any cuter?",[12,11218,11219],{},"We really love everything about both the brand and products so far, here’s why…",[9543,11221,11165],{"id":11222},"harbour",[12,11224,11225],{},"We’ve been trying out the Harbour collection, a lovely selection of white baby clothing from Blankets to bibs and rompers all with an on-trend nautical themed print. The blue print consisting of boats, flags and ship wheels can be found across the range and looks adorable. Every detail right down to the ribbon tied tag is perfect.",[12,11227,11228],{},[330,11229,11231],{"href":11169,"rel":11230},[334],[15,11232],{"alt":253,"src":11233},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_harbour__11_small.jpg",[12,11235,11236,11237,6102],{},"– You can purchase the entire Harbour range from ",[330,11238,11240],{"href":11132,"rel":11239},[334],"Shmuncki here",[12,11242,11243],{},"Each garment feels extremely soft and of high quality, made from Jersey cotton and using nickel free poppers which assures me that my little man is going to be comfortable when in them.",[12,11245,11246],{},"The Rompers are available in sizes 0-6 months and 6-12 months meaning they will last, something all parents like the hear! Taylor is wearing the 0-6 month romper and it has a very generous loose fit giving him plenty of room to grow.",[12,11248,11249],{},[330,11250,11252],{"href":11169,"rel":11251},[334],[15,11253],{"alt":253,"src":11254},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_harbour__5_small.jpg",[12,11256,11129,11257,11261],{},[330,11258,11260],{"href":11132,"rel":11259},[334],"Harbour Romper"," / RRP £20 –",[12,11263,11264],{},"My favourite piece of the collection is the romper as he looks really comfortable when he wears this, he has a lot of room for movement which is great, he really loves to wriggle his legs, it’s super easy to put on and looks cute. For me this ticks all of the boxes.",[12,11266,11267],{},[330,11268,11270],{"href":11169,"rel":11269},[334],[15,11271],{"alt":253,"src":11272},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_harbour__7_small.jpg",[12,11274,11275],{},"One of my favourite features of the romper is the open feet with cuffed ankles, I know a lot of people who struggle with baby clothing that have feet because their little ones are just too long and I absolutely love it when T has his cute little feet out – I cannot stand feet, but oh my goodness how cute are baby feet! I love them.",[12,11277,11278],{},[330,11279,11281],{"href":11169,"rel":11280},[334],[15,11282],{"alt":253,"src":11283},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_harbour__4_small.jpg",[12,11285,11286],{},"The romper features poppers on the neck and inside legs, the matching t-shirt features an open neckline with overlaps making them both easy to remove over the head or down the body, this is important when you have to deal with some messy situations (Yes I mean a poonami!) and removing clothing over the head just isn’t an option!",[9543,11288,11289],{"id":253},[330,11290,11292],{"href":11169,"rel":11291},[334],[15,11293],{"alt":253,"src":11294},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_harbour__2_small.jpg",[12,11296,11129,11297,11261],{},[330,11298,11300],{"href":11132,"rel":11299},[334],"Harbour Blanket",[12,11302,11303],{},"T absolutely loves the matching blanket, he’s taken to rubbing it on his face a lot and falling asleep holding it’s piped edges on the rounded corners. We’ve received a few compliments on this one when he’s out in his pram and I can understand why.",[12,11305,11306],{},"Shmuncki are now on my list of go-to places when it comes to shopping for T as I know I can expect high quality products that will last, do you have any hidden gems that you love when it comes to shopping for your little ones? Let us know in the comments below!",[12,11308,11309],{},"Also be sure to pop back soon as we’ll be hosting a fantastic Shmunki Liberty print give-away.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":11311},[],[3099,262],"/images/2015/03/Shmuncki_cover.jpg","2015-03-02T15:51:00Z","5239",{},"Shmuncki baby clothing review. British brand with Harbour nautical collection featuring soft jersey cotton rompers, blankets, and bibs with nickel-free poppers.","/review-shmuncki-baby-clothing",{"title":11194,"description":11199},"review-shmuncki-baby-clothing","VonM0gKd_nGhv9K5OYCUdm7lgIQwtzn7gIqV-CJY8O0",{"id":11323,"title":11324,"author":7,"body":11325,"category":11413,"cover":11414,"date":11415,"description":11329,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":11416,"meta":11417,"meta_description":11418,"meta_title":11324,"navigation":269,"path":10618,"seo":11419,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":11420,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":11421},"posts/house-of-fraser-childrenswear.md","Review: House of Fraser Childrenswear",{"type":9,"value":11326,"toc":11411},[11327,11330,11333,11336,11351,11354,11363,11368,11371,11380,11385,11388,11397,11400,11403,11406],[12,11328,11329],{},"As a first time mum I’ve found that my outlook on things such as shopping has completely changed, before I became pregnant I would treat myself on a monthly basis from my favourite department stores whether it be going to a makeup concession or my favourite brand of clothing, I would shop! Since being pregnant and becoming a mum I’ve had a few shopping trips and each time I have failed to buy anything for myself, not because I can’t buy for myself anymore but because I just don’t want anything! However I always find things for baby T.",[12,11331,11332],{},"When House of Fraser got in touch and asked if we would like to review their childrenswear I got a little excited, more baby clothes to browse!",[12,11334,11335],{},"I chose three items for Baby T from their range of 0-3 month clothing, he is already starting to fill out his newborn clothing and I couldn’t find an in between size. Upon receiving the items it would seem he also has a long way to go until he can start filling 0-3 but it happens fast from what I’ve been told.",[12,11337,11338,11345,11347],{},[330,11339,11341],{"href":10625,"rel":11340},[334],[15,11342],{"alt":11343,"src":11344},"House_of_Fraser_1","/images/2015/01/House_of_Fraser_1.jpg",[914,11346],{},[330,11348,11350],{"href":10625,"rel":11349},[334],"Pumpkin Patch boys hiking check jacket £10 in sale RRP £25",[12,11352,11353],{},"The first item I chose is this lovely check jacket by Pumpkin Patch, T hasn’t got any coats or jackets yet as he spends his days bundled up in his carrycot with blankets if we venture outside, a nice jacket for when he’s a bit bigger was perfect. The material and quality of the product is superb and feels like something that would last a long time, that is if babies didn’t grow so fast!",[12,11355,11356],{},[330,11357,11359],{"href":10625,"rel":11358},[334],[15,11360],{"alt":11361,"src":11362},"House_of_Fraser_2","/images/2015/01/House_of_Fraser_2.jpg",[12,11364,11365],{},[330,11366,10627],{"href":10625,"rel":11367},[334],[12,11369,11370],{},"These Raccoon print dungarees also by Pumpkin Patch were too cute to pass up, theirs only so many years when even a child can pull off Dungarees so lets make the most of it!",[12,11372,11373],{},[330,11374,11376],{"href":10625,"rel":11375},[334],[15,11377],{"alt":11378,"src":11379},"House_of_Fraser_4","/images/2015/01/House_of_Fraser_4.jpg",[12,11381,11382],{},[330,11383,10634],{"href":10625,"rel":11384},[334],[12,11386,11387],{},"This rainbow stripe knit by Kite is a really nice soft material with cute little elbow patches, how handsome is tiny T going to look in this?",[12,11389,11390,11394,11396],{},[15,11391],{"alt":11392,"src":11393},"house_of_fraser_5","/images/2015/01/house_of_fraser_5.png",[914,11395],{},"\n“Mum do I really need this much room to grow?”",[12,11398,11399],{},"Stores such as House of Fraser to me mean makeup concessions and pretty dresses, high-end designer goods, not babies. When we were asked to choose some items from their children’s range to the value of £30 I was amazed at what they had and what I could get with our budget. The items I selected were in sale at the time but even at their full RRP they didn’t differ to prices found in any other store and were really affordable.",[12,11401,11402],{},"Although T clearly has some growing to do the items we chose will soon fit him, both the quality and style of the items are brilliant. House of Fraser had never sprung to mind when thinking of children’s clothing until now, they’re certainly somewhere that I will look for future purchases as we have years of dressing this little man to come.",[12,11404,11405],{},"Have you ever shopped at House of Fraser for your little ones or have one specific store that you rely on for all of your children’s purchases? I’d love to hear about your hidden baby buying gems!",[12,11407,11408],{},[241,11409,11410],{},"– We received the items of clothing in exchange for an honest review – all opinions are my own –",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":11412},[],[951,3099,262],"/images/2015/01/house_of_fraser_cover.jpg","2015-01-30T15:47:00Z","4890",{},"House of Fraser childrenswear review. Pumpkin Patch and Kite baby clothing haul with check jacket, raccoon dungarees, and stripy cardigan.",{"title":11324,"description":11329},"house-of-fraser-childrenswear","ssjWONb9QqzxnLi6eXKRkollo2i1F-1Zdzec4HKIesg",{"id":11423,"title":11424,"author":7,"body":11425,"category":11491,"cover":11492,"date":11493,"description":11429,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":11494,"meta":11495,"meta_description":11496,"meta_title":11424,"navigation":269,"path":11497,"seo":11498,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":11499,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":11500},"posts/milestone-taylor-is-4-weeks-old-and-finally-sleeping.md","Milestone: Taylor is 4 Weeks Old, and Finally Sleeping!",{"type":9,"value":11426,"toc":11489},[11427,11430,11433,11436,11439,11442,11445,11448,11462,11465,11471,11477,11483],[12,11428,11429],{},"Today marks the day that Taylor is four weeks old, 29/01/15, on Sunday he’ll be one month old. It’s gone so fast I feel like I’ve blinked and almost a month of his life has passed us by. I’ve been taking every opportunity to simply hold him and have endless cuddles, he’s already grown and changed so much.",[12,11431,11432],{},"I feel like we should buy a Birthday Cake to celebrate the occasion, but maybe thats just because I love a good excuse to eat cake?!",[12,11434,11435],{},"Everyone has been commenting on how big he has gotten, I think its harder for me to notice as I spend all of my time with him, I’m going to have him weighed again soon and see if their has been much change since the health visitor came. Visually he is already so different from the tiny baby we brought home four weeks ago.",[12,11437,11438],{},"Although he is still wearing his newborn and first size clothing he’s really starting to fill them out, his feet have now started to reach the end of his babygrows and since having his first bath his hair became a lot lighter. It sits on end in a fluffy mohawk, it’s really rather cute!",[12,11440,11441],{},"I’ll be honest it makes me a little sad to realise how fast this baby boy is going to grow up. This week he’s started to become more vocal, not just cries or wimpers but funny little sounds even when he isn’t being grumpy.",[12,11443,11444],{},"He is now sleeping really well which is amazing at four weeks, I was still expecting to be up all night, lets not jinx it!",[12,11446,11447],{},"I’ve been putting him down in his Snuzpod around 11:30pm after a long feed for the last two weeks and he doesn’t wake again until between 3:00am and 4:00am, after a clean bottom and feed he’ll then go back down until around 6:00am or 7:00am, when compared to three weeks ago where I wasn’t sleeping at all during the night it has felt fantastic!",[12,11449,11450,11451,11456,11457,11461],{},"I’ve been taking plenty of pictures of tiny T and I’m sure everyone is getting sick of them by now, I am definitely that annoying friend who posts too many pictures of their baby, if you’re one of those people who likes to coo over baby pictures then you can catch a glimpse of this over on ",[330,11452,11455],{"href":11453,"rel":11454},"http://instagram.com/leeleeloves",[334],"Instagram"," or ",[330,11458,11460],{"href":10263,"rel":11459},[334],"Facebook ","until our next update!",[12,11463,11464],{},"Now I must go and cuddle this bundle some more.",[12,11466,11467],{},[15,11468],{"alt":11469,"src":11470},"290115_06","/images/2015/01/290115_06.jpg",[12,11472,11473],{},[15,11474],{"alt":11475,"src":11476},"290115_01","/images/2015/01/290115_01.jpg",[12,11478,11479],{},[15,11480],{"alt":11481,"src":11482},"290115_02","/images/2015/01/290115_02.jpg",[12,11484,11485],{},[15,11486],{"alt":11487,"src":11488},"290115_03","/images/2015/01/290115_03.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":11490},[],[3099,262],"/images/2015/01/Taylor_week_4_cover.jpg","2015-01-29T03:42:00Z","4925",{},"Taylor at 4 weeks old, finally sleeping through! Night-time routine established with Snuzpod, growing fast, and becoming more vocal each day.","/milestone-taylor-is-4-weeks-old-and-finally-sleeping",{"title":11424,"description":11429},"milestone-taylor-is-4-weeks-old-and-finally-sleeping","vEUU2U0Ek4V5TTrkTkxErIUc1RNy_G2nJRPBo6sscwA",{"id":11502,"title":11503,"author":7,"body":11504,"category":11556,"cover":11557,"date":11558,"description":11508,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":11559,"meta":11560,"meta_description":11561,"meta_title":11503,"navigation":269,"path":11562,"seo":11563,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":11564,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":11565},"posts/taylor-grayson-2-weeks.md","Milestone: Taylor is 2 Weeks Old – Daddy Returns to Work",{"type":9,"value":11505,"toc":11554},[11506,11509,11512,11518,11521,11529,11532,11538,11546],[12,11507,11508],{},"Baby T is already two weeks old and he has changed so much since he was born, It’s amazing how fast they grow.",[12,11510,11511],{},"This week Phillip went back to work, I was a little nervous about my first day alone with T but it wasn’t bad at all. He is so laid back and relaxed most of the time, although I must admit It’s nice when Phillip comes home in the evening to have another adult to talk to. Taylor and I have some very one sided conversations during the day.",[12,11513,11514,11515,11517],{},"We had more visits from family this week which has been nice, so we haven’t been completely on our own all week. Thankfully nobody has turned up before 12:00pm as I’m still not getting any sleep until around 8:00am.",[914,11516],{},"\nThe midwife came this week and weighed baby T to see if he was back up to his birth weight I was amazed to find he had gone from his birth weight 6lb14oz to 7lb01z, this confirmed for me that my boy was feeding and we were doing okay.",[12,11519,11520],{},"– Cue my silent cheers of success after knowing I was doing something right and my baby was thriving because of me! –",[12,11522,11523,11524,11528],{},"It’s impossible to tell how much they’re taking when you breastfeed as you can’t read how many oz’s they’re taking at each feed. You can read more about our feeding story so far in the following post – ",[330,11525,11527],{"href":11526},"/nursing-a-newborn-the-early-days-with-medela-breastfeeding","Nursing a newborn"," – The midwife also did his heel prick test during the visit, I felt so mean holding him while this was done but he wasn’t bothered at all and went back to sleep afterwards.",[12,11530,11531],{},"I’ve spent most of my week simply watching him, he sleeps a lot during the day and I can’t help sitting and staring at all of the funny little faces he pulls. Who needs a television when you’ve got a newborn bundle of cute to watch?",[12,11533,11534],{},[15,11535],{"alt":11536,"src":11537},"Taylor_2_weeks_1","/images/2015/01/Taylor_2_weeks_1.jpg",[12,11539,11540],{},[330,11541,11543],{"href":11542},"/images/2015/01/Taylor_2_weeks_2.jpg",[15,11544],{"alt":11545,"src":11542},"Taylor_2_weeks_2",[12,11547,11548],{},[330,11549,11551],{"href":11550},"/images/2015/01/Taylor_2_weeks_3.jpg",[15,11552],{"alt":11553,"src":11550},"Taylor_2_weeks_3",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":11555},[],[951,262],"/images/2015/01/Taylor_2_week_cover.jpg","2015-01-14T03:53:00Z","4927",{},"Taylor at 2 weeks old. Daddy returns to work, first day alone with baby, midwife visit, heel prick test, and excellent weight gain from breastfeeding.","/taylor-grayson-2-weeks",{"title":11503,"description":11508},"taylor-grayson-2-weeks","djQMpK6T22Zm_MjO7r46LAGHrGPNgkCOIuSG9JlQlaQ",{"id":11567,"title":11568,"author":7,"body":11569,"category":11618,"cover":11619,"date":11620,"description":11573,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":11621,"meta":11622,"meta_description":11623,"meta_title":11568,"navigation":269,"path":11624,"seo":11625,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":11626,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":11627},"posts/milestone-taylors-first-week-in-the-world.md","Milestone: Taylor’s First Week in The World",{"type":9,"value":11570,"toc":11616},[11571,11574,11577,11580,11583,11586,11589,11595,11598,11604,11607],[12,11572,11573],{},"I’ve been a mum for an entire week and it has been the most surreal yet amazing week of my life. How has a week with this amazing tiny person passed us by so quickly? Should we have a cake to celebrate?",[12,11575,11576],{},"We brought Taylor home on Saturday the 3rd of January at 9:00pm after spending two nights in hospital, this was because I’d lost a lot of blood and could barely stand without blacking out, otherwise we would have been home sooner.",[12,11578,11579],{},"The midwife came on Sunday morning after another night of zero sleep and weighed him, he hasn’t lost too much of his birth weight and is down to 6lb07oz from 6lb14oz. He will be weighed again in one week to check this has come back up and he is feeding enough, It feels like he is constantly feeding so hopefully this won’t be a problem.",[12,11581,11582],{},"So far T doesn’t like being put down in his own bed at night and prefers to be held, this means he sleeps while I sit awake all night as I am terrified by the idea of co-sleeping in our bed. This is why we have the Snüzpod, so he can be close without it being dangerous. Apparently 8am is the perfect time to sleep in his own bed, this Is when I’ve been sleeping, I hope once he gets day and night figured out we can both sleep at night.",[12,11584,11585],{},"Since bringing him home Dexter and Luna (The cats) seem very confused, I don’t think they understand what he is yet. They will get close enough to smell him but if he moves it startles them. They’re also making strange noises. I’m sure they’ll be best friends soon enough.",[12,11587,11588],{},"We’re still adjusting to our new life, getting used to one another and enjoying every second as a family of three (five with the furries!)",[12,11590,11591],{},[15,11592],{"alt":11593,"src":11594},"060115_1","/images/2015/01/060115_1.jpg",[12,11596,11597],{},"Tired of having my picture taken!",[12,11599,11600],{},[15,11601],{"alt":11602,"src":11603},"030115_2","/images/2015/01/030115_2.jpg",[12,11605,11606],{},"Dexter investigating the new bald kitten.",[12,11608,11609,11613,11615],{},[15,11610],{"alt":11611,"src":11612},"030115_1","/images/2015/01/030115_1.jpg",[914,11614],{},"\nCuddles with Daddy when we came home.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":11617},[],[951,262],"/images/2015/01/taylor_1_week_cover.jpg","2015-01-07T04:02:00Z","4929",{},"Taylor's first week as a newborn. Hospital recovery, coming home, sleepless nights, feeding updates, and introducing baby to the cats.","/milestone-taylors-first-week-in-the-world",{"title":11568,"description":11573},"milestone-taylors-first-week-in-the-world","Uq_RTibFHp411BaZqGq50Fd2ci_TnzjgSekOux-q7lI",{"id":11629,"title":11630,"author":7,"body":11631,"category":11646,"cover":11647,"date":11648,"description":11635,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":11649,"meta":11650,"meta_description":11651,"meta_title":11630,"navigation":269,"path":11652,"seo":11653,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":11654,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":11655},"posts/and-then-there-were-3.md","Birth Announcement: And Then There Were 3",{"type":9,"value":11632,"toc":11644},[11633,11636,11639],[12,11634,11635],{},"I’m very excited and proud to announce that on the 1st of January 2015 our son came into the world! – Taylor Grayson Clarence – He is perfect in every way and we’re completely in love!",[12,11637,11638],{},"New years eve was spent watching the midnight fireworks from our bedroom window whilst breathing through contractions, I doubt we’ll ever experience a new year quiet like this again, but now we’ll always have a reason to celebrate, I am loving being a mummy and having my own little family! Xx",[12,11640,11641],{},[15,11642],{"alt":253,"src":11643},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Taylor_Announcement_2.jpg",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":11645},[],[951,262],"/images/2015/01/taylor_cover_image.jpg","2015-01-05T18:10:00Z","4695",{},"Birth announcement: Taylor Grayson Clarence born 1st January 2015. New Year's Eve labour and celebrating our new family of three.","/and-then-there-were-3",{"title":11630,"description":11635},"and-then-there-were-3","L5y8184bP0g9sfIPjffXQ_UaBm6YxDimR_cc_m8XXyA",{"id":11657,"title":11658,"author":7,"body":11659,"category":11794,"cover":11795,"date":11796,"description":11663,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":11797,"meta":11798,"meta_description":11799,"meta_title":11658,"navigation":269,"path":11800,"seo":11801,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":11802,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":11803},"posts/tasty-chocolate-dessert-muffins.md","Tasty Chocolate Dessert Muffins",{"type":9,"value":11660,"toc":11792},[11661,11664,11669,11674,11679,11709,11723,11728,11737,11749,11758,11764,11772,11775,11784],[12,11662,11663],{},"The perfect treat to make on a rainy Sunday! I can tell you we have been having a lot of those lately so cakes and cookies are coming out of our ears, this recipe was really easy to follow and the results were very tasty too.",[12,11665,11666],{},[241,11667,11668],{},"Note that these muffins are from an English recipe so the mix is for 12 but they rise to the height of a standard size cup/fairy cake case or deep muffin tin. I used large muffin cases as they are all I had.",[12,11670,11671],{},[241,11672,11673],{},"I would have needed to make half the amount of muffins or use double the mix for them to rise to large muffin size.",[12,11675,11676],{},[39,11677,11678],{},"Ingredients",[12,11680,11681,11682,11684,11685,11687,11688,11690,11691,11693,11694,11696,11697,11699,11700,11702,11703,11705,11706,11708],{},"Oil or melted butter, for greasing",[914,11683],{},"\n225g/80z of plain white flour",[914,11686],{},"\n55g/2oz cocoa powder",[914,11689],{},"\n1 tbsp of baking powder",[914,11692],{},"\n1/8 tsp of salt",[914,11695],{},"\n115g/4oz soft light brown sugar",[914,11698],{},"\n2 medium eggs",[914,11701],{},"\n250ml/9fl oz single cream",[914,11704],{},"\n6 tbsp sunflower oil, or 85 g of butter melted & cooled.",[914,11707],{},"\n85g/30z plain chocolate",[12,11710,11711,11714,11716,11717,11719,11720,11722],{},[39,11712,11713],{},"Sauce",[914,11715],{},"\n200g/7oz plain chocolate",[914,11718],{},"\n25g/3oz butter",[914,11721],{},"\n50ml/2fl oz of single cream",[12,11724,11725],{},[39,11726,11727],{},"Method – Muffins",[12,11729,11730,11731,11733,11734,11736],{},"1. Preheat the oven to 200c/Gas mark 6",[914,11732],{},"\n2. Grease or line a 12 cup muffin tin",[914,11735],{},"\n3. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt into a large bowl.",[12,11738,11739,11742,11745,11746,11748],{},[15,11740],{"alt":253,"src":11741},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/chocolate-muffins-1.jpg",[15,11743],{"alt":253,"src":11744},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/chocolate-muffins-2.jpg","4. Mix in the sugar",[914,11747],{},"\n5. Beat the eggs in a jug or large bowl, then beat in the cream and oil.",[12,11750,11751,11754,11755,11757],{},[15,11752],{"alt":253,"src":11753},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/chocolate-muffins-3.jpg","6. Making a well in the centre of the dry ingredients pour in the beaten liquid mix. Stir gently until combined.",[914,11756],{},"\n7. Spoon half of the mix into each case, placing a piece of chocolate in the centre of each.",[12,11759,11760,11763],{},[15,11761],{"alt":253,"src":11762},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/chocolate-muffins-5.jpg","8. Spoon the remaining mix on top of the chocolate pieces and bake in the oven for 20 mins or until well risen and firm to touch.",[12,11765,11766,11769],{},[15,11767],{"alt":253,"src":11768},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/chocolate-muffins-7.jpg",[39,11770,11771],{},"Method – Sauce",[12,11773,11774],{},"1. Melt the plain chocolate and butter together over a pan of simmering water.",[12,11776,11777,11780,11781,11783],{},[15,11778],{"alt":253,"src":11779},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/chocolate-muffins-6.jpg","2. Stir until blended then stir in the cream.",[914,11782],{},"\n3. Remove from the heat and mix until smooth.",[12,11785,11786,11789],{},[15,11787],{"alt":253,"src":11788},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/chocolate-muffins-9.jpg",[39,11790,11791],{},"Serve the muffins warm with choc sauce poured on top. Yum! 🙂",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":11793},[],[262],"/images/2014/02/chocolate_muffins.jpg","2013-09-22T19:52:00Z","2285",{},"Easy chocolate dessert muffins recipe with molten chocolate centre and rich chocolate sauce. Perfect treat for a rainy Sunday afternoon.","/tasty-chocolate-dessert-muffins",{"title":11658,"description":11663},"tasty-chocolate-dessert-muffins","SwdsWiYMlPhYo5IlDquS5OzqmeiUVhSqPpDPNDuO_3M",{"id":11805,"title":11806,"author":7,"body":11807,"category":11819,"cover":11820,"date":11821,"description":253,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":11822,"meta":11823,"meta_description":11824,"meta_title":11825,"navigation":269,"path":11826,"seo":11827,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":11828,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":11829},"posts/merry-christmas-cats-dexter-luna.md","Merry Christmas!",{"type":9,"value":11808,"toc":11817},[11809],[12,11810,11811],{},[330,11812,11814],{"href":11813},"/images/2012/12/catsgif3.gif",[15,11815],{"alt":253,"src":11813,"title":11816},"catsgif",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":11818},[],[262],"/images/2014/02/christmas_dexter_luna.jpg","2012-12-28T19:23:00Z","646",{},"Dexter & Luna wish you a Merry Christmas!","Merry Christmas from Our Cats Dexter & Luna","/merry-christmas-cats-dexter-luna",{"title":11806,"description":253},"merry-christmas-cats-dexter-luna","pXf9hUCkUQy0v1rZviuTWXk0WymJNdlwolB9ZQ_oDf8",{"id":11831,"title":11832,"author":7,"body":11833,"category":11971,"cover":11972,"date":11973,"description":11837,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":11974,"meta":11975,"meta_description":11976,"meta_title":11977,"navigation":269,"path":11978,"seo":11979,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":11980,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":11981},"posts/halloween-mini-cupcakes.md","Halloween Mini Cupcakes",{"type":9,"value":11834,"toc":11961},[11835,11838,11841,11843,11874,11878,11889,11893,11907,11910,11913,11916,11919,11922,11927,11930,11933,11938,11943,11946,11949,11952,11958],[12,11836,11837],{},"Last Halloween I made these cute little cup cakes and added Halloween cocktail sticks in the tops to theme them, you can get similar toppers from craft stores and even the pound shops around Halloween that work perfect for topping cakes and don’t cost much.",[12,11839,11840],{},"They were really easy to make and here’s how you can do it too!",[314,11842,11678],{"id":8937},[43,11844,11845,11848,11856,11859,11862,11865,11868,11871],{},[46,11846,11847],{},"150g pot natural yogurt",[46,11849,11850,11851,11855],{},"3 eggs",[330,11852,7360],{"href":11853,"rel":11854},"http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/knowhow/glossary/egg/",[334],", beaten",[46,11857,11858],{},"1 tsp vanilla extract",[46,11860,11861],{},"175g golden caster sugar",[46,11863,11864],{},"140g self-raising flour (swap 1 tbsp of flour for cocoa powder)",[46,11866,11867],{},"100g ground almonds",[46,11869,11870],{},"175g unsalted butter , melted",[46,11872,11873],{},"Decoration toppers",[314,11875,11877],{"id":11876},"chocolate-frosting","Chocolate Frosting",[43,11879,11880,11883,11886],{},[46,11881,11882],{},"100g chocolate (milk or dark)",[46,11884,11885],{},"140g unsalted butter",[46,11887,11888],{},"140g icing sugar",[314,11890,11892],{"id":11891},"orange-colour-frosting","Orange colour Frosting",[43,11894,11895,11898,11901,11904],{},[46,11896,11897],{},"140g/5oz butter, softened",[46,11899,11900],{},"280g/10oz icing sugar",[46,11902,11903],{},"1-2 tbsp milk",[46,11905,11906],{},"few drops food colouring",[314,11908,11909],{"id":5060},"Method",[314,11911,7264],{"id":11912},"_1",[12,11914,11915],{},"Line a cupcake tin with paper cases and heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5.This mix will line 12 regular cases or 24 mini ones! I used half of the mix with cocoa powder & left half without to make half chocolate & haft vanilla mini cupcakes!",[314,11917,5212],{"id":11918},"_2",[12,11920,11921],{},"In a jug, mix the yogurt, eggs and vanilla extract. Put the dry ingredients, plus a pinch of salt, into a large bowl and make a well in the middle.",[12,11923,11924],{},[15,11925],{"alt":253,"src":11926},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/cakes1.jpg",[314,11928,5223],{"id":11929},"_3",[12,11931,11932],{},"Add the yogurty mix and melted butter, and quickly fold in with a spatula or metal spoon – don’t overwork it. Spoon into the cases (they will be quite full) and bake for 18-20 mins or until golden, risen and springy to the touch. Cool for a few mins, then lift the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely. Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze as soon as possible.",[12,11934,11935],{},[15,11936],{"alt":253,"src":11937},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/cakes2.jpg",[12,11939,11940],{},[15,11941],{"alt":253,"src":11942},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/cakes3.jpg",[314,11944,5234],{"id":11945},"_4",[12,11947,11948],{},"Orange frosting: Beat the butter in a large bowl until soft. Add half of the icing sugar and beat until smooth. Add the remaining icing sugar and one tablespoon of the milk and beat the mixture until creamy and smooth. Beat in the milk, if necessary, to loosen the mixture. Stir in the food colouring until well combined.",[12,11950,11951],{},"Chocolate frosting: Melt the chocolate in the microwave on High for 1½ mins, stirring halfway. Leave to cool. Beat the butter and icing sugar in a large bowl until creamy. Beat in the chocolate. Cover and chill for up to one month. Up to 48 hrs before serving (or the day before if it’s really hot), bring back to room temperature, then spread over the cakes. Keep cool, out of direct sunlight. Add your Halloween toppers and they’re ready to go!",[12,11953,11954,11957],{},[15,11955],{"alt":253,"src":11956},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/cakes4.jpg","### Nutrition per serving",[12,11959,11960],{},"492 kcalories, protein 6g, carbohydrate 47g, fat 32 g, saturated fat 17g, fibre 1g, sugar 38g, salt 0.32 g",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":11962},[11963,11964,11965,11966,11967,11968,11969,11970],{"id":8937,"depth":452,"text":11678},{"id":11876,"depth":452,"text":11877},{"id":11891,"depth":452,"text":11892},{"id":5060,"depth":452,"text":11909},{"id":11912,"depth":452,"text":7264},{"id":11918,"depth":452,"text":5212},{"id":11929,"depth":452,"text":5223},{"id":11945,"depth":452,"text":5234},[262],"/images/2014/02/halloween_mini_cupcakes.jpg","2012-10-25T12:33:00Z","461",{},"Easy Halloween mini cupcakes recipe with chocolate and orange frosting. Decorate with themed toppers for a spooky treat that's perfect for parties.","Easy Halloween Mini Cupcakes Recipe with Frosting","/halloween-mini-cupcakes",{"title":11832,"description":11837},"halloween-mini-cupcakes","fs7Hk7WlT0mpPtBnPA7CLmmOCB4GTuziW6IFC7LXL88",{"id":11983,"title":11984,"author":7,"body":11985,"category":12077,"cover":12078,"date":12079,"description":11678,"excerpt":264,"extension":265,"featured_image":264,"legacy_id":7723,"meta":12080,"meta_description":12081,"meta_title":12082,"navigation":269,"path":12083,"seo":12084,"sponsored":269,"status":273,"stem":12085,"subtitle":253,"__hash__":12086},"posts/red-velvet-cake-recipe.md","Baking a Red Velvet Cake",{"type":9,"value":11986,"toc":12075},[11987,11991,12024,12029,12041,12045],[12,11988,11989],{},[39,11990,11678],{},[12,11992,11993,11994,11996,11997,11999,12000,12002,12003,12005,12006,12008,12009,12011,12012,12014,12015,12017,12018,12020,12021,12023],{},"1 tbsp mild cooking oil, for greasing",[914,11995],{},"\n350 g plain flour, plus extra for dusting",[914,11998],{},"\n1 tsp cocoa powder",[914,12001],{},"\n1 tsp nicarbonate of soda",[914,12004],{},"\n1.5 tsp baking powder",[914,12007],{},"\n350 g caster sugar",[914,12010],{},"\n350 g butter, chilled and diced",[914,12013],{},"\n200 ml soured cream",[914,12016],{},"\n1 tsp vanilla essence, plus a few drops for icing",[914,12019],{},"\n2 eggs, beaten",[914,12022],{},"\na few drops red food colouring",[12,12025,12026],{},[39,12027,12028],{},"Icing",[12,12030,12031,12032,12034,12035,12037,12038,12040],{},"100 g butter",[914,12033],{},"\n200 g cream cheese",[914,12036],{},"\n500 g icing sugar",[914,12039],{},"\n1 tsp vanilla essence",[12,12042,12043],{},[39,12044,11909],{},[12,12046,12047,12048,12050,12051,12053,12054,12056,12057,12059,12060,12062,12063,12065,12066,12068,12069,12071,12072,12074],{},"1. Preheat the oven to 180C",[914,12049],{},"\n2. Line three 20cm cake tins with oiled greaseproof paper, then sift over some flour",[914,12052],{},"\n3. In a medium bowl sift the flour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder.",[914,12055],{},"\n4. Add sugar, butter and sour cream. Mix well until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.",[914,12058],{},"\n5. Stir together the vanilla essence and eggs. Add this mixture bit by bit to the breadcrumb batter so it doesn’t curdle, then sprinkle with the food colouring.",[914,12061],{},"\n6. Mix well, then divide between the three cake tins. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cake has come away slightly from the sides of the tin and a skewer inserted into the thickest part comes out clean.",[914,12064],{},"\n7. Leave the sponges to cool for 5 minutes in the tins, then turn two of the sponges upside down on a cooling rack to dry. Turn out the third cake, but leave it right side up (this will be the top). To make icing the cake easier, you can refridgerate the sections once they have cooled a little. While the cakes are cooling, make the icing.",[914,12067],{},"\n8.For the Icing: Cream the butter and cream cheese together and sift in the icing sugar. Add vanilla essence and mix until well combined.",[914,12070],{},"\n9. Once the cakes are completely cool, layer the cake sandwiching it together with the icing, reserving half for the topping.",[914,12073],{},"\n10. Spread the icing on top the cake and around the sides. Cut in slices to serve.",{"title":253,"searchDepth":254,"depth":254,"links":12076},[],[262],"/images/2014/02/red_velvet_recipe.jpg","2012-09-02T18:10:00Z",{},"I’ll tell you how to bake this cake, then you can eat it.","Red Velvet Cake Recipe - Easy Baking Guide","/red-velvet-cake-recipe",{"title":11984,"description":11678},"red-velvet-cake-recipe","AWsQUMhDAFs2lIFXFN7QygdE0Id2kHYh8_6T-MQcbvM",1777287791934]