[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":21408},["ShallowReactive",2],{"category-reviews":3},[4,242,560,708,798,866,938,1047,1121,1196,1334,1446,1511,1583,1690,1778,1873,1930,2019,2150,2249,2376,2464,2550,2623,2695,2795,2884,3006,3109,3262,3349,3412,3497,3606,3672,3753,3817,3906,4005,4064,4164,4245,4392,4468,4536,4601,4787,4849,4896,4981,5085,5158,5207,5302,5373,5430,5518,5577,5733,5833,5933,6017,6101,6182,6268,6338,6393,6453,6532,6600,6667,6759,6868,6977,7101,7180,7260,7344,7440,7512,7590,7757,7833,7929,7996,8078,8139,8230,8314,8391,8455,8530,8618,8694,8838,8922,9068,9153,9325,9427,9484,9578,9687,9765,9802,9928,10029,10112,10216,10352,10475,10579,10638,10712,10789,10870,10947,11067,11133,11246,11390,11532,11620,11702,11900,12021,12087,12193,12264,12389,12481,12597,12674,12804,12910,13001,13090,13168,13272,13352,13458,13500,13574,13659,13802,13863,13924,13969,14251,14312,14413,14574,14647,14777,14877,14924,15011,15066,15142,15238,15353,15454,15536,15647,15743,15860,15963,16059,16180,16354,16480,16578,16742,16871,16974,17055,17159,17245,17340,17494,17616,17722,17791,17937,18090,18206,18318,18484,18553,18681,18785,18895,18989,19106,19260,19346,19478,19575,19734,19880,20001,20116,20234,20308,20361,20408,20519,20639,20764,20838,20974,21079,21198,21234,21352],{"id":5,"title":6,"author":7,"body":8,"category":225,"cover":227,"date":228,"description":229,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":232,"legacy_id":230,"meta":233,"meta_description":234,"meta_title":235,"navigation":236,"path":237,"seo":238,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":240,"subtitle":230,"__hash__":241},"posts/best-christmas-toys-for-kids-2025.md","Best Christmas Toys for Kids 2025: Our Top Picks from Very","lisa@leeleeloves.com",{"type":9,"value":10,"toc":214},"minimark",[11,23,26,31,42,49,52,55,58,62,70,76,79,82,85,88,92,101,106,109,112,115,118,122,130,136,139,142,145,148,152,159,165,168,171,174,177,181,189,192,196,199,202,205,208],[12,13,14,15,22],"p",{},"As a mum, I know that Christmas toy shopping can feel a bit overwhelming. With so many options out there, it's hard to know which toys will actually capture your child's imagination and stand the test of time (or at least make it past Boxing Day!). That's why I'm excited to share some brilliant toy picks from ",[16,17,21],"a",{"href":18,"rel":19},"https://www.very.co.uk/content/best-toys-for-christmas.page",[20],"nofollow","very.co.uk","  that cater to different ages, interests, and play styles.",[12,24,25],{},"Whether you're shopping for a budding gamer, a creative maker, a football fanatic, or a little one who needs help winding down at bedtime, I've found something special for everyone. Let's dive in!",[27,28,30],"h2",{"id":29},"lego-fortnite-battle-bus","LEGO Fortnite Battle Bus",[12,32,33,37,38,41],{},[34,35,36],"strong",{},"Age:"," 10+\n",[34,39,40],{},"Price:"," £89.99",[12,43,44],{},[45,46],"img",{"alt":47,"src":48},"Lego fortnite","/very-christmas/fortnite_lego_very_christmas.jpg",[12,50,51],{},"If you've got a Fortnite fan in the house, this one's an absolute winner. The LEGO Fortnite Battle Bus is a stunning 954-piece replica of the iconic hot-air balloon vehicle from the game, complete with rolling wheels, a removable roof, and that unmistakable blue and yellow balloon.",[12,53,54],{},"What really sets this set apart is the incredible collection of nine minifigures included—Battalion Brawler, Adventure Peely, Brite Bomber, Cuddle Team Leader, Cube Assassin, Trespasser Elite, Drift, Meowscles, and Raven. It's like having all the fan-favourite characters right there to recreate epic game moments or invent new adventures.",[12,56,57],{},"The build itself is detailed enough to keep older kids and even adults engaged (yes, I may have helped with this one!), and the finished model makes a brilliant display piece for any gaming fan's bedroom. Fair warning though - this set has been flying off the shelves, so if it's on your list, I'd grab it sooner rather than later. Last year it sold out and we missed it!",[27,59,61],{"id":60},"doctor-squish-squishy-maker-station-glow-it-shimmer-deluxe-duo-pack","Doctor Squish – Squishy Maker Station Glow It! Shimmer Deluxe Duo Pack",[12,63,64,66,67,69],{},[34,65,36],{}," 8+\n",[34,68,40],{}," £24.99",[12,71,72],{},[45,73],{"alt":74,"src":75},"Dr Squish","/very-christmas/doctor_squish_very_christmas.jpg",[12,77,78],{},"For the child who loves getting hands-on and creating their own toys, the Doctor Squish Squishy Maker Station is absolutely magical. This kit lets kids make their own glow-in-the-dark squishies from scratch, which is such a satisfying process to watch (and squeeze afterwards!).",[12,80,81],{},"The Glow It! Shimmer edition includes everything needed to create eight custom squishies that actually glow in the dark. There's something deeply satisfying about the whole making process - mixing the special powder, pouring it into moulds, and then waiting for your squishy creation to set. It's like a science experiment meets craft project, and kids absolutely love having something they've made themselves.",[12,83,84],{},"What I particularly appreciate about this toy is that it encourages creativity and patience. Kids can experiment with different colours and shimmer effects, and the sense of achievement when they squeeze their first homemade squishy is priceless. It's also a great activity for playdates or rainy afternoons when you need something to keep little hands busy.",[12,86,87],{},"Plus, let's be honest - squishies are brilliant for fidgety fingers, and knowing these are handmade by your child makes them even more special.",[27,89,91],{"id":90},"soccer-bot","Soccer Bot",[12,93,94,96,97,100],{},[34,95,36],{}," 6+\n",[34,98,99],{},"Price"," £34.99",[12,102,103],{},[45,104],{"alt":91,"src":105},"/very-christmas/soccer_bot_very_christmas.jpg",[12,107,108],{},"As someone who's constantly trying to find ways to burn off energy indoors (especially during those grey British winter months), the Smart Ball Indoor Soccer Bot is a revelation. This clever little device is designed for indoor football play and genuinely lives up to its promise of endless fun.",[12,110,111],{},"The Soccer Bot uses state-of-the-art sensors to track and tackle the ball, creating an interactive football experience right in your living room (or playroom, if you're sensible!). What I love most is the three different speed modes, which mean younger children can start on an easier setting and work their way up as their skills improve.",[12,113,114],{},"The built-in LCD screen keeps track of scores and records highest scores, adding a competitive element that my lot absolutely thrive on. The four smart discs help you establish your playing area, so you can make the game as easy or challenging as you like. There's even a switch on the bottom to toggle between standard and boost mode for different surfaces—brilliant for accommodating carpet versus hard floors.",[12,116,117],{},"If you're looking for something that gets kids moving, develops coordination, and doesn't require good weather, this is a winner.",[27,119,121],{"id":120},"tonies-sleepy-friends-bedtime-stories-with-sleepy-bear","Tonies Sleepy Friends – Bedtime Stories with Sleepy Bear",[12,123,124,126,127,129],{},[34,125,36],{}," 3+\n",[34,128,99],{}," £14.99",[12,131,132],{},[45,133],{"alt":134,"src":135},"Tonies","/very-christmas/tonies_sleepy_friends_very_christmas.jpg",[12,137,138],{},"Bedtime routines can be… challenging, shall we say? That's why I'm such a fan of the Tonies Sleepy Friends audio character featuring Sleepy Bear. If you're not familiar with Tonies, they're clever little audio figures that work with a Toniebox speaker to play stories, songs, and audiobooks when you pop them on top.",[12,140,141],{},"This particular Tonie features approximately 39 minutes of bedtime stories and calming music designed specifically to help little ones wind down. The main story follows Sleepy Bear's journey home from Grandma and Grandpa's house, visiting various animal families who are all getting ready for bed. It's gentle, soothing, and creates a lovely calm atmosphere.",[12,143,144],{},"With four songs and nine stories included, there's enough variety to keep bedtime interesting without being overstimulating. The hand-painted magnetic figure is adorable too - Sleepy Bear has become a treasured part of our bedtime routine.",[12,146,147],{},"One thing to note: you will need a Toniebox and Wi-Fi connection to use this, but if you're already in the Tonies ecosystem (or considering joining it), this is one of the loveliest bedtime companions you could ask for.",[27,149,151],{"id":150},"disney-chatty-stitch-deluxe-puppetronic","Disney Chatty Stitch Deluxe Puppetronic",[12,153,154,96,156,158],{},[34,155,36],{},[34,157,99],{}," £43.99",[12,160,161],{},[45,162],{"alt":163,"src":164},"Chatty Stitch","/very-christmas/chatty_stitch_very_christmas.jpg",[12,166,167],{},"Last but certainly not least, let me introduce you to Chatty Stitch - the animatronic puppet that's genuinely brought movie magic to life in our home. This isn't just a soft toy; it's a proper piece of puppetronics technology that combines puppetry with animatronics to make Stitch feel incredibly lifelike.",[12,169,170],{},"Chatty Stitch features over 50 phrases and sound combinations, speaking in his native Tantalog language (if you know, you know!). His mouth moves in perfect sync with his words thanks to advanced lip-sync technology, and his head turns as he responds to your touch. It's remarkably expressive and feels like you're actually interacting with the character from the film.",[12,172,173],{},"There are three buttons hidden inside Stitch's head that let you control his moods—from mischievous to grumpy—and trigger his hero sounds where he'll speak favourite sayings associated with Experiment 626. If you've got a Lilo & Stitch fan in the house, this is the ultimate gift.",[12,175,176],{},"The level of detail and interactivity is impressive, and it's been a huge hit with my Disney-loving child. Fair warning: you will hear a lot of Tantalog around the house, but seeing their face light up when Stitch \"talks\" to them makes it absolutely worth it.",[27,178,180],{"id":179},"finding-more-inspiration","Finding More Inspiration",[12,182,183,184,188],{},"If you're looking for even more toy ideas for Christmas, Very.co.uk has put together a ",[16,185,187],{"href":18,"rel":186},[20],"fantastic guide to the best toys for Christmas"," with loads of options across different age groups and interests. It's really helpful for browsing when you need inspiration or want to compare options side by side.",[12,190,191],{},"What I appreciate about shopping at Very is the flexibility—they offer payment plans like pay nothing for up to 12 months, which can make managing Christmas spending a bit easier on the bank balance.",[27,193,195],{"id":194},"final-thoughts","Final Thoughts",[12,197,198],{},"Christmas toy shopping doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you're looking for something creative, active, comforting, or just downright fun, there's something special about finding that perfect gift that you know will genuinely bring joy on Christmas morning.",[12,200,201],{},"These five toys cover such a brilliant range—from building and creating to moving and cuddling—and they're all built to last beyond the initial excitement of unwrapping. That's what I look for in Christmas presents: toys that will be loved, played with, and remembered long after the decorations come down.",[12,203,204],{},"Have you got your eye on any of these toys for Christmas? Or have you already tried any of them with your little ones? I'd love to hear what's on your Christmas list this year in the comments below!",[206,207],"hr",{},[12,209,210],{},[211,212,213],"em",{},"Disclosure: I was gifted these toys from Very.co.uk for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products I genuinely believe will bring joy to children and families.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":217},"",2,[218,219,220,221,222,223,224],{"id":29,"depth":216,"text":30},{"id":60,"depth":216,"text":61},{"id":90,"depth":216,"text":91},{"id":120,"depth":216,"text":121},{"id":150,"depth":216,"text":151},{"id":179,"depth":216,"text":180},{"id":194,"depth":216,"text":195},[226],"reviews","/images/2025/christmas_gifts_very_christmas.jpg","2025-11-18T10:00:00Z","As a mum, I know that Christmas toy shopping can feel a bit overwhelming. With so many options out there, it's hard to know which toys will actually capture your child's imagination and stand the test of time (or at least make it past Boxing Day!). That's why I'm excited to share some brilliant toy picks from very.co.uk  that cater to different ages, interests, and play styles.",null,"md","christmas_gifts_very_christmas.jpg",{},"Discover the top Christmas toys for 2025 including LEGO Fortnite, Doctor Squish, Smart Ball Soccer Bot, Tonies Sleepy Bear, and Disney Stitch Puppetronic.","Best Christmas Toys for Kids 2025 | Gift Guide",true,"/best-christmas-toys-for-kids-2025",{"title":6,"description":229},"published","best-christmas-toys-for-kids-2025","NpD6-YfvIstOJHEHX32LP_fUE6O4DyZAPn98G3r0hoI",{"id":243,"title":244,"author":245,"body":246,"category":548,"cover":230,"date":549,"description":550,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":551,"legacy_id":230,"meta":552,"meta_description":553,"meta_title":554,"navigation":236,"path":555,"seo":556,"sponsored":557,"status":239,"stem":558,"subtitle":230,"__hash__":559},"posts/medela-freestyle-hands-free-breast-pump-review.md","Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump Review: A Game-Changer for Busy Mums","Lisa Collette",{"type":9,"value":247,"toc":533},[248,256,262,269,273,278,285,288,293,297,312,315,319,322,325,329,332,336,341,348,351,356,360,394,398,428,432,442,446,457,462,480,487,500,502,507,513,520,523,526,528],[12,249,250,251,255],{},"As a mum who's been through the breastfeeding journey, thrice. I know how important it is to find a breast pump that fits seamlessly into your busy life. Whether you're heading back to work, building up a freezer stash, or just need the flexibility to pump while getting things done, having the right equipment makes all the difference. I've shared my ",[16,252,254],{"href":253},"/hopes-fears-and-expectations-for-breastfeeding","breastfeeding journeys"," over the last 10 years and the tech just keeps getting better! Thats 10 years of Medela helping me navigate motherhood and feeding newborns.",[12,257,258],{},[45,259],{"alt":260,"src":261},"https://amzn.to/4nj0xuw","/medela_freestyle_hands_free_leeleeloves_01.jpg",[12,263,264,265,268],{},"Enter the ",[34,266,267],{},"Medela Freestyle Hands-Free breast pump","—a wearable, double electric pump from one of the most trusted names in breastfeeding. I've been using it, and I have to say, it's been a real game-changer in many ways. But is it perfect? Let's dive into my honest review.",[27,270,272],{"id":271},"what-makes-the-medela-freestyle-hands-free-stand-out","What Makes the Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Stand Out?",[274,275,277],"h3",{"id":276},"_1-discreet-wearable-design","1. Discreet, Wearable Design",[12,279,280,281,284],{},"One of the biggest selling points of this pump is that it fits ",[34,282,283],{},"directly into your bra",". The ultra-light collection cups (weighing just 76g each) sit discreetly inside your nursing bra, mimicking the natural shape of a lactating breast. This means you can pump while doing other things—whether that's answering emails, folding laundry, or even having a cup of tea in peace!",[12,286,287],{},"The transparent cups make it easy to see when milk is flowing and to align your nipple correctly, which is brilliant for getting the best output without any guesswork.",[12,289,290],{},[45,291],{"alt":260,"src":292},"/medela_freestyle_hands_free_leeleeloves_05.jpg",[274,294,296],{"id":295},"_2-hospital-grade-suction-with-2-phase-expression-technology","2. Hospital-Grade Suction with 2-Phase Expression Technology",[12,298,299,300,303,304,307,308,311],{},"Medela is renowned for their ",[34,301,302],{},"2-Phase Expression Technology",", which mimics a baby's natural sucking pattern. The pump starts with a faster stimulation phase to encourage let-down, then switches to a slower, deeper expression phase to efficiently extract milk. With ",[34,305,306],{},"245mmHg of suction"," and ",[34,309,310],{},"9 adjustable levels",", you can find a setting that's comfortable and effective for you.",[12,313,314],{},"While the suction isn't the absolute strongest on the market (some newer pumps reach up to 300mmHg), it's more than adequate for most mums. The quality of the suction feels gentle yet effective—hospital-grade performance without feeling harsh.",[274,316,318],{"id":317},"_3-trusted-reliable-brand","3. Trusted, Reliable Brand",[12,320,321],{},"When it comes to breastfeeding equipment, Medela is a name that comes up time and time again. They've been supporting breastfeeding mums for decades, and their pumps are used in hospitals worldwide. That reputation for reliability and quality is reassuring when you're investing in something as important as a breast pump.",[12,323,324],{},"The Freestyle Hands-Free maintains that standard. It's well-built, easy to assemble (just three parts per cup!), and feels like a product that will last through your entire breastfeeding journey.",[274,326,328],{"id":327},"_4-app-integration-for-tracking","4. App Integration for Tracking",[12,330,331],{},"The Medela pump connects to their smartphone app via Bluetooth, allowing you to track pumping sessions, monitor milk volume, and check battery life. While this isn't essential, it's a nice feature for data-loving mums who want to keep tabs on their pumping schedule and output.",[27,333,335],{"id":334},"the-downsides-wires-and-battery-pack","The Downsides: Wires and Battery Pack",[12,337,338],{},[45,339],{"alt":260,"src":340},"/medela_freestyle_hands_free_leeleeloves_03.jpg",[12,342,343,344,347],{},"Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room—",[34,345,346],{},"the wires and battery pack",". While the Freestyle Hands-Free is technically \"wearable,\" it's not completely wireless. The collection cups connect via tubes to a separate pump motor and battery pack that you'll need to keep on you (it comes with a handy wrist lanyard or you can tuck it in a pocket).",[12,349,350],{},"For me, this wasn't a dealbreaker. The motor is lightweight (273g), and the lanyard makes it easy to keep out of the way. But I'll be honest—it does take away from the \"true freedom\" feeling that a completely wireless pump would offer. If you're moving around a lot or trying to be ultra-discreet, those wires can occasionally get in the way.",[12,352,353],{},[45,354],{"alt":215,"src":355},"/medela_freestyle_hands_free_leeleeloves_06.jpg",[27,357,359],{"id":358},"what-i-love-about-this-pump","What I Love About This Pump",[361,362,363,370,376,382,388],"ul",{},[364,365,366,369],"li",{},[34,367,368],{},"Comfortable and lightweight",": The cups sit comfortably in my bra without feeling bulky or obvious",[364,371,372,375],{},[34,373,374],{},"Quiet operation",": It's surprisingly quiet, so I can pump without drawing attention",[364,377,378,381],{},[34,379,380],{},"Easy to clean",": With only three parts per cup, cleanup is quick and simple",[364,383,384,387],{},[34,385,386],{},"Reliable milk output",": The 2-Phase Expression Technology really does work—I get consistent let-downs and good milk volumes",[364,389,390,393],{},[34,391,392],{},"Portable",": The USB-rechargeable battery means I can pump anywhere without hunting for an outlet",[27,395,397],{"id":396},"what-could-be-better","What Could Be Better",[361,399,400,406,416,422],{},[364,401,402,405],{},[34,403,404],{},"Wires and battery pack",": While manageable, it's not the fully wireless experience some mums might want",[364,407,408,411,412,415],{},[34,409,410],{},"Price point",": At ",[34,413,414],{},"£299",", it's definitely an investment (though in line with other high-quality wearable pumps)",[364,417,418,421],{},[34,419,420],{},"Cup capacity",": The 5oz capacity per cup is fine for most sessions, but if you're an over-supplier, you might need to empty them mid-pump",[364,423,424,427],{},[34,425,426],{},"No adjustable cycle speed",": You can adjust suction levels but not the cycle speed, which some mums prefer to customise",[27,429,431],{"id":430},"where-to-buy","Where to Buy",[12,433,434,435,441],{},"If you're interested in trying the Medela Freestyle Hands-Free for yourself, you can ",[34,436,437],{},[16,438,440],{"href":260,"rel":439},[20],"purchase it on Amazon here",". It's backed by Medela's reputation and comes with everything you need to get started, including two collection cups, breast shields (21mm and 24mm), and the rechargeable pump motor.",[27,443,445],{"id":444},"what-about-the-medela-magic-inbra-pump","What About the Medela Magic InBra Pump?",[12,447,448,449,452,453,456],{},"Speaking of wireless solutions, I've had my eye on the ",[34,450,451],{},"Medela Magic InBra pump",", which is their ",[34,454,455],{},"completely wireless, hands-free option",". Unlike the Freestyle Hands-Free, the Magic InBra has no tubes, no battery pack, and no wires—everything is self-contained within the cups themselves.",[12,458,459],{},[45,460],{"alt":215,"src":461},"/medela_magic_inbra_hands_free_leeleeloves_01.jpg",[12,463,464,465,307,468,471,472,475,476,479],{},"At just ",[34,466,467],{},"200g per cup",[34,469,470],{},"38dB quiet",", it's even more discreet than the Freestyle. Plus, it features Medela's revolutionary ",[34,473,474],{},"FluidFeel Technology",", which keeps your nipple surrounded by warm milk during pumping (mimicking breastfeeding even more closely). It also has ",[34,477,478],{},"smart sensor control"," that automatically switches from stimulation to expression mode when it detects milk flow—pretty clever!",[12,481,482,483,486],{},"The Magic InBra connects to the Medela app for tracking and has a battery life of around ",[34,484,485],{},"8 complete sessions per charge",". With a 150ml capacity per cup and the same trusted pumping pattern as Medela's hospital-grade Symphony model, it sounds like an incredible upgrade.",[12,488,489,490,493,494],{},"I'd ",[34,491,492],{},"love to try the Magic InBra next","! It seems like the perfect solution for mums who want total freedom without compromising on performance. If you're in the market for a truly wireless option, it's definitely worth considering alongside the Freestyle Hands-Free. If you're interested interested in trying the InBra yourself, you can ",[34,495,496],{},[16,497,440],{"href":498,"rel":499},"https://amzn.to/3Jomri1",[20],[27,501,195],{"id":194},[12,503,504],{},[45,505],{"alt":215,"src":506},"/medela_freestyle_hands_free_leeleeloves_04.jpg",[12,508,509,510,512],{},"The ",[34,511,267],{}," is a solid choice for breastfeeding mums who want freedom, flexibility, and reliable performance. It's not completely wireless, but it's comfortable, discreet, and backed by Medela's trusted reputation in the breastfeeding world. The hospital-grade suction and 2-Phase Expression Technology deliver consistent results, and the wearable design genuinely makes pumping less of a chore.",[12,514,515,516,519],{},"If you don't mind the wires and battery pack, this pump offers excellent value and functionality. But if you're after a truly wireless experience, the ",[34,517,518],{},"Medela Magic InBra"," might be the better fit.",[12,521,522],{},"Either way, investing in a quality breast pump that works for your lifestyle is one of the best things you can do for your breastfeeding journey. Whether you're exclusively pumping, building a freezer stash, or pumping at work, having a pump you can trust makes all the difference.",[12,524,525],{},"Have you tried the Medela Freestyle Hands-Free or the Magic InBra? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments below!",[206,527],{},[12,529,530],{},[211,531,532],{},"Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for purchases made via these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Leelee Loves!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":534},[535,542,543,544,545,546,547],{"id":271,"depth":216,"text":272,"children":536},[537,539,540,541],{"id":276,"depth":538,"text":277},3,{"id":295,"depth":538,"text":296},{"id":317,"depth":538,"text":318},{"id":327,"depth":538,"text":328},{"id":334,"depth":216,"text":335},{"id":358,"depth":216,"text":359},{"id":396,"depth":216,"text":397},{"id":430,"depth":216,"text":431},{"id":444,"depth":216,"text":445},{"id":194,"depth":216,"text":195},[226],"2025-10-22T12:00:00Z","As a mum who's been through the breastfeeding journey, thrice. I know how important it is to find a breast pump that fits seamlessly into your busy life. Whether you're heading back to work, building up a freezer stash, or just need the flexibility to pump while getting things done, having the right equipment makes all the difference. I've shared my breastfeeding journeys over the last 10 years and the tech just keeps getting better! Thats 10 years of Medela helping me navigate motherhood and feeding newborns.","medela_freestyle_hands-free_breast_pump_review.jpg",{},"Honest review of the Medela Freestyle Hands-Free wearable breast pump. Hospital-grade suction, discreet in-bra wear and reliable performance. Worth £299?","Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump Review 2025","/medela-freestyle-hands-free-breast-pump-review",{"title":244,"description":550},false,"medela-freestyle-hands-free-breast-pump-review","iHbf0X35lrmgsOkNGkTNn-hjWiCWUQfLsXW9FRYFHZw",{"id":561,"title":562,"author":245,"body":563,"category":697,"cover":698,"date":699,"description":700,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":701,"meta":702,"meta_description":703,"meta_title":562,"navigation":236,"path":704,"seo":705,"sponsored":557,"status":239,"stem":706,"subtitle":230,"__hash__":707},"posts/dock-a-tot-deluxe-and-maman-wedge-nursing-pillow.md","Dock-a-Tot Deluxe nest and La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow",{"type":9,"value":564,"toc":692},[565,576,582,586,601,604,610,613,622,626,632,646,652,655,664,667,669,680,683],[12,566,567,568,575],{},"As a mum, finding versatile and aesthetically pleasing baby essentials can feel like a daunting task. Luckily, I've discovered two products that not only meet the practical needs of daily life with a little one but also seamlessly blend into our home decor—the Dock-a-Tot Deluxe and the La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow, both in the beautiful William Morris Willow Boughs print. Both items are available to purchase in my ",[34,569,570],{},[16,571,574],{"href":572,"rel":573},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/influencer-f52026a2/list/352D4XP03RNOU?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_GJK0QGMRKKGKTRZY6NMC_1",[20],"Store Front",".",[12,577,578],{},[45,579],{"alt":580,"src":581},"Newborn baby in the dock a tot","/images/2025/dock_a_tot_william_morris_04.jpg",[27,583,585],{"id":584},"dock-a-tot-deluxe-supervised-sleep-play-and-lounging","Dock-a-Tot Deluxe: Supervised Sleep, Play, and Lounging",[12,587,588,589,592,593,596,597,600],{},"First up, the ",[34,590,591],{},"Dock-a-Tot Deluxe",". I can't say enough good things about this little lounger. While it's important to note that it’s ",[34,594,595],{},"not advised for overnight sleep",", it’s absolutely perfect ",[34,598,599],{},"for supervised sleep, tummy time, play sessions, and lounging."," Olivia loves chilling in it, and I love that it keeps her cozy and content while I get a few things done nearby.",[12,602,603],{},"The shape and design provide a snug, comforting environment, making it great for those fussy moments when nothing else seems to work. Plus, the William Morris Willow Boughs print adds a touch of elegance to our living space. It doesn’t scream \"baby gear,\" which I really appreciate!",[12,605,606],{},[45,607],{"alt":608,"src":609},"baby sleeping the dock-a-tot","/images/2025/dock_a_tot_william_morris_01.jpg",[12,611,612],{},"Olivia is starting to outgrow hers at almost 9 months old, but it's OK because she can move up to the Dock-A-Tot Grand!",[12,614,615],{},[34,616,617],{},[16,618,621],{"href":619,"rel":620},"https://amzn.to/4ixCKWk",[20],"Purchase The Dock-A-Tot here.",[27,623,625],{"id":624},"la-maman-wedge-nursing-pillow-a-multi-use-marvel","La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow: A Multi-Use Marvel",[12,627,628],{},[45,629],{"alt":630,"src":631},"la maman wedge by dock-atot","/images/2025/dock_a_tot_la_maman_wedge_william_morris_03.jpg",[12,633,634,635,638,639,642,643,575],{},"Next up is the ",[34,636,637],{},"La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow",", which has quickly become one of my favourite baby essentials. Retailing at £80 the Le Maman Wedge is a game changer. Not only is it fantastic for nursing and bottle feeding, but it also doubles as a supportive cushion for ",[34,640,641],{},"tummy time",", back support for me, and even as a little prop when Olivia is ",[34,644,645],{},"learning to sit up",[12,647,648],{},[45,649],{"alt":650,"src":651},"breastfeeding with the la maman wedge","/images/2025/dock_a_tot_la_maman_wedge_william_morris_02.jpg",[12,653,654],{},"The wedge shape is ergonomic and comfortable, providing just the right amount of elevation to help with feeding while also being super handy for post-feed lounging. And again, that matching William Morris print makes it a lovely addition to our space, giving off a stylish and coordinated vibe. I’ve tried many nursing pillows over the course of having had 3 babies and this one is a firm favourite. It doesn’t take up too much space and it just looks and feels great.",[12,656,657],{},[34,658,659],{},[16,660,663],{"href":661,"rel":662},"https://amzn.to/4iZ8P9n",[20],"Purchase The La Maman Wedge Here.",[12,665,666],{},"Apart from their incredible functionality, having both items in the same print gives a cohesive look to our baby gear collection. It’s rare to find baby products that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing, but these two hit the mark perfectly. Whether they’re set up in a nursery or the living room, they look gorgeous!",[27,668,195],{"id":194},[12,670,671,672,675,676,679],{},"If you're looking for baby products that combine ",[34,673,674],{},"practicality with style",", I highly recommend the ",[34,677,678],{},"Dock-a-Tot Deluxe and La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow",". They’re versatile, beautiful, and make our daily routine so much easier. Plus, they make for some pretty adorable photos!",[12,681,682],{},"Do you have a favourite baby essential that’s as stylish as it is functional? Let me know in the comments below!",[12,684,685,686,691],{},"Both items are available to purchase in my ",[34,687,688],{},[16,689,574],{"href":572,"rel":690},[20]," I may earn a small commison for purchases made via this link.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":693},[694,695,696],{"id":584,"depth":216,"text":585},{"id":624,"depth":216,"text":625},{"id":194,"depth":216,"text":195},[226],"/images/2025/dock_a_tot_william_morris_03.jpg","2025-03-24T00:10:00Z","As a mum, finding versatile and aesthetically pleasing baby essentials can feel like a daunting task. Luckily, I've discovered two products that not only meet the practical needs of daily life with a little one but also seamlessly blend into our home decor—the Dock-a-Tot Deluxe and the La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow, both in the beautiful William Morris Willow Boughs print. Both items are available to purchase in my Store Front.","11948",{},"Dock-a-Tot Deluxe and La Maman Wedge Nursing Pillow review. William Morris print. Supervised sleep, tummy time, nursing support, and stylish baby essentials.","/dock-a-tot-deluxe-and-maman-wedge-nursing-pillow",{"title":562,"description":700},"dock-a-tot-deluxe-and-maman-wedge-nursing-pillow","UU8EcJKac3uqRfk7VpbcMgCzxw-bhZc-_sT-nuGNpOg",{"id":709,"title":710,"author":245,"body":711,"category":788,"cover":783,"date":789,"description":215,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":790,"meta":791,"meta_description":792,"meta_title":793,"navigation":236,"path":794,"seo":795,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":796,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":797},"posts/misfittens-toy-review.md","Misfittens Toy review",{"type":9,"value":712,"toc":784},[713,726,729,735,738,744,753,756,770,779],[27,714,716,719,720,725],{"id":715},"if-you-love-squishy-squashy-cuddly-collectibles-and-cats-as-much-as-we-do-youre-going-to-love-misfittens",[45,717],{"alt":215,"src":718},"/images/2022/10/Misfittens_04.jpg","If you love squishy, squashy, cuddly collectibles and cats as much as we do you’re going to ",[16,721,724],{"href":722,"rel":723},"https://amzn.to/3DiIr84",[20],"LOVE Misfittens","!",[12,727,728],{},"Misfittens are super soft furry collectible cats who love to mis-fit themselves into small places. They are based on the trending hashtag #ifitfitsisits which is used by cat owners showing their cats squeezing into weird and wonderful places!",[12,730,731,734],{},[45,732],{"alt":215,"src":733},"/images/2022/10/Misfittens_07.jpg","Once you pull them out of their hiding spot you simply fluff them up by giving them a shake and you a have a new cuddly friend.",[12,736,737],{},"Misfittens are a comical group of cat plushies with a passion for…sitting! No space is too small for these funny felines – or so they think. But now that these curious Mis-Fits have squeezed and squished themselves into meme-ishly tiny spots, they need your help to get them MEOWT!",[12,739,740,743],{},[45,741],{"alt":215,"src":742},"/images/2022/10/Misfittens_10.jpg","There are 12 Misfittens to collect, each has its own special fur colours and personality that make them unique. Every plush comes squeezed into 1 of 8 fun containers and includes a collector’s guide with more information on your silly new pet. Some Mis-Fits are SUPER RARE – collect them all for even more hilarious Mis-Fitting hijinks!",[12,745,746,749,752],{},[45,747],{"alt":215,"src":748},"/images/2022/10/Misfittens_03.jpg",[45,750],{"alt":215,"src":751},"/images/2022/10/Misfittens_11.jpg","The Latest Craze of Mis-Fits Inspired by the #ifitsisits meme, the Misfittens Cats are looking for new friends like YOU to join in their Mis-Fitting adventures. When they inevitably get stuck, be a pal and help them MEOWT!",[12,754,755],{},"You might even find your own feline friend trying to hide in your misfittens home.",[12,757,758,759,764,765,769],{},"Misfittens are available to buy now from ",[16,760,763],{"href":761,"rel":762},"https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/fashion-and-dolls/other-fashion-and-dolls/misfittens-assortment/p/208579",[20],"Smyths",", ",[16,766,768],{"href":722,"rel":767},[20],"Amazon"," and other good toy stores.",[12,771,772,773,776],{},"Get yours in time for the festive season!",[774,775],"br",{},[45,777],{"alt":215,"src":778},"/images/2022/10/Misfittens_06.jpg",[12,780,781],{},[45,782],{"alt":215,"src":783},"/images/2022/10/Misfittens_02.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":785},[786],{"id":715,"depth":216,"text":787},"If you love squishy, squashy, cuddly collectibles and cats as much as we do you’re going to LOVE Misfittens!",[226],"2022-10-21T13:31:00Z","11867",{},"Misfittens toy review. 12 collectible plush cats that squeeze into tiny containers. Inspired by #IfItFitsISits meme. Super soft, cuddly, and hilarious gifts.","Misfittens Toy Review - Collectible Plush Cats","/misfittens-toy-review",{"title":710,"description":215},"misfittens-toy-review","-DCRKexWKYKwM9FXJij3x84BX2DYr72-WaiiY3gRWzo",{"id":799,"title":800,"author":245,"body":801,"category":856,"cover":857,"date":858,"description":808,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":859,"meta":860,"meta_description":861,"meta_title":800,"navigation":236,"path":862,"seo":863,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":864,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":865},"posts/litee280a2brite-stranger-things-edition.md","Lite•Brite Stranger Things Edition!",{"type":9,"value":802,"toc":854},[803,809,812,815,824,827,830,836,839,851],[12,804,805,808],{},[45,806],{"alt":215,"src":807},"/images/2022/07/Stranger_things_lite_brite7-1.jpg","If you have teens at home this summer then the Lite•Brite stranger things edition is a great option to entertain them away from screens!",[12,810,811],{},"With 12 templates of icons images from all 4 seasons. We’ve had a blast creating them together!",[12,813,814],{},"Including the Demogorgon, the Stranger Things logo, the Upside Down, the “RUN” Christmas Lights and many more! Use one of 12 included templates or go wild with your imagination to create HD light art.",[12,816,817,820,823],{},[45,818],{"alt":215,"src":819},"/images/2022/07/Stranger_things_lite_brite6.jpg",[45,821],{"alt":215,"src":822},"/images/2022/07/Stranger_things_lite_brite1.jpg","A favourite of ours to replicate here was the demogorgon!",[12,825,826],{},"Aimed at adults and children 14+ this edition has smaller pegs than the original Lite•Brite allowing more intricate designs to be created.",[12,828,829],{},"This toy comes with 650 mini-sized pegs in a variety of bright and eye-catching colours and an enhanced grid with 50% more holes to add more stunning HD detail to your peg art creations.",[12,831,832,835],{},[45,833],{"alt":215,"src":834},"/images/2022/07/Stranger_things_lite_brite3.jpg","Of course the best part of Lite•Brite is once your image is complete and you illuminate it.",[12,837,838],{},"Bring your designs to life with a range of light modes, consisting of 4 colour-changing patterns – white light, alternating flash, all-flash and rotating flash!",[12,840,841,844,845,850],{},[45,842],{"alt":215,"src":843},"/images/2022/07/Stranger_things_lite_brite2-1.jpg","The Stranger Things edition of Lite•Brite is a must for any budding fans, available to ",[16,846,849],{"href":847,"rel":848},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lite-Brite-Stranger-Things-Multicolor/dp/B09FTMCKGY/ref=nav_ya_signin?keywords=stranger%2Bthings%2Blite%2Bbrite&qid=1659342865&sprefix=stranger%2Bthings%2Bli%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-2&th=1",[20],"buy at Amazon"," it would make the perfect this Christmas!",[12,852,853],{},"Ours has had so much use already and of course you’re not just limited to creating strange things images. Get creative and let your imagination run wild!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":855},[],[226],"/images/2022/07/Stranger_things_lite_brite7.jpg","2022-07-28T09:46:00Z","11846",{},"Lite-Brite Stranger Things Edition review. 12 templates from all 4 seasons, 650 mini pegs, HD light art, and multiple light modes. Perfect teen gift aged 14+.","/litee280a2brite-stranger-things-edition",{"title":800,"description":808},"litee280a2brite-stranger-things-edition","LC-bNZahTzlYy79yqLaeZkIXlEl_21KgjcyftyEKTtQ",{"id":867,"title":868,"author":245,"body":869,"category":928,"cover":881,"date":929,"description":930,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":931,"meta":932,"meta_description":933,"meta_title":868,"navigation":236,"path":934,"seo":935,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":936,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":937},"posts/cats-vs-pickles-now-available-bm.md","Cats vs Pickles – Now available at B&M",{"type":9,"value":870,"toc":926},[871,877,883,889,892,895,903,906,911,920,923],[12,872,873,874,876],{},"We LOVE Cats VS Pickles and have started to build quite the collection.",[774,875],{},"\nHowever, their aren’t many big stores near to us so it’s not often the children can choose their own in store.",[12,878,879,882],{},[45,880],{"alt":215,"src":881},"/images/2021/11/IMG_0666cats_vs_pickles_bm.jpg","All that is about to change as B&M are bringing a total of 230 Cats Vs Pickles bean-filled plushies to the nation to collect! And who doesn’t love a trip to B&M? Perfect excuse for mums to go and buy all of those “essentials” that we always leave with.",[12,884,885,888],{},[45,886],{"alt":215,"src":887},"/images/2021/11/IMG_0664cats_vs_pickles_bm.jpg","#### What are Cats VS PickleS?",[12,890,891],{},"If you’re new to the world of Cats VS Pickles they’re these adorable collectable beanie plushies. Cats are scared of pickles, but pickles just want love. Welcome to the world of Cats vs Pickles™ where lovable but misunderstood pickles are in hopeless pursuit of colorful cats.",[12,893,894],{},"These are perfect for stocking fillers and the children love looking at which ones they’re going to collect next.",[12,896,897,900,902],{},[45,898],{"alt":215,"src":899},"/images/2021/11/IMG_0685cats_vs_pickles_bm.jpg",[774,901],{},"\nDolly and Fox have a few firm favourites so far but we’ve always received our pickles via pickle post, choosing online and sometime getting a blind bag but the option to go in store and look for their most wanted ones is a game changer. It’s not always easy to find the one you want online!",[12,904,905],{},"This slideshow requires JavaScript.",[907,908,910],"h4",{"id":909},"become-a-groupie","Become a groupie –",[12,912,913,914,919],{},"There’s now a dedicated ",[16,915,918],{"href":916,"rel":917,"title":918},"https://facebook.com/groups/275838130764829",[20],"UK Official Cats vs Pickles Facebook group"," – head on over and join to keep up to date with all thing CvP!",[12,921,922],{},"We’ll be taking another trip to B&M soon in pursuit of Super Cat, Coder Cat and Twinkle Starlight!",[12,924,925],{},"Have you headed down to B&M to buy them yet?",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":927},[],[226],"2021-11-08T11:08:00Z","We LOVE Cats VS Pickles and have started to build quite the collection.\nHowever, their aren’t many big stores near to us so it’s not often the children can choose their own in store.","11802",{},"Cats vs Pickles now at B&M! 230 collectable bean-filled plushies available in-store. Perfect stocking fillers. Join the UK Facebook group for updates.","/cats-vs-pickles-now-available-bm",{"title":868,"description":930},"cats-vs-pickles-now-available-bm","HAc6MGj4T0r8MjoLJWnyl2u7Pqrgi2ia_MwUXXbviQ4",{"id":939,"title":940,"author":245,"body":941,"category":1038,"cover":947,"date":1039,"description":948,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":1040,"meta":1041,"meta_description":1042,"meta_title":940,"navigation":236,"path":1043,"seo":1044,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":1045,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":1046},"posts/thinking-outside-blocks-k-nex.md","Thinking outside the blocks with K’ Nex!",{"type":9,"value":942,"toc":1035},[943,949,952,955,958,963,966,969,974,978,981,986,989,994,997,1002,1005,1008,1013,1016,1021,1024,1029,1032],[12,944,945,948],{},[45,946],{"alt":215,"src":947},"/images/2021/06/knex_review_construction_toy_03.jpg","My children love building and constructing things, whether it be out of recycling, household object or toys, we’re big on STEM toys and anything that aids their development. This half term we were sent some awesome K’nex set from Basic Fun Toys to try out over half term.",[12,950,951],{},"This took me right back to my childhood, the memories of wet playtime at school when we would stay indoors on the carpet building K’Nex! Do you remember the coloured carry case boxes everyone had, with flip-top lid? Oh the memories.",[12,953,954],{},"Taylor recognised the pieces as something he too plays with at school which surprised me. I’m impressed they’re still around and children are still loving them today!",[12,956,957],{},"I still remember my friend having the K’Nex Carousel, it was amazing!",[12,959,960],{},[45,961],{"alt":215,"src":962},"/images/2021/06/knex_review_construction_toy_05.jpg",[12,964,965],{},"We received the K’Nex K-Force Battle Bow Building Set and the K’Nex Rad Rides Set to review.",[12,967,968],{},"T was allowed to choose one set to start with and chose the Rad Rides set as his intro into K’Nex, saving the Battle Bow for later in the week when boredom hits!",[12,970,971],{},[45,972],{"alt":215,"src":973},"/images/2021/06/knex_review_construction_toy_07.jpg",[274,975,977],{"id":976},"the-rad-rides-set-is-a-12-in-1-retailing-at-13-available-in-john-lewis","The Rad Rides set is a 12 in 1 retailing at £13, available in John Lewis.",[12,979,980],{},"This set allows children to build one of 12 vehicles in the instructions and online, or to let their imaginations run free and create their own.",[12,982,983],{},[45,984],{"alt":215,"src":985},"/images/2021/06/knex_review_construction_toy_11.jpg",[12,987,988],{},"With over 200 classic K’Nex pieces and sturdy wheels, this building toy is composed of neon colourful plastic rods and connectors that snap together with a simple “click”! These pieces can be combined together to create 12 different vehicles!",[12,990,991],{},[45,992],{"alt":215,"src":993},"/images/2021/06/knex_review_construction_toy_01.jpg",[12,995,996],{},"I wasn’t sure T, who is 6, would be able to build it by himself but I was impressed to find he did most of it with very little help.",[12,998,999],{},[45,1000],{"alt":215,"src":1001},"/images/2021/06/knex_review_construction_toy_04.jpg",[12,1003,1004],{},"He was really proud of the creation once completed and took it to display on his shelf.",[12,1006,1007],{},"Next, we will be building the Battle Bow, which I think he may need a little more help with but will have tons of fun using afterwards! With 165 classic pieces to choose from, you can build a variety of four different blasters and target models at one time. Included in this set are five soft foam darts that can be fired up to 75 feet, a blaster chamber, a quick-fit grip, a preload ring and two dart holders. Connect the pieces together using the plastic rods and connectors to customise, design and build any dart blaster and target model you can imagine!",[12,1009,1010],{},[45,1011],{"alt":215,"src":1012},"/images/2021/06/knex_review_construction_toy_09.jpg",[12,1014,1015],{},"This fun and engaging construction set for children helps develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and spatial awareness, while providing an understanding of STEM subject.",[12,1017,1018],{},[45,1019],{"alt":215,"src":1020},"/images/2021/06/knex_review_construction_toy_08.jpg",[12,1022,1023],{},"K’nex is a great toy for fine motor skills and problem-solving, watching him work out how to piece it together I certainly underestimated his ability. The best part is he was happy for a good hour, screen-free engrossed in construction!",[12,1025,1026],{},[45,1027],{"alt":215,"src":1028},"/images/2021/06/knex_review_construction_toy_10.jpg",[12,1030,1031],{},"K’Nex supports developmental growth of fine motor skills, manual dexterity, and spatial awareness, enabling greater understanding of STEM subjects.",[12,1033,1034],{},"I think some more K’Nex sets will certainly be on his Christmas list!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":1036},[1037],{"id":976,"depth":538,"text":977},[226],"2021-06-01T10:14:00Z","11780",{},"K'NEX construction toy review. Rad Rides 12-in-1 set and K-Force Battle Bow. STEM learning, fine motor skills, problem-solving fun for children aged 6+.","/thinking-outside-blocks-k-nex",{"title":940,"description":948},"thinking-outside-blocks-k-nex","VMYzUsvIf4O6bPks5dnWDerMhK_6YNqtkXpjC4zfIug",{"id":1048,"title":1049,"author":245,"body":1050,"category":1111,"cover":1068,"date":1112,"description":1054,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":1113,"meta":1114,"meta_description":1115,"meta_title":1116,"navigation":236,"path":1117,"seo":1118,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":1119,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":1120},"posts/get-creative-christmas-jumper-day-baker-ross-save-children.md","Get creative this Christmas Jumper Day with Baker Ross and Save The Children!",{"type":9,"value":1051,"toc":1109},[1052,1055,1061,1064,1075,1081,1084,1087,1093,1096,1104],[12,1053,1054],{},"It doesn’t matter where you are – on Christmas Jumper Day all you need to do is get your silliest jumper out and give £2 to Save the Children.",[12,1056,1057,1060],{},[45,1058],{"alt":215,"src":1059},"/images/2020/12/baker_ross_christmas_jumper_day_04.jpg","Christmas Jumper Day is upon us, December 11th to be precise…",[12,1062,1063],{},"If you’re looking for a way to spruce up an existing Christmas jumper. or would like to make your own from scratch. What better way than to get creative and let your festive creativity flow?",[12,1065,1066,1069,1070,575],{},[45,1067],{"alt":215,"src":1068},"/images/2020/12/baker_ross_christmas_jumper_day_01.jpg","We were sent a selection of festive craft items from Baker Ross so the children could go wild and create their very own masterpieces. To find out more about Save the children and Christmas Jumper Day follow the link and ",[16,1071,1074],{"href":1072,"rel":1073},"https://www.bakerross.co.uk/save-the-children-campaign",[20],"sign up",[12,1076,1077,1080],{},[45,1078],{"alt":215,"src":1079},"/images/2020/12/baker_ross_christmas_jumper_day_07.jpg","Craft activities are Taylors favourite. He loved this, especially as he often misses out while at school.",[12,1082,1083],{},"As a childminder, a good 40% of my week involves some form of arts & crafts.",[12,1085,1086],{},"The supplies were perfect for our Christmas Jumper Day creations. But they’ll also serve us over a multitude of Christmas crafting!",[12,1088,1089,1092],{},[45,1090],{"alt":215,"src":1091},"/images/2020/12/baker_ross_christmas_jumper_day_03.jpg","The hardest task of all was getting the children to be sensible for a photograph in their new creations!",[12,1094,1095],{},"Buying a new jumper costs money and shopping is SOOO boring. Good news: you don’t have to. Grab an old sweater and cover it with stickers, tinsel, or whatever you can find. Or hold a jumper-decorating session at school. Baker Ross have loads of Christmas craft supplies to get creative!",[12,1097,1098,1103],{},[16,1099,1102],{"href":1100,"rel":1101},"https://www.bakerross.co.uk/save-the-children",[20],"Shop all things festive at Baker Ross",", and don’t forget – For free delivery on your Christmas Jumper craft supplies use code JUMPER20FREE",[12,1105,1106],{},[45,1107],{"alt":215,"src":1108},"/images/2020/12/baker_ross_christmas_jumper_day_08-1.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":1110},[],[226],"2020-12-04T11:19:00Z","11694",{},"Christmas Jumper Day crafts with Baker Ross. Decorate your festive jumper, donate £2 to Save the Children. Free delivery code JUMPER20FREE. Get creative!","Christmas Jumper Day Crafts with Baker Ross","/get-creative-christmas-jumper-day-baker-ross-save-children",{"title":1049,"description":1054},"get-creative-christmas-jumper-day-baker-ross-save-children","INva6LJ1GNuC2f3gR79gKqdRICignmE-9u3wibn5JFs",{"id":1122,"title":1123,"author":245,"body":1124,"category":1187,"cover":1144,"date":1188,"description":215,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":1189,"meta":1190,"meta_description":1191,"meta_title":1123,"navigation":236,"path":1192,"seo":1193,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":1194,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":1195},"posts/aboard-hop-peek-play-surprise-eggs-chuchu-tv-train.md","All aboard! Hop on the Peek & Play Surprise Eggs ChuChu TV Train!",{"type":9,"value":1125,"toc":1185},[1126,1131,1140,1145,1148,1153,1156,1159,1164,1167,1172,1175,1178],[12,1127,1128],{},[45,1129],{"alt":215,"src":1130},"/images/2020/03/chu_chu_surprise_train_eggs_02.jpg",[12,1132,1133,1134,1139],{},"If your little one loves the vibrant animation and catchy tunes of ChuChu TV on YouTube then they’re going to LOVE this new range of Surprise egg toys and Chu Chu Train from ",[16,1135,1138],{"href":1136,"rel":1137},"https://www.character-online.com/search?q=chu+chu",[20],"Character","! Harriet was sent the ChuChu Train and Perk & Play surprise eggs to try and has been having hours of fun with them.",[12,1141,1142],{},[45,1143],{"alt":215,"src":1144},"/images/2020/03/chu_chu_surprise_train_eggs_05.jpg",[12,1146,1147],{},"Bring home the learning fun of YouTube sensation ChuChu TV with Peek & Play Surprise Eggs! All aboard! Hop on the Peek & Play Surprise Eggs ChuChu TV Train! The ChuChu TV Train includes a variety of sounds plus the iconic ChuChu TV song’ Johny Johny Yes Papa ‘. The colourful locomotive comes with 1 exclusive ‘Mr Harlo ’Peek and Play surprise egg.",[12,1149,1150],{},[45,1151],{"alt":215,"src":1152},"/images/2020/03/chu_chu_surprise_train_eggs_06.jpg",[12,1154,1155],{},"Harriet loves the brightly coloured train, dancing to the songs and moving the eggs around. The train has 3 carriages for transporting additional eggs.",[12,1157,1158],{},"The addition surprise eggs come in a pack of 5, which you must unwrap to reveal the surprise! Harriet loves watching surprise eggs and seeing her brother with blind bags so to finally have something with a surprise element for her age group was exciting.",[12,1160,1161],{},[45,1162],{"alt":215,"src":1163},"/images/2020/03/chu_chu_surprise_train_eggs_04.jpg",[12,1165,1166],{},"Each egg has a letter of the alphabet and an animal relation to that letter inside. Making them perfect for teaching letters, colours, animals and numbers.",[12,1168,1169],{},[45,1170],{"alt":215,"src":1171},"/images/2020/03/chu_chu_surprise_train_eggs_08.jpg",[12,1173,1174],{},"The eggs encourage discovery and play through surprise reveal. They are also a great learning toy and are great for helping with motor skills plus colour, letter and animal recognition.",[12,1176,1177],{},"Overall we’ve had a lot of fun with these, they’re reasonably prices for the range of activities they provide. Unless most ‘surprise’ toys which don’t last or have no purpose, they’re well made, fun and educational. Exactly what I want out of a toy aimed at toddlers.",[12,1179,1180],{},[16,1181,1184],{"href":1182,"rel":1183},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07NSX5D8D/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=bc236e3cde39134c9511813601794eaf&creativeASIN=B07NSX5D8D",[20],"The Chu Chu TV toys are available to buy at Smyths, Amazon and all good toy retailers ",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":1186},[],[226],"2020-03-01T21:07:00Z","11575",{},"ChuChu TV Peek & Play surprise eggs and train review from Character. Educational alphabet eggs with Johny Johny song teaching letters, colours and animals.","/aboard-hop-peek-play-surprise-eggs-chuchu-tv-train",{"title":1123,"description":215},"aboard-hop-peek-play-surprise-eggs-chuchu-tv-train","cIFXvK_0WH7Plqhex3QoOjcFItXKGpb_Suhoc45Njss",{"id":1197,"title":1198,"author":245,"body":1199,"category":1324,"cover":1275,"date":1325,"description":1203,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":1326,"meta":1327,"meta_description":1328,"meta_title":1329,"navigation":236,"path":1330,"seo":1331,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":1332,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":1333},"posts/surprise-just-found-childs-new-number-1-favourite-toy-blippi.md","Surprise! You just found your child’s new number 1 favourite toy with Blippi!",{"type":9,"value":1200,"toc":1322},[1201,1204,1207,1210,1215,1218,1227,1230,1233,1238,1241,1249,1255,1260,1268,1271,1282,1285,1290,1294,1297,1301,1304,1309,1312,1319],[12,1202,1203],{},"YouTube kids is a real love-hate platform and source of debate amongst many parents.",[12,1205,1206],{},"Although some may disagree with letting children watch YouTube, or having screen time at all, I’ve always been ok with things in moderation and that includes youtube.",[12,1208,1209],{},"Because when you need 15 minutes without a miniature version of yourself clinging to your leg, youtube can provide that for you. Thanks, Youtube!",[12,1211,1212],{},[45,1213],{"alt":215,"src":1214},"/images/2020/03/blippi_toys_youtube_01.jpg",[12,1216,1217],{},"If your little ones enjoy watching a little, or a lot, of YouTube kids then chances are you’ll have come across Blippi at some point. The fact that you’re reading this is likely because you already have a Blippi fan and want to know all about the awesome new range of toys that just dropped in the UK!",[12,1219,1220,1221,1226],{},"Blippi has been loved amongst preschoolers the world over for years now. They love his fun lessons on a range of topics from how tractors work to future professions that they can have. And now there’s a whole line of toys from ",[16,1222,1225],{"href":1223,"rel":1224},"https://www.thetoyinsider.com/tag/jazwares",[20],"Jazwares"," so kids can explore the world off-screen! About time!",[12,1228,1229],{},"We were sent this awesome box of Blippi goodies to test, first of all, the box screamed Blippi and the children were very excited by it!",[12,1231,1232],{},"Taylor immediately recognised it by the branding on the box, and Harriet was simply excited that they had a box to open",[12,1234,1235],{},[45,1236],{"alt":215,"src":1237},"/images/2020/03/blippi_toys_youtube_07.jpg",[12,1239,1240],{},"Once the box had been ripped into the following toys were unveiled.",[907,1242,1244],{"id":1243},"blippi-surprise-boxes-available-at-smythsargos-or-to-buy-online-here-999",[16,1245,1248],{"href":1246,"rel":1247},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Y91NDJH/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=189ceca142125460963656b60fffbfe0&creativeASIN=B07Y91NDJH",[20],"Blippi Surprise Boxes – Available at Smyths/Argos or to buy online here – (£9.99)",[12,1250,1251,1252,1254],{},"Blippi surprise box numbers contains 1 Blippi figure and small boxes containing items for children to count.",[774,1253],{},"\nTaylor enjoyed these however the ‘surprise’ element was a little lost as the picture does show exactly what’s inside. Not much of a ‘surprise’ after all.",[12,1256,1257],{},[45,1258],{"alt":215,"src":1259},"/images/2020/03/blippi_toys_youtube_02.jpg",[907,1261,1263],{"id":1262},"my-buddy-blippi-doll-available-at-smythsargos-or-to-buy-online-here-1799",[16,1264,1267],{"href":1265,"rel":1266},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083L1WWLZ/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=c58db57f779f6ac9519e9fa50a6e9345&creativeASIN=B083L1WWLZ",[20],"My Buddy Blippi Doll – Available at Smyths/Argos or to buy online here – (£17.99)",[12,1269,1270],{},"My Buddy Blippi is a favourite of Harriet’s, she’s spent a lot of time wandering around giving Blippi cuddles, putting him in her dolly pram and making him drink pretend tea. They’ve become good friends. The doll is really good quality and actually looks really cute, cuter than the real Blippi, sorry Stevin!",[12,1272,1273,1276,1277],{},[45,1274],{"alt":215,"src":1275},"/images/2020/03/blippi_toys_youtube_06.jpg","#### ",[16,1278,1281],{"href":1279,"rel":1280},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083KZWP98/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=a3104cabf903ad2263e3c616bfae969e&creativeASIN=B083KZWP98",[20],"Be Like Blippi Role Play – Available at Smyths/Argos or to buy online here – £14.99",[12,1283,1284],{},"Be like Blippi is a cute little role play set so children can dress like Blippi. It consists of a bow tie, braces, hat and glasses. It’ cute but the quality of these products isn’t the best. The children enjoyed trying it on upon arrival but haven’t really reached for it ever since.",[12,1286,1287],{},[45,1288],{"alt":215,"src":1289},"/images/2020/03/blippi_toys_youtube_04.jpg",[907,1291,1293],{"id":1292},"blippi-ball-pit-surprise-available-at-smyths-399","Blippi Ball Pit Surprise – Available at Smyths – (£3.99)",[12,1295,1296],{},"Blippi Ball Pit Suprise is Taylor’s favourite amongst the toys, a plastic ball, just like in a ball pit, and inside is a different Blippi character with a little card and alphabet block to stand it on. Each figure is holding something different and they loved seeing what they had each time!",[907,1298,1300],{"id":1299},"blippi-vehicles-available-at-smyths-599","Blippi Vehicles – Available at Smyths – (£5.99)",[12,1302,1303],{},"The Blippi vehicles are a great value product and both children loved playing with these, especially putting things in the back of the ‘garabage’ truck.",[12,1305,1306],{},[45,1307],{"alt":215,"src":1308},"/images/2020/03/blippi_toys_youtube_03.jpg",[12,1310,1311],{},"Overall I think the Blippi toys are good value for money, they aren’t overpriced and they’re not cheaply made. The children have both enjoyed them, I personally think the Blippi doll is the best item in the range of products.",[12,1313,1314,1315],{},"I’ve linked the items above, but they’re ",[16,1316,1318],{"href":1265,"rel":1317},[20],"available to buy in smyths, argos and amazon.",[12,1320,1321],{},"Be quick before they sell out!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":1323},[],[226],"2020-02-16T14:13:00Z","11572",{},"Blippi toys review from Jazwares. My Buddy Blippi doll, surprise boxes, role play set, ball pit surprises and vehicles. £3.99-£17.99. Smyths and Argos.","Blippi Toys Review - New Favourite for Kids","/surprise-just-found-childs-new-number-1-favourite-toy-blippi",{"title":1198,"description":1203},"surprise-just-found-childs-new-number-1-favourite-toy-blippi","8fMR8KjePp9LT8mbWE7gMFCB_sJ7G57syzyfIY_krwE",{"id":1335,"title":1336,"author":245,"body":1337,"category":1435,"cover":1346,"date":1437,"description":1341,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":1438,"meta":1439,"meta_description":1440,"meta_title":1441,"navigation":236,"path":1442,"seo":1443,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":1444,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":1445},"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":1338,"toc":1433},[1339,1342,1348,1351,1357,1363,1366,1375,1401,1407,1413,1419,1422,1427],[12,1340,1341],{},"Choosing a car seat that meets the highest of safety standards whilst being affordable and suitable for your child is an absolute minefield.",[12,1343,1344,1347],{},[45,1345],{"alt":215,"src":1346},"/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.",[12,1349,1350],{},"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!",[12,1352,1353,1356],{},[45,1354],{"alt":215,"src":1355},"/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.",[12,1358,1359,1362],{},[45,1360],{"alt":215,"src":1361},"/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.",[12,1364,1365],{},"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:",[12,1367,1368,1371,1372],{},[45,1369],{"alt":215,"src":1370},"/images/2019/11/maxi_cosi_kore_pro_21.jpg","- ",[34,1373,1374],{},"Swift and secure isofix installation",[361,1376,1377,1385,1393],{},[364,1378,1379,1382,1384],{},[34,1380,1381],{},"Superior Side Protection",[774,1383],{},"\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.",[364,1386,1387,1390,1392],{},[34,1388,1389],{},"Grows with your child",[774,1391],{},"\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.",[364,1394,1395,1398,1400],{},[34,1396,1397],{},"Click Assist",[774,1399],{},"\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.",[12,1402,1403,1406],{},[45,1404],{"alt":215,"src":1405},"/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!",[12,1408,1409,1412],{},[45,1410],{"alt":215,"src":1411},"/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.",[12,1414,1415,1418],{},[45,1416],{"alt":215,"src":1417},"/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.",[12,1420,1421],{},"If you have any questions about the Kore Pro pop them in the comments below!",[1423,1424,1426],"h5",{"id":1425},"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",[1423,1428,1430],{"id":1429},"i-was-gifted-the-maxi-cosi-kore-pro-i-size-car-seat-in-return-for-this-review",[211,1431,1432],{},"I was gifted the Maxi-Cosi Kore Pro i-Size car seat in return for this review",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":1434},[],[1436,226],"lifestyle","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":1336,"description":1341},"finding-perfect-group-3-forward-facing-car-seat-introducing-maxi-cosi-kore-pro-size","rly2sNJ3-KTAAIafjIUlcmSnY_SiexRye57u_lmmJVA",{"id":1447,"title":1448,"author":245,"body":1449,"category":1502,"cover":1470,"date":1503,"description":1453,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":1504,"meta":1505,"meta_description":1506,"meta_title":1448,"navigation":236,"path":1507,"seo":1508,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":1509,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":1510},"posts/peppa-pig-trends-toys.md","A Peppa Pig electronic learning toys review!",{"type":9,"value":1450,"toc":1500},[1451,1454,1460,1463,1466,1472,1479,1482,1488,1494],[12,1452,1453],{},"It’s not surprising that Harriet has started to become fond of a popular little pig known as Peppa. Her brother went through a phase of loving Peppa, and it was only a matter of time before she did too.",[12,1455,1456,1459],{},[45,1457],{"alt":215,"src":1458},"/images/2019/10/peppa_pig_trends_toys_01.jpg","I don’t mind though, Peppa pig is one of those shows with the odd “grown-up” joke. It’s entertaining for all and I actually quite enjoy it too!",[12,1461,1462],{},"You can imagine Harriet’s delight when a bundle of Peppa Pig learning toys arrived from Trends UK.",[12,1464,1465],{},"Harriet received the Peppa Pig Smart Tablet, Flip & Learn Phone and the Sing & Learn Microphone. This meant the TV could take a backseat in exchange for some good old fashioned role play.",[12,1467,1468,1471],{},[45,1469],{"alt":215,"src":1470},"/images/2019/10/peppa_pig_trends_toys_04.jpg","For your chance to win a Peppa Pig Smart Tablet, enter below! –",[12,1473,1474],{},[16,1475,1478],{"href":1476,"rel":1477},"https://gleam.io/dEpJC/peppa-pig-smart-tablet-from-trends",[20],"Peppa Pig Smart Tablet from Trends",[12,1480,1481],{},"A firm favourite has to be the Flip & Learn Phone. A compact toy perfect for keeping in the changing bag. Providing endless entertainment with it’s lights and sounds. You can call various Peppa Pig characters to hear them answer, including Rebecca Rabbit, Suzy Sheep and Candy Cat! Play along with Peppa’s fun quiz and use the number keys to answer. You can even pretend to take photos with the camera button. Also features a light-up screen, fun sound effects and the Peppa theme tune. Or like Harriet, use your imagination and only ever call Daddy. The Flip & Learn phone requires 3 AAA batteries and retails at £10.99 from M&S",[12,1483,1484,1487],{},[45,1485],{"alt":215,"src":1486},"/images/2019/10/peppa_pig_trends_toys_05.jpg","The Smart Tablet lets your child learn whilst having fun with Peppa Pig. Harriet loves feeling like she has her own tablet-like her brother but it doesn’t hold her attention for as long as the other toys. And, It’s very loud. The volume is adjustable but each time the button is pressed it goes back to full volume. Retailing at £17.99 from Amazon it’s a good toy that offers a fun way of learning. Particularly for those first colours, numbers, shapes, letters, characters and musical instruments.",[12,1489,1490,1493],{},[45,1491],{"alt":215,"src":1492},"/images/2019/10/peppa_pig_trends_toys_03.jpg","Our final toy was the Sing and Learn microphone. With 2 modes of play to choose from: Quiz Time, when Peppa will test your child’s observation and listening skills. Sing-Along, where they can pick one of 7 songs from the show to sing along with Peppa. Or music only versions to sing over by themselves. Songs include; Recycling song, Bing bong song, Birdy woof woof, Big Balloon, Train song, Rainbow song and Wheels on the bus. Harriet LOVES the songs with this one, she’ll bob along and wave her arms dancing, who doesn’t love the Bing bong song? Retailing at £14.99 from Smyths this is the perfect gift for little ones that love to sing and dance.",[12,1495,1496,1499],{},[45,1497],{"alt":215,"src":1498},"/images/2019/10/peppa_pig_trends_toys_02.jpg","This selection of educational toys from Trends has been a big hit in our house and I think most Peppa fans will love them too!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":1501},[],[226],"2019-10-14T06:17:00Z","11494",{},"Peppa Pig electronic learning toys review from Trends UK. Smart Tablet, Flip & Learn Phone and Sing & Learn Microphone. Educational fun for toddlers.","/peppa-pig-trends-toys",{"title":1448,"description":1453},"peppa-pig-trends-toys","BbzfgzT3oq1784uRjM54AYPjj4X4yACsxlXG9owqjzg",{"id":1512,"title":1513,"author":245,"body":1514,"category":1574,"cover":1568,"date":1575,"description":1518,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":1576,"meta":1577,"meta_description":1578,"meta_title":1513,"navigation":236,"path":1579,"seo":1580,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":1581,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":1582},"posts/vtech-hop-roo-kangaroo-review.md","VTech Hop-a-Roo Kangaroo – Review",{"type":9,"value":1515,"toc":1572},[1516,1519,1525,1528,1534,1537,1552,1558,1564],[12,1517,1518],{},"Taylor and Harriet have both grown up playing with VTech toys. So when VTech asked us to join the VTech Play Panel we couldn’t wait to test our first toy!",[12,1520,1521,1524],{},[45,1522],{"alt":215,"src":1523},"/images/2019/08/VTech_Hop-A-Roo_Kangaroo_04.jpg","As members of the Play Panel, we’ll be receiving and testing some of the latest VTech toys and telling you all about them!",[12,1526,1527],{},"Hopefully, we’ll come across some real gems for your Christmas and birthday lists this year!",[12,1529,1530,1533],{},[45,1531],{"alt":215,"src":1532},"/images/2019/08/VTech_Hop-A-Roo_Kangaroo_01.jpg","Our first toy as Play Panel testers is the Hop-A-Roo Kangaroo. A fun interactive learning toy for littles aged 12 months and up.",[12,1535,1536],{},"Both Taylor who is 4 and Harriet who is 17 months have enjoyed playing with the Hop-A-Roo Kangaroo so far.",[12,1538,1539,1542,1544,1545,1548,1549,1551],{},[45,1540],{"alt":215,"src":1541},"/images/2019/08/VTech_Hop-A-Roo_Kangaroo_03.jpg",[774,1543],{},"\nThe Kangaroo hops to encourage little ones to move, it has 3 different activities, singing, kissing and jumping. Each hand has a button which activates phrases, numbers and sounds. Making it both fun and educational for little ones. ",[45,1546],{"alt":215,"src":1547},"/images/2019/08/VTech_Hop-A-Roo_Kangaroo_07.jpg","With 2 songs and 10 melodies, Harriet loves playing with Hop-A-Roo.",[774,1550],{},"\nShe especially loves the baby Joey who can be placed in and out of the Kangaroos pouch. Hop-a-Roo is a soft and vibrant toy which the children love.",[12,1553,1554,1557],{},[45,1555],{"alt":215,"src":1556},"/images/2019/08/VTech_Hop-A-Roo_Kangaroo_05.jpg","The hopping element of the Hop-a-Roo Kangaroo can be a little hit or miss. Sometimes it will hop along the floor a little, others it simply bounces up and down on the spot. This could be due to our wood flooring? I had expected it would move more to encourage younger babies to crawl/toddle. but it mostly stays in one spot. It is back heavy so when it hops I find it leans back onto the tail without really moving forward. This hasn’t bothered Harriet though, she still thinks it’s great to watch the Kangaroo hop!",[12,1559,1560,1563],{},[45,1561],{"alt":215,"src":1562},"/images/2019/08/VTech_Hop-A-Roo_Kangaroo_02.jpg","Harriet is the perfect age for this toy and she’s really enjoyed playing with it. ​It’s lovely to see her interacting with it and exploring through play. Popping the Joey in its pouch, dancing to the songs and hopping up and down!",[12,1565,1566,1569,1571],{},[45,1567],{"alt":215,"src":1568},"/images/2019/08/VTech_Hop-A-Roo_Kangaroo_06.jpg",[774,1570],{},"\nOverall both children have really enjoyed this toy both going back to play with it over the weeks. Unlike some toys that simply gather dust after day 1. The Hop-a-Roo Kangaroo retails at £39.99 and would make a great gift for little one’s ages 1-3",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":1573},[],[226],"2019-09-03T00:22:00Z","11464",{},"VTech Hop-a-Roo Kangaroo review. Interactive learning toy with songs, hopping action and removable baby Joey. Perfect for ages 1-3. £39.99.","/vtech-hop-roo-kangaroo-review",{"title":1513,"description":1518},"vtech-hop-roo-kangaroo-review","7EOKNDV-EtBugM-hEk0pfelnTA3KEBEvSSv28ku4LF8",{"id":1584,"title":1585,"author":245,"body":1586,"category":1679,"cover":1680,"date":1681,"description":1682,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":1683,"meta":1684,"meta_description":1685,"meta_title":1585,"navigation":236,"path":1686,"seo":1687,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":1688,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":1689},"posts/mess-free-masterpieces-little-brian-paint-sticks.md","Mess Free Masterpieces with Little Brian Paint Sticks",{"type":9,"value":1587,"toc":1677},[1588,1594,1597,1603,1606,1612,1620,1625,1628,1634,1640,1646,1652,1655,1667,1670],[12,1589,1590,1591,1593],{},"Day 9 of rain – Cabin fever is setting in. The children want to paint.",[774,1592],{},"\nThe thought of the mess is making me twitch. 5 more weeks to go…",[12,1595,1596],{},"Sound familiar?",[12,1598,1599,1602],{},[45,1600],{"alt":215,"src":1601},"/images/2019/08/little_brian_paint_sticks_06.jpg","Another wet summer holiday, the house has been taken over by the little people and things have gone awry as the wet weather sets in.",[12,1604,1605],{},"Like most 4-year-olds, Taylor loves painting. Ever since his first year at pre-school his creative side is ever increasing. I want to encourage this over summer before he starts reception, but can I handle the mess? Not just the paint itself, but getting it out. The pots, the brushes, the water; Which will inevitably be knocked over by the 1-year-old… No thank-you!",[12,1607,1608,1611],{},[45,1609],{"alt":215,"src":1610},"/images/2019/08/little_brian_paint_sticks_07.jpg","Taking this into consideration, so far this week we’ve painted approximately 32 pictures, and ‘treasure maps. And it was mess-free, almost. Thanks to Little Brian Paint Sticks.",[12,1613,1614,1617,1619],{},[45,1615],{"alt":215,"src":1616},"/images/2019/08/little_brian_paint_sticks_01.jpg",[774,1618],{},"\nWe were sent a bucket of 20 Paint Sticks with a variety of colours which have kept Taylor busy creating his masterpieces. As well as the Paint Sticks Bucket, we also received a 24 set of classic colours and metallic colours.",[12,1621,1622],{},[45,1623],{"alt":215,"src":1624},"/images/2019/08/little_brian_paint_sticks_02.jpg",[12,1626,1627],{},"We also received the Paint Sticks Classic Art Station. The art station comes with 6 classic paint sticks and 6 chalk sticks. One side is used with paper, and the other is a blackboard which is perfect for the chalk sticks.",[12,1629,1630,1633],{},[45,1631],{"alt":215,"src":1632},"/images/2019/08/little_brian_paint_sticks_09.jpg","The art station has in-built pots to hold the paint sticks, a duster for the blackboard and 10 sheets of paper to get you started. The perfect way to begin your paint sticks journey, and perfect for travelling with!",[12,1635,1636,1639],{},[45,1637],{"alt":215,"src":1638},"/images/2019/08/little_brian_paint_sticks_10.jpg","We’ve used paint sticks before so when this lovely bundle arrived to kick start our summer I was relieved. Quite possibly the best activity we’ve had at home this summer that’s kept him occupied long enough for me to get things done. It’s fun for us all to join in with and all with minimal effort on setting up and tidy away.",[12,1641,1642,1645],{},[45,1643],{"alt":215,"src":1644},"/images/2019/08/little_brian_paint_sticks_11.jpg","Granted he did eventually realise you can still paint yourself with a paint stick, which led to him looking like a rainbow. Nothing a mid-day bath couldn’t fix. Another great way to pass time in the holidays.",[12,1647,1648,1651],{},[45,1649],{"alt":215,"src":1650},"/images/2019/08/little_brian_paint_sticks_08.jpg","Paint sticks can also be recycled once the paint has ran out and been removed, which with our current efforts to be more -eco-friendly puts them on my list of approved plastics 🙂 They’re non-toxic and fun everyone, even Harriet our 1-year-old has loved joining in.",[907,1653,1654],{"id":430},"Where to buy –",[12,1656,1657,1658,307,1662],{},"Paint Sticks are available to buy from ",[16,1659,768],{"href":1660,"rel":1661},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brian-Clegg-LBPS10CMDA24-Mini-24-Assorted/dp/B075MDC1FX/ref=sr_1_2?crid=GJ3PKBHH4ZQ9&keywords=little+brian+paintsticks&qid=1565237841&s=gateway&sprefix=little+brian+%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-2",[20],[16,1663,1666],{"href":1664,"rel":1665},"https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9220173",[20],"Argos",[12,1668,1669],{},"For your chance to win a Paint Sticks 20 Assortment Tub enter below, good luck!",[12,1671,1672],{},[16,1673,1676],{"href":1674,"rel":1675},"https://gleam.io/4Oaua/paint-sticks",[20],"paint sticks",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":1678},[],[226],"/images/2019/08/little_brian_paint_sticks_04.jpg","2019-08-08T12:20:00Z","Day 9 of rain – Cabin fever is setting in. The children want to paint.\nThe thought of the mess is making me twitch. 5 more weeks to go…","11414",{},"Little Brian Paint Sticks review. Mess-free painting for children with solid paint sticks. Non-toxic, recyclable and perfect for rainy days.","/mess-free-masterpieces-little-brian-paint-sticks",{"title":1585,"description":1682},"mess-free-masterpieces-little-brian-paint-sticks","yQykKZODipLdlabUK49XzHP_JBqugpGhxrLm5R6hs8U",{"id":1691,"title":1692,"author":245,"body":1693,"category":1768,"cover":1729,"date":1769,"description":1697,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":1770,"meta":1771,"meta_description":1772,"meta_title":1773,"navigation":236,"path":1774,"seo":1775,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":1776,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":1777},"posts/skip-hop-jumpscape.md","Jumping into June with the Skip Hop Jumpscape Foldaway Activity Jumper",{"type":9,"value":1694,"toc":1766},[1695,1698,1704,1710,1716,1722,1725,1731,1734,1740,1746,1757,1760],[12,1696,1697],{},"As with many baby products you often have to ask yourself, do I need it? Is it a baby essential that you or your baby can’t live without? Is it going to improve your life?",[12,1699,1700,1703],{},[45,1701],{"alt":215,"src":1702},"/images/2019/06/Skip_Hop_Jumpscape_02.jpg","One big baby item that often has parents asking if they ‘need’ it are jumpers. You know the ones, huge contraptions in vibrant colours for your baby to sit inside & bounce until they’re exhausted. Also allowing you to wash dishes or drink tea with two hands!",[12,1705,1706,1709],{},[45,1707],{"alt":215,"src":1708},"/images/2019/06/Skip_Hop_Jumpscape_09.jpg","Now there are many well-known brands of these large baby play things that many of us like to refer to as ‘the circle of neglect’. And they do take up a substantial amount of space.",[12,1711,1712,1715],{},[45,1713],{"alt":215,"src":1714},"/images/2019/06/Skip_Hop_Jumpscape_04.jpg","Having had one with Taylor, which semi-folded for storage but not enough to actually put it away anywhere out of sight, I found myself asking; does Harriet need one? Well, yes. Yes, she did.",[12,1717,1718,1721],{},[45,1719],{"alt":215,"src":1720},"/images/2019/06/Skip_Hop_Jumpscape_01.jpg","Actually, I found it to be more beneficial for a second child. Because you can leave them to it whilst you’re answering to the beck and call of your demanding firstborn who now requires you to wipe his bum and hand feed him grapes off the vine, or so it often feels that way!",[12,1723,1724],{},"4 years on from Taylors days in the circle of neglect there are now many more options on the market.",[12,1726,1727,1730],{},[45,1728],{"alt":215,"src":1729},"/images/2019/06/Skip_Hop_Jumpscape_06.jpg","And I like to think we’ve found the BEST one. Now you’re right, that’s a bold statement to make. But now you also want to know what it is and why it’s the best, don’t you?",[12,1732,1733],{},"We were sent the Skip Hop Jumpscape Foldaway Activity Jumper to test. And had it been rubbish I’d be the first to tell you. Instead, it exceeded my expectations. Especially when compared to the other well-known product of its kind, which we had for Taylor.",[12,1735,1736,1739],{},[45,1737],{"alt":215,"src":1738},"/images/2019/06/Skip_Hop_Jumpscape_08.jpg","The Skip Hop Jumpscape is modern looking not only does it look good, but it also collapses down to 6.5 inches for easy storage! You do however need to unclip the tray toys for this to work but they are easy to remove. Another great feature, the toys are removable so cleaning them is easy.",[12,1741,1742,1745],{},[45,1743],{"alt":215,"src":1744},"/images/2019/06/Skip_Hop_Jumpscape_03.jpg","Another fun feature alongside the cute toys is the light-up cloud. The cloud tracks baby’s jumps and bounces and rewards them with colourful lights and sounds. Four fun sound effects when the button is pushed and an applause jump at the 100-jump milestone. Harriet is ye to reach 100! We’ve made it to45 but she spends more time playing with the toys than actually jumping.",[12,1747,1748,509,1751,1756],{},[45,1749],{"alt":215,"src":1750},"/images/2019/06/Skip_Hop_Jumpscape_05.jpg",[16,1752,1755],{"href":1753,"rel":1754},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skip-Hop-Jumpscape-Fold-Away-Jumper/dp/B075XP1VS2/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=02da39d8eb748caaafd81d53eac67f59&creativeASIN=B075XP1VS2",[20],"Skip Hop ","Jumpscape is suitable from 4 months and will last well into your little ones early years. Harriet still fits at 18 months old! The",[12,1758,1759],{},"Skip Hop Jumpscape Foldaway Activity Jumper is available to buy from Amazon and various other retailers for £140.",[1423,1761,1763],{"id":1762},"disclosure-we-were-sent-the-jumpscape-for-the-purpose-of-the-review-all-words-and-images-are-my-own-this-post-contains-affiliate-links-which-if-clicked-and-you-make-a-purchase-i-get-a-small-thank-you-in-return-thanks-for-supporting-me",[211,1764,1765],{},"Disclosure: We were sent the jumpscape for the purpose of the review. All words and images are my own. This post contains affiliate links which if clicked and you make a purchase, I get a small thank you in return. Thanks for supporting me!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":1767},[],[226],"2019-06-05T15:36:00Z","11344",{},"Skip Hop Jumpscape activity jumper review. Folds to 6.5 inches for storage, light-up cloud tracks 100 jumps, removable toys. £140. Modern space-saving design.","Skip Hop Jumpscape Foldaway Activity Jumper Review","/skip-hop-jumpscape",{"title":1692,"description":1697},"skip-hop-jumpscape","Fuh6lYgmRZedqxoJHkARsNGK99HR_zpctuYu867PN3Q",{"id":1779,"title":1780,"author":245,"body":1781,"category":1864,"cover":1810,"date":1865,"description":1785,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":1866,"meta":1867,"meta_description":1868,"meta_title":1780,"navigation":236,"path":1869,"seo":1870,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":1871,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":1872},"posts/place-play-skip-hop.md","Skip Hop Vibrant Village Reversible Playmat Review",{"type":9,"value":1782,"toc":1862},[1783,1786,1792,1800,1806,1812,1818,1824,1827,1842,1853],[12,1784,1785],{},"Creating a clean and comfortable space for the children to play has always been a challenge in our house.",[12,1787,1788,1791],{},[45,1789],{"alt":215,"src":1790},"/images/2019/05/Skip_hop_reversible_mat_04.jpg","Like many, we have hardwood floors throughout. And Ever since Harriet could move she would be knocking her head on it!",[12,1793,1794,1795,1799],{},"We’ve always had a rug in the sitting room for them to play on, although keeping it clean with two little ones was always a challenge. We also had the ",[16,1796,1798],{"href":1797},"/skip-hop-silver-lining-cloud-activity-gym-review","Skip Hop Silver linings play mat",". Which was perfect when H was a baby. With its padded mat and built-in toys, we loved it. But once she was on the move we needed a new solution. Something bigger, with padding!",[12,1801,1802,1805],{},[45,1803],{"alt":215,"src":1804},"/images/2019/06/Skip_hop_reversible_mat_01.jpg","Every month sees a different development milestone when you have a baby. And having somewhere safe for them to lay down to learn all these vital skills is important. That’s why we love the Vibrant Village Reversible Playmat from Skip Hop.",[12,1807,1808,1811],{},[45,1809],{"alt":215,"src":1810},"/images/2019/06/Skip_hop_reversible_mat_07.jpg","I had seen many similar products on the market, for a much higher price. aimed at matching your home decor whilst making it child-friendly. It’s exactly what I wanted. When I came across the vibrant village mat with a sophisticated neutral pattern on one side and fun playful design on the other I was sold!",[12,1813,1814,1817],{},[45,1815],{"alt":215,"src":1816},"/images/2019/05/Skip_hop_reversible_mat_05.jpg","Not only does the mat look great in our sitting room, but it’s also easily wiped clean. After a few months of extensive use, we have had a small tear to our mat, likely caused by the rough play of a 4-year-old. This hasn’t affected its functionality and I still love it. I love this mat so much I’d love to put a second one in the kitchen where the children also play.",[12,1819,1820,1823],{},[45,1821],{"alt":215,"src":1822},"/images/2019/06/Skip_hop_reversible_mat_08.jpg","I’m able to spray mop the mat daily meaning I’m more confident that the children are playing in a clean space. Harriet seems to catch every bug she comes into contact with. So a clean play space was vital to me. And a soft landing was an added bonus. She’s no longer bumping her head off of the hard floors throughout the day. Instead, she’s happily pottering about on her mat, playing with her toys and loving life.",[12,1825,1826],{},"Leaving me to sit back and watch her play!",[12,1828,1829,1832,1835,1836,1839,1840],{},[45,1830],{"alt":215,"src":1831},"/images/2019/06/Skip_hop_reversible_mat_06.jpg",[45,1833],{"alt":215,"src":1834},"/images/2019/06/skip_hop_mat_.jpg","Our mat has become a central talking point in our home. Everyone who visits asks about it. I keep the mat on the grey geometric print side but it does have a fun road pattern on the other side. Which we also use for driving toy cars along! It’s also been brilliant as a padded base for our ",[16,1837,1838],{"href":1774},"Skip Hop Jumscape"," to sit on. ",[45,1841],{"alt":215,"src":1744},[12,1843,1844,509,1847,1852],{},[45,1845],{"alt":215,"src":1846},"/images/2019/05/Skip_hop_reversible_mat_02.jpg",[16,1848,1851],{"href":1849,"rel":1850},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07L66DB8Z?ie=UTF8",[20],"Skip Hop Vibrant Village Reversible Playmat"," is suitable from birth and will last well into your little ones early years. The playmat is available to buy from Amazon and various other retailers. With a selection of prints and patterns, the mat retails at £100.",[12,1854,1855,1858,1859],{},[45,1856],{"alt":215,"src":1857},"/images/2019/06/Skip_hop_reversible_mat_03.jpg","##### ",[211,1860,1861],{},"Disclosure: We were sent the playmat for the purpose of the review. All words and images are my own. This post contains affiliate links which if clicked and you make a purchase, I get a small thank you in return. Thanks for supporting me!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":1863},[],[226],"2019-05-07T12:08:00Z","11341",{},"Skip Hop Vibrant Village reversible playmat review. Padded, wipeable foam mat with dual designs for safe baby play. £100. Protects from hard floors.","/place-play-skip-hop",{"title":1780,"description":1785},"place-play-skip-hop","bLJy88q88Ygo59yre6JDq0Yf37eI09N5XIWAWraL4T0",{"id":1874,"title":1875,"author":245,"body":1876,"category":1921,"cover":1917,"date":1922,"description":1880,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":1923,"meta":1924,"meta_description":1925,"meta_title":1875,"navigation":236,"path":1926,"seo":1927,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":1928,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":1929},"posts/tiny-treasures-baby-doll-review.md","Tiny Treasures Baby Doll review",{"type":9,"value":1877,"toc":1919},[1878,1881,1887,1893,1896,1899,1905,1913],[12,1879,1880],{},"Playing with Dolls is something both of my children love to do. Although our baby girl may only be 1 herself she already loves dolls, as does her older brother. The Tiny Treasures Baby Doll is a realistic baby doll in both looks and features. It’s weighted to feel more like a real baby and has a talc-like scent to it to smell like a real baby too!",[12,1882,1883,1886],{},[45,1884],{"alt":215,"src":1885},"/images/2019/02/TINY_treasures_doll_02.jpg","Our Tiny Treasures Doll is a girl who came strapped into her box as if she were in a cardboard car seat. Which I found to be a nice touch. The children tore through it before I had the chance to take a picture, nonplussed by it’s quirkiness. She also came with a birth certificate, left blank to add your own choice of details. And a cute little hospital wristband. Just a like a real newborn baby!",[12,1888,1889,1892],{},[45,1890],{"alt":215,"src":1891},"/images/2019/02/TINY_treasures_doll_04.jpg","Our Tiny Treasures Doll, named by her new owners as Tabitha, has been a real welcome addition to the family.",[12,1894,1895],{},"Retailing at £39.99 she is a high end option, but the quality and feel of this doll is lovely. I can see Harriet still having her and playing with her for years to come.",[12,1897,1898],{},"Taylor has also spent some time playing with her. He has tried changing her nappy and telling his sister how you’re supposed to look after a baby. It’s rather sweet to watch!",[12,1900,1901,1904],{},[45,1902],{"alt":215,"src":1903},"/images/2019/02/TINY_treasures_doll_01.jpg","Tabitha has a floppy neck and limbs just like a real baby. So showing children how to support her head is a great way to teach children how you should hold a real baby. This would have been perfect pre-Harriet when Taylor would ask to hold her!",[12,1906,1907,1908,1912],{},"These dolls currently retail at £39.99 exclusive at ",[16,1909,1666],{"href":1910,"rel":1911},"https://www.argos.co.uk/product/5286032",[20],", and are available as a boy or girl in pink and blue outfits. With a further range of clothing and baby essentials, perfect for expanding play.",[12,1914,1915,1918],{},[45,1916],{"alt":215,"src":1917},"/images/2019/02/TINY_treasures_doll_03.jpg","Tiny Treasures Baby Dolls are of great quality and a lovely doll for any little boys and girls who want to feel like they have a real baby to take care of!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":1920},[],[226],"2019-02-11T14:16:00Z","11222",{},"Tiny Treasures Baby Doll review from Argos. Realistic weighted doll with talc scent, floppy limbs and neck support teaching. £39.99. Nurturing play.","/tiny-treasures-baby-doll-review",{"title":1875,"description":1880},"tiny-treasures-baby-doll-review","EMcaya95sKj7vUFtZgNTLqEDjcwli3JyLK_V-EVecGI",{"id":1931,"title":1932,"author":245,"body":1933,"category":2010,"cover":1990,"date":2011,"description":1940,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":2012,"meta":2013,"meta_description":2014,"meta_title":1932,"navigation":236,"path":2015,"seo":2016,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":2017,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":2018},"posts/baby-wearing-close-caboo.md","Baby wearing with the Close Caboo",{"type":9,"value":1934,"toc":2007},[1935,1941,1947,1953,1956,1962,1966,1983,1986,1992,1995,1998],[12,1936,1937,1940],{},[45,1938],{"alt":215,"src":1939},"/images/2018/12/close_parent_caboo_03.jpg","Babywearing isn’t something I’ve ever been a huge fan of. That’s not to say I didn’t always want to be one of those mums who breezes through the village with a baby strapped to her chest looking like she’s winning at life! Imagine all that freedom. The ability to use your arms and keep a hold of your toddler as they try to run away without pushing a pram… Sounds nice, right?",[12,1942,1943,1944,1946],{},"My trouble with babywearing is mostly because I’ve always found it to be a bit of a faff.",[774,1945],{},"\nWe had a sturdy carrier when Taylor was a baby. The kind with buckles and clips for fastening and we got on okay with it. I also tried a wrap with him, after many failed attempts to use it. I gave up.",[12,1948,1949,1952],{},[45,1950],{"alt":215,"src":1951},"/images/2018/12/close_parent_caboo_02.jpg","Jump ahead 3 years and I had the task of taking Taylor to nursery each day with a baby in tow. With steps to the entrance and nowhere for prams, the nursery run was becoming a problem.",[12,1954,1955],{},"When I was asked if we’d like to try the Close Caboo I decided we’d give it a shot. Maybe it would be easier this time around? Leaving my pram unattended on the street twice a day whilst carrying an often sleeping newborn inside each day wasn’t ideal and I hoped this was going to help solve that.",[12,1957,1958,1961],{},[45,1959],{"alt":215,"src":1960},"/images/2018/12/close_parent_caboo_04.jpg","The close caboo isn’t like any other carrier I’d ever tried before. It’s a nice happy medium between the big bulky clip carriers and the confusing fabric wraps. It has more shape and structure to it than a wrap but it softer and stretchier than a bulky carrier. It’s a very nice happy-medium that’s comfortable to wear.",[274,1963,1965],{"id":1964},"things-we-love-about-the-close-caboo","Things we love about the Close Caboo –",[361,1967,1968,1971,1974,1977,1980],{},[364,1969,1970],{},"Soft and durable",[364,1972,1973],{},"Range of colours & designs",[364,1975,1976],{},"Ease of use",[364,1978,1979],{},"Outer layer doubles as a pocket to store carrier inside",[364,1981,1982],{},"Comfort",[12,1984,1985],{},"I really liked using the wrap in the newborn days as I felt Harriet was safe and cosy and as the brand suggests, Close. She was tucked up against me snugly, like a constant hug, and felt very secure. This allowed me to do day-to-day tasks with Taylor and not worry about carrying her around.",[12,1987,1988,1991],{},[45,1989],{"alt":215,"src":1990},"/images/2018/12/close_parent_caboo_01.jpg","As a newbie to the word of soft baby carriers I found the Caboo simple to use, I did follow an instructional video from the brand themselves via the website. Which was a huge help.",[12,1993,1994],{},"Once wrapping it around yourself you simply slip baby in from the top, tighten the straps around them, and you’re off. My previous experiences with stretchy wraps have been akin to that of somebody tangled up in a 15ft winter scarf. It was messy. I had my reservations before trying the Close Caboo and I’m pleased to say I needn’t have worried.",[12,1996,1997],{},"Ranging between £40-£60 I think the wrap is reasonably priced, the quality is really nice and I’d pay £60 just for the ease of use it provides when compared to less structured carriers.",[12,1999,2000,2001,2006],{},"You can purchase the Close Caboo carrier online at ",[16,2002,2005],{"href":2003,"rel":2004},"https://www.closeparent.com/",[20],"www.closeparent.com"," – We were sent this carrier in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are our own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":2008},[2009],{"id":1964,"depth":538,"text":1965},[226],"2018-12-18T13:16:00Z","11151",{},"Close Caboo baby carrier review. A happy medium between structured carriers and wraps. Soft, comfortable and easy to use. £40-£60. Perfect for newborns.","/baby-wearing-close-caboo",{"title":1932,"description":1940},"baby-wearing-close-caboo","VyrG--gFSucyDVtEhkd22Y1Mlx_vmCFXeLudCtrqEmA",{"id":2020,"title":2021,"author":245,"body":2022,"category":2139,"cover":2051,"date":2141,"description":2142,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":2143,"meta":2144,"meta_description":2145,"meta_title":2021,"navigation":236,"path":2146,"seo":2147,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":2148,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":2149},"posts/summer-infant-panorma-duo-baby-monitor-review.md","Summer Infant Panorma Duo Baby Monitor Review",{"type":9,"value":2023,"toc":2137},[2024,2030,2035,2038,2041,2047,2053,2056,2062,2094,2100,2117,2123],[12,2025,2026,2027,2029],{},"Amongst the never-ending list of baby ‘essentials’ we have thrust upon us as new parents, I found a good baby monitor was essential to us.",[774,2028],{},"\nI wanted something that would allow me to see my baby as she slept, whilst also checking my toddler was disturbing her.",[12,2031,2032],{},[45,2033],{"alt":215,"src":2034},"/images/2019/07/summer_infant_panoram_video_baby_monitor_04.jpg",[12,2036,2037],{},"We were sent the Summer Infant Panorama to test as part of the Mumsnet awards and out of over 10 monitors we tested it was a form favourite. Especially with baby number 2. It allowed me to put her down for a nap and entertain her brother. Look around their rooms remotely and know they’re safe.",[12,2039,2040],{},"The Panorama comes with 1 camera but offers the option of adding a second as we did.",[12,2042,2043,2046],{},[45,2044],{"alt":215,"src":2045},"/images/2019/07/summer_infant_panoram_video_baby_monitor_02.jpg","Quite simply, the Summer Infant Panorama 2.0 ticks all the boxes. With an infrared night vision camera, an intuitive display unit (including temperature sensor), colourful night light and high-resolution two-way talkback.",[12,2048,2049,2052],{},[45,2050],{"alt":215,"src":2051},"/images/2019/07/summer_infant_panoram_video_baby_monitor_01.jpg","It comes with a large 12.7cm touchscreen that displays quality video while giving you a great view of your baby at the same time. I love how easy it is to pan, tilt and zoom the camera, and switch between multiple cameras in different rooms.",[12,2054,2055],{},"You can see our full video review with Mumsnet below 🙂",[907,2057,2059],{"id":2058},"pros",[34,2060,2061],{},"Pros",[361,2063,2064,2067,2070,2073,2076,2079,2082,2085,2088,2091],{},[364,2065,2066],{},"High-resolution colour LCD video screen with infrared night vision camera",[364,2068,2069],{},"Pan, tilt, and zoom monitoring camera function to offer panoramic views",[364,2071,2072],{},"12.7cm screen display",[364,2074,2075],{},"Add extra cameras to monitor multiple children",[364,2077,2078],{},"Two-way talkback",[364,2080,2081],{},"Sound activated LED lights",[364,2083,2084],{},"Red and blue soft glow night lights (red to help baby get to sleep and blue to soothe)",[364,2086,2087],{},"Temperature sensor and display",[364,2089,2090],{},"240-metre range",[364,2092,2093],{},"Low battery and out-of-range alert",[907,2095,2097],{"id":2096},"cons",[34,2098,2099],{},"Cons",[361,2101,2102,2105,2108,2111,2114],{},[364,2103,2104],{},"Expensive",[364,2106,2107],{},"Audio can be a little fuzzy at times",[364,2109,2110],{},"Screen power-saving mode can’t be overridden",[364,2112,2113],{},"Battery life only six to nine hours (will need to be on charge when using overnight)",[364,2115,2116],{},"No Voice Activated Alert (VOX)",[12,2118,2119,2122],{},[45,2120],{"alt":215,"src":2121},"/images/2019/07/summer_infant_panoram_video_baby_monitor_03.jpg","Overall I love this monitor and have continued to use it, becoming an true baby ‘essential’ in our home to ensure I know the little ones are safe.",[12,2124,2125,2126,2131,2132],{},"You can purchase the Summer Infant Panorama on ",[16,2127,2130],{"href":2128,"rel":2129},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Infant-Number-Digital-Monitor/dp/B07253FYPT/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=reviewsyoutube-21&linkId=1f9096ad80e8d926e8730c913019b16f&language=en_GB",[20],"amazon"," and direct from ",[16,2133,2136],{"href":2134,"rel":2135},"https://summerinfant.co.uk/",[20],"Summer Infant",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":2138},[],[2140,226],"parenting","2018-10-31T10:14:00Z","Amongst the never-ending list of baby ‘essentials’ we have thrust upon us as new parents, I found a good baby monitor was essential to us.\nI wanted something that would allow me to see my baby as she slept, whilst also checking my toddler was disturbing her.","11401",{},"Summer Infant Panorama 2.0 baby monitor review. Features 12.7cm touchscreen, pan/tilt/zoom camera, night vision, two-way talkback, and dual camera support.","/summer-infant-panorma-duo-baby-monitor-review",{"title":2021,"description":2142},"summer-infant-panorma-duo-baby-monitor-review","dve0HFBvd4EQEkMYpBniDoOZxRzBQC0IxYdMjz4wKV0",{"id":2151,"title":2152,"author":245,"body":2153,"category":2239,"cover":2240,"date":2241,"description":2160,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":2242,"meta":2243,"meta_description":2244,"meta_title":2152,"navigation":236,"path":2245,"seo":2246,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":2247,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":2248},"posts/memorable-moments-moonlite.md","Memorable moments with Moonlite",{"type":9,"value":2154,"toc":2237},[2155,2161,2166,2169,2174,2177,2182,2185,2188,2193,2196,2199,2202,2207,2210,2213,2216],[12,2156,2157,2160],{},[45,2158],{"alt":215,"src":2159},"/images/2018/10/moonlite_8.jpg","As the dark evenings set in theirs nothing nicer than snuggling up and losing yourself in a good book. I’ve always been a bookworm. I started reading to my children before they were born and have read to them daily ever since.",[12,2162,2163],{},[45,2164],{"alt":215,"src":2165},"/images/2018/10/moonlite_3.jpg",[12,2167,2168],{},"Stories play a huge part in our bedtime routine. But Taylor can often become distracted or lose interest. We’ve been testing Moonlite as a part of our bedtime stories, and the little ones have really enjoyed it.",[12,2170,2171],{},[45,2172],{"alt":215,"src":2173},"/images/2018/10/moonlite_5.jpg",[12,2175,2176],{},"With Moonlite we’re able to take our bedtime stories to the next level. The Moonlite app and projector give a new dimension to a simple story. from adding sounds within the app as we read, to projections of beautiful illustrations to help capture the attention of the children.",[12,2178,2179],{},[45,2180],{"alt":215,"src":2181},"/images/2018/10/moonlite_4.jpg",[12,2183,2184],{},"Setting up the app is super simple and we were able to start our stories within a matter of minutes. We’ve been using the Mr Men Starter set and the Jemima Puddle-duck stories.",[12,2186,2187],{},"Taylor loves seeing the different illustrations projected onto the side of his bed, this often leads to a few impromptu shadow puppets too!",[12,2189,2190],{},[45,2191],{"alt":215,"src":2192},"/images/2018/10/moonlite_2.jpg",[12,2194,2195],{},"Moonlite have a growing selection of stories from classics such as Peter Rabbit and Goodnight Moon to modern favourites like Dinosaur Roar.",[12,2197,2198],{},"Overall we really love having Moonlite as an option when choosing our bedtime story, it’s a fun way to get little ones more involved and truly immerse themselves in the story.",[12,2200,2201],{},"I’ve already ordered some more stories for Birthdays and Christmas from Amazon.",[12,2203,2204],{},[45,2205],{"alt":215,"src":2206},"/images/2018/10/moonlite_6.jpg",[12,2208,2209],{},"The app has the option to buy stories although it appears to only have the option for shipping within the US? You can purchase new stories on Amazon and in Smyths though.",[12,2211,2212],{},"We’d love to see a festive story ready for Christmas Eve!",[12,2214,2215],{},"If you love reading with your little ones Moonlite is the perfect way to snuggle up and share some down time together.",[12,2217,2218,2219,764,2223,764,2227,764,2232,2236],{},"Moonlite is available to buy at ",[16,2220,763],{"href":2221,"rel":2222},"https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/search/?text=moonlite",[20],[16,2224,768],{"href":2225,"rel":2226},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07BMLN686/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=leeleeloves-21&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07BMLN686&linkId=4abc0d806b3aad0bef80baa4ddaa15f7",[20],[16,2228,2231],{"href":2229,"rel":2230},"https://www.thetoyshop.com/arts-creative-play/books/Moonlite---Eric-Carle-Starter-Pack-with-2-Story-Reels/p/536027?gclid=CjwKCAjwsfreBRB9EiwAikSUHZX0AGQiskCpIeQ04eOjihsvPgVOogta3nScjK-yb2I-0wCLtOqKRBoC5TwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds",[20],"The Entertainer",[16,2233,1666],{"href":2234,"rel":2235},"https://www.argos.co.uk/search/moonlite/",[20]," and other retailers within the UK with prices for books starting from just £7.99",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":2238},[],[226],"/images/2018/10/moonlite_1.jpg","2018-10-29T16:02:00Z","11101",{},"Moonlite bedtime story projector review. App-based projector with classic and modern stories including Peter Rabbit and Mr Men. Perfect for bedtime routines.","/memorable-moments-moonlite",{"title":2152,"description":2160},"memorable-moments-moonlite","0uYVqA8tQk3TYLTkQeuo52CN5fA0I1s7P_tNJ4RO5Lc",{"id":2250,"title":2251,"author":245,"body":2252,"category":2366,"cover":2367,"date":2368,"description":2259,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":2369,"meta":2370,"meta_description":2371,"meta_title":2251,"navigation":236,"path":2372,"seo":2373,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":2374,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":2375},"posts/introducing-new-pj-masks-super-moon-adventure-toy-collection.md","Introducing the new PJ Masks Super Moon Adventure Toy Collection",{"type":9,"value":2253,"toc":2363},[2254,2260,2264,2267,2270,2275,2278,2283,2286,2289,2295,2300,2303,2308,2317,2320,2326,2329,2335,2341,2344,2349,2352],[12,2255,2256,2259],{},[45,2257],{"alt":215,"src":2258},"/images/2018/10/PJ_MASKS_MISSION_CONTROL_MOON_HQ_ROCKET_22.jpg","We’re back with another PJ Masks review, and it the words of a 3-year-old it’s",[27,2261,2263],{"id":2262},"soooo-cool","“Soooo Cool!!”",[12,2265,2266],{},"We’ve been sent a great selection of the new PJ Masks toys ready to host our very own PJ Masks Party. 🎉 I’m not sure who is more excited, me or the children?!",[12,2268,2269],{},"► You can join in the fun too over on Twitter on the 17th October at 1pm. Be there, or be a ninjalino. ◄",[12,2271,2272],{},[45,2273],{"alt":215,"src":2274},"/images/2018/10/MPU-min-1.jpg",[12,2276,2277],{},"Ahead of the party fun Taylor was tasked with putting the new Super Moon HQ and Rocket HQ to the test. Of course, this request was well received. I don’t think he’s ever gotten changed from school so fast in his life when he realised they had arrived.",[12,2279,2280],{},[45,2281],{"alt":215,"src":2282},"/images/2018/10/PJ_MASKS_MISSION_CONTROL_MOON_HQ_ROCKET_20.jpg",[12,2284,2285],{},"The Super Moon HQ Play Set currently retails for £49.99 – The perfect place to house your figures and while away the hours reenacting your favourite moments from the TV Series.",[12,2287,2288],{},"Taylor has the original Deluxe PJ Masks Headquarters and has played with it daily for the last year. However, in his words, the new Super Moon HQ is “Better, and does more”",[12,2290,2291,2294],{},[45,2292],{"alt":215,"src":2293},"/images/2018/10/PJ_MASKS_MISSION_CONTROL_MOON_HQ_ROCKET_03.jpg","The new HQ takes less than 5 minutes to assemble and is comprised of 3 floors. Select your mission at the lights and sounds control panel, deflect attacks with the Gekko shield, spin down the corkscrew pole, use the feather dart shooter to fend off villains, or use the trap door to catch them.",[12,2296,2297],{},[45,2298],{"alt":215,"src":2299},"/images/2018/10/PJ_MASKS_MISSION_CONTROL_MOON_HQ_ROCKET_18.jpg",[12,2301,2302],{},"With 4 accessories, 2 figures (Cat Boy and Romeo) and batteries all included, we were ready play straight out of the box. They’ve even put the stickers on for us. I love a toy that comes with very little assembly especially when there are no stickers to apply! They end up straight when you have a 3-year-old attempting to play with the toy at the same time.",[12,2304,2305],{},[45,2306],{"alt":215,"src":2307},"/images/2018/10/PJ_MASKS_MISSION_CONTROL_MOON_HQ_ROCKET_15.jpg",[12,2309,2310,2313,2314],{},[45,2311],{"alt":215,"src":2312},"/images/2018/10/PJ_MASKS_MISSION_CONTROL_MOON_HQ_ROCKET_19.jpg","Taylor has found the HQ really fun and easy to play with, he can put the characters on the corkscrew pole by himself, which is great because the older HQ required me to put them in and out of lift 500 times a day as he couldn’t get them in or move it without help. His favourite features are the feather shooter and the jail because shooting things and locking up the bad guys is the best! ",[45,2315],{"alt":215,"src":2316},"/images/2018/10/PJ_Maks_moon_mission_hq_01.jpg",[12,2318,2319],{},"Overall we really like the new HQ it’s more user friendly than previous models, smaller in size and does more!",[12,2321,2322,2325],{},[45,2323],{"alt":215,"src":2324},"/images/2018/10/PJ_MASKS_MISSION_CONTROL_MOON_HQ_ROCKET_08.jpg","Another new addition to this year’s collection is the Rocket HQ, featuring lights and sounds you can blast off on a mission, into the night to save the day! With a drop-down ramp revealing geckos space rover!",[12,2327,2328],{},"With seats for all 3 PJ Masks saving the day can now happen anywhere!",[12,2330,2331,2334],{},[45,2332],{"alt":215,"src":2333},"/images/2018/10/PJ_MASKS_MISSION_CONTROL_MOON_HQ_ROCKET_12.jpg","To add to the fun we’ve also been using the Deluxe Figure set which really completes any of the playsets, allowing children to recreate scenes with all of their favourite PJ Masks friends!",[12,2336,2337,2340],{},[45,2338],{"alt":215,"src":2339},"/images/2018/10/PJ_MASKS_MISSION_CONTROL_MOON_HQ_ROCKET_16.jpg","Now we’ve put these to the test we’re preparing for our party! On Wednesday the 17th October between 1:00pm and 3:00pm we’ll be over on twitter alongside UK Mums TV. There will be opportunities to win some of the range for your little Heroes and lots of fun games taking place.",[12,2342,2343],{},"Make sure you join in and use the hashtag",[12,2345,2346],{},[34,2347,2348],{},"#PJMasksToys !",[12,2350,2351],{},"We’ll be sharing pictures of Super Moon HQ and Rocket HQ in action as well as all of the below as we partake in some exciting PJ Masks party games!",[12,2353,2354,2357,2360],{},[45,2355],{"alt":215,"src":2356},"/images/2018/10/PJ_MASKS_MISSION_CONTROL_MOON_HQ_ROCKET_13.jpg",[45,2358],{"alt":215,"src":2359},"/images/2018/10/PJ_MASKS_MISSION_CONTROL_MOON_HQ_ROCKET_14.jpg",[45,2361],{"alt":215,"src":2362},"/images/2018/10/PJ_MASKS_MISSION_CONTROL_MOON_HQ_ROCKET_04.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":2364},[2365],{"id":2262,"depth":216,"text":2263},[226],"/images/2018/10/PJ_MASKS_MISSION_CONTROL_MOON_HQ_ROCKET_11.jpg","2018-10-15T10:40:00Z","11058",{},"PJ Masks Super Moon Adventure review. Testing the Super Moon HQ and Rocket HQ playsets with lights, sounds, and accessories. Perfect for imaginative play.","/introducing-new-pj-masks-super-moon-adventure-toy-collection",{"title":2251,"description":2259},"introducing-new-pj-masks-super-moon-adventure-toy-collection","kh_pQGedo-3LhGB582yCUOlxUUi2nbnwqjf7eZIyD5g",{"id":2377,"title":2378,"author":245,"body":2379,"category":2455,"cover":2397,"date":2456,"description":2383,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":2457,"meta":2458,"meta_description":2459,"meta_title":2378,"navigation":236,"path":2460,"seo":2461,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":2462,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":2463},"posts/paw-patrol-ultimate-rescue-marshalls-deluxe-fire-truck.md","Paw Patrol Ultimate Rescue Marshall’s Deluxe Fire Truck",{"type":9,"value":2380,"toc":2453},[2381,2384,2387,2390,2393,2398,2401,2404,2410,2413,2419,2425,2431,2437],[12,2382,2383],{},"Whenever there’s a problem",[12,2385,2386],{},"‘Round Adventure Bay",[12,2388,2389],{},"Ryder and his team of pups",[12,2391,2392],{},"Will come and save the day….",[12,2394,2395],{},[45,2396],{"alt":215,"src":2397},"/images/2018/11/paw_patrol_deluxe_fire_truck_04.jpg",[12,2399,2400],{},"We love Paw Patrol in our house and couldn’t wait to get to the ruff-ruff rescue with the Paw Patrol Ultimate Rescue Marshall’s Deluxe Fire Truck from Spin Master! Taylor was ecstatic when he came home to find he’d be testing the Marshall Fire Truck, it’s sure to be a hit this festive season with fans of Paw Patrol. Had he not received one early I’m sure it would have been on his wishlist.",[12,2402,2403],{},"Setting up the Fire Truck is easy, once out of the box there is only one piece to attach and a few stickers. Great news for parents who hate building fiddly toys!",[12,2405,2406,2409],{},[45,2407],{"alt":215,"src":2408},"/images/2018/11/paw_patrol_deluxe_fire_truck_02.jpg","Featuring a 2ft extending ladder you can send Marshall to great heights in order to save the day, or in our case to steal your baby sisters snacks from the high chair!",[12,2411,2412],{},"Taylor has always loved fire trucks, but he’s never played with one quite as exciting as this before. It’s provided hours of open-ended play with and without the Marshall the pup to join in with.",[12,2414,2415,2418],{},[45,2416],{"alt":215,"src":2417},"/images/2018/11/paw_patrol_deluxe_fire_truck_03.jpg","The Deluxe Firetruck comes with a Mini Fire Cart, 4 water launchers and 1 Marshall figure. Requiring 2 AAA batteries (included) for the lights and sounds of the fire truck.",[12,2420,2421,2424],{},[45,2422],{"alt":215,"src":2423},"/images/2018/11/paw_patrol_deluxe_fire_truck_06.jpg","Overall this is a great addition to a Paw Patrol fans toy collection. You can also purchase additional pups to sit on the truck, they’re already on Taylors Christmas list alongside a Lookout tower… Eeek!",[12,2426,2427,2430],{},[45,2428],{"alt":215,"src":2429},"/images/2018/11/paw_patrol_deluxe_fire_truck_01.jpg","We’ve had hours of fun with this toy and unlike many noisy plastic toys that are cast aside within days, this one has been played with repeatedly over weeks and is still a favourite toy in our house today. I can’t see him getting bored of it any time soon, it’s not just used for Playing with Paw Patrol.",[12,2432,2433,2436],{},[45,2434],{"alt":215,"src":2435},"/images/2018/11/paw_patrol_deluxe_fire_truck_05.jpg","If you don’t mind flashing lights and the echo of the paw patrol theme song, which the kids will love, it’s a worthy investment. Simply for the number of hours you can sit back and enjoy a hot cup of tea whilst they play.",[12,2438,2439,2440,764,2444,764,2448,2452],{},"You can purchase the Paw Patrol Ultimate Rescue Marshall’s Deluxe Fire Truck at ",[16,2441,763],{"href":2442,"rel":2443},"https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/pre-school-and-electronic-learning/paw-patrol/paw-patrol-ultimate-fire-truck-playset/p/167740",[20],[16,2445,1666],{"href":2446,"rel":2447},"https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8543954",[20],[16,2449,768],{"href":2450,"rel":2451},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/PAW-Patrol-Ultimate-Rescue-Extendable/dp/B079PLX91Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542036320&sr=8-1&keywords=paw+patrol+fire+truck",[20]," and other retailers.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":2454},[],[226],"2018-10-09T15:02:00Z","11115",{},"Paw Patrol Ultimate Rescue Marshall Fire Truck review. Features 2ft extending ladder, lights, sounds, water launchers, and mini cart. Hours of imaginative play.","/paw-patrol-ultimate-rescue-marshalls-deluxe-fire-truck",{"title":2378,"description":2383},"paw-patrol-ultimate-rescue-marshalls-deluxe-fire-truck","HQbpAlc7kuo3MZ-4RpfENni7_mrZgtQ4fn9sh3eDSIU",{"id":2465,"title":2466,"author":245,"body":2467,"category":2541,"cover":2476,"date":2542,"description":2471,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":2543,"meta":2544,"meta_description":2545,"meta_title":2466,"navigation":236,"path":2546,"seo":2547,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":2548,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":2549},"posts/stick-traditional-play-stickle-bricks.md","Stick to traditional play with Stickle Bricks",{"type":9,"value":2468,"toc":2539},[2469,2472,2481,2484,2491,2497,2500,2503,2509,2512,2521,2527],[12,2470,2471],{},"Stickle bricks have been a firm favourite in our house ever since Taylor received their Big Red Bucket a couple of years ago. Fast forward to now and they’re still going strong. I remember playing with stickle bricks when I was in primary school, the endless possibilities from cars and rockets to houses and horses. You can build it all!",[12,2473,2474,2477,2480],{},[45,2475],{"alt":215,"src":2476},"/images/2018/09/stickle_bricks_05.jpg",[45,2478],{"alt":215,"src":2479},"/images/2017/03/original_stickle_bricks_03.jpg","I’m not sure who was more excited when a parcel full of stickle bricks arrived to add to the collection but we’ve all had a lot of fun!",[12,2482,2483],{},"Stickle Bricks sent us the Little builder box, Farm Set and Build it Big Box. Now we’re able to build bigger and better than ever before.",[12,2485,2486,2490],{},[16,2487,2489],{"href":2488},"/original-stickle-bricks","Stickle Bricks"," are recommended for ages 1.5 and up, although Harriet (8 months) has been loving them too, with supervision and the removal of smaller pieces, she generally sits to one side with a few big pieces and feels involved. Wheres Taylor and I are busy building houses, towers and tractors.",[12,2492,2493,2496],{},[45,2494],{"alt":215,"src":2495},"/images/2018/09/stickle_bricks_01.jpg","Enabling imaginations to grow and encouraging creativity. Stickle Bricks are colourful, tactile plastic construction toys that can be pushed together and pulled apart easily.",[12,2498,2499],{},"The Stickle Bricks Farm Set comes with everything you need to create a small farm using the lid of the box as your field.",[12,2501,2502],{},"A tractor, animals fences, food and a farmer! Taylor has loved playing farm and acting out the animals talking to one another and eating meals together.",[12,2504,2505,2508],{},[45,2506],{"alt":215,"src":2507},"/images/2018/09/stickle_bricks_06.jpg","We’ve added bricks from the big builder box into our existing big red bucket alongside the little builder bricks, now we have enough to build an endless amount of Stickle Brick masterpieces.",[12,2510,2511],{},"Its interesting to see how much the way Taylor plays with Stickle Bricks now in comparison to when he first received the Big Red Bucket two years ago. That small boy who built towers on repeat and lop-sided houses. Now we’re building cars, planes, rockets, dinosaurs and more.",[12,2513,2514,2517,2518,2520],{},[45,2515],{"alt":215,"src":2516},"/images/2017/03/original_stickle_bricks_08.jpg","His ability to build alone and use his imagination has changed so much in two years yet the enjoyment and fun hasn’t changed in over 2 years.",[774,2519],{},"\nIn a world filled with and abundance of tech from tablets and game consoles to electronic toys it’s nice to see traditional toys like Stickle Bricks still standing their ground.",[12,2522,2523,2526],{},[45,2524],{"alt":215,"src":2525},"/images/2018/09/stickle_bricks_03.jpg","#### Where to buy Stickle Bricks",[12,2528,2529,2530,307,2534],{},"Stickle Bricks are available from national retailers including ",[16,2531,1666],{"href":2532,"rel":2533},"https://www.argos.co.uk/product/5418192",[20],[16,2535,2538],{"href":2536,"rel":2537},"https://amzn.to/2Q9jjq7",[20],"Amazon.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":2540},[],[226],"2018-09-18T14:35:00Z","11039",{},"Stickle Bricks review featuring Little Builder Box, Farm Set and Build it Big Box. Traditional construction toys for ages 1.5+ encouraging creativity.","/stick-traditional-play-stickle-bricks",{"title":2466,"description":2471},"stick-traditional-play-stickle-bricks","HiDuNr--HXI0V81mc4yXKJaxOEVhmpoCYOzr3DxxlcI",{"id":2551,"title":2552,"author":245,"body":2553,"category":2613,"cover":2559,"date":2614,"description":2560,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":2615,"meta":2616,"meta_description":2617,"meta_title":2618,"navigation":236,"path":2619,"seo":2620,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":2621,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":2622},"posts/review-paw-patrol-lives-great-pirate-adventure-manchester-arena.md","Review: Paw Patrol Live’s Great Pirate Adventure at Manchester Arena",{"type":9,"value":2554,"toc":2611},[2555,2561,2564,2570,2574,2577,2583,2586,2592,2598,2606],[12,2556,2557,2560],{},[45,2558],{"alt":215,"src":2559},"/images/2018/09/paw_patrol_live_05.jpg","After the success of last year, Paw Patrol LIVE! is back! The pups have climbed onto their tour bus with another show stopper. Having seen Paw Patrol live at Manchester Apollo last year we knew what to expect and couldn’t wait. This year’s show, however, was at the Manchester Arena.",[12,2562,2563],{},"The show itself is pirate themed and followed the pups on a mission to rescue Captain Turbot from a cavern. Filled with catching songs and dances the show quickly captures the attention of little Paw Patrol fans. Although I’m sure we’re not the only parents who struggled to keep their little pups attention for the entirety of the show. The show lasts for around 1 hour, although it really felt like 2. With a 15 minute intermission, perfect for toilet breaks, nappy changes and snacks, but also difficult to keep children still in a large arena. Navigating the steps with small children was difficult in comparison with the previous years’ venue!",[12,2565,2566,2569],{},[45,2567],{"alt":215,"src":2568},"/images/2018/09/paw_patrol_live_03.jpg","This was also a great opportunity for little eyes to find the merchandise stand, which ranged from around £10-£30. We left with a £12 light-up pirate sword, to keep the peace.",[907,2571,2573],{"id":2572},"what-did-we-think","What did we think?",[12,2575,2576],{},"Overall the show was entertaining, it just feels long when you take into consideration the target audience. Taylor is 3.5 and struggled to stay still and avoid a tantrum from being confined to his seat. We also encouraged him to stand and dance when there were songs.",[12,2578,2579,2582],{},[45,2580],{"alt":215,"src":2581},"/images/2018/09/paw_patrol_live_04.jpg","Harriet on the other hand who is 8 months old bobbed about and smiled throughout!",[12,2584,2585],{},"There was plenty of singing and dancing! There were also pirate helpers who were great at dancing and getting the kids excited. They ran around the audience on the lower level keeping children entertained.",[12,2587,2588,2591],{},[45,2589],{"alt":215,"src":2590},"/images/2018/09/paw_patrol_live_01.jpg","We attended an early 10am Sunday show, 1 of 3 being performed that day. I was surprised to see so many empty seats. This may have been due to the early start time. Getting from our house an hours drive away for the early start wasn’t easy. I imagine the later shows would have been busier.",[12,2593,2594,2597],{},[45,2595],{"alt":215,"src":2596},"/images/2018/09/paw_patrol_live_02.jpg","The show is impressive on the whole, the puppets, the way the pups are controlled and the detail of the choreography are brilliant. It’s fun to watch and perfect for fans of the show. I’d just take into consideration the venue, and your Childs ability to sit still and actually watch something.",[12,2599,2600,2605],{},[16,2601,2604],{"href":2602,"rel":2603},"https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/PAW-Patrol-Live-The-Great-Pirate-tickets/artist/5230693",[20],"Click here ","to see where else in the UK has tickets available for the Paw Patrol Live show.",[12,2607,2608],{},[211,2609,2610],{},"* We received complimentary tickets to review the show, however, all opinions are my own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":2612},[],[226],"2018-08-31T15:25:00Z","11027",{},"Paw Patrol Live Great Pirate Adventure review at Manchester Arena. One-hour pirate-themed show with songs, dances, and merchandise. Perfect for young fans.","Paw Patrol Live Review - Great Pirate Adventure","/review-paw-patrol-lives-great-pirate-adventure-manchester-arena",{"title":2552,"description":2560},"review-paw-patrol-lives-great-pirate-adventure-manchester-arena","OSPVKJewvuwReemrkanUcDF3lKRwzqg00ziZYi_g7wg",{"id":2624,"title":2625,"author":245,"body":2626,"category":2686,"cover":2682,"date":2687,"description":2630,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":2688,"meta":2689,"meta_description":2690,"meta_title":2625,"navigation":236,"path":2691,"seo":2692,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":2693,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":2694},"posts/sliding-into-summer-with-little-tikes.md","Sliding into Summer with Little Tikes",{"type":9,"value":2627,"toc":2684},[2628,2631,2640,2646,2652,2655,2663,2675,2678],[12,2629,2630],{},"As summer draws to a close we’ve been making the most of the warm weather. Theirs only so long you can get away with spending each day outdoors before the wet British weather takes over and we didn’t want to waste any of it.",[12,2632,2633,2636,2637,2639],{},[45,2634],{"alt":215,"src":2635},"/images/2018/08/little_tikes_giant_slide_03.jpg","Taylor has spent the majority of the summer in the garden, It’s his favourite play space.",[774,2638],{},"\nBefore we moved into our house I wrote about creating a play space for him. This summer Little Tikes have sent us a new slide to make it even more enjoyable!",[12,2641,2642,2643,2645],{},"Having outgrown the toddler slide, Taylor was beyond excited to give the Little Tikes Giant Slide a go! It took less than 20 minutes from opening the box to the slide being in use.",[774,2644],{},"\nIt can also be folded for easy storage during the winter. We’ll be able to pop into the garage to protect it from the elements.",[12,2647,2648,2651],{},[45,2649],{"alt":215,"src":2650},"/images/2018/08/little_tikes_giant_slide_01.jpg","Our garden is slowly becoming the play haven I envisioned. From the playhouse and sand table to the new slide it’s the perfect place for the little ones to enjoy being outdoors.",[12,2653,2654],{},"Taylor has spent hours going up and down the slide on repeat, sending cars down it, making dinosaurs climb it, running under it. The possibilities of play are endless.",[12,2656,2657,2658],{},"At 180cm long and suitable from 24 months – 5 years It’s going to last both him and Harriet many years, without needing to upgrade any further! You can buy the Little Tikes Giant Slide for £129.99 at ",[16,2659,2662],{"href":2660,"rel":2661},"https://www.littletikes.co.uk/",[20],"www.littletikes.co.uk",[12,2664,2665,2668,2669,2674],{},[45,2666],{"alt":215,"src":2667},"/images/2018/08/little_tikes_giant_slide_02.jpg","Next on our list is to extend the patio. I’m hoping to create an outdoor seating area ready for next summer. We’d also love to add",[16,2670,2673],{"href":2671,"rel":2672},"https://www.grass-direct.co.uk/artificial-grass",[20]," Artificial Grass"," in the future.",[12,2676,2677],{},"I want the garden to be somewhere fun and exciting. A space that Taylor and Harriet choose to spend time in. A space that we can all enjoy as a family.",[12,2679,2680,2683],{},[45,2681],{"alt":215,"src":2682},"/images/2018/08/little_tikes_giant_slide_04.jpg","Gardens are often forgotten about but they’re a real extension of a house that should be treated like an extra room. We’re really beginning to utilise ours and it’s a lovely place to watch them play when the weather allows.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":2685},[],[226],"2018-08-28T23:06:00Z","11008",{},"Little Tikes Giant Slide review. 180cm long, suitable for ages 2-5 years, £129.99. Easy assembly and storage. Perfect for creating outdoor play spaces.","/sliding-into-summer-with-little-tikes",{"title":2625,"description":2630},"sliding-into-summer-with-little-tikes","LhDFAEnJvTNDVyciXii5fvqcj72G3U1qDDHyziwqK14",{"id":2696,"title":2697,"author":245,"body":2698,"category":2786,"cover":2719,"date":2787,"description":2702,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":2788,"meta":2789,"meta_description":2790,"meta_title":2697,"navigation":236,"path":2791,"seo":2792,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":2793,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":2794},"posts/breastfeeding-bravado-nursing-bras.md","Breastfeeding with Bravado Nursing bras",{"type":9,"value":2699,"toc":2784},[2700,2703,2709,2712,2715,2721,2724,2730,2733,2744,2752,2758,2767,2773,2776],[12,2701,2702],{},"Seven months into my second breastfeeding journey, add that to the 2.5 years I breastfed with my first. I’ve now racked up over three years of breastfeeding!",[12,2704,2705,2708],{},[45,2706],{"alt":215,"src":2707},"/images/2018/08/bravado_nursing_bra_02.jpg","And although I thought I had all the gear last time, from lanolins to pumps and nipple shields, the one thing I never had was a good nursing bra.",[12,2710,2711],{},"I never thought it mattered…",[12,2713,2714],{},"That was until I was sent these gorgeous bras from Bravado and realised what I’d been missing out on. For an entire 2.5 years of breastfeeding. I wore nursing camis. I’m not the biggest in the boob department, so it wasn’t so much about support. Although when the milk first comes in, or if you haven’t fed for a while, a little extra support wouldn’t go amiss.",[12,2716,2717,2720],{},[45,2718],{"alt":215,"src":2719},"/images/2018/08/bravado_nursing_bra_03.jpg","From comfort and ease of use to not having to wear so many layers when it’s 30 degrees outside. It’s safe to say I wish I’d had these all along!",[12,2722,2723],{},"I’ve always been put off spending a lot on nursing bras. Because you don’t know how long you’ll be using them for. A good quality bra doesn’t come cheap, and if it’s for a specific purpose like breastfeeding you want to get some use out of it.",[12,2725,2726,2729],{},[45,2727],{"alt":215,"src":2728},"/images/2018/08/bravado_nursing_bra_04.jpg","Bravado has taken this into consideration, and I love them for it. Each bra comes with a little pack attached to it with instructions and new clips. Showing you how to convert your bra from a nursing bra to a standard bra. So I’ll never have to stop using them!",[12,2731,2732],{},"I’ve been using the body silk seamless nursing bra and original nursing bra along with the new clip and pump hands free accessory and can honestly say I’m loving them all.",[12,2734,2735,509,2738,2743],{},[45,2736],{"alt":215,"src":2737},"/images/2018/08/bravado_nursing_bra_05.jpg",[16,2739,2742],{"href":2740,"rel":2741},"https://www.bravadodesigns.com/uk/collections/nursing-bras/products/the-original-nursing-bra",[20],"original nursing bra"," is my every day go-to retailing at £27, it’s a soft cotton sports bra style, it’s so comfortable I’m not in a hurry to take it off when I get home.",[12,2745,509,2746,2751],{},[16,2747,2750],{"href":2748,"rel":2749},"https://www.bravadodesigns.com/uk/collections/nursing-bras/products/body-silk-seamless-nursing-bra",[20],"silk seamless bra"," retailing at £34 offers more support and gives great shape. It comes with padding, which you can remove, and it gives a really nice lift!",[12,2753,2754,2757],{},[45,2755],{"alt":215,"src":2756},"/images/2018/08/bravado_nursing_bra_06.jpg","Nursing bras I’ve tried in the past either gave me a uni-boob, which is impressive considering I don’t have a lot of boob to shelve as it is, or they just didn’t fit well, losing their shape after a few weeks and being demoted for the camis. Forever sweltering in layers whatever the weather.",[12,2759,2760,2761,2766],{},"I’m also able to express hands-free with the ",[16,2762,2765],{"href":2763,"rel":2764},"https://www.bravadodesigns.com/uk/collections/accessories/products/clip-and-pump-hands-free-nursing-bra-accessory",[20],"bravado clip and pump",". Retailing at £23 it simply clips onto your existing nursing bra and holds your pump into place, genius! I’ve needed this for so long. Where has it been all of my breastfeeding life?",[12,2768,2769,2772],{},[45,2770],{"alt":215,"src":2771},"/images/2018/08/bravado_nursing_bra_01.jpg","The days I’ve spent over the years holding a pump and being unable to do anything else. Now I can clip the pump to my jeans and hoover if I wanted! I might look crazy, I wouldn’t answer the door with it on, but it’s so worth it!",[12,2774,2775],{},"Bravado bras have retained their shape and look great, even the man likes them. Nursing bras that are bringing sexy back! I really like the colours, fabrics and comfort of all the items so far and can finally feed in confidence.",[12,2777,2778,2779],{},"You can purchase their full range at ",[16,2780,2783],{"href":2781,"rel":2782},"https://www.bravadodesigns.com/uk/",[20],"www.bravadodesigns.com",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":2785},[],[226],"2018-08-24T21:36:00Z","10991",{},"Bravado nursing bras review. Body Silk Seamless and Original nursing bras plus Clip and Pump hands-free accessory. Comfortable, supportive, and convertible.","/breastfeeding-bravado-nursing-bras",{"title":2697,"description":2702},"breastfeeding-bravado-nursing-bras","uk_wP9pzOi8V8_f-lC0CjWvMvq03MJ3o_KdWJnii46k",{"id":2796,"title":2797,"author":245,"body":2798,"category":2873,"cover":2874,"date":2875,"description":2876,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":2877,"meta":2878,"meta_description":2879,"meta_title":2797,"navigation":236,"path":2880,"seo":2881,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":2882,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":2883},"posts/pj-masks-lights-sounds-robot-review.md","PJ Masks Lights and Sounds Robot Review",{"type":9,"value":2799,"toc":2871},[2800,2812,2816,2822,2825,2831,2837,2840,2846,2849,2855,2860],[12,2801,2802,2803,2805,2806,2808,2809,2811],{},"Who goes into the night",[774,2804],{},"\nSo they can save the day?",[774,2807],{},"\nWho are these heroes",[774,2810],{},"\nTo show you the way?",[907,2813,2815],{"id":2814},"pj-masks","PJ Masks!",[12,2817,2818,2821],{},[45,2819],{"alt":215,"src":2820},"/images/2018/08/pj_robot_pj_masks-0454.jpg","Little Fox has been a fan of PJ Masks for quite some time. When he isn’t whizzing around in his Cat Boy costume he can usually be found playing with the headquarters or carrying one of the figures.",[12,2823,2824],{},"Living with my own 3-year-old version of cat-boy means I’m well versed in all things PJ Masks. So you can imagine our excitement when one of the new characters, PJ Robot, landed on our doorstep.",[12,2826,2827,2830],{},[45,2828],{"alt":215,"src":2829},"/images/2018/08/pj_robot_pj_masks-0437.jpg","The PJ Robot Lights and Sound Robot is a robust and sturdy plastic robot. Standing at around 20cm tall and recommended for ages 3-10 years, he’s also simple to operate by simply pushing down his head. With 3 different facial expressions, lights and sounds as he whizzes around the room. He’s enough to keep little ones entertained for quite some time and has been a welcome addition to little Foxes PJ Masks collection.",[12,2832,2833,2836],{},[45,2834],{"alt":215,"src":2835},"/images/2018/08/pj_robot_pj_masks-0448.jpg","We made use of our robot downstairs where we have hardwood flooring. I wasn’t sure his small wheels or motor would be enough to push him along on carpet. I was however wrong, he’s capable of whizzing around on Little Foxes bedroom carpet with ease.",[12,2838,2839],{},"He requires 4 AA Batteries, which come included, and a switch on the bottom to turn him on and off. This switch also takes the robot from demo mode to full mode, which I didn’t realise for quite some time. Meaning Little Fox wasn’t getting full use of his new robot! Oops.",[12,2841,2842,2845],{},[45,2843],{"alt":215,"src":2844},"/images/2018/08/pj_robot_pj_masks-0430.jpg","#### Did we like him?",[12,2847,2848],{},"The PJ Robot Lights and Sounds Robot is likely to be popular this Christmas amongst youngsters. As a part of the PJ Masks cast it’s something they will buy into and want to add to their collection.",[12,2850,2851,2854],{},[45,2852],{"alt":215,"src":2853},"/images/2018/08/pj_robot_pj_masks-0404.jpg","We did, however, feel that he didn’t do a whole lot, the price I would say is reasonable for a licensed toy product but the features were a little lacking for me. The simple push of his head is the only way to control the robot, which for ease of use is great, especially as Little Fox is only 3. For older children, you can’t choose or influence the direction in which he moves or make any decisions when it comes to his actions.",[12,2856,2857,2859],{},[45,2858],{"alt":215,"src":2835},"This didn’t stop Little Fox from enjoying him but the novelty did soon start to wear off. Especially when compared to other PJ Masks toys we have that have been played with daily for many months.",[12,2861,2862,2863,307,2867,575],{},"The PJ Masks Lights and Sounds robot is priced at £29.99, and is available from ",[16,2864,1666],{"href":2865,"rel":2866},"http://www.argos.co.uk/product/8208392",[20],[16,2868,2231],{"href":2869,"rel":2870},"https://www.thetoyshop.com/pj-masks/PJ-Masks-Lights-and-Sounds-PJ-Robot/p/535268",[20],{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":2872},[],[226],"/images/2018/08/pj_robot_cover.jpg","2018-08-19T22:19:00Z","Who goes into the night\nSo they can save the day?\nWho are these heroes\nTo show you the way?","10976",{},"PJ Masks Lights and Sounds Robot review. 20cm tall with 3 facial expressions, lights, sounds, and movement. £29.99. Perfect for ages 3-10. Honest review.","/pj-masks-lights-sounds-robot-review",{"title":2797,"description":2876},"pj-masks-lights-sounds-robot-review","bWhHIF89VmETIXHg4jtAlmILS9CUhRXzSQnF5-h7v-k",{"id":2885,"title":2886,"author":245,"body":2887,"category":2996,"cover":2997,"date":2998,"description":2891,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":2999,"meta":3000,"meta_description":3001,"meta_title":2886,"navigation":236,"path":3002,"seo":3003,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":3004,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":3005},"posts/instilling-a-love-of-reading-with-the-book-people.md","Instilling a love of reading with The Book People",{"type":9,"value":2888,"toc":2994},[2889,2892,2898,2904,2907,2919,2925,2928,2940,2952,2969,2972,2978,2987,2990],[12,2890,2891],{},"Books are something I have always loved, the feeling of fresh crisp pages and the scent of printers ink. Their is nothing quite like that moment when you curl with a new book. Reading is a great way for me to wind down and relax. Something I knew I wanted to share with my children, should I be fortunate enough to have any.",[12,2893,2894,2897],{},[45,2895],{"alt":215,"src":2896},"/images/2018/07/the_book_people_childrens_picture_books-0251.jpg","When I found out I was pregnant with Little Fox it wasn’t little booties and vests I was looking forward to buying. It was books. Before our firstborn owned any clothing he had the complete works of Dr Seuss. Curling up with my newborn baby and reading to him was something I had imagined over and over. I even read to him in utero.",[12,2899,2900,2903],{},[45,2901],{"alt":215,"src":2902},"/images/2018/07/the_book_people_childrens_picture_books-0232.jpg","Three years on we’ve got a lot of reading under our belts, he’s a huge fan of the traditional bedtime story and his baby sister gets to join in too.",[12,2905,2906],{},"As well as our weekly visit to the library I’ve always purchased a lot of books. We’re running out of space for them!",[12,2908,2909,2912,2913,2918],{},[45,2910],{"alt":215,"src":2911},"/images/2018/07/the_book_people_childrens_picture_books-0248.jpg","My go-to place for finding great stories the little ones will enjoy is The Book People. They have a great selection of affordable ",[16,2914,2917],{"href":2915,"rel":2916},"https://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=85207&catalogId=10051",[20],"children’s books",". They also have various rating systems and collections to help you narrow down the vast selection. This makes it easier to find what you want! From Hand Picked Favourites and the Editors Pick to Best Sellers.",[12,2920,2921,2924],{},[45,2922],{"alt":215,"src":2923},"/images/2018/07/the_book_people_childrens_picture_books-0203.jpg","Using the Hand Picked Favourites selection I’ve chosen some new books to keep us busy this summer!",[12,2926,2927],{},"At 3 years old Little Fox is starting to recognise words by himself, he’s also been learning phonics at nursery. I want to encourage this by helping him to learn to read as we prepare for starting school next year, I knew The Book People would have just what we need.",[12,2929,2930,2933,2934,2939],{},[45,2931],{"alt":215,"src":2932},"/images/2018/07/the_book_people_childrens_picture_books-0237.jpg","To start us off we’ve gone for the ",[16,2935,2938],{"href":2936,"rel":2937},"https://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/qs_product_tbp?productId=537110&catalogId=10051&searchTerm=biff+",[20],"Read with Biff, Chip and Kipper Collection: Levels 1-3 ","It’s 33 books in a zip up bag. Perfect for teaching him to read.",[12,2941,2942,2945,2946,2951],{},[45,2943],{"alt":215,"src":2944},"/images/2018/07/the_book_people_childrens_picture_books-0219.jpg","For bedtime, I’ve opted for something a little different to our usual short picture books. Longer stories that can hold his attention and get his imagination going. The ",[16,2947,2950],{"href":2948,"rel":2949},"https://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/qs_product_tbp?productId=410452&catalogId=10051&searchTerm=roahld+dahl",[20],"Roald Dahl collection"," is something that will last both children for years come. I still remember being read James and The Giant Peach as a child myself and the anticipation of waiting for bedtime to find out what was going to happen next!",[12,2953,2954,2957,2958,307,2963,2968],{},[45,2955],{"alt":215,"src":2956},"/images/2018/07/the_book_people_childrens_picture_books-0204.jpg","The Book People have so many handpicked favourites for the whole family to enjoy that we were spoilt for choice. In the end, I opted for the ",[16,2959,2962],{"href":2960,"rel":2961},"https://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/qs_product_tbp?productId=199233&catalogId=10051&searchTerm=mr+men",[20],"Mr Men",[16,2964,2967],{"href":2965,"rel":2966},"https://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/qs_product_tbp?productId=515770&catalogId=10051&searchTerm=little+miss",[20],"Little Miss"," libraries, perfect short stories for them to enjoy together and each keep a collection in their bedrooms.",[12,2970,2971],{},"I love how I’ve managed to pass my love of reading onto my children. Dolly may only be 6 months old but she’s participated in bedtime stories since day dot. Not that she had much say in the matter.",[12,2973,2974,2977],{},[45,2975],{"alt":215,"src":2976},"/images/2018/07/the_book_people_childrens_picture_books-0208.jpg","Little Fox now requests that she lay in bed with him each night while I read their stories. One of my favourite parts of the day, and not because they’re going to bed!",[12,2979,2980,2983,2986],{},[45,2981],{"alt":215,"src":2982},"/images/2018/07/the_book_people_childrens_picture_books-0226.jpg",[45,2984],{"alt":215,"src":2985},"/images/2018/07/the_book_people_childrens_picture_books-0206.jpg","So far our favourites have been Mr Messy and Fantastic Mr Fox!",[12,2988,2989],{},"What are your little one’s favourite books? Tell us in the comments below, we love a good book!",[1423,2991,2993],{"id":2992},"we-were-sent-this-books-as-part-of-this-post-via-the-book-people-all-views-and-love-of-books-are-our-own","We were sent this books as part of this post via The Book People. All views and love of books are our own!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":2995},[],[226],"/images/2018/07/book_people_cover_.jpg","2018-07-16T15:48:00Z","10920",{},"Instilling a love of reading with The Book People. Affordable children's books including Biff & Chip, Roald Dahl, Mr Men, and Little Miss collections.","/instilling-a-love-of-reading-with-the-book-people",{"title":2886,"description":2891},"instilling-a-love-of-reading-with-the-book-people","DNKLRD2v1x51_8nsXV2yOo89g-eWOodSH-UWq-qURLM",{"id":3007,"title":3008,"author":245,"body":3009,"category":3100,"cover":3101,"date":3102,"description":3013,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":3103,"meta":3104,"meta_description":3105,"meta_title":3008,"navigation":236,"path":1797,"seo":3106,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":3107,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":3108},"posts/skip-hop-silver-lining-cloud-activity-gym-review.md","Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gym Review",{"type":9,"value":3010,"toc":3098},[3011,3014,3020,3023,3029,3032,3035,3041,3045,3048,3054,3057,3063,3066,3072,3075,3081,3084,3090],[12,3012,3013],{},"Newborns and play are two things new parents struggle to combine. It often feels like they aren’t able to interact or that they show no interest in what’s around them.",[12,3015,3016,3019],{},[45,3017],{"alt":215,"src":3018},"/images/2018/06/skip_hop_silver_lining_play_08.jpg","Offering small amounts of stimulation is important for their mental and physical development. That’s why choosing a good playmat is a great way to ensure you meet your baby’s developmental needs.",[12,3021,3022],{},"We were sent the Skip Hop silver linings activity gym for Dolly and she loves it. Not only does it provide her with the stimulation she needs, it also looks good!",[12,3024,3025,3028],{},[45,3026],{"alt":215,"src":3027},"/images/2018/06/skip_hop_silver_lining_play_05.jpg","Baby items have improved in terms of style over the years. You no longer have to opt for bright garish colours if you don’t want to.",[12,3030,3031],{},"This mat features a soft colour palette to complement modern decor along with pops of bright colours to stimulate baby’s sight. It fits into our home really well and I love the patterns.",[12,3033,3034],{},"I just want all of the cute Skip Hop Clouds and baby things in our home, they’re gorgeous!",[12,3036,3037,3040],{},[45,3038],{"alt":215,"src":3039},"/images/2018/06/skip_hop_silver_lining_play_06.jpg","Featuring 5 toys that can be attached at various heights, or taken off for free play, the playmat provides hours of much-needed fun for little ones.",[907,3042,3044],{"id":3043},"features","Features –",[12,3046,3047],{},"Cloud toy with dangly rain drops – Perfect for grabbing, and is possibly Harriets favourite feature. She spends much of her time holding onto these.",[12,3049,3050,3053],{},[45,3051],{"alt":215,"src":3052},"/images/2018/06/skip_hop_silver_lining_play_03.jpg","Rattle bird – This bird toy features a rattling tube. Great for shaking. Or in our case kicking.",[12,3055,3056],{},"Sunshine Mirror – The centrepiece of the mat is this mirror that looks like the sun. Perfect for a little vanity and fantastic at keeping little ones entertained.",[12,3058,3059,3062],{},[45,3060],{"alt":215,"src":3061},"/images/2018/06/skip_hop_silver_lining_play_02.jpg","Musical Sheep – This cute fluffy sheep plays the tune of “You are my sunshine” when you squeeze it. Adding another sensory experience for little ones to enjoy.",[12,3064,3065],{},"Flashing star – One of my favourites is this cute little star, which has flashing LED lights. We like to turn out the lights to enhance the experience and Harriet really enjoys it.",[12,3067,3068,3071],{},[45,3069],{"alt":215,"src":3070},"/images/2018/06/skip_hop_silver_lining_play_04.jpg","The oversize mat offers cushiony comfort and multiple textures for sensory development. It also comes with a cloud shape cushion for tummy time.",[12,3073,3074],{},"When a baby is able to sit unaided you can remove the toy arches and continue to use the mat as a play space so it grows with them.",[12,3076,3077,3080],{},[45,3078],{"alt":215,"src":3079},"/images/2018/06/skip_hop_silver_lining_play_01.jpg","The mat is also BPA-free, PVC-free, Phthalate-free, so you know there are no nasties when you lay your precious newborn down to play.",[12,3082,3083],{},"There are so many benefits to having a good activity gym. From getting down on the floor and spending some precious one to one time with your baby. To putting your feet up and enjoying a hot cup of tea whilst they learn how to entertain themselves and be independent.",[12,3085,3086,3089],{},[45,3087],{"alt":215,"src":3088},"/images/2018/06/skip_hop_silver_lining_play_07.jpg","Aside from things like her bed and pram it’s probably one of our most used items. It’s like a part of the furniture. But it also folds flat with ease, we store it underneath the sofa!",[12,3091,3092,3093,3097],{},"We use the Skip Hop silver linings activity gym with Harriet on a daily basis. It’s a nice safe space to lay her down whilst I get things done and it keeps her happy. You can purchase the Silver Linings Activity Gym along with a range of great Skip Hop products at ",[16,3094,768],{"href":3095,"rel":3096},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skip-Hop-Silver-Lining-Activity/dp/B01G1JQXMW",[20]," and selected retailers.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":3099},[],[226],"/images/2018/06/playtime.jpg","2018-06-29T07:01:00Z","10891",{},"Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gym review. 5 toys, musical sheep, LED star, mirror, and soft textures. BPA-free playmat perfect for newborn development.",{"title":3008,"description":3013},"skip-hop-silver-lining-cloud-activity-gym-review","XHpzVMVXKcX9lkhen6Ui7n74zKCX8OSoVwMS8bj7Tbs",{"id":3110,"title":3111,"author":245,"body":3112,"category":3252,"cover":3253,"date":3254,"description":3116,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":3255,"meta":3256,"meta_description":3257,"meta_title":3111,"navigation":236,"path":3258,"seo":3259,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":3260,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":3261},"posts/first-impressions-with-the-uppababy-vista.md","First impressions of the UPPAbaby VISTA",{"type":9,"value":3113,"toc":3248},[3114,3117,3123,3126,3138,3144,3147,3150,3156,3159,3162,3168,3171,3175,3178,3184,3187,3191,3194,3200,3203,3206,3212,3218,3224,3227,3233,3236,3242,3245],[12,3115,3116],{},"When it comes to baby gear the biggest decision, for me at least, has to be the pushchair. I’ve never been a lover of shoes or handbags. I’m one of those women who loves a good travel system.",[12,3118,3119,3122],{},[45,3120],{"alt":215,"src":3121},"/images/2018/06/uppababy_vista_06_.jpg","Upon finding out we were expecting Dolly I started to scour to market for what’s hot. What’s the in thing when it comes to pushchairs these days?",[12,3124,3125],{},"It had been 3 years since we bought that much loved first pushchair for Little Fox. And we didn’t do bad in our choice. But I’d like to think I’m better educated when it comes to the world of pushchairs these days!",[12,3127,3128,3131,3132,3137],{},[45,3129],{"alt":215,"src":3130},"/images/2018/06/uppababy_vista_01.jpg","One that kept cropping up was the ",[16,3133,3136],{"href":3134,"rel":3135},"https://uppababy.com/uk/",[20],"UPPAbaby VISTA",". I had more than one friend who praised this travel system, one went as far as saying she’s never looked at another since. That’s a bold statement for a woman who loves a good pram.",[12,3139,3140,3143],{},[45,3141],{"alt":215,"src":3142},"/images/2018/06/uppababy_vista_07_.jpg","I’d have liked to write this post before the baby had even arrived. To run through its basic features, assembly and build quality, maybe film an unboxing. During that nesting period where you pack and re-pack your hospital bag 15 times and push the empty pram around the house in anticipation…",[12,3145,3146],{},"That would have been great. If we didn’t have an early arrival. Who would have anticipated going for a scan one day and being told to come back for a cesarian the next morning? Not I!",[12,3148,3149],{},"The VISTA was still in its box when we brought her home!",[12,3151,3152,3155],{},[45,3153],{"alt":215,"src":3154},"/images/2018/06/uppababy_vista_13.jpg","### The big build –",[12,3157,3158],{},"Putting the UPPAbaby VISTA together was simple, or so I’ve been told. Unable to lift or move much after surgery the man took over on this one! He informs me that it was easy. It was up and ready to stroll within 5-10 minutes, no swearing involved, so I assume it was nice and simple.",[12,3160,3161],{},"Pop the wheels onto the chassis, clip on the bassinet and you’re ready to roll!",[12,3163,3164,3167],{},[45,3165],{"alt":215,"src":3166},"/images/2018/06/uppababy_vista_10.jpg","Within 10 minutes of unboxing the VISTA, we were off on our first family outing, to Morrisons. Where I shuffled around using the pushchair for support, in search of maternity pads and paracetamol. Oh, the glamour!",[12,3169,3170],{},"We do not have a picture of that.",[274,3172,3174],{"id":3173},"whats-in-the-box","What’s in the box?",[12,3176,3177],{},"The VISTA comes with everything you need from a newborn to toddler. Many pushchairs don’t come with the bassinet included, so it’s nice not to have that added extra expense and know your baby will be lay flat in a safe, cosy, environment. The mattress is also safe for overnight sleeping. Great for travel. You can also purchase a stand to use it as an alternative to a Moses basket, nifty.",[12,3179,3180,3183],{},[45,3181],{"alt":215,"src":3182},"/images/2018/06/uppababy_vista_09.jpg","Upon first use, Dolly looked tiny in the carrycot. Hence the nickname. At this point, I was one-week post surgery. I wasn’t sprinting to toddler group and I didn’t have my camera glued to me like usual. So please forgive the poor pictures, but look how tiny she was! – 5lb of pink squish, with her knees stuck up by her nipples – And how roomy that bassinet is! She’s still using it now at almost 6 months old.",[12,3185,3186],{},"You also get the seat unit, two rain covers and mosquito nets. Everything you need to get going in one box. Brilliant!",[274,3188,3190],{"id":3189},"fab-features","Fab features –",[12,3192,3193],{},"A great feature is that the VISTA can be used a double. Simply by using the upper and lower adapters (sold separately), you can use the VISTA as a double pushchair from day 1 with the seat unit and bassinet.",[12,3195,3196,3199],{},[45,3197],{"alt":215,"src":3198},"/images/2018/06/uppababy_vista_08.jpg","To use it as a double with two seats you’d need to purchase a rumble seat separately. But we haven’t needed to.",[12,3201,3202],{},"Based on Little Fox’s age and size he was able to use the seat unit whilst Dolly was in the bassinet. This was a great option when he wasn’t feeling well.",[12,3204,3205],{},"Now he’s mastered the piggyback board and we’re approaching the time to move Dolly into the seat unit!",[12,3207,3208,3211],{},[45,3209],{"alt":215,"src":3210},"/images/2018/06/uppababy_vista_12.jpg","The Piggyback board is a great additional accessory, perfect for toddlers. When not in use it flips up and stays in position. It definitely makes daily outings easier for us and the little one loves it.",[12,3213,3214,3217],{},[45,3215],{"alt":215,"src":3216},"/images/2018/06/uppababy_vista_05_.jpg","The bassinet also comes off easily, you can do it one-handed. This has allowed us to keep Dolly close and shaded when out on picnics in the park! The hood also boasts a pull out SPF 50+ UV sun protector, and a mesh opening at the back with magnets to hold it up. Perfect for this warm weather.",[12,3219,3220,3223],{},[45,3221],{"alt":215,"src":3222},"/images/2018/06/uppababy_vista_02.jpg","### Do we like it?",[12,3225,3226],{},"Following 3 hospital admissions for the little lady within her first 4 months. From Bronchiolitis to Meningitis, the family strolls in the park with a newborn I had dreamt up weren’t to be. The VISTA spent a lot of time sitting in our kitchen waiting for its adventures to begin. Now we’re making up for lost time and really putting it through its paces!",[12,3228,3229,3232],{},[45,3230],{"alt":215,"src":3231},"/images/2018/06/uppababy_vista_03_.jpg","From strolls in the park to trekking down dirt tracks at the farm. The UPPAbaby VISTA has taken every adventure in its stride. Not many pushchairs handle all terrains as fluidly as this one. It’s robust, yet stylish. And the basket is ginormous.",[12,3234,3235],{},"The real leather handle and bumper bar add a really nice finish to the latest edition of the UPPAbaby VISTA. And for those sporting an older model you can buy zip-on versions to give yourself an upgrade! My only niggle with the leather handlebar is that ours has started to twist it’s way around the handlebar creating a gap. The stitching is no longer central and I can’t seem to get it to move back. The zip on version would be easier to adjust in this case. First world problem.",[12,3237,3238,3241],{},[45,3239],{"alt":215,"src":3240},"/images/2018/06/uppababy_vista_11.jpg","Available in an array of colours theirs a VISTA for everyone. Ours is the Henry. A lovely blue marl with brown leather accents. I would love the option to change the fabric colours on the seat unit but haven’t seen an option to buy these yet. The Emmet Green Melange is beautiful! Theirs also a great selection of accessories you can buy, I’ve already got my eye on the cosy ganoosh footmuff for winter and the snack tray. Genius!",[12,3243,3244],{},"Overall the UPPAababy VISTA meets all of our needs, it can cater to both of our children, newborn and 3 years. It folds down to a good size for our car (the bassinet can also be flattened with ease) and the piggyback board is a must have with a toddler in tow.",[12,3246,3247],{},"We’ll be sharing more about the UPPAbaby VISTA as we continue to use it. Next stop, the beach!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":3249},[3250,3251],{"id":3173,"depth":538,"text":3174},{"id":3189,"depth":538,"text":3190},[226],"/images/2018/06/vista_cover_.jpg","2018-06-27T13:27:00Z","10835",{},"UPPAbaby VISTA pushchair review. Converts to double, includes bassinet, piggyback board compatible. All-terrain travel system perfect for newborn and toddler.","/first-impressions-with-the-uppababy-vista",{"title":3111,"description":3116},"first-impressions-with-the-uppababy-vista","QmTiE-5KLnIP-vpnNtQbgDvsUvV4uVuOIZ5GDIukE1w",{"id":3263,"title":3264,"author":245,"body":3265,"category":3339,"cover":3340,"date":3341,"description":3269,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":3342,"meta":3343,"meta_description":3344,"meta_title":3264,"navigation":236,"path":3345,"seo":3346,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":3347,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":3348},"posts/making-a-bum-job-better-aqua-wipes-review.md","Making a bum job better with Aqua Wipes",{"type":9,"value":3266,"toc":3337},[3267,3270,3276,3279,3291,3294,3304,3307,3313,3316,3322,3331],[12,3268,3269],{},"Taking care of babies skin is something that’s important to me. I’m that mum who spent the first three months of her firstborns life with a bowl of warm water and a bag of cotton wool.",[12,3271,3272,3275],{},[45,3273],{"alt":215,"src":3274},"/images/2018/06/Aqua_wipes_baby_03.jpg","I look back and laugh. Especially with our second, because who has the time or energy to wash and fill the bowl with warm water at 3am before getting up with a toddler at 6am? Not me!",[12,3277,3278],{},"Although I still like to make sure what I use on my babies skin is natural, harmless and the best possible quality for her delicate skin. Little Fox has eczema so when we moved on from cotton wool with him we used a water based wipe.",[12,3280,3281,3284,3285,3290],{},[45,3282],{"alt":215,"src":3283},"/images/2018/06/Aqua_wipes_baby_01.jpg","We’ve been using wipes on Dolly from day 1 and I have no regrets! We’re using ",[16,3286,3289],{"href":3287,"rel":3288},"http://www.aquawipes.co.uk/",[20],"Aqua Wipes"," and they’re made from 99% purified water with organic Aloe Vera. And what’s best is they’re also vegan-friendly and biodegradable!",[12,3292,3293],{},"We’ve come across a few water-based wipes in the last 3 years. And as parents who often use cloth nappies we’ve never found ones that are also biodegradable. This is a huge plus for the environment. If only all baby wipes were this earth-friendly.",[12,3295,3296,3299,3303],{},[45,3297],{"alt":215,"src":3298},"/images/2018/06/Aqua_wipes_baby_02.jpg",[16,3300,3289],{"href":3301,"rel":3302},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Carton-AQW64F-Biodegradable-Purified-APPROVED/dp/B01N23E64S/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=146d93f77bf55ee60836a64c925d4422&creativeASIN=B01N23E64S",[20]," aren’t flushable, but it’s good to know they’re not going to be clogging up the planet for eternity like others.",[12,3305,3306],{},"This year there were talks in the media of wet wipe elimination in the UK within the next 25 years. Really? How would parents get on without the trusty wet wipe? They’re our go-to for so many sticky, or smelly, situations!",[12,3308,3309,3312],{},[45,3310],{"alt":215,"src":3311},"/images/2018/06/Aqua_wipes_baby_04.jpg","I’m really pleased that we’ve found a wipe that’s both friendly to the baby and the environment! Although Aqua Wipes are biodegradable they’re still strong and durable. So you’re not going to find your fingers breaking through them at change time. They don’t tear, and they don’t dry out easily.",[12,3314,3315],{},"Dolly likes to grabs the wipes at change time. She’s started to interact with things around her and tries picking things up. Giving her a wipe to hold keeps her happy whilst being changed, and the natural ingredients mean I’m not worrying when she decides she’s going to suck the life out of it.",[12,3317,3318,3321],{},[45,3319],{"alt":215,"src":3320},"/images/2018/06/Aqua_wipes_baby_05.jpg","We use the wipes on both children from nappy changes to wiping mucky faces, sticking fingers and. There aren’t many scenarios where I can’t find a use for a wet wipe! The man also keeps a travel pack in his work bag. They became a favourite in our house quite fast, making a bum job better for involved!",[12,3323,3324,1276,3327],{},[45,3325],{"alt":215,"src":3326},"/images/2018/06/Aqua_wipes_baby_06.jpg",[16,3328,3330],{"href":3301,"rel":3329},[20],"Where to buy?",[12,3332,3333,3334,575],{},"Aqua Wipes come in a variety of pack options to suit your lifestyle. From a value box containing 12 packs of 64 wipes, a value bag containing 4 packs or a singular pack. Each singular pack contains 64 biodegradable wipes. They also come in handy little travel packs of 12 wipes. With prices starting from £14.99 and are available to buy on ",[16,3335,768],{"href":3301,"rel":3336},[20],{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":3338},[],[2140,226],"/images/2018/06/aqua_wipes_cover.jpg","2018-06-18T09:41:00Z","10817",{},"Aqua Wipes review. 99% purified water with organic Aloe Vera. Biodegradable, vegan-friendly baby wipes that are gentle on skin and the environment.","/making-a-bum-job-better-aqua-wipes-review",{"title":3264,"description":3269},"making-a-bum-job-better-aqua-wipes-review","9YSMURd_PKU7NhcsOeUhec-1p6HFDGeFmU6sRBu1_Rw",{"id":3350,"title":3351,"author":245,"body":3352,"category":3401,"cover":3402,"date":3403,"description":3404,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":3405,"meta":3406,"meta_description":3407,"meta_title":3351,"navigation":236,"path":3408,"seo":3409,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":3410,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":3411},"posts/half-term-fashion-with-joules.md","Jump into half term with Joules!",{"type":9,"value":3353,"toc":3399},[3354,3365,3372,3375,3382,3389,3396],[12,3355,3356,3357,3364],{},"As half term is approaching we’ve teamed up with the lovely folks at ",[34,3358,3359],{},[16,3360,3363],{"href":3361,"rel":3362},"https://www.groupon.co.uk/discount-codes/shops/joules.com",[20],"Joules"," to share with you our half term fashion favourites!",[12,3366,3367,3368,725],{},"I love kitting the kids out with new clothes as the season’s change and getting the best deals, I’ve used Groupon this year to find some ",[16,3369,3371],{"href":3361,"rel":3370},[20],"great discounts on Joules clothing",[12,3373,3374],{},"We’re really loving the slogan t-shirts for older girls. Messy hair, don’t care! The space theme t-shirt for older boys is our favourite, we love space and this t-shirt has a jetpack on the back. Definitely a recipe for half term adventure and would be perfect for little ones to play.",[12,3376,3377,3381],{},[45,3378],{"alt":3379,"src":3380},"joules_jumpers_older_boys_girls","/images/2016/02/joules_jumpers_older_boys_girls-660x440.jpg","Their’s also a great range of sweatshirts this season which, considering the cold weather, would be perfect to pop on for outdoor activities this half term.",[12,3383,3384,3388],{},[45,3385],{"alt":3386,"src":3387},"joules_fox_baby_boys","/images/2016/02/joules_fox_baby_boys-660x440.jpg","We’ve also been browsing the baby section of Joules, and although babies don’t have ‘half term’ they do need to look classy, always. We absolutely love these combinations for baby boys and girls.",[12,3390,3391,3395],{},[45,3392],{"alt":3393,"src":3394},"joules_cats_baby_girls","/images/2016/02/joules_cats_baby_girls-660x440.jpg","Foxes are very popular right now, and forever, we love to dress Taylor in fox themed outfits. Who could resist these? The girls equivalent of this outfit features cats and is ridiculously cute. I’m not sure we could get away with putting the top on Taylor but he would certainly rock those cat joggers. We often put him in girls leggings and he looks awesome in them.",[12,3397,3398],{},"Have you got any half term adventures planned with your little ones or a sneaky little half term holiday to get prepared for?",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":3400},[],[226],"/images/2016/02/joules_tshirt_older_boys_girls.jpg","2018-05-03T07:44:00Z","As half term is approaching we’ve teamed up with the lovely folks at Joules to share with you our half term fashion favourites!","8393",{},"Joules half-term fashion favourites. Slogan tees, sweatshirts, and adorable baby outfits with fox and cat themes. Find great Groupon discounts on kids clothes.","/half-term-fashion-with-joules",{"title":3351,"description":3404},"half-term-fashion-with-joules","IZ1sI7ncZntI_MZ7dTYGRRcVXSpOWay0LyttXi26SIc",{"id":3413,"title":3414,"author":245,"body":3415,"category":3487,"cover":3488,"date":3489,"description":3422,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":3490,"meta":3491,"meta_description":3492,"meta_title":3414,"navigation":236,"path":3493,"seo":3494,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":3495,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":3496},"posts/creating-lasting-memories-with-baby-art.md","Create lasting memories with Baby Art",{"type":9,"value":3416,"toc":3485},[3417,3423,3426,3432,3441,3447,3451,3460,3468,3470,3473,3482],[12,3418,3419,3422],{},[45,3420],{"alt":215,"src":3421},"/images/2018/04/baby_art_01.jpg","As a parent, I wish I could capture every moment with my children. We’re lucky we don’t have a limit on how many pictures we can take of them. Gone are the days of sending off rolls of film and waiting weeks to see if any of the pictures came out ok. For us, It’s instant. We may have the ability to take pictures and film moments but it’s still not the same as it was in the moment, being there.",[12,3424,3425],{},"I thought time passed me by when Fox was a baby, I still can’t believe he is 3. And the past 4 months with Dolly have whizzed on by. Looking after two gives you little time to sit around soaking them in, which is sad. But I’ll never forget these moments.",[12,3427,3428,3431],{},[45,3429],{"alt":215,"src":3430},"/images/2018/04/baby_art_04.jpg","I’ll also have keepsakes of these days. The days where her hand was so small she could hold my entire pinky within it.",[12,3433,3434,3435,3440],{},"We did similar with Fox as a baby and decided to do the same again. Using ",[16,3436,3439],{"href":3437,"rel":3438},"http://www.baby-art.com/gb-en/",[20],"Baby Art"," we’ve created a few keepsakes of her tiny hands and feet that we can look back on for years to come.",[12,3442,3443,3446],{},[45,3444],{"alt":215,"src":3445},"/images/2018/04/baby_art_02.jpg","From Christmas baubles, to casting those tiny hands and feet. Parents can hold on to these moments for a lifetime.",[907,3448,3450],{"id":3449},"baby-art-tiny-touch","Baby Art Tiny Touch",[12,3452,3453,3454,3459],{},"I’ve used the ",[16,3455,3458],{"href":3456,"rel":3457},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baby-Art-Touch-Frame-Stormy/dp/B01MXD4MQV/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby&ie=UTF8&qid=1524237331&sr=1-2&keywords=baby+art+tiny",[20],"Tiny Touch"," kit to create a lasting impression of Dolly’s foot that we can treasure for years to come and look back on. With her footprint on one side and a photograph on the other, it’s a beautiful keepsake of those days that have already passed us by.",[12,3461,3462,3465,3467],{},[45,3463],{"alt":215,"src":3464},"/images/2018/04/baby_art_03.jpg",[774,3466],{},"\nThe Tiny Touch kit was really easy to use. It did, however, require two hands so I couldn’t photograph it as I went along.",[907,3469,3174],{"id":3173},[12,3471,3472],{},"The kit comes with a pack of dough which air dries, a wooden rolling pin and the photo frame. You can simply rolling out the dough, pressing baby’s foot into it and leaving to air dry. Now we have a cute memento of her tiny “toe toes” as her big brother would say.",[12,3474,3475,3476,3481],{},"Next, we’ll be trying the ",[16,3477,3480],{"href":3478,"rel":3479},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baby-Art-Little-Steps-Sculpture/dp/B006T96CRQ/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524237277&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+art+tiny+steps",[20],"Little Steps"," kit to create a clay mould of her little feet as she learns to walk! Baby Art has a selection of great kits to make your own DIY baby keepsakes and personalised gift. We can’t wait to try more.",[12,3483,3484],{},"If you’re looking to create keepsakes from pregnancy, birth, and beyond Baby Art has something for everyone and makes a great gift for those who are expecting.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":3486},[],[226],"/images/2018/04/cover.jpg","2018-04-20T17:57:00Z","10748",{},"Baby Art keepsake review. Tiny Touch footprint frame kit creates lasting memories of baby hands and feet. Perfect gift for new parents and mums-to-be.","/creating-lasting-memories-with-baby-art",{"title":3414,"description":3422},"creating-lasting-memories-with-baby-art","NCxnQjE3D2CTaxG4jLxUgX1Te5FpXDxq4Qr-G_6Onak",{"id":3498,"title":3499,"author":245,"body":3500,"category":3596,"cover":3597,"date":3598,"description":3507,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":3599,"meta":3600,"meta_description":3601,"meta_title":3499,"navigation":236,"path":3602,"seo":3603,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":3604,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":3605},"posts/peace-of-mind-and-safe-sleep-with-moba.md","Peace of mind and safe sleep with Moba",{"type":9,"value":3501,"toc":3594},[3502,3508,3514,3520,3529,3538,3544,3547,3553,3559,3562,3568,3574,3582,3588,3591],[12,3503,3504,3507],{},[45,3505],{"alt":215,"src":3506},"/images/2018/04/moba_review_04.jpg","Preparing for the arrival of a new baby can be mentally and physically exhausting. As an expectant mother, It takes over your every thought for the vast majority of the nine months that you spend growing said baby. When we were expecting Little Fox I whiled away the hours looking at all things baby, I loved it!",[12,3509,3510,3513],{},[45,3511],{"alt":215,"src":3512},"/images/2018/04/moba-0280.jpg","Planning for the arrival of baby #2 couldn’t have been more different if I tried. OK, so I may have created a Pinterest board of nursery themes but I wasn’t educating myself on everything or frantically running out to buy the entire contents of Mothercare. Not because I wasn’t feeling insanely excited, but because we already had everything. We kept it all. From the car seat to socks, chances are albeit a little grubby it was in our garage. Our baby girl has some pretty awesome Dinosaur vests that I’m sure she will rock!",[12,3515,3516,3519],{},[45,3517],{"alt":215,"src":3518},"/images/2018/04/moba_review_05.jpg","What I hadn’t anticipated is where I was going to put the baby downstairs… Where would I lay her down? Fox had a Snuzpod in our bedroom as a baby (Which is now used by Dolly) and we never had any kind of Moses basket or downstairs bed for him. We didn’t need it, he used to lay on his play mat or in the poddle pod. But he didn’t have a 3-year-old sibling poking him in the face at every opportunity or joining him on said play mat like it was a WWE ring.",[12,3521,3522,3525,3528],{},[45,3523],{"alt":215,"src":3524},"/images/2018/04/moba-0287.jpg",[45,3526],{"alt":215,"src":3527},"/images/2018/04/moba-0281.jpg","In my relaxed pre-baby state I hadn’t anticipated any of this. It hadn’t occurred to me at all until we were 3 weeks into having her at home with us that this was a problem.",[12,3530,3531,3532,3537],{},"The constant feeling of being on edge whenever she was on the play mat. Walking around with her in my arms like she might break if I put her down anywhere. It was enough to drive even the most relaxed of new mums to the brink. In a bid to solve the problem we welcomed the ",[16,3533,3536],{"href":3534,"rel":3535},"https://mobauk.com/",[20],"Moba"," basket into our lives.",[12,3539,3540,3543],{},[45,3541],{"alt":215,"src":3542},"/images/2018/04/moba_review_02.jpg","Little Fox never had a Moses basket, because I never liked the look of them. And I wasn’t about to get one now. That was until we were introduced to Moba.",[12,3545,3546],{},"The Moba basket is a contemporary take on the traditional Moses basket. It’s my kind of Moses basket. When I first saw then I was instantly taken by its modern appearance.",[12,3548,3549,3552],{},[45,3550],{"alt":215,"src":3551},"/images/2018/04/moba-0528.jpg","Made from anti-microbial & hypo-allergenic plastic the Moba basket is easy to clean, doesn’t make any noise and looks great! The white waffle lining can be easily removed and then it can be completely wiped down, something that can’t be done with a more traditional wicker basket. A great feature considering how much milk our reflux baby likes to give back to us.",[12,3554,3555,3558],{},[45,3556],{"alt":215,"src":3557},"/images/2018/04/moba-0300.jpg","With a choice of colours from vibrant red to pretty pastels, you can match it to your home. Ours is the new blush colour. I know, stereotypically I chose pink for a girl, but it’s not an in your face pink. It’s soft, subtle, and looks great in our grey and white living room.",[12,3560,3561],{},"The Moba also has ventilation holes all the way around the sides and base adding not only to the look of the basket but also the ventilation needed for safe sleep. Recommended and used by midwives and healthcare professionals and working in partnership with the lullaby trust the Moba basket is approved for safe sleep and certainly gets my seal of approval. We lay Dolly on her back, feet to foot in the basket which means her feet are always at the bottom so she isn’t at risk of slipping down under her blanket.",[12,3563,3564,3567],{},[45,3565],{"alt":215,"src":3566},"/images/2018/04/moba-0273.jpg","I’m always wary safety when it comes to the products I use for my children. If a sleep aid isn’t approved for safe overnight sleep then I won’t use it overnight. If it isn’t hygienic or safe, I won’t use it. If anything about a baby product leaves me feeling too anxious to leave my baby alone in it, then I won’t use it. As a parent, I want peace of mind, and the Moba gives me this.",[12,3569,3570,3573],{},[45,3571],{"alt":215,"src":3572},"/images/2018/04/moba_review_03.jpg","With a 100% cotton waffle liner and luxury Moba mattress it’s a safe place for our little lady to sleep throughout the day without me worrying. I find myself moving it around the house throughout the day because it’s so lightweight and has built-in handles. This means there is no need to disturb a sleeping baby, who would want to do that?",[12,3575,3576,3577,3581],{},"The Moba basket retails at £99 with the liner and mattress, you can also get the matching stand for an additional £40 and fitted sheets for £9 in the ",[16,3578,3536],{"href":3579,"rel":3580},"https://mobauk.com/shop/",[20]," shop.",[12,3583,3584,3587],{},[45,3585],{"alt":215,"src":3586},"/images/2018/04/moba-0276.jpg","We were sent the Moba basket for the purpose of this review, we did, however, purchase the matching rocking Moba stand to use alongside it.",[12,3589,3590],{},"The basket alone can be used without the stand but I wanted to place it up off of the ground, safe from stomping toddler feet! The Moba can fit onto alternative stands but for the best fit, I’d opt for the Moba stand. The stand is a beautiful sturdy white wood in a sleek and stylish shape designed to hold the Moba basket securely.",[12,3592,3593],{},"Overall the Moba is a stylish, safe, and hygienic place for babies to sleep. Perfect for moving from room to room. Dolly loves it and so do we!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":3595},[],[226],"/images/2018/04/moba_cover.jpg","2018-04-16T11:30:00Z","10720",{},"Moba Moses basket review. Modern, hygienic, anti-microbial design with ventilation holes. Approved for safe sleep by Lullaby Trust. £99 with mattress.","/peace-of-mind-and-safe-sleep-with-moba",{"title":3499,"description":3507},"peace-of-mind-and-safe-sleep-with-moba","12yQvnGGOek22NXY6-RaIwT8vSni1tnWbXbmRqGfrak",{"id":3607,"title":3608,"author":245,"body":3609,"category":3662,"cover":3663,"date":3664,"description":3617,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":3665,"meta":3666,"meta_description":3667,"meta_title":3608,"navigation":236,"path":3668,"seo":3669,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":3670,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":3671},"posts/creating-a-cosy-corner-with-ollie-and-leila.md","Creating a cosy corner with Ollie and Leila",{"type":9,"value":3610,"toc":3660},[3611,3618,3624,3642,3645,3651,3654],[12,3612,3613,3617],{},[45,3614],{"alt":3615,"src":3616},"mini-b beanbag ollie&leila","/images/2017/12/ollie_and_leil_mighty_b_beanbag_reading_bedroom-0364.jpg","If their’s one thing I’ve managed to truly instil into Little Fox it’s his love of books. I’ve read to him since before he was born. I bought stories that are specifically for reading to babies in utero. Looking back it sounds a little crazy, but I knew reading was something I wanted him to enjoy.",[12,3619,3620,3623],{},[45,3621],{"alt":3615,"src":3622},"/images/2017/12/ollie_and_leil_mighty_b_beanbag_reading_bedroom-0376.jpg","Reading is a big part of our day. From enjoying quiet time in his bedroom to our bedtime routine. That’s why I wanted to create a space in his bedroom where he could sit comfortably and enjoy his books. I also wanted it to be something that would grow with him.",[12,3625,3626,3629,3630,3635,3636,3641],{},[45,3627],{"alt":215,"src":3628},"/images/2017/12/ollie_and_leil_mighty_b_beanbag_reading_bedroom-0385.jpg","As part of Little Foxes bedroom makeover, we were sent the ",[16,3631,3634],{"href":3632,"rel":3633},"https://www.ollieandleila.co.uk/mini-b-beanbag-range-of-colours-available/",[20],"Mini-B beanbag"," from Ollie & Leila who sell an array of great kids product teepees to ",[16,3637,3640],{"href":3638,"rel":3639},"https://www.ollieandleila.co.uk/childrens-beds/",[20],"toddlers beds,"," it’s become the perfect place for reading!",[12,3643,3644],{},"The beanbag, although from the ‘mini’ range – larger sizes are available – is a fantastic size. He has plenty of room on it and considering I can lounge on it, it should last him comfortably through to his teens.",[12,3646,3647,3650],{},[45,3648],{"alt":215,"src":3649},"/images/2017/12/ollie_and_leil_mighty_b_beanbag_reading_bedroom-0379.jpg","Made from a soft, robust, and easy clean PU fabric it’s durable for both indoor and outdoor use it’s fantastic quality.",[12,3652,3653],{},"We can often find Little Fox sitting on the beanbag with one of his toys or books. Whether he’s having a quiet time or simply playing in his bedroom it’s his preferred place to sit in his new space!",[12,3655,3656,3659],{},[45,3657],{"alt":3615,"src":3658},"/images/2017/12/ollie_and_leil_mighty_b_beanbag_reading_bedroom-0389.jpg","Now we just need to get some paint on those walls to complete the overall look of his new room. We’ll be sharing more on Little Foxes bedroom makeover in the coming weeks!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":3661},[],[226],"/images/2017/12/ollie_and_leil_mighty_b_beanbag_reading_cover.jpg","2017-12-13T17:00:00Z","10555",{},"As part of Little Foxes bedroom makeover, we were sent the Mini-B beanbag from Ollie & Leila and it’s become the perfect place for reading!","/creating-a-cosy-corner-with-ollie-and-leila",{"title":3608,"description":3617},"creating-a-cosy-corner-with-ollie-and-leila","zhMr2m4cOVScnefplUvAWICpE-3q2RgPieUQ7UuZ25Q",{"id":3673,"title":3674,"author":245,"body":3675,"category":3743,"cover":3744,"date":3745,"description":3682,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":3746,"meta":3747,"meta_description":3748,"meta_title":3674,"navigation":236,"path":3749,"seo":3750,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":3751,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":3752},"posts/sound-asleep-little-green-sheep.md","Sound asleep with The Little Green Sheep",{"type":9,"value":3676,"toc":3741},[3677,3683,3689,3695,3701,3704,3710,3722,3730,3733],[12,3678,3679,3682],{},[45,3680],{"alt":215,"src":3681},"/images/2017/12/little_green_sheep_mattress-2.jpg","Upon preparing for the arrival of our second child we knew Little Fox would need to upgrade from his cot bed to a big boy bed. Although the baby won’t be needing his old cot for a while, we thought it was best to introduce these changes sooner rather than later.",[12,3684,3685,3688],{},[45,3686],{"alt":215,"src":3687},"/images/2017/12/little_green_sheep_mattress-0394-e1513098231915.jpg","I didn’t want him feeling like because the baby was here we were taking his things away. But that’s exactly what we’re doing. I’m not about to purchase a second set of nursery furniture when we have a perfectly good one already.",[12,3690,3691,3694],{},[45,3692],{"alt":215,"src":3693},"/images/2017/11/b_sensible_bedding_waterproof-0229.jpg","Maybe I read too many articles about firstborns feeling like you’re taking everything away from them once the baby arrives. I don’t know. What I do know is I wanted to give him a new space that’s more grown up and fun. A space that any child, would want to call their own. And that started with his bed. What I hadn’t factored in was his mattress.",[12,3696,3697,3700],{},[45,3698],{"alt":215,"src":3699},"/images/2017/11/b_sensible_bedding_waterproof-0030.jpg","When The Little Green Sheep asked if we would like to try one of their natural organic mattresses, I let out a literal sigh of relief.",[12,3702,3703],{},"There I was with 5 boxes piled up that comprised of Little Foxe’s new bed and, let’s blame baby brain. No mattress to allow him to sleep on it. The boxes sat there for a few weeks! So of course, I said yes.",[12,3705,3706,3709],{},[45,3707],{"alt":215,"src":3708},"/images/2017/12/little_green_sheep_mattress-0392.jpg","Little Fox spent the first 8 months of his little life on one of their mattresses in his Snuzpod. I already knew that I loved everything they stand for as a brand. Creating safe, natural, sustainable products. The type of products you feel relaxed about letting your precious child sleep on. A mattress that I knew was going to be safe for him, his eczema, his asthma and the environment. Whilst allowing us all to get a good nights sleep.",[12,3711,3712,3715,3716,3721],{},[45,3713],{"alt":215,"src":3714},"/images/2017/12/lgs_website_350x200_whatsinside-twissst-1.jpg","The mattress we chose is the Natural Junior Mattress in ",[16,3717,3720],{"href":3718,"rel":3719},"http://www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk/the-little-green-sheep/natural-junior-mattress-single-ikea-size-90x200cm/",[20],"90×200 EU size",", it’s free from toxins and harmful chemicals, breathable and anti-dust mite. Retailing at £299 the mattress is suitable for 12 months to 12 years, they’re also handmade using natural ingredients. Upon reading this I had visions of him sleeping on a pile of hay like the baby Jesus. But the mattress is actually made from cotton, coconuts, natural latex and wool. Impressive!",[12,3723,3724,3725],{},"The Little Green Sheep make mattresses for a range of sizes from Snüzpod to Junior beds and even custom sizes made to order. So if you have a unique bed that needs a high-quality mattress, they can make one for you! You can see the full range at ",[16,3726,3729],{"href":3727,"rel":3728},"http://www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk/",[20],"thelittlegreensheep.co.uk",[12,3731,3732],{},"The mattress is both comfortable and spacious and giving Little Fox room to grow. Mummy is also loving being able to cuddle up in his bed for story time and us both being able to fit, something that wasn’t possible before.",[12,3734,3735,3738,3740],{},[45,3736],{"alt":215,"src":3737},"/images/2017/12/little_green_sheep_mattress-0403.jpg",[774,3739],{},"\nLittle Fox has been sleeping soundly on his Little Green Sheep mattress for a few weeks now and appears to be enjoying a comfortable nights sleep. That isn’t to say he doesn’t still wake up and try getting into our bed of a nighttime, but we’re working on that!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":3742},[],[226],"/images/2017/12/little_green_sheep_mattress_cover.jpg","2017-12-12T17:29:00Z","10565",{},"Little Green Sheep Natural Junior Mattress review. Organic, chemical-free, breathable and anti-dust mite. Handmade from natural ingredients. £299.","/sound-asleep-little-green-sheep",{"title":3674,"description":3682},"sound-asleep-little-green-sheep","17t3adVNx9ce94DL66qWKkSVys7CqLur4EUo11fwYWw",{"id":3754,"title":3755,"author":245,"body":3756,"category":3808,"cover":3762,"date":3809,"description":3763,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":3810,"meta":3811,"meta_description":3812,"meta_title":3755,"navigation":236,"path":3813,"seo":3814,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":3815,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":3816},"posts/protecting-mattresses-with-b-sensible-bedding.md","Protecting mattresses with B-Sensible Bedding ",{"type":9,"value":3757,"toc":3806},[3758,3764,3769,3772,3775,3781,3784,3790,3793,3798],[12,3759,3760,3763],{},[45,3761],{"alt":215,"src":3762},"/images/2017/11/b_sensible_bedding_waterproof-0204.jpg","When Little Foxe’s new bed arrived it dawned on me, we didn’t have a protective sheet! And I started having visions of leaky nappies and spilt milk on the new mattress. When B-Sensible asked if we’d like to try out their protective bedsheets I thought it could be a good solution to my new mattress nightmares. Especially in the midst of potty training.",[12,3765,3766,3768],{},[45,3767],{"alt":215,"src":3693},"I was, apprehensive about the idea of waterproof sheets. When I was a child waterproof sheets to protect your bed were quite simply a plastic sheet that sat underneath your standard bed sheet. It was cold and crinkly. God forbid a friend stayed over because there was no hiding it! Awkward.",[12,3770,3771],{},"Upon opening the sheets I was expecting crinkly plastic, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. The sheets are soft and don’t create noise when being moved on, they’re machine washable and can go in the tumble dryer. A big win for me!",[12,3773,3774],{},"The B-Sensible sheets are completely waterproof making it easy to clear up any accidents or spillages and your mattress is kept like brand new underneath. We have them on both our bed and Little Foxes and for good reason.",[12,3776,3777,3780],{},[45,3778],{"alt":215,"src":3779},"/images/2017/11/b_sensible_bedding_waterproof-0225.jpg","I wasn’t sure we needed them on our bed at first but they’ve come in handy so many times. You can’t predict when a toddler is going to come into your bed and have an accident. Or worse be sick. Clearing up sick at 2 am is bad enough without dealing with multiple layers of dirty bedding and a sodden mattress.",[12,3782,3783],{},"Having put them to the test for a month now I wonder how we managed without them for so long. Little Fox didn’t waste any time before being sick on them, all of them. Having accidents, and spilling drinks. They’ve washed well every time and already rescued our matresses many times in such a short space of time!",[12,3785,3786,3789],{},[45,3787],{"alt":215,"src":3788},"/images/2017/11/b_sensible_bedding_waterproof-0232.jpg","Available in all sizes; cot and cot bed to single, small double, double, king and super king for your bigger beds.",[12,3791,3792],{},"Both the protective sheets and the 2 in 1 pillowcases come in white, lilac, pink, brown, sky blue, purple, duck egg blue, red, beige, turquoise, fuchsia, black, grey anthracite, burgundy, arran, green pistachio and lavender so there is a colour to fit in with any room decor you may have.",[12,3794,3795,3797],{},[45,3796],{"alt":215,"src":3699},"The overall quality and reliability of the sheets have been greater than I expected. You don’t overheat like with most plastic sheets and are able to enjoy a good nights sleep in comfort knowing your bed is protected in the event of an accident.",[12,3799,3800,3801],{},"We’ve been using the single sheet retailing at £35 and the King size sheet which retails at £46. In addition to this, we’ve also been using the pillowcases which retail at £16. You can purchase these online at ",[16,3802,3805],{"href":3803,"rel":3804},"https://www.bsensible.co.uk",[20],"www.bsensible.co.uk",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":3807},[],[226],"2017-11-27T22:23:00Z","10539",{},"B-Sensible waterproof bedding review. Soft, machine washable protective sheets for mattresses. Perfect for potty training, accidents, and spills. From £35.","/protecting-mattresses-with-b-sensible-bedding",{"title":3755,"description":3763},"protecting-mattresses-with-b-sensible-bedding","ZYuAbAP-daCWrSuP7CCXgt8a2UuQftY9UDWn6x5F7r0",{"id":3818,"title":3819,"author":245,"body":3820,"category":3896,"cover":3897,"date":3898,"description":3827,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":3899,"meta":3900,"meta_description":3901,"meta_title":3819,"navigation":236,"path":3902,"seo":3903,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":3904,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":3905},"posts/test-driving-diono-quantum-pushchair-review.md","Test driving the Diono Quantum –  A Pushchair review",{"type":9,"value":3821,"toc":3894},[3822,3828,3831,3840,3846,3849,3852,3855,3858,3864,3867,3870,3876,3879,3882,3888,3891],[12,3823,3824,3827],{},[45,3825],{"alt":215,"src":3826},"/images/2017/10/diono_quantum_pushchair-0868.jpg","Like many mums, I love a good pushchair. They can be statement pieces as well as a practical part of parenthood and I can’t resist seeing what’s new on the market. I suppose it’s a lot like men and fancy cars.",[12,3829,3830],{},"Here at Leelee loves we love putting things to the test and giving you an honest impartial review to help you make the right choice!",[12,3832,3833,3834,3839],{},"This month we’ve been putting the ",[16,3835,3838],{"href":3836,"rel":3837},"https://uk.diono.com/product/quantum/?color=red",[20],"Diono Quantum"," to the test. Retailing at £500 and available in three colourways, Teal, Black and Red the Quantum is a multi-mode travel stroller, engineered with clever design features to keep baby safe, secure and protected.",[12,3841,3842,3845],{},[45,3843],{"alt":215,"src":3844},"/images/2017/10/diono_quantum_pushchair-0848.jpg","#### Sounds great, right? Let’s see!",[12,3847,3848],{},"Designed to handle all terrains and take your child from birth to walking the Diono Quantum boasts plenty of great features.",[12,3850,3851],{},"The Quantum comes with everything you need from the get-go. Its convertible 3-in-1 seat means there is no need to purchase a separate bassinet like most travel systems. It also saves on storage once baby outgrows it. You simply remove the mattress and convert the seat unit. No need to find a place to store that bulky bassinet.",[12,3853,3854],{},"We haven’t tested the Quantum in this mode as Little Fox is way beyond his baby days. It does, however, look spacious and feel comfortable to the touch with a high quality padded mattress insert.",[12,3856,3857],{},"The 3-in-1 seat is spacious and will see your little one beyond 3 years of age. Little Fox is almost 3 and has ample room in here, the amount of space for something that can fold up so compact is impressive.",[12,3859,3860,3863],{},[45,3861],{"alt":215,"src":3862},"/images/2017/10/diono_quantum_features.jpg","The seat recline is simple to control with a lift up leaver on the back of the seat you can do it one-handed. The reclining seat is also perfect for those daytime naps when out and about. Little Fox doesn’t nap anymore… But the Quantum is so cosy he couldn’t help himself. The large hood combined with the reclining seat makes for a perfect place to catch some Z’s.",[12,3865,3866],{},"The Quantum has what I can only describe as an enormous hood. Forget about purchasing parasols or any other shade related pushchair extras when summer rolls around, this hood is all you need. It’s enough to cover your little one without you having to worry at all and comes complete with a large rain cover too. I find the fewer extras you have to buy the better. Which is why I was really impressed to find it also came with adaptors in the box. I’ve always had to purchase these separately. These are suitable for maxi-cosi, Cybex and Nuna car seats.",[12,3868,3869],{},"You can also have the Diono Quantum both rear and forward facing which is a must for those baby days.",[12,3871,3872,3875],{},[45,3873],{"alt":215,"src":3874},"/images/2017/10/diono_quantum_pushchair-0857.jpg","For those who are taller, the handlebar does have 6 height options and a neoprene covering for good grip. My only qualm is the shape and size of the handlebar. If you have large hands this wouldn’t be an issue. The handlebar is square in shape and I struggle to keep my hands around it. I would prefer a thinner handle and feel this would make the Quantum easier to manoeuvre. It can also be heavy when going up curbs.",[12,3877,3878],{},"With a large basket underneath the quantum boasts ample storage space. It also has a handy zip up pocket on the back of the seat unit to store essentials such as your phone or purse.",[12,3880,3881],{},"The foot-break is one of my favourite features of the Quantum. Forget about every other ‘flip-flop friendly’ break you’ve heard of. Because most of them just aren’t. They hurt your feet, no matter what you’re wearing. The Quantum has a one push foot break, a large button you simply press in with your foot to lock and again to release. It’s a strong break and I haven’t found any give in the pushchair when resting on hills either.",[12,3883,3884,3887],{},[45,3885],{"alt":215,"src":3886},"/images/2017/10/diono_quantum_pushchair-0836.jpg","My must-have features on any travel system would have to be a good reclining seat, compact fold, sun protection and storage. The Diono Quantum met all of these and then some. I’d prefer if it were more light-weight with a thinner handlebar but aside from that, it gets a great big thumbs up from us.",[12,3889,3890],{},"For £500 the Diono Quantum leaves little to be desired, available in three colourways, Teal, Black and Red it’s a fantastic entry option for those not wanting to spend too much but also not wanting to miss out on any great features.",[12,3892,3893],{},"I’d certainly recommend you pop it on your list of potential pushchairs and give the Diono Quantum a go!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":3895},[],[226],"/images/2017/10/diono_quantum_cover.jpg","2017-11-02T08:58:00Z","10474",{},"Diono Quantum pushchair review. 3-in-1 seat, compact fold, enormous hood, and all-terrain wheels. £500 travel system with everything included. Honest review.","/test-driving-diono-quantum-pushchair-review",{"title":3819,"description":3827},"test-driving-diono-quantum-pushchair-review","m1Ys6mAQ7PsD5YssoM-Pwvg4mRNn4uN3yZQPFTn71OY",{"id":3907,"title":3908,"author":245,"body":3909,"category":3994,"cover":3995,"date":3996,"description":3913,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":3997,"meta":3998,"meta_description":3999,"meta_title":4000,"navigation":236,"path":4001,"seo":4002,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":4003,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":4004},"posts/skip-hop-greenwich-backpack-changing-bag-ive-looking.md","Is the Skip Hop Greenwich Backpack the changing bag I’ve been looking for?",{"type":9,"value":3910,"toc":3992},[3911,3914,3917,3923,3929,3932,3945,3947,3950,3956,3967,3970,3976,3980,3983],[12,3912,3913],{},"Once you become a parent you find yourself carrying around insane amounts of stuff. Stuff you never would have thought about pre-parenthood.",[12,3915,3916],{},"Gone are the days of simply picking up your keys, phone and lipstick before dashing out of the house.",[12,3918,3919,3922],{},[45,3920],{"alt":215,"src":3921},"/images/2017/10/skip_hop_greenwich_changing_bag_10.jpg","You need to carry multiple changes of clothes, nappies, wipes creams, food, the list goes on. So much so eventually you start forgetting to pack that lipstick. Priorities and all that…",[12,3924,3925,3928],{},[45,3926],{"alt":215,"src":3927},"/images/2017/10/skip_hop_greenwich_changing_bag_02.jpg","As long as you have the teething gel and snacks you can handle being without what was once your daily essentials. It’s not as scary as it sounds!",[12,3930,3931],{},"Now, Little Fox is nearing 3 we’re carrying a lot less with us day-to-day. The mountain does reduce. I can often get away with one change of clothes, a few pull-ups and snacks. But with baby #2 on the way, we’ll be needing a bag that can handle more than we’ve ever needed before.",[12,3933,3934,3935,3940,3941,3944],{},"Something that can handle the daily essentials of TWO children on a daily basis? On my mission to find the perfect backpack we’ve been road testing the ",[16,3936,3939],{"href":3937,"rel":3938},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skip-Hop-Greenwich-Simply-Backpack/dp/B071YQ1M28/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=061839dcfb701992ae449d5936a19309&creativeASIN=B071YQ1M28",[20],"Skip Hop Greenwich"," in preparation for baby’s arrival, and I must say I love it. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. ",[45,3942],{"alt":215,"src":3943},"/images/2017/10/skip_hop_greenwich_changing_bag_08.jpg","I’ve been lusting after a backpack style changing bag for a while now, Little Foxe’s dinosaur bag just doesn’t do it for me. I’m definitely losing style points by the minute when I wear it, and I really don’t have many to lose in the first place. I wanted something sleek and stylish that doesn’t scream ‘mummy’ too loudly. And that’s exactly what I’ve got thanks to Skip Hop!",[907,3946,3044],{"id":3043},[12,3948,3949],{},"Comprising of 9 pockets and made from a durable wipe-clean vegan leather it’s a beautiful bag. Available in a choice of 3 colourways from Caramel, Smoke, and my choice of Dusty Pink. The bag also comes with a changing mat and built-in drinks/bottle pocket.",[12,3951,3952,3955],{},[45,3953],{"alt":215,"src":3954},"/images/2017/10/skip_hop_greenwich_changing_bag_12.jpg","The bag also has stroller straps which are a must for me. Although it’s a backpack you don’t always want to be wearing your changing bag. Unlike most bags which you hang on the handle and find them slipping and sliding everywhere. The ability to hook it onto the pushchair handlebar and have it safely attached is perfect.",[12,3957,3958,3961,3962,3966],{},[45,3959],{"alt":215,"src":3960},"/images/2017/10/skip_hop_greenwich_changing_bag_01.jpg","Retailing at ",[16,3963,3965],{"href":3937,"rel":3964},[20],"£98.86 on Amazon"," it’s certainly a high-quality changing bag for this price point and could be compared to many more high-end luxury changing bags.",[12,3968,3969],{},"Another thing I love about this bag is it’s big enough to fit a laptop up to 15″, making it the perfect mummy work bag. It doesn’t scream changing bag and would be perfect for taking to work after a nursery drop of. Or using on casual child-free days… If those even exist!",[12,3971,3972,3975],{},[45,3973],{"alt":215,"src":3974},"/images/2017/10/skip_hop_greenwich_changing_bag_09.jpg","The addition of a removable pouch for nursery essentials would be ideal for this, a smaller internal pouch to hand over whilst taking the bag with you would be great.",[907,3977,3979],{"id":3978},"thoughts","Thoughts –",[12,3981,3982],{},"Overall the Greenwich changing bag has met my expectations, I love its large size, 46cm (H) x 33cm (W) x 23.5cm (D), high-quality materials and design.",[12,3984,3985,3988,3991],{},[45,3986],{"alt":215,"src":3987},"/images/2017/10/skip_hop_greenwich_changing_bag_11.jpg",[45,3989],{"alt":215,"src":3990},"/images/2017/10/skip_hop_greenwich_changing_bag_03.jpg","So far I’ve been carrying our essentials such as my skip hop wipes dispenser, outfit changes, nappies and snacks. But the bag has so much space I know I won’t have a problem when it comes to fitting in everything for baby too.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":3993},[],[226],"/images/2017/10/skip_hop_cover-1.jpg","2017-10-10T14:24:00Z","10372",{},"Skip Hop Greenwich backpack changing bag review. 9 pockets, vegan leather, stroller straps, changing mat included. £98.86. Stylish and practical for two kids.","Skip Hop Greenwich Backpack Changing Bag Review","/skip-hop-greenwich-backpack-changing-bag-ive-looking",{"title":3908,"description":3913},"skip-hop-greenwich-backpack-changing-bag-ive-looking","cH6xeiRPwmckQFxsXqhNIAgjE-WKrblqM3aOpSXV5xw",{"id":4006,"title":4007,"author":245,"body":4008,"category":4053,"cover":4054,"date":4055,"description":4012,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":4056,"meta":4057,"meta_description":4058,"meta_title":4059,"navigation":236,"path":4060,"seo":4061,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":4062,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":4063},"posts/holy-smokes-batman.md","Holy Smokes Batman!",{"type":9,"value":4009,"toc":4050},[4010,4013,4017,4020,4026,4029,4032,4038,4041,4047],[12,4011,4012],{},"Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na",[274,4014,4016],{"id":4015},"batman","Batman!",[12,4018,4019],{},"You may not be aware but Saturday was National Batman Day, that’s a n actual thing. Batman is so cool he requires his own day. Although this year Harley Quinn has been attempting to swoop in a steal his thunder to celebrate her 25th anniversary, cheeky Harley!",[12,4021,4022,4025],{},[45,4023],{"alt":215,"src":4024},"/images/2017/09/batman-0817.jpg","To celebrate this occasion Little Fox was sent the DC Super Friends Interactive Power Punch Batman. An interactive soft toy.",[12,4027,4028],{},"Batman is fully poseable with light up eyes and his fist makes cool punching noises on impact. Endless fun for a Little fox who likes to act out fight scenes with him!",[12,4030,4031],{},"Amongst his signature phrases Batman speaks of protecting Gotham City “The joker doesn’t take anything seriously”, “I know my city inside out, every corner of every dark alley”, and “Are you ready to protect Gotham city with me?” are a few of his catch phrases.",[12,4033,4034,4037],{},[45,4035],{"alt":215,"src":4036},"/images/2017/09/batman-0821-2.jpg","Little Fox has been swooping him around the house saving us all from the ‘bad guys’.",[12,4039,4040],{},"With no detachable parts this Batman is a toddler friendly plush toy perfect for those younger Batman fans. We usually find toys themed around our favourite super heroes to be aimed at an older audience so it’s refreshing to find something our little Batman fan can safely enjoy!",[12,4042,4043,4046],{},[45,4044],{"alt":215,"src":4045},"/images/2017/09/batman-0812.jpg","Retailing at £26.99 from Argos and other leading retailers he’s a friendly neighbourhood superhero you won’t mind having in your home.",[12,4048,4049],{},"Although pricey overall he’s great fun and the quality is better than most soft toys he’s very robust and feels so soft. Certainly something worth considering this Christmas!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":4051},[4052],{"id":4015,"depth":538,"text":4016},[226],"/images/2017/09/batman_cover.jpg","2017-09-26T15:00:00Z","10331",{},"DC Super Friends Interactive Power Punch Batman review. Poseable soft toy with light-up eyes, punching sounds, and phrases. £26.99. Toddler-friendly superhero.","National Batman Day Toy Review - DC Super Friends Batman","/holy-smokes-batman",{"title":4007,"description":4012},"holy-smokes-batman","Ar9Mvip3qfF_gUr0tmVnjt16h73AtqdguCrxN_UKDc8",{"id":4065,"title":4066,"author":245,"body":4067,"category":4153,"cover":4154,"date":4155,"description":4071,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":4156,"meta":4157,"meta_description":4158,"meta_title":4159,"navigation":236,"path":4160,"seo":4161,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":4162,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":4163},"posts/keeping-clean-modern-home-tidy-books-sorting-box.md","Maintaining a tidy home with children – and the Tidy Books Sorting Box",{"type":9,"value":4068,"toc":4151},[4069,4072,4078,4081,4084,4096,4099,4102,4108,4111,4117,4120,4129,4132,4141],[12,4070,4071],{},"Life with children is often far from organised, and as much as we lust after those Pinterest worthy minimalist spaces in our home, they’re often impossible to achieve.",[12,4073,4074,4077],{},[45,4075],{"alt":215,"src":4076},"/images/2017/09/Tidy_Books_Sorting_Box_-0497.jpg","Children aren’t interested if their toys are tucked away neatly in the sitting room. So long as they can get to them, storage isn’t their priority. But it certainly is ours!",[12,4079,4080],{},"Since moving house I’ve wanted to utilise the space we have and keep it looking clean and modern. Is that even possible with a 2-year-old?",[12,4082,4083],{},"It is now.",[12,4085,4086,4089,4090,4095],{},[45,4087],{"alt":215,"src":4088},"/images/2017/09/Tidy_Books_Sorting_Box_-0530.jpg","We’ve been trying the ",[16,4091,4094],{"href":4092,"rel":4093},"https://www.tidy-books.co.uk/toy-storage-boxes",[20],"Tidy Books Sorting Box",". A storage solution like no other.",[12,4097,4098],{},"We’re already huge fans of the Tidy Books family, our bookcase being a favourite of mine. So I already had high expectations for this product.",[12,4100,4101],{},"Building the sorting boxes is simple, a few screws are all it takes. Always a positive in my eyes. They’re strong, sturdy, and best of all they look great.",[12,4103,4104,4107],{},[45,4105],{"alt":215,"src":4106},"/images/2017/09/Tidy_Books_Sorting_Box_-0540.jpg","The boxes are sold as singular pieces for £59 with lids also sold separately at £12. This allows you to create your own perfect combination for your designated space. Whether you want to stack them or have multiple boxes, the choice is yours. Theirs also a great selection of colours. Natural, white and greys to fit your home.",[12,4109,4110],{},"We have two boxes and one lid. This combination makes the perfect bedside table for a kids room or side table for the sitting room/playroom. We chose light and dark grey which looks great together.",[12,4112,4113,4116],{},[45,4114],{"alt":215,"src":4115},"/images/2017/09/Tidy_Books_Sorting_Box_-0515.jpg","\nI had intended to use our boxes in the sitting room for a clean and modern storage solution. But they looked perfect in Little Foxe’s bedroom and soon became his bedside table.",[12,4118,4119],{},"Each box comes with 3 inserts to make organising those tiny toys easy. I use ours to separate the bits and bobs that used to linger at the bottom of the toy baskets. Now they’re separated and easy to access. So easy that they now see daily play action which never happened before.",[12,4121,4122,4125,4128],{},[45,4123],{"alt":215,"src":4124},"/images/2017/09/Tidy_Books_Sorting_Box_-0527.jpg",[45,4126],{"alt":215,"src":4127},"/images/2017/09/Tidy_Books_Sorting_Box_-0546.jpg","The boxes are lightweight and little fox can lift the top one off by himself. This allows him to independently access his toys without my help, and tidy them away after.",[12,4130,4131],{},"When toys aren’t being played with our Sorting boxes look like a modern bedside table. Housing the baby monitor, nightlight and his water at bedtime, you’d never tell how much they’re hiding inside!",[12,4133,4134,4137,4140],{},[45,4135],{"alt":215,"src":4136},"/images/2017/09/Tidy_Books_Sorting_Box_-0512.jpg",[45,4138],{"alt":215,"src":4139},"/images/2017/09/Tidy_Books_Sorting_Box_-0519.jpg","As we upgrade little foxes bedroom over the next few months to prepare for our new arrival the boxes will stay in his room. With their clean and modern design in stylish colours, they’re a perfect match for the modern home and will fit with his new furniture too. I’d put them in every room of the house if I could.",[12,4142,4143],{},[34,4144,4145,4146],{},"Find out more and purchase your own Sorting Boxes in time for the Christmas toy carnage at ",[16,4147,4150],{"href":4148,"rel":4149},"https://www.tidy-books.co.uk/",[20],"www.tidy-books.co.uk",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":4152},[],[226],"/images/2017/09/tidy_books_cover.jpg","2017-09-22T11:15:00Z","10307",{},"Tidy Books Sorting Box review. Modern toy storage solution with 3 inserts, stackable design, multiple colours. £59 per box. Perfect for organised homes.","Tidy Books Sorting Box Review | Home Organization","/keeping-clean-modern-home-tidy-books-sorting-box",{"title":4066,"description":4071},"keeping-clean-modern-home-tidy-books-sorting-box","wmVIWZ7tdZk2Whup7tDvvYdNCA-3qtsVw-gJRgcLMb4",{"id":4165,"title":4166,"author":245,"body":4167,"category":4233,"cover":4234,"date":4235,"description":4236,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":4237,"meta":4238,"meta_description":4239,"meta_title":4240,"navigation":236,"path":4241,"seo":4242,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":4243,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":4244},"posts/thomas-friends-first-railway-pals-destination-discovery-playset-review.md","Thomas & Friends My First Railway Pals Destination Discovery Playset Review",{"type":9,"value":4168,"toc":4231},[4169,4175,4181,4185,4194,4197,4206,4210,4213,4219,4222,4228],[12,4170,4171,4172,4174],{},"There’s two, there’s four, there’s six, there’s eight, Shunting trucks and hauling freights. Red and green and brown and blue, they’re the really useful crew. All with different roles to play, round Tidmouth sheds so far away. Down the hills and round the bends,",[774,4173],{},"\nThomas and his friends.",[12,4176,4177,4180],{},[45,4178],{"alt":215,"src":4179},"/images/2017/09/Thomasfriends_destination_discovery_-2.jpg","If you live with a toddler chances are you’ll be familiar with the above theme tune, boys and girls alike love Thomas. He’s a friendly, happy steam engine who likes to help. What’s not to love?",[1423,4182,4184],{"id":4183},"our-thoughts-on-the-thomas-friends-my-first-railway-pals-destination-discovery-playset","Our thoughts on the Thomas & Friends My First Railway Pals Destination Discovery Playset",[12,4186,4187,4188,4193],{},"Aimed at ages 1-5 this particular ",[16,4189,4192],{"href":4190,"rel":4191},"https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/pre-school-and-electronic-learning/thomas-the-tank-engine/thomas-preschool/my-first-thomas-and-friends-railway-pals-destination-discovery/p/160253",[20],"Thomas & Friends Playset"," offers something for a broad range of ages. Entertaining little ones for hours.",[12,4195,4196],{},"The set itself includes a Percy train with cargo car. Additional trains are sold separately. There are over 40 track pieces including 9 track activation points. A light-up Tidmouth Sheds, Knapford & McColl’s Farm destinations, a turntable and crossing gate.",[12,4198,4199,4202,4205],{},[45,4200],{"alt":215,"src":4201},"/images/2017/09/Thomasfriends_destination_discovery_-2-3.jpg",[45,4203],{"alt":215,"src":4204},"/images/2017/09/Thomasfriends_destination_discovery_-0303.jpg","Building the track is really easy and Little Fox can do it by himself! The pieces can be built into the suggested tracks or any combination you’d like. Unlike similar track toys we’ve tried in the past the track is sturdy and stays together for longer. There’s nothing more irritating than rebuilding the same track on repeat 5 times within an hour every time your child touches it. The only downside is the stands that hold the track up, they topple over easily causing some frustration.",[1423,4207,4209],{"id":4208},"is-it-educational","Is it educational?",[12,4211,4212],{},"Toys might be fun but we all know as parents we want our little ones to learn and they play and no one does that better than Fisher-Price. As the saying used to go, Play-Laugh-Grow. Railway Pals Destination Discovery promotes motor skills, fosters curiosity, inspires imagination and encourages understanding of cause and effect.",[12,4214,4215,4218],{},[45,4216],{"alt":215,"src":4217},"/images/2017/09/Thomasfriends_destination_discovery_-0311.jpg","Featuring over 50 sounds and phrases via activation points, the set provides education content through play.",[12,4220,4221],{},"Little Fox loves pushing Percy over the activation points and joining in with what he says. If you add other characters like Thomas or Toby, they will say different things. Adding a new dimension to the toy.",[12,4223,4224,4227],{},[45,4225],{"alt":215,"src":4226},"/images/2017/09/Thomasfriends_destination_discovery_-2-2.jpg","This particular set is ideal for independent play, those little moments where you just want sit back and watch them discover things for themselves. And with a broad age range it’s perfect playing with friends, gift for siblings to share this festive season!",[12,4229,4230],{},"Do your little ones love Thomas?",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":4232},[],[226],"/images/2017/09/thomas_and_friends_cover.jpg","2017-09-14T11:17:00Z","There’s two, there’s four, there’s six, there’s eight, Shunting trucks and hauling freights. Red and green and brown and blue, they’re the really useful crew. All with different roles to play, round Tidmouth sheds so far away. Down the hills and round the bends,\nThomas and his friends.","10292",{},"Thomas & Friends Railway Pals Destination Discovery playset review. 40+ track pieces, 50+ sounds, light-up Tidmouth Sheds. Ages 1-5. Fisher-Price.","Thomas & Friends Railway Pals Playset Review","/thomas-friends-first-railway-pals-destination-discovery-playset-review",{"title":4166,"description":4236},"thomas-friends-first-railway-pals-destination-discovery-playset-review","M2qupHaYmsml-8Tq0shKUTlv9E8twN-kO-FSgQ0BebY",{"id":4246,"title":4247,"author":245,"body":4248,"category":4383,"cover":4257,"date":4384,"description":4252,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":4385,"meta":4386,"meta_description":4387,"meta_title":4247,"navigation":236,"path":4388,"seo":4389,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":4390,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":4391},"posts/ultimate-lightning-mcqueen-sphero.md","The Ultimate Lightning McQueen from Sphero",{"type":9,"value":4249,"toc":4381},[4250,4253,4259,4262,4271,4277,4283,4296,4299,4305,4311,4349,4352,4358,4361,4367],[12,4251,4252],{},"Faster than fast. Quicker than quick. I am the ULTIMATE Lightning McQueen! Thanks to the team at Sphero we have a real treat for all you Cars fanatics today!",[12,4254,4255,4258],{},[45,4256],{"alt":215,"src":4257},"/images/2017/09/sphero_ultimate_lightning_mcqueen_06.jpg","Cars 3 fever has been sweeping the nation and we weren’t escaping it, not when we live with a pint sized Lightning McQueen fanatic. No chance.",[12,4260,4261],{},"If it’s Cars, or more specifically Lightning, Little Fox loves it. From his vast collection of die cast cars to his favourite stuffed toy. Lightning McQueen is life to this little boy.",[12,4263,4264,4265,4270],{},"Having been to see the new movie and acquired more cars merchandise on holiday than I thought possible. You can imagine his surprise when the Ultimate Lightning McQueen from ",[16,4266,4269],{"href":4267,"rel":4268},"http://www.sphero.com/",[20],"Sphero"," landed on our step! Heck, I know grown men who would be excited to receive one of these. Our boy was amazed!",[12,4272,4273,4276],{},[45,4274],{"alt":215,"src":4275},"/images/2017/09/sphero_ultimate_lightning_mcqueen_05.jpg","Now I can’t stress enough that this is not your average toy. Sphero are makers of advanced robotics, and they do it so well. The box alone tells you this isn’t just for the kids, it’s for everyone. I can’t lie, we played with it before the little one whilst he was at nursery. Then we put it back in its box like nothing happened. Parent perks.",[12,4278,4279,4282],{},[45,4280],{"alt":215,"src":4281},"/images/2017/09/sphero_ultimate_lightning_mcqueen_07.jpg","The box alone oozes style and class. From the foil block embossed type and combination of gloss & matte laminate, it’s inviting. Leaving you wanting to see what’s inside.",[4284,4285,4286,4293],"blockquote",{},[12,4287,4288],{},[16,4289,4292],{"href":4290,"rel":4291},"https://www.instagram.com/p/BYnQzIdH23V/",[20],"• K A – C H O W • We’re still loving the Ultimate Lightning McQueen from @sphero Little Fox is helping me capture some footage of it for our YouTube channel! #ultimatelightningmcqueen #sohero #disney #cars3 #toys #love #fun",[12,4294,4295],{},"A post shared by Lisa – LeeLee Loves (@leeleeloves) on Sep 4, 2017 at 2:06am PDT",[12,4297,4298],{},"When you first take McQueen out of the box, you’ll notice that he’s attached to his base at the tires using little plastic caps. Just pop those off and you’re good to go.",[12,4300,4301,4304],{},[45,4302],{"alt":215,"src":4303},"/images/2017/09/sphero_ultimate_lightning_mcqueen_03.jpg","Lightnings’ eyes are an animated LCD screen so upon opening the screen is covered by a sticker. To charge Lightning you pop out his petrol cap and insert the charging cable. Very clever Sphero!",[12,4306,4307,4310],{},[45,4308],{"alt":215,"src":4309},"/images/2017/09/sphero_ultimate_lightning_mcqueen_02.jpg","#### Features",[361,4312,4313,4316,4319,4322,4325,4328,4331,4334,4337,4340,4343,4346],{},[364,4314,4315],{},"Animated eyes, animatronic mouth, and emotive suspension",[364,4317,4318],{},"Lightning drifts and does donuts with authentic movement",[364,4320,4321],{},"A built in LCD screen allows his eyes to be fully expressive",[364,4323,4324],{},"Lightning also features a reactive touch function. Tap his hood, trunk, sides, or top to watch him move",[364,4326,4327],{},"McQueen measures H8 x L25 x W13cm approx",[364,4329,4330],{},"Accelerates up to 6 MPH",[364,4332,4333],{},"40-minute battery life and a 1 hour charge time",[364,4335,4336],{},"App features free drive, pit stop training, acting studio and drive-in movie functions",[364,4338,4339],{},"Create scripts with your favorite phrases and actions in acting studio mode",[364,4341,4342],{},"Watch ‘Cars’ together in drive-in movie mode and watch McQueen react to the film",[364,4344,4345],{},"Made for iPhone 5s, iPod 6th Gen, iPad 3, iPad Mini 2, or newer",[364,4347,4348],{},"Made for Android with Bluetooth™ v4.0 and running Android 5.0 or newer",[12,4350,4351],{},"Having experienced BB-8 from Sphero, previous years must have Christmas toy, I can guarantee you’ll love Lightning just as much, if not more. He is capable of so much more and an all round asset to anyone’s Cars collection.",[12,4353,4354,4357],{},[45,4355],{"alt":215,"src":4356},"/images/2017/09/sphero_ultimate_lightning_mcqueen_01.jpg","Little Fox refers to him as his ‘special Lightning’. We don’t allow any unsupervised play with him, although he is robust and tough, he’s been crashed a lot! I just can’t allow a 2-year-old to roam free with him. He’d be in the bath otherwise!",[12,4359,4360],{},"One of our favorite modes is Drive In mode, plug Lightning in, start up the cars movie and he’ll watch with you. Commenting on himself throughout and providing extra giggles. Little Fox sat through the movie sharing popcorn with his best friend Lightning and loved every minute of it.",[12,4362,4363,4366],{},[45,4364],{"alt":215,"src":4365},"/images/2017/09/sphero_ultimate_lightning_mcqueen_04.jpg","Overall The Ultimate Lightning McQueen is the most advanced RC car we’ve ever experienced, it’s difficult to put into words just how much he can do and how well he does it. So we’ll be filming a vlog to show you exactly what he’s all about!",[12,4368,4369,4370,764,4375,4380],{},"The Ultimate Lightning McQueen retails at £299 from",[16,4371,4374],{"href":4372,"rel":4373},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sphero-Ultimate-Lightning-McQueen-App-Enabled/dp/B06XCVGM3N/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=ac6d73e1a848375314e0a1e071530613&creativeASIN=B06XCVGM3N",[20]," Amazon",[16,4376,4379],{"href":4377,"rel":4378},"http://www.disneystore.co.uk/ultimate-lightning-mcqueen-app-enabled-sphero-figure-disney-pixar-cars-461025536439.html",[20],"Disney store",", John Lewis and other leading retailers.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":4382},[],[226],"2017-09-04T11:16:00Z","10261",{},"Review of the Ultimate Lightning McQueen by Sphero. An advanced robotic Cars 3 toy with animated eyes, emotive suspension, and drive-in movie mode.","/ultimate-lightning-mcqueen-sphero",{"title":4247,"description":4252},"ultimate-lightning-mcqueen-sphero","Yuvvu-elTFUucpTaCU6xbbHq8L4CordqtsN1j2Yy34U",{"id":4393,"title":4394,"author":245,"body":4395,"category":4458,"cover":4459,"date":4460,"description":4399,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":4461,"meta":4462,"meta_description":4463,"meta_title":4394,"navigation":236,"path":4464,"seo":4465,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":4466,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":4467},"posts/summer-ready-stokke-summer-kit.md","Summer ready with the Stokke Summer Kit",{"type":9,"value":4396,"toc":4456},[4397,4400,4403,4409,4421,4424,4430,4436,4442,4448],[12,4398,4399],{},"If you’re headed off on holiday this summer, you’ll want to be summer ready and Stokke has you covered, literally.",[12,4401,4402],{},"Like most I absolutely love summer. Those long days, warmer weather and strolling in the sun with the little one.",[12,4404,4405,4408],{},[45,4406],{"alt":215,"src":4407},"/images/2017/08/stokke_summer_kit-0363.jpg","What I don’t like is when it’s too hot for them and they’re grouchy, I can’t say I blame them though. Many pushchairs have dark fabric and in the heat can become hot and sticky. I can’t imagine being strapped into a hot seat on a summer day, can you?",[12,4410,4411,4414,4415,4420],{},[45,4412],{"alt":215,"src":4413},"/images/2017/08/stokke_summer_kit-0390.jpg","Thankfully Stokke has a kit for every occasion. Until recently we’ve been using the ",[16,4416,4419],{"href":4417,"rel":4418},"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSXGNm0jJZI&t=37s",[20],"Stokke winter kit",", but it’s time for a change! The sun is here and so is the Stokke Summer kit!",[12,4422,4423],{},"Another great accessory that can be used on both the Xplory and Trailz. It’s been a welcome addition to our stroller over the warmer weeks.",[12,4425,4426,4429],{},[45,4427],{"alt":215,"src":4428},"/images/2017/08/stokke_summer_kit-0720.jpg","We took the Trailz out on a summer stroll to feed the ducks. Who were too shy to come up the bank and actually let us see them. That didn’t stop Little Fox from seeing them though as the Trailz has such a high seat position he’s able to see a lot more than he would in any other stroller.",[12,4431,4432,4435],{},[45,4433],{"alt":215,"src":4434},"/images/2017/08/stokke_summer_kit-0726.jpg","Featuring a terry cloth seat cover to keep him cool, mesh openings for ventilation, a larger canopy and a gorgeous floral animal print. The summer kit totally transforms the stroller and gives it a real summer vibe. This meant Little Fox was cool as a cucumber on our outing instead of a hot mess!",[12,4437,4438,4441],{},[45,4439],{"alt":215,"src":4440},"/images/2017/08/stokke_summer_kit-0350.jpg","The fabrics to the kit are a UPF 50+ material for sun protection. Something I never knew existed for strollers. This has given me peace of mind when taking him out in the sun knowing he is protected. Their is also a clip on canopy that covers the seat from the foot plate to the hood, perfect for summer time naps. Especially for newborns with the seat reclined.",[12,4443,4444,4447],{},[45,4445],{"alt":215,"src":4446},"/images/2017/08/stokke_summer_kit-0364.jpg","Overall I really like the Stokke Summer Kit. It’s stylish and boasts safety features that serve a real purpose when taking little ones with delicate skin out into the sun. A great way to adjust your Stokke stroller to suit the climate, as always Stokke know how to take care of the most important people in our lives.",[12,4449,509,4450,4455],{},[16,4451,4454],{"href":4452,"rel":4453},"https://www.stokke.com/GBR/en-gb/pram-accessories/4096.html",[20],"Stokke Summer kit"," retails for £119 and is available in 3 colour ways. Pink, Blue, and Green. We have been using the Blue Summer Kit, a calm combination of cool grey and summer blue.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":4457},[],[226],"/images/2017/08/stokke_summer_kit_cover.jpg","2017-08-02T14:21:00Z","10220",{},"Review of the Stokke Summer Kit for pushchairs. Keep your little one cool with UPF 50+ sun protection, terry cloth seat cover, and mesh ventilation.","/summer-ready-stokke-summer-kit",{"title":4394,"description":4399},"summer-ready-stokke-summer-kit","DnsFU6gJajC0sFYQGeRV7O2cLf6dVUcJKbKz0CRtVZI",{"id":4469,"title":4470,"author":245,"body":4471,"category":4526,"cover":4527,"date":4528,"description":4478,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":4529,"meta":4530,"meta_description":4531,"meta_title":4470,"navigation":236,"path":4532,"seo":4533,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":4534,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":4535},"posts/top-5-places-read-good-book.md","My top 5 places to read a good book",{"type":9,"value":4472,"toc":4524},[4473,4479,4482,4485,4488,4491,4500,4509,4512,4521],[12,4474,4475,4478],{},[45,4476],{"alt":215,"src":4477},"/images/2014/02/books_to_read_in_2013.jpg","Reading has always been a great way for me to relax, unwind and escape the everyday. I love to read!",[12,4480,4481],{},"But it’s not relaxing if the place in which I read isn’t relaxed. I need to be somewhere clean and comfortable to sit back and enjoy a good book. Otherwise, I find myself distracted.",[12,4483,4484],{},"I love nothing more than a quiet and tranquil place to escape to, with no interruptions and nothing to distract me.",[12,4486,4487],{},"Here are my favourite places to escape and read a good book!",[12,4489,4490],{},"1. Outdoors – Whether it be in the garden, a local park, or simply a nice quiet patch of grass to sit down. Whether depending, of course, outside is a lovely place to read.",[12,4492,4493,4494,4499],{},"2. In bed – This doesn’t work for everyone, some may find themselves falling asleep, I often do. Especially since we got a ridiculously comfortable ",[16,4495,4498],{"href":4496,"rel":4497},"https://casper.com/uk/en/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc-b&utm_campaign=S.UK-0-Brand-Casper-Mattress-Exact&utm_content=BRAND_CAT-Casper-Mattress-Exact&utm_term=casper-mattress&cvosrc=ppc-b.google.S.UK-0-Brand-Casper-Mattress-Exact",[20],"Casper mattress",". But it’s a nice place to relax and unwind at the end of a busy day. Enjoying a few chapters of a book is a much nicer way to nod off than sitting in front of a screen all evening.",[12,4501,4502,4503,4508],{},"3. The reading chair – I have an armchair that I chose with the intention of being for reading my books. You know, before children, when I had time to read. Our new house has a ",[16,4504,4507],{"href":4505,"rel":4506},"http://www.tradeconservatories2u.co.uk/conservatories/lean-to-conservatories.htm",[20],"lean to conservatory"," off of the kitchen, and it’s the perfect place to sit and read with the warmth and comfort of being indoors whilst looking out!",[12,4510,4511],{},"4. The Library – This may not be everyone’s first choice but if you crave peace and quiet and an abundance of books your local library is a great place to go. The chairs aren’t great but it’s certainly got the no talking element you could be looking for. Ever find the second you pick up a book everybody wants to talk to you?",[12,4513,4514,4515,4520],{},"5. The Beach – If you’re fortunate enough to live by sea (we’re not!) then the beach is a lovely place to escape and read. I usually use an ",[16,4516,4519],{"href":4517,"rel":4518},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00QJDO0QC?tag=googhydr-21&hvadid=186480199589&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5231942623311696312&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046433&hvtargid=kwd-50336472&ref=pd_sl_yvkh6rxx_e",[20],"iPad or Kindle"," to read but paperbacks are best for outdoor reading, you don’t want any glare in the sun!",[12,4522,4523],{},"Do you have a favourite place to sit down and enjoy a good book? Let us know in the comments or try out some of the above!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":4525},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/blind_date_With_a_book.jpg","2017-07-04T11:07:00Z","10173",{},"5 best places to read a book. Outdoors, in bed, reading chair, library, and beach. Finding the perfect quiet, comfortable spot for escaping with a good book.","/top-5-places-read-good-book",{"title":4470,"description":4478},"top-5-places-read-good-book","ofA8ak524r_tE6wlJzb_DZW8QZKjKbkjwdGRc-IQPLY",{"id":4537,"title":4538,"author":245,"body":4539,"category":4592,"cover":4545,"date":4593,"description":4546,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":4594,"meta":4595,"meta_description":4596,"meta_title":4538,"navigation":236,"path":4597,"seo":4598,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":4599,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":4600},"posts/toddler-testing-new-tonka-tinys.md","Toddler Testing the new Tonka TINYS",{"type":9,"value":4540,"toc":4590},[4541,4547,4556,4562,4565,4568,4574,4577,4583],[12,4542,4543,4546],{},[45,4544],{"alt":215,"src":4545},"/images/2017/04/tonka_tinys_toys_04-1-of-1.jpg","The majority of little boys and girls go through a phase of loving trucks, diggers and cars. Since we moved house Little Fox has taken a real interest in diggers. They drive by our house throughout the day building the rest of the estate. And he loves to stand at the window and watch them.",[12,4548,4549,4550,4555],{},"When his new ",[16,4551,4554],{"href":4552,"rel":4553},"http://www.funrise.com/tonka-micro-site/index.html",[20],"Tonka TINYS"," toys arrived he was rather excited. Tonka TINYS are a collection of palm sized vehicles for little ones to collect. They come in the option of a trio with the NEW Tonka TINYS Three Packs retailing at £5.99, or surprise blind boxes that look like tiny garages retailing at £2.49",[12,4557,4558,4561],{},[45,4559],{"alt":215,"src":4560},"/images/2017/04/tonka_tinys_toys_03-1-of-1.jpg","I’m not sure what I was expecting but I didn’t think they would be this TINY. Of course tiny is in the name, but had I realised how small they are I wouldn’t have been giving them to my 2 year old. He however thought they were brilliant.",[12,4563,4564],{},"Aimed at ages 3 and up they are smaller than I’d have liked, I think I would still worry even if he were 3 and have only allowed him to play whilst supervised.",[12,4566,4567],{},"They are surprisingly robust for their petite size. When you take into consideration how rough little ones can be I’m amazed they haven’t broke.",[12,4569,4570,4573],{},[45,4571],{"alt":215,"src":4572},"/images/2017/04/tonka_tinys_toys_02-1-of-1.jpg","Taylor got particularly excited whilst opening the blind boxes as he wanted to see if he had a fire engine. He did, thank goodness! Imagine the aftermath he didn’t.",[12,4575,4576],{},"There are over 20 Tonka Tiny Vehicles to collect including police pickups, Quarry Dump Trucks and even helicopters and new waves are on the way to extend the fun! There will be playsets and new waves of vehicles added for autumn too.",[12,4578,4579,4582],{},[45,4580],{"alt":215,"src":4581},"/images/2017/04/tonka_tinys_toys_01-1-of-1.jpg","Overall they’re really fun little vehicles that have provided hours of fun and are perfect for older children. We’ve still been able to have a lot of fun with then although I’d feel more confident if they weren’t small enough to be a choking hazard.",[12,4584,4585,4586],{},"Find out more about Tonka TINYS and where to buy at ",[16,4587,4589],{"href":4552,"rel":4588},[20],"funrise.com",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":4591},[],[226],"2017-04-07T12:27:00Z","9951",{},"Tonka TINYS review. Palm-sized collectable vehicles in blind boxes and three-packs. Over 20 trucks and diggers to collect. £2.49-£5.99, ages 3+.","/toddler-testing-new-tonka-tinys",{"title":4538,"description":4546},"toddler-testing-new-tonka-tinys","XSpwlmJ0paBR0J4Ww4OYLAW3EPRKDanG26ysVXqFPY0",{"id":4602,"title":4603,"author":245,"body":4604,"category":4776,"cover":4777,"date":4778,"description":4779,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":4780,"meta":4781,"meta_description":4782,"meta_title":4603,"navigation":236,"path":4783,"seo":4784,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":4785,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":4786},"posts/eco-friendly-fun-go-green-playhouse-little-tikes.md","Eco Friendly Fun with The Go Green Playhouse from Little Tikes",{"type":9,"value":4605,"toc":4774},[4606,4617,4620,4626,4639,4646,4652,4699,4708,4711,4717,4720,4723,4729,4732,4735,4741,4744,4750,4756,4759,4768],[12,4607,4608,4609,4616],{},"Sitting at the back of my new kitchen is a house. A 4ft ",[34,4610,4611],{},[16,4612,4615],{"href":4613,"rel":4614},"http://www.littletikes.co.uk/promotions/go-green-playhouse.html",[20],"Little Tikes playhouse"," *. What was Santa Clause thinking? I’m pretty sure he was thinking this is an amazing idea and they’ll have so much fun! Because we have. It has undoubtably been fun.",[12,4618,4619],{},"And it may not be a conventional location for a playhouse, but the pros of having it in my kitchen certainly outweigh the cons in winter.",[12,4621,4622,4625],{},[45,4623],{"alt":215,"src":4624},"/images/2017/03/little_tikes_go_green_playhouse_05.jpg","Growing up I always wanted a playhouse. I still remember friends all having the same Little Tikes house, you know the one. It was pink and yellow with mint green shutters and a telephone. Oh yes, I had house envy.",[12,4627,4628,4631,4632,4638],{},[45,4629],{"alt":215,"src":4630},"/images/2017/03/little_tikes_go_green_playhouse_10.jpg","It may be winter outside but that hasn’t stopped us enjoying the ",[34,4633,4634,575],{},[16,4635,4637],{"href":4613,"rel":4636},[20],"Go-Green Playhouse from Little Tikes"," An eco house of fun, learning and adventure. Boasting more features than your average playhouse, you’ll want to move in yourself. This particular house is unlike any I’ve seen before.",[12,4640,4641],{},[34,4642,4643],{},[45,4644],{"alt":215,"src":4645},"/images/2017/03/little_tikes_go_green_playhouse_04.jpg",[907,4647,4649],{"id":4648},"features-include",[34,4650,4651],{},"Features Include:",[361,4653,4654,4657,4660,4663,4666,4669,4672,4675,4678,4681,4684],{},[364,4655,4656],{},"Recycling centre with removable bins",[364,4658,4659],{},"Water reservoir leading to a rain barrel",[364,4661,4662],{},"Letter box",[364,4664,4665],{},"Solar powered light",[364,4667,4668],{},"Skylight",[364,4670,4671],{},"Dutch door and doorbell",[364,4673,4674],{},"Small roof section, can be filled with soil to grow grass (like a green roof)",[364,4676,4677],{},"Planting box where kids can really grow flowers and vegetables",[364,4679,4680],{},"Real working sink",[364,4682,4683],{},"Comes with activity booklet. Box can be used for several upcycled projects",[364,4685,4686,4687,4689,4690,4692,4693,4695,4696,4698],{},"Accessories include:",[774,4688],{},"\n• 1-Shovel",[774,4691],{},"\n• 1-Hand “rake”",[774,4694],{},"\n• 1-Play phone",[774,4697],{},"\n• 1-Watering can",[12,4700,4701,4704,4707],{},[45,4702],{"alt":215,"src":4703},"/images/2017/03/little_tikes_go_green_playhouse_07.jpg",[45,4705],{"alt":215,"src":4706},"/images/2017/03/little_tikes_go_green_playhouse_11.jpg","As a result of the cold weather we decided to build the playhouse indoors. Waiting for summer would just be mean. Our kitchen may be occupied by a 4ft plastic house right now but the endless hours of play and smiles are worth it.",[12,4709,4710],{},"I first saw the Go Green Playhouse whilst judging the Progressive Preschool awards last summer. It was a favourite of mine for many reasons. The design, the quality, the endless possibilities of role play for little ones. I loved everything about it.",[12,4712,4713,4716],{},[45,4714],{"alt":215,"src":4715},"/images/2017/03/little_tikes_go_green_playhouse_06.jpg","With built in recycling baskets, a solar powered light and a working water system it’s certainly not your average garden toy. It’s educational, it’s fun and it looks fantastic.",[12,4718,4719],{},"Taking just under an hour to build, some drilling, tutting, and head shaking required. I was surprised by how soon the house was ready for Little Fox to play in.",[12,4721,4722],{},"Although being an impatient toddler he also decided to clamber inside mid-build. The excitement must have been too much for him! The house came flat pack in a rather large box but was said to be “easy enough” to build by the 3 men who did it at 8:00pm on Christmas.",[12,4724,4725,4728],{},[45,4726],{"alt":215,"src":4727},"/images/2017/03/little_tikes_go_green_playhouse_09.jpg","Once built the House looked great, although it’s currently indoors it’s going to look brilliant in our garden this summer.",[12,4730,4731],{},"Little Fox took to his new house immediately, placing his favourite toys inside and playing games.",[12,4733,4734],{},"I’ve been able to sit back and observe him having lengthy phone conversations leaning over the kitchen sink and washing dishes. All whilst I enjoy a hot cup of tea. Another perk to having a toy that encourages independent play time.",[12,4736,4737,4740],{},[45,4738],{"alt":215,"src":4739},"/images/2017/03/little_tikes_go_green_playhouse_02.jpg","Our favourite game is peepo and the letterbox is perfect for this. You’re guaranteed a smile if you pop your face through the letter box or ring the realistic door bell. I have been called into the playhouse on many occasions “come on mummy, come on” he will say.",[12,4742,4743],{},"The fact that myself and Little Fox both fit, at a squeeze, guarantees a few little ones can happily play in there together with room to breathe. We’ve had a friend over to play already and they had a fantastic time running in and out of the house together.",[12,4745,4746,4749],{},[45,4747],{"alt":215,"src":4748},"/images/2017/03/little_tikes_go_green_playhouse_08.jpg","Much to The Mans dismay, I have visions of us having a Little Tikes garden as the little one grows and sun begins to shine. A garden our children can spend summer days in playing together. Note I say children, we can’t have all the toys and only one child. Where’s the fun in that? All in good time I suppose.",[12,4751,4752,4755],{},[45,4753],{"alt":215,"src":4754},"/images/2017/03/little_tikes_go_green_playhouse_12.jpg","Little tikes really have thought of everything when it comes to this house and we shall be enjoying it for many years to come. It’s an investment you can see still being there when your grandchildren come to visit who’ll play in it just like their Daddy did. Can you even imagine that – The thought of my baby having a baby is bizarre, and a ridiculously long time off!",[12,4757,4758],{},"Once the weather warms up we’ll be able to plant flowers in the garden of the house and water them using the rain barrel, recycle to our hearts content and play peepo all day long. To do this playhouse justice in just a few words is impossible, but the smile on our little ones face say’s it all.",[12,4760,4761,4762],{},"I also can’t wait to put it in the garden for a summer of endless fun. The Go Green Playhouse retails for £249.99, but is currently in the 20% off deal at ",[34,4763,4764],{},[16,4765,4767],{"href":4613,"rel":4766},[20],"www.littletikes.co.uk ",[1423,4769,4771],{"id":4770},"the-day-after-writing-this-we-had-one-amazing-sunny-day-the-first-of-the-year-and-i-took-the-opportunity-to-take-it-into-the-garden-and-get-some-snaps-of-it-in-its-intended-environment-i-cant-imagine-its-going-to-last-its-already-raining-so-it-will-be-back-in-the-kitchen-soon",[211,4772,4773],{},"*The day after writing this we had one amazing sunny day, the first of the year, and I took the opportunity to take it into the garden and get some snaps of it in it’s intended environment! I can’t imagine it’s going to last, it’s already raining, so it will be back in the kitchen soon 😂",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":4775},[],[226],"/images/2017/03/little_tikes_go_green_playhouse_01.jpg","2017-03-17T08:30:00Z","Sitting at the back of my new kitchen is a house. A 4ft Little Tikes playhouse *. What was Santa Clause thinking? I’m pretty sure he was thinking this is an amazing idea and they’ll have so much fun! Because we have. It has undoubtably been fun.","9816",{},"Little Tikes Go Green Playhouse review: Eco-friendly 4ft playhouse with recycling centre, solar light, working sink, and planting box. £249.99.","/eco-friendly-fun-go-green-playhouse-little-tikes",{"title":4603,"description":4779},"eco-friendly-fun-go-green-playhouse-little-tikes","JF9w9OWZrDalKag1MMdwwXJtk-g5PAdIoJ1eVjD7QzQ",{"id":4788,"title":4789,"author":245,"body":4790,"category":4841,"cover":2516,"date":4842,"description":4794,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":4843,"meta":4844,"meta_description":4845,"meta_title":4789,"navigation":236,"path":2488,"seo":4846,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":4847,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":4848},"posts/original-stickle-bricks.md","Stickle Bricks Review: Classic Building Toy for Toddlers",{"type":9,"value":4791,"toc":4839},[4792,4795,4798,4803,4806,4812,4818,4821,4827,4836],[12,4793,4794],{},"Don’t you just love seeing your children enjoying the things that you once loved as a child?",[12,4796,4797],{},"Little Fox recently received the Original Stickle Bricks Big Red Bucket to test. Having played with variations of blocks and magnetic building toys I wasn’t sure if he’d show much interest in them. How wrong was I?",[12,4799,4800,4802],{},[45,4801],{"alt":215,"src":2479},"Upon opening the box he spent an entire evening forcing his granddad to build cars. Shouting “play that” at anyone who dared walk past the bucket.",[12,4804,4805],{},"The bricks are smooth in texture and safe for play, whilst also being spiky ti enable children to intertwine them and build new shapes.",[12,4807,4808,4811],{},[45,4809],{"alt":215,"src":4810},"/images/2017/03/original_stickle_bricks_01.jpg","From towers, trains, houses and horses he’s built them all. It’s amazing what the imagination of a 2 year old can muster up from a selection of basic shapes. Promoting the development of dexterity and imagination through play.",[12,4813,4814,4817],{},[45,4815],{"alt":215,"src":4816},"/images/2017/03/original_stickle_bricks_02.jpg","Stickle bricks bring back fond memories for me of “wet break time” at school. When board games and toys would make an appearance and you rejoiced at avoiding the cold concrete playground.",[12,4819,4820],{},"I recall building houses and towers from Stickle Bricks and now I’m seeing my son do the same. It’s nice to know that things haven’t changed that much since I was a child. Technology hasn’t taken over completely and we can still find joy in the little things.",[12,4822,4823,4826],{},[45,4824],{"alt":215,"src":4825},"/images/2017/03/original_stickle_bricks_04.jpg","Overall Little Fox has loved playing with Stickle Bricks, they’ve become a part of our daily play regime where he usually combines then with the people from his play house and various other toys. He’s thinking up with new ways to build with the bricks each time we play and showing me just how vast his imagination is.",[12,4828,4829,4830,4835],{},"We were sent Original Stickle Bricks Big Red Bucket from ",[16,4831,4834],{"href":4832,"rel":4833},"http://www.flairplc.co.uk/",[20],"Flair PLC",", it’s also available to purchase via amazon and other retailers for around £19.99",[12,4837,4838],{},"– We were sent Original Stickle Bricks Big Red Bucket for the purpose of this review, all opinions are our own –",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":4840},[],[226],"2017-03-12T00:17:00Z","9814",{},"Original Stickle Bricks Big Red Bucket review: Classic building toy promoting dexterity and imagination. Safe interlocking bricks. £19.99.",{"title":4789,"description":4794},"original-stickle-bricks","5GyGG6A53BhRJK81hMSfaVT2ZiS0vrszzRA0tUjsE_k",{"id":4850,"title":4851,"author":245,"body":4852,"category":4885,"cover":4886,"date":4887,"description":4856,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":4888,"meta":4889,"meta_description":4890,"meta_title":4891,"navigation":236,"path":4892,"seo":4893,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":4894,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":4895},"posts/teletubbies-turns-20.md","Teletubbies Turns 20!",{"type":9,"value":4853,"toc":4883},[4854,4857,4860,4863,4866,4869,4872,4875,4878],[12,4855,4856],{},"Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Lala, Po…. Teletubies, Teletubbies. Say Hello. Eh Oh!",[12,4858,4859],{},"If you live with little people chances are you are well aquainted with Teletubbies. Those brightly coloured characters with televisions in their tummies.",[12,4861,4862],{},"This year Teletubbies turns 20, yes that’s right, 20! Loved by children the world over It’s amazing to see my child enjoying something that I too enjoyed as a child.",[12,4864,4865],{},"Teletubbies came around when I was 6, and I loved them. I can’t deny, I had a Teletubbies lunchbox. I might have been on the older side of their audience, but I didn’t care.",[12,4867,4868],{},"I hadn’t really heard or seen them since my childhood, I had no reason to. Finding out they were still so popular once I became a mum surprised me.",[12,4870,4871],{},"I can’t deny that I’m not as much of a fan now as I was as a child but it’s nice to see my child enjoying them in the same way I did.",[12,4873,4874],{},"Taylor is 2 and loves waving hello to the Teletubbies as they appear on our screen. They’ve certainly come a long way since I was a child. The overall look has changed with the times, for the better. And they have babies, Tiddlytubbies!",[12,4876,4877],{},"To celebrate the Teletubbies 20th Birthday @UKMUMSTV will be hosting a Twitter Party. Pop over to teitter at 2:00pm tomorrow (February 27th) and follow the tag #Teletubbies20 to take part , enjoy the party and win prizes!",[12,4879,4880],{},[45,4881],{"alt":215,"src":4882},"/images/2017/02/TT-MPU_FINAL.gif",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":4884},[],[226],"/images/2017/02/teletubbies.jpg","2017-02-26T12:05:00Z","9797",{},"Teletubbies turns 20! Celebrating the beloved children's show featuring Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa, and Po. Loved by generations of children worldwide.","Teletubbies Turns 20: Celebrating a Childhood Classic","/teletubbies-turns-20",{"title":4851,"description":4856},"teletubbies-turns-20","X2IMg95UVwtwtBMTsqS-ff4fjF91Al1bjweVShrsFw8",{"id":4897,"title":4898,"author":245,"body":4899,"category":4972,"cover":4905,"date":4973,"description":4906,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":4974,"meta":4975,"meta_description":4976,"meta_title":4898,"navigation":236,"path":4977,"seo":4978,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":4979,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":4980},"posts/six-childrens-books-loved-january.md","Six Children’s Books We Loved in January",{"type":9,"value":4900,"toc":4970},[4901,4907,4912,4915,4920,4923,4928,4934,4939,4942,4947,4950,4956,4965],[12,4902,4903,4906],{},[45,4904],{"alt":215,"src":4905},"/images/2017/02/books_february.jpg","As somebody who loves to read I’ve always felt it’s important to encourage Taylor to read too. He has a great book collection at the age of 2 and loves to sit and read together. And as we read so many books I’m going to start sharing our favourites with you. This month we’ve particularly enjoyed the following books.",[12,4908,4909],{},[34,4910,4911],{},"1 – I Can Only Draw Worms by Will Mabbit",[12,4913,4914],{},"A counting book using simple illustrations of worms, because Will, can only draw worms! This one makes us giggle because of course you have to tickle when you’re reading about wriggly worms!",[12,4916,4917],{},[34,4918,4919],{},"2 – Edie by Sophy Henn",[12,4921,4922],{},"We love books by Sophy, especially her illustrations. Edie is a little girl who is ever so helpful. It also reminds mummy of Taylors antics. Those little things that children think are helpful, when really they’re not.",[12,4924,4925],{},[34,4926,4927],{},"3 – The Fox and The Star by Coralie Bickford-Smith",[12,4929,4930,4931,4933],{},"This is defintley a mummy favourite, I’ve been a fan of C B-S work for a long time. An entire book illustrated by her is beautiful.",[774,4932],{},"\nThis book follows the story of a beautiful little fox and his onlt friend, the star. But when Star isn’t there one night Fox has to face his fears of the forest alone.",[12,4935,4936],{},[34,4937,4938],{},"4 – Ten Terrible Dinosaurs by Paul Strickland",[12,4940,4941],{},"Stomp, Stomp, Stomp! Who doesn’t love counting Dinosaurs, especially when you’re 2? We love this one, making sounds and acting out the story. A fun way to learn numbers",[12,4943,4944],{},[34,4945,4946],{},"5 – Peepo by Janet and Allan Ahlberg",[12,4948,4949],{},"Peepo is a classic story for little ones, it always provides the most giggles in our house. Taylor loves pointing out everything he recognises in this book and joins in with the ‘PEEPO!’",[12,4951,4952,4953,4955],{},"6- Goodnight Moon – By Margaret Wise-Brown",[774,4954],{},"\nGoodnight Moon is another classic and great for bedtime. It encourages little ones to say goodnight to everything from the items in their room to the moon outside.",[12,4957,4958,4959,4964],{},"If you enjoy reading or want to encourage your little ones to read more their are some reasons why it could benefit them on this infograph for a ",[16,4960,4963],{"href":4961,"rel":4962},"https://www.brighthorizons.co.uk/our-nurseries/oxford-business-park-day-nursery-and-preschool",[20],"preschool in Oxford"," from Bright Horizons.",[12,4966,4967],{},[45,4968],{"alt":215,"src":4969},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Childrens%20Books%20Infographic.png",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":4971},[],[226],"2017-02-12T11:36:00Z","9759",{},"6 children's books we loved in January. Reviews of I Can Only Draw Worms, Edie, The Fox and The Star, Ten Terrible Dinosaurs, Peepo, and Goodnight Moon.","/six-childrens-books-loved-january",{"title":4898,"description":4906},"six-childrens-books-loved-january","5VVkaLz-7Gstnc_GdvEcrNRwlU6dJvHcNVhho0um8Ho",{"id":4982,"title":4983,"author":245,"body":4984,"category":5075,"cover":5076,"date":5077,"description":4988,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":5078,"meta":5079,"meta_description":5080,"meta_title":4983,"navigation":236,"path":5081,"seo":5082,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":5083,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":5084},"posts/smartrike-t3-scooter-2-year-old-toddler.md","Toddler testing the Smartrike T3 Scooter with a 2 year old",{"type":9,"value":4985,"toc":5073},[4986,4989,4992,5004,5016,5022,5036,5039,5045,5048,5054,5057,5060],[12,4987,4988],{},"I never thought I’d be so thankful for a scooter – If you’ve ever spent a day trapped indoors with a two year old you’ll know how important getting outside is. Not just for them, but for you. And your sanity.",[12,4990,4991],{},"After 20 requests for a biscuit, milk, or to watch “dogs” we need to get out of the house. Toddlers don’t entertain themselves, not for long anyway. I find going outside is good for us all.",[12,4993,4994,4998,4999,5003],{},[45,4995],{"alt":215,"src":4996,"title":4997},"/images/2017/02/smartrike_t3_scooter_toddler_scooter_04.jpg","smartrike_t3_scooter_2_year_old","We’ve always enjoyed walks out with Taylor’s ",[16,5000,5002],{"href":5001},"/summer-smart-discoveries-smartrike","Smartrike",", it’s my go to activity if we need a little fresh air. Although that see’s me getting exercise, while Taylor sits like royalty as he’s pushed. He’s still too short to ride it himself.",[12,5005,5006,5009,5010,5015],{},[45,5007],{"alt":215,"src":5008,"title":4997},"/images/2017/02/smartrike_t3_scooter_toddler_scooter_02.jpg","That was until we introduced him to the ",[16,5011,5014],{"href":5012,"rel":5013},"http://www.smartrike.com/products/scooters/scooters/",[20],"Smartrike T3 Scooter",". It has the same robust build quality of the trike and the ability to grow with Taylor. Which is what I love about this brand. Smartrike products generally last and see children go from beginner through to independent user.",[12,5017,5018,5021],{},[45,5019],{"alt":215,"src":5020,"title":4997},"/images/2017/02/smartrike_t3_scooter_toddler_scooter_03.jpg","The SmarTrike T3 scooter for ages 2+ has the following features –",[361,5023,5024,5027,5030,5033],{},[364,5025,5026],{},"Two-modes – beginner and advanced",[364,5028,5029],{},"Tilting handle bar with soft-touch rubber handles",[364,5031,5032],{},"TPR rubber surface footplate",[364,5034,5035],{},"Back foot brake",[12,5037,5038],{},"After many rainy days of trying to ride the scooter in the house, he finally got to put on his helmet and try it outside.",[12,5040,5041,5044],{},[45,5042],{"alt":215,"src":5043,"title":4997},"/images/2017/02/smartrike_t3_scooter_toddler_scooter_08.jpg","Watching Taylor go from nervously pushing the scooter alongside himself to scooting down the street. I could see his confidence building.",[12,5046,5047],{},"Taylor has struggled a little with the handlebar height. Which on this particular model doesn’t adjust, although this hasn’t stopped him from enjoying it. It won’t be long before he shoots up in height again so the T2 wouldn’t have lasted as long. The T3 is right for his age range and will suit his needs the most.",[12,5049,5050,5053],{},[45,5051],{"alt":215,"src":5052,"title":4997},"/images/2017/02/smartrike_t3_scooter_toddler_scooter_05.jpg","The handle bars have been grippy enough for him as has the foot plate giving me confidence that he’s less likely to slip. He has yet to master what the foot brake is for and opts for falling, without style, although he is still learning.",[12,5055,5056],{},"I can’t wait for more outdoor adventures with Taylor as the weather becomes a little warmer. Watching him develop new skills is one of the most rewarding parts of being a parent. He’s also at an age where he is really fun to be around.",[12,5058,5059],{},"What’s you’re favourite outdoor activity with the little ones?",[1423,5061,5063],{"id":5062},"the-smartrike-t3-scooter-retails-for-4999at-leading-uk-retailers-and-is-currently-on-offer-for-3999-at-smyths",[211,5064,5065,5066],{},"The Smartrike T3 Scooter retails for £49.99at leading UK retailers and is currently on offer for ",[34,5067,5068,725],{},[16,5069,5072],{"href":5070,"rel":5071},"http://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/outdoor/scooters/c-660/other-scooters/p-19509/smart-trike-t-scooter-t3-blue/",[20],"£39.99 at Smyths",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":5074},[],[226],"/images/2017/02/smartrike_t3_scooter_toddler_scooter_07.jpg","2017-02-08T17:08:00Z","9742",{},"Smartrike T3 Scooter review for 2-year-olds. Two-mode toddler scooter with tilting handlebar, foot brake, and rubber footplate. £49.99, ages 2+.","/smartrike-t3-scooter-2-year-old-toddler",{"title":4983,"description":4988},"smartrike-t3-scooter-2-year-old-toddler","PU4XYVD6Bv0SP65MnVcaPBoMD2NVwAn0GEq6qMLa5_U",{"id":5086,"title":5087,"author":245,"body":5088,"category":5148,"cover":5149,"date":5150,"description":5092,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":5151,"meta":5152,"meta_description":5153,"meta_title":5087,"navigation":236,"path":5154,"seo":5155,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":5156,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":5157},"posts/snow-day-adventure-muddy-puddles.md","A Snow Day Adventure with Muddy Puddles",{"type":9,"value":5089,"toc":5146},[5090,5093,5099,5111,5122,5128,5131,5137,5140,5143],[12,5091,5092],{},"It often feels like winter is going to last forever. I love winter, what I don’t like about it is feeling the need to keep my toddler indoors when it’s too cold or wet. He needs to be outside, running, jumping, finding adventure.",[12,5094,5095,5098],{},[45,5096],{"alt":215,"src":5097},"/images/2017/01/muddy_puddles_scamp_suit_toddler_waterproof_05.jpg","Like most toddlers he’s prone to catching every bug that he comes into contact with. Keeping a toddler warm and dry during winter is difficult. Especially if like mine, they won’t keep their hat or mittens on.",[12,5100,5101,5104,5105,5110],{},[45,5102],{"alt":215,"src":5103},"/images/2017/01/muddy_puddles_scamp_suit_toddler_waterproof_00.jpg","To help us get out more this winter we’ve been testing ",[16,5106,5109],{"href":5107,"rel":5108},"https://www.muddypuddles.com/baby/all-in-ones/baby_3_in_1_scamp_suit_grey_raindrop.htm",[20],"the Muddy Puddles Scamp suit"," which currently retails at £35.50. I may not be able to keep a pair of mittens on my boy but can ensure he is still warm and dry. Which is a great compromise for me and allows us to go outside more often.",[12,5112,5113,5116,5117,5121],{},[45,5114],{"alt":215,"src":5115},"/images/2017/01/muddy_puddles_scamp_suit_toddler_waterproof_003.jpg","It must have been fate as the day after our scamp suit arrived, it snowed. Nursery was closed leaving us to have a Mummy and Taylor day outside. The last time it snowed Taylor had the ",[16,5118,5120],{"href":5119},"/what-taylor-wore-an-outdooradventure-with-muddy-puddles","Muddy Puddles Snow Flurry Suit"," and he did’t seem impressed by the snow. This time it was a different story. He was running and jumping in it all while laughing.",[12,5123,5124,5127],{},[45,5125],{"alt":215,"src":5126},"/images/2017/01/muddy_puddles_scamp_suit_toddler_waterproof_08.jpg","The Scamp suit is a 3-in-1 system, a fully waterproof outer that can be worn with the snug fleece layer or on its own. Both layers can be used independently or together. We’ve been using ours with both layers as it’s been bitterly cold. It has an adorable pointy hood and the most beautiful raindrop print.",[12,5129,5130],{},"If you want to get outdoors with your little one they have something to suit everyone.",[12,5132,5133,5136],{},[45,5134],{"alt":215,"src":5135},"/images/2017/01/muddy_puddles_scamp_suit_toddler_waterproof_04.jpg","I love the Scamp suit print and quality so much I’d love to buy the Scamp Jacket for day-to-day wear if there are any further reductions.",[12,5138,5139],{},"Taylor has been warm and happy. Happy baby, Happy Mummy!",[12,5141,5142],{},"Here’s to more outdoor adventures and no more hiding indoors with the stuffy central heating!",[12,5144,5145],{},"What’s your favourite outdoor activity with the little ones?",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":5147},[],[226],"/images/2017/01/muddy_puddles_scamp_suit_toddler_waterproof_07.jpg","2017-01-27T15:46:00Z","9710",{},"Muddy Puddles Scamp Suit review. 3-in-1 waterproof toddler all-in-one with fleece layer. Perfect for winter outdoor adventures. £35.50 in raindrop print.","/snow-day-adventure-muddy-puddles",{"title":5087,"description":5092},"snow-day-adventure-muddy-puddles","v80iNFMJQCx-3SNepi5zifHuiIssv1_OvVYs-I7_FoU",{"id":5159,"title":5160,"author":245,"body":5161,"category":5198,"cover":5167,"date":5199,"description":5168,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":5200,"meta":5201,"meta_description":5202,"meta_title":5160,"navigation":236,"path":5203,"seo":5204,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":5205,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":5206},"posts/letter-santa-peppa-pig-ladybird-books.md","A letter to Santa with Peppa Pig and Ladybird books",{"type":9,"value":5162,"toc":5196},[5163,5169,5172,5178,5184],[12,5164,5165,5168],{},[45,5166],{"alt":215,"src":5167},"/images/2017/01/peppa_pig_letter_to_santa_ladybird_books.jpg","Who’s that? What’s that? Questions you’ll hear on repeat form my two year old who appear to want to know everything! Preparing him for Christmas was filled with questions, who’s Santa? He’s a little young to really understand the entire concept.",[12,5170,5171],{},"With the help of Peppa Pig we did manage to get him to understand that Santa was going to bring presents to the good girls and boys and the idea of a letter!",[12,5173,5174,5177],{},[45,5175],{"alt":215,"src":5176},"/images/2017/01/A_letter_To_Santa_peppa_pig_1.jpg","Using a template from the Ladybird Books website we printed our letter to Santa Clause. I wanted the moment to be a fun experience for Taylor. We sat at the table and explained what the letter was for, who we were sending it to, and what we wanted to say.",[12,5179,5180,5183],{},[45,5181],{"alt":215,"src":5182},"/images/2017/01/A_letter_To_Santa_peppa_pig_2.jpg","Although he isn’t at an age where he knows what he would like to ask santa for he did help answer the questions. He was able to tell me his name, if he had been good or not and that the letter was to Santa. He also signed the letter with his own little scribble before we sealed it up to send to Santa Clause!",[12,5185,5186,5187,575],{},"You can print out your own letter alongside some other exciting and festive activities on the ",[211,5188,5189],{},[34,5190,5191],{},[16,5192,5195],{"href":5193,"rel":5194},"https://www.penguin.co.uk/ladybird/articles/2016/nov/send-a-peppa-pig-santa-letter/",[20],"Ladybird Books website",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":5197},[],[226],"2016-12-15T16:33:00Z","9696",{},"Writing a letter to Santa with Peppa Pig printable templates from Ladybird Books. Helping toddlers understand Christmas and Santa with festive activities.","/letter-santa-peppa-pig-ladybird-books",{"title":5160,"description":5168},"letter-santa-peppa-pig-ladybird-books","oxWWfiEKI36sVp9C8RiaG2PQesrSmH74YpTHRkFLP6c",{"id":5208,"title":5209,"author":245,"body":5210,"category":5291,"cover":5292,"date":5293,"description":5214,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":5294,"meta":5295,"meta_description":5296,"meta_title":5297,"navigation":236,"path":5298,"seo":5299,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":5300,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":5301},"posts/love-creative-play-magnets-smartmax-playground-xl.md","Why we love creative play with magnets and the Smartmax Playground XL",{"type":9,"value":5211,"toc":5289},[5212,5215,5226,5232,5235,5242,5248,5254,5260,5263,5269,5272,5277,5286],[12,5213,5214],{},"Play time in our house is a time I like us all to be able to enjoy together, spending time together as a family is important and having the opportunity to see Taylor’s mind at work is always fascinating. At 22 months old he already has impressive hand-eye coordination, he may not be able to catch a ball but he certainly has the ability to build a masterpiece with construction toys.",[12,5216,5217,5218,5225],{},"A current favourite of ours is ",[34,5219,5220],{},[16,5221,5224],{"href":5222,"rel":5223},"http://www.smartmax.eu/",[20],"Smartmax",". A range of magnetic building toys catering for ages 1-6.",[12,5227,5228,5231],{},[45,5229],{"alt":215,"src":5230},"/images/2016/12/smartmax_magnetic_toys.jpg","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, to learn and to explore the fascinating world of magnetism and most importantly, to have fun.",[12,5233,5234],{},"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.",[12,5236,5237,5238,5241],{},"We’ve been playing with the Smartmax playground xl this month and found we all enjoy it. Taylor likes being able to build constructions with ease, whilst mummy and daddy like to see what masterpieces we can create too, which Taylor knocks down, of course. It can get quite competitive too! ",[45,5239],{"alt":215,"src":5240},"/images/2016/12/smartmax_magnetic_toys-9.jpg","I find the best way to encourage Taylor to engage and play is to concentrate on the one toy. So when I bring out the smartmax we’ll tidy away his other toys as he can become distracted easily. It’s the sort of toy that’s perfect on a Sunday evening during that hour between dinner and bath time. A quiet hour to sit and play together.",[12,5243,5244,5247],{},[45,5245],{"alt":215,"src":5246},"/images/2016/12/smartmax_magnetic_toys-7.jpg","Each piece in the smartmax set is sturdy and chunky in size. Meaning I can pop out of the room during play without worrying that anything could be harmful or potentially swallowed. This is a big deal as most parents will agree, some toys you just can’t leave them alone with, especially at the age where everything goes into their mouth. All parts are bigger than 3cm and thereby don’t fit a child’s throat.",[12,5249,5250,5253],{},[45,5251],{"alt":215,"src":5252},"/images/2016/12/smartmax_magnetic_toys-6.jpg","The Playground XL set comes in a cardboard box, which Taylor decided to climb inside. As I love organisation I’d much prefer a container you can store them in, but that’s just me. Some of the larger sets do have this benefit which is great.",[12,5255,5256,5259],{},[45,5257],{"alt":215,"src":5258},"/images/2016/12/smartmax_magnetic_toys-3.jpg","Their is also a great educational side to Smartmax – Magnets have a magnetic north and south pole. The cold colours in Smartmax, green, blue, purple and white have their north poles directed outwards. The warm colours, red, orange, yellow and pink have their south poles directed outwards.",[12,5261,5262],{},"All bars with a cold colour can be connected to all bars with a warm colour. All other combinations repel. A fun way to teach children about magnets!",[12,5264,5265,5268],{},[45,5266],{"alt":215,"src":5267},"/images/2016/12/smartmax_magnetic_toys-2.jpg","Taylor has loved constructing with Smartmax and was in awe when he first saw the pieces come together. Something as simple as magnet is fascinating the first time you see it and they’ve been a huge hit with him. He doesn’t understand why some pieces will and won’t connect but that’s something we can teach him with them as he gets older.",[12,5270,5271],{},"The Smartmax XL set is a 46 piece set and contains 13 metal balls, 15 short magnetic poles, 4 long magnetic poles, 6 panels, 4 curved tubes and 2 straight tubes.",[12,5273,5274],{},[45,5275],{"alt":215,"src":5276},"/images/2016/12/smartmax_magnetic_toys-5.jpg",[12,5278,5279,5280,5285],{},"Retailing at £44.99 ",[34,5281,5282],{},[16,5283,5224],{"href":5222,"rel":5284},[20]," has become a firm favourite in our house. From building towers to ball runs, cameras, microphones and houses the only real limit is your imagination.",[12,5287,5288],{},"As an introduction to Smartmax this set has been perfect. I have a feeling we might be asking Santa Clause for more so we can go bigger with our creations!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":5290},[],[226],"/images/2016/12/smartmax_magnetic_toys-4.jpg","2016-12-14T12:43:00Z","9621",{},"Smartmax Playground XL magnetic toy review. 46-piece construction set teaching magnetism, colour recognition, and creativity. Safe for ages 1-6. £44.99.","Smartmax Playground XL Review | Magnetic Toys","/love-creative-play-magnets-smartmax-playground-xl",{"title":5209,"description":5214},"love-creative-play-magnets-smartmax-playground-xl","wZRBgo4Xfb4tTdm504I10GhbxxXSZ5x-tRqube_dodU",{"id":5303,"title":5304,"author":245,"body":5305,"category":5363,"cover":5364,"date":5365,"description":5309,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":5366,"meta":5367,"meta_description":5368,"meta_title":5304,"navigation":236,"path":5369,"seo":5370,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":5371,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":5372},"posts/justins-house-playset-review-golden-bear-toys.md","Justin’s House Playset Review from Golden Bear Toys",{"type":9,"value":5306,"toc":5361},[5307,5310,5324,5333,5339,5345,5351],[12,5308,5309],{},"Before Taylor came into our lives I was oblivious as to who Justin Fletcher is. He could have been anyone. But he isn’t, he’s the star of multiple CBeebies programmes. He probably has more air time in a single day than the presenters themselves.",[12,5311,5312,5315,5316,5323],{},[45,5313],{"alt":215,"src":5314},"/images/2016/12/justins_house_golden_bear_09.jpg","To accompany his multitude of programmes their are of course toys. We recently received the ",[34,5317,5318],{},[16,5319,5322],{"href":5320,"rel":5321},"http://www.goldenbeartoys.com/collections/justins-house/products/justins-house-playset",[20],"Justin’s House Playset from Golden Bear Toys"," of the hit CBeebies show ‘Justin’s House’ The house is a very cute miniature replica of the TV show set. From the sofa to the kitchen counter theirs no mistaking this is Justin’s House, complete with interchangeable character cards that can be place behind the door.",[12,5325,5326,5329,5332],{},[45,5327],{"alt":215,"src":5328},"/images/2016/12/justins_house_golden_bear_02.jpg",[45,5330],{"alt":215,"src":5331},"/images/2016/12/justins_house_golden_bear_08.jpg","The kitchen worktop features buttons that play sounds, a door bell, Justin speaking and the theme tune to the TV program. This is Taylor’s favourite part of set, he’ll carry it around repeatedly playing the tune. We thought it had met its demise when he threw it into a sink full of water, but two days later it started singing again. Of course you shouldn’t put it near water, but try telling that to a two year old!",[12,5334,5335,5338],{},[45,5336],{"alt":215,"src":5337},"/images/2016/12/justins_house_golden_bear_06.jpg","Justin’s house comes with plays figures of both Justin and Robert. These have been a hit with Taylor as he currently loves play figures he calls them ‘People’ and cannot go anywhere without a handful of them. Justin and Robert were accepted into the collection with ease and have since earned a place in the bucket of ‘people’ – which would appear to be a great honour.",[12,5340,5341,5344],{},[45,5342],{"alt":215,"src":5343},"/images/2016/12/justins_house_golden_bear_03.jpg","All of the play people have been able to fit and play in this neat little house. As any fan would know, Everybody’s welcome at Justin’s house, so Taylor was delighted to have his very own that all of his toys could play in. Recommended for Ages 3+ Taylor hasn’t had any trouble using the house at 2 and the parts aren’t too small for him to handle.",[12,5346,5347,5350],{},[45,5348],{"alt":215,"src":5349},"/images/2016/12/justins_house_golden_bear_07.jpg","Overall the quality of Justin’s House is good, it’s sturdier than I expected and it’s fun features such as little monster always have Taylor giggling. It’s a fun toy that allows him use his imagination and create his own episodes of Justin’s House.",[12,5352,5353,5354,5360],{},"Retailing at RRP £29.99 from ",[34,5355,5356],{},[16,5357,5359],{"href":5320,"rel":5358},[20],"Golden Bear Toys"," I think it’s great value for money that will provide hours of fun and certainly a perfect choice for any fans of Justin this Christmas!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":5362},[],[226],"/images/2016/12/justins_house_golden_bear_01.jpg","2016-12-12T13:46:00Z","9617",{},"Justin's House Playset review from Golden Bear Toys. CBeebies toy with Justin and Robert figures, sounds, theme tune, and doorbell. £29.99, ages 3+.","/justins-house-playset-review-golden-bear-toys",{"title":5304,"description":5309},"justins-house-playset-review-golden-bear-toys","pWBidYl4XgHFR8FTH-QcBhbSZA7gKtt4Jikvefa3Fgo",{"id":5374,"title":5375,"author":245,"body":5376,"category":5420,"cover":5421,"date":5422,"description":5380,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":5423,"meta":5424,"meta_description":5425,"meta_title":5375,"navigation":236,"path":5426,"seo":5427,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":5428,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":5429},"posts/sweet-dreams-bed-time-bing-owly-nightlight.md","Sweet dreams with Bed time Bing and Owly Nightlight",{"type":9,"value":5377,"toc":5418},[5378,5381,5388,5395,5398,5405,5412],[12,5379,5380],{},"As you may know I live with a Bingster. A Bingster is a tiny person who is obsessed with a little black bunny who goes by the name of Bing. Taylor, has accumulated a nice little collection Bing soft toys since taking a shine to him.",[12,5382,5383,5387],{},[45,5384],{"alt":5385,"src":5386},"bing_owly_bedtime_fisherprice-6","/images/2016/11/bing_owly_bedtime_fisherprice-6.jpg","One of our current favourites is Bedtime Bing & Owly Night Light. This particular Bing soft toy is cute and cuddly. He’s also wearing his hoppity voosh pyjamas, it is of course bed time.",[12,5389,5390,5394],{},[45,5391],{"alt":5392,"src":5393},"bing_owly_bedtime_fisherprice","/images/2016/11/bing_owly_bedtime_fisherprice.jpg","He isn’t interactive in anyway, he is simply a cute cuddly bing, perfect for little Bingsters to take to bed. But that’s not all… He also comes with Owly the Night Light as seen in the TV series of Bing. This is where the magic happens.",[12,5396,5397],{},"Owly plays music as coloured lights slowly fade in and out, changing from one colour to the next for a soothing bedtime effect. A simple switch allows you to choose from three modes — Lights and Sounds, Lights only, or Sounds only.",[12,5399,5400,5404],{},[45,5401],{"alt":5402,"src":5403},"bing_owly_bedtime_fisherprice-7","/images/2016/11/bing_owly_bedtime_fisherprice-7.jpg","Taylor loves having Owly to take to bed as he’s seen Bing do so on many occasions. Bing may have some annoying traits to us parents but he’s managed to instill some great habits into Taylor. Such as his love for brushing his teeth!",[12,5406,5407,5411],{},[45,5408],{"alt":5409,"src":5410},"bing_owly_bedtime_fisherprice-5","/images/2016/11/bing_owly_bedtime_fisherprice-5.jpg","Since moving house Taylor has become very aware of the ‘dark’ and been unsettled. They’ve become an essential part of bedtime and provided him with comfort at what seems to have been an unsettling time for him.",[12,5413,5414,5415,5417],{},"Bing and Owly are the perfect bedtime companions keeping the environment calm and relaxed for the perfect nights sleep.",[774,5416],{},"\nBedtime bing and Owly retail for a RRP of £27.99 online at Amazon, also online and in store at Smyths and other leading UK toy retailers.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":5419},[],[226],"/images/2016/11/bing_owly_bedtime_fisherprice-2.jpg","2016-12-08T20:31:00Z","9573",{},"Bedtime Bing & Owly Night Light review. Soft toy with colour-changing musical nightlight. Three modes: lights, sounds, or both. £27.99 from Smyths and Amazon.","/sweet-dreams-bed-time-bing-owly-nightlight",{"title":5375,"description":5380},"sweet-dreams-bed-time-bing-owly-nightlight","QCelOKrtqPYfRPdjDkhe6jTBR3xWtgvHyIYIPC9qq2Y",{"id":5431,"title":5432,"author":245,"body":5433,"category":5507,"cover":5508,"date":5509,"description":5437,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":5510,"meta":5511,"meta_description":5512,"meta_title":5513,"navigation":236,"path":5514,"seo":5515,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":5516,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":5517},"posts/belle-musical-tea-party-cart-from-jakks-pacific.md","Afternoon Tea with Belles Musical Tea Party Cart from Jakks Pacific",{"type":9,"value":5434,"toc":5505},[5435,5438,5444,5447,5453,5456,5459,5465,5468,5474,5477,5483,5486,5493,5502],[12,5436,5437],{},"It’s been a week filled with afternoon tea in our house ever since we received Belles Musical Tea Party Cart. A cute Disney inspired tea cart fit for any high-tea engagement and perfect for this christmas!",[12,5439,5440],{},[45,5441],{"alt":5442,"src":5443},"belles_teacart_jakks_toys-5","/images/2016/11/belles_teacart_jakks_toys-5.jpg",[12,5445,5446],{},"The cart comes in 4 pieces, it’s quick and easy to put together but does take some force. I was hesitant when applying so much force as I felt it seemed a little weak and I didn’t want to break it. This may just be me being over cautious. It was fine and all clipped together without any breakage. Taylor has since ragged it around the house and it’s survived his brute force too.",[12,5448,5449],{},[45,5450],{"alt":5451,"src":5452},"belles_teacart_jakks_toys-10","/images/2016/11/belles_teacart_jakks_toys-10.jpg",[12,5454,5455],{},"I’m all about letting Taylor express himself in any way he wants and I’m certainly not about telling toddlers that certain toys are for girls or boys only. Not in this house. He LOVES serving tea.",[12,5457,5458],{},"We still have pictures of my older brother playing with my sisters dolls and ironing. Giving Taylor the tea cart to play with has opened a whole new world of roleplay for him and he’s enjoyed it immensely.",[12,5460,5461],{},[45,5462],{"alt":5463,"src":5464},"belles_teacart_jakks_toys-3","/images/2016/11/belles_teacart_jakks_toys-3.jpg",[12,5466,5467],{},"The tea cart comes with a teapot and two cups, complete with chip in. If you’re a fan of Beauty and the Beast you’ll know Chip the teacup as one of the characters alongside his friends. They’re an adorable little set. I’ve found the Teapot and cups are of high quality more so than the cart and they’re very accurate in look and feel to those of the original Disney film.",[12,5469,5470],{},[45,5471],{"alt":5472,"src":5473},"belles_teacart_jakks_toys-4","/images/2016/11/belles_teacart_jakks_toys-4.jpg",[12,5475,5476],{},"With a RRP of £59.99 I think it is pricey and would expect more in terms of accessories. Maybe the full tea set? Having said that Taylor has still played with it non-stop and you really can’t put a price on that smile. It’s also been on numerous offers throughout UK stores so bare that in mind!",[12,5478,5479],{},[45,5480],{"alt":5481,"src":5482},"belles_teacart_jakks_toys-9","/images/2016/11/belles_teacart_jakks_toys-9.jpg",[12,5484,5485],{},"To his delight, and only his, the tea cart also plays a tune ‘be our guest’ as featured in the Disney classic. Whilst singing the centre of the cart rotates in circles to animate making the teapot and cups spin. It may not seem like much to an adult and the song, I’ve heard it enough to last me a lifetime but to Taylor, it’s magical. Which is what’s expected when it comes to the world of Disney.",[12,5487,5488,5492],{},[45,5489],{"alt":5490,"src":5491},"belles_teacart_jakks_toys-11","/images/2016/11/belles_teacart_jakks_toys-11.jpg","Overall Belles Tea Cart is the perfect gift for little ones whether they love Disney princesses or simply serving up a lovely cuppa like Taylor.",[12,5494,5495,5496,5501],{},"You can find Belles Tea cart from ",[16,5497,5500],{"href":5498,"rel":5499},"http://www.jakks.com/",[20],"Jakks pacific"," at amazon, smyths and other leading retailers for £49.99",[12,5503,5504],{},"We were sent Belles Musical Tea Party Cart in exchange for this review, all opinions are honest and our own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":5506},[],[226],"/images/2016/11/belles_teacart_jakks_toys.jpg","2016-11-29T13:51:00Z","9536",{},"Belle's Musical Tea Party Cart review. Disney toy with teapot, Chip cup, and 'Be Our Guest' music. £49.99. Perfect roleplay gift for toddlers.","Belle's Musical Tea Party Cart Review | Disney Toy","/belle-musical-tea-party-cart-from-jakks-pacific",{"title":5432,"description":5437},"belle-musical-tea-party-cart-from-jakks-pacific","HPZR_s6aldvd7ZNWiLGePM7w-Rt1lZkzY-25KM6-ptc",{"id":5519,"title":5520,"author":245,"body":5521,"category":5567,"cover":5568,"date":5569,"description":5525,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":5570,"meta":5571,"meta_description":5572,"meta_title":5520,"navigation":236,"path":5573,"seo":5574,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":5575,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":5576},"posts/maintaining-balanced-nutrient-intake-similac-follow-milk-ad.md","Maintaining nutrient intake with Similac growing-up milk #ad",{"type":9,"value":5522,"toc":5565},[5523,5526,5533,5536,5543,5546,5553,5560],[12,5524,5525],{},"This week we’ve been trying Simillac toddler growing-up milk in partnership with Britmums – Taylor was exclusively breastfed until we began weaning with solids at 7 months. 22 months on he still nurses in the morning and before bed, we’re in the process of weaning him off of this and introducing alternatives. He will drink cows milk throughout the day but I sometimes feel he’s not getting the same nutrients, especially on days when he doesn’t eat a lot; He can be fussy and agreed to give this a go.",[12,5527,5528,5532],{},[45,5529],{"alt":5530,"src":5531},"similac_follow_on_2","/images/2016/11/similac_follow_on_2.jpg","Similac is a palm oil-free range of baby and toddler milks, which provide key nutrients to support your baby’s growth and development, with omega 3 & 6, vitamins A, C, and D, calcium and iron. Similac is made by Abbott who, for over 90 years, have been helping mums around the world nourish their babies.",[12,5534,5535],{},"Taylor accepted Similac although I can’t deny he wasn’t sure at first. He’s most familiar with breastmilk and cows milk. We did try formula alongside expressing as I returned to work.",[12,5537,5538,5542],{},[45,5539],{"alt":5540,"src":5541},"similac_follow_on_5","/images/2016/11/similac_follow_on_5.jpg","Preparing the milk was easy; Considering we didn’t use formula when he was a baby preparing powdered milk isn’t something I’ve done very often. Growing-up milk provides key nutrients that cows milk cannot provide it supports growth and development. I find it reassuring at times when Taylor isn’t well. Especially whilst weaning.",[12,5544,5545],{},"Similac comes in a metal tin like most powdered milks. It is also sealed so you can be sure it hasn’t been tampered with. The design on the packaging has a mature feel to it in comparison to other brands and gives an almost medical feel with the colouring and strong brand presence.",[12,5547,5548,5552],{},[45,5549],{"alt":5550,"src":5551},"similac_follow_on_3","/images/2016/11/similac_follow_on_3.jpg","I would recommend Similac growing-up milk to parents looking for reassurance that their toddlers are getting enough nutrients, if formula is something you use on a regular basis.",[12,5554,5555,5559],{},[45,5556],{"alt":5557,"src":5558},"baby_drinking_water_nursing_pillow","/images/2015/09/baby_drinking_water_nursing_pillow.jpg","Important notice: Breastfeeding is best for babies and is recommended for as long as possible during infancy. Breastfeeding provides many benefits to both mother and baby. It is difficult to reverse the decision not to breastfeed. We recommend that you speak to your healthcare professional for advice on how to feed your baby.",[12,5561,5562],{},[211,5563,5564],{},"I have been sponsored by Similac to try Similac Follow On Milk/Growing Up Milk and write about it on my blog. All opinions are my own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":5566},[],[226],"/images/2016/11/similac_follow_on_4.jpg","2016-11-09T22:59:00Z","9517",{},"Similac growing-up milk review. Palm oil-free toddler milk with omega 3 & 6, vitamins A, C, D, calcium and iron. Supporting nutrient intake during weaning.","/maintaining-balanced-nutrient-intake-similac-follow-milk-ad",{"title":5520,"description":5525},"maintaining-balanced-nutrient-intake-similac-follow-milk-ad","-cxSEHLHrqlK6BkrsAl2TctqWlT6mh_QhQEcPRJMyik",{"id":5578,"title":5579,"author":245,"body":5580,"category":5722,"cover":5723,"date":5724,"description":5586,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":5725,"meta":5726,"meta_description":5727,"meta_title":5728,"navigation":236,"path":5729,"seo":5730,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":5731,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":5732},"posts/preparing-peaks-first-impressions-stokke-trailz.md","Preparing for the Peaks – Our first impressions of the Stokke Trailz",{"type":9,"value":5581,"toc":5720},[5582,5587,5590,5601,5608,5619,5627,5630,5635,5638,5645,5650,5658,5679,5688,5691,5698,5705,5708],[12,5583,5584],{},[34,5585,5586],{},"If there’s one thing I love, it’s pushchairs.",[12,5588,5589],{},"I never realised this until I had to put it into words for a recent magazine column I write. I’ve started not only noticing but announcing what people are pushing as we drive by. It’s gotten so bad, we play spot the Xplory, maybe it’s just me shouting Xplory to myself.",[12,5591,5592,5593,5600],{},"If you follow us then you’ll know ",[34,5594,5595],{},[16,5596,5599],{"href":5597,"rel":5598},"https://www.stokke.com",[20],"Stokke"," are a favourite of ours, a Scandinavian brand that oozes elegance, practicality and style.",[12,5602,5603,5607],{},[45,5604],{"alt":5605,"src":5606},"stokke_trailz_review_01","/images/2016/10/stokke_trailz_review_01.jpg","As our family prepare to relocate and start anew in the picturesque Peak District we’ve been road testing the Stokke Trailz. An all-terrain stroller built for the outdoors. It has turned out to be everything that we hoped… and more!",[12,5609,5610,5611,5618],{},"The Trailz retails at ",[34,5612,5613],{},[16,5614,5617],{"href":5615,"rel":5616},"https://www.stokke.com/GBR/en-gb/prams/stokke-trailz/4068.html",[20],"£964.00"," – Ours came with the elegant and sleek grey melange textiles which I love.",[12,5620,5621,5625],{},[45,5622],{"alt":5623,"src":5624},"stokke_trailz_box","/images/2016/11/stokke_trailz_box.jpg",[34,5626,3174],{},[12,5628,5629],{},"The Stokke Trailz arrived in two boxes; Box one contained the chassis and wheels. Box two contained the seat unit, hood, foot rest, mosquito net and rain cover.",[12,5631,5632],{},[34,5633,5634],{},"The build –",[12,5636,5637],{},"Assembly was simple, the wheels clipped onto the chassis with ease. The seat unit is easy to attach and the hood simply zipped on. It took around 10 minutes to have the Trailz set up and ready for use. At which point Taylor climbed into the basket. Which is so big we could fit 3 of him in there. He sat upright under the seat comfortably and refused to get out. He is petite, but the Trailz basket is impressive.",[12,5639,5640,5644],{},[45,5641],{"alt":5642,"src":5643},"stokke_trails_review_07","/images/2016/10/stokke_trails_review_07.jpg","The trailz is described as always being ready for an adventure and boasts many features from newborn to toddler.",[12,5646,5647],{},[34,5648,5649],{},"If you haven’t already – Check out our little video at the top of this post to see the Trailz in action!",[12,5651,5652,5656],{},[45,5653],{"alt":5654,"src":5655},"stokke_trails_review_08","/images/2016/10/stokke_trails_review_08.jpg",[34,5657,3044],{},[12,5659,5660,5661,5663,5664,5666,5667,5669,5670,5672,5673,5675,5676,5678],{},"• Strong and robust construction",[774,5662],{},"\n• Large air filled rubber tyres and advanced tyre suspension secures a smooth ride for your little one",[774,5665],{},"\n• Can be used with carry cot, stroller seat and car seats",[774,5668],{},"\n• 3 parent facing positions: sleep, rest and active, and 2 forward facing positions: rest and active",[774,5671],{},"\n• Lockable swivel front wheels and the adjustable, ergonomic handle ensures superior manoeuvrability",[774,5674],{},"\n• Large, waterproof shoppping basket prevents content from getting wet and dirty",[774,5677],{},"\n• Easy and compact folding",[12,5680,5681,5685],{},[45,5682],{"alt":5683,"src":5684},"stokke_trailz_review_09-4","/images/2016/10/stokke_trailz_review_09-4-1.jpg",[34,5686,5687],{},"Initial thoughts –",[12,5689,5690],{},"The Trailz is an all terrain that could only be described as the Range Rover of push chairs. The pushchair loving mama in me couldn’t have asked for more. I’m yet to test it on public transport or for our commute to nursery so fingers crossed it fits. Because like a Range Rover it’s big, but it’s also beautiful. We’re already contemplating an Xplory chassis to alternate it between for those smaller city outings and public transport. Another fantastic feature of Stokke, being able to use one seat unit on more than one chassis. Genius.",[12,5692,5693,5697],{},[45,5694],{"alt":5695,"src":5696},"STOKKE_trailz_adventure","/images/2016/10/STOKKE_trailz_adventure.jpg","Having recently gone through an anti-pram phase with Taylor it’s been refreshing to say goodbye to the tantrums. With a high seating position the Trailz is something Taylor actually wants to sit in. He can even push the buttons at crossings, which he loves. We also use it up at tables as a high chair when one isn’t available.",[12,5699,5700,5704],{},[45,5701],{"alt":5702,"src":5703},"stokke_trailz_review_04","/images/2016/10/stokke_trailz_review_04.jpg","As we approach completion on the purchase of our family home we’ll be putting the Trailz to the test and sharing our progress with you. I can’t wait to take the Trailz out in snowwy Derbyshire this winter.",[12,5706,5707],{},"I’m already eyeing up their other prams, matching bags and liners. I think I have what can only be described as Stokke Syndrome!",[1423,5709,5711],{"id":5710},"we-were-sent-the-trailz-for-the-purpose-of-this-review-and-many-adventures-to-come-you-can-shop-the-trailz-xplory-crusi-scoot-and-more-at-stokkecom",[211,5712,5713,5714],{},"We were sent the Trailz for the purpose of this review and many adventures to come. You can shop the Trailz, Xplory, Crusi, Scoot and more at ",[34,5715,5716],{},[16,5717,5719],{"href":5597,"rel":5718},[20],"Stokke.com",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":5721},[],[226],"/images/2016/10/stokke_trailz_review_05.jpg","2016-11-02T13:10:00Z","9432",{},"Stokke Trailz pushchair first impressions. All-terrain stroller with air-filled tyres, high seating, and massive storage basket. £964. Perfect for adventure.","Stokke Trailz Pushchair - First Impressions Review","/preparing-peaks-first-impressions-stokke-trailz",{"title":5579,"description":5586},"preparing-peaks-first-impressions-stokke-trailz","A8jcYECZPQpuDZB5mQ91Cig8Vg9LDxGS9nTjFFIH2nY",{"id":5734,"title":5735,"author":245,"body":5736,"category":5822,"cover":5823,"date":5824,"description":5742,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":5825,"meta":5826,"meta_description":5827,"meta_title":5828,"navigation":236,"path":5829,"seo":5830,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":5831,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":5832},"posts/best-friends-bing-sula.md","Fisher Price Best friends Bing & Sula – Being best friends, it’s a Bing thing!",{"type":9,"value":5737,"toc":5820},[5738,5743,5746,5749,5756,5763,5766,5778,5781,5784,5791,5794,5801,5808],[12,5739,5740],{},[211,5741,5742],{},"Pretty purple, indigo, blue and green and bright yellow. That’s the way the colours go, climbing up the rainybow. Sunset orange, ruby red, rainybow above your head. That’s the way the colours go, sliding down the rainybow!",[12,5744,5745],{},"If you have a toddler then you might be familiar with a certain little black bunny on Cbeebies who goes by the name of Bing.",[12,5747,5748],{},"Bing is a preschool age Bunny who spends each day exploring and getting up to mischief.",[12,5750,5751,5755],{},[45,5752],{"alt":5753,"src":5754},"bing_sula_fisher_price_02","/images/2016/10/bing_sula_fisher_price_02.jpg","Up until now Taylor has never shown a particular interest in one product or character. Suddenly it’s all about Bing. From the moment he wakes up until it’s time to go to sleep. Everything is a Bing thing.",[12,5757,5758,5762],{},[45,5759],{"alt":5760,"src":5761},"best_friends_bing_and_sula-4","/images/2016/10/best_friends_bing_and_sula-4.jpg","Our little Bingster is most content watching or playing with his favourite bunny. So you can imagine Taylors delight when he recieved Best Friends Bing & Sula from the lovely folks at Fisher-Price.",[12,5764,5765],{},"Opening the parcel went something like this – “Bing, Bing, Bing!” “Open, open open” He was beyond excited.",[4284,5767,5768,5775],{},[12,5769,5770],{},[16,5771,5774],{"href":5772,"rel":5773},"https://www.instagram.com/p/BMCtmnLgsrP/",[20],"• Open • When you really want to open your new @fisherprice @bingbunny ☺️ #bing #bingbunny #itsabingthing #bingandsula",[12,5776,5777],{},"A video posted by LeeLee (@leeleeloves) on Oct 26, 2016 at 3:09pm PDT",[12,5779,5780],{},"Bing & Sula come as a set and interact with one another just like they do in the TV series.",[12,5782,5783],{},"Using magnets Bing and Sula will hold hands as they chat with one another and play games. They can also sense when one another is near. Walking past the toy bag with Bing you’ll hear Sula shout “There you are Bing!” She doesn’t miss a trick.",[12,5785,5786,5790],{},[45,5787],{"alt":5788,"src":5789},"best_friends_bing_and_sula","/images/2016/10/best_friends_bing_and_sula.jpg","With over 100 phrases Taylor is yet to tire of them and I think it’s unlikely that he will any time soon.",[12,5792,5793],{},"He has played with them, slept with them, read stories with them and ate with them. Where Taylor goes Bing & Sula are sure to follow.",[12,5795,5796,5800],{},[45,5797],{"alt":5798,"src":5799},"bing_sula_fisher_price_01","/images/2016/10/bing_sula_fisher_price_01.jpg","These toys are different to any other Taylor has. They finish each others sentences! Taking turns at singing lines to songs such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Start and the Rainybow song. Taylor has picked up on this and now tries to sing along with them too! He’s never sang songs before so I was surprised to find he was learning this through his toys.",[12,5802,5803,5807],{},[45,5804],{"alt":5805,"src":5806},"best_friends_bing_and_sula-2","/images/2016/10/best_friends_bing_and_sula-2.jpg","Overall they have been a huge hit in our home. Providing hours of fun, entertainment, and a friend to cuddle at night. We love Bing & Sula. They’re also the perfect gift for Bingsters to share and ideal for siblings.",[12,5809,5810,5811,5819],{},"Fisher-Price Best Friends Bing & Sula are suitable for children aged 18 months+ and come complete with batteries. You can find My Friends Bing & Sula at ",[211,5812,5813],{},[34,5814,5815],{},[16,5816,763],{"href":5817,"rel":5818},"https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/pre-school-electronic-learning/c-914/bing/p-19437/best-friends-bing-sula/",[20]," for a rrp £49.99",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":5821},[],[226],"/images/2016/10/best_friends_bing_and_sula-6.jpg","2016-10-27T22:12:00Z","9486",{},"Fisher-Price Best Friends Bing & Sula review. Interactive toys with over 100 phrases, magnetic hand-holding, and duet songs. £49.99. Perfect for Bingsters!","Fisher Price Best Friends Bing & Sula Review","/best-friends-bing-sula",{"title":5735,"description":5742},"best-friends-bing-sula","iKZWw4UvYV-Q_kPMxpEHZUpLPnLU2o3Yj3XGAScx8mE",{"id":5834,"title":5835,"author":245,"body":5836,"category":5923,"cover":5924,"date":5925,"description":5840,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":5926,"meta":5927,"meta_description":5928,"meta_title":5835,"navigation":236,"path":5929,"seo":5930,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":5931,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":5932},"posts/light-night-zazu-kids-lou-cheeky-rascals.md","Light the night with Zazu Kids Lou and Cheeky Rascals",{"type":9,"value":5837,"toc":5921},[5838,5841,5848,5862,5865,5868,5880,5883,5886,5893,5900,5903,5914],[12,5839,5840],{},"Bedtime can be difficult with toddlers. The last few months have seen an increase in Taylor resisting sleep and waking through the night. In a bid to help reduce the bed time struggles we introduced the Zazu Kids Lou owl night light. Of course I’d be a fool to think a night light is going to solve our bedtime battle, it isn’t. But this particular night light does have a series of helpful features that have helped.",[12,5842,5843,5847],{},[45,5844],{"alt":5845,"src":5846},"lamp-4","/images/2016/10/lamp-4.jpg","- 2 lights, the owl and outer ring, can be used together or separately",[361,5849,5850,5853,5856,5859],{},[364,5851,5852],{},"Independently Adjustable light settings, choose between bright, soft and ambient",[364,5854,5855],{},"Separate timer for each light with auto fade and shut off once your child sleeps",[364,5857,5858],{},"Voice activation sound sensor to turn on the light, then fade and switch off after 5 minutes",[364,5860,5861],{},"Includes mains lead and adapter",[12,5863,5864],{},"The lamp is so simple to control Taylor can switch it on and off by himself, with ease. Upon first use he thought it was amazing! “Wooooah” was his reaction. Woah indeed. Lou is a really cute character.",[12,5866,5867],{},"We’ve used the lamp in various rooms and taken it travelling where he has been able to control it. At home we keep the lamp on a shelf where he can’t reach it, this is because we have it plugged in at the mains and would rather he didn’t play with it.",[4284,5869,5870,5877],{},[12,5871,5872],{},[16,5873,5876],{"href":5874,"rel":5875},"https://www.instagram.com/p/BJOQ-qrAUDC/",[20],"• Woooah • Taylor is in awe of this cheeky little @zazu_kids nightlight from @cheeky_rascals It’s ridiculously cute and he won’t leave it alone or stop saying “woah” at it. He should be asleep, but we’re woahing at the light instead.",[12,5878,5879],{},"A video posted by LeeLee (@leeleeloves) on Aug 17, 2016 at 1:16pm PDT",[12,5881,5882],{},"With the option to have one of two lights on or both at once the Zazu night light is a versatile nursery essential.",[12,5884,5885],{},"Using simple button controls you can can choose to have the archway lit, the owl, or both. This helps in choosing the level of light you need.",[12,5887,5888,5892],{},[45,5889],{"alt":5890,"src":5891},"lamp-2","/images/2016/10/lamp-2.jpg","Adjustable brightness means we have enough light to read bedtime stories. It also allows us to reduce the brightness when it’s time to sleep. Before this we would tell stories with a bright light which didn’t help Taylor to wind down.",[12,5894,5895,5899],{},[45,5896],{"alt":5897,"src":5898},"lamp-3","/images/2016/10/lamp-3.jpg","My favourite feature is the voice activation. If Taylor cries the light switches itself on. Such a simple yet effective feature. I’ve been concerned that when Taylor wakes in the night he’s alone in the dark, thus causing him to become upset. With the night light I feel at ease knowing he’ll never be sat in the dark waiting for us to come to him. The light will also switch itself off again after 5 minutes of quiet.",[12,5901,5902],{},"Lou the night owl is a beautiful night light that gives your child the reassurance of soothing light that helps them settle to sleep.",[12,5904,5905,5906,5913],{},"Lou the owl Night Light can be found at ",[34,5907,5908],{},[16,5909,5912],{"href":5910,"rel":5911},"http://www.cheekyrascals.co.uk/zazu-nightlight.html",[20],"Cheeky Rascals "," retailing for £29.99 in a selection of 3 colours; blue, pink, and grey. Our Lou is grey and fits in perfectly with the decor of Taylor’s bedroom. He looks great. We love Lou!",[5915,5916,5918],"h6",{"id":5917},"we-were-sent-lou-for-the-purpose-of-this-review-all-opinions-are-honest-and-our-own",[211,5919,5920],{},"we were sent Lou for the purpose of this review, all opinions are honest and our own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":5922},[],[226],"/images/2016/10/lamp.jpg","2016-10-20T13:32:00Z","9456",{},"Zazu Kids Lou owl night light review from Cheeky Rascals. Voice-activated, adjustable brightness, dual lights, auto fade timer. £29.99 in 3 colours.","/light-night-zazu-kids-lou-cheeky-rascals",{"title":5835,"description":5840},"light-night-zazu-kids-lou-cheeky-rascals","HQZ2uxM9T96C-LkD4jztlGN7a5HLdSdtGk-NO3ojhIE",{"id":5934,"title":5935,"author":245,"body":5936,"category":6007,"cover":6008,"date":6009,"description":5940,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":6010,"meta":6011,"meta_description":6012,"meta_title":5935,"navigation":236,"path":6013,"seo":6014,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":6015,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":6016},"posts/introduction-play-puppets-puppets-post.md","An introduction to play through puppets with puppets by post",{"type":9,"value":5937,"toc":6005},[5938,5941,5948,5951,5958,5965,5972,5979,5991,5994],[12,5939,5940],{},"Keeping a toddler entertained can be a tough job. Of course silly faces, tickles and a game of chase will have them laughing away, but only for so long. When it comes to keeping Taylor entertained he wants interaction, he thrives on being able to get involved and contribute to the fun, rather than simply sitting back and watching as he used to.",[12,5942,5943,5947],{},[45,5944],{"alt":5945,"src":5946},"puppets_by_post_02","/images/2016/10/puppets_by_post_02.jpg","A favourite of ours right now is puppets! I’d never in a million years have thought of puppets and maybe you wouldn’t either?",[12,5949,5950],{},"I’m a covert to puppet play and feel that everyone should have one for their toddlers. Think Wayne Szalinski from Honey I blew up the kid, minus the blowing up part, telling stories with Big Bunny. Creating silly scenarios and making funny voices is ridiculously fun.",[12,5952,5953,5957],{},[45,5954],{"alt":5955,"src":5956},"puppets_by_post_03","/images/2016/10/puppets_by_post_03.jpg","When our lovely snowy owl puppet arrived in the post Taylor was beside himself with excitement.Mummy too, can you say Hedwig?! He can be used to tell stories or simply fly and make him giggle. Hi head rotates 360 and he’s very life like. It’s almost guaranteed to make Taylor smile in the midst of a meltdown too. The owl always makes Taylor giggle, maybe it’s my very poor owl impressions. He also loves to point out where his eyes and nose are which is cute.",[12,5959,5960,5964],{},[45,5961],{"alt":5962,"src":5963},"puppets_by_post_04","/images/2016/10/puppets_by_post_04.jpg","Puppets by post sent us three types of puppets, puppets for telling stories, a puppet for play and a puppet for on the go which is kept in the car. I particularly like that the puppets come to your door as Taylor loves opening boxes at the moment, especially when they’re filled with new friends and I can’t say I’ve seen puppets like these on the high street either.",[12,5966,5967,5971],{},[45,5968],{"alt":5969,"src":5970},"puppet_ by_post_0","/images/2016/10/puppet_-by_post_0.jpg","We’ve enjoyed reading The Gruffalos Child along with matching puppets and it adds a whole new dimension to the story. Taylor is easily distracted when we read stories and can often get bored if the story is long. With puppets he’s more than willing to listen to the whole story and watch as it’s acted out. The finger puppets are also the perfect size for Taylor. He likes to wear as many as possible, all at once.",[12,5973,5974,5978],{},[45,5975],{"alt":5976,"src":5977},"puppets_by_post_06","/images/2016/10/puppets_by_post_06.jpg","My favourite Puppet so far has to be our car pet, he’s a wolf and he’s capable of calming a car journey storm within minutes. Keeping a puppet in the glove box sounds odd but it works. When you have a grumpy one year old who is bored and fed up its amazing how manny giggles a puppet can create.",[4284,5980,5981,5988],{},[12,5982,5983],{},[16,5984,5987],{"href":5985,"rel":5986},"https://www.instagram.com/p/BHCrq0PgT27/",[20],"When you come home to a box full of puppets you know it's going to be a fun weekend! @puppetsbypost @bumppr",[12,5989,5990],{},"A video posted by LeeLee (@leeleeloves) on Jun 24, 2016 at 8:16am PDT",[12,5992,5993],{},"Do you use puppets as a form of play in your home?",[12,5995,5996,5997,6004],{},"Who knew a box of puppets could bring so much entertainment and joy. You can see the whole range of puppets at ",[34,5998,5999],{},[16,6000,6003],{"href":6001,"rel":6002},"http://www.puppetsbypost.com/",[20],"www.puppetsbypost.com"," with prices starting from £3.50 upwards their’s a puppet for everyone. Stay tuned to see what puppet fun we get up to.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":6006},[],[226],"/images/2016/10/puppets_by_post_05.jpg","2016-10-19T12:56:00Z","9437",{},"Puppets by Post review. Interactive toddler play with snowy owl, Gruffalo finger puppets, and car puppet. Storytelling and entertainment. From £3.50 upwards.","/introduction-play-puppets-puppets-post",{"title":5935,"description":5940},"introduction-play-puppets-puppets-post","w-tOGPwrU4z3IcsrQYy8TZGtv1X8Xoprj3RkzQPrlhc",{"id":6018,"title":6019,"author":245,"body":6020,"category":6091,"cover":6092,"date":6093,"description":6024,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":6094,"meta":6095,"meta_description":6096,"meta_title":6019,"navigation":236,"path":6097,"seo":6098,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":6099,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":6100},"posts/keeping-a-lid-on-it-korbell-nappy-bin-cheeky-rascals.md","Keeping a lid on it with Korbell and Cheeky Rascals",{"type":9,"value":6021,"toc":6089},[6022,6025,6032,6039,6046,6053,6060,6072,6075,6078],[12,6023,6024],{},"Aside from tears and tantrums one of the less than perfect parts of parenting is the smell. Sure you get used to it but nothing can prepare you for it. That strong smell that hits you as you enter your child’s bedroom of a morning or come home from work having been used to the outside world. Nappy smell.",[12,6026,6027,6031],{},[45,6028],{"alt":6029,"src":6030},"cheeky_Rascals_korbell_nappy_bin_06","/images/2016/10/cheeky_Rascals_korbell_nappy_bin_06.jpg","Their’s no nice way of saying it is there? Babies wear nappies and nappies stink. I can’t sugar coat it and Taylor agrees. He holds his nose as he says “uuurgh poo” and sticks his tongue out. – He knows he smells.",[12,6033,6034,6038],{},[45,6035],{"alt":6036,"src":6037},"cheeky_Rascals_korbell_nappy_bin_03","/images/2016/10/cheeky_Rascals_korbell_nappy_bin_03.jpg","On the days that we use disposable nappies we tend to pop them into nappy bags and brave the rain to run to the outdoor bin. Otherwise you risk the stink lingering around the room and nobody wants that.",[12,6040,6041,6045],{},[45,6042],{"alt":6043,"src":6044},"cheeky_Rascals_korbell_nappy_bin_04","/images/2016/10/cheeky_Rascals_korbell_nappy_bin_04.jpg","Thanks to Korbell we’re no longer running to the outside bin with parcels of poo. The Korbell nappy bin contains the smell meaning we can just pop them into the bin and lock the lid.",[12,6047,6048,6052],{},[45,6049],{"alt":6050,"src":6051},"cheeky_Rascals_korbell_nappy_bin_05","/images/2016/10/cheeky_Rascals_korbell_nappy_bin_05.jpg","We received the standard 15L Korbell nappy bin from Cheeky Rascals where it retails at £27.99 they also sell the refills for less than other retailers and a choice of 3 colours and sizes.",[12,6054,6055,6059],{},[45,6056],{"alt":6057,"src":6058},"cheeky_Rascals_korbell_nappy_bin_02","/images/2016/10/cheeky_Rascals_korbell_nappy_bin_02.jpg","The Korbell nappy bin has easy to use inserts with varying capacities depending on the size of bin you have, a child safe cutter for emptying and a handy foot pedal so you never need to touch the lid.",[4284,6061,6062,6069],{},[12,6063,6064],{},[16,6065,6068],{"href":6066,"rel":6067},"https://www.instagram.com/p/BLelfYlBk9O/",[20],"• Tidying Up After Himself • Taylor Is still insisting that he bins any nappies himself. I wouldn’t recommend sticking your nose in the nappy bin though. 🙈 #korbell #cheekyrascals",[12,6070,6071],{},"A video posted by LeeLee (@leeleeloves) on Oct 12, 2016 at 2:26pm PDT",[12,6073,6074],{},"Better still, after watching us Taylor now does it himself. After each change he’ll take his nappy proudly announce “I Bin” and off he pops to dispose of it. He also gives himself a round of applause after which is incredibly cute.",[12,6076,6077],{},"It looks great in our home with it’s clean colour and had becoming a nursery essential. And best of all it contains all of those nasty smells!",[12,6079,6080,6081,6088],{},"Visit ",[34,6082,6083],{},[16,6084,6087],{"href":6085,"rel":6086},"http://www.cheekyrascals.co.uk/korbell-nappy-bin.html",[20],"Cheeky Rascals"," to shop the range from £19.99 – £37.00",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":6090},[],[226],"/images/2016/10/cheeky_Rascals_korbell_nappy_bin_01.jpg","2016-10-13T21:46:00Z","9422",{},"Korbell nappy bin review: 15L capacity, foot pedal, odour-locking system. Effectively contains nappy smells. £27.99, multiple sizes available.","/keeping-a-lid-on-it-korbell-nappy-bin-cheeky-rascals",{"title":6019,"description":6024},"keeping-a-lid-on-it-korbell-nappy-bin-cheeky-rascals","aeTDdqzsTjSQY1N2Ppfqc_2buPvlsa71WH_t_bY1CnQ",{"id":6102,"title":6103,"author":245,"body":6104,"category":6171,"cover":6172,"date":6173,"description":6174,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":6175,"meta":6176,"meta_description":6177,"meta_title":6103,"navigation":236,"path":6178,"seo":6179,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":6180,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":6181},"posts/get-ready-halloween-bm-bargains.md","Get ready for Halloween with B&M",{"type":9,"value":6105,"toc":6169},[6106,6112,6115,6122,6125,6132,6135,6142,6145,6148,6155,6158],[12,6107,6108,6109,6111],{},"Double, double toil and trouble;",[774,6110],{},"\nFire burn and caldron bubble… – The season of spooks is upon us!",[12,6113,6114],{},"I’ve always loved halloween, my mum used to carve us our own little lanterns and we’d go trick or treating dressed up, I was always a cat. I grew up on an army estate so it was safe and it was no exaggeration when you said everyone knew one another. You were never approaching the home of a stranger.",[12,6116,6117,6121],{},[45,6118],{"alt":6119,"src":6120},"b_and_m_halloween_party-6","/images/2016/09/b_and_m_halloween_party-6.jpg","###### • Sweet bucket £1 • Table cloth – £4.99 • Kids cup – £1.99 •",[12,6123,6124],{},"Taylor won’t grow up in an environment as I did so I’m not sure I’d allow him to do the same when he’s older. I’ve always loved the idea of decorating the house for halloween though.",[12,6126,6127,6131],{},[45,6128],{"alt":6129,"src":6130},"b_and_m_halloween_party-8","/images/2016/09/b_and_m_halloween_party-8.jpg","###### • Candles £2.99 •",[12,6133,6134],{},"I’d like our family to celebrate Halloween from home, American style. From head stones in the front garden to spiders in windows. – This year we should (fingers crossed) be living in our new home and that’s my chance to get decorating!",[12,6136,6137,6141],{},[45,6138],{"alt":6139,"src":6140},"b_and_m_halloween_party-1","/images/2016/09/b_and_m_halloween_party-1.jpg","###### • Pumpkin Dog Toy – £1 •",[12,6143,6144],{},"I recently popped into B&M to find they have a huge selection of Halloween products for doing exactly what I wanted. It was the perfect opportunity to start my collection of Halloween decorations and get ready for celebrating in our new home.",[12,6146,6147],{},"They also sell sweets, huge bags of my favourite Parma Violets, 3 bags may have fallen in to my basket. And I have no regrets! I also picked up a seasonal gift for Dylan the dog who was thrilled.",[12,6149,6150,6154],{},[45,6151],{"alt":6152,"src":6153},"b_and_m_halloween_party-3","/images/2016/09/b_and_m_halloween_party-3.jpg","###### • Treat bucket – £1 • Glow stick ghosts – £1 • Parma Violets – £1 •",[12,6156,6157],{},"Overall everything I chose came to under £30, including sweets, which I thought was great value, especially as a lot of it can be packed away and reused each year. We’ve got enough to decorate the outside with caution tape, honeycomb roof decorations to hang from the ceiling, a luxury table cloth and a light up window decoration. I’ve also got enough Parma Violets to keep me happy until Christmas.",[12,6159,6160,6161,6168],{},"Whether it’s for a party or simply because you love the spooky season B&M have everything you’ll need this Halloween. I can’t wait to celebration the spooky season in our new home. You can find a while selection the ",[34,6162,6163],{},[16,6164,6167],{"href":6165,"rel":6166},"http://www.bmstores.co.uk/products/halloween",[20],"B&M website"," and in-store – What have you got planned to celebrate this year?",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":6170},[],[226],"/images/2016/09/b_and_m_halloween_party-2.jpg","2016-09-29T13:51:00Z","Double, double toil and trouble;\nFire burn and caldron bubble… – The season of spooks is upon us!","9354",{},"B&M Halloween haul under £30. Budget party supplies, decorations, sweets, and treats. Complete home decoration ideas from B&M Bargains.","/get-ready-halloween-bm-bargains",{"title":6103,"description":6174},"get-ready-halloween-bm-bargains","m1aF65C7ivs12nRl7KNkkmLG-uojhmn1uIiqI3VpDdY",{"id":6183,"title":6184,"author":245,"body":6185,"category":6257,"cover":6258,"date":6259,"description":6189,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":6260,"meta":6261,"meta_description":6262,"meta_title":6263,"navigation":236,"path":6264,"seo":6265,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":6266,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":6267},"posts/can-beatboboogie-fisher-price-bright-beats-learnin-lights-dance-mat.md","Can you do the #BeatBoBoogie?",{"type":9,"value":6186,"toc":6255},[6187,6190,6197,6205,6214,6221,6228,6235,6244,6251],[12,6188,6189],{},"Fisher-Price has teamed up with professional dancer and celebrity mum Kimberly Wyatt to celebrate music & dance and encourage active play.",[12,6191,6192,6196],{},[45,6193],{"alt":6194,"src":6195},"bright_beats_beatbo_fisherprice_08","/images/2016/09/bright_beats_beatbo_fisherprice_08.jpg","Celebrating the launch of exciting new products in the popular Bright Beats™ line, the brand will be calling parents to showcase their little ones best dance moves in their very own #BeatBoBoogie!",[12,6198,6199,6200,6204],{},"The Bright Beats Learnin’ Lights Dance Mat Retails for £39.99 at ",[16,6201,763],{"href":6202,"rel":6203},"http://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/pre-school-electronic-learning/c-447/fisher-price/p-19828/fisher-price-bright-beats-learnin-lights-dance-mat/",[20]," Toys and is set to be a winner this Christmas. – Check our # video below and don’t forget to submit yours.",[12,6206,6207,6208,6213],{},"Head over the ",[16,6209,6212],{"href":6210,"rel":6211},"http://www.Facebook.com/Fisher-Price",[20],"Fisher-Price Facebook page"," to share pictures and videos of your little ones doing the #BeatBoBoogie for a the chance to win great prizes!",[12,6215,6216,6220],{},[45,6217],{"alt":6218,"src":6219},"beatbo_bright_beats_fisherprice_04","/images/2016/09/beatbo_bright_beats_fisherprice_04.jpg","Dancing is a favourite of Taylor’s at the moment. Like most toddlers he’s always on the move. All it takes is a simple beat and his little feet start moving. Something as little as a TV ad can have him jumping from a deep sleep into dance mode within seconds. The Bright Beats Learnin’ Lights Dance Mat has been a huge hit for encouraging this. Granted he’s not been staying on the mat but he’s still having fun with it.",[12,6222,6223,6227],{},[45,6224],{"alt":6225,"src":6226},"beatbo_bright_beats_fisherprice_01","/images/2016/09/beatbo_bright_beats_fisherprice_01.jpg","Suitable from 6-36 months the Bright Beats Learnin’ Lights Dance Mat encourages movement and learning. From brightly coloured lights, upbeat songs and educational activities it’s a hit in our house. It’s had us all doing the #BeatboBoogie",[12,6229,6230,6234],{},[45,6231],{"alt":6232,"src":6233},"beatbo_bright_beats_fisherprice_05","/images/2016/09/beatbo_bright_beats_fisherprice_05.jpg","This time last year Taylor was boogying away with Dance and Move BeatBo who he still loves today. Upon seeing the dance mat he recognised his favourite dancing Robot immediately, along with similar songs and games too.",[12,6236,6237,6238,6243],{},"The dance mat has two settings for play. One for younger babies who can play whilst sitting on the mat, and one for older children to interact with. The central base houses motion sensors and knows where Taylor is standing. If it tells him to go to ‘blue’ it knows whether of not he has followed the instruction. He is then rewarded with a song, which leads to a dance and a giggle from Taylor. A ",[16,6239,6242],{"href":6240,"rel":6241},"http://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/pre-school-electronic-learning/c-447/fisher-price/p-19828/bright-beaats-learnin-lights-dance-mat/",[20],"toy"," that can encourage learning colours, numbers and letters whilst keeping little ones active is perfect at this age. The mat is also adorned with shapes, letters and numbers for another source of learning fun.",[12,6245,6246,6250],{},[45,6247],{"alt":6248,"src":6249},"beatbo_bright_beats_fisherprice_03","/images/2016/09/beatbo_bright_beats_fisherprice_03.jpg","Clapping, jumping, twisting, turning, Beatbo is a great way to get little ones moving. We particularly love beatbo for his abilities to keep toddlers occupied and tire them out. Thanks Beatbo!",[5915,6252,6254],{"id":6253},"we-were-sent-the-bright-beats-learnin-lights-dance-mat-for-the-purpose-of-this-review-all-views-and-opinions-are-my-own-honest-opinion","We were sent the Bright Beats™ Learnin’ Lights Dance Mat for the purpose of this review, all views and opinions are my own honest opinion.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":6256},[],[226],"/images/2016/09/bright_beats_beatbo_fisherprice.gif","2016-09-20T01:24:00Z","9296",{},"Fisher-Price Bright Beats Learnin' Lights Dance Mat review. Interactive dance mat with motion sensors teaching colours, numbers, and letters. £39.99.","Fisher Price Bright Beats Dance Mat - BeatBoBoogie","/can-beatboboogie-fisher-price-bright-beats-learnin-lights-dance-mat",{"title":6184,"description":6189},"can-beatboboogie-fisher-price-bright-beats-learnin-lights-dance-mat","Fppc9qCn66RdgPKa28EILcjjsBXW6c-EIx9MNAL6k4M",{"id":6269,"title":6270,"author":245,"body":6271,"category":6328,"cover":6329,"date":6330,"description":6275,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":6331,"meta":6332,"meta_description":6333,"meta_title":6270,"navigation":236,"path":6334,"seo":6335,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":6336,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":6337},"posts/finding-the-perfect-present-with-find-a-present-uk.md","Finding the perfect present with find-a-present.uk",{"type":9,"value":6272,"toc":6326},[6273,6276,6283,6286,6293,6300,6307,6310],[12,6274,6275],{},"Choosing presents for Birthdays, Christmas or the occasional treat for children can be difficult. Especially if you don’t have children, I have a child and I still find it hard to know what is age appropriate.",[12,6277,6278,6282],{},[45,6279],{"alt":6280,"src":6281},"find_a_present_site_03","/images/2016/09/find_a_present_site_03.jpg","When asked if we would like to test Find a Present I was intrigued. A tool that allows you to find all kinds of gifts based on age, gender, budget, colour, year, occasion and more.",[12,6284,6285],{},"What I really like about this particular site is that the gift options aren’t overly limited as it isn’t a store and more of redirection tool. A lot fo the gifts I found in my searched took me to Amazon, a place I love to shop already. Even better if you have prime and dodge delivery fees.",[12,6287,6288,6292],{},[45,6289],{"alt":6290,"src":6291},"find_a_present_site_02","/images/2016/09/find_a_present_site_02.jpg","Searching the site for a gift to meet Taylor’s age was doddle. I was spoilt for choice, I then narrowed this down by searching for wooden toys. We love wooden toys. This gave me many results of lovely wooden toys which allowed me to choose a gift for Taylor.",[12,6294,6295,6299],{},[45,6296],{"alt":6297,"src":6298},"find_a_present_site_04","/images/2016/09/find_a_present_site_04.jpg","Once I clicked though onto Amazon to complete my purchase I was shown further items that were similar to choice. This further influenced my decision making.",[12,6301,6302,6306],{},[45,6303],{"alt":6304,"src":6305},"find_a_present_rainbow_4","/images/2016/09/find_a_present_rainbow_4.jpg","From Find a present through to the product retailer I had a simple check out process and two days later Taylor received his present.",[12,6308,6309],{},"I chose a magnificent Grimms Rainbow. A wooden childrens stacking toy with endless possibilities and play options.",[12,6311,6312,6316,6325],{},[45,6313],{"alt":6314,"src":6315},"find_a_present_rainbow_6","/images/2016/09/find_a_present_rainbow_6.jpg",[211,6317,6318],{},[34,6319,6320],{},[16,6321,6324],{"href":6322,"rel":6323},"http://www.find-a-present.uk/",[20],"Find a present"," is a simple to use website allowing you to find the perfect present in a few simple steps without being limited to one single retailer. Gone are the days of wondering what will be suitable when buying gifts. Particularly for those who are in a different age group to myself or my child. It’s certainly going to come in handy this Christmas!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":6327},[],[226],"/images/2016/09/find_a_present_rainbow_3.jpg","2016-09-15T21:46:00Z","9269",{},"Find-a-Present.uk review: Gift finder filtering by age, budget, colour, and occasion. Links to retailers like Amazon. Grimms Rainbow featured.","/finding-the-perfect-present-with-find-a-present-uk",{"title":6270,"description":6275},"finding-the-perfect-present-with-find-a-present-uk","fOgsr-1z_H6mfGNPMHR8C0X70DR5ffLWf_ByBuBTzcg",{"id":6339,"title":6340,"author":245,"body":6341,"category":6382,"cover":6383,"date":6384,"description":6345,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":6385,"meta":6386,"meta_description":6387,"meta_title":6388,"navigation":236,"path":6389,"seo":6390,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":6391,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":6392},"posts/bath-time-zoocchini.md","Bath time with Zoocchini",{"type":9,"value":6342,"toc":6380},[6343,6346,6353,6364,6371],[12,6344,6345],{},"Bath time is a favourite in our house, for many reasons, not just because it signals being one step closer to bed time. As much as we try to enforce bath-book-bed to calm down and ease off the witching hour it doesn’t always work. Taylor takes bath time as an opportunity to go wild, burning off energy and soaking me in the process.",[12,6347,6348,6352],{},[45,6349],{"alt":6350,"src":6351},"zoochini_lion_toddler_towel_00","/images/2016/08/zoochini_lion_toddler_towel_00.jpg","At hearing the word bath Taylor will run to the stairs shouting ‘bah-bah’. We don’t have to persuade him that bath time is fun. The only down side to bath time is the aftermath. The ‘I don’t want to get out and freeze my tush off’ screams that always follow what was an evening of fun.",[12,6354,6355,6359,6363],{},[45,6356],{"alt":6357,"src":6358},"zoochini_lion_toddler_towel_05","/images/2016/08/zoochini_lion_toddler_towel_05.jpg",[45,6360],{"alt":6361,"src":6362},"zoochini_lion_toddler_towel_04","/images/2016/08/zoochini_lion_toddler_towel_04.jpg","When we attended antenatal classes at during pregnancy our midwife told us not to bother with baby towels. Especially those with a hood. Definitely not those adorned with animals or made to look cutesy. You’re wasting money she said. Use a regular towel that you would use. obviously I ignored her. Who doesn’t want to wrap their baby in a cute hooded towel? Take my money!",[12,6365,6366,6370],{},[45,6367],{"alt":6368,"src":6369},"zoochini_lion_toddler_towel_03","/images/2016/08/zoochini_lion_toddler_towel_03.jpg","To rebel further we now use towels with said animal hoods and have finally kissed the bath time tantrums goodbye. Thanks to the Zoocchini toddler towel Taylor will happily leave the bath without screaming. Why? Because he is Raa-Raa… Having a Lion towel makes him think he is Raa-Raa. Who knew getting out of the bath isn’t so terrible when you can dress up as your favourite animal? Thanks Zoocchini for fixing our bath time troubles!",[12,6372,6373,6374,6379],{},"We were sent our ",[16,6375,6378],{"href":6376,"rel":6377},"https://potwells.co.uk/collections/vendors?q=Zoocchini",[20],"Zoocchin Lion towel"," from the lovely folks at Potwells, you can find a whole range of animals for toddler and baby on their website retailing from £29.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":6381},[],[226],"/images/2016/08/zoochini_lion_toddler_towel_02.jpg","2016-08-17T14:02:00Z","9224",{},"Zoocchini hooded towel review. Adorable lion design toddler towel that makes bath time fun and prevents post-bath tantrums. From £29 at Potwells.","Zoocchini Hooded Towel Review | Bath Time Fun","/bath-time-zoocchini",{"title":6340,"description":6345},"bath-time-zoocchini","OhTesNxNYxaOmRwAKixiNqVvB2xMM_nxHajyf328z8c",{"id":6394,"title":6395,"author":245,"body":6396,"category":6443,"cover":6444,"date":6445,"description":6400,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":6446,"meta":6447,"meta_description":6448,"meta_title":6395,"navigation":236,"path":6449,"seo":6450,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":6451,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":6452},"posts/toddling-little-life-daysack-review.md","LittleLife Toddler Daysack Review: Best Reins for Toddlers",{"type":9,"value":6397,"toc":6441},[6398,6401,6404,6417,6420,6427,6434],[12,6399,6400],{},"As Taylor’s confidence with walking has grown the more active he has become. He no longer waddles around like a penguin tripping at every bump in the road, he runs, he jumps, he stomps. It’s rare that he actually ‘walks’ at normal pace.",[12,6402,6403],{},"Full of a sense of adventure and independence, Taylor insists on walking more and more. Let go of his hand for a split second and it’s guaranteed he’ll be off into the distance like lightening. Not wanting to stop him from having his independence, we wanted to allow him to walk more. But without risking his safety.",[12,6405,6406,6410,6411,6416],{},[45,6407],{"alt":6408,"src":6409},"taylor_18_month_update_walking","/images/2016/07/taylor_18_month_update_walking.jpg","To do this we’ve been using the ",[16,6412,6415],{"href":6413,"rel":6414},"https://www.littlelife.com/products/toddler-daysacks/small-buzz-lightyear",[20],"Littlelife Toddler Daysack reins",". We were sent the daysack to test in the adorable Buzz lightyear design. Retailing at £24.99 Taylor wanted to wear it from the moment it arrived. He wore it in the house over for three days until we could get outside with it and the novelty still hasn’t worn off.",[12,6418,6419],{},"Even if we aren’t going anywhere and he see’s it he will shout ‘bag’ until he is wearing it. The fact that he liked it from the get go was great to see. We were initially concerned he would scream or have a paddy at having it strapped to him, how wrong were we? And why can’t he be this excited when we strap him into his high chair?",[12,6421,6422,6426],{},[45,6423],{"alt":6424,"src":6425},"little_life_toddler_daysack","/images/2016/08/huggies_wipes_bonding_04.jpg","The little life day sack is a cute little backpack with a 2l cpaacity. Perfect for holding a nappy and wipes or in Taylors case, a ball. The daysack has what is essentially a clip on lead, for the parent to hold. The backpack looks great and allows us to keep Taylor nearby without holding his hand. Available in a rage of designs from Disney characters to Dinosaurs, Ladybirds, The Gruffalo or a simple plain design.",[12,6428,6429,6433],{},[45,6430],{"alt":6431,"src":6432},"littlelie_toddler_daysack_Reins_02","/images/2016/08/littlelie_toddler_daysack_Reins_02-1.jpg","We’ve used the daysack extensively from walks in the park to super market shops and day trips to the zoo. Before having the daysack we wouldn’t have dreamt of allowing him to be out of his pram, especially in a busy public space. It’s every parents nightmare and only take a second for them wander off. Now we’re walking around the park without worrying, he can’t run off and he’s learning to stay close to us without being prompted.",[12,6435,6436,6440],{},[45,6437],{"alt":6438,"src":6439},"littlelie_toddler_daysack_Reins_03","/images/2016/08/littlelie_toddler_daysack_Reins_03.jpg","Unlike your average set of reins the daysack doesn’t stop them from falling. It’s a backpack before a set of reins. The clip on strap is a great way of stopping a confident walker from roaming. It doesn’t tightly harness them. Initially we weren’t keen but it has actually helped his confidence. It also means he doesn’t feel like we’re pulling him back and most of the time he doesn’t realise we’re holding on. He just thinks he has a fun bag, and he does!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":6442},[],[226],"/images/2016/08/littlelie_toddler_daysack_Reins_04-1.jpg","2016-08-11T13:35:00Z","9189",{},"LittleLife Toddler Daysack review. Buzz Lightyear backpack with detachable safety reins, 2L capacity. Perfect for active toddlers. £24.99.","/toddling-little-life-daysack-review",{"title":6395,"description":6400},"toddling-little-life-daysack-review","JNNMeL6q3tBgjBnQrcNIUBdRoMxSUOKXVUtOTfIWx5s",{"id":6454,"title":6455,"author":245,"body":6456,"category":6522,"cover":6523,"date":6524,"description":6460,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":6525,"meta":6526,"meta_description":6527,"meta_title":6455,"navigation":236,"path":6528,"seo":6529,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":6530,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":6531},"posts/summer-fun-bubble-tub.md","Paw Patrol Bubble Tub Review: Best Paddling Pool for Kids",{"type":9,"value":6457,"toc":6520},[6458,6461,6474,6477,6484,6487,6494,6497,6504,6511,6514],[12,6459,6460],{},"With the summer holidays on the horizon you’ll want to have the perfect pool at the ready. A good pool is essential for the school holidays, it’s a real boredom buster and a great way to keep the kids cool and entertained.",[12,6462,6463,6467,6468,6473],{},[45,6464],{"alt":6465,"src":6466},"bubble_tub_paw_patrol_ninja_corp_01","/images/2016/07/bubble_tub_paw_patrol_ninja_corp_01.jpg","Their’s nothing more fun that donning your swimsuit and having a splash on a hot summers day. This week we’ve been putting the Bubble Tub from the ",[16,6469,6472],{"href":6470,"rel":6471},"http://www.theninjacorporation.com/products/paw-patrol-bubbletub",[20],"Ninja Corporation"," to the test. A super fun pool with a built in bubble feature!",[12,6475,6476],{},"Upon opening the Bubble Tub we were pleased to discover it comes complete with a foot pump. Perfect, this meant I didn’t have to sit and blow it up for the next three hours. It took under 10 minutes to inflate the tub, perfect when children are waiting.",[12,6478,6479,6483],{},[45,6480],{"alt":6481,"src":6482},"bubble_tub_paw_patrol_ninja_corp_02","/images/2016/07/bubble_tub_paw_patrol_ninja_corp_02.jpg","Taylor climbed straight in taking his toys with him and proceeded to splash, imagine his amazement when the bubbles started flowing.",[12,6485,6486],{},"Once filled the foot pump attaches to a separate nozzle which controls the bubble feature. We added some of our favourite Burts Bees Baby Bubblebath to the tub and got to work.",[12,6488,6489,6493],{},[45,6490],{"alt":6491,"src":6492},"bubble_tub_paw_patrol_ninja_corp_05","/images/2016/07/bubble_tub_paw_patrol_ninja_corp_05.jpg","The tub consists of two main air filled tubes and is the perfect height for our toddler. It’s a great size and is sure to last him for many summers to come.",[12,6495,6496],{},"A third tube running along the inner of the tub controls the bubble feature. This tube is filled with tiny holes. Air is pumped into the water when the foot pump is in use, generating bubbles! It only took a few minutes for the tub to have sufficient bubbles for Taylor to play in and he thought it was great.",[12,6498,6499,6503],{},[45,6500],{"alt":6501,"src":6502},"bubble_tub_paw_patrol_ninja_corp_07","/images/2016/07/bubble_tub_paw_patrol_ninja_corp_07.jpg","Taylor spent the entire afternoon hopping in and out of the tub splashing and getting excited. He’s a real water baby, having had swimming lessons from being 3 months old, we didn’t need to persuade him to get in. He also thought the bubbles were fantastic fun.",[12,6505,6506,6510],{},[45,6507],{"alt":6508,"src":6509},"bubble_tub_paw_patrol_ninja_corp_04","/images/2016/07/bubble_tub_paw_patrol_ninja_corp_04.jpg","The fun prints are also great, Taylor loves splashing with his favourite Paw Patrol friends. We have found the bubble tub to be easy to set up, great fun to use and equally as simple to put away once the fun has finished.",[12,6512,6513],{},"You can find the Paw Patrol print Bubble Tub, and other characters, which retails for £24.99 at leading retailers such as Smyths and Tesco.",[5915,6515,6517],{"id":6516},"we-received-the-paw-patrol-print-bubble-tub-in-exchange-for-an-honest-review-all-views-are-honest-and-our-own",[211,6518,6519],{},"We received the Paw Patrol print Bubble Tub in exchange for an honest review all views are honest and our own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":6521},[],[226],"/images/2016/07/bubble_tub_paw_patrol_ninja_corp_06.jpg","2016-07-14T06:53:00Z","9137",{},"Paw Patrol Bubble Tub review. Paddling pool with built-in bubble feature and foot pump. Perfect for summer garden fun. £24.99 at Smyths, Tesco and retailers.","/summer-fun-bubble-tub",{"title":6455,"description":6460},"summer-fun-bubble-tub","uYQ0ePGeBaVvVGB3fUzuW6JDwBcspQ_rHzGsUjl8wFo",{"id":6533,"title":6534,"author":245,"body":6535,"category":6590,"cover":6591,"date":6592,"description":6539,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":6593,"meta":6594,"meta_description":6595,"meta_title":6534,"navigation":236,"path":6596,"seo":6597,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":6598,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":6599},"posts/bed-time-first-baby-annabell-sleeping-lamb.md","Bed time with My First Baby Annabell Sleeping Lamb",{"type":9,"value":6536,"toc":6588},[6537,6540,6543,6550,6557,6560,6567,6570,6585],[12,6538,6539],{},"When it comes to toys and choosing what Taylor plays with I believe all toys are gender neutral. That we should let toys be toys and not categorise them based on gender, and allow our children to decide.",[12,6541,6542],{},"When zapf asked us if he would like a Baby Annabel Lamb for Taylor we couldn’t wait to see what he would think.",[12,6544,6545,6549],{},[45,6546],{"alt":6547,"src":6548},"Baby_annabell_Sleeping_Lamb_toddler_baby_toy_doll_sleep_01","/images/2016/06/Baby_annabell_Sleeping_Lamb_toddler_baby_toy_doll_sleep_01.jpg","When the My First Baby Annabell Sleeping Lamb arrived Taylor couldn’t contain his excitement. We never had chance to photograph the box before he tore it open. Holding onto his soft pink lamb and declaring it was his with an almighty “Meeeeeee!”",[12,6551,6552,6556],{},[45,6553],{"alt":6554,"src":6555},"Baby_annabell_Sleeping_Lamb_toddler_baby_toy_doll_sleep_03","/images/2016/06/Baby_annabell_Sleeping_Lamb_toddler_baby_toy_doll_sleep_03.jpg","Taylor has since spent a lot of time playing with the lamb, both during the day and at night time before bed. He’s pushed it around in his wheelbarrow and held it whilst hoovering.",[12,6558,6559],{},"The My First Baby Annabell Sleeping Lamb is the perfect toy for bedtime. Press the star on it’s tummy and the lamb plays a soft lullaby accompanied by soothing colour changing lights. Enough to lull most toddlers into dreamland.",[12,6561,6562,6566],{},[45,6563],{"alt":6564,"src":6565},"Baby_annabell_Sleeping_Lamb_toddler_baby_toy_doll_sleep_05","/images/2016/06/Baby_annabell_Sleeping_Lamb_toddler_baby_toy_doll_sleep_05.jpg","We don’t allow their to be any toys in Taylors cot but I have set the lamb off on occasion next to it when settling him down.",[12,6568,6569],{},"It’s a cute toy with an added purpose of helping soothe little ones. It feels like a well made item and is safe for babies, toddlers and older children.",[12,6571,6572,6576,6577,6584],{},[45,6573],{"alt":6574,"src":6575},"Baby_annabell_Sleeping_Lamb_toddler_baby_toy_doll_sleep_02","/images/2016/06/Baby_annabell_Sleeping_Lamb_toddler_baby_toy_doll_sleep_02.jpg","You can purchase the ",[34,6578,6579],{},[16,6580,6583],{"href":6581,"rel":6582},"http://www.baby-annabell.com/en/baby-annabell/products/baby-annabellr-newborn/?tx_annabellproducts_pi1%5Bpn%5D=793787&cHash=cde87e005c5100e1677b9bea0f102420",[20],"My First Baby Annabell Sleeping Lamb"," for £19.99 at argos and other leading retailers.",[12,6586,6587],{},"We were sent the My First Baby Annabell Sleeping Lamb for the purpose of this review. All views are my own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":6589},[],[226],"/images/2016/06/Baby_annabell_Sleeping_Lamb_toddler_baby_toy_doll_sleep_04.jpg","2016-07-01T08:55:00Z","9109",{},"My First Baby Annabell Sleeping Lamb review. Plays lullaby, colour-changing lights, soothes toddlers at bedtime. Gender-neutral toy. £19.99 at Argos.","/bed-time-first-baby-annabell-sleeping-lamb",{"title":6534,"description":6539},"bed-time-first-baby-annabell-sleeping-lamb","e8L_FdEmw1KwjkIwyJ91KLEYnfkv7jZYlGYhC1PLW8c",{"id":6601,"title":6602,"author":245,"body":6603,"category":6657,"cover":6658,"date":6659,"description":6607,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":6660,"meta":6661,"meta_description":6662,"meta_title":6602,"navigation":236,"path":6663,"seo":6664,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":6665,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":6666},"posts/step-time-telletubbies.md","A step in time with The Teletubbies",{"type":9,"value":6604,"toc":6655},[6605,6608,6611,6614,6621,6624,6627,6634,6637,6640],[12,6606,6607],{},"I don’t associate The Teletubbies with my toddler like many parents do. Having aired some twenty years ago when I was six years old, I think of my childhood when I think of the Teletubbies. Not his.",[12,6609,6610],{},"They caused quite a stir in the 90’s amongst both adults and children. I still remember having a Teletubbies lunch box in primary school. They were everywhere!",[12,6612,6613],{},"Now they’re are back with a new series and I’m loving introducing it to Taylor.",[12,6615,6616,6620],{},[45,6617],{"alt":6618,"src":6619},"telletubbies_mumsnet_2","/images/2016/06/telletubbies_mumsnet_2.jpg","The cute little baby face that once adorned the sun in tubbyland has a new face, and the biggest change of of all has to be the tiddlytubbies.",[12,6622,6623],{},"Baby Teletubbies! They’re cute and add a nice element to the show but the majority of it hasn’t changed. They still feature a ‘real life’ video in each episode focussing in on one the belly telly’s. And of course, they play it twice, when the Teletubbies chant ‘Again, again!’",[12,6625,6626],{},"Taylor loves watching the video clips and will always stop whatever he is doing. Usually to say ‘hi’ to the children on the televsion.",[12,6628,6629,6633],{},[45,6630],{"alt":6631,"src":6632},"telletubbies_mumsnet_3","/images/2016/06/telletubbies_mumsnet_3.jpg","My favourite part has to be when they wave goodbye at the end. Not because it’s over. But because I love watching Taylor saying Bye to the Telletubbies as he waves at the television and interacts.",[12,6635,6636],{},"It’s unusual for Taylor to sit still for a prolonged period of time but throughout the small amount of television we let him watch he’s happy to sit still and watch The Teletubbies, this often see’s him in fits of giggles too.",[12,6638,6639],{},"Overall we’re loving the Teletubbies come back and it’s great to see a revival that’s not taken it too far from it’s original roots.",[12,6641,6642,6646,6647,6654],{},[45,6643],{"alt":6644,"src":6645},"telletubbies_mumsnet_1","/images/2016/06/telletubbies_mumsnet_1.jpg","To find out more about Teletubbies including the series and toys, visit ",[34,6648,6649],{},[16,6650,6653],{"href":6651,"rel":6652},"http://www.teletubbies.com/",[20],"www.teletubbies.com"," and don’t forget to tune in at 7Am weekdays on CBeebies or BBC iPlayer!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":6656},[],[226],"/images/2016/06/telletubbies_mumsnet_4.jpg","2016-06-16T22:34:00Z","9088",{},"Teletubbies 2016 revival review. New CBeebies series 7am weekdays. Features Tiddlytubbies, classic format remains. Nostalgia for 90s parents.","/step-time-telletubbies",{"title":6602,"description":6607},"step-time-telletubbies","J_X63sBUGPVCqy3WymPG0gadqnVOR4TneZf2smR4d00",{"id":6668,"title":6669,"author":245,"body":6670,"category":6749,"cover":6750,"date":6751,"description":6674,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":6752,"meta":6753,"meta_description":6754,"meta_title":6669,"navigation":236,"path":6755,"seo":6756,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":6757,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":6758},"posts/taylor-wore-little-green-radicals.md","What Taylor Wore | Little Green Radicals",{"type":9,"value":6671,"toc":6747},[6672,6675,6688,6705,6712,6719,6727,6730,6741],[12,6673,6674],{},"When it comes to choosing clothing for Taylor I love statement pieces, bold bright colours and personality. I also want his clothes to be durable, comfortable and easy for him to move around in.",[12,6676,6677,6680,6681,6684,6685],{},[34,6678,6679],{},"Warning",": include(templates/fashion-post.php): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in ",[34,6682,6683],{},"/Users/phill/Code/personal/leeleeloves/leeleeloves/wp-content/themes/leeleeloves-2017/includes/custom-functions.php"," on line ",[34,6686,6687],{},"181",[12,6689,6690,6692,6693,6684,6695,6697,6699,6700,575],{},[34,6691,6679],{},": include(): Failed opening 'templates/fashion-post.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:') in ",[34,6694,6683],{},[34,6696,6687],{},[774,6698],{},"\nAs the evenings have been lighter we’ve been spending a lot of time going on after work adventures to the park. This evening he wore these beautiful dungarees from a brand we already know and love, ",[16,6701,6704],{"href":6702,"rel":6703},"http://littlegreenradicals.co.uk/shop",[20],"Little Green Radicals",[12,6706,6707,6711],{},[45,6708],{"alt":6709,"src":6710},"Little_Green_Radicals_playaway_toddler_fashion_02","/images/2016/06/Little_Green_Radicals_playaway_toddler_fashion_02.jpg","Their extensive range of fair trade, organic, clothing for babies and young children is bursting with beautiful prints and patterns. It’s nothing like anything you’ll find on the high street. With beautiful detailing to every item",[12,6713,6714,6718],{},[45,6715],{"alt":6716,"src":6717},"Little_Green_Radicals_playaway_toddler_fashion_03","/images/2016/06/Little_Green_Radicals_playaway_toddler_fashion_03.jpg","These particular dungarees are 100% organic cotton, they’re nice and soft on Taylor’s sensitive skin and also very light which has been perfect for the recent warm weather.",[12,6720,6721,6722],{},"The Into The Wilderness Playaway Playsuit looks fun, it can we worn with or without a tshirt and I love that it’s unisex. It retails for £27 and can be purchased at ",[16,6723,6726],{"href":6724,"rel":6725},"http://littlegreenradicals.co.uk/shop/wilderness-playaway-playsuit/",[20],"www.littlegreenradicals.co.uk",[12,6728,6729],{},"Taylor is wearing 12-18 months and another benefit of the brand is that the sizes are that little bit generous, just enough so they can we worn now but will certainly last that little bit longer than expected.",[12,6731,6732,6736,6740],{},[45,6733],{"alt":6734,"src":6735},"Little_Green_Radicals_playaway_toddler_fashion_05","/images/2016/06/Little_Green_Radicals_playaway_toddler_fashion_05.jpg",[45,6737],{"alt":6738,"src":6739},"little_green_radical_toddler_fashion","/images/2016/06/DSC_0517.jpg","The Wilderness pattern is inspired by The Secret Garden and depicts a forgotten garden, a wilderness of creeping vines, trees with eyes: a secret hideaway. It’s stunning and unlike anything I’ve seen before. It certainly has the Little Green Radicals look to it, their designs are something that I recognise in an instant. Unique, bold and beautiful patterns.",[1423,6742,6744],{"id":6743},"we-were-sent-this-outfit-in-exchange-for-an-honest-review-all-opinions-are-my-own",[211,6745,6746],{},"We were sent this outfit in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":6748},[],[226],"/images/2016/06/Little_Green_Radicals_playaway_toddler_fashion_04.jpg","2016-06-13T07:54:00Z","9046",{},"#WhatTaylorWore featuring Little Green Radicals Into The Wilderness playsuit. 100% organic cotton, fair trade, unisex dungarees. Secret Garden inspired. £27.","/taylor-wore-little-green-radicals",{"title":6669,"description":6674},"taylor-wore-little-green-radicals","AFf9MlXZC35tFQbxpfjiNJ2lLMSle7KoLOr5pud9GMU",{"id":6760,"title":6761,"author":245,"body":6762,"category":6858,"cover":6859,"date":6860,"description":6766,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":6861,"meta":6862,"meta_description":6863,"meta_title":6761,"navigation":236,"path":6864,"seo":6865,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":6866,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":6867},"posts/bedtime-reading-tidy-books-bookcase.md","Reading with the Tidy Books bookcase",{"type":9,"value":6763,"toc":6856},[6764,6767,6774,6777,6784,6794,6801,6804,6807,6814,6817,6820,6827,6834,6837,6844,6846,6852],[12,6765,6766],{},"Books are something I have always loved, the feeling of fresh crisp pages and the scent of printers ink. Reading is a great way for me to wind down and relax. Something I knew I wanted to share with my children, should I be fortunate enough to have any.",[12,6768,6769,6773],{},[45,6770],{"alt":6771,"src":6772},"Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_06","/images/2016/05/Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_06.jpg","When I found out I was pregnant with Taylor it wasn’t little booties and vests I was looking forward to buying. It was books. Before Taylor owned any clothing he had the complete works of Dr Seuss. Curling up with my newborn baby and reading to him was something I had imagined over and over. I even read to him in utero.",[12,6775,6776],{},"A year and half later we have managed to accumulate quite the collection of picture books. Taylor is sent books from publishers for us to review, and I still can’t help but pick one up if we’re near a book store. We’re spoilt for choice.",[12,6778,6779,6783],{},[45,6780],{"alt":6781,"src":6782},"Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_02","/images/2016/05/Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_02.jpg","In an attempt to create the perfect reading space we began searching for a child friendly book case. Something that was going to last the test of time, whilst encouraging Taylor to interact with his books.",[12,6785,6786,6787,6793],{},"Then we came across ",[34,6788,6789],{},[16,6790,6792],{"href":4148,"rel":6791},[20],"Tidy Books",", Who sent Taylor his own personalised book case. It ticked all the boxes I was looking for in a bookcase and we could not be happier with it.",[12,6795,6796,6800],{},[45,6797],{"alt":6798,"src":6799},"Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_07","/images/2016/05/Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_07.jpg","Retailing at £169 for a large personalised bookcase, you can choose the colour of both the bookcase and any personalisation.",[12,6802,6803],{},"We chose to have Taylor’s name in grey and orange letters. Colours that compliment a lot of his bedroom accessories.",[12,6805,6806],{},"It was simple for me to put together, and took around 30 minutes. It also comes with the option to wall mount it for safety, which I recommend you do.",[12,6808,6809,6813],{},[45,6810],{"alt":6811,"src":6812},"Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_01","/images/2016/05/Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_01.jpg","The bookcase is a lot larger than I had expected, which is a good thing, as we have a lot of books. It’s sturdy and slimline taking up little floor space, and is going to last throughout childhood.",[12,6815,6816],{},"When compared to a generic bookcase you can see why the Tidy Books bookcase works so well for children.",[12,6818,6819],{},"The Tidy Books Bookcase displays books front facing so children can see the covers. Displaying books in such a way encourages children to interact with ease and see more. This clever design allows little hands to reach out and choose their desired story. Which Taylor loves!",[12,6821,6822,6826],{},[45,6823],{"alt":6824,"src":6825},"Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_05","/images/2016/05/Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_05.jpg","The bookcase has become a focal point in the room encouraging and inviting Taylor to play with his books. He will sit playing with books by himself and loves the ability to choose his own book at bed time.",[12,6828,6829,6833],{},[45,6830],{"alt":6831,"src":6832},"Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_03","/images/2016/05/Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_03.jpg","The one thing I can’t control with our Tidy Books Bookcase is the order in which he keeps his books. I’m learning to live with Taylor’s preference. Any size, any shelf, anywhere. A far cry from my own orderly book shelves.",[12,6835,6836],{},"Our new bookcase has already begun to play a big part in our daily routine. Especially at bed time where we implement bath, book, bed. Something we’re going to be talking about in more detail.",[12,6838,6839,6843],{},[45,6840],{"alt":6841,"src":6842},"Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_04","/images/2016/05/Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_04.jpg","Right now Taylor loves the Dino Poop books, they even make mummy laugh. He also has a copy of Foxes Socks which he sits with each day, he’s torn the flaps off of it and he reads it upside down.",[12,6845,2989],{},[12,6847,6848,6849],{},"You can purchas a range of book cases and storage solutions direct from Tidy Book at ",[16,6850,4150],{"href":4148,"rel":6851},[20],[1423,6853,6855],{"id":6854},"we-were-sent-the-tidy-books-bookcase-for-the-purpose-of-this-review-all-views-and-opinions-are-honest-and-my-own","We were sent the Tidy Books bookcase for the purpose of this review, all views and opinions are honest and my own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":6857},[],[226],"/images/2016/05/Tidy_books_bookcase_reading_children_10.jpg","2016-05-31T11:33:00Z","9002",{},"Tidy Books bookcase review. Personalised front-facing book display that encourages reading independence. Sturdy, slimline and wall-mountable. £169.","/bedtime-reading-tidy-books-bookcase",{"title":6761,"description":6766},"bedtime-reading-tidy-books-bookcase","VQVzg-McBfwMxS0P18TjqSbywKMfxD1llyCn_jSY9Lk",{"id":6869,"title":6870,"author":245,"body":6871,"category":6967,"cover":6968,"date":6969,"description":6875,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":6970,"meta":6971,"meta_description":6972,"meta_title":6870,"navigation":236,"path":6973,"seo":6974,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":6975,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":6976},"posts/storage-solutions-3-sprouts-potwells.md","Storage solutions with 3 Sprouts and Potwells",{"type":9,"value":6872,"toc":6965},[6873,6876,6879,6882,6885,6902,6908,6917,6937,6944,6947,6950,6953,6961],[12,6874,6875],{},"Toys. From big chunks of plastic, small squishy stuffed animals, to toe curling blocks. If you have kids you cannot escape them. They’re in every room of the house!",[12,6877,6878],{},"Our toddler has his own bedroom, but that isn’t where he plays, he plays in the sitting room, with us. Or even in our bedroom of a Sunday morning when you just want 5 more minutes* in bed.",[12,6880,6881],{},"Since having Taylor I find we have toys all over the place, it doesn’t feel like he owns that many. These little people accumulate some stuff, and the biggest issue is where to store it all?",[12,6883,6884],{},"We’ve been testing storage solutions for at home and on the go from 3 Sprouts at Potwells. And they’ve been great.",[12,6886,6887,6891,6895,6896,6901],{},[45,6888],{"alt":6889,"src":6890},"3sprouts_fox_storage_bag_04","/images/2016/05/3sprouts_fox_storage_bag_04.jpg",[45,6892],{"alt":6893,"src":6894},"3sprouts_fox_storage_bag_02","/images/2016/05/3sprouts_fox_storage_bag_02.jpg","Our first and favourite item is the ",[16,6897,6900],{"href":6898,"rel":6899},"https://potwells.co.uk/collections/storage/products/3-sprouts-storage-bin-pink-elephant-1",[20],"Fox Storage Bin. Retailing at £39.95",", we’ve been using it for toy storage. Lined with 100% polyethylene it’s waterproof on the inside, this means you can use it for laundry or toys. Made from 100% cotton canvas with handles on the sides it’s also easy to move. We’ve been moving it between our bedroom, Taylor’s bedroom and the sitting room with ease. The biggest benefit is it’s size, it’s so big you can put your toddler in it, with their toys. It’s the perfect size for Taylor to reach into by himself and has helped us to encourage him to tidy up after himself.** Also, if you know us then you know we love a good fox print so it’s no surprise why we chose this particular item. It’s fantastic.",[12,6903,6904,6905,6907],{},"*hours. If only!",[774,6906],{},"\n**This is a work in progress, It is far more fun to pull toys out of the bag than it is to put them back in.",[12,6909,6910,6911,6916],{},"For nappies, wipes and other day-time essentials we’ve been using the 3 sprouts ",[16,6912,6915],{"href":6913,"rel":6914},"https://potwells.co.uk/products/mouse-caddy-1",[20],"mouse caddy retailing at £19.95",". This has come in handy as we’re currently staying with relatives who watch Taylor during the day. It’s easy to be able to put his day-time essentials in here to take downstairs with him in the morning. It holds his nappies, liners, wipes, eczema cream, thermometer and any medicines he may need throughout the day. This saves his grandma having to go up and down the stairs all day whilst watching him. Also made from 100% cotton canvas with 100% polyethylene inside, making it easy to clean.",[12,6918,6919,6923,6927,6928,6933,6934,6936],{},[45,6920],{"alt":6921,"src":6922},"3sprouts_mouse_caddy_02","/images/2016/05/3sprouts_mouse_caddy_02.jpg",[45,6924],{"alt":6925,"src":6926},"3sprouts_mouse_caddy_01","/images/2016/05/3sprouts_mouse_caddy_01.jpg","For storage outside of the home I couldn’t be happier with the 3 sprouts",[16,6929,6932],{"href":6930,"rel":6931},"https://potwells.co.uk/products/3-sprouts-stroller-organiser-racoon",[20]," stroller organiser"," also retailing at £19.95. One issue I always have out and about is my lack of cup holder or place to pop my phone and keys on the pram.",[774,6935],{},"\nThis is amazing. It holds my drink, T’s drink, my phone, my keys, hand sanitiser. Any little essential that I want to hand without digging into the bag is popped in here. It’s easy to access and simply attaches to your pram with hook & loop.",[12,6938,6939,6943],{},[45,6940],{"alt":6941,"src":6942},"3sprouts_stroller_organiser","/images/2016/05/3sprouts_stroller_organiser.jpg","3 Sprouts have a whole host of storage products from boxes, baskets and caddys that can oragnise your home and your life. I love the selection of products we’ve been using and will likely be adding to it.",[12,6945,6946],{},"Each product has a 100% polyester felt applique featuring a cute animal. Just like our Fox, Mouse and Raccoon. You can also get Dinosaurs, Elephants, Hippos and more.",[12,6948,6949],{},"It wasn’t until recently I found out they also have a bath organiser featuring the fox design… I might have to buy one! I considered naming my child Fox, so he probably he needs one?",[12,6951,6952],{},"We love using each item for different reasons but have found they all have a perfect place in our daily routine. Whether it be tidying up toys or simply storing nappies.",[12,6954,6955,6956],{},"You can purchase 3 Sprouts products in the UK via Potwells at ",[16,6957,6960],{"href":6958,"rel":6959},"https://potwells.co.uk/",[20],"potwells.co.uk",[5915,6962,6964],{"id":6963},"we-were-sent-our-3sprouts-storage-for-the-purpose-of-this-review-all-views-and-opinions-are-honest-and-my-own","We were sent our 3Sprouts storage for the purpose of this review, all views and opinions are honest and my own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":6966},[],[226],"/images/2016/05/3sprouts_fox_storage_bag.jpg","2016-05-17T07:55:00Z","8984",{},"3 Sprouts storage solutions review. Fox storage bin £39.95, mouse caddy £19.95, stroller organiser £19.95. Cotton canvas, waterproof. From Potwells.","/storage-solutions-3-sprouts-potwells",{"title":6870,"description":6875},"storage-solutions-3-sprouts-potwells","4jjQYfL3MiDd_Ukc3k_TajpjYfpn3B_YV58ycuFFrJg",{"id":6978,"title":6979,"author":245,"body":6980,"category":7091,"cover":7092,"date":7093,"description":6984,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":7094,"meta":7095,"meta_description":7096,"meta_title":6979,"navigation":236,"path":7097,"seo":7098,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":7099,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":7100},"posts/nosiboo-babycare-nasal-aspirator.md","The Nosiboo babycare nasal aspirator",{"type":9,"value":6981,"toc":7089},[6982,6985,6988,6995,6998,7005,7008,7015,7018,7025,7028,7031,7038,7051,7058,7061,7075,7078],[12,6983,6984],{},"One of the many things parents dread is a congested baby, why? Because a congested baby is an unhappy baby. A baby who can’t eat properly, can’t sleep and is generally grumpy. In turn this means you don’t sleep and are also grumpy.",[12,6986,6987],{},"Having spent the best part of an hour sitting in a steamy en-suite with a grumpy baby, trying to soften the mucus on their chest, and help clear their airways. The last thing you want to do is start manually sucking it out of them with what is effectively a straw with a filter. But you will. Nobody tells you about nasal aspirators before you become a parent.",[12,6989,6990,6994],{},[45,6991],{"alt":6992,"src":6993},"nosiboo_nasal_aspirator_baby07","/images/2016/05/nosiboo_nasal_aspirator_baby07.jpg","It’s not until you have a baby full of snot that you find yourself trawling the internet for ways to ease it for them. They’re one of those products you’ve never seen before but soon learn about!",[12,6996,6997],{},"Manual aspirators, although good, aren’t great. If you want to know how out of shape you are then try clearing a little nose with a manual aspirator. I can guarantee you’ll be gasping for air before you’ve achieved anything.",[12,6999,7000,7004],{},[45,7001],{"alt":7002,"src":7003},"nosiboo_nasal_aspirator_baby03","/images/2016/05/nosiboo_nasal_aspirator_baby03.jpg","The Nosiboo babycare nasal aspirator is an electric aspirator. A lot like a hoover but for your child’s nose. Just not quite as extreme as putting the Dyson on your newborns nose.",[12,7006,7007],{},"Nosiboo describe their product as “The child-friendly nasal aspirator for the prevention of drug therapies. Nosiboo is an electric, premium medical device with the help of which the stagnating nasal mucus can be removed effortlessly, quickly and effectively.”",[12,7009,7010,7014],{},[45,7011],{"alt":7012,"src":7013},"nosiboo_nasal_aspirator_baby02","/images/2016/05/nosiboo_nasal_aspirator_baby02.jpg","We like to refer to it as the ‘nose hoover’ OR ‘snot sucker’. I also think it suits the name ‘nosibear’ due to it’s ear shaped handles and bear like features. The friendly exterior looks welcoming and cute which I think aids in encouraging little ones to use it.",[12,7016,7017],{},"One thing I always am with everything we share with you is honest, so that’s what I’m going to be here. The nosiboo claims to be quiet and In our experience it has been rather loud. This hasn’t deterred us in any way fromit’s performance or abilities but it did cause Taylor a fright initially and did have him refusing to go near it. I was surprised by this as he finds the hairdryer and hoover to be funny.",[12,7019,7020,7024],{},[45,7021],{"alt":7022,"src":7023},"nosiboo_nasal_aspirator_baby05","/images/2016/05/nosiboo_nasal_aspirator_baby05.jpg","As a result of this I decided to leave it in the room so he could get used it in his own time. Sitting it near his toys he soon realised it wasn’t going to hurt him and It wasn’t long before he was carrying it around and trying it out on himself and his soft toys.",[12,7026,7027],{},"The only down side to this one issue is I couldn’t get away with using it if he were asleep. However, it is advised baby is in an upright position when the product is in use so I imagine you should only be using it when they are awake anyway.",[12,7029,7030],{},"If introduced from a young age I can’t see a child having any issues with it.",[12,7032,7033,7037],{},[45,7034],{"alt":7035,"src":7036},"nosiboo_nasal_aspirator_baby01","/images/2016/05/nosiboo_nasal_aspirator_baby01.jpg","From experience of Taylor having bronchiolitis as a newborn and spending a lot of time dealing with a congested baby I’ve found the Nosiboo to be a life saver. As somebody who exclusively breastfed it would have been amazing in those early days when he couldn’t latch due to congestion.",[12,7039,7040,7041,7045,7046,7050],{},"Overall the Nosiboo far outweighs the performance of any manual aspirator I’ve tested, it does the job it’s intended to do and with ease. Taylor was recently full of cold and the nosiboo combined with our ",[16,7042,7044],{"href":7043},"/vicks-sweet-dreams-cool-mist-humidifier-projector","Vicks humidifier"," and",[16,7047,7049],{"href":7048},"/pacif-i-thermometer-pacifier-smartphones"," Pacif-i Thermometer"," had him sleeping through as normal. It’s simple to operate with one button on the top which doubles as a dial to select the power. The nossal also opens int three separate pieces for easy cleaning.",[12,7052,7053,7057],{},[45,7054],{"alt":7055,"src":7056},"nosiboo_nasal_aspirator_baby04","/images/2016/05/nosiboo_nasal_aspirator_baby04.jpg","Most children don’t develop the ability to blow their nose until around 5 years of age so at 16 months old we’re still going to get plenty of use from this product. I’d have loved one from the start!",[12,7059,7060],{},"Have you got any favourite baby products you wished you’d had from the beginning but didn’t discover til later on? I find this happens to me a lot.",[12,7062,7063,7064,7069,7070],{},"The Nosiboo retails for £115 and is available in blue, pink or green. It can be ",[16,7065,7068],{"href":7066,"rel":7067},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nosiboo-babycare-nasal-aspirator-electric/dp/B00S87NQM6/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1463140445&sr=8-1&keywords=nosiboo",[20],"purchased from Amazon",". You can read more about Nosiboo at ",[16,7071,7074],{"href":7072,"rel":7073},"http://nosiboo.com/",[20],"nosiboo.com",[5915,7076,7077],{"id":215},"[",[12,7079,7080,7083,7084,7088],{},[211,7081,7082],{},"W","](",[16,7085,7086],{"href":7086,"rel":7087},"http://nosiboo.com/)*e",[20]," were sent this product for the purpose of this review, all opinions are honest and my own.*",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":7090},[],[226],"/images/2016/05/nosiboo_nasal_aspirator_baby06.jpg","2016-05-10T15:43:00Z","8946",{},"Nosiboo electric nasal aspirator review. Child-friendly design, adjustable power, easy cleaning, outperforms manual aspirators. Congested baby solution. £115.","/nosiboo-babycare-nasal-aspirator",{"title":6979,"description":6984},"nosiboo-babycare-nasal-aspirator","PN9Kxch2-JmF8FyTSxSNhmMTHmnZWczcvy_CvqSl_S4",{"id":7102,"title":7103,"author":245,"body":7104,"category":7169,"cover":7170,"date":7171,"description":7108,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":7172,"meta":7173,"meta_description":7174,"meta_title":7175,"navigation":236,"path":7176,"seo":7177,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":7178,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":7179},"posts/what-taylor-wore-my-little-duckling-hats.md","After work adventures | What Taylor Wore | With My Little Duckling",{"type":9,"value":7105,"toc":7167},[7106,7109,7112,7119,7122,7125,7132,7140,7151,7160],[12,7107,7108],{},"Winter has finally begun to subside and the sun is shining, can you believe it? We were actually playing in snow last week.",[12,7110,7111],{},"We’ve been taking advantage of the lighter evenings too. Getting a toddler to sleep is hard at the best of times, it’s even harder when it’s still day light through to 9:00pm. After a week of challenging bed times we decided we needed to get out of the house.",[12,7113,7114,7118],{},[45,7115],{"alt":7116,"src":7117},"my_little_duckling_hat_02","/images/2016/05/my_little_duckling_hat_02.jpg","As full time working parents we don’t see Taylor until around 6:00pm of an evening when we get home from work. Bed time is around 7:00pm. Sometimes it’s nice to forget when bed time is and spend time together instead.",[12,7120,7121],{},"Last night we decided to head out to park. It was great to just spend that extra time with him, have fun, and watch him laugh.",[12,7123,7124],{},"This also meant that when we got home, although it was still light outside, he was more than ready for bed. Forty minutes of running around with such little legs is enough to tire him out.",[12,7126,7127,7131],{},[45,7128],{"alt":7129,"src":7130},"my_little_duckling_hat_03","/images/2016/05/my_little_duckling_hat_03.jpg","It might be sunny but it’s still fairly chilly right now. For this evenings outing Taylor wore the My Little Duckling Spitfire hat to keep his ears covered. He is prone to ear infections and this adorable hat has been brilliant!",[12,7133,7134,6680,7136,6684,7138],{},[34,7135,6679],{},[34,7137,6683],{},[34,7139,6687],{},[12,7141,7142,6692,7144,6684,7146,7148,7150],{},[34,7143,6679],{},[34,7145,6683],{},[34,7147,6687],{},[774,7149],{},"\nRetailing at £11.99 and made from cotton this is a lovely hat in T’s collection. Who doesn’t want to look like a tiny pilot? I love the range of products and am looking forward to adding to his collection as the seasons change. My Little Duckling have hats to cater to all seasons.",[12,7152,7153,7154,7159],{},"You can purchase the Navy Spitfire Pilot had at ",[16,7155,7158],{"href":7156,"rel":7157},"https://mylittleduckling.co.uk/",[20],"www.mylittleduckling.co.uk"," for £11.99 OR enter our contest below for your chance to win one, good luck!",[12,7161,7162],{},[16,7163,7166],{"href":7164,"rel":7165},"https://gleam.io/L9uLW/my-little-duckling",[20],"My Little Duckling",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":7168},[],[226],"/images/2016/05/my_little_duckling_hat_01.jpg","2016-05-09T13:07:00Z","8930",{},"My Little Duckling Spitfire hat review. Adorable cotton pilot-style baby hat for £11.99, perfect for keeping toddler ears warm during spring adventures.","My Little Duckling Hats - What Taylor Wore","/what-taylor-wore-my-little-duckling-hats",{"title":7103,"description":7108},"what-taylor-wore-my-little-duckling-hats","CFxacc2qTo2rC4DPAqEAro-KjtYlk78t9t1dDWrJJX4",{"id":7181,"title":7182,"author":245,"body":7183,"category":7251,"cover":7252,"date":7253,"description":7187,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":7254,"meta":7255,"meta_description":7256,"meta_title":7182,"navigation":236,"path":7048,"seo":7257,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":7258,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":7259},"posts/pacif-i-thermometer-pacifier-smartphones.md","Pacif-i Thermometer pacifier for smartphones",{"type":9,"value":7184,"toc":7249},[7185,7188,7191,7198,7201,7208,7215,7222,7225,7238,7241],[12,7186,7187],{},"One of the many things I’ve learnt in my first year as a parent is that their is nothing more worrying than a poorly child. Whether it be a common cold or a more severe illness. You will worry.",[12,7189,7190],{},"Whenever Taylor has a fever I can’t sleep, I worry he might overheat or become worse in the night. It’s laughable in our house when I utter the words “I’ll check his temperature one last time, then come to bed”. You can guarantee 10 minutes later I’ll be saying the same thing as I sneak back into his room, hoping not to wake him, and checking his temperature again.",[12,7192,7193,7197],{},[45,7194],{"alt":7195,"src":7196},"pacifi_dummy_thermometer_03","/images/2016/04/pacifi_dummy_thermometer_03.jpg","We have tried multiple thermometers. One you insert into the ear, one you place in the mouth and the increasingly popular contactless thermometers.",[12,7199,7200],{},"Each have their own pros and cons. But one thing they all have in common is that you actually have to enter your child’s room to use them. Tripping over soft toys or stubbing your toe on a xylophone whilst waking them up in the process.",[12,7202,7203,7207],{},[45,7204],{"alt":7205,"src":7206},"pacifi_dummy_thermometer_05","/images/2016/04/pacifi_dummy_thermometer_05.jpg","That was until this nifty little gadget landed on our doorstep! The Pacif-i Thermometer works with your smartphone. Connecting via bluetooth to send and track your childs temperature to the pacif-i app. You can also submit times you’ve given medication and create profiles for multiple children via the app. We downloaded the app from the Apple store easily taking just minutes to tether it to the pacifier. You can also use it with Android devices.",[12,7209,7210,7214],{},[45,7211],{"alt":7212,"src":7213},"pacifi_dummy_thermometer_04","/images/2016/04/pacifi_dummy_thermometer_04.jpg","Of course if your little one won’t entertain using a dummy then this isn’t going to work for you. For us, its a dream. Taylor takes a dummy to bed and for some of the night it will stay in his mouth. Having the ability to check his temperature from my bed using my phone is amazing. No more sneaking into his room ‘one last time’, prodding thermometers in his ears and waking him up!",[12,7216,7217,7221],{},[45,7218],{"alt":7219,"src":7220},"pacif-i_app","/images/2016/05/pacif-i_app.jpg","Lucky for us, the pacif-i is a similar shape and style to the brand of dummies we use so he took it without realising it was different. The device collaborates it’self to your child based on your childs sucking pattern when they use it to help gain an accurate reading each time.",[12,7223,7224],{},"The only thing I have noticed is it hangs out of the side of his mouth from time to time. He does find it to be a little on the heavy side in comparison to your generic dummy. This is to be expected as it is housing some clever tech inside.",[12,7226,7227,7231,7232,7237],{},[45,7228],{"alt":7229,"src":7230},"pacifi_dummy_thermometer_06","/images/2016/04/pacifi_dummy_thermometer_06.jpg","Pacif-I also has a nifty finding feature. If you have a toddler who uses a dummy you’ll likely know how easily they go missing. The Pacif-i is one you won’t want to lose. ",[16,7233,7236],{"href":7234,"rel":7235},"https://www.pacif-i.io/shop/",[20],"Retailing at £39 with free UK delivery"," it also has a find feature which allows you to find the location via the smart phone app.",[12,7239,7240],{},"Overall though I think it’s a fantastic product to have. Having the ability to take his temperature from another room via my phone is fantastic. It’s simple to use and effective in giving an accurate temperature. It’s without a doubt value for money if you’re up and down as much as I am when taking temperatures.",[5915,7242,7244,7245,7248],{"id":7243},"you-can-purchase-th-pacif-i-thermometer-for-39-at-the-following-link-with-free-uk-delivery-httpswwwpacif-iioshop-we-were-sent-the-product-in-exchange-for-an-honest-review-all-opinions-are-my-own","You can purchase th Pacif-i Thermometer for £39 at the following link with free UK delivery. ",[16,7246,7234],{"href":7234,"rel":7247},[20]," – We were sent the product in exchange for an honest review all opinions are my own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":7250},[],[226],"/images/2016/04/pacifi_dummy_thermometer_02.jpg","2016-05-04T08:18:00Z","8890",{},"Pacif-i smart thermometer pacifier review. Bluetooth connects to your phone to track temperature and medication times. £39 with free UK delivery.",{"title":7182,"description":7187},"pacif-i-thermometer-pacifier-smartphones","US3SigDJMiK18qtWu0_3M7W4mhE3ugL8gEuGsj6mDio",{"id":7261,"title":7262,"author":245,"body":7263,"category":7334,"cover":7335,"date":7336,"description":7267,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":7337,"meta":7338,"meta_description":7339,"meta_title":7262,"navigation":236,"path":7340,"seo":7341,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":7342,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":7343},"posts/first-impressions-smartrike-explorer-5-1.md","First impressions of the Smartrike Explorer 5 in 1",{"type":9,"value":7264,"toc":7332},[7265,7268,7271,7278,7281,7284,7291,7294,7297,7300,7303,7310,7317,7320],[12,7266,7267],{},"As summer approaches we’re making it our mission to get outdoors and spend more time together. Recent statistics show British school children are spending less time outdoors than a prisoner. I find this shocking as growing up we spent more time outside than in.",[12,7269,7270],{},"We weren’t consumed by technology or immersed in video games all day. We were climbing trees and catching grass hoppers.",[12,7272,7273,7277],{},[45,7274],{"alt":7275,"src":7276},"smartrike_explorer_5_in_1_03","/images/2016/04/smartrike_explorer_5_in_1_03.jpg","As an official #littlesmartriker and as part of our attempt to get out more we’re going to be using the Smartrike Explorer 5-in-1 tricycle.",[12,7279,7280],{},"Smartrike are a globally award winning brand who produce trikes that grow with your baby and aid their development.",[12,7282,7283],{},"The smartrike Explorer is suitable from 10 months to 3 years and grows with your child and their needs. For the RRP of £119.99 and I think is worth every penny. It’s also available in Red, Grey, Blue, Orange, Purple or Green colour ways.",[12,7285,7286,7290],{},[45,7287],{"alt":7288,"src":7289},"smartrike_explorer_5_in_1_05","/images/2016/04/smartrike_explorer_5_in_1_05.jpg","It took around 20 minutes to build the trike whilst Taylor helped, climbing on me, stealing the parts and being a nuisance. Now that is impressive. It wasn’t long before we were able to hit the road and start testing out our new set of wheels.",[12,7292,7293],{},"You can watch us build it here – Unfortunately my battery died without me realising before we sat him in it and sped off! –",[12,7295,7296],{},"With a built in safety harness, bumper bar and reclining seat it’s as safe and convenient as stroller. We can fit it into the boot of our car and take it anywhere so there are no limits to where we can use it. First impressions are everything. Especially when investing in something for your child and the Smartrike has impressed us.",[12,7298,7299],{},"It’s easy to steer. Handles a multitude of terrains well and has brought Taylor closer to his surroundings. All whilst keeping him safe. He’s had numerous naps in the smartrike already and looks comfortable.",[12,7301,7302],{},"It also comes with a roomy shopping bag over the back, and a convenient pouch for your keys/phone on the handle.",[12,7304,7305,7309],{},[45,7306],{"alt":7307,"src":7308},"smartrike_explorer_5_in_1_04","/images/2016/04/smartrike_explorer_5_in_1_04.jpg","Another great feature of the Smartike Explorer 5-in-1 are the many stages. Taylor’s feet don’t reach the pedals yet so we still have the foot rests out and are using the trike in stage 1 mode, fully controlled by the parent. As he grows it will allow us to adapt the trike to his needs.",[12,7311,7312,7316],{},[45,7313],{"alt":7314,"src":7315},"smartrike_explorer_5_in_1_02","/images/2016/04/smartrike_explorer_5_in_1_02.jpg","We can’t wait to spend spring and summer going on adventures with the smartrike, so far we think it’s fantastic. A stepping stone between Taylor using the pram and walking. it’s a window into the outside world and an opportunity for him to get up close with his surroundings. It’s a fun a toy that Daddy likes to whizz around the park and it’s encouraging us to get out of the house. Not just a trike after all.",[12,7318,7319],{},"Overall our first impressions are nothing but good and I’m hoping the smartrike will continue to impress us the more we use it. We’ll be sharing our Smartrike adventures and thoughts on all things smartrike with you right here so you can come along for the ride.",[12,7321,7322,7326],{},[45,7323],{"alt":7324,"src":7325},"smartrike_explorer_5_in_1_05 copy","/images/2016/04/smartrike_explorer_5_in_1_05-copy.jpg",[211,7327,7328,7331],{},[34,7329,7330],{},"Disclaimer:"," We were sent the SmarTrike Explorer 5-trikes-in-1 for the purpose of this review, however wall opinions are my own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":7333},[],[226],"/images/2016/04/smartrike_explorer_5_in_1_01.jpg","2016-04-29T07:56:00Z","8900",{},"SmarTrike Explorer 5-in-1 first impressions review. Suitable 10m-3yrs, safety harness, reclining seat, shopping bag. Easy to steer. £119.99 in 6 colours.","/first-impressions-smartrike-explorer-5-1",{"title":7262,"description":7267},"first-impressions-smartrike-explorer-5-1","IlT8PzNlCQkckFLcK-kZ_Yx6V9lokkOGwcwiAaCPk-8",{"id":7345,"title":7346,"author":245,"body":7347,"category":7429,"cover":7430,"date":7431,"description":7432,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":7433,"meta":7434,"meta_description":7435,"meta_title":7346,"navigation":236,"path":7436,"seo":7437,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":7438,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":7439},"posts/babyzen-yoyo-stroller-review.md","The Babyzen YoYo+ Stroller in Review",{"type":9,"value":7348,"toc":7427},[7349,7357,7360,7367,7370,7377,7380,7387,7390,7393,7400,7408,7416],[12,7350,7351,7352,7356],{},"We have been testing the ",[16,7353,7355],{"href":7354},"/the-babyzen-yoyo-stroller-first-impressions","Babyzen YoYo+"," Stroller for two months now. Putting it through the paces of daily life with a toddler. That’s a lot of testing with a person who can’t walk more than 10 steps without falling on his face.",[12,7358,7359],{},"From public transport to strolls around the park I’ve found the stroller to be easy to use. It’s light weight, compact, and based on the amount of times Taylor has napped in it, comfortable too!",[12,7361,7362,7366],{},[45,7363],{"alt":7364,"src":7365},"babyzen_yoyo+__2_04","/images/2016/04/babyzen_yoyo__2_04.jpg","The stroller seat goes from upright to reclining with a simple pull strap on the back. So it’s no trouble when he does nap, it’s simple yet effective. It’s easier to adjust than our bulky travel system which can be a faff.",[12,7368,7369],{},"The fold on this stroller is amazing, maybe it’s where they got the name YoYo from? Because it really does go up and down as quickly as one. With enough practice you could do it one handed. I’m not THAT good just yet, but I’ll keep trying. Their should be a world record for fastest pram folder, maybe their already is?",[12,7371,7372,7376],{},[45,7373],{"alt":7374,"src":7375},"babyzen_yoyo+__2_02","/images/2016/04/babyzen_yoyo__2_02.jpg","My favourite thing about the Babyzen YoYo is its size, it’s so compact when folded. It takes up so little space in both the house and car. It comes with a shoulder strap too so you can carry it like a shoulder bag. It’s also easy to fit through narrow spaces. Ideal for when cars park on the pavement blocking footpaths.",[12,7378,7379],{},"It’s so small and lightweight you can take it on a flight as hand luggage. We haven’t done this yet but I know when the time comes it’s the YoYo+ we’ll be taking with us!",[12,7381,7382,7386],{},[45,7383],{"alt":7384,"src":7385},"babyzen_yoyo+__2_06","/images/2016/04/babyzen_yoyo__2_06.jpg","I’ve used it on public transport too. I’d usually park the pram in the space provided and if their isn’t any space wait 30 minutes for another bus. On this occasion I was able to fold it up and fit it on the luggage rack. Something I never would have been able to do with my larger pram.",[12,7388,7389],{},"Another great thing, which we haven’t tested as T is now too big. You can use the YoYo+ from birth. Their is a nest and car seat adapters you can buy that allow you to use the stroller with a newborn. If you don’t need a big travel system you could just use this. I’m impressed you can even attach your car seat to a stroller.",[12,7391,7392],{},"Retailing at £339 from 6 month + or £485 all in from birth it’s a purchase that’s going to last and due to it’s compact size and durability it’s suitable for most occasions.",[12,7394,7395,7399],{},[45,7396],{"alt":7397,"src":7398},"babyzen_yoyo+__2_01","/images/2016/04/babyzen_yoyo__2_01.jpg","It’s strong and robust unlike most strollers. I’ve always been against off the idea of a stroller, they always look weak and flimsy to me. I’m surprised to say I’ve really enjoyed using the Babyzen YoYo+. To have something that’s small and lightweight when we need to nip to the shops or keep in the car is great.",[12,7401,7402,7403],{},"What do you look for most when choosing a pram? Pop us your YOYO+ questions and we’ll put your query to the test! ",[16,7404,7407],{"href":7405,"rel":7406},"https://instagram.com/explore/tags/taylortriesyoyo/",[20],"#TaylorTriesYoYo",[12,7409,7410],{},[211,7411,7412,7413],{},"Follow our instagram snaps of moments with the YOYO+ using the tag ",[16,7414,7407],{"href":7405,"rel":7415},[20],[12,7417,7418],{},[211,7419,7420,7421,7426],{},"If you would like more info or to purchase, the Babyzen Yoyo+ retails at a RRP of £339 for the 6m+ set and £485 from birth. Both can be found ",[16,7422,7425],{"href":7423,"rel":7424},"http://www.babyzenuk.com/babyzen-yoyo-plus-pushchair-stroller-uk.html",[20],"here ","– We were sent the YOYO+ in exchange for a honest review, all opinions are my own –",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":7428},[],[226],"/images/2016/04/babyzen_yoyo__2_05.jpg","2016-04-27T13:16:00Z","We have been testing the Babyzen YoYo+ Stroller for two months now. Putting it through the paces of daily life with a toddler. That’s a lot of testing with a person who can’t walk more than 10 steps without falling on his face.","8867",{},"Babyzen YOYO+ stroller full review after 2 months. Cabin luggage size, lightweight, easy fold, reclining seat, public transport friendly. £339 from 6m+.","/babyzen-yoyo-stroller-review",{"title":7346,"description":7432},"babyzen-yoyo-stroller-review","bAiPgAhRC55le7U6R_RbzyE4ZyPdFWTg0V0S9Blv9n4",{"id":7441,"title":7442,"author":245,"body":7443,"category":7502,"cover":7503,"date":7504,"description":7447,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":7505,"meta":7506,"meta_description":7507,"meta_title":7442,"navigation":236,"path":7508,"seo":7509,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":7510,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":7511},"posts/make-day-baby-bibs-mealtime-must.md","Make My Day Baby Bib – A Mealtime Must Have",{"type":9,"value":7444,"toc":7500},[7445,7448,7451,7458,7461,7468,7471,7478,7487,7495],[12,7446,7447],{},"An essential item for any weaning journey is a good bib. Something that’s going to remove the mess from meal times whilst being easy to use. We received the Make My Day Tuxedo bib and it ticks all the boxes for me.",[12,7449,7450],{},"The bib looks fancy before it’s even out of the box, it’s a bit like one of those ‘if apple made…’ moments. Designed and packaged to look good from the moment you set your eyes upon the box, and it works well.",[12,7452,7453,7457],{},[45,7454],{"alt":7455,"src":7456},"make_my_day_tuxedo_bib_potwells_05","/images/2016/04/make_my_day_tuxedo_bib_potwells_05.jpg","The Make my Day Bib is stain free and dishwasher safe. Their’s nothing worse than fabric bibs for meal times. Milk bibs and dribbles bibs are fantastic, but they have their own place and weaning isn’t it.",[12,7459,7460],{},"The Make My Day bibs are made of 100% food-grade BPA free silicone, they feel soft and clean easily.",[12,7462,7463,7467],{},[45,7464],{"alt":7465,"src":7466},"make_my_day_tuxedo_bib_potwells_04","/images/2016/04/make_my_day_tuxedo_bib_potwells_04.jpg","With an adjustable strap that fits sizes 6 months to 3 years old so it’s going to last. A bib that goes on easily with an adjustable strap is ideal. Taylor also hasn’t been able to removed this bib like he can with others.",[12,7469,7470],{},"These bibs also have a crumb catcher, a favourite feature of mine. I prefer a Pelican bib over an apron style bib any day. This bib catches around 45% of Taylor’s dinner. He also likes to snack from the crumb catcher. Usually midway through desert he’ll have a rummage and start chomping on a piece of fish finger. Yummy.",[12,7472,7473,7477],{},[45,7474],{"alt":7475,"src":7476},"make_my_day_tuxedo_bib_potwells_01","/images/2016/04/make_my_day_tuxedo_bib_potwells_01.jpg","Although not essential, I like that these bibs are stylish. They stand out from the crowd and look great. We opted for the Tuxedo design but theirs a whole range of fun designs to choose from. Taylor looks dapper at every meal in his Tuxedo, I love it!",[12,7479,7480,7484,7486],{},[45,7481],{"alt":7482,"src":7483},"make_my_day_tuxedo_bib_potwells_06","/images/2016/04/make_my_day_tuxedo_bib_potwells_06.jpg",[774,7485],{},"\nFor use at home and on the go this has fast become our favourite bib. It rolls up to carry in the changing bag, he can’t take it off, it doesn’t stain and it catches mess. What’s not to love? I’ve already we decided we need another one, I’m thinking Scholar Blue. Too cute.",[12,7488,7489,7490,7494],{},"You can purchase the Make My Day bibs from ",[16,7491,6087],{"href":7492,"rel":7493},"http://www.cheekyrascals.co.uk/make-my-day-baby-bibs.html",[20]," for £14.99. There are 16 styles to choose from.",[12,7496,7497],{},[211,7498,7499],{},"We were sent this item for the purpose of this review. All words and opinions are my own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":7501},[],[226],"/images/2016/04/make_my_day_tuxedo_bib_potwells_02.jpg","2016-04-26T23:26:00Z","8876",{},"Make My Day Tuxedo baby bib review. 100% silicone, BPA-free, dishwasher safe, crumb catcher, adjustable 6m-3yrs. Stylish weaning essential. £14.99.","/make-day-baby-bibs-mealtime-must",{"title":7442,"description":7447},"make-day-baby-bibs-mealtime-must","Cgg-D0TRQajb3mfUKOkcdK-W8UQe3gK_JPpnkaTXK98",{"id":7513,"title":7514,"author":245,"body":7515,"category":7580,"cover":7581,"date":7582,"description":7523,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":7583,"meta":7584,"meta_description":7585,"meta_title":7514,"navigation":236,"path":7586,"seo":7587,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":7588,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":7589},"posts/hello-little-egg-oona-baba-adventure.md","Hello Little Egg!: An Oona and Baba Adventure",{"type":9,"value":7516,"toc":7578},[7517,7524,7527,7530,7537,7540,7547,7554,7557,7560,7573],[12,7518,7519,7523],{},[45,7520],{"alt":7521,"src":7522},"hello_little_egg_puffin_rock_01","/images/2016/04/hello_little_egg_puffin_rock_01-660x440.jpg","Hello Litte Egg is the first picture book from the popular Puffin Rock animated series on Nick Jr. Following two adorable Puffins, Oona and Baba, on an adventure across their home of Puffin Rock.",[12,7525,7526],{},"Upon finding themselves in the company of a little egg whilst out playing they make it their mission to to return it to it’s mother before it hatches.",[12,7528,7529],{},"This see’s Oona, Baba and their friend Mossy set out on an adventure to find the little egg’s family.",[12,7531,7532,7536],{},[45,7533],{"alt":7534,"src":7535},"hello_little_egg_puffin_rock_04","/images/2016/04/hello_little_egg_puffin_rock_04-660x440.jpg","Along the way we meet many species of bird and see what their different eggs look like.",[12,7538,7539],{},"Bursting with a adorable illustrations and a sweet story. Hello Little Egg see’s a group of friends working together to do a good deed.",[12,7541,7542,7546],{},[45,7543],{"alt":7544,"src":7545},"hello_little_egg_puffin_rock_06","/images/2016/04/hello_little_egg_puffin_rock_06-660x440.jpg","Mixing pre-school learning with fun facts. We’ve learnt a lot about birds, eggs and the different wildlife that live on Puffin Rock. From Seagulls to seals Puffin Rock is awash with interesting characters to meet.",[12,7548,7549,7553],{},[45,7550],{"alt":7551,"src":7552},"hello_little_egg_puffin_rock_05","/images/2016/04/hello_little_egg_puffin_rock_05-660x440.jpg","Hello little Egg is a perfect story to share with children. We haven’t watched the television series yet were still able to enjoy the story to it’s fullest.",[12,7555,7556],{},"The beautifully illustrated scenes of Puffin Rock add charm and character to the story. It’s funny, cute and a real treat both Taylor and mummy have enjoyed reading.",[12,7558,7559],{},"We can’t wait for more tales with Oona and Baba on Puffin Rock.",[12,7561,7562,7566,7567,7572],{},[45,7563],{"alt":7564,"src":7565},"hello_little_egg_puffin_rock_03","/images/2016/04/hello_little_egg_puffin_rock_03-660x440.jpg","You can purchase your copy of Hello little Egg for £6.99 at at your local book shop or online at ",[16,7568,7571],{"href":7569,"rel":7570},"http://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Puffin-Rock-Hello-Little-Egg/18175223",[20],"Hive ","(Supporting your high street).",[12,7574,7575],{},[211,7576,7577],{},"We were sent this book on exchange for an honest review – all opinions are honest and our own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":7579},[],[226],"/images/2016/04/hello_little_egg_puffin_rock_02.jpg","2016-04-14T08:39:00Z","8837",{},"Hello Little Egg! review - Puffin Rock book featuring Oona and Baba. Nick Jr. series. Adventure to return lost egg, learn about birds. £6.99 picture book.","/hello-little-egg-oona-baba-adventure",{"title":7514,"description":7523},"hello-little-egg-oona-baba-adventure","LBW1Nby8tXw9gGnsVYe1m1YhkSFHIOZ_mUvsAWqobOY",{"id":7591,"title":7592,"author":245,"body":7593,"category":7746,"cover":7747,"date":7748,"description":7749,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":7750,"meta":7751,"meta_description":7752,"meta_title":7592,"navigation":236,"path":7753,"seo":7754,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":7755,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":7756},"posts/giving-cloth-a-go-totsbots-cloth-nappies.md","Giving Cloth a Go with TotsBots",{"type":9,"value":7594,"toc":7744},[7595,7606,7609,7612,7619,7631,7639,7646,7653,7656,7659,7662,7673,7680,7683,7690,7693,7700,7703,7706,7713,7716,7719,7722,7734],[12,7596,7597,7598,7605],{},"Recently ",[34,7599,7600],{},[16,7601,7604],{"href":7602,"rel":7603},"http://www.totsbots.com/",[20],"Totsbots"," challenged us to ‘Give Cloth A Go’ with their new Easyfit Star. Setting us the challenge of using them for a full week, they sent us everything we needed to get to grips with cloth nappies. Having given up on cloth before, defeated by poppers, I was keen to see if they could be ‘the one’ for us.",[12,7607,7608],{},"Challenge accepted – Game on TotsBots!",[12,7610,7611],{},"The Easyfit Star is an all in one nappy with a bamboo core. No stuffing required, and best of all no popper fastenings (aside from size adjustment as your child grows). The fastening is hook and loop (Velcro) and as simple as using a disposable to fasten.",[12,7613,7614,7618],{},[45,7615],{"alt":7616,"src":7617},"totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_12","/images/2016/04/totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_12-660x440.jpg","Totsbots are a brand we have admired for a long time. They produce high quality products that are Ethically manufactured right here in the UK. Now that’s a factory I’d like a tour of!",[12,7620,7621,7622,7630],{},"We’re also excited to able to offer you a whopping 50% off of the ",[34,7623,7624,7629],{},[16,7625,7628],{"href":7626,"rel":7627},"http://f800z8XIsd7Mloim",[20],"TotsBots starter kit",","," Teh code will be live Next week for Real Nappy Week, so if you like what you see, follow the link and use the code – LEELEE – at checkout.",[12,7632,7633,7634,7638],{},"Last year we dipped our toes into the world of ",[16,7635,7637],{"href":7636},"/becoming-cloth-bum-bababoo-cloth-nappies","cloth nappies",", then pulled them right back out before they had the chance to get too cold! It didn’t go to plan. I wanted to be a user of cloth nappies more than anything. I loved the entire concept. The environmental aspects, the money saving, the gorgeous prints and chemical free fabrics.",[12,7640,7641,7645],{},[45,7642],{"alt":7643,"src":7644},"totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_03","/images/2016/04/totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_03-660x440.jpg","Unfortunately, we never became ‘cloth bums’. Not everyone who cared for Taylor at the time could figure out the popper system on the nappies we were using. Their were lots of them! And to get a good fit it had to be done right, doing this with a wriggling baby was hard. Although I had no other issues with them, it was a bloomin’ stressful and rather short lived experience.",[12,7647,7648,7652],{},[45,7649],{"alt":7650,"src":7651},"totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_10","/images/2016/04/totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_10-660x440.jpg","Taking on the challenge of Giving Cloth a Go with TotsBots, we received a selection of the Easyfit Star ‘story time 2’ prints, which are adorable, and some block colours. I was like a kid at Christmas opening the nappies, they’re beautiful!",[12,7654,7655],{},"That’s right nappies and beautiful in the same sentence. What has happened to me? I’ve come down with a full case of the TotsBots.",[12,7657,7658],{},"Before using our new nappies I prewashed them in a net bag. Four cycles at 40 degrees, back to back, as instructed to increase the fabrics absorbency.",[12,7660,7661],{},"We’ve been using the Easyfit Star for two weeks now and I’m a convert. It’s that simple. I might even qualify as cloth bum mum? They’re so easy to use, Grandma has been doing them too.",[12,7663,7664,7668,7672],{},[45,7665],{"alt":7666,"src":7667},"totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_06","/images/2016/04/totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_06-660x440.jpg",[45,7669],{"alt":7670,"src":7671},"totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_08","/images/2016/04/totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_08-660x440.jpg","Retailing at £16.99 The Easyfit Star consists of a bamboo core. And unlike it’s Easyfit predecessors, it doesn’t come with the extra snap in booster. Why? Because it’s so absorbent you don’t need it. This means the nappies are slimmer and much more streamline than ever before. We haven’t had trouble with getting any of Taylor’s existing wardrobe to fit over them thanks to this. It also features a unique ‘no escape’ zone and leak-proof seams, which have proven to do their job 100% so far.",[12,7674,7675,7679],{},[45,7676],{"alt":7677,"src":7678},"totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_04","/images/2016/04/totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_04-660x440.jpg","The troubles we had before are long gone. Before I was too skeptical to use cloth nappies outside of the house. Taylor’s legs were skinny back then, and leaks were frequent. Now we’re taking them on long outings, and even using them overnight.",[12,7681,7682],{},"We received two TotsBots Bamboozle Stretch nappies, and two Peanut wraps for overnight use in our bundle. The first night I was beyond nervous and expecting the worst. Taylor has only ever had wet nappies at night. But that didn’t stop me picturing horror scenes of wet patches on the sleepyhead and a poonami up his back… I was amazed the next morning to find Taylor slept through in the nappy with no leaks, no wet patches, no poonami. Nothing!",[12,7684,7685,7689],{},[45,7686],{"alt":7687,"src":7688},"totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_02","/images/2016/04/totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_02-660x440.jpg","Of course using cloth nappies isn’t as easy as using disposables and I can see why people may be put off. You no longer have the convenience of rolling everything up into one and putting it in the bin. It can be a little messy from time to time but it’s not difficult. Using disposable liners, that are also flushable and biodegradable, you can simply pop the poo in the loo. Job done.",[12,7691,7692],{},"Did you know 8 million disposable nappies are used each day in the UK alone? They are then sent to landfill, taking 500 years to decompose? Taylor’s old nappies will still be decomposing when he has great grandchildren.",[12,7694,7695,7699],{},[45,7696],{"alt":7697,"src":7698},"totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_05","/images/2016/04/totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_05-660x440.jpg","Washing the nappies is easy. I’ve been putting a wash on every 3rd day, using TotsBots Potion, a fragrance free non-bio powder. We’re not the greenest of people just yet though as I am popping them in the tumble dryer. My nappy wash usually takes place around 9:00pm after a day at work, so line drying isn’t currently an option.",[12,7701,7702],{},"Just think, cloth nappies were being used long before anything else, and at a time when cleaning wasn’t so easy.",[12,7704,7705],{},"The one thing I have struggled with so far is where to put the used baby wipes?! I’ve been popping these into a nappy bag for now and disposing of them. If you have an alternative solution I would love to know! Maybe we should go completely green and invest in some reusable wipes?",[12,7707,7708,7712],{},[45,7709],{"alt":7710,"src":7711},"totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_15","/images/2016/04/totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_14-660x440.jpg","The initial cost of purchasing reusable nappies can seem high and off putting to some, but it certainly outweighs that of buying disposables for 3 years. TotsBots also have a great system in place where you can purchase your nappies via a payment plan, ideal for if you’re still pregnant and looking to use cloth.",[12,7714,7715],{},"We’ve taken to TotsBots so well I’ve also purchased some preloved, Easyfit V4’s to add to our ‘stash’. With the intention of eventually going cloth full time. I’ve joined Facebook groups filled with ladies who are actually addicted to collecting cloth, selling and swapping, it’s an amazing community.",[12,7717,7718],{},"I’m pleased to say I’ve hardly touched a disposable nappy since taking on this challenge. Taylor loves them too, we’ve had no nappy rash since making the change and he now has extra padding for the 5000 times a day he falls over. They also happen to look adorable on him. What do you think?",[12,7720,7721],{},"We’re cloth bum converts. – Thanks TotsBots!",[12,7723,7724,7728,7729,7733],{},[45,7725],{"alt":7726,"src":7727},"totsbots_giving_cloth_a_go","/images/2016/04/totsbots_giving_cloth_a_go-660x167.jpg","You can purchase Totsbots online at",[16,7730,7732],{"rel":7731},[20]," www.totsbots.com",", in store at Boots and many other leading retailers. The Easyfit Star retails at £16.99 per nappy.",[12,7735,7736,7740],{},[45,7737],{"alt":7738,"src":7739},"totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_01","/images/2016/04/totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_01-660x440.jpg",[45,7741],{"alt":7742,"src":7743},"totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_16","/images/2016/04/totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_16-660x440.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":7745},[],[226],"/images/2016/04/totsbots_cloth_nappies_easyfit_star_11.jpg","2016-04-11T08:30:00Z","Recently Totsbots challenged us to ‘Give Cloth A Go’ with their new Easyfit Star. Setting us the challenge of using them for a full week, they sent us everything we needed to get to grips with cloth nappies. Having given up on cloth before, defeated by poppers, I was keen to see if they could be ‘the one’ for us.","8793",{},"TotsBots Easyfit Star cloth nappy review. Bamboo core, hook & loop fastening, UK made. Converted from disposables. £16.99 per nappy. Real Nappy Week offer.","/giving-cloth-a-go-totsbots-cloth-nappies",{"title":7592,"description":7749},"giving-cloth-a-go-totsbots-cloth-nappies","DbOe-N4NpXBjTon2CZwFymta616bDQSjY_YfWgWu-nI",{"id":7758,"title":7759,"author":245,"body":7760,"category":7823,"cover":7824,"date":7825,"description":7764,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":7826,"meta":7827,"meta_description":7828,"meta_title":7759,"navigation":236,"path":7829,"seo":7830,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":7831,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":7832},"posts/stokke-tripp-tripp-review.md","Eating at the table with the Stokke Tripp Tripp",{"type":9,"value":7761,"toc":7821},[7762,7765,7772,7785,7788,7791,7798,7805,7812],[12,7763,7764],{},"Since we began weaning I’ve admired the Stokke Tripp Trapp. An iconic Scandinavian high chair that promotes families eating together at the table. A sleek design, that looks modern, but actually holds it’s place through history. Developed in 1972 by Norwegian furniture designer Peter Opsvik. The Tripp Trapp has been bringing families together for centuries.",[12,7766,7767,7771],{},[45,7768],{"alt":7769,"src":7770},"stokke_tripp_trapp_high_chair_review_05","/images/2016/04/stokke_tripp_trapp_high_chair_review_05-660x440.jpg","In anticipation of our own Tripp Trapp arriving I called home each day to see if a parcel had arrived. That excited over a high chair? What was I expecting? I had high hopes for this piece of furniture, I’d built up a great repertoire around what it was going to do for us. So I actually began to feel nervous when it did arrive. What if it wasn’t all I had dreamed of? What if the all singing all dancing high chair wasn’t so great? Well, I needn’t have worried.",[12,7773,7774,7778,7779,7784],{},[45,7775],{"alt":7776,"src":7777},"stokke_tripp_trapp_high_chair_review_06","/images/2016/04/stokke_tripp_trapp_high_chair_review_06-660x440.jpg","We received the ",[16,7780,7783],{"href":7781,"rel":7782},"https://www.stokke.com/GBR/en-gb/configurators/tripp-trapp-configurators/customize-tripp-trapp.html",[20],"Stokke Tripp Trapp® Chair in Wheat Yellow"," – RRP £169. The Wheat Yellow Baby set – RRP £47. Beigh Harness – RRP £29 and Retro Cars Cushion – RRP £33.",[12,7786,7787],{},"The initial building of the chair should have been easy. Trying to build it with Taylor ‘helping’ wasn’t the best idea. As you can see from the video below, apologies for the poor quality! This lead to one fatal mistake. I tightened up the frame before realising it was meant to be loose for inserting the seat and foot plates. Baring this in mind it still took under 20 minutes to build, and that’s with a 1 year old climbing over everything.",[12,7789,7790],{},"We’ve been using the Tripp Trapp in the new spring shade of Wheat Yellow for four weeks now. And for four weeks Tails has sat up at the table with us for meal times, feeding himself and enjoying family time.",[12,7792,7793,7797],{},[45,7794],{"alt":7795,"src":7796},"stokke_tripp_trapp_high_chair_review_11","/images/2016/04/stokke_tripp_trapp_high_chair_review_11-660x440.jpg","Before this Tails would sit in a ‘traditional’ style high chair away from the table and eat from the tray. He couldn’t interact with family at meal times as he couldn’t fit at the table. This lead to him having his meals at a different time, before the rest of us.",[12,7799,7800,7804],{},[45,7801],{"alt":7802,"src":7803},"stokke_tripp_trapp_high_chair_review_mast","/images/2016/04/stokke_tripp_trapp_high_chair_review_08-e1459754701949-660x440.jpg","Using the Tripp Trapp means he now eats at the same time as everyone else and isn’t excluded. We’re able to eat our meal and leave him to enjoy his without him being sat away from us.",[12,7806,7807,7811],{},[45,7808],{"alt":7809,"src":7810},"stokke_tripp_trapp_high_chair_review_10","/images/2016/04/stokke_tripp_trapp_high_chair_review_10-660x440.jpg","Watching the rest of the family eat has encouraged him to feed himself more. He’s become more independent and now prefers to feed himself. It’s perfect.",[12,7813,7814,7815,7820],{},"I’ve since ordered the ",[16,7816,7819],{"href":7817,"rel":7818},"https://www.stokke.com/GBR/en-gb/w/accessories/152100.html#_",[20],"Stokke Table Top"," mat to use with our Tripp Trapp, now I just need some more toddler friendly recipes! Do you have any favourite family meals in your house?",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":7822},[],[226],"/images/2016/04/stokke_tripp_trapp_high_chair_review_02.jpg","2016-04-04T08:20:00Z","8692",{},"Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair review in Wheat Yellow. Iconic Scandinavian design, promotes family meals together. Baby set, harness, cushion. £169 chair.","/stokke-tripp-tripp-review",{"title":7759,"description":7764},"stokke-tripp-tripp-review","KaEhj6NfccEMaHazFJ50teYQKH2I3eLjnENPwpiv14E",{"id":7834,"title":7835,"author":245,"body":7836,"category":7919,"cover":7920,"date":7921,"description":7840,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":7922,"meta":7923,"meta_description":7924,"meta_title":7835,"navigation":236,"path":7925,"seo":7926,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":7927,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":7928},"posts/five-uses-for-a-travel-cot-with-the-graco-nimble-nook.md","Five uses for a travel cot with the Graco Nimble Nook",{"type":9,"value":7837,"toc":7917},[7838,7841,7847,7852,7855,7861,7866,7869,7875,7880,7883,7889,7894,7897,7900,7903,7911],[12,7839,7840],{},"When we received the Graco Nimble Nook I was probably more excited than anyone should be over a travel cot. We weren’t going away, I wasn’t excited at the prospect of a nice break, no. The travel cot has so many uses and I was looking forward to using it at home the most.",[12,7842,7843],{},[45,7844],{"alt":7845,"src":7846},"graco_nimble_nook_home_02","/images/2016/03/graco_nimble_nook_home_02-587x440.jpg",[12,7848,7849],{},[34,7850,7851],{},"1. Showering without losing your sanity",[12,7853,7854],{},"We have a playpen, a big metal hexagon of a baby jail, it’s amazing however, during a year of maternity leave my only way of showering was to strap Tails into his baby swing, he may be small but by 12 months old the swing wasn’t really the most appropriate for him and I needed somewhere on the 3rd floor of our town house to put him down safely. Tails spent every morning from birth outside the door to our en-suit as I showered. The Nimble Nook is the perfect size to fit into the space where his swing once sat and I can once again shower without him screaming. It’s perfect.",[12,7856,7857],{},[45,7858],{"alt":7859,"src":7860},"graco_nimble_nook_home_relatives","/images/2016/03/graco_nimble_nook_home_relatives-587x440.jpg",[12,7862,7863],{},[34,7864,7865],{},"2. Festive naps at grandma’s house",[12,7867,7868],{},"Over Christmas we spent most days at the in-laws, we live locally so their was no need to stay the night. Although once you get 3 men and their father sat around an Xbox at Christmas you can expect to be there a while, we took the Nimble Nook with us and used it for playing safely away from the dog as well as napping. It’s so quick to pop up and pack away.",[12,7870,7871],{},[45,7872],{"alt":7873,"src":7874},"graco_nimble_nook_home_04","/images/2016/03/graco_nimble_nook_home_04-587x440.jpg",[12,7876,7877],{},[34,7878,7879],{},"4. Toy storage",[12,7881,7882],{},"When not in use for the safety or sleep of a small child you can use it for dumping the 10 tonnes of plastic that has been lay across your floor all day. Or in our case Grandmas floor. Whilst we’re staying with the in-laws it’s the downstairs hide away to keep toys safe from the dog. It would be great if Tails didn’t continuously throw his toys out for the dog.",[12,7884,7885],{},[45,7886],{"alt":7887,"src":7888},"graco_nimble_nook_hotel_01","/images/2016/03/graco_nimble_nook_hotel_01-660x440.jpg",[12,7890,7891],{},[34,7892,7893],{},"5. Travel!",[12,7895,7896],{},"Of course, it’s a travel cot and it’s perfect at being just that. We’ve used it to visit relatives and on a little ‘staycation’ to Scotland. It fits in the boot of the car easy as it’s so compact, it’s smaller than other travel cots I’ve seen but our child isn’t a giant either so it works perfectly for our needs, you can also fit it into narrow spaces which was ideal whilst away.",[12,7898,7899],{},"Upon receiving the Nimble Nook we were in the middle of Christmas, a broken boiler and moving house. It came in handy on numerous occasions.",[12,7901,7902],{},"Look out for our next post to see how the Nimble Nook fared when we took it on our travels.",[12,7904,7905,7906],{},"The Graco Nimble Nook retails from £90 – £109 – Find your nearest retailer at ",[16,7907,7910],{"href":7908,"rel":7909},"http://www.graco.co.uk/at-home/pack-n-plays/nimble-nook",[20],"www.graco.co.uk",[12,7912,7913,7914],{},"– ",[211,7915,7916],{},"We were sent the Nimble Nook in exchange for our honest opinion, all views are our own. –",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":7918},[],[226],"/images/2016/03/graco_nimble_nook_hotel_04.jpg","2016-03-30T08:51:00Z","8654",{},"Graco Nimble Nook travel cot review. Five uses: showering safety, naps at grandma's, toy storage, travel, and at-home play. Compact, quick setup. £90-£109.","/five-uses-for-a-travel-cot-with-the-graco-nimble-nook",{"title":7835,"description":7840},"five-uses-for-a-travel-cot-with-the-graco-nimble-nook","3CgZFLu5F7MDcH0ywr3CAgbeZ4kMHqevm5FLGyvnT1g",{"id":7930,"title":7931,"author":245,"body":7932,"category":7986,"cover":7987,"date":7988,"description":7940,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":7989,"meta":7990,"meta_description":7991,"meta_title":7931,"navigation":236,"path":7992,"seo":7993,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":7994,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":7995},"posts/this-is-not-a-bedtime-story.md","This is NOT a Bedtime Story: Children's Book Review",{"type":9,"value":7933,"toc":7984},[7934,7941,7947,7950,7956,7962,7968,7971,7980],[12,7935,7936,7940],{},[45,7937],{"alt":7938,"src":7939},"this_is_not_a_bedtime_story_will_mabbitt_fred_blunt_puffin","/images/2016/03/this_is_not_a_bedtime_story_will_mabbitt_fred_blunt_puffin_01-660x440.jpg","This is NOT a bedtime story follows Sophie, a little girl who wants ‘one last story’ before bed. Sophie’s Dad obliges and starts to read a story about Pink Kitten, a cute pink kitten. Sophie isn’t impressed. Taking it upon herself to add a to the story, Pink Kitten soon becomes a light sabre wielding kitten. A car driving, helicopter flying, robot dinosaur fighting kitten! This is more like it.",[12,7942,7943,7946],{},[45,7944],{"alt":7938,"src":7945},"/images/2016/03/this_is_not_a_bedtime_story_will_mabbitt_fred_blunt_puffin_05-660x440.jpg","The short story Sophie’s Dad had intended on has become a completely different story. Sophie and Dad are now inside the story with Pink Kitten and a real life Lion!",[12,7948,7949],{},"Following one epic adventure Sophie is finally ready for bed. Fighting robot dinosaurs is tiring work after all.",[12,7951,7952,7955],{},[45,7953],{"alt":7938,"src":7954},"/images/2016/03/this_is_not_a_bedtime_story_will_mabbitt_fred_blunt_puffin_02-660x440.jpg","Taylor was in awe as we animatedly read the book aloud and started to point at the pictures letting out a cute ‘oooh’ as the story progressed. His love for stories is growing and at 14 months old he has started to sit quietly and engage more whilst we read to him.",[12,7957,7958,7961],{},[45,7959],{"alt":7938,"src":7960},"/images/2016/03/this_is_not_a_bedtime_story_will_mabbitt_fred_blunt_puffin_03-660x440.jpg","We both enjoyed this book and I particularly liked how it wasn’t aimed at one gender. It shows that Girls don’t always want to hear stories about pink kittens and fluffy clouds, they love action and adventure just as much as boys. Encouraging boys and girls to use their imagination and be spontaneous!",[12,7963,7964,7967],{},[45,7965],{"alt":7938,"src":7966},"/images/2016/03/this_is_not_a_bedtime_story_will_mabbitt_fred_blunt_puffin_04-660x440.jpg","Accompanied by a series of beautiful and funny illustrations, which I loved the unique style of, we’ll certainly be looking to read more picture books from Will Mabbitt and Fred Blunt.",[12,7969,7970],{},"This is NOT a Bedtime Story is a fast paced tale of imagination and adventure. Not the sort of book you might want to wind down with before bed but the title did warn you!",[12,7972,7973,7974,7979],{},"You can purchase your copy of This is NOT a Bedtime Story for £6.99 at at your local book shop or online at ",[16,7975,7978],{"href":7976,"rel":7977},"http://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Will-Mabbitt/This-is-Not-A-Bedtime-Story/18186581",[20],"Hive"," (Supporting your high street).",[12,7981,7982],{},[211,7983,7577],{},{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":7985},[],[226],"/images/2016/03/this_is_not_a_bedtime_story_will_mabbitt_fred_blunt_puffin_01.jpg","2016-03-21T22:06:00Z","8622",{},"This is NOT a Bedtime Story by Will Mabbitt & Fred Blunt review. Action-packed adventure with Sophie, Pink Kitten, and robot dinosaurs. Gender-neutral. £6.99.","/this-is-not-a-bedtime-story",{"title":7931,"description":7940},"this-is-not-a-bedtime-story","JprguevWFmmcNZ10i8Hh3p3YAXagjPrDApM5rQd7Gh8",{"id":7997,"title":7998,"author":245,"body":7999,"category":8069,"cover":8070,"date":8071,"description":8003,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":8072,"meta":8073,"meta_description":8074,"meta_title":7998,"navigation":236,"path":7354,"seo":8075,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":8076,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":8077},"posts/the-babyzen-yoyo-stroller-first-impressions.md","The Babyzen YOYO+ Stroller | First Impressions",{"type":9,"value":8000,"toc":8067},[8001,8004,8007,8014,8020,8023,8029,8032,8038,8041,8047,8052,8059],[12,8002,8003],{},"When the super compact Babyzen YOYO+ stroller arrived at our door, in a box no bigger than Taylor himself, I thought something was missing. This can’t be it?",[12,8005,8006],{},"So far we’ve taken the YOYO+ on a few outings and these are our initial thoughts. The perils of working full time means we’re pretty limited to weekends at the moment.",[12,8008,8009,8013],{},[45,8010],{"alt":8011,"src":8012},"babyzen_yoyo-_compact_stroller_review","/images/2016/03/babyzen_yoyo-_compact_stroller_review_02-660x440.jpg","Our first thoughts were of course how small The Babyzen is when folded. A stroller that boasts being small enough to travel as a carry-on for flying is impressive. Maybe I can rekindle my dream having a mini or a Fiat500 with a baby after all?!",[12,8015,8016,8019],{},[45,8017],{"alt":8011,"src":8018},"/images/2016/03/babyzen_yoyo-_compact_stroller_review_01-660x440.jpg","It took around 20 minutes to build the stroller, it would have taken 5 minutes had Tails not been climbing it. He also stole the instructions on many occasions. The chassis comes complete, wheels and all. Simply velcro the seat unit onto it, add your colour pack and you’re ready to stroll!",[12,8021,8022],{},"I did film this exciting experience, we’ll share that with you in our next post for comedy value. 😉",[12,8024,8025,8028],{},[45,8026],{"alt":8011,"src":8027},"/images/2016/03/babyzen_yoyo-_compact_stroller_review_07-660x440.jpg","We chose the Grey colour pack with the White chassis and the two together look great. I’m loving all things grey right now. Once built Tails was eager to test it out, the seat is roomy and as a petite 14 month old he has a tonne of room to grow. It can also handle a weight of up to 18KG when most strollers only go up to 15kg.",[12,8030,8031],{},"You can use a universal foot muff with the stroller although ours is a bit too long for the YOYO+ so I’d test yours out first. You can however purchase the matching Babyzen foot muff.",[12,8033,8034,8037],{},[45,8035],{"alt":8011,"src":8036},"/images/2016/03/babyzen_yoyo-_compact_stroller_review_05-660x440.jpg","So far the stroller has fared well outdoors and is perfect for use on flat ground. I wouldn’t say it’s built for rough terrain but it’s a stroller, of course it isn’t. If we intend to travel at all this year it’s going to be perfect.",[12,8039,8040],{},"I’ve loved being able to leave in the boot and flip it out when needed as apposed to our travel system which fills the boot and requires assembly after each fold. Their is also the option to add car seat clips or a baby nest and use it from birth. For a stroller their isn’t much it doesn’t do!",[12,8042,8043,8046],{},[45,8044],{"alt":8011,"src":8045},"/images/2016/03/babyzen_yoyo-_compact_stroller_review_06-660x440.jpg","We will be sharing our thoughts on the performance aspect of the Babyzen YOYO+ next month! Is it the perfect travel companion? Is it worth the £339 price tag? Is it suitable for snoozing?",[12,8048,7402,8049],{},[16,8050,7407],{"href":7405,"rel":8051},[20],[12,8053,8054],{},[211,8055,7412,8056],{},[16,8057,7407],{"href":7405,"rel":8058},[20],[12,8060,8061],{},[211,8062,8063,8064,7426],{},"If you would like more info or to purchase, the Babyzen Yoyo+ retails at a RRP of £339 for the 6m+ set and can be found ",[16,8065,7425],{"href":7423,"rel":8066},[20],{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":8068},[],[226],"/images/2016/03/babyzen_yoyo-_compact_stroller_review_03.jpg","2016-03-21T08:26:00Z","8576",{},"Babyzen YOYO+ stroller first impressions review. Super compact, cabin luggage approved, grey colour pack, 18kg weight limit. Easy assembly. £339.",{"title":7998,"description":8003},"the-babyzen-yoyo-stroller-first-impressions","y29azovrEc125cGNmcKVbYfA1QkvFTm-zVk1Klk66_Q",{"id":8079,"title":8080,"author":245,"body":8081,"category":8129,"cover":8130,"date":8131,"description":8089,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":8132,"meta":8133,"meta_description":8134,"meta_title":8080,"navigation":236,"path":8135,"seo":8136,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":8137,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":8138},"posts/taylor-and-the-magic-chair.md","The Magic Chair Review: Personalised Children's Book",{"type":9,"value":8082,"toc":8127},[8083,8090,8097,8104,8111,8123],[12,8084,8085,8089],{},[45,8086],{"alt":8087,"src":8088},"magic_chair_taylor_book","/images/2016/03/magic_chair_taylor_book-660x440.jpg","The Magic Chair is a beautiful personalised childrens book packed with illustrations and a unique story featuring your child. Our copy is dubbed as ‘Taylor and the Magic Chair’ of course everyone’s is different, no worries if your child isn’t called Taylor. It could be ‘Bob and the Magic Chair’ or ‘Sue and the Magic Chair’, whatever their name may be you can have it, even if you’re the proud parent of Princess Consuela Bananahammock, it’s fine.",[12,8091,8092,8096],{},[45,8093],{"alt":8094,"src":8095},"magic_chair_book_north_pole_illustration","/images/2016/03/magic_chair_book_north_pole_illustration-660x440.jpg","It isn’t often we come across things with Taylor’s name so to have a book personally printed with his name was great, It isn’t only found on the cover but featured throughout the story. Part of the process in creating your book is to create a character that represents your child including their hair colour and outfit which is very cute.",[12,8098,8099,8103],{},[45,8100],{"alt":8101,"src":8102},"magic_chair_book_jungle_illustration","/images/2016/03/magic_chair_book_jungle_illustration-660x440.jpg","Once you’ve inserted a name created your child and added your personal message you get the opportunity to see a digital version of your book before you proceed and purchase. Our book took just over 1 week to arrive which was brilliant.",[12,8105,8106,8110],{},[45,8107],{"alt":8108,"src":8109},"magic_chair_book_circus_illustration","/images/2016/03/magic_chair_book_circus_illustration-660x440.jpg","Personalisation aside the story itself is superb, with a running theme of The Magic Chair told in a rhymic ryhming pattern you’ll be taken on a amazing adventure to different places from the Circus and the Jungle to the North Pole. A truly magical adventure that will find little ones learning about the world around them and expanding their horizons. Taylor and I have read this book multiple times now and he never fails to point at the pictures and let out a little ‘ooooh’ at how mesmerised he is by them.",[12,8112,8113,8117,8118],{},[45,8114],{"alt":8115,"src":8116},"magic_chair_book_cat_illustration","/images/2016/03/magic_chair_book_cat_illustration-660x440.jpg","Had we received this as a gift from somebody for Taylor’s Birthday or Christmas I’d be ecstatic, it’s a lovely book with a personal touch which is something I really like in gifts. You can purchase your copy of The Magic Chair for £14.99 at ",[16,8119,8122],{"href":8120,"rel":8121},"https://www.magicchair.co.uk/",[20],"www.MagicChair.co.uk",[12,8124,8125],{},[211,8126,7577],{},{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":8128},[],[226],"/images/2016/03/magic_chair_taylor_book.jpg","2016-03-11T15:20:00Z","8542",{},"The Magic Chair personalised children's book review. Custom character, name throughout story, rhyming adventure to circus, jungle, North Pole. £14.99.","/taylor-and-the-magic-chair",{"title":8080,"description":8089},"taylor-and-the-magic-chair","RIVAVG6g1kYRblkwhmOPpP808qgx1q6U7MBmfzk2-XY",{"id":8140,"title":8141,"author":245,"body":8142,"category":8220,"cover":8221,"date":8222,"description":8146,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":8223,"meta":8224,"meta_description":8225,"meta_title":8141,"navigation":236,"path":8226,"seo":8227,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":8228,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":8229},"posts/snuz-designz-cot-bedding-cloud-nine-design.md","Snüz Designz Cot Bedding – Cloud Nine",{"type":9,"value":8143,"toc":8218},[8144,8147,8150,8163,8166,8173,8180,8193,8196,8203,8206,8209,8212],[12,8145,8146],{},"We’re huge fans of Snüz, if it weren’t for Taylor’s ability to stand, climb, crawl, and his newly found skill of walking I’d still be bundling him into his Snüzpod each evening. It was so roomy he would probably still fit!",[12,8148,8149],{},"Alas at 14 months old and much to his mothers dismay he has certainly moved on from his Snüzpod days. That’s not to say our Snüz days have ended entirely, oh no.",[12,8151,8152,8156],{},[45,8153],{"alt":8154,"src":8155},"snuz_deisgnz_bedding_cot_baby","/images/2016/02/snuz_deisgnz_bedding_cot_baby-660x440.jpg",[16,8157,8160],{"href":8158,"rel":8159},"http://www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk/the-little-green-sheep/snuz-cot-cot-bed-fitted-sheet-cloud-nine.aspx",[20],[211,8161,8162],{},"Snuz Cot & Cot Bed Fitted Sheet – Cloud Nine £19.95",[12,8164,8165],{},"We were very excited when Snüz contacted us about their fantastic new ‘Designz’ collection of baby bedding. In sizes to fit an array of baby beds from moses baskets to Snüzpods, cots and cot beds. Taylor is very much still a Snüz baby.",[12,8167,8168,8172],{},[45,8169],{"alt":8170,"src":8171},"snuz_deisgnz_bedding_sleeping_insta","/images/2016/02/snuz_deisgnz_bedding_sleeping_insta-440x440.jpg","The new Designz range has 3 print options, Little Tweets, Cloud Nine and Rootin’ Tootin’. We opted for Cloud Nine. A beautiful grey colour with a textured appearance adorned in an array of fluffy white clouds, complete with yellow trim.",[12,8174,8175,8179],{},[45,8176],{"alt":8177,"src":8178},"snuz_deisgnz_bedding_cot_happy_nap_baby","/images/2016/02/snuz_deisgnz_bedding_cot_happy_nap_baby-660x440.jpg","The fitted sheet is so thick and soft the quality surpasses that of other cot bed sheets we own. I’d now rather wait for this one to dry and pop it back on his bed than use his others. I think we’ll need to invest in a second one. Maybe a Rootin’ Tootin’ print to mix things up a little!",[12,8181,8182,8186],{},[45,8183],{"alt":8184,"src":8185},"snuz_deisgnz_bedding_cot_bedding","/images/2016/02/snuz_deisgnz_bedding_cot_bedding-660x440.jpg",[16,8187,8190],{"href":8188,"rel":8189},"http://www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk/the-little-green-sheep/snuz-reversible-baby-blanket-cloud-nine.aspx",[20],[211,8191,8192],{},"Snuz Reversible Baby Blanket – Cloud Nine £22.95",[12,8194,8195],{},"The blanket is lightweight and reversible also featuring the cloud print to match the sheet. I’ve found this blanket to be great for nap times and Taylor loves to roll around rubbing his face with it. He also loves to fiddle with the printed Ü tag whilst falling asleep.",[12,8197,8198,8202],{},[45,8199],{"alt":8200,"src":8201},"snuz_deisgnz_bedding_cot_happy_awake_baby","/images/2016/02/snuz_deisgnz_bedding_cot_happy_awake_baby-660x440.jpg","Having seen lots of little Snüzpods adorned with these adorable sets I know Snüz have headed in the right direction, these compliment the product perfectly. We will certainly need to invest in more for the future. You know, when the Snüzpod eventually makes it’s way back out of storage 😉",[12,8204,8205],{},"As Taylor’s room has gradually changed the older he has gotten their has been a lot of grey creeping in and this print complements it perfectly, It even matches his sleeping bag. Overall the Designz bedding set surpassed my expectations especially in terms of quality and style and has spurred me on to update the theme of his bedroom, thanks Snüz!",[12,8207,8208],{},"Do you have a theme for your little ones bedroom that would work well with the Snüz Designz collection?",[12,8210,8211],{},"*We were sent this Snüz Designz bedding set in exchange for an honest review, all views, opinions, and tails of Snüz love are our own.",[12,8213,8214],{},[45,8215],{"alt":8216,"src":8217},"taylor_tries_stamp_wide","/images/2015/12/taylor_tries_stamp_wide-660x145.png",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":8219},[],[226],"/images/2016/02/snuz_deisgnz_bedding_cot.jpg","2016-02-26T12:49:00Z","8489",{},"Snüz Designz Cloud Nine cot bedding review. Grey with white clouds and yellow trim. Fitted sheet £19.95, reversible blanket £22.95. Thick, soft, quality.","/snuz-designz-cot-bedding-cloud-nine-design",{"title":8141,"description":8146},"snuz-designz-cot-bedding-cloud-nine-design","JlR34hkJA67V6OfCy1l-iwJyKkLJjGRIoeFPQYs-yrQ",{"id":8231,"title":8232,"author":245,"body":8233,"category":8305,"cover":8306,"date":8307,"description":8237,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":8308,"meta":8309,"meta_description":8310,"meta_title":8232,"navigation":236,"path":7043,"seo":8311,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":8312,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":8313},"posts/vicks-sweet-dreams-cool-mist-humidifier-projector.md","The Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier with Projector",{"type":9,"value":8234,"toc":8303},[8235,8238,8241,8248,8251,8254,8261,8268,8274,8277,8280,8283,8296,8300],[12,8236,8237],{},"If like myself you’ve ever spent your night huddled in the bathroom with a congested newborn or toddler, the shower blasting hot water as steam fills the room, in hope that it will help them to settle then you know. The struggle is real.",[12,8239,8240],{},"Congested babies are not fun and as a parent theirs nothing worse than seeing your little ones so uncomfortable.",[12,8242,8243,8247],{},[45,8244],{"alt":8245,"src":8246},"vicks_cool_mist_projection_humidifier_alone","/images/2016/02/vicks_cool_mist_projection_humidifier_alone-660x440.jpg","The first item I want to share with you in a series of baby products aimed at helping when little ones are fighting the common cold is the Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier.",[12,8249,8250],{},"A great way to help little ones breath when fighting coughs & colds, and generally trying to avoid them in the winter months, is a humidifier.",[12,8252,8253],{},"Featuring a range of mist settings, you can adjust the amount of mist the machine produces depending on your needs by simply turning the dial, which also happens to light up in this lovely shade of green! It’s simple to use, all you have to do is fill the tank with water and switch it on. Voila!",[12,8255,8256,8260],{},[45,8257],{"alt":8258,"src":8259},"vicks_cool_mist_projection_humidifier_switch","/images/2016/02/vicks_cool_mist_projection_humidifier_switch-660x440.jpg","Their is also the option to insert Vicks Vapo Pads into the side compartment of the machine letting out menthol vapours into the room and aiding in a good nights sleep with easy breathing. I love going into a room when we’ve been using the Vicks pads and inhaling the scent, you can really feel it opening your air ways and it smells great.",[12,8262,8263,8267],{},[45,8264],{"alt":8265,"src":8266},"vicks_cool_mist_projection_humidifier_pad_insert","/images/2016/02/vicks_cool_mist_projection_humidifier_pad_insert-660x440.jpg","Alongside the ability to help little ones breathe this humidifier doubles up as night light projector. With three options, safari images, sea life images and stars. Whether this is to distract them from the slight humming sound of the machine or simply to soothe them it looks great. You can also set the machine off projecting an array of images onto your child’s ceiling when you’re not using the humidifying feature.",[12,8269,8270],{},[45,8271],{"alt":8272,"src":8273},"vicks_cool_mist_projection_humidifier_light_controls","/images/2016/02/vicks_cool_mist_projection_humidifier_light_controls-660x440.jpg",[12,8275,8276],{},"We’ve tested the Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier with Taylor and found it to be a life saver, we’ll never huddle up in a steamy en-suite again!",[12,8278,8279],{},"Featuring ultrasonic technology, SweetDreams Cool Mist Humidifier produces an ultra-fine visible mist, which helps to bring soothing relief when your little one is suffering from congestion and/or a chesty cough.",[12,8281,8282],{},"The humidifier also features a translucent 3.8-litre tank so you can instantly see how much water is left, and holds enough water for up to 24 hours of continual use.",[12,8284,8285,8289,8290,8295],{},[45,8286],{"alt":8287,"src":8288},"vicks_cool_mist_projection_humidifier_giraffe","/images/2016/02/vicks_cool_mist_projection_humidifier_giraffe-660x440.jpg","We would definitely recommend the Vicks Sweet dreams Cool Mist Humidifier if you are looking for a multipurpose product to help little ones sleep better when congested or fighting the common cold, retailing at ",[16,8291,8294],{"href":8292,"rel":8293},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vicks-Sweet-Dreams-Humidifier-Projector/dp/B010K791KC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456439924&sr=8-1&keywords=vicks+sweet+dreams+cool+mist+humidifier+with+projector",[20],"£60.93"," it’s worth every penny as a parent simply to give you peace of mind, and a few hours of sleep!",[12,8297,8298],{},[45,8299],{"alt":8216,"src":8217},[12,8301,8302],{},"*We were sent the Vicks Sweet dreams Cool Mist Humidifier in exchange for an honest review",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":8304},[],[226],"/images/2016/02/vicks_cool_mist_projection_humidifier_boced_02.jpg","2016-02-25T22:47:00Z","8421",{},"Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier review. 3.8L tank, 24-hour use, projector with safari/sea/stars, Vapo Pad compatible. Helps congested babies. £60.93.",{"title":8232,"description":8237},"vicks-sweet-dreams-cool-mist-humidifier-projector","HEmBSrvnZt1QOW5NWK974NGHjcshVqtNqwOCsAd3iQ8",{"id":8315,"title":8316,"author":245,"body":8317,"category":8382,"cover":8383,"date":8384,"description":8321,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":8385,"meta":8386,"meta_description":8387,"meta_title":8316,"navigation":236,"path":5119,"seo":8388,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":8389,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":8390},"posts/what-taylor-wore-an-outdooradventure-with-muddy-puddles.md","What Taylor Wore | An Outdoor Adventure with Muddy Puddles",{"type":9,"value":8318,"toc":8380},[8319,8322,8330,8338,8347,8354,8361,8364,8374],[12,8320,8321],{},"Working full time and being parents brings a whole new meaning to living for the weekend and we’ve made it our mission to get out of the house each week and spend time with Taylor as a family.",[12,8323,8324,6680,8326,6684,8328],{},[34,8325,6679],{},[34,8327,6683],{},[34,8329,6687],{},[12,8331,8332,6692,8334,6684,8336],{},[34,8333,6679],{},[34,8335,6683],{},[34,8337,6687],{},[12,8339,8340,8341,8346],{},"Although the weather was rather chilly, we headed to the local park. Taylor wore the ",[16,8342,8345],{"href":8343,"rel":8344},"https://www.muddypuddles.com/sale_4/baby_all_in_one_snow_flurry_suit_blue_check.htm",[20],"All in One Snow Flurry Suit"," from Muddy Puddles so the cold chill wasn’t a problem and we were able to go outside and enjoy some fresh air! He loved bouncing around the play park like a baby marshmallow wrapped up warm and taking in the views from his trike.",[12,8348,8349,8353],{},[45,8350],{"alt":8351,"src":8352},"muddy_puddles_snowsuit_baby_crawling_park","/images/2016/02/muddy_puddles_snowsuit_baby_crawling_park-660x440.jpg","The Snow Flurry suit was perfect for Taylor to climb in without getting cold as it covers his hands and feet really well, he doesn’t wear shoes yet but when he does we can detach the feet and allow for walking shoes/wellies to be worn with it. It’s also fleece lined and 5,000mm waterproof making it a versatile wardrobe staple for cold and wet weather when going on muddy adventures with little ones.",[12,8355,8356,8360],{},[45,8357],{"alt":8358,"src":8359},"muddy_puddles_snowsuit_baby_and_daddy_slide","/images/2016/02/muddy_puddles_snowsuit_baby_and_daddy_slide-660x440.jpg","It’s also great for when you opt to take the trike and get caught in the rain, next time remind mummy that trikes don’t have rain covers…",[12,8362,8363],{},"We had a brilliant time being silly in the park, it’s nice when we can all step away from work related tasks for a few moments and enjoy time together. Taylor loved having both Mummy and Daddy to impress with his cheeky antics and adorable smile and wasn’t phased by the cold weather.",[12,8365,8366,509,8370,8373],{},[45,8367],{"alt":8368,"src":8369},"muddy_puddles_snowsuit_baby_on_slide","/images/2016/02/muddy_puddles_snowsuit_baby_on_slide-660x440.jpg",[16,8371,8345],{"href":8343,"rel":8372},[20]," from Muddy Puddles is currently priced at £18 and in sale and is available on the Muddy Puddles website. We were sent The All in One Snow Flurry Suit for the purpose of this review however, all opinions are honest and our own.",[12,8375,8376],{},[45,8377],{"alt":8378,"src":8379},"what_taylor_wore_badge_wide","/images/2015/12/what_taylor_wore_badge_wide-660x145.png",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":8381},[],[226],"/images/2016/02/muddy_puddles_snowsuit_smartrike.jpg","2016-02-22T08:33:00Z","8441",{},"#WhatTaylorWore featuring Muddy Puddles All in One Snow Flurry Suit. Fleece-lined, 5,000mm waterproof, detachable feet. Park adventure in blue check. £18.",{"title":8316,"description":8321},"what-taylor-wore-an-outdooradventure-with-muddy-puddles","2p-oSGzNG5fdsmgNrt2NlGbI_Spq9Rv2i4AYawLijwk",{"id":8392,"title":8393,"author":245,"body":8394,"category":8445,"cover":8446,"date":8447,"description":8398,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":8448,"meta":8449,"meta_description":8450,"meta_title":8393,"navigation":236,"path":8451,"seo":8452,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":8453,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":8454},"posts/spring-into-spoon-feeding-with-three-new-tripp-trapp-colours.md","Spring into spoon feeding and Win with Stokke!",{"type":9,"value":8395,"toc":8443},[8396,8399,8402,8409,8421,8424,8427],[12,8397,8398],{},"The iconic Scandinavian design that is the Stokke® Tripp Trapp® has three gorgeous new colours as we take a step towards spring. Available in; Soft Pink, Wheat Yellow and Hazy Grey in addition to the existing plethora or beautiful colours you wouldn’t want to start weaning any other way.",[12,8400,8401],{},"Whether you intend to spoon feed or take the baby led approach Tripp Trapp® allows you to get your little ones right up to the dining table and involved with the family. You can also add a tray for use away from the dining table.",[12,8403,8404,8408],{},[45,8405],{"alt":8406,"src":8407},"12642852_10153451802847712_977981606137673674_n","/images/2016/02/12642852_10153451802847712_977981606137673674_n-522x440.jpg","Having been an admirer of the Stokke® brand ever since seeing their range at The Baby show and loving Scandinavian design I’ve adored the Tripp Trapp®, The Stokke®TrailzTM and The Stokke® Xplory®",[12,8410,8411,8412,8420],{},"This season Stokke® are giving you the chance to win your very own Tripp Trapp®  In a design of your choice. To enter simply head on over to the ",[211,8413,8414],{},[34,8415,8416],{},[16,8417,8419],{"href":7781,"rel":8418},[20],"Tripp Trapp®  Configurator"," and submit your design.",[12,8422,8423],{},"I always thought Storm Grey was my ultimate favourite, that was until we actually had to choose a colour, you don’t know what you really want until you have to make a decision. Apparently when the pressure is on it’s Aqua Blue! We can’t wait to become members of the Tripp Trapp® family and bring Taylor right up to the table at meal times. I can already picture us baking cupcakes together.",[12,8425,8426],{},"Here’s the colour we’ve chosen, what would you choose? – Submit your design for a chance to win!",[12,8428,8429,8433],{},[45,8430],{"alt":8431,"src":8432},"customize-tripp-trapp_100124,159315,100331","/images/2016/02/customize-tripp-trapp_100124159315100331-330x440.png",[211,8434,8435,8436],{},"The Tripp Trapp® high chair come in at a RRP of £169.00, the newborn seat RRP of £75.00 and the new reversible textiles are RRP £23.00, the Tripp Trapp cushions have a RRP of £33.00. – Available online with ",[34,8437,8438],{},[16,8439,8442],{"href":8440,"rel":8441},"https://www.stokke.com/GBR/en-gb/home",[20],"Stokke*®*",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":8444},[],[226],"/images/2016/02/painting_tripp_trapp.jpg","2016-02-12T08:41:00Z","8411",{},"Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair now in three new spring colours: Soft Pink, Wheat Yellow, and Hazy Grey. Competition to win one! Scandinavian design. £169.","/spring-into-spoon-feeding-with-three-new-tripp-trapp-colours",{"title":8393,"description":8398},"spring-into-spoon-feeding-with-three-new-tripp-trapp-colours","EH3NshE9Vt7oEHkB_lyVhUBy64XPuyogOrSL4WDN1pU",{"id":8456,"title":8457,"author":245,"body":8458,"category":8520,"cover":8521,"date":8522,"description":8462,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":8523,"meta":8524,"meta_description":8525,"meta_title":8457,"navigation":236,"path":8526,"seo":8527,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":8528,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":8529},"posts/the-original-nursing-pillow-from-pregnancy-pillows.md","The Original Nursing Pillow from Pregnancy Pillows",{"type":9,"value":8459,"toc":8518},[8460,8463,8466,8473,8476,8490,8493,8500,8507,8513],[12,8461,8462],{},"When Taylor was a newborn I never used any form of nursing pillow to rest him against, he was so small and light it was easy to cradle him in one arm whilst sitting up in bed or on the sofa.",[12,8464,8465],{},"At the time of taking these pictures and beginning our testing we had been breastfeeding for 10 and a half months, now 13 months, the bigger he gets the harder I find it to sit with him against me for prolonged periods of time.",[12,8467,8468,8472],{},[45,8469],{"alt":8470,"src":8471},"breastfeeding_baby_without_nursing_pillow","/images/2015/11/breastfeeding_baby_without_nursing_pillow-660x440.jpg","We were sent the Original Nursing Pillow from PregnancyPillows.net, I couldn’t wait to see if this would make a difference to the position and comfort when breastfeeding.",[12,8474,8475],{},"The key points of having a nursing Pillow are the following –",[361,8477,8478,8481,8484,8487],{},[364,8479,8480],{},"Supports the baby correctly during feeding time",[364,8482,8483],{},"Can be used all the way from the very early stages of pregnancy right through to the crawling period",[364,8485,8486],{},"Eases the back pressure during the latter stages of pregnancy",[364,8488,8489],{},"Relieves pressure on your arms while feeding",[12,8491,8492],{},"This pillow does exactly what it claims to do, the cover is also lined with a lavender aroma which is lovely, it’s easy to remove and pop into the wash too.",[12,8494,8495,8499],{},[45,8496],{"alt":8497,"src":8498},"cute_baby_playing_nursing_pillow","/images/2015/09/cute_baby_playing_nursing_pillow-660x440.jpg","I used this pillow every day when feeding Taylor and it helped my back and stomach so much! It’s also perfect to use for tummy time, learning to sit and using a bottle when feeding expressed milk.",[12,8501,8502,8506],{},[45,8503],{"alt":8504,"src":8505},"cute_baby_tummy_time_nursing_pillow_","/images/2015/09/cute_baby_tummy_time_nursing_pillow_-660x440.jpg","It is not advised that you use nursing pillows to prop babies up for sleeping especially newborns who cannot support their own head. Once they’re able to sit unsupported and jump all over you though, well then it’s fine, but you’ll struggle to keep them still long enough 😉",[12,8508,8509,8512],{},[45,8510],{"alt":5557,"src":8511},"/images/2015/09/baby_drinking_water_nursing_pillow-660x440.jpg","Overall I love this pillow, it’s become one of those items I wish I’d had from the start, then maybe I wouldn’t have spent weeks in pain from supporting him. We still use it now whilst he crawls around on our bed or the floor. It’s also great for mums & dads whilst sitting up reading/blogging in bed!",[12,8514,8515],{},[211,8516,8517],{},"The Original Nursing Pillow can be purchased from PregnancyPillows.net for the RRP of £20.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":8519},[],[2140,226],"/images/2015/09/breastfeeding_baby_using_nursing_pillow.jpg","2016-02-11T08:18:00Z","7280",{},"Original Nursing Pillow review from PregnancyPillows.net. Supports baby during feeding, relieves back pressure, lavender-scented washable cover. £20.","/the-original-nursing-pillow-from-pregnancy-pillows",{"title":8457,"description":8462},"the-original-nursing-pillow-from-pregnancy-pillows","CV5oQXNMqQqjRj9eU6X3sqLXvODuaiQ77G4FyV5rF1Y",{"id":8531,"title":8532,"author":245,"body":8533,"category":8608,"cover":8609,"date":8610,"description":8537,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":8611,"meta":8612,"meta_description":8613,"meta_title":8532,"navigation":236,"path":8614,"seo":8615,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":8616,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":8617},"posts/win-baby-born-bath-doll.md","Win a my little BABY born Bathing Fun doll!",{"type":9,"value":8534,"toc":8606},[8535,8538,8545,8548,8553,8556,8559,8566,8571,8576,8581,8586,8591,8596,8601],[12,8536,8537],{},"This week we have a fantastic competition for you! How would you like to win an adorable BABY born Bathing Fun doll for your little one? Dolls are something we think every little boy and girl should enjoy playing with. For your chance to win simply follow the instructions below.",[12,8539,8540],{},[16,8541,8544],{"href":8542,"rel":8543},"https://gleam.io/EUZuQ/baby-born",[20],"baby born",[12,8546,8547],{},"my little BABY born Bathing Fun can drink and wet her nappy, but is also fully bathable due to her quick-drying function. Once she has enjoyed a dip in the bath, little ones can dress her in her nappy, ‘East-Fit’ romper-style outfit and her matching hat. Little ones can also give my little BABY born Bathing Fun water in her bottle shaped perfectly for little hands!",[12,8549,8550],{},[45,8551],{"alt":215,"src":8552},"/images/2016/02/baby_born_bath_win_doll-660x440.jpg",[12,8554,8555],{},"Once she has her drink, her wetting feature will mean that her fabric nappy will become wet, so little ones can develop their nurturing skills and change her nappy! Her soft body means that she is easy to handle for little ones when they are bathing or changing her nappy.",[12,8557,8558],{},"Good luck! Xx",[12,8560,8561,8562,8565],{},"*",[211,8563,8564],{},"This"," Competition will close on Sunday 25th February 2016*",[12,8567,8568],{},[211,8569,8570],{},"Entrants must have a valid UK address",[12,8572,8573],{},[211,8574,8575],{},"Bulk, third party or any other entries using automated software will be disqualified",[12,8577,8578],{},[211,8579,8580],{},"All entrants and entries are checked and verified.",[12,8582,8583],{},[211,8584,8585],{},"1 lucky winner will be chosen at random by the Gleam application.",[12,8587,8588],{},[211,8589,8590],{},"Leelee Loves will contact the lucky winner within 3 days of the competition closing.",[12,8592,8593],{},[211,8594,8595],{},"The winner must respond within 7 days.",[12,8597,8598],{},[211,8599,8600],{},"This prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative.",[12,8602,8603],{},[211,8604,8605],{},"The prize is a Baby Born Bath Time Doll",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":8607},[],[226],"/images/2016/02/baby_born_bath_win.jpg","2016-02-08T08:16:00Z","8385",{},"Win a my little BABY born Bathing Fun doll! Fully bathable with quick-drying function, drinks, wets nappy, and includes outfit. UK competition giveaway.","/win-baby-born-bath-doll",{"title":8532,"description":8537},"win-baby-born-bath-doll","4_D5GL1lJ4x4sDQHrhj0GgHDBEKN1T_54kLmACWMUd8",{"id":8619,"title":8620,"author":245,"body":8621,"category":8684,"cover":8685,"date":8686,"description":8625,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":8687,"meta":8688,"meta_description":8689,"meta_title":8620,"navigation":236,"path":8690,"seo":8691,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":8692,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":8693},"posts/what-taylor-wore-with-joules.md","What Taylor Wore – With Joules Baby",{"type":9,"value":8622,"toc":8682},[8623,8626,8634,8642,8645,8652,8659,8666,8669],[12,8624,8625],{},"Since returning to work full time my time with Taylor during the week is now limited to the evenings. This means the hours between 7:00pm and 9:00pm or Taylor falling asleep, whichever comes first, are spent cramming in quality time together as a family. Playing with his toys, watching him try and dive off of every piece of furniture he can climb and generally being cute.",[12,8627,8628,6680,8630,6684,8632],{},[34,8629,6679],{},[34,8631,6683],{},[34,8633,6687],{},[12,8635,8636,6692,8638,6684,8640],{},[34,8637,6679],{},[34,8639,6683],{},[34,8641,6687],{},[12,8643,8644],{},"Taylor has been wearing some gorgeous items sent to us from Joules recently, it’s taken him a while to grow into them but they look adorable. This particular outfit is one of my favourites.",[12,8646,8647,8651],{},[45,8648],{"alt":8649,"src":8650},"what_taylor_wore_joules_nap02","/images/2016/01/what_taylor_wore_joules_nap02-660x440.jpg","The Babychris set is comprised of a jumper with slogan ‘Still Living with My Parents’ don’t I know it! 😛 It comes with soft stretchy trousers that match perfectly, they’re soft and stretchy which is great for little crawlers.",[12,8653,8654,8658],{},[45,8655],{"alt":8656,"src":8657},"what_taylor_wore_joules_trike","/images/2016/01/what_taylor_wore_joules_trike-660x440.jpg","Joules clothing is of such high quality, it’s hard wearing and British Made which I really like. Joules is a brand that I have loved myself for a while yet I’d never considered their baby clothing, now I’m questioning how I missed such a gorgeous range of baby clothing for the first year of Taylor’s life. And the many fox prints we missed out on too!",[12,8660,8661,8665],{},[45,8662],{"alt":8663,"src":8664},"what_taylor_wore_joules_playing","/images/2016/01/what_taylor_wore_joules_playing-660x440.jpg","Seeing Taylor in an outfit that isn’t his sleep suit is becoming rare for me recently so it was nice to see what Grandma had dressed him in and that he’d actually managed to stay clean for more than 20 minutes. He even kept socks on, now that’s an achievement.",[12,8667,8668],{},"We spent the evening pushing him around on his trike, building towers with brio blocks and practicing walking. It’s the little things that really make your day magical.",[12,8670,8671,8673,8674,8676,8681],{},[45,8672],{"alt":8378,"src":8379},"This outfit is currently priced at £14.95 from £29.95 and is available on the",[774,8675],{},[16,8677,8680],{"href":8678,"rel":8679},"http://www.joules.com/Sale/Baby-Toddler-Sale/Babychris/Top-And-Trouser-Set/Grey-Marl?id=T_BABYCHRIS%7CGREYMRL",[20],"Joules website"," – Great value fora british made outfit that oozes style!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":8683},[],[226],"/images/2016/01/what_taylor_wore_joules_sleeping.jpg","2016-02-04T06:59:00Z","8313",{},"#WhatTaylorWore featuring Joules Baby Babychris set. \"Still Living with My Parents\" slogan jumper and matching trousers. British made. £14.95 (was £29.95).","/what-taylor-wore-with-joules",{"title":8620,"description":8625},"what-taylor-wore-with-joules","S0d6_bwVpUqWCglo9DAuW-d3sxGTfjGxMV08pxP3efE",{"id":8695,"title":8696,"author":245,"body":8697,"category":8826,"cover":8827,"date":8828,"description":8829,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":8830,"meta":8831,"meta_description":8832,"meta_title":8833,"navigation":236,"path":8834,"seo":8835,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":8836,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":8837},"posts/the-bubbaroo-baby-blankie.md","The Bubbaroo Baby Blankie",{"type":9,"value":8698,"toc":8824},[8699,8707,8710,8717,8724,8727,8734,8748,8756,8766,8772,8782,8788,8798,8804,8814,8820],[12,8700,8701,8702,8706],{},"This week we have another fantastic Bubbaroo baby product review for you. We’ve been using the Bubbaroo Baby Blankie since we began our ",[16,8703,8705],{"href":8704},"/?s=bubbaroo","Bubbaroo Sleep Diary"," and have found it to be a versatile staple when it comes to baby sleep and staying cosy.",[12,8708,8709],{},"We were sent the Bubbaroo Blankie in Mystic Blue and White, which is a lovely pastel shade of bluish green. It also comes in two other colourways – Mocha and White and Delicate Pink and White.",[12,8711,8712,8716],{},[45,8713],{"alt":8714,"src":8715},"Bubbaroo_baby_sleep_diary_joey_review_04","/images/2016/01/Bubbaroo_baby_sleep_diary_joey_review_04-1320x880.jpg","The blanket is made from 100% high quality knitted cotton and is super cosy. We’ve been using it for day time naps the most and on the odd evening when it’s been a little chilly we pop it over the Joey Swag bag for a short while (I usually sneak in and remove it, I’ll admit it, I’m paranoid!) before we go to bed.",[12,8718,8719,8723],{},[45,8720],{"alt":8721,"src":8722},"bubbaroo_blanket_waking_up_03","/images/2016/01/bubbaroo_blanket_waking_up_03-660x440.jpg","We’ve used this blanket on our car seat for those chilly winter mornings, snoozing in the Sleepyhead for naps, keeping warm out in the pram and more commonly for cuddling up on mummy and daddy’s bed for weekend naps.",[12,8725,8726],{},"Taylor loves the blanket as it’s soft and his favorite feature, the trim and tag of course! Taylor will cuddle up and fiddle with the Bubbaroo tag until he falls asleep, he’s a very fiddly baby.",[12,8728,8729,8733],{},[45,8730],{"alt":8731,"src":8732},"Bubbaroo_baby_sleep_diary_blanket_review_02","/images/2016/01/Bubbaroo_baby_sleep_diary_blanket_review_02-660x440.jpg","Overall I really like this blanket, the size of it in particular is a favourite of mine. When you think baby blanket you think small. Not with Bubbaroo. Generously cot sized at 120cm x 120cm you’ll often find me snuggled up under this blanket reading my book alongside Taylor as he naps on a Sunday afternoon. You can’t get cosier than that!",[12,8735,8736,8740],{},[45,8737],{"alt":8738,"src":8739},"bubbaroo_blanket_waking_up_02","/images/2016/01/bubbaroo_blanket_waking_up_02-660x440.jpg",[211,8741,8742,8743],{},"The Bubbaroo Baby Blankie retails at £34.95, available in a range of colours on ",[16,8744,8747],{"href":8745,"rel":8746},"https://www.bubbaroo.co.uk/baby-blanket#511=22&76=58&612=78",[20],"the Bubbaroo website  ",[1423,8749,8751],{"id":8750},"if-youve-missed-our-weekly-updates-you-can-catch-via-the-links-the-below",[211,8752,8753],{},[34,8754,8755],{},"If you’ve missed our weekly updates you can catch via the links the below!",[12,8757,8758],{},[16,8759,8763],{"href":8760,"rel":8761,"title":8762},"http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=890423&c=161896",[20],"Bubbaroo Intro",[45,8764],{"alt":215,"src":8765},"http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20151215/50806/100/1450185304.87.jpg",[12,8767,8768],{},[16,8769,8771],{"href":8760,"rel":8770,"title":8762},[20],"Bubbaroo Intro  ",[12,8773,8774],{},[16,8775,8779],{"href":8776,"rel":8777,"title":8778},"http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=890424&c=161896",[20],"Sleep Diary Week #1",[45,8780],{"alt":215,"src":8781},"http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20151215/50806/100/1450185369.47.jpg",[12,8783,8784],{},[16,8785,8787],{"href":8776,"rel":8786,"title":8778},[20],"Sleep Diary Week #1  ",[12,8789,8790],{},[16,8791,8795],{"href":8792,"rel":8793,"title":8794},"http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=890425&c=161896",[20],"Sleep Diary Week #2",[45,8796],{"alt":215,"src":8797},"http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20151215/50806/100/1450185431.32.jpg",[12,8799,8800],{},[16,8801,8803],{"href":8792,"rel":8802,"title":8794},[20],"Sleep Diary Week #2  ",[12,8805,8806],{},[16,8807,8811],{"href":8808,"rel":8809,"title":8810},"http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=890426&c=161896",[20],"Sleep Diary Week #3",[45,8812],{"alt":215,"src":8813},"http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20151215/50806/100/1450185530.35.jpg",[12,8815,8816],{},[16,8817,8819],{"href":8808,"rel":8818,"title":8810},[20],"Sleep Diary Week #3  ",[12,8821,8822],{},[45,8823],{"alt":8216,"src":8217},{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":8825},[],[226],"/images/2016/01/Bubbaroo_baby_sleep_diary_blanket_review_06.jpg","2016-01-25T08:24:00Z","This week we have another fantastic Bubbaroo baby product review for you. We’ve been using the Bubbaroo Baby Blankie since we began our Bubbaroo Sleep Diary and have found it to be a versatile staple when it comes to baby sleep and staying cosy.","8291",{},"Bubbaroo Baby Blankie review. Soft 100% cotton knitted blanket for baby sleep, naps, and keeping cosy. Generously sized at 120cm x 120cm.","Bubbaroo Baby Blanket Review: Soft Cotton for Sleep","/the-bubbaroo-baby-blankie",{"title":8696,"description":8829},"the-bubbaroo-baby-blankie","AYzFDdnLN1FP3bYAYRQJtsNo9F3MJQ2Q4jbdSipsj4Y",{"id":8839,"title":8840,"author":245,"body":8841,"category":8911,"cover":8912,"date":8913,"description":8914,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":8915,"meta":8916,"meta_description":8917,"meta_title":8840,"navigation":236,"path":8918,"seo":8919,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":8920,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":8921},"posts/what-taylor-wore-with-little-green-radicals.md","What Taylor Wore – With Little Green Radicals",{"type":9,"value":8842,"toc":8909},[8843,8852,8860,8868,8871,8878,8885,8892,8899],[12,8844,8845,8846,8851],{},"This week Taylor has been wearing a cute little number from Little Green Radicals, an adorable ",[16,8847,8850],{"href":8848,"rel":8849},"http://littlegreenradicals.co.uk/shop/sleepy-village-baby-body/",[20],"Baby Body suit"," in their ‘Sleepy Village’ print. As Taylor was rather poorly it was perfect for him to roam around the house in without getting too hot.",[12,8853,8854,6680,8856,6684,8858],{},[34,8855,6679],{},[34,8857,6683],{},[34,8859,6687],{},[12,8861,8862,6692,8864,6684,8866],{},[34,8863,6679],{},[34,8865,6683],{},[34,8867,6687],{},[12,8869,8870],{},"Little Green Radicals sell fair trade, organic, clothing for babies and young children. This is the first time we’ve tried clothing from Little Green Radicals and it certainly won’t be the last. I’ve been stalking their website and current sale for days now!",[12,8872,8873,8877],{},[45,8874],{"alt":8875,"src":8876},"what_taylor_wore_little_green_radicals_sleepy_village_08","/images/2016/01/what_taylor_wore_little_green_radicals_sleepy_village_08.jpg","I fell in love with the prints, colours and quality of their clothing the moment I laid eyes on them. Taylor has found them to be really comfortable, and has been wearing size 9-12 months. It’s a lovely fit with plenty of room to grow due to his petite size, otherwise I would say it’s true to size.",[12,8879,8880,8884],{},[45,8881],{"alt":8882,"src":8883},"what_taylor_wore_little_green_radicals_sleepy_village_06","/images/2016/01/what_taylor_wore_little_green_radicals_sleepy_village_06.jpg","I’ve been teaming this item up with dungarees, jeans and leggings as the weather is pretty chilly right now. Otherwise it looks great alone with long socks for around the house. Initially I wondered how I could pair this print with other items, however it works with almost anything and looks great.",[12,8886,8887,8891],{},[45,8888],{"alt":8889,"src":8890},"what_taylor_wore_little_green_radicals_sleepy_village_05","/images/2016/01/what_taylor_wore_little_green_radicals_sleepy_village_05.jpg","On this occasion Taylor wore the Sleepy Village body suit with car print leggings from Zara as well as pair of long mustard socks which complimented the colour palette perfectly.",[12,8893,8894,8898],{},[45,8895],{"alt":8896,"src":8897},"what_taylor_wore_little_green_radicals_sleepy_village_03","/images/2016/01/what_taylor_wore_little_green_radicals_sleepy_village_03-660x440.jpg","I particularly like the finer details such as the cute red elbow patches and matching trim . The body suit also features poppers on the back of the neckline and between the legs making it easy to put on and take off. Each popper is also coloured to coordinate with the Sleepy Village print, another small detail which I love.",[12,8900,8901,8902,8904,8908],{},"This Baby Body is currently priced at £16 and is available on the",[774,8903],{},[16,8905,8907],{"href":8848,"rel":8906},[20],"Little Green Radicals website"," – Great value for an organic, fair trade product that will last.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":8910},[],[226],"/images/2016/01/what_taylor_wore_little_green_radicals_sleepy_village_01.jpg","2016-01-21T08:19:00Z","This week Taylor has been wearing a cute little number from Little Green Radicals, an adorable Baby Body suit in their ‘Sleepy Village’ print. As Taylor was rather poorly it was perfect for him to roam around the house in without getting too hot.","8266",{},"#WhatTaylorWore featuring Little Green Radicals Sleepy Village baby bodysuit. Organic, fair trade clothing with red elbow patches. £16. 9-12 months review.","/what-taylor-wore-with-little-green-radicals",{"title":8840,"description":8914},"what-taylor-wore-with-little-green-radicals","Dc4bN-wdLvXn-RAw23W4ozjug5vC_AF-sgdI91EywTA",{"id":8923,"title":8924,"author":245,"body":8925,"category":9057,"cover":9058,"date":9059,"description":9060,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":9061,"meta":9062,"meta_description":9063,"meta_title":8924,"navigation":236,"path":9064,"seo":9065,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":9066,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":9067},"posts/the-bubbaroo-joey-swag-baby-sleeping-bag.md","The Bubbaroo Joey Swag Baby Sleeping Bag",{"type":9,"value":8926,"toc":9055},[8927,8936,8939,8945,8948,8954,8957,8960,8966,8972,8975,8978,8984,8987,8997,9003,9010,9015,9022,9027,9034,9039,9046,9051],[12,8928,8929,8930,8935],{},"Since beginning our sleep diary with ",[16,8931,8934],{"rel":8932},[8933],"https://www.bubbaroo.co.uk","Bubbaroo ","we have been using the Joey Swag baby sleeping bags. – I particularly love the quirky name of the Joey Swag. In Australia, a swag is a term used to describe a portable sleeping unit or a bundle of belongings, and of course a Joey is a baby Kangaroo. Pretty clever, huh?",[12,8937,8938],{},"Bubbaroo is a an Australia brand created by mum of two Nicole, selling an extensive range of boutique baby sleepwear Nicole grew Bubbaroo based on her own experiences as a mother.",[12,8940,8941],{},[45,8942],{"alt":8943,"src":8944},"Bubbaroo_Joey_Swag_baby_sleep_diary_morning_cute","/images/2015/11/Bubbaroo_Joey_Swag_baby_sleep_diary_morning_cute-660x440.jpg",[12,8946,8947],{},"I’ve always been paranoid that Taylor would pull a blanket over his face whilst asleep and opted for sleeping bags as a result of this. – Having used numerous brands of baby sleeping bags from supermarket own brands to popular baby brands I’ve found the Joey Swag to boast more features than all rolled into one whilst complying to British Standard BS 8510:2009 Safety standards.",[12,8949,8950],{},[45,8951],{"alt":8952,"src":8953},"Bubbaroo_baby_sleep_diary_joey_review_02","/images/2016/01/Bubbaroo_baby_sleep_diary_joey_review_02-660x440.jpg",[12,8955,8956],{},"My favourite feature, which may seem small, is the ability to use the Joey Swag with a 3 or 5 point harness. A feature as simple as a velcro opening in the back, allowing a buckle to be pushed into the sleeping bag, gives you the ability to use the sleeping bag on prams and car seats without compromising on safety.",[12,8958,8959],{},"Theirs nothing worse than getting home late and having to move a baby from their car seat to their bed whilst attempting to put them into a sleeping bag. The ability to put little ones in their sleeping bag before you set off makes this a much smoother transition! The two-way zipper system also allows for easy nappy changes.",[12,8961,8962],{},[45,8963],{"alt":8964,"src":8965},"Bubbaroo_baby_joey_swag_car_seat","/images/2016/01/Bubbaroo_baby_joey_swag_car_seat-660x440.jpg",[12,8967,8968],{},[45,8969],{"alt":8970,"src":8971},"Bubbaroo_baby_joey_swag_zipped_car_seat","/images/2016/01/Bubbaroo_baby_joey_swag_zipped_car_seat-660x440.jpg",[12,8973,8974],{},"We started using the 1.0 tog bags which are light weight and perfect for cooler weather. As winter drew nearer and Taylor’s bedroom was dropping in temperature we moved onto the 2.5 tog Joey Swag which provided more warmth on chilly nights. Upon changing to a higher tog we immediately saw a difference and our routine took effect once again.",[12,8976,8977],{},"The Joey Swag comes with a temperature guide and handy door hanger so you know which tog you require, getting the tog correct really does make a difference. Taylor now sleeps 7:00pm – 6:00am in the Joey Swag, amazing considering he previously slept 10:00pm – 5:00am with an average of 3 wake ups a night.",[12,8979,8980],{},[45,8981],{"alt":8982,"src":8983},"bubbaroo_sleeping_cot_cute_reading_joey_Swag","/images/2015/11/bubbaroo_sleeping_cot_cute_reading_joey_Swag-660x440.jpg",[12,8985,8986],{},"The Joey Swag looks and feels like a high quality product and has contributed greatly to our new routine. Taylor knows it’s bed time when he’s put into his bag and will happily sit in it whilst we go through our routine. We wouldn’t be without it!",[12,8988,8989],{},[211,8990,8991,8992],{},"The Bubbaroo Joey Swag bags start at £24.95 for a lightweight tog bag and go up to a 3.5 tog, available in a range of colours the Joey Swag bags can be purchased on the ",[16,8993,8996],{"rel":8994},[8995],"https://www.bubbaroo.co.uk/joey-swag-baby-sleeping-bag","Bubbaroo website",[1423,8998,8999],{"id":8750},[211,9000,9001],{},[34,9002,8755],{},[12,9004,9005],{},[16,9006,9008],{"href":8760,"rel":9007,"title":8762},[20],[45,9009],{"alt":215,"src":8765},[12,9011,9012],{},[16,9013,8771],{"href":8760,"rel":9014,"title":8762},[20],[12,9016,9017],{},[16,9018,9020],{"href":8776,"rel":9019,"title":8778},[20],[45,9021],{"alt":215,"src":8781},[12,9023,9024],{},[16,9025,8787],{"href":8776,"rel":9026,"title":8778},[20],[12,9028,9029],{},[16,9030,9032],{"href":8792,"rel":9031,"title":8794},[20],[45,9033],{"alt":215,"src":8797},[12,9035,9036],{},[16,9037,8803],{"href":8792,"rel":9038,"title":8794},[20],[12,9040,9041],{},[16,9042,9044],{"href":8808,"rel":9043,"title":8810},[20],[45,9045],{"alt":215,"src":8813},[12,9047,9048],{},[16,9049,8819],{"href":8808,"rel":9050,"title":8810},[20],[12,9052,9053],{},[45,9054],{"alt":8216,"src":8217},{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":9056},[],[226],"/images/2016/01/Bubbaroo_baby_sleep_diary_jowy_review_01.jpg","2016-01-11T09:13:00Z","Since beginning our sleep diary with Bubbaroo we have been using the Joey Swag baby sleeping bags. – I particularly love the quirky name of the Joey Swag. In Australia, a swag is a term used to describe a portable sleeping unit or a bundle of belongings, and of course a Joey is a baby Kangaroo. Pretty clever, huh?","8111",{},"Bubbaroo Joey Swag baby sleeping bag review. Car seat compatible, 1.0-3.5 tog options, two-way zip for nappy changes. From £24.95. British Standard approved.","/the-bubbaroo-joey-swag-baby-sleeping-bag",{"title":8924,"description":9060},"the-bubbaroo-joey-swag-baby-sleeping-bag","y9fWlxG3Ydkc-cK2dDlg1RkFAdKC0Qg-vIkHUCXuSEA",{"id":9069,"title":9070,"author":245,"body":9071,"category":9143,"cover":9144,"date":9145,"description":9075,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":9146,"meta":9147,"meta_description":9148,"meta_title":9070,"navigation":236,"path":9149,"seo":9150,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":9151,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":9152},"posts/review-giveaway-babybundle-snuggletoes-footmuff.md","Review & giveaway: Babybundle Snuggletoes footmuff",{"type":9,"value":9072,"toc":9139},[9073,9076,9079,9086,9097,9100,9107,9110,9113,9121,9128],[12,9074,9075],{},"As wooly hat weather descends I’ve been looking at ways to keep Taylor cosy in the bitterly cold December chill. Specifically when we’re using the car seat.",[12,9077,9078],{},"Our day-to-day pram has a cold weather footmuff so I’ve never had to worry about Taylor getting cold. However their are times when I use the car seat on our pram, from going shopping in the car when it’s convenient to pop the car seat onto the chassis or outings where I have arranged for somebody to pick us up in the car afterwards.",[12,9080,9081,9085],{},[45,9082],{"alt":9083,"src":9084,"title":9083},"footmuff","/images/2015/12/BABYBUNDLE_SNUGGLETOES_FOOTMUFF_05-660x440.jpg","When using the car seat my only option to keep Taylor warm is to cover him with a blanket which is usually kicked off before we’ve made it out of the house, so I was really excited when we received a footmuff that fits our car seat!",[27,9087,9089,509,9092],{"id":9088},"the-babybundle-snuggletoes-footmuff",[45,9090],{"alt":9083,"src":9091,"title":9083},"/images/2015/12/BABYBUNDLE_SNUGGLETOES_FOOTMUFF_01-660x440.jpg",[16,9093,9096],{"href":9094,"rel":9095},"http://www.babybundle.co.uk/baby-bundle/snuggletoes-footmuff.html",[20],"Babybundle Snuggletoes Footmuff",[12,9098,9099],{},"is a universal footmuff designed to fit most prams/strollers and car seats! It has velcro tabs that simply fasten around the straps and you’re ready to go. It’s also compatible with both 3 and 5 point harnesses.",[12,9101,9102,9106],{},[45,9103],{"alt":9083,"src":9104,"title":9105},"/images/2015/12/BABYBUNDLE_SNUGGLETOES_FOOTMUFF_04-293x440.jpg","babybundle footmuff","Featuring a removable cover this allows us to put Taylor in the car without the outer layer attached as the car is generally warm, then simply re-attach it when taking the car seat out.",[12,9108,9109],{},"The Snuggletoes has been perfect for us, both on the car seat and as a back up for use on the pram, the luxurious fleecy material is super soft and cuddly. It attaches easily and can be popped into the washing machine. I particularly love the print and neutral colours which just so happen to work really well with our vibrant car seat.",[12,9111,9112],{},"For the chance to win yourself a Babybundle Snuggletoes Footmuff simply follow the steps below!",[12,9114,9115,9116],{},"TheBabybundle Snuggletoes Footmuff retail for £29.99 at ",[16,9117,9120],{"href":9118,"rel":9119},"http://www.babybundle.co.uk",[20],"www.babybundle.co.uk",[12,9122,9123],{},[16,9124,9127],{"href":9125,"rel":9126},"https://gleam.io/aywfY/win-a-babybundle-snuggletoes-footmuff",[20],"WIN A BABYBUNDLE SNUGGLETOES FOOTMUFF",[12,9129,9130,9131,9134,9135,9138],{},"Pop on over to Katie’s lovely blog, ",[211,9132,9133],{},"Heels & Hooves",", tomorrow for the next ",[211,9136,9137],{},"Baby Bundle"," giveaway. Merry Christmas!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":9140},[9141],{"id":9088,"depth":216,"text":9142},"The Babybundle Snuggletoes Footmuff",[226],"/images/2015/12/BABYBUNDLE_SNUGGLETOES_FOOTMUFF_03.jpg","2015-12-14T09:37:00Z","8032",{},"Babybundle Snuggletoes footmuff review and giveaway. Universal fit for car seats and prams, removable cover, machine washable. £29.99. Win one!","/review-giveaway-babybundle-snuggletoes-footmuff",{"title":9070,"description":9075},"review-giveaway-babybundle-snuggletoes-footmuff","beZOAHegmzEAGMYiFfV4cGlBQTQds08OYMVAol5_obw",{"id":9154,"title":9155,"author":245,"body":9156,"category":9314,"cover":9315,"date":9316,"description":9317,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":9318,"meta":9319,"meta_description":9320,"meta_title":9155,"navigation":236,"path":9321,"seo":9322,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":9323,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":9324},"posts/kiddie-cube-frozen-baby-food-just-like-home-made.md","Kiddie Cubes – Frozen baby food, just like home made.",{"type":9,"value":9157,"toc":9311},[9158,9167,9170,9177,9180,9183,9190,9197,9204,9210,9234,9236,9259,9265,9274,9281,9293,9300,9307],[12,9159,9160,9161,9166],{},"We recently placed an online shop with Ocado and ordered a selection of ",[16,9162,9165],{"href":9163,"rel":9164},"http://www.kiddiecubes.com/",[20],"Kiddie Cubes"," for Taylor to try. Perfect for those days when time is of the essence. Kiddie Cubes are a fantastic alternative as they allow you to give meals that are just like ones you would make yourself, except all the hard work has been done for you!",[12,9168,9169],{},"When it comes to weaning theirs nothing better than giving your baby fresh home cooked meals, they’re full of nutrition and you know exactly what has gone into making it. We try to make our own purée as often as we can but as any parent will know it’s not always possible.",[12,9171,9172,9176],{},[45,9173],{"alt":9174,"src":9175},"kiddie_cubes_ocado_weaning_dinner.jpg","/images/2015/12/kiddie_cubes_ocado_weaning_dinner-660x440.jpg","I’ve been returning to work gradually and definitely found the need for quick and easy meals of an evening when I get home 5 minutes before Taylor’s dinner time, but I’d hate to compromise on the quality of the food he is being given.",[12,9178,9179],{},"Each re-sealable KiddieCubes pack contains 12 x 25g cubes (each cube is the equivalent to one heaped tablespoon) so you are in total control of portion size and wastage is kept to a minimum.",[12,9181,9182],{},"They’re so simple to serve, simply pop your required number of cubes into a saucepan and warm them up for a few minutes.",[12,9184,9185,9189],{},[45,9186],{"alt":9187,"src":9188},"kiddie_cubes_ocado_frozen","/images/2015/12/kiddie_cubes_ocado_frozen-660x440.jpg","So far Taylor has tried Veggie Lamb Casserole, Hearty Chicken & Veg Hotpot, Fishermans Pie, Cauliflower and Broccoli and Creamy Porridge. He hasn’t been overly keen on the Cauliflower and Broccoli, I think this is due to the texture however he absolutely loves all of the others.",[12,9191,9192,9196],{},[45,9193],{"alt":9194,"src":9195},"kiddie_cubes_ocado_warmed","/images/2015/12/kiddie_cubes_ocado_warmed-660x440.jpg","You can actually smell how fresh they are, they smell like real food! The Fishermans Pie in particular smells very strong and I thought he wasn’t going to enjoy it, 4 cubes later I was proven wrong! As with anything we give to Taylor we have to taste it too, both Daddy and I have been impressed as they don’t taste like generic shop bought baby foods but fresh home cooked food as advertised.",[12,9198,9199,9203],{},[45,9200],{"alt":9201,"src":9202},"kiddie_cubes_ocado_eating","/images/2015/12/kiddie_cubes_ocado_eating-660x371.jpg","Kiddie Cubes come in a selection of 14 different meals made from organic, wholesome ingredients starting from 4+ months their’s enough variety for little ones to explore textures and tastes on their weaning journey.",[27,9205,9207],{"id":9206},"stage-1",[34,9208,9209],{},"Stage 1",[9211,9212,9213,9216,9219,9222,9225,9228],"ol",{"start":216},[364,9214,9215],{},"Eat Your Greens",[364,9217,9218],{},"Really Rooty Veg",[364,9220,9221],{},"Purely Apple and Pear Puree",[364,9223,9224],{},"Purely Mango and Apple Puree",[364,9226,9227],{},"Purely Peach and Pear Puree",[364,9229,9230,9231],{},"Purely Apple, Blueberry and Apricot Puree\n",[34,9232,9233],{},"Stage 2",[206,9235],{},[9211,9237,9238,9241,9244,9247,9250,9253,9256],{"start":216},[364,9239,9240],{},"Veggies and Lovely Lentils",[364,9242,9243],{},"Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese",[364,9245,9246],{},"Hearty Chicken and Veg Hotpot",[364,9248,9249],{},"Very Veggie Lamb Casserole",[364,9251,9252],{},"Creamy Leafy Fisherman’s Pie",[364,9254,9255],{},"Creamy Porridge",[364,9257,9258],{},"Go Bananas Porridge",[12,9260,9261],{},[45,9262],{"alt":9263,"src":9264},"kiddie_cubes_funny","/images/2015/12/kiddie_cubes_funny-587x440.jpg",[12,9266,9267,9268,9273],{},"Upon checking out on ",[16,9269,9272],{"href":9270,"rel":9271},"https://www.ocado.com/webshop/getCategories.do?tags=%7C20000%7C30489%7C30553%7C132283&dnr=y",[20],"Ocado"," I was able to choose which day and time my delivery came so I knew we would be home, they were really easy to purchase online meaning we can get them any time. I’m looking forward to trying some different flavours in our next order.",[12,9275,9276,9280],{},[45,9277],{"alt":9278,"src":9279},"kiddie_cubes_ocado_breakfast_frozen","/images/2015/12/kiddie_cubes_ocado_breakfast_frozen-660x440.jpg","Overall we’re really impressed with Kiddie Cubes, they’ve been a saving grace on those evenings where food prep hasn’t really been an option, I’ve also popped frozen cubes in a container and taken them on the go for lunch. Taylor enjoys them and we love knowing that he’s still eating healthy meals that are vitamin and protein rich with no added sugar and low in natural sugars. I’ve even found myself serving them on evenings when time hasn’t been an issue as I know he enjoys them so much.",[4284,9282,9283,9290],{},[12,9284,9285],{},[16,9286,9289],{"href":9287,"rel":9288},"https://www.instagram.com/p/-hSeuAsQkD/",[20],"On the menu tonight we have @kiddiecubes Fisherman’s pie #kiddiecubes #weaning #baby #food #ocado",[12,9291,9292],{},"A video posted by LeeLee (@leeleeloves) on Nov 25, 2015 at 11:49am PST",[12,9294,9295,9296,9299],{},"Kiddie Cubes are available to purchase through ",[16,9297,9272],{"href":9270,"rel":9298},[20],", Waitrose, Asda and Newlyns averaging at £3.49 for a bag of 12 cubes.",[12,9301,9302],{},[211,9303,9304,9306],{},[34,9305,7330],{}," We were sent a voucher to purchase Kiddie Cubes for the purpose of this review, all views and opinions are honest and my own.",[12,9308,9309],{},[45,9310],{"alt":8216,"src":8217},{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":9312},[9313],{"id":9206,"depth":216,"text":9209},[226],"/images/2015/12/kiddie_cubes_ocado_selection.jpg","2015-12-10T18:38:00Z","We recently placed an online shop with Ocado and ordered a selection of Kiddie Cubes for Taylor to try. Perfect for those days when time is of the essence. Kiddie Cubes are a fantastic alternative as they allow you to give meals that are just like ones you would make yourself, except all the hard work has been done for you!","7989",{},"Kiddie Cubes frozen baby food review. Organic, homemade-quality meals in convenient cubes. 14 varieties from 4+ months. £3.49 at Ocado and Waitrose.","/kiddie-cube-frozen-baby-food-just-like-home-made",{"title":9155,"description":9317},"kiddie-cube-frozen-baby-food-just-like-home-made","BZUO0XI0SlxMqQ8NZ0DJvXehEMNNhX7fNArQhpOtkwk",{"id":9326,"title":9327,"author":245,"body":9328,"category":9416,"cover":9417,"date":9418,"description":9419,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":9420,"meta":9421,"meta_description":9422,"meta_title":9327,"navigation":236,"path":9423,"seo":9424,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":9425,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":9426},"posts/what-taylor-wore-featuring-shmuncki-baby-clothes.md","What Taylor Wore – Featuring Shmuncki Baby Clothes",{"type":9,"value":9329,"toc":9414},[9330,9338,9357,9370,9377,9386,9393,9399],[12,9331,9332,6680,9334,6684,9336],{},[34,9333,6679],{},[34,9335,6683],{},[34,9337,6687],{},[12,9339,9340,6692,9342,6684,9344,9346,9348,9349,9356],{},[34,9341,6679],{},[34,9343,6683],{},[34,9345,6687],{},[774,9347],{},"\nShmuncki is a gorgeous baby clothing brand by Helen, a mum who wanted more tradition clothing with a modern twist, it had to be easy to get on/off and comfortable for little ones to wear. We first came across Shmuncki in March of 2015 when Taylor was 3 months old. We reviewed the lovely ",[16,9350,9352,9353],{"href":9351},"/review-shmuncki-baby-clothing","Nautical ",[211,9354,9355],{},"collection"," and fell in love*.* Helen has since released a new range consisting of funky harem pants, leggings and dungarees which Taylor has been wearing recently.",[12,9358,9359,9363,9364,9369],{},[45,9360],{"alt":9361,"src":9362},"Schmunki_Standing_01","/images/2015/12/Schmunki_Standing_01-293x440.jpg","The knee patch dungarees were my favourite in the latest Shmuncki collection from the moment I saw them, they retail for a ",[16,9365,9368],{"href":9366,"rel":9367},"http://shmuncki.com/collections/outfits-sets/products/baby-dungarees-and-hat-set",[20],"RRP of £25"," with the adorable matching hat. I love anything with patches and have been putting Taylor in dungarees for a while now. I suppose they’re one of those items you can only get away with putting them in up to a certain age before they point blank refuse. I think they look adorable.",[12,9371,9372,9376],{},[45,9373],{"alt":9374,"src":9375},"Schmunki_Sitting_03","/images/2015/12/Schmunki_Sitting_03-660x440.jpg","In soft cotton with nickel free poppers at the top and legs, they make a classic look that is comfy and has easy access for changing. They’re easy to get on with single popper fastenings on the shoulders and feel so soft!",[12,9378,9379,9380,9385],{},"I’ve been teaming them with the Shmuncki long sleeved nautical print top which retails for a ",[16,9381,9384],{"href":9382,"rel":9383},"http://shmuncki.com/collections/rompers-vests-tops/products/nautical-long-sleeved-top-blue",[20],"RRP of £13"," as well as a few long sleeved tops from Zara and found they work well with most.",[12,9387,9388,9392],{},[45,9389],{"alt":9390,"src":9391},"Schmunki_Sitting_02","/images/2015/12/Schmunki_Sitting_02-293x440.jpg","Taylor has been crawling, climbing, sofa surfing and taking on soft play in these. We’ve been asked on numerous occasions where they’re from as they look unique when compared to your average high street baby items. They stand out for all of the right reasons. The saddest part is we’re already outgrowing them!",[12,9394,9395,9396,9398],{},"Overall I really love this outfit, it works for both smart and casual looks from dinner dates to soft play he looks smart and comfortable which is what Shmuncki is all about!",[774,9397],{},"\nWhich part of this weeks outfit do you like the most?",[12,9400,9401,9403],{},[45,9402],{"alt":8378,"src":8379},[211,9404,9405,9406,9409,9410,9413],{},"You can purchase the dungarees and adorable matching hat at Shmuncki for a ",[16,9407,9368],{"href":9366,"rel":9408},[20]," and Nautical t-shirt for ",[16,9411,9384],{"href":9382,"rel":9412},[20]," – We were sent these items for the purpose of this review, however all views and opinions are my own!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":9415},[],[226],"/images/2015/12/Schmunki_Crawling_02.jpg","2015-12-09T11:50:00Z","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","7881",{},"#WhatTaylorWore featuring Shmuncki knee patch dungarees and nautical top. Traditional baby clothes with modern twist. Soft cotton. £25 for set.","/what-taylor-wore-featuring-shmuncki-baby-clothes",{"title":9327,"description":9419},"what-taylor-wore-featuring-shmuncki-baby-clothes","09zioZNwYuczNHhGz4g-nQ6DxUhJWtCBgsTXQJnUaOM",{"id":9428,"title":9429,"author":245,"body":9430,"category":9473,"cover":9474,"date":9475,"description":9476,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":9477,"meta":9478,"meta_description":9479,"meta_title":9429,"navigation":236,"path":9480,"seo":9481,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":9482,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":9483},"posts/win-with-diamond-dealer-direct.md","Win with Diamond Dealer Direct",{"type":9,"value":9431,"toc":9471},[9432,9441,9444,9450,9453,9456,9468],[12,9433,9434,9435,9440],{},"Tis the seasons to get out your glad rags and enjoy the festivities with family and friends and ",[16,9436,9439],{"href":9437,"rel":9438},"http://www.diamonddealerdirect.co.uk/blog/2015/10/29/christmas-competition/",[20],"Diamond Dealer Direct"," are giving you the chance to win a stunning 18ct white gold necklace with three natural white diamonds.",[12,9442,9443],{},"The necklace which allows you to modify the length is 16 inches long, the diamonds are a rare white colour, and are blemish free to the naked eye.",[12,9445,9446,9449],{},[45,9447],{"alt":215,"src":9448},"http://www.diamonddealerdirect.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/comp_2.jpg","Diamond Dealer Direct are a well established Diamond wholesaler who have been running since 1972, a lonstanding supplier of fine polished diamonds based in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter.",[12,9451,9452],{},"For your chance to win this beautiful piece simply write a blog post of 500 words or more stating the reasons why you absolutely have to have this necklace. Pull at their heart strings, give your most heart-felt festive sob stories, anything you believe will deem you worthy of such a magnificent piece of jewellery!",[12,9454,9455],{},"I personally have never owned any Diamonds but have you seen that sparkle?!",[12,9457,9458,9459,9467],{},"The full rules along with T&C’s can be found on the ",[211,9460,9461],{},[34,9462,9463],{},[16,9464,9466],{"href":9437,"rel":9465},[20],"competition entry page"," – Make sure your entry is live before the competition closes at 1:00pm on December 11th and fill in the form on the entry page!",[12,9469,9470],{},"Good luck!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":9472},[],[226],"/images/2015/12/diamond_necklace.jpg","2015-12-05T17:33:00Z","Tis the seasons to get out your glad rags and enjoy the festivities with family and friends and Diamond Dealer Direct are giving you the chance to win a stunning 18ct white gold necklace with three natural white diamonds.","7858",{},"Win an 18ct white gold necklace with three natural white diamonds from Diamond Dealer Direct. Christmas competition closes 11th December 2015.","/win-with-diamond-dealer-direct",{"title":9429,"description":9476},"win-with-diamond-dealer-direct","St36mrP8pgiO5DNxbjd5IClfZxJ7hq0J93pxFUEkG2s",{"id":9485,"title":9486,"author":245,"body":9487,"category":9566,"cover":9567,"date":9568,"description":9569,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":9570,"meta":9571,"meta_description":9572,"meta_title":9573,"navigation":236,"path":9574,"seo":9575,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":9576,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":9577},"posts/b-skipping-stones-toy.md","B. Skipping Stones Toy",{"type":9,"value":9488,"toc":9564},[9489,9498,9501,9512,9519,9530,9533,9548],[12,9490,9491,9492,9497],{},"As baby develops and grows it’s good to encourage them to learn new skills. The ",[16,9493,9496],{"href":9494,"rel":9495},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00TM9126G?creativeASIN=B00TM9126G&linkCode=w00&linkId=&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],"B. Skipping Stones"," toy from B. toys is a great way to develop fine & gross motor skills whilst having fun!",[12,9499,9500],{},"Taylor and I have been playing with this for a few weeks now, it’s recommended for ages 6 – 12 months although most development charts I’ve seen state a child can complete a ring stacker between 12 and 18 months Taylor is now able to stack a few of the pebbles before getting frustrated and simply throwing them, usually at me!",[12,9502,9503,9507,9511],{},[45,9504],{"alt":9505,"src":9506},"B_Toys_Baby_display_skipping_stones","/images/2015/12/B_Toys_Baby_display_skipping_stones-660x440.jpg",[45,9508],{"alt":9509,"src":9510},"B_Toys_Baby_Cute","/images/2015/12/B_Toys_Baby_Cute-660x440.jpg","With ergonomic rounded shapes making it easier for tiny hands to grasp the skipping stones stack neatly on top of one another creating a tower of fun. I like the different shapes on this toy unlike similar products which stack symmetrically. it’s more fun to look at and reminds me of something from Dr Seuss with it’s odd shapes and vibrant colours sitting alongside our Seuss toys in the nursery.",[12,9513,9514,9518],{},[45,9515],{"alt":9516,"src":9517},"B_Toys_Baby_interacting_with_skipping_stones","/images/2015/12/B_Toys_Baby_interacting_with_skipping_stones-660x440.jpg","Their is no right or wrong way to stack these colourful shapes, they look great in any order and try telling a 10 month only the green goes before the pink. We’ve had plenty of fun building towers on and off the stacking pole, throwing shapes, drooling on them and wearing them on our heads!",[12,9520,9521,9525,9529],{},[45,9522],{"alt":9523,"src":9524},"B_Toys_Baby_loves_skipping_stones","/images/2015/12/B_Toys_Baby_loves_skipping_stones-660x440.jpg",[45,9526],{"alt":9527,"src":9528},"B_Toys_Baby_skipping_stones","/images/2015/12/B_Toys_Baby_skipping_stones-660x440.jpg","I particularly love this toy for its added features. You wouldn’t think a simple ring stacker had added features but this one does! Each pebble is a different shape for little hands to grasp instead of simple circular rings and they’re also textured. Each pebble has a different texture of material to it, some are smooth, others are bumpy and one is squishy rubber, Taylor’s favourite!",[12,9531,9532],{},"A fun twist on a traditional toy that little ones will love on their first Christmas. This toy gets the #TaylorTries seal of approval from us!",[12,9534,9535,9536,9539,9540,9544,9545],{},"You can purchase your own ",[16,9537,9496],{"href":9494,"rel":9538},[20]," toy from B. toys ",[16,9541,9543],{"href":9494,"rel":9542},[20],"via Amazon"," for a RRP of £9.99 – ",[211,9546,9547],{},"We were sent this product for the purpose of this review, all views and opinions are our own. All suggestions to wear the stones on your head like doughnuts are also our own 😉",[12,9549,9550,9552,9556,9560],{},[45,9551],{"alt":8216,"src":8217},[45,9553],{"alt":9554,"src":9555},"Babys_1st_christmas_badge_Wide","/images/2015/11/Babys_1st_christmas_badge_Wide-660x116.png",[45,9557],{"alt":9558,"src":9559},"B_Toys_Baby_play_skipping_stones","/images/2015/12/B_Toys_Baby_play_skipping_stones-660x440.jpg",[45,9561],{"alt":9562,"src":9563},"B_Toys_Baby_new_skipping_stones","/images/2015/12/B_Toys_Baby_new_skipping_stones-293x440.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":9565},[],[226],"/images/2015/12/B_Toys_Baby_happy_skipping_stones.jpg","2015-12-02T12:53:00Z","As baby develops and grows it’s good to encourage them to learn new skills. The B. Skipping Stones toy from B. toys is a great way to develop fine & gross motor skills whilst having fun!","7838",{},"B. Skipping Stones toy review. Unique ring stacker with textured pebbles developing fine motor skills for ages 6-12 months. Fun twist on a classic!","B. Skipping Stones Toy Review | Baby Development","/b-skipping-stones-toy",{"title":9486,"description":9569},"b-skipping-stones-toy","sfQeENg4WC9JiDBn2ndmIX1RK-1iFpyNbv5UQiQS2j8",{"id":9579,"title":9580,"author":245,"body":9581,"category":9677,"cover":9678,"date":9679,"description":9585,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":9680,"meta":9681,"meta_description":9682,"meta_title":9580,"navigation":236,"path":9683,"seo":9684,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":9685,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":9686},"posts/personalised-christmas-gifts-with-gettingpersonal-co-uk.md","Personalised Christmas gifts with GettingPersonal.co.uk",{"type":9,"value":9582,"toc":9675},[9583,9586,9593,9596,9606,9620,9623,9626,9652,9655,9666],[12,9584,9585],{},"As the Festive season is upon us it’s time, for those of us who like to cut things close, to start looking for gifts that our relatives will actually appreciate. It’s easy to buy some new socks or a book they’ll never read but you’d be surprised how easy it is to also give a personalised gift they’ll love.",[12,9587,9588,9589,9592],{},"We were given the opportunity to pick some items from ",[34,9590,9591],{},"GettingPersonal.co.uk"," who provide a vast range of products with the option to be personalised to the recipient. I love nothing more than knowing somebody has put a little bit of thought into a gift and personalisation screams out to me that somebody has really taken the time to gift me with something extra special.",[12,9594,9595],{},"We were sent the following items for review using the personalisation service and were thrilled with the speed in which they arrived. The gifts came in two separate deliveries as some items take longer to arrive than others but we had all of them within a week of placing our order.",[12,9597,9598,9605],{},[16,9599,9602],{"href":9600,"rel":9601},"https://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk/personalised-sweets/retro-sweet-jars-and-hampers.htm?page=2",[20],[34,9603,9604],{},"Retro Sweet Jar:"," £14.99 available two sizes, with an array of different themed prints for your personalised label making them fit for all occasions. – This Personalised Retro Sweetie Jar is filed to the brim with favourites such as refreshers and flying saucers! We had this personalised with Taylor’s name, of course those of you who follow the blog will know he is definitely too young for the sweeties so mummy and daddy will have to help him out 😉 I couldn’t resist having a container personalised with is name though. It’s something you can keep and reuse each year to fill with festive treats.",[12,9607,9608,9612,9619],{},[45,9609],{"alt":9610,"src":9611},"getting_personal_retro_sweets_name_christmas","/images/2015/11/getting_personal_retro_sweets_name_christmas-660x440.jpg",[34,9613,9614],{},[16,9615,9618],{"href":9616,"rel":9617},"https://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk/gifts/personalised-hardback-childrens-books-classic-christmas-collection.htm",[20],"Personalised Childrens Books Classic Christmas Collection:"," £33.99 for a set of 3 or £16.99 for singular books – Books are something I like to give as gifts, they’re an easy option and as a book worm I find them to be a great gift. However, being able to personalise them really adds to their charm. This collection of traditional looking hard backs have Taylor’s name in gold foil and hidden on images throughout with a personalised message on the inside page.",[12,9621,9622],{},"The set consists of Twelve Days of Christmas, Your Letter to Santa and My Book of Nursery Rhymes.",[12,9624,9625],{},"They’re most certainly one of those gifts to be kept and cherished forever especially as this is his first Christmas. I absolutely love these books! The only thing I was disappointed by, and this is really me being OCD picky, is that one of the 3 books is bigger than the other two so they don’t stack neatly as a set, I don’t know if this is just our set or if they all come like this. Overall they’re utterly beautiful and have the most festive look about them. I’m going to be putting them in Taylor’s Christmas Eve box so we can snuggle up with them before bed time on the night before Christmas.",[12,9627,9628,9632,9636,9640,9644,9651],{},[45,9629],{"alt":9630,"src":9631},"getting_personal_childrens_books_christmas","/images/2015/11/getting_personal_childrens_books_christmas-660x440.jpg",[45,9633],{"alt":9634,"src":9635},"getting_personal_name_in_book_christmas","/images/2015/11/getting_personal_name_in_book_christmas-660x440.jpg",[45,9637],{"alt":9638,"src":9639},"getting_personal_books_christmas","/images/2015/11/getting_personal_books_christmas-660x440.jpg",[45,9641],{"alt":9642,"src":9643},"getting_personal_nursery_rhymes_christmas","/images/2015/11/getting_personal_nursery_rhymes_christmas-660x440.jpg",[34,9645,9646],{},[16,9647,9650],{"href":9648,"rel":9649},"https://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk/gifts/engraved-guitar-plectrum-my-dad-rocks.htm",[20],"Engraved Guitar Plectrum:"," £14.99 available in multiple designs for different occasions –",[12,9653,9654],{},"For the musical Daddy out there I couldn’t imagine anything more charming than these engraved guitar plectrums. I have no idea if they’re ideal to actually play with but the cute sentimental idea is beautiful. As this Christmas is our first as parents this instantly jumped out at me as something Phillip should have from Taylor. His Daddy definitely rocks!",[12,9656,9657,9661,9665],{},[45,9658],{"alt":9659,"src":9660},"getting_personal_guiatr_pick_dad_christmas","/images/2015/11/getting_personal_guiatr_pick_dad_christmas-660x440.jpg",[45,9662],{"alt":9663,"src":9664},"getting_personal_guitar_message_christmas","/images/2015/11/getting_personal_guitar_message_christmas-660x440.jpg","Each of the above products were so simple to personalise and the process really doesn’t add to the time it take you to purchase. GettingPersonal.co.uk has a very easy to use form alongside the products giving you a guide of how many characters you may personalise a product with, you simply type in the recipients name, your message and add to basket. It was so simple and the gifts are beautiful. It’s deifintely something I can see myself using for future Christmases.",[12,9667,9668],{},[16,9669,9672],{"href":9670,"title":9671},"/","Baby's First Christmas by Leelee Loves",[45,9673],{"alt":9671,"src":9674},"http://i0.wp.com/www.leeleeloves.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Babys_1st_christmas_badge_Wide.png?zoom=2&fit=660%2C440",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":9676},[],[226],"/images/2015/11/getting_personal_retro_sweets_christmas.jpg","2015-11-24T08:23:00Z","7758",{},"GettingPersonal.co.uk Christmas gift review. Personalised retro sweet jar, classic children's books, and engraved guitar plectrum. From £14.99.","/personalised-christmas-gifts-with-gettingpersonal-co-uk",{"title":9580,"description":9585},"personalised-christmas-gifts-with-gettingpersonal-co-uk","C2CCzA1ZY4m7xaPa6_M8zZ9VI_MIkYYyuKvdqzvIzWQ",{"id":9688,"title":9689,"author":245,"body":9690,"category":9755,"cover":9756,"date":9757,"description":9694,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":9758,"meta":9759,"meta_description":9760,"meta_title":9689,"navigation":236,"path":9761,"seo":9762,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":9763,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":9764},"posts/the-little-green-sheep-cot-bed-mattress-protector-review.md","The Little Green Sheep Mattress Protector",{"type":9,"value":9691,"toc":9753},[9692,9695,9698,9716,9719,9726,9729,9742,9750],[12,9693,9694],{},"Taylor has been sleeping in his own bedroom for just over two months now. Moving him out of his beloved Snüzpod sleeping next to me, and into his cot bed in another room was honestly one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. Had he not taken to crawling into my bed or trying to stand up in the Snüzpod he would still be in it now!",[12,9696,9697],{},"Upon moving Taylor into his bedroom, which had been ready and waiting for him since before he was born, I realised we didn’t have a mattress protector. We had one on the Snüzpod and it came in handy on numerous occasions for spit ups and leaky newborn nappies! Having spent a considerable amount on a mattress we wanted to look after it.",[12,9699,9700,9704,9705,9709,9710,9715],{},[45,9701],{"alt":9702,"src":9703},"Little_Green_Sheep_Mattress_Protector_cot_bed_tab","/images/2015/11/Little_Green_Sheep_Mattress_Protector_cot_bed_tab-660x440.jpg","When we were offered ",[16,9706,9708],{"href":3727,"rel":9707},[20],"The Little Green Sheep"," Cot Bed Mattress Protector to test I couldn’t have been happier. The Little Green Sheep are the sister company of ",[16,9711,9714],{"href":9712,"rel":9713},"http://www.snuz.co.uk/",[20],"Snüz"," who produce the Snüzpod, and the mattress protector is very much a scaled up version of what we had already been using. A product we trusted to do the job properly and knew Taylor was comfortable sleeping on. Perfect.",[12,9717,9718],{},"Their was a time when hearing about mattress protectors would have me thinking of plastic, cold and crinkly contraptions that are often associated with children who wet the bed. I was pleasantly surprised to find Little Green Sheep mattress protectors to be nothing of the sort. They’re 100% waterproof, extra absorbent, breathable, and their isn’t a piece of plastic in sight, it’s all hidden inside!",[12,9720,9721,9725],{},[45,9722],{"alt":9723,"src":9724},"Little_Green_Sheep_Mattress_Protector_cot_bed","/images/2015/11/Little_Green_Sheep_Mattress_Protector_cot_bed-660x440.jpg","The protector isn’t fitted, it simply sits perfectly on top of the mattress allowing it to breathe. The Little Green Sheep are known for their super soft organically grown cotton that is free of pesticides and herbicides making all of their products the best for your baby.",[12,9727,9728],{},"Taylor has taken to sleeping in his bedroom really well and I’m no longer worried about anything getting on his sheets as I know he and his mattress are safe, he is comfortable and the cover can simply be popped into the wash.",[12,9730,9731,9735,9736,9741],{},[45,9732],{"alt":9733,"src":9734},"Bubbaroo_Joey_Swag_baby_sleep_diary","/images/2015/11/Bubbaroo_Joey_Swag_baby_sleep_diary-1173x880.jpg","The Little Green Sheep ",[16,9737,9740],{"href":9738,"rel":9739},"http://www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk/the-little-green-sheep/organic-cot-bed-mattress-protector-70x140cm.aspx",[20],"Cot Bed Mattress Protector retails at £29.95"," it comes beautifully packaged from a brand we know and love leaving me confident that my baby is safe when sleeping on it!",[12,9743,9744,9745,9749],{},"You can purchase one at ",[16,9746,9748],{"href":3727,"rel":9747},[20],"www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk"," where they provide a selection of sizes to fit everyone from branded co-sleepers and cribs to standard sizes alongside a range of organic mattresses.",[12,9751,9752],{},"* We were gifted the mattress protector for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% honest and our own.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":9754},[],[226],"/images/2015/11/Little_Green_Sheep_Mattress_Protector_Boxed.jpg","2015-11-06T13:41:00Z","7509",{},"The Little Green Sheep cot bed mattress protector review. 100% waterproof, breathable, organic cotton. No plastic crinkle. £29.95.","/the-little-green-sheep-cot-bed-mattress-protector-review",{"title":9689,"description":9694},"the-little-green-sheep-cot-bed-mattress-protector-review","5dRopwiN2DyJtkMgWSdA0a1kdMfiRyclSsaN1mupZCM",{"id":9766,"title":9767,"author":245,"body":9768,"category":9791,"cover":9792,"date":9793,"description":9794,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":9795,"meta":9796,"meta_description":9797,"meta_title":9767,"navigation":236,"path":9798,"seo":9799,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":9800,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":9801},"posts/win-a-sensory-miffy-toy.md","Win a Sensory Miffy Toy: Competition & Giveaway",{"type":9,"value":9769,"toc":9789},[9770,9782],[12,9771,9772,9773,9775,9779,9781],{},"Say hello to Miffy! She’s a sweet, smart and very cute little bunny who loves to learn about the world around her with her best friends Grunty and Melanie. Together they go on adventures, big AND small, to learn all about the world on Miffy’s doorstep!",[774,9774],{},[45,9776],{"alt":9777,"src":9778},"Sensory-Miffy-3","/images/2015/11/Sensory-Miffy-3-293x440.png",[774,9780],{},"\nYou can watch Miffy’s Adventures Big and Small every morning and evening on Tiny Pop and to celebrate Miffy coming to Tiny Pop we have a lovely Sensory Miffy to give away. Simply follow the directions below to be in with a chance of winning.",[12,9783,9784],{},[16,9785,9788],{"href":9786,"rel":9787},"https://gleam.io/FzO6H/win-a-sensory-miffy-toy-",[20],"Win a Sensory Miffy toy! ",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":9790},[],[226],"/images/2015/11/Miffy-Adventures-airplane-image-new-copy.jpg","2015-11-05T16:09:00Z","Say hello to Miffy! She’s a sweet, smart and very cute little bunny who loves to learn about the world around her with her best friends Grunty and Melanie. Together they go on adventures, big AND small, to learn all about the world on Miffy’s doorstep!\nYou can watch Miffy’s Adventures Big and Small every morning and evening on Tiny Pop and to celebrate Miffy coming to Tiny Pop we have a lovely Sensory Miffy to give away. Simply follow the directions below to be in with a chance of winning.","7535",{},"Win a sensory Miffy toy! Enter our giveaway to win this adorable bunny from Miffy Adventures Big and Small on Tiny Pop. Competition details inside.","/win-a-sensory-miffy-toy",{"title":9767,"description":9794},"win-a-sensory-miffy-toy","FUHkQftMa32Zs6hSZjeqMFp9_HJyTTQUtsHammQr8xI",{"id":9803,"title":9804,"author":245,"body":9805,"category":9917,"cover":9918,"date":9919,"description":9811,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":9920,"meta":9921,"meta_description":9922,"meta_title":9923,"navigation":236,"path":9924,"seo":9925,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":9926,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":9927},"posts/writing-traditions-with-julia-williams-make-a-christmas-wish-blog-tour.md","Writing Traditions with Julia Williams – Make a Christmas Wish Blog Tour",{"type":9,"value":9806,"toc":9915},[9807,9812,9815,9826,9829,9832,9835,9838,9841,9847,9850,9853,9856,9859,9862,9865,9868,9871,9874,9877,9885,9890,9895,9900,9905,9910],[12,9808,9809],{},[34,9810,9811],{},"Julia Williams, Author of A Brief Encounter, Coming Home For Christmas and many more fantastic novels has popped by today to kick of the blog tour for her new novel Make a Christmas Wish and share with us her writing traditions. As an avid reader I always love finding out how different authors like to write and the processes they go though in order to produce the books we love.",[12,9813,9814],{},"Julia has always made up stories in her head, and until recently she thought everyone else did too. She grew up in London, one of eight children, including a twin sister. She married Dave, a dentist, in 1989, and they have four daughters. After the birth of the second Julia decided to try her hand at writing. Since then she has written 8 hugely popular novels, selling over a quarter of a million copies in the UK alone, and hitting the Sunday Times bestseller list. Over to Julia!",[12,9816,9817],{},[211,9818,9819,9822,9823],{},[34,9820,9821],{},"My writing traditions… –"," ",[34,9824,9825],{},"Julia Williams",[12,9827,9828],{},"I would like to say I am a super organised writer, who gets up religiously at 7am, sits at her desk at 9am, and works solidly until 5pm when I have done my day’s quota. However, that would be an out-and-out lie.",[12,9830,9831],{},"Although in my head I am a super organised, disciplined and focussed kind of writer, in reality, I’m … not.",[12,9833,9834],{},"I don’t have a problem with ideas. I have got more ideas than I know what to do with (yes, yes, I know, very lucky position to be in and all that, but I wish I had more time to execute them).",[12,9836,9837],{},"When I do get an idea I like, I tend to jot down random thoughts as they occur to me. For example the book I’m about to start writing has a couple of pages of notes, revolving round the notion of the happily married heroine considering the road untravelled, and wondering what would have happened if she had taken a different path…",[12,9839,9840],{},"So that’s my starting point. But that’s not a story.",[12,9842,9843,9844,9846],{},"I need to give my heroine a family – so she has a husband, and two teenage children, plus elderly parents who drop a bombshell on her at the beginning of the book.",[774,9845],{},"\nShe also has a feckless brother, and a sister who’s lost her way, and their stories will probably weave themselves into the narrative at some point, though I don’t quite know how or why yet.",[12,9848,9849],{},"And she is a picture book writer/illustrator, writing a story about an angel who has lost her way. Needless to say that part of my heroine’s life is not going well, which coincides with her personal life imploding.",[12,9851,9852],{},"And that’s all I have.",[12,9854,9855],{},"Now if I were an organised kind of writer, I’d get plotting and planning – but frustratingly I seem to spend months when I could be productive vacillating, and unable to focus on a proper narrative in a way that never feels in the slightest bit productive.",[12,9857,9858],{},"I used to say I was procrastinating, till a very wise friend said, “No you’re not, you’re processing.” And it’s true, that’s what I’m doing. Because during my vacillating period, slowly somewhere in the back of my brain in a way I don’t really understand my story is taking shape.",[12,9860,9861],{},"Eventually I find that I can get down to it, I sort out a structure (I don’t always follow it, but it’s a useful starting point) and off I go.",[12,9863,9864],{},"Even then it’s not straightforward. I tend to labour over the early chapters, while the deadline starts looming over me. However stressful that is (and boy, it is!) I always seem to take it to the wire. I wish it weren’t that way, but that seems to be the way I work.",[12,9866,9867],{},"The ending always seems to flow out in a rush, so I always have to go back and slow that bit of the story down, but I really enjoy the adrenaline push of getting to the end.",[12,9869,9870],{},"And then I’m stupidly sad, because I’ve finished.",[12,9872,9873],{},"Except I haven’t, as thanks to the messy nature of my writing process, I will need to do massive rewrites.",[12,9875,9876],{},"But that’s another story…",[12,9878,9879],{},[34,9880,9881],{},[45,9882],{"alt":9883,"src":9884},"julia_williams_author_christmas_whs_tour","/images/2015/11/julia_williams_author_christmas_whs_tour-660x440.jpg",[12,9886,9887],{},[34,9888,9889],{},"Make a Christmas Wish is out in Paperback today, make you pop on other to the other stops on the tour to find out more about Julia and her novel.",[12,9891,9892],{},[34,9893,9894],{},"Make A Christmas Wish :",[12,9896,9897],{},[211,9898,9899],{},"Last Christmas, when Livvy was knocked down in the supermarket car park, she certainly wasn’t ready to actually be dead! For months now she’s floated on the edge of the afterlife, generally making anuisance of herself.",[12,9901,9902],{},[211,9903,9904],{},"And she’s not ready to go just yet! She’s furious about the new woman in her husband’s life and she’s worried about her beloved son who doesn’t seem to be adjusting to life without her at all.",[12,9906,9907],{},[211,9908,9909],{},"This Christmas, Livvy is given one last magical chance to make everything right. Will she take it and give her family the perfect Christmas?",[12,9911,9912],{},[211,9913,9914],{},"Perfect for fans of CAROLE MATTHEWS, TRISHA ASHLEY and JENNY COLGAN",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":9916},[],[226],"/images/2015/11/make_a_christmas_wish_julia_williams_book_cover.jpg","2015-11-05T10:08:00Z","7466",{},"Make a Christmas Wish by Julia Williams blog tour. Author shares writing traditions and creative process behind her festive novel about second chances.","Julia Williams - Make a Christmas Wish Blog Tour","/writing-traditions-with-julia-williams-make-a-christmas-wish-blog-tour",{"title":9804,"description":9811},"writing-traditions-with-julia-williams-make-a-christmas-wish-blog-tour","Quo1VwrH1Aw5LSEiF5cgEwWHGJxfZn79WWIGc42u7MY",{"id":9929,"title":9930,"author":245,"body":9931,"category":10019,"cover":10020,"date":10021,"description":9935,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":10022,"meta":10023,"meta_description":10024,"meta_title":9930,"navigation":236,"path":10025,"seo":10026,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":10027,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":10028},"posts/comfi-cush-memory-foam-stroller-liners.md","Comfi-Cush Memory Foam Stroller Liners",{"type":9,"value":9932,"toc":10017},[9933,9936,9942,9945,9948,9954,9957,9962,9988,9994,9997,10000,10006,10009],[12,9934,9935],{},"When Taylor was recently sent the Comfi-Cush Stroller Liner to test I wasn’t sure what the benefits of such a product could be. Stroller Liners aren’t something I’ve used before. However, having tried the Comfi-Cush Liner from Cuddle.Co over the last three weeks I can’t see us being without one!",[12,9937,9938],{},[45,9939],{"alt":9940,"src":9941},"comfi_cush_cuddleco_liner_baby_feet","/images/2015/11/comfi_cush_cuddleco_liner_baby_feet-660x440.jpg",[12,9943,9944],{},"The CuddleCo Comfi-Cush retails at £24.99 and comes in five new prints; Dove Grey, Robots, Fruity Tutti, Spot The Dot and Jungle Boogie. We opted for Robots as they looked really fun and retro. The back of the liner is a solid colour, ours is black, in a super soft material making it reversible so you can use either side on your stroller.",[12,9946,9947],{},"This particular liner is made of memory foam and after giving it a good squish I can see why Taylor looks so comfortable on it. If it were big enough I’d try curling up on it myself!",[12,9949,9950],{},[45,9951],{"alt":9952,"src":9953},"comfi_cush_cuddleco_liner_double_sided_reversible","/images/2015/11/comfi_cush_cuddleco_liner_double_sided_reversible-660x440.jpg",[12,9955,9956],{},"The unique memory foam liner adapts to the shape of your baby giving them the ultimate support and keeping them comfortable whilst out and about.",[12,9958,9959],{},[34,9960,9961],{},"Features",[361,9963,9964,9967,9970,9973,9976,9979,9982,9985],{},[364,9965,9966],{},"Dense memory foam relieves pressure for maximum comfort and support",[364,9968,9969],{},"Reversible design for all-season versatility",[364,9971,9972],{},"Adapts to your child’s individual body shape keeping them calm and cosy for longer",[364,9974,9975],{},"Pressure relieving for lasting comfort",[364,9977,9978],{},"Impact cushioning to absorb bumpy surfaces",[364,9980,9981],{},"Compatible with almost any pushchair",[364,9983,9984],{},"Easy clean, machine washable at 30ºC",[364,9986,9987],{},"Suitable from Birth +",[12,9989,9990],{},[45,9991],{"alt":9992,"src":9993},"comfi_cush_cuddleco_liner_happy_comfortable_baby","/images/2015/11/comfi_cush_cuddleco_liner_happy_comfortable_baby-660x440.jpg",[12,9995,9996],{},"As a universal liner theoretically it should fit any stroller, it has a 3 tier system of slots for your harness straps and slots around the middle for the crotch strap and pad to be placed through. I found the liner really easy to fit to our Urbo2 pram and had no problems with it.",[12,9998,9999],{},"The look and feel of the product is great and feels like high quality materials have gone into making this a really great luxury item for little bottoms to cruise around on. It’s also a great way to add a new look or lease of life to your existing stroller",[12,10001,10002],{},[45,10003],{"alt":10004,"src":10005},"comfi_cush_cuddleco_liner_sleepy_baby","/images/2015/11/comfi_cush_cuddleco_liner_sleepy_baby-660x440.jpg",[12,10007,10008],{},"Overall Taylor appears to enjoy sitting on his new liner, he just melts into it and I love knowing that he’s both comfortable and well supported. It’s super easy to take off and pop into the wash which I think all mums will agree is a must!",[12,10010,10011,10012],{},"You can find the CuddleCo Comfi-Cush for ",[16,10013,10016],{"href":10014,"rel":10015},"http://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/search/?q=comfi%20cush#1&profile=UK",[20],"£24.99 at your local Smyths in store or online!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":10018},[],[226],"/images/2015/11/comfi_cush_cuddleco_liner_cute_baby.jpg","2015-11-02T23:02:00Z","7451",{},"CuddleCo Comfi-Cush memory foam stroller liner review. Reversible, machine washable, universal fit. Pressure-relieving comfort. £24.99 at Smyths.","/comfi-cush-memory-foam-stroller-liners",{"title":9930,"description":9935},"comfi-cush-memory-foam-stroller-liners","5iCNEs-IaUWS6ndQJVBWyyDNSNhRuiCsvmXV_VxCKhA",{"id":10030,"title":10031,"author":245,"body":10032,"category":10100,"cover":10101,"date":10102,"description":10103,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":10104,"meta":10105,"meta_description":10106,"meta_title":10107,"navigation":236,"path":10108,"seo":10109,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":10110,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":10111},"posts/first-baby-shoes.md","First Baby Shoes",{"type":9,"value":10033,"toc":10098},[10034,10047,10054,10067,10074,10081,10084,10092],[12,10035,10036,10040,10041,10046],{},[16,10037,10031],{"href":10038,"rel":10039},"http://www.firstbabyshoes.com/",[20]," is a Polish brand creating high quality, cool and stylish baby shoe making kits. When asked if I would like to try some of their shoes I jumped at the opportunity to try their gorgeous sew your own kit. There is also an option to have the shoes made for you, however being up for a challenge I opted for the sew-your-own in the ",[16,10042,10045],{"href":10043,"rel":10044},"http://www.firstbabyshoes.com/shop/kit/product/nika-model-red.php",[20],"Nika Design"," which retails at 35 EUR (Kit) £25.24 / 40 EUR £28.85 (Ready Made) and comes in a really cute presentation box.",[12,10048,10049,10053],{},[45,10050],{"alt":10051,"src":10052},"first_baby_shoes_box_gift_love","/images/2015/10/first_baby_shoes_box_gift_love-660x440.jpg","The kit comes with pre-cut leather pieces, needles, threads and instructions so you can stitch together your very own baby shoes, imagine when people ask where you got those cute leather shoes from and you can honestly tell people you sewn them yourself? I wanted that, I also loved the idea of being able to put them away in Taylor’s little memory box knowing they’re just that bit more special than any other shoes he might own. I have the needle holes in my fingers to prove it!",[12,10055,10056,10060,10061,10066],{},[45,10057],{"alt":10058,"src":10059},"first_baby_shoes_parts_1_gift_cute_christening_birth","/images/2015/10/first_baby_shoes_parts_1_gift_cute_christening_birth-660x440.jpg","Overall the kit is rather simple to put together, unless however you’re a true novice with a needle and thread like I am. Back stitch, what’s that? Well now I know, also thanks to the great ",[16,10062,10065],{"href":10063,"rel":10064},"http://www.firstbabyshoes.com/pages/tutorial/",[20],"video tutorials"," they provide on their website. Without these on hand to accompany me on my sewing endeavours I probably would have given the whole task the boot. 😉",[12,10068,10069,10073],{},[45,10070],{"alt":10071,"src":10072},"first_baby_shoes_parts_2_gift_cute_christening_birth","/images/2015/10/first_baby_shoes_parts_2_gift_cute_christening_birth-660x440.jpg","Once I’d cracked the double loop and back stitch I was away sewing my little shoesies and found it to be quite therapeutic. I received many comments and nods of approval whilst sewing the shoes on the bus too.",[12,10075,10076,10080],{},[45,10077],{"alt":10078,"src":10079},"first_baby_shoes_finished_gift_cute_christening_birth","/images/2015/10/first_baby_shoes_finished_gift_cute_christening_birth-660x440.jpg","Overall I really liked the kit, it would make the perfect gift for a christening or mum-to-be. This would be a really nice little project whilst pregnant and nesting, trying to sew shoes with a 9 month old climbing all over wasn’t easy so I was mostly limited to evenings. The materials are high-quality with super soft leather and a nice solid sole for learning to walk on, I was concerned they may not hold together well but having completed the kit they feel really robust and as good as any pre-made shoes.",[12,10082,10083],{},"The finished shoes look great, and I’m so proud having put them together myself! They’re on the big side at the moment as Taylor is only 9 months old and not yet walking but they will be perfect when he’s ready to take those first steps.",[12,10085,10086,10087,10091],{},"You can purchase your own First Baby Shoes at ",[16,10088,10090],{"href":10038,"rel":10089},[20],"http://www.firstbabyshoes.com"," let me know if you give them a try, I’m obviously now a back stitching pro too and will answer any questions I can.",[12,10093,10094],{},[45,10095],{"alt":10096,"src":10097},"first_baby_shoes_open","/images/2015/10/first_baby_shoes_open-660x440.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":10099},[],[226],"/images/2015/10/first_baby_shoes_gift_cute_christening_birth.jpg","2015-10-23T12:28:00Z","First Baby Shoes is a Polish brand creating high quality, cool and stylish baby shoe making kits. When asked if I would like to try some of their shoes I jumped at the opportunity to try their gorgeous sew your own kit. There is also an option to have the shoes made for you, however being up for a challenge I opted for the sew-your-own in the Nika Design which retails at 35 EUR (Kit) £25.24 / 40 EUR £28.85 (Ready Made) and comes in a really cute presentation box.","7412",{},"First Baby Shoes DIY kit review. Sew your own leather baby shoes with high-quality materials, perfect for christening gifts or special keepsakes.","First Baby Shoes Review: DIY Leather Shoe Making Kit","/first-baby-shoes",{"title":10031,"description":10103},"first-baby-shoes","1OnZlmklLCQJc7sFMUO8rXq9jjjM6Fn8KRH0MjAh85U",{"id":10113,"title":10114,"author":245,"body":10115,"category":10205,"cover":10206,"date":10207,"description":10208,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":10209,"meta":10210,"meta_description":10211,"meta_title":10114,"navigation":236,"path":10212,"seo":10213,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":10214,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":10215},"posts/disney-on-ice-world-of-enchantment-at-manchester-arena.md","Disney on Ice – World of Enchantment at Manchester Arena",{"type":9,"value":10116,"toc":10203},[10117,10126,10129,10136,10147,10158,10173,10176,10183,10194],[12,10118,10119,10120,10125],{},"Last week we went out for a Disney filled evening of fun to see ",[16,10121,10124],{"href":10122,"rel":10123},"http://www.disney.co.uk/disney-on-ice/worlds-of-enchantment/",[20],"Disney on Ice World of Enchantment"," at the Manchester Arena, I must admit I really wasn’t sure if it was wise to take a 9 month old along to such an event, especially now he can crawl and doesn’t want to sit still, but I’m such a big kid we couldn’t not go!",[12,10127,10128],{},"I was already prepared to leave early in the event that Taylor were to become restless or start screaming bloody murder whilst everyone is singing princess songs. To my amazement he was content for the entire two hours, if anything he was in awe and spent much of the show watching intently.",[12,10130,10131,10135],{},[45,10132],{"alt":10133,"src":10134},"Disney_On_Ice_Mickey_Goofy","/images/2015/10/Disney_On_Ice_Mickey_Goofy.jpg","Hosted by the lovely Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who were also joined by their friends Donald and Goofy, the first half of the show was Toy Story themed and followed the story from the 3rd film. This meant we got to see big old grumpy Lotso Huggin Bear bounce around on Ice Skates, it was brilliant! There was also a very entertaining Sheriff Woody who was a pro on skates.",[12,10137,10138,10142,10146],{},[45,10139],{"alt":10140,"src":10141},"Disney_On_Ice_toy_story","/images/2015/10/Disney_On_Ice_toy_story.jpg",[45,10143],{"alt":10144,"src":10145},"Disney_On_Ice_toy_storey_soldiers","/images/2015/10/Disney_On_Ice_toy_storey_soldiers.jpg","The show included acts from The Little Mermaid, which Taylor surprisingly seemed to enjoy the most, and Cars. Before the one every little princess was waiting for, Frozen! I was curious as to how such acts would work on the ice but the entire concept worked really well and each film was portrayed exceptionally well.",[12,10148,10149,10153,10157],{},[45,10150],{"alt":10151,"src":10152},"Disney_On_Ice_little_mermaid","/images/2015/10/Disney_On_Ice_little_mermaid.jpg",[45,10154],{"alt":10155,"src":10156},"Disney_On_Ice_cars_lightening_mcqueen","/images/2015/10/Disney_On_Ice_cars_lightening_mcqueen.jpg","The show was funny, entertaining and overall made for a very enjoyable evening. It’s certainly something I would like to do again with Taylor once he is older and can remember the experience, but that didn’t stop him from having a fantastic time.",[12,10159,10160,10164,10168,10172],{},[45,10161],{"alt":10162,"src":10163},"Disney_On_Ice_frozen_ana_prince","/images/2015/10/Disney_On_Ice_frozen_ana_prince.jpg",[45,10165],{"alt":10166,"src":10167},"Disney_On_Ice_Elsa","/images/2015/10/Disney_On_Ice_Elsa.jpg",[45,10169],{"alt":10170,"src":10171},"Disney_On_Ice_frozen_elsa_lights","/images/2015/10/Disney_On_Ice_frozen_elsa_lights.jpg","As a huge fan of Disney myself I had such a great time, I thought the performances were acted out perfectly and seeing them on ice was just that little bit more magical.",[12,10174,10175],{},"You can see Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment across the UK from 25th September to 29th December in Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Sheffield and London.",[12,10177,10178,10179],{},"For a complete list of tour dates, visit the Disney On Ice website ",[16,10180,10182],{"href":10122,"rel":10181},[20],"http://www.disneyonice.co.uk",[12,10184,10185,10186,10190],{},"You can also see more on Taylor’s outfit in our latest ",[16,10187,10189],{"href":10188},"/what-taylor-wore-monsters-inc","What Taylor Wore post",[16,10191,10193],{"href":10122,"rel":10192},[20],"  ",[12,10195,10196],{},[16,10197,10199,10193],{"href":10122,"rel":10198},[20],[45,10200],{"alt":10201,"src":10202},"Disney_On_Ice_mummy_taylor","/images/2015/10/Disney_On_Ice_mummy_taylor.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":10204},[],[226],"/images/2015/10/Disney_On_Ice_frozen_ela_castle.jpg","2015-10-18T08:28:00Z","Last week we went out for a Disney filled evening of fun to see Disney on Ice World of Enchantment at the Manchester Arena, I must admit I really wasn’t sure if it was wise to take a 9 month old along to such an event, especially now he can crawl and doesn’t want to sit still, but I’m such a big kid we couldn’t not go!","7401",{},"Disney on Ice World of Enchantment review at Manchester Arena. Taking a 9-month-old to see Frozen, Toy Story, Cars, and Little Mermaid on ice.","/disney-on-ice-world-of-enchantment-at-manchester-arena",{"title":10114,"description":10208},"disney-on-ice-world-of-enchantment-at-manchester-arena","5qdb-LDqNSym94v8zJAh3VGV-GIYnF_pahXsuJbt9GA",{"id":10217,"title":10218,"author":245,"body":10219,"category":10341,"cover":10342,"date":10343,"description":10344,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":10345,"meta":10346,"meta_description":10347,"meta_title":10218,"navigation":236,"path":10348,"seo":10349,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":10350,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":10351},"posts/sampling-the-delights-of-degustabox.md","Sampling the delights of Degustabox",{"type":9,"value":10220,"toc":10339},[10221,10229,10232,10237,10245,10251,10261,10267,10273,10279,10289,10295,10305,10315,10323,10329,10336],[12,10222,10223,10228],{},[16,10224,10227],{"href":10225,"rel":10226},"https://www.degustabox.com",[20],"Degustabox"," is a monthly food hamper subscription service filled with up to 14 products each month, many of which are completely new to the market. With a variety of items from sweet and savoury to soft drinks and alcoholic beverages it’s a real eclectic mix of products.",[12,10230,10231],{},"We’re going to be sampling the delights of Degustabox over the next three months and having recently taken delivery of our first box I’m already looking forward to seeing what the October box has in store for us!",[12,10233,10234],{},[34,10235,10236],{},"Here’s what was included in this months box:",[12,10238,10239],{},[34,10240,10241],{},[45,10242],{"alt":10243,"src":10244},"Degustabox_September_portle_bay_popcorn","/images/2015/10/Degustabox_September_portle_bay_popcorn-660x440.jpg",[12,10246,10247,10250],{},[34,10248,10249],{},"Portlebay Popcorn"," – These went down a treat with In-Laws who are huge popcorn fans, I particularly enjoyed the Mocha flavour, although I’m not much of a coffee fan. The only comment we received was the bag could be bigger as it was so good!",[12,10252,10253,10257,10260],{},[45,10254],{"alt":10255,"src":10256},"Degustabox_September_sweets","/images/2015/10/Degustabox_September_sweets-660x440.jpg",[34,10258,10259],{},"Jelly Babies"," – I personally didn’t get a look in on this one, I wasn’t fast enough!",[12,10262,10263,10266],{},[34,10264,10265],{},"Wine Gums"," – We’re big fans of Wine Gums, this particular bag is made of everyone’s favourites, red & black. No digging through the bag for these firm favourites!",[12,10268,10269,10272],{},[34,10270,10271],{},"Reese’s"," – Do these require any explanation? I LOVE Reese’s peanut butter cups and ate all of them. I didn’t share any of these, Ooops.",[12,10274,10275,10278],{},[34,10276,10277],{},"Mallow and Marsh"," – I personally don’t like marshmallows but Phillip does and he really enjoyed these posh mallows!",[12,10280,10281,10285,10288],{},[45,10282],{"alt":10283,"src":10284},"Degustabox_September__GT_Green_Tea_Sweet_Sally_Ice","/images/2015/10/Degustabox_September__GT_Green_Tea_Sweet_Sally_Ice-660x440.jpg",[34,10286,10287],{},"Sweet Sally Tea"," – I really like Ice tea, it’s not very popular in the UK so I loved trying this brand.",[12,10290,10291,10294],{},[34,10292,10293],{},"TG Green Tea"," – I wouldn’t normally drink Green Tea cold but these were really nice and I enjoyed trying something different for a change.",[12,10296,10297,10301,10304],{},[45,10298],{"alt":10299,"src":10300},"Degustabox_September_up__go","/images/2015/10/Degustabox_September_up__go-660x440.jpg",[34,10302,10303],{},"Up & Go"," – These are perfect for those days you’re in a hurry but don’t have time for breakfast. Like a milkshake that’s extra filling.",[12,10306,10307,10311,10314],{},[45,10308],{"alt":10309,"src":10310},"Degustabox_September_compete_energy","/images/2015/10/Degustabox_September_compete_energy-660x440.jpg",[34,10312,10313],{},"Compete"," – As I mentioned before, I’m not much of a coffee drinker but I do like mocha. These energy cubes are really tasty! They taste like a coffee chocolate treat and contain a caffeine boost that is equal to a shot of espresso. Perfect for mums on the go!",[12,10316,10317],{},[34,10318,10319],{},[45,10320],{"alt":10321,"src":10322},"Degustabox_September_good_cider_of_san_sebastian","/images/2015/10/Degustabox_September_good_cider_of_san_sebastian-660x440.jpg",[12,10324,10325,10328],{},[34,10326,10327],{},"The Good Cider of San Sebastian"," – We love a good Cider and both enjoyed these, they’re really crisp and fresh. I was concerned they would be still ciders a bit like scrumpy but they are carbonated and delicious.",[12,10330,10331,10332,10335],{},"You can subscribe to receive your own boxes at ",[16,10333,10225],{"href":10225,"rel":10334},[20]," for £12.99 including P&P which for the selection of products and quality I think it’s really good value. However, pop in the code BLDEG15 at the check out and receive a whopping £6 discount!",[12,10337,10338],{},"Overall I’m really pleased with our first box, it contained a selection of items we know and love alongside new products I might not have thought to try otherwise. I’m really looking forward to seeing what’s in our next box. It’s like Christmas and I love Christmas!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":10340},[],[226],"/images/2015/10/Degustabox_September_Box.jpg","2015-10-17T11:20:00Z","Degustabox is a monthly food hamper subscription service filled with up to 14 products each month, many of which are completely new to the market. With a variety of items from sweet and savoury to soft drinks and alcoholic beverages it’s a real eclectic mix of products.","7426",{},"Degustabox September review. Monthly food hamper with up to 14 products including snacks, drinks, and treats. £12.99 per month. Discount code inside.","/sampling-the-delights-of-degustabox",{"title":10218,"description":10344},"sampling-the-delights-of-degustabox","SCInbAA5NlCSmuWk1i5Hv2prw_2-nMN2aA0Hqv9_KSU",{"id":10353,"title":10354,"author":245,"body":10355,"category":10464,"cover":10465,"date":10466,"description":10467,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":10468,"meta":10469,"meta_description":10470,"meta_title":10354,"navigation":236,"path":10471,"seo":10472,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":10473,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":10474},"posts/lil-ocean-explorers-adventure-with-little-tikes.md","Our Lil’ Ocean Explorers adventure with Little Tikes",{"type":9,"value":10356,"toc":10462},[10357,10371,10374,10381,10384,10394,10397,10404,10407,10418,10430,10433,10436,10447,10450,10456],[12,10358,10359,10360,10365,10366,10370],{},"Last week saw Taylor and I take on our biggest adventure yet when we were invited to go and play with the new ",[16,10361,10364],{"href":10362,"rel":10363},"http://www.littletikes.co.uk/liloceanexplorers",[20],"Lil’ Ocean Explorers"," range from ",[16,10367,10369],{"href":10362,"rel":10368},[20],"Little Tikes"," at the lovely Maggie & Rose in Kensington, London.",[12,10372,10373],{},"Whether by sheer excitement or knowing we’d be up early I had the changing bag packed the night before with Taylor’s snacks all prepared and our clothes laid out. As we were taking the train from Manchester, we left the house at 7:30am and arrived in London just in time for the event at 1:30pm. It was going to be a long day for us!",[12,10375,10376,10380],{},[45,10377],{"alt":10378,"src":10379},"little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_toys","/images/2015/10/little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_toys-660x440.jpg","When we arrived, we were greeted by the lovely Little Tikes team and spotted a few familiar faces within the blogging community. Taylor didn’t need to be prompted or encouraged in any way. The moment I set him down he immediately crawled over to other babies near the toys and started to play.",[12,10382,10383],{},"The Lil’Ocean Explorers range consists of 8 different sea creature toys aimed at three stages of your baby’s physical development, sitting, crawling and standing. As Taylor can now crawl; at the speed of light might I add, he was able to enjoy all elements of each toy and he certainly had some firm favourites amongst the selection.",[12,10385,10386,10389,10393],{},[45,10387],{"alt":215,"src":10388},"http://www.littletikes.co.uk/media/wysiwyg//Category-banners/5753-Little-Ocean-Explorers-Category-Sit-Up-Header-Banner-_1000x389_.jpg",[45,10390],{"alt":10391,"src":10392},"little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_3_in_1_standing","/images/2015/10/little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers__3_in_1_standing-660x440.jpg","The 3-in-1 Adventure was Taylor’s favourite. He played with it the most and it was perfect for his current obsession with crawling through tunnels. The tunnel also featured elements of the other toys in the range.",[12,10395,10396],{},"What could be more exciting than rambling your way past a dangly jelly fish, standing up tall with a ball throwing octopus and playing peek-a-boo through a submarine door? Taylor loved exploring every element of this toy, I could see myself having to drag him away as the day came to a close. This is one we’ll certainly be putting on his letter to Father Christmas!",[12,10398,10399,10403],{},[45,10400],{"alt":10401,"src":10402},"little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_3_in_1","/images/2015/10/little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_3_in_1-293x440.jpg","We also spent a lot of time playing with the Stand ‘n Dance Starfish. A great toy for little ones to stand and play. Taylor loved activating the lights and sounds with the stepping platforms and watching balls roll down the track.",[12,10405,10406],{},"One of my personal favourites is the Dunk ‘n Juggle Seal with ergonomic plastic balls, the perfect size for tiny hands to grasp and hold. Pop a ball into the hoop and his fins clap before releasing the ball back onto the floor.",[12,10408,10409,10413,10417],{},[45,10410],{"alt":10411,"src":10412},"little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_turtle_shapes","/images/2015/10/little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_turtle_shapes-660x440.jpg",[45,10414],{"alt":10415,"src":10416},"little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_standing_seal","/images/2015/10/little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_standing_seal-660x440.jpg","Although Taylor cannot walk, he loved playing with the Pull ‘n Chatter Lobster. If I pull the Lobster along the floor for him he will excitedly crawl after it all day long – it’s ridiculously cute to watch!",[12,10419,10420,10424,10425,10429],{},[45,10421],{"alt":10422,"src":10423},"little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_lobster","/images/2015/10/little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_lobster-293x440.jpg","Each toy in the range caters for the sitting stage whilst some also encourage crawling and standing. I love how they’re categorised on the ",[16,10426,10428],{"href":10362,"rel":10427},[20],"Little Tikes website"," to match the stage your baby is at, making shopping for your specific needs easier.",[12,10431,10432],{},"Little Tikes worked with child development and play expert Dr. Amanda Gummer whilst creating Lil’ Ocean Explorers ensuring all of the toys met the developmental needs of Little Tikes worldwide.",[12,10434,10435],{},"Once everyone had spent some time playing we had the pleasure of meeting Amanda who gave a talk about the different elements of the range, which was fantastic. She certainly had a tough crowd of noisy explorers to contend with, but I thought she did very well. This was followed by a lovely lunch of sandwiches and fruit, which we enjoyed.",[12,10437,10438,10442,10446],{},[45,10439],{"alt":10440,"src":10441},"little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_sandwiches_lunch","/images/2015/10/little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_sandwiches_lunch-660x440.jpg",[45,10443],{"alt":10444,"src":10445},"little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_toys_playing","/images/2015/10/little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_toys_playing-660x440.jpg","Not only is the entire range of toys engaging and fun for our little ones, they have been designed with child development at the forefront. Aiming to enhance the experience whilst playing both independently and together.",[12,10448,10449],{},"Taylor really enjoyed being a Lil’ Ocean Explorer for the day and is officially a fan of Little Tikes!",[12,10451,10452,10453],{},"The Lil’ Ocean Explorers toys retail for as little as £8.99. Making them perfect for Christmas and Birthday gifts. We’ll definitely be investing in some for ourselves! You can explore the full range of toys Little Tikes have to offer at ",[16,10454,2662],{"href":10362,"rel":10455},[20],[12,10457,10458],{},[45,10459],{"alt":10460,"src":10461},"little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_balls","/images/2015/10/little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_balls-293x440.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":10463},[],[226],"/images/2015/10/little_tikes_lil_ocean_explorers_balls_baby_cute_play.jpg","2015-10-12T14:00:00Z","Last week saw Taylor and I take on our biggest adventure yet when we were invited to go and play with the new Lil’ Ocean Explorers range from Little Tikes at the lovely Maggie & Rose in Kensington, London.","7339",{},"Little Tikes Lil' Ocean Explorers event review. London adventure trying developmental toys for sitting, crawling, and standing stages. From £8.99.","/lil-ocean-explorers-adventure-with-little-tikes",{"title":10354,"description":10467},"lil-ocean-explorers-adventure-with-little-tikes","vOtx3tUwtGKmmbhiOlEtVwgOqmMJ4gOG4saVudrzF-4",{"id":10476,"title":10477,"author":245,"body":10478,"category":10568,"cover":10569,"date":10570,"description":10571,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":10572,"meta":10573,"meta_description":10574,"meta_title":10477,"navigation":236,"path":10575,"seo":10576,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":10577,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":10578},"posts/bright-beats-dance-and-move-beatbo-from-fisher-price.md","Bright Beats Dance and Move Beatbo from Fisher-Price",{"type":9,"value":10479,"toc":10566},[10480,10489,10496,10508,10520,10532,10539,10547,10559],[12,10481,10482,10483,10488],{},"This month Taylor has been testing Bright Beats Dance and Move Beatbo ",[16,10484,10487],{"href":10485,"rel":10486},"http://www.fisher-price.com/en_GB/brands/babytoys/products/Bright-Beats-Dance-and-Move-BeatBo",[20],"baby toy ","from Fisher-Price and putting it through it’s paces. Beatbo is an adorable interactive robot and soon became Taylor’s favourite toy to date. It even saw him playing in the playpen for more than 5 minutes without getting bored and crying – now that’s an achievement!",[12,10490,10491,10495],{},[45,10492],{"alt":10493,"src":10494},"Bright_Beats_Dance_and_Move_Beatbo_baby_toy_educational","/images/2015/09/Bright_Beats_Dance_and_Move_Beatbo_baby_toy_educational-660x393.jpg","Having just turned 9 months, Taylor can enjoy playing with his Beatbo for a long while yet. Not only is it engaging and fun for little ones with it’s dancing and colourful lights, it is also educational. As Taylor develops, Beatbo can teach him letters, colours, counting and more with his 3 modes of play. Each mode is easily activated at the touch of the large colourful buttons on Beatbo’s feet or with a press of his multi-colour light up LED tummy. Beatbo requires 4 x AA batteries and to every parents delight this Christmas they come included, so you can start to boogie straight out of the box!",[12,10497,10498,10502,10505,10507],{},[45,10499],{"alt":10500,"src":10501},"Bright_Beats_Dance_and_Move_Beatbo_baby_toy","/images/2015/09/Bright_Beats_Dance_and_Move_Beatbo_baby_toy-660x393.jpg",[34,10503,10504],{},"Dance ‘n Move mode",[774,10506],{},"\nThis mode encourages little ones to get moving and is the most age appropriate mode for Taylor to try at the moment. When in action, Taylor stomps his little legs, waves his arms and shouts with joy as he watches Beatbo bob his head and sway his hips. He gets so excited watching Beatbo, it’s wonderful to watch and we all love to join in!",[12,10509,10510,10514,10517,10519],{},[45,10511],{"alt":10512,"src":10513},"Bright_Beats_Dance_and_Move_Beatbo_baby_toy_laughing","/images/2015/09/Bright_Beats_Dance_and_Move_Beatbo_baby_toy_laughing-660x393.jpg",[34,10515,10516],{},"Learning & Games mode",[774,10518],{},"\nLearning and games mode is brilliant for when Taylor is a little older. Having him hear the letters and numbers from an early age will encourage him to learn them sooner and we love singing the ABC song whilst pulling funny faces – it’s very catchy!",[12,10521,10522,10526,10529,10531],{},[45,10523],{"alt":10524,"src":10525},"Bright_Beats_Dance_and_Move_Beatbo_baby_toy_lights","/images/2015/09/Bright_Beats_Dance_and_Move_Beatbo_baby_toy_lights-660x393.jpg",[34,10527,10528],{},"Sing-Along mode",[774,10530],{},"\nEveryone loves a sing-along! This mode allows you to record a phrase and Beatbo will remix it and sing it back to you. You can imagine we’ve had fun saying all sorts of silly things in this mode and having it rapped back to us. Although Taylor doesn’t understand this mode fully yet everyone else has had a giggle using it.",[12,10533,10534,10538],{},[45,10535],{"alt":10536,"src":10537},"Bright_Beats_Dance_and_Move_Beatbo_baby_toy_facinated","/images/2015/09/Bright_Beats_Dance_and_Move_Beatbo_baby_toy_facinated-660x393.jpg","Since the moment Beatbo came out of the box, Taylor was waving his arms in the air and smiling with excitement. It didn’t take long for him to learn how to operate it and he can now push the buttons by himself meaning he can play independently. His favourite is to crawl around the house whilst dragging Beatbo along by his ears – so cute!",[12,10540,10541,10542,10546],{},"Overall, we all love this bright colourful little robot, from the way he bobs his head and sways his hips to his little light up tummy. Beatbo is a really fun ",[16,10543,10545],{"href":10485,"rel":10544},[20],"baby toy"," and certainly one who will be popping up on Christmas wish lists nationwide this year.",[12,10548,10549,509,10553,10558],{},[45,10550],{"alt":10551,"src":10552},"Bright_Beats_Dance_and_Move_Beatbo_baby_toy_intrigued","/images/2015/09/Bright_Beats_Dance_and_Move_Beatbo_baby_toy_intrigued-660x393.jpg",[16,10554,10557],{"href":10555,"rel":10556},"http://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/pre-school-electronic-learning/c-447/fisher-price/p-14659/fisher-price-bright-beats-dance-and-move-beatbo/",[20],"Fisher-Price Beatbo"," is aimed at children ages 9-36 months and is priced at a RRP of £34.99",[12,10560,10561,10562],{},"Want a Beatbo of your own? ",[16,10563,10565],{"href":10555,"rel":10564},[20],"You can purchase your very own Bright Beats Dance and Move Beatbo dancing robot here!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":10567},[],[226],"/images/2015/09/Bright_Beats_Dance_and_Move_Beatbo_baby_toy_love.jpg","2015-10-02T15:31:00Z","This month Taylor has been testing Bright Beats Dance and Move Beatbo baby toy from Fisher-Price and putting it through it’s paces. Beatbo is an adorable interactive robot and soon became Taylor’s favourite toy to date. It even saw him playing in the playpen for more than 5 minutes without getting bored and crying – now that’s an achievement!","7311",{},"Fisher-Price Bright Beats Beatbo review. Interactive dancing robot with 3 play modes, lights, and music. Educational toy for 9-36 months. RRP £34.99.","/bright-beats-dance-and-move-beatbo-from-fisher-price",{"title":10477,"description":10571},"bright-beats-dance-and-move-beatbo-from-fisher-price","Tiqp4IPBzi-g1NIueqDKxHPZYh9y1_2CjME84JX2PSo",{"id":10580,"title":10581,"author":245,"body":10582,"category":10626,"cover":10627,"date":10628,"description":10629,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":10630,"meta":10631,"meta_description":10632,"meta_title":10633,"navigation":236,"path":10634,"seo":10635,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":10636,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":10637},"posts/miffys-new-tv-show.md","Miffy’s new TV Show!",{"type":9,"value":10583,"toc":10624},[10584,10593,10602,10605,10608,10611,10621],[12,10585,10586,10587,10592],{},"I have always been a huge fan of Miffy, such a simple yet adorable bunny created by Dutch artist Dick Bruna in 1955 and am so thrilled to be a part of the ",[16,10588,10591],{"href":10589,"rel":10590},"http://www.miffy.com",[20],"Miffy mums"," team.",[12,10594,10595,10596,10601],{},"Recently we were lucky enough to preview a few episodes of ",[16,10597,10600],{"href":10598,"rel":10599},"http://www.tinypop.com/videos/series/miffys-adventures-big-and-small/meet-miffy",[20],"Miffy’s new TV show",". Taylor has been introduced to children’s television on occasion and never shown any interest, he would rather crawl around the house with my hairbrush than watch TV, you can understand why I was shocked when he sat happily as he watched Miffy!",[12,10603,10604],{},"Miffy’s Adventures: Big and Small are not only educational but they’re not too long either, I found the episodes to be just long enough to engage and entertain Taylor without being too much for him. Miffy is a character that I’m happy to let him watch and learn with and we can’t wait too see more this week!",[12,10606,10607],{},"Miffy’s new TV show, Miffy’s Adventures: Big and Small, will launch on Tiny Pop this Friday 2nd October at 7pm",[12,10609,10610],{},"Make sure you pop along to Miffy’s Surprise Party on twitter at 1pm this Friday 2nd October too – Expect Twitter party games and surprises galore!",[12,10612,10613],{},[16,10614,10617],{"href":10615,"rel":10616},"https://twitter.com/miffy_uk",[20],[45,10618],{"alt":10619,"src":10620},"ac6dddb1-f962-4ef7-b949-5e7c51920384","/images/2015/09/ac6dddb1-f962-4ef7-b949-5e7c51920384-660x352.jpg",[12,10622,10623],{},"Do your little ones have any favourite characters and TV shows that Taylor might enjoy? We would love to hear about them in the comments below. Xx",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":10625},[],[226],"/images/2015/09/12048607_10206542388812497_367143518_n-1.jpg","2015-09-30T21:41:00Z","I have always been a huge fan of Miffy, such a simple yet adorable bunny created by Dutch artist Dick Bruna in 1955 and am so thrilled to be a part of the Miffy mums team.","7294",{},"Miffy's Adventures Big and Small TV show review. Educational episodes on Tiny Pop perfect for young children, featuring Dick Bruna's beloved bunny character.","Miffy TV Show on CBeebies - Review & Info","/miffys-new-tv-show",{"title":10581,"description":10629},"miffys-new-tv-show","eli4zhVQxbaAjxxNUgmXVapnm2BOimuzwlowOEhCDHM",{"id":10639,"title":10640,"author":245,"body":10641,"category":10701,"cover":10702,"date":10703,"description":10704,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":10705,"meta":10706,"meta_description":10707,"meta_title":10640,"navigation":236,"path":10708,"seo":10709,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":10710,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":10711},"posts/the-mombella-octopus-doo-baby-teether.md","The Mombella Octopus Doo Baby Teether",{"type":9,"value":10642,"toc":10699},[10643,10651,10654,10661,10664,10671,10678,10681,10694],[12,10644,10645,10650],{},[16,10646,10649],{"href":10647,"rel":10648},"http://www.mombella.com/en/",[20],"The Mombella Octopus Doo"," is a BPA free, silicone teether designed to ease the pain of teething in young babies.",[12,10652,10653],{},"We all know how awful tooth ache can be so imagine having your teeth push their way out and cutting through the gum. Thankfully most of us don’t have any memory of it!",[12,10655,10656,10660],{},[45,10657],{"alt":10658,"src":10659},"mombella__cute_baby_teething_toy01","/images/2015/09/mombella__cute_baby_teething_toy01.jpg","As a parent I can only imagine the pain my baby feels when cutting a new tooth and now at 8 months old he has four. Along the way we’ve had a lot of sleepless nights with flushed red cheeks, tonnes of dribble and might as well have bought shares in Anbesol liquid.",[12,10662,10663],{},"I’ve tried numerous teethers from gel filled to frozen but Taylor usually opts for the hard rubber ones that he can really chew on and not the soft silicone ones. I was surprised when he took to the Mombella Octopus, he especially loves chewing on the bumpy tentacles.",[12,10665,10666,10670],{},[45,10667],{"alt":10668,"src":10669},"cute_teething_baby_sitting_chewing_mombella_06","/images/2015/09/cute_teething_baby_sitting_chewing_mombella_06.jpg","With eight tentacles to choose from Taylor is spoilt for choice. The top of each tentacle has hard nobbly bits whilst the underneath has softer rounded bobbles which gives a choice of textures to chew on. We also liked how his little coloured hat is also textured and makes another great spot for chewing on.",[12,10672,10673,10677],{},[45,10674],{"alt":10675,"src":10676},"cute_teething_baby_sitting_chewing_mombella_04","/images/2015/09/cute_teething_baby_sitting_chewing_mombella_04.jpg","The Octopus Doo can also be frozen, sterilised and sanitised easily. Made from food graded silicone technology the small size and ergonomic design means Taylor has no problem gripping the teether and can handle it by himself easily. It is also reassuring that the tentacles are a good size to reduce the risk of choking with one in his mouth.",[12,10679,10680],{},"Overall Taylor and I love this teether! It has helped Taylor to cut two of his four teeth, it has eased his pain and saved my sanity. The Octopus Doo has earned itself a place amongst my teething essentials!",[12,10682,10683,10687,10688,10693],{},[45,10684],{"alt":10685,"src":10686},"cute_teething_baby_sitting_chewing_mombella_02","/images/2015/09/cute_teething_baby_sitting_chewing_mombella_02.jpg","The Mombella Octopus Doo can be purchased for ",[16,10689,10692],{"href":10690,"rel":10691},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mombelle%C2%AE-FDA-Certified-Silicone-Brush-Teether/dp/B00Z9NLWP0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442815737&sr=8-1&keywords=mombella",[20],"£10.80 on Amazon",". What are your essential items when it comes to teething? For me it has to be a good teething toy and antiseptic numbing agent. Keep the conversation going and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.",[10695,10696,10698],"h1",{"id":10697},"taylortries","#TaylorTries",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":10700},[],[2140,226],"/images/2015/09/cute_teething_baby_sitting_chewing_mombella_01.jpg","2015-09-21T07:14:00Z","The Mombella Octopus Doo is a BPA free, silicone teether designed to ease the pain of teething in young babies.","7249",{},"Mombella Octopus Doo teether review. BPA-free silicone with 8 textured tentacles, freezable, easy grip design. £10.80 on Amazon. #TaylorTries","/the-mombella-octopus-doo-baby-teether",{"title":10640,"description":10704},"the-mombella-octopus-doo-baby-teether","VGZu2OZ9jOF70ZQhyP2oWIu_3B8V-0SC_Dqr_aKWEpk",{"id":10713,"title":10714,"author":245,"body":10715,"category":10777,"cover":10778,"date":10779,"description":10780,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":10781,"meta":10782,"meta_description":10783,"meta_title":10784,"navigation":236,"path":10785,"seo":10786,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":10787,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":10788},"posts/breastfeeding-with-breastvest.md","Breastfeeding with Breastvest",{"type":9,"value":10716,"toc":10775},[10717,10725,10728,10735,10738,10745,10752,10755,10768],[12,10718,10719,10720,10724],{},"One thing I found to be difficult whilst pregnant was clothing. What do you wear when you have a huge bump that none of your clothes will stretch over? Let’s face it, pregnancy fashion isn’t always the best. I did however find ",[16,10721,10723],{"href":10722},"/bibee-maternity-dresses","Bibee"," – and they were great! During my pregnancy I found myself longing for the day when I could not only be snuggling up to our precious bundle but also be able to wear my favourite clothes again.",[12,10726,10727],{},"So what if you decide to breastfeed?… Surely it’s not possible to wear your favourite clothes? Well no, especially if you intend on feeding without flashing your bits & bobs.",[12,10729,10730,10734],{},[45,10731],{"alt":10732,"src":10733},"breastvest_packaging","/images/2015/09/breastvest_packaging-660x440.jpg","In my case, I was conscious about my wobbly stretched torso, and if I were comfortable, then sure I could flash the flesh but most of us want to keep it to ourselves and feel as though nobody should have to see that.",[12,10736,10737],{},"After having Taylor, I found that most nursing tops just weren’t me. Both in shape and style. Many were not something I would choose to wear yet I was not willing to give up on the idea of breastfeeding simply because I disliked the clothing.",[12,10739,10740,10744],{},[45,10741],{"alt":10742,"src":10743},"breastvest","/images/2015/09/breastvest.jpg","Like many women, I took to wearing cheap stretchy vests under my normal clothes. It works to a point, you pull your top up whilst pulling the vest down and voila DIY nursing tops. However, after a while the top of these vests becomes stretched and saggy, plus trying to roll down a nursing bra under the vest isn’t easy either. Not to mention the cheap material being ridiculously warm!",[12,10746,10747,10751],{},[45,10748],{"alt":10749,"src":10750},"breastvest_joint","/images/2015/09/breastvest_joint.jpg","Thanks to the BreastVest my troubles are behind me and I’ve not looked back since the day I started using them. The adeptly named BreastVest is simply a vest that has been repurposed specifically for nursing. The top of vest stops just below the breast where your bra sits – giving you full access to your nursing bra without having to pull down any layers or show any skin.",[12,10753,10754],{},"I found BreastVest to be the perfect solution for wearing my favourite clothes whilst nursing, however you do look a little funny when wearing the vest alone. It does mean one less layer to contend with whilst dealing with a hungry baby though. The result is a stylish looking mummy and no more stretched vests. Perfect right!?",[12,10756,10757,10761,10762,10767],{},[45,10758],{"alt":10759,"src":10760},"breastvest_coverage","/images/2015/09/breastvest_coverage.jpg","BreastVest are currently retailing from £10.00 – £15.00 at ",[16,10763,10766],{"href":10764,"rel":10765},"http://www.breastvest.co.uk",[20],"www.breastvest.co.uk"," and are available in a selection of colours. If you would like the chance to win a BreastVest, simply complete the form below, good luck!",[12,10769,10770],{},[16,10771,10774],{"href":10772,"rel":10773},"https://gleam.io/BcDHP/win-breastvest",[20],"Win Breastvest",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":10776},[],[2140,226],"/images/2015/09/baby_feeding_with_breastvest.jpg","2015-09-15T09:13:00Z","One thing I found to be difficult whilst pregnant was clothing. What do you wear when you have a huge bump that none of your clothes will stretch over? Let’s face it, pregnancy fashion isn’t always the best. I did however find Bibee – and they were great! During my pregnancy I found myself longing for the day when I could not only be snuggling up to our precious bundle but also be able to wear my favourite clothes again.","7231",{},"Breastvest review. Discreet breastfeeding vest solution allowing mums to wear favourite clothes whilst nursing without showing skin or dealing with layers.","Breastvest Review - Discreet Breastfeeding Clothing","/breastfeeding-with-breastvest",{"title":10714,"description":10780},"breastfeeding-with-breastvest","lAbMyuCy88ujV7zQFCCEf_9XwbenUvAYXGLPZZHADm0",{"id":10790,"title":10791,"author":245,"body":10792,"category":10859,"cover":10860,"date":10861,"description":10796,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":10862,"meta":10863,"meta_description":10864,"meta_title":10865,"navigation":236,"path":10866,"seo":10867,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":10868,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":10869},"posts/funky-giraffe-dribble-bibs.md","Funky Giraffe Dribble Bibs",{"type":9,"value":10793,"toc":10857},[10794,10797,10804,10811,10814,10821,10833,10836],[12,10795,10796],{},"If there is one baby product I love, it has to be bibs! I’m not talking about the old fashioned big food catching bibs but stylish bandana dribble bibs created to soak up unwanted dribbles whilst adding to your baby’s outfit. Taylor is a very drooly baby now that he is teething so we dare not leave the house without rocking a stylish bib. I don’t hoard prams or shoes like many women but I can’t resist a cheeky dribble bib!",[12,10798,10799,10803],{},[45,10800],{"alt":10801,"src":10802},"funky_giraffe_bib_red_stripe","/images/2015/09/funky_giraffe_bib_red_stripe-660x440.jpg","Our favourite brand of bib to date is Funky Giraffe. I placed my first order whilst 8 months pregnant on my lunch break and adored them from the moment they arrived. When we were asked if we would like to review Funky Giraffe I didn’t need to think twice.",[12,10805,10806,10810],{},[45,10807],{"alt":10808,"src":10809},"Processed with VSCOcam with t1 preset","/images/2015/09/funky_giraffe_bib_baby_happy_cute.jpg","Their bibs are made of quality materials and are superb at doing exactly what they’re supposed to, soaking up dribble and all whilst looking super funky. Personally, I don’t think you can ever have too many bibs and one of the great things about Funky Giraffe is that the more bibs you buy, the cheaper they become!",[12,10812,10813],{},"A single bib costs £4 however I recommend buying 10 together and you’ll pay £2 per bib. You can see how easy it is to obtain a bib addiction with the low prices and great selection of patterns and styles available.",[12,10815,10816,10820],{},[45,10817],{"alt":10818,"src":10819},"funky_giraffe_dribble_bibs_patterns_print","/images/2015/09/funky_giraffe_dribble_bibs_patterns_print-660x440.jpg","I chose the patterns above to add to our collection and love them all! Every bib has a unique overlap in the fabric around the neck line, making them comfortable and the fleece backing keeps dribble from soaking through – a big plus! They are easy to attach and include double poppers so you can adjust the fit as your baby grows!",[12,10822,10823,10827,10828],{},[45,10824],{"alt":10825,"src":10826},"funky_giraffe_bib_poppers","/images/2015/09/funky_giraffe_bib_poppers-660x440.jpg","If you’d like to start your own collection of Funky Giraffe bibs dribble, head over to their website ",[16,10829,10832],{"href":10830,"rel":10831},"http://funkygiraffebibs.co.uk",[20],"funkygiraffebibs.co.uk",[12,10834,10835],{},"If you decide to start your own collection, let us know in the comments below or on social media.",[12,10837,10838],{},[211,10839,10840,10841,764,10846,764,10851,10856],{},"We were sent bibs for the purpose of this review, all opinions are my own – Funky Giraffe bibs are available to purchase in the following countries: UK, ",[16,10842,10845],{"href":10843,"rel":10844},"https://groovigee.com",[20],"USA",[16,10847,10850],{"href":10848,"rel":10849},"http://funkygiraffe.com.au/",[20],"Australia",[16,10852,10855],{"href":10853,"rel":10854},"http://funkygiraffe.fr/",[20],"France",", Spain, Italy and Germany.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":10858},[],[226],"/images/2015/09/cute_baby_funky_giraffe_bib_arrows.jpg","2015-09-10T07:39:00Z","7212",{},"Funky Giraffe dribble bibs review. Stylish bandana bibs perfect for teething babies, with quality materials, fleece backing, and adjustable poppers.","Funky Giraffe Dribble Bibs: Stylish Baby Bandana Bibs","/funky-giraffe-dribble-bibs",{"title":10791,"description":10796},"funky-giraffe-dribble-bibs","bRjqxiKzXswpd4rMQf2nzTUoOtELaY6kq63kQ4mrrgw",{"id":10871,"title":10872,"author":245,"body":10873,"category":10937,"cover":10938,"date":10939,"description":10877,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":10940,"meta":10941,"meta_description":10942,"meta_title":10872,"navigation":236,"path":10943,"seo":10944,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":10945,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":10946},"posts/review-aden-anais-hooded-towel-set.md","Review: Aden + Anais Hooded Towel Set",{"type":9,"value":10874,"toc":10935},[10875,10878,10884,10896,10908,10911,10917,10924,10932],[12,10876,10877],{},"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!",[12,10879,10880,10883],{},[45,10881],{"alt":10808,"src":10882},"/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.",[12,10885,10886,10889,10890,10895],{},[45,10887],{"alt":10808,"src":10888},"/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 ",[16,10891,10894],{"href":10892,"rel":10893},"http://uk.adenandanais.com/en-gb/productlanding/7943/bath/towel-washcloth-sets/towel+and+washcloth+sets.aspx",[20],"Aden + Anais hooded towel set"," to review for bath time with Taylor, we absolutely love their products!",[12,10897,10898,10901,10902,10907],{},[45,10899],{"alt":10808,"src":10900},"/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 ",[16,10903,10906],{"href":10904,"rel":10905},"http://uk.adenandanais.com/en-gb/content/layette/clothing.aspx",[20],"muslin clothing",", which is absolutely adorable!",[12,10909,10910],{},"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.",[12,10912,10913,10916],{},[45,10914],{"alt":10808,"src":10915},"/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!",[12,10918,10919,10923],{},[45,10920],{"alt":10921,"src":10922},"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.",[12,10925,10926,10927],{},"The aden + anais hooded towel sets are currently retailing at £29.95 and can be purchased at ",[16,10928,10931],{"href":10929,"rel":10930},"http://uk.adenandanais.com",[20],"uk.adenandanais.com",[12,10933,10934],{},"Let us know what your favourite baby bath time moments are in the comments below! Xx",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":10936},[],[226,1436],"/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":10872,"description":10877},"review-aden-anais-hooded-towel-set","350_3_9aVbBrWjh1U4GNZnBe-9MOxOpvImyMMov3c_M",{"id":10948,"title":10949,"author":245,"body":10950,"category":11057,"cover":11058,"date":11059,"description":10954,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":11060,"meta":11061,"meta_description":11062,"meta_title":10949,"navigation":236,"path":11063,"seo":11064,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":11065,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":11066},"posts/preparing-to-use-cloth-nappies-with-baba-boo.md","Preparing to Use Cloth Nappies with Baba + Boo",{"type":9,"value":10951,"toc":11055},[10952,10955,10958,10967,10970,10977,10980,10987,10990,10995,11002,11005,11012,11019,11030,11033,11042,11049],[12,10953,10954],{},"Reusable nappies are something we spent a lot of time mulling over before baby T was born, it’s a big decision and one we couldn’t decide upon, it was easy for us to decide that we wanted to breastfeed or have him sleep in our bedroom but this was a whole other kettle of fish. As the big day approached we decided not to jump head first into the deep end, we were after all becoming first time parents, surely that was going to be hard enough without learning how to wash and fasten cloth nappies too.",[12,10956,10957],{},"Jump ahead 6 months and we’re going for it!",[12,10959,10960,10961,10966],{},"When I was asked by the lovely ladies at ",[16,10962,10965],{"href":10963,"rel":10964},"http://www.babaandboo.com/",[20],"Baba + Boo"," if I was still considering cloth as an option and if I’d like to give it a go with their range of beautiful reusable nappies I said yes, and I’m so glad I did.",[12,10968,10969],{},"Did you know 8 million disposable nappies are used each day in the UK alone and sent to landfill, taking 500 years to decompose?",[12,10971,10972,10976],{},[45,10973],{"alt":10974,"src":10975},"baba_and_boo_prep_12","/images/2015/07/baba_and_boo_prep_12.jpg","Baba + Boo sent us a package containing everything we needed to kick-start our cloth journey and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m going to show you the preparations required to begin this big step on our journey into cloth.",[12,10978,10979],{},"In our kit we received 10 Baba+Boo reusable nappies in really fun prints, a roll of biodegradable liners, a wet bag, two wash nets and a bucket.",[12,10981,10982,10986],{},[45,10983],{"alt":10984,"src":10985},"baba_and_boo_prep_11","/images/2015/07/baba_and_boo_prep_11.jpg","Upon opening the box I found myself loving them in an instant, they felt so soft, were made to a high standard with quality fabrics and looked beautiful, and that was enough for me to become determined to make this transition work for us.",[12,10988,10989],{},"Before we started to use our nappies I read the handy little beginners guide, had I not done this I’d never have known that it’s advised you wash the nappies 3 times before first use.",[4284,10991,10992],{},[12,10993,10994],{},"“Always pre-wash your nappies before you use them. This really helps with absorbency of the inserts. Ideally, put them on two or three 40 degree washes and dry them in between – if you can wait for that.” – Washing and Drying Baba+Boo Cloth Nappies Guide",[12,10996,10997,11001],{},[45,10998],{"alt":10999,"src":11000},"baba_and_boo_prep_08","/images/2015/07/baba_and_boo_prep_08.jpg","Following instructions I removed all inserts, (each nappy comes with two microfibre inserts) placed them in the wash bag and popped it into the machine.",[12,11003,11004],{},"At this point I was already excited to begin using our nappies so three full wash cycles felt like a lifetime, it is however a must if you want to avoid leaks upon first use.",[12,11006,11007,11011],{},[45,11008],{"alt":11009,"src":11010},"baba_and_boo_prep_07","/images/2015/07/baba_and_boo_prep_07.jpg","Once our beautiful cloth nappy stash was clean and dry It was time to prepare them for use, stuffing the inserts into the pocket of each nappy. I chose to use one insert for daytime use as baby T is still fairly small and not a big wetter, I felt this would be enough for him.",[12,11013,11014,11018],{},[45,11015],{"alt":11016,"src":11017},"baba_and_boo_prep_06","/images/2015/07/baba_and_boo_prep_06.jpg","It’s important to make sure the insert sits flat inside the nappy and stays this way once on baby to avoid leaks around the legs. I found prepping our stash to be really simple, filling the nappies and folding them back up ready for use wasn’t complicated in the slightest.",[12,11020,11021,11025,11029],{},[45,11022],{"alt":11023,"src":11024},"baba_and_boo_prep_02","/images/2015/07/baba_and_boo_prep_02.jpg",[45,11026],{"alt":11027,"src":11028},"baba_and_boo_prep_10","/images/2015/07/baba_and_boo_prep_10.jpg","Once everything was ready I made space in our changing table to store our nappies, I must say opening the drawer to this each day is far more delightful than the nappy stacker we have full of disposables.",[12,11031,11032],{},"I’ve also placed the bucket containing a mesh wash bag down the side of the changing table so everything is in close proximity, this means I never have to take my hands off the baby whilst he’s on the table, he loves to roll onto his front whilst being changed.",[12,11034,11035,11039,11041],{},[45,11036],{"alt":11037,"src":11038},"baba_and_boo_prep_05","/images/2015/07/baba_and_boo_prep_05.jpg",[774,11040],{},"\nNow we’re all set for using our cloth stash! Overall the entire process is very simple, wash, wash, wash and stuff, that’s it ready to go! So far using our cloth nappies has been really simple, check back next week to see how we’ve got on with them so far, I’ll also answer that all important question everyone has been asking me, what do you do with the poo?! If you have you used or are considered using cloth nappies I’d love to know your thoughts and especially any handy tips or advise you cloth bum mums can share with me as a newbie to the cloth bum club.",[12,11043,11044,11045,11048],{},"You can view and purchase reusable nappies from the great selection at ",[16,11046,10965],{"href":10963,"rel":11047},[20]," for £12.95 each.",[12,11050,11051],{},[45,11052],{"alt":11053,"src":11054},"baba_and_boo_prep_04","/images/2015/07/baba_and_boo_prep_04.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":11056},[],[226],"/images/2015/07/baba_and_boo_prep_cover.jpg","2015-07-27T09:34:00Z","6355",{},"Preparing to use cloth nappies with Baba + Boo. First-time parents' guide to washing, stuffing, and organising reusable nappies at 6 months.","/preparing-to-use-cloth-nappies-with-baba-boo",{"title":10949,"description":10954},"preparing-to-use-cloth-nappies-with-baba-boo","x5rWVtlLq_Oug4sm5wO-F5u7Ty87i4Ft83StVkY5kk4",{"id":11068,"title":11069,"author":245,"body":11070,"category":11122,"cover":11123,"date":11124,"description":11074,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":11125,"meta":11126,"meta_description":11127,"meta_title":11128,"navigation":236,"path":11129,"seo":11130,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":11131,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":11132},"posts/learning-to-use-a-sippee-cup-on-our-tommee-tippee-big-adventure-giveaway.md","Learning to Use a Sippee Cup on Our Tommee Tippee Big Adventure + Giveaway!",{"type":9,"value":11071,"toc":11120},[11072,11075,11078,11085,11098],[12,11073,11074],{},"Taylor received his first Sippee Cup from the lovely team at Tomee Tippee on our recent trip to The Baby Show at the Birmingham NEC.",[12,11076,11077],{},"Although he had been exclusively breastfeeding at this point I still thought it was important for Taylor to learn to hold and use a cup from an early age.",[12,11079,11080,11084],{},[45,11081],{"alt":11082,"src":11083},"Tommee_Tippee_04","/images/2015/07/Tommee_Tippee_04.jpg","We’ve been using the 4 month+ Non-Spill Weaning Sippee Cup (Also available as a straw cup), and from the moment it was handed to him Taylor knew what he was supposed to do with it, holding onto both handles and taking it to his mouth I was amazed!",[12,11086,11087,11091,11092,11094],{},[45,11088],{"alt":11089,"src":11090},"Tommee_Tippee_05","/images/2015/07/Tommee_Tippee_05.jpg","Although we primarily use bottles when giving him expressed milk he’s used the cup for playing and since had some expressed milk in it, he took to it really quickly and enjoys holding it by himself. The cup is non-spill so I haven’t had to worry about spilling any precious liquid gold by placing it into the cup for him and it’s helping develop his fine motor skills by picking up the cup and taking to his mouth by himself. He’s a clever little monkey!",[774,11093],{},[45,11095],{"alt":11096,"src":11097},"Tommee_Tippee_competition_cups","/images/2015/07/Tommee_Tippee_competition_cups.jpg",[12,11099,11100,11105,11107,11108,11113,11114,11116],{},[16,11101,11104],{"href":11102,"rel":11103},"https://gleam.io/c0Iiw/win-a-tommee-tippee-cup",[20],"Win A Tommee Tippee Cup!",[774,11106],{},"\nIf you would like your own cup from the new Tommee Tippee range you can ",[16,11109,11112],{"href":11110,"rel":11111},"http://www.tommeetippee.co.uk/thrills-not-spills/",[20],"purchase them online here",", or alternatively use the above form for your chance to win one of the following three cups pictured, don’t forget to leave a comment telling us which cup you would like to win! Good luck 🙂",[774,11115],{},[45,11117],{"alt":11118,"src":11119},"Tommee_Tippee_06","/images/2015/07/Tommee_Tippee_06.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":11121},[],[226],"/images/2015/07/Tommee_Tippee_cup_cover.jpg","2015-07-09T18:51:00Z","6266",{},"Tommee Tippee sippee cup review. Non-spill weaning cup helping baby develop fine motor skills and independence from 4 months. Plus giveaway!","Tommee Tippee Sippee Cup Review + Giveaway","/learning-to-use-a-sippee-cup-on-our-tommee-tippee-big-adventure-giveaway",{"title":11069,"description":11074},"learning-to-use-a-sippee-cup-on-our-tommee-tippee-big-adventure-giveaway","1Qtg8L063bLWAzfBsVtauSNWgPrMgMXHVN4TFPKmx-Y",{"id":11134,"title":11135,"author":245,"body":11136,"category":11235,"cover":11236,"date":11237,"description":11140,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":11238,"meta":11239,"meta_description":11240,"meta_title":11241,"navigation":236,"path":11242,"seo":11243,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":11244,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":11245},"posts/special-features-of-the-silver-cross-surf-2-in-special-edition-eton-grey.md","Review: Special Features of the Silver Cross Surf  2 in Special Edition Eton Grey",{"type":9,"value":11137,"toc":11233},[11138,11141,11161,11167,11170,11183,11190,11197,11212,11219,11222],[12,11139,11140],{},"So many of our readers loved seeing the Silver Cross Surf2 in the Special Edition Best of British Eton Grey so I thought we would do a run down on what makes this particular edition so ‘Special’ what can you expect to find on the Special Edition that you won’t get with the standard Surf 2?",[12,11142,11143,11147,11151,11153,11154,11158,11160],{},[45,11144],{"alt":11145,"src":11146},"silver_Cross_special_edition_features_06","/images/2015/06/silver_Cross_special_edition_features_06.jpg",[45,11148],{"alt":11149,"src":11150},"silver_Cross_special_edition_features_03","/images/2015/06/silver_Cross_special_edition_features_03.jpg",[774,11152],{},"\nTo start with you’ll have the special edition Gloss Black magnesium alloy chassis, unlike the standard brushed silver magnesium alloy chassis. Instead of having the name Surf printed onto the chassis you’ll be sporting ‘Special Edition’ to show everyone that this model is a step above the rest. ",[45,11155],{"alt":11156,"src":11157},"silver_Cross_special_edition_features_02","/images/2015/06/silver_Cross_special_edition_features_02.jpg",[774,11159],{},"\nYou’ll find the insides of the hood feature a stunning quilted finish, the seat unit also comes with this luxury faux fur liner making it both stylish and comfortable for your little one. Taylor loves stroking the liner.",[12,11162,11163],{},[45,11164],{"alt":11165,"src":11166},"silver_Cross_special_edition_features_09","/images/2015/06/silver_Cross_special_edition_features_09.jpg",[12,11168,11169],{},"Both chest pads and the hood feature the Best of British trim, a very subtle yet super stylish finishing touch in the colours of the Union Jack. I love subtle touches like this, it really adds to the detailing and looks gorgeous.",[12,11171,11172,11176,11178,11182],{},[45,11173],{"alt":11174,"src":11175},"silver_Cross_special_edition_features_10","/images/2015/06/silver_Cross_special_edition_features_10.jpg",[774,11177],{},[45,11179],{"alt":11180,"src":11181},"silver_Cross_special_edition_features_04","/images/2015/06/silver_Cross_special_edition_features_04.jpg","The hood not only features the Best of British trim but it also has a Special Edition tag, another touch to show how this products differs from the rest.",[12,11184,11185,11189],{},[45,11186],{"alt":11187,"src":11188},"silver_Cross_special_edition_features_05","/images/2015/06/silver_Cross_special_edition_features_05.jpg","You’ll also find this cute Union Jack charm on the fabric to the footmoof/carrycot cover.",[12,11191,11192,11196],{},[45,11193],{"alt":11194,"src":11195},"Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_05","/images/2015/04/Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_05.jpg","Not forgetting the faux leather tote changing bag, I love this bag because it includes pram loops and a detachable shoulder strap. so it doesn’t slide when hanging from the pram!",[12,11198,11199,11203,11204,11208,11209,575],{},[45,11200],{"alt":11201,"src":11202},"silver_Cross_special_edition_features_07","/images/2015/06/silver_Cross_special_edition_features_07.jpg","The entire colour pack features the beautiful Eton Grey fabrics that are not sold separately, so if you’re lusting after this beautiful set you’re going to want the whole package, you can see my previous post about the pram itself in my ",[16,11205,11207],{"href":11206},"/the-silver-cross-special-edition-surf-2-city-living-at-its-finest","Silver Cross Surf 2 Eton Grey review"," to see what you can expect from this particular model of the ",[16,11210,11211],{"href":11206},"Special Edition Silver Cross",[12,11213,11214,11215],{},"Follow our instagram snaps of moments with the Surf 2 using the tag ",[16,11216,10698],{"href":11217,"rel":11218},"https://instagram.com/explore/tags/taylortries/",[20],[12,11220,11221],{},"Keep a look out for our thoughts on using the seat unit of the pram now that Taylor has moved on from the carrycot, he’s growing up way too fast!",[12,11223,11224],{},[211,11225,11226,11227,11232],{},"If you would like more info or to purchase, the Special Edition Surf 2 retails at a RRP of £800 and can be found ",[16,11228,11231],{"href":11229,"rel":11230},"http://www.silvercrossbaby.com/our-products/prams-and-pushchairs/surf-special-edition/",[20],"here"," – We were sent the Surf 2 in exchange for a honest review, all opinions are my own –",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":11234},[],[226],"/images/2015/06/silver_Cross_special_edition_features_cover.jpg","2015-06-26T14:54:00Z","6209",{},"Silver Cross Surf 2 Special Edition features. Gloss black chassis, quilted hood, faux fur liner, Union Jack details, and exclusive Eton Grey fabrics.","Silver Cross Surf 2 Special Edition Review","/special-features-of-the-silver-cross-surf-2-in-special-edition-eton-grey",{"title":11135,"description":11140},"special-features-of-the-silver-cross-surf-2-in-special-edition-eton-grey","YZSF6SeemQYEgcJkvbjW5LV-1WTTy1zqnFQahD6tIr8",{"id":11247,"title":11248,"author":245,"body":11249,"category":11378,"cover":11380,"date":11381,"description":11253,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":11382,"meta":11383,"meta_description":11384,"meta_title":11385,"navigation":236,"path":11386,"seo":11387,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":11388,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":11389},"posts/keep-calm-and-hypnobirth.md","Keep Calm and Hypnobirth",{"type":9,"value":11250,"toc":11376},[11251,11254,11263,11266,11269,11275,11278,11281,11288,11291,11294,11297,11304,11307,11310,11317,11320,11327,11330,11337,11340,11343,11348,11356,11361,11364,11367,11370],[12,11252,11253],{},"A positive, forward thinking programme designed to help you get the most out of your birth experience.",[12,11255,11256],{},[34,11257,11258],{},[16,11259,11262],{"href":11260,"rel":11261},"http://www.thecalmbirthschool.co.uk/",[20],"www.thecalmbirthschool.co.uk",[12,11264,11265],{},"Taylor is now five months old and I still haven’t managed to put into words his entire birth story, it’s something so close to me and personal that finding the best way to share this part of me isn’t easy. It wasn’t horrid, far from it. It also wasn’t the birth I had hoped for, I spent it strapped to a monitor on a bed, instead of in a pool with twinkling lights overhead.",[12,11267,11268],{},"I did however have the many hypnobirthing techniques I had learnt from The Calm Birth School and am still able to look back on the day as one of pure happiness, so I’d like to share with you my favourite techniques and what I loved most about hypnoborthing.",[12,11270,11271],{},[45,11272],{"alt":11273,"src":11274},"taylor_being_weighed","/images/2015/01/taylor_being_weighed.jpg",[12,11276,11277],{},"The Calm Birth School is very much centred around preparing for a positive labour, I wasn’t hypnotising myself and prancing around with flowers in my hair or humming a mantra. Instead I was mentally preparing myself during the lead up to the birth. This really helped me to feel confident for what I was about to go through.",[12,11279,11280],{},"I started the course quite close to my EDD so I didn’t have chance to absorb and learn everything, especially considering Taylor decided to arrive on his EDD of January 1st. But what I did learn was priceless!",[12,11282,11283],{},[211,11284,11285],{},[34,11286,11287],{},"Relaxation –",[12,11289,11290],{},"One of the most important lessons was to RELAX! Even after a stressful day at the office I would pop on my mp3s, lye back, and take a moment to wind down.",[12,11292,11293],{},"The MP3s provided by the school really do help take your mind off of other things and concentrate, I used them for relaxation whilst pregnant and they were great.",[12,11295,11296],{},"However during the birth I wanted nothing but pure silence in the room, we didn’t have music and I didn’t like people talking around me. Oops!",[12,11298,11299],{},[211,11300,11301],{},[34,11302,11303],{},"Calm –",[12,11305,11306],{},"The classes taught me that if I were to go into labour that I should stay as calm as possible, it’s a natural event and nothing to be scared of!",[12,11308,11309],{},"I found it was really important to learn to relax before so I was able to channel my thoughts to help me stay calm on the big day.",[12,11311,11312],{},[211,11313,11314],{},[34,11315,11316],{},"Surges / Waves –",[12,11318,11319],{},"One of my favourite things has to be how Hollie and Suzy refer to contractions as surges and waves, that feeling of dread you get as a pregnant lady when people say ‘contractions’ always made me feel uneasy, referring to them as ‘surges’ and ‘waves’ made it seem less daunting, as if it was something that was going to be, well, calm!",[12,11321,11322],{},[211,11323,11324],{},[34,11325,11326],{},"Birth Breathing –",[12,11328,11329],{},"Practicing breathing was one of the most important things I took from the classes alongside the relaxation techniques. Breathing through every stage of labour whilst thinking of positive affirmations really helped me to listen to my body.",[12,11331,11332],{},[211,11333,11334],{},[34,11335,11336],{},"Did it work for me?",[12,11338,11339],{},"Using the techniques from TCBS I found myself taking on the birth of Taylor Grayson a lot calmer than I had ever imagined.",[12,11341,11342],{},"I used Gas and Air during the labour to ease the pain, although I was restricted by a monitor on a bed, I was eventually able to move onto a stool and position myself better. Rocking back and forth when I was unable to stay mobile also really helped me to focus.",[12,11344,11345],{},[45,11346],{"alt":215,"src":11347},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Bibee_dresses_feeding_8.jpg",[12,11349,11350,11351,11355],{},"Before Taylor was born I wrote about enrolling with ",[16,11352,11354],{"href":11353},"/the-calm-birth-school","The Calm Birth School"," and said",[4284,11357,11358],{},[12,11359,11360],{},"“The female body is designed to birth babies, its what it does! So if we take what our body wants to do and go with it, we should be in for a more pleasant experience than if we were to fight our bodies natural reactions.”",[12,11362,11363],{},"I still stand by this after my own calm birth experience, listening to my body was the best thing I could have done.",[12,11365,11366],{},"The Calm Birth School saw me take on childbirth with such an air of calmness and confidence I never knew I had in me, I was calm and trusted my body whilst being able to focus and stay in control throughout. My partner still tells me to this day he was amazed at how well I did and I had the midwife laughing at me when I announced I’d do it all again moments after having just given birth.",[12,11368,11369],{},"Thank you Suzy and Hollie for keeping me calm !",[12,11371,11372],{},[45,11373],{"alt":11374,"src":11375},"mad_blog_awards_thank_you","/images/2015/06/mad_blog_awards_thank_you.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":11377},[],[2140,226,11379],"pregnancy","/images/2014/12/calm_birth_School_cover.jpg","2015-06-22T08:42:00Z","6173",{},"Hypnobirthing experience with The Calm Birth School. Positive birth story sharing relaxation techniques, breathing methods, and staying calm during labour.","Hypnobirthing Experience - The Calm Birth School Review","/keep-calm-and-hypnobirth",{"title":11248,"description":11253},"keep-calm-and-hypnobirth","lCKB8aEGB6xzjb1fNKvRYEzUMpBQWoP35c0Rlc8ozpk",{"id":11391,"title":11392,"author":245,"body":11393,"category":11522,"cover":11523,"date":11524,"description":11397,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":11525,"meta":11526,"meta_description":11527,"meta_title":11392,"navigation":236,"path":11528,"seo":11529,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":11530,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":11531},"posts/book-review-orla-kiely-baby-journal.md","Book Review: Orla Kiely baby journal",{"type":9,"value":11394,"toc":11520},[11395,11398,11405,11424,11430,11439,11445,11455,11461,11470,11482,11492,11499,11506,11513],[12,11396,11397],{},"Before Taylor was born I knew I wanted to document as much as I could, as the youngest of three my parents didn’t have any baby books or albums of myself. It’s common for the first born to have these as you have more time to do them. Wanting something nice we can look back on in years to come but knowing I wouldn’t have enough time to create my own I went on the hunt for the perfect baby book, I trawled the internet and book stores for months and eventually I found it, the Orla Kiely Baby Journal!",[12,11399,11400,11404],{},[45,11401],{"alt":11402,"src":11403},"taylor_orla_kiely_baby_journal","/images/2015/05/taylor_orla_kiely_baby_journal.jpg","As a designer I can be very picky when it comes to journals and print related products, Orla Kiely is a very well known print pattern designer and her designs are beautiful!",[12,11406,11407,11408,11413,11414,11418,11419,11423],{},"We were very excited when we received the new ",[16,11409,11412],{"href":11410,"rel":11411},"https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk/books/detail.page?isbn=9781840916843",[20],"Orla Kiely Baby Journal"," from ",[16,11415,11417],{"href":11410,"rel":11416},[20],"Octopus publishing",", retailing at a ",[16,11420,11422],{"href":11410,"rel":11421},[20],"RRP of £20"," and filled with beautiful unisex colours and patterns, it’s like this book was made for me!",[12,11425,11426,11429],{},[45,11427],{"alt":215,"src":11428},"/images/2015/05/b66631384cd3403091ecca1a36ac7716.jpg","The book starts with a space for a letter to your unborn baby, an introduction to each parent and their family tree.",[12,11431,11432,11435,11438],{},[45,11433],{"alt":215,"src":11434},"/images/2015/05/16d1af63a3a84be1b3ec9ebe575c2aa7.jpg",[34,11436,11437],{},"Before –","  The first section of the book is for before the special arrival, and themed around this very cute duck print, each section starts with a dividing page that doubles up as full page envelope to store little momento’s from the time.",[12,11440,11441,11444],{},[45,11442],{"alt":215,"src":11443},"/images/2015/05/a60f1217f8324b1680b8a9d2b5ebb6d3.jpg","I really enjoyed looking back at Taylor’s first scan and pregnancy pictures whilst filling out the book, dare I even say it made me want to do it all again already!",[12,11446,11447,11451,11454],{},[45,11448],{"alt":11449,"src":11450},"orla_kiely_scan_picture","/images/2015/05/f3d86ffc91d147618cd240356f49ea55.jpg",[34,11452,11453],{},"Hello –","  A place to share all the special memories of having your precious bundle, from the birth announcement and birth story to bringing them home, giving them their first bath and who the first visitors were.",[12,11456,11457,11460],{},[45,11458],{"alt":215,"src":11459},"/images/2015/05/8f3a5d5167444432968b1a41514f82fc.jpg","I really like this section of the book as it’s so up to date, it even includes a section for you to write about how you made the announcement via social media.",[12,11462,11463,11466,11467,11469],{},[45,11464],{"alt":215,"src":11465},"/images/2015/05/a7862a78caad4d4a9a2b202c4d08e6c4.jpg","The birth story page is nice and simple with sections to fill out without having to go into too much detail but making note of those important bits 😉",[774,11468],{},"\nTheir is also a space for a picture of mum and baby alongside a space for his hospital bracelet.",[12,11471,11472,11475,11478,11481],{},[45,11473],{"alt":215,"src":11474},"/images/2015/05/b6eb77b58ee94079a603e2a5fbd881ad.jpg",[45,11476],{"alt":215,"src":11477},"/images/2015/05/0dcbdf65f6ed4d06964880624d89759a.jpg",[34,11479,11480],{},"Little Things –"," This section gives you a place to document that first holiday, foot prints, hand prints, drawings and details about your babies daily routine, a cute space for keeping memories that many baby journals seem to overlook.",[12,11483,11484,11488,11491],{},[45,11485],{"alt":11486,"src":11487},"orla_kiely_birthday","/images/2015/05/e06a5825251947669c78b6a6391896c4.jpg",[34,11489,11490],{},"Milestones –"," The book also contains section for babies 1st birthday, a picture of their first shoes, drawings and other special milestones such as crawling, walking, weight diary and a record of getting their teeth through.",[12,11493,11494,11498],{},[45,11495],{"alt":11496,"src":11497},"orla_kiely_teeth","/images/2015/05/633ca44267d0485e8414dd7265f30052.jpg","Their is also a handy page of lullabies, so you won’t be stuck for songs to sing to your little one, although most parents today sing modern pop charts to their little ones. mmmbop anyone?",[12,11500,11501,11505],{},[45,11502],{"alt":11503,"src":11504},"orla_kiely_lullaby","/images/2015/05/8bfa410d0a1a4f79a0aff88cea862d33.jpg","The book also comes with a sticker page in the back to use when placing your images in it and a page full of the yellow sticky corners for holding your photographs in place, I particularly like this as it means you don’t need to glue your pictures in and can change or remove them easily.",[12,11507,11508,11512],{},[45,11509],{"alt":11510,"src":11511},"orla_kiely_stickers","/images/2015/05/2c5f14d88cf74c9cb622410696ab776d.jpg","I hadn’t realised until recently that hidden in the last pocket of the book is a fold out height chart, really handy to help you with keeping the height & weight page up to date!",[12,11514,11515,11519],{},[45,11516],{"alt":11517,"src":11518},"orla_kiely_height_chart","/images/2015/05/321d7580c9d24e9db88104a6910a2456.jpg","Overall I really adore this baby book and am so glad we finally found the perfect one, their are so many different baby journals but they all seemed overly baby themed or very generic. This book ticked all the boxes for me and I think Taylor will enjoy being able to look back on it in years to come, I know I will!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":11521},[],[226,226],"/images/2015/05/91526447f8c747be8b33ae8776065154.jpg","2015-05-27T13:14:00Z","5969",{},"Orla Kiely Baby Journal review. Beautiful unisex baby book with sections for pregnancy, birth story, milestones, and memories. Includes height chart. RRP £20.","/book-review-orla-kiely-baby-journal",{"title":11392,"description":11397},"book-review-orla-kiely-baby-journal","jVmJYVgeRdVDFvQ799_yKYAoUXZotKYCnLvW_mcTVgw",{"id":11533,"title":11534,"author":245,"body":11535,"category":11610,"cover":11611,"date":11612,"description":11539,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":11613,"meta":11614,"meta_description":11615,"meta_title":11534,"navigation":236,"path":11616,"seo":11617,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":11618,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":11619},"posts/when-we-were-friends-by-tina-seskis.md","Book Review: When We Were Friends by Tina Seskis",{"type":9,"value":11536,"toc":11608},[11537,11540,11543,11546,11551,11554,11557,11560,11563,11566,11571,11574,11577,11582,11585,11592],[12,11538,11539],{},"It had always been the six of us.",[12,11541,11542],{},"Since we met at university twenty-five years ago, we’d faced everything together. Break-ups and marriages, motherhood and death. We were closer than sisters; the edges of our lives bled into each other.",[12,11544,11545],{},"But that was before the night of the reunion. The night of exposed secrets and jagged accusations. The night when everything changed. And then we were five.",[12,11547,11548],{},[34,11549,11550],{},"My Thoughts",[12,11552,11553],{},"When we were friends is a novel that is both gripping and full of suspense, this is Tina Seskis’ second novel since her debut One Step Beyond, which having read When We Were Friends has now made its way onto my TBR pile. This woman can write!",[12,11555,11556],{},"Flitting from past to present When We Were Friends follows six friends who met 25 years ago at university in Bristol. Sissy, Renee, Natasha, Juliette, Camilla and Siobhan have a traditional annual get together although 25 years on they’re most certainly not the friends they were in their student days. Each of them is at different stage in their lives and this years annual picnic is far from fun, emotions are high and lead to a turn in events that nobody is expecting. Only five will leave this reunion alive.",[12,11558,11559],{},"Initially it took me a while to get to grips with the way the book moved through time, who everyone was and who their partners in the present day were. Once i’d caught onto who everyone was and what was happening at each stage in their lives I was hooked!",[12,11561,11562],{},"Tina’s writing had me sucked into the lives of these women as the past is dug up piece by piece, secrets kept from a summer spent in Ohio to shocking affairs taking place in the present day it’s no wonder these ladies are struggling to keep their friendship together.",[12,11564,11565],{},"It’s unusual for me not to have one solid favourite character throughout a book, but I simply couldn’t choose between these leading ladies, they each have so many good traits as well as the down right annoying. Siobhan had to be my least favourite overall, especially in the present day as she is rather whiney and possibly has the least to moan about, where Sissy has a lot to moan about yet keeps herself rather calm and collected throughout. Each stage of their lives come with so many different obstacles that I found myself both loving and loathing each character at some stage.",[12,11567,11568],{},[34,11569,11570],{},"Verdict",[12,11572,11573],{},"When We Were Friends is both dramatic and thrilling, a gripping novel that is jam packed full of suspense. It’s a thrilling drama from affairs, deaths, marriages and more this book didn’t disappoint, a perfect read to get lost in.",[12,11575,11576],{},"I was totally invested in this novel from start to finish, at no point could I say who wouldn’t be leaving the big reunion alive or how any events in the novel would unfold. I’d certainly recommend it to others.",[12,11578,11579],{},[34,11580,11581],{},"Competition Winners!",[12,11583,11584],{},"The winners of our When We Were Friends give away have been drawn, congratulations!",[12,11586,11587],{},[16,11588,11591],{"href":11589,"rel":11590},"https://gleam.io/JUcsp/win-1-of-3-copies-of-when-we-were-friends-by-tina-seskis",[20],"Win 1 of 3 copies of When We Were Friends by Tina Seskis",[12,11593,11594],{},[34,11595,11596,11597,11602,11603,11607],{},"When We Were Friends is available for ",[16,11598,11601],{"href":11599,"rel":11600},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Were-Friends-Tina-Seskis-ebook/dp/B00JGECN74",[20],"purchase"," on the 23rd of April, ",[16,11604,11606],{"href":11599,"rel":11605},[20],"online"," and in-stores.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":11609},[],[226],"/images/2015/05/when_we_were__friends_cover_01.jpg","2015-05-20T07:38:00Z","5939",{},"When We Were Friends by Tina Seskis review. Gripping thriller about six university friends, exposed secrets, and a reunion that leaves only five alive.","/when-we-were-friends-by-tina-seskis",{"title":11534,"description":11539},"when-we-were-friends-by-tina-seskis","mVPD_7x44QTKQtcq8yHEmSW_f8y1igeS3G9b_R8_Z-Q",{"id":11621,"title":11622,"author":245,"body":11623,"category":11692,"cover":11693,"date":11694,"description":11627,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":11695,"meta":11696,"meta_description":11697,"meta_title":11622,"navigation":236,"path":11698,"seo":11699,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":11700,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":11701},"posts/my-must-have-accessories-for-expressing-milk.md","Review: Must Have Accessories for Expressing with Medela",{"type":9,"value":11624,"toc":11690},[11625,11628,11634,11637,11647,11657,11667,11687],[12,11626,11627],{},"Since our feeding journey began, almost four months ago, their are a few items that have been essential to me for both nursing and bottle feeding with expressed milk. The following items are my current essentials that have helped us on our way.",[12,11629,11630,11633],{},[34,11631,11632],{},"Calma Teat"," – One of my favourite products to use alongside the Medela Swing pump is Calma, this has been perfect for introducing bottles to Taylor. The Calma teat means your baby still has to work for his food as they must suck the milk through a very small hole, this stops breastfed babies becoming lazy when it comes to feeding and refusing the breast as regular bottles flow much faster than the breast. It also has bobbles around the teat to give a similar feel to the breast.",[12,11635,11636],{},"It seems to be working really well for us! The Calma fits onto the expression bottles so you can feed directly after expressing without transferring your milk to another bottle.",[12,11638,11639,11643,11646],{},[45,11640],{"alt":11641,"src":11642},"medela_pump_calma_1","/images/2015/04/medela_pump_calma_1.jpg",[34,11644,11645],{},"Pump and Save Bags –"," The Pump and Save bags simply hook onto your pump using a sticky tab so you can express directly into a storage bag, zip lock it and freeze it. They’re fantastic! My only qualm is that it is harder to gage the amount you have expressed than when using the bottles.",[12,11648,11649,11653,11656],{},[45,11650],{"alt":11651,"src":11652},"medela_pump_save_bag_1","/images/2015/04/medela_pump_save_bag_1.jpg",[34,11654,11655],{},"Microwave Quick Clean Bags"," – These bags are brilliant if you’re exclusively breastfeeding and don’t require a steriliser. The bags are reusable for up to 20 uses and have a nifty tick chart so you can mark off each time you use it. Simply pop the parts in the bag after washing and rinsing, add water, then then zap them for the required time depending on your microwave. It’s as simple as that!",[12,11658,11659,11663,11666],{},[45,11660],{"alt":11661,"src":11662},"medela_pump_quick_clean_bag_1","/images/2015/04/medela_pump_quick_clean_bag_1.jpg",[34,11664,11665],{},"Purelan 100 –"," Medela Purelan 100 is a pure lanolin cream to repair the skin and has been a staple throughout our feeding journey, especially in the early days. If you’re new to nursing like myself you’re going to want a tube of this! One tube lasts such a long time, I’m 4 months in and still using my first tube.",[12,11668,11669,11673,11674,11677,11678,11682,11683],{},[45,11670],{"alt":11671,"src":11672},"medela_pump_review_2","/images/2015/04/medela_pump_review_2.jpg","For more on our breastfeeding experience so far see our previous posts ‘",[16,11675,11676],{"href":253},"Hopes, Fears and Expectations of Breastfeeding","‘ and ‘",[16,11679,11681],{"href":11680},"/nursing-a-newborn-the-early-days-with-medela-breastfeeding","Nursing a Newborn – The Early Days","‘ ",[16,11684,11686],{"href":11685},"/medela-swing-harmony-breastpump","‘Our thoughts on the Medela Swing and Harmony Breastpumps’",[12,11688,11689],{},"If you have any questions regarding our feeding journey or the products mentioned in this post just ask in the comments below.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":11691},[],[2140,226],"/images/2015/04/medela_pump_accessories_cover_1.jpg","2015-04-29T14:59:00Z","5694",{},"Must-have Medela breastfeeding accessories review. Calma teat, Pump & Save bags, microwave sterilising bags, and Purelan 100 lanolin cream for expressing.","/my-must-have-accessories-for-expressing-milk",{"title":11622,"description":11627},"my-must-have-accessories-for-expressing-milk","92y8S18-RxFitEAF4tQpu0ZoPmH6c8GZLseoUSo99yA",{"id":11703,"title":11704,"author":245,"body":11705,"category":11890,"cover":11891,"date":11892,"description":11709,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":11893,"meta":11894,"meta_description":11895,"meta_title":11896,"navigation":236,"path":11206,"seo":11897,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":11898,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":11899},"posts/the-silver-cross-special-edition-surf-2-city-living-at-its-finest.md","Review: The Silver Cross Special Edition Surf 2 – City Living at its Finest!",{"type":9,"value":11706,"toc":11888},[11707,11710,11713,11716,11720,11723,11729,11735,11740,11743,11748,11754,11767,11770,11779,11782,11785,11790,11793,11796,11803,11810,11815,11824,11833,11836,11839,11846,11858,11861,11870,11875,11878,11881],[12,11708,11709],{},"For the last four weeks we’ve been test driving the stunning Silver Cross Special Edition Surf 2 in Eton Grey, retailing at £800 and boasting it’s Best of British styling it’s certainly one to consider when choosing your next set of wheels.",[12,11711,11712],{},"Before becoming a mum I didn’t realise how important my choice of pram would be. Every mum I spoke to during my pregnancy wanted to know which pram we were getting, what brand, would we have a carrycot, does it have a matching bag?",[12,11714,11715],{},"I soon learnt that for some, the wheels you choose to chauffeur your tot in are VERY important, not just in terms of functionality but also style.",[12,11717,11718],{},[34,11719,3174],{},[12,11721,11722],{},"The Special Edition Surf 2 comes in a fairly hefty box, but as this is already set to be a very picture heavy post I think you can vision a box for yourself. Inside the box you’ll find the following –",[12,11724,11725],{},[45,11726],{"alt":11727,"src":11728},"Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_box","/images/2015/04/Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_box.jpg",[12,11730,11731,11732,11734],{},"☆ Special Edition Surf 2 Chassis☆ Seat Unit ☆ Carrycot ☆ Basket ☆ Bumper Bar ☆ Eton Grey Fabrics Set ☆ 4 Wheels ☆ Car Seat Adaptors ☆ Rain Cover ☆ Cup Holder ☆ Special Edition Faux Fur Liner ☆ Special Edition Matching Changing Bag ☆",[774,11733],{},"\n**Was it easy to build?**Building the Special Edition Surf 2 was a doddle, as the chassis is pre-built you simply have to pop the wheels on and click in either the carrycot or seat unit. The carrycot comes flatpack and flips up which I thought was brilliant as you can flatten it down for storage once baby has moved into the seat unit. No clunky carrycots taking up more cupboard space than is necessary!",[12,11736,11737],{},[34,11738,11739],{},"Initial thoughts",[12,11741,11742],{},"Having put together the Special Edition Surf 2 my first thoughts were how beautiful it looked, I really love the quilted Eton Grey fabrics and glossy black chassis.",[12,11744,11745],{},[34,11746,11747],{},"Is it comfortable?",[12,11749,11750,11751,11753],{},"I think Taylor seemed very comfortable in both the carrycot and seat unit.",[774,11752],{},"\nMy only issue is with him being a bit small I often found it difficult to see him when he was in the carrycot, the cover wraps over the bumper bar making it quite high when combined with the high chassis, and my dot of a baby. He does however sleep as snug as a bug in their and has so much room to shuffle around, he loves it.",[12,11755,11756,11760,11762,11763],{},[45,11757],{"alt":11758,"src":11759},"Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_03","/images/2015/04/Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_03.jpg",[774,11761],{},"\nThe carrycot itself is rather big when compared to others I have used which would be a positive for most as many babies outgrow the carrycot attachments very quickly, I think this one will last a lot longer than most. At the rate Taylor isn’t growing he’ll be in this for quiet some time. ",[45,11764],{"alt":11765,"src":11766},"Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_02","/images/2015/04/Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_02.jpg",[12,11768,11769],{},"I’ve also taken a couple of short outings using the seat unit, I initially thought he may be too small or young to try this yet, he’s 3 months, but I found it far easier to see him in the seat unit. It also lies back so he can still lie on his back and doesn’t need to support his head for long periods of time. He appeared to be really happy in the unit on the cosy faux fur liner and loved being able to look around after months of staring at carrycot hoods, it must have been rather exciting!",[12,11771,11772,11776],{},[45,11773],{"alt":11774,"src":11775},"Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_01","/images/2015/04/Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_01.jpg",[34,11777,11778],{},"What’s it like for functionality, manoeuvrability and ease of use?",[12,11780,11781],{},"The Special Edition Surf 2 is very smooth and glides up curbs like a springy marshmallow, it’s super bouncy with air-sprung suspension and foam filled tyres.",[12,11783,11784],{},"The handle bar is height adjustable and can be done with one hand, the height is fantastic if you’re tall so it’s perfect for Dads who can often struggle with low pram heights. You can also fold it with one hand, although the technique is one to be practiced and mastered at home first.",[12,11786,11787,11789],{},[45,11788],{"alt":11194,"src":11195},"We’ve put the Special Edition Surf 2 to test in the park, the city, the supermarket and on numerous everyday outings.",[12,11791,11792],{},"Prepare to be stopped my many mums asking where they can get this stunning set of wheels from, it really is a showstopper!",[12,11794,11795],{},"I was amazed by how it handles the dirt paths in the nature park, we would usually avoid this area as it is far to bumpy and difficult to navigate with a pram, but the Surf 2 took it like a boss! The large back wheels coupled with the suspension make bumpy surfaces a doddle.",[12,11797,11798,11802],{},[45,11799],{"alt":11800,"src":11801},"Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_07","/images/2015/04/Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_07.jpg","We’ve been over grass, concrete, dirt tracks, up curbs, down curbs, in lifts, you name it (within reason) we’ve most likely done it, and this pram has handled it all with ease.",[12,11804,11805,11809],{},[45,11806],{"alt":11807,"src":11808},"Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_06","/images/2015/04/Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_06.jpg","One of my favourite features, probably not what you’d expect, the cup holder! I’ve never had a cup holder and I’ve grown rather fond of it, I now take my bottle of water everywhere, I may have knocked items off of shop shelves with it but I do love it.",[12,11811,11812],{},[34,11813,11814],{},"Can I shop til I drop with the basket space?",[12,11816,11817,11823],{},[34,11818,11819],{},[45,11820],{"alt":11821,"src":11822},"Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_10","/images/2015/04/Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_10.jpg"," I’ve taken the Special Edition Surf 2 on numerous shopping trips, and I must admit (It wouldn’t be an honest review otherwise) the basket is on the small side, when using the carrycot attachment it’s also very hard to access. If using the seat unit you can gain access to the basket with ease, but don’t expect to be stuffing more than your daily essentials and a few bits from the local shop in their.",[12,11825,11826,11830],{},[45,11827],{"alt":11828,"src":11829},"Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_11","/images/2015/04/Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_11.jpg",[34,11831,11832],{},"Can it handle public transport?",[12,11834,11835],{},"As I am yet to finish my driving lessons, I’ve taken this pram on all forms of public transport in Greater Manchester, we’ve been on trams, trains and buses. How did it fare?",[12,11837,11838],{},"On the tram their is plenty of space to have a pram with you and level platforms to get on and off so this was by far my favourite mode of transport to take the Surf 2 on, trains were a little harder to navigate as their isn’t a level platform and not much room for prams.",[12,11840,11841,11845],{},[45,11842],{"alt":11843,"src":11844},"Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_08","/images/2015/04/Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_08.jpg","When taking the Surf 2 on the bus I found it to be a little large using the carrycot attachment and removed my bag from the handle so people could pass it easily, however when using the seat attachment it fared well, taking up much less space than our previous journeys with the carrycot.",[12,11847,11848,11852,11854,11855],{},[45,11849],{"alt":11850,"src":11851},"Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_09","/images/2015/04/Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_09.jpg",[774,11853],{},"\nThe air suspension makes getting on and off of public transport a lot easier than I’ve found it with other prams, although you should still make sure the driver lowers the bus level to the path for getting off. We did get stuck between the bus and a curb on one occasion which was a little frightening, but also down to the driver not lowering the bus enough and nothing to do with the pram itself. ",[34,11856,11857],{},"Does it require a lot of boot space?",[12,11859,11860],{},"In comparison to some other prams I’ve used the Surf 2 chassis can be bulky when folded down simply due to the large wheels, and will need more space if using the carrycot attachment, I’ve had it in the boot of both saloon cars and hatchbacks so it will fit, just don’t expect to have a lot of space left over if your boot is on the small side.",[12,11862,11863,11867,11869],{},[45,11864],{"alt":11865,"src":11866},"Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_04","/images/2015/04/Silver_Cross_Surf_special_edition_eton_grey_04.jpg",[774,11868],{},"\n**So, what did we think?**Overall I’ve found the Surf 2 to be a fantastic pram, we’ve been stopped on numerous occasions by mums wanting to know where they can get it from and asking questions about it. I’ve loved how easy it is to control and bounces its way up and down curbs with no effort whatsoever. It meets my expectations of a pram that is both practical, easy to use and stylish without a doubt. I think Tails loves it too!",[12,11871,11214,11872],{},[16,11873,10698],{"href":11217,"rel":11874},[20],[12,11876,11877],{},"I’ll be sharing more on what the ‘Special Edition’ aspect of this particular Surf 2 involves next month!",[12,11879,11880],{},"What do you look for most when choosing a pram?",[12,11882,11883],{},[211,11884,11226,11885,11232],{},[16,11886,11231],{"href":11229,"rel":11887},[20],{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":11889},[],[226],"/images/2015/04/silver_cross_surf_2_review_cover.jpg","2015-04-23T09:42:00Z","5730",{},"Silver Cross Surf 2 Special Edition review in Eton Grey. Stylish British pram with air suspension, perfect manoeuvrability, and stunning design for city living.","Silver Cross Surf 2 Review - City Living Style",{"title":11704,"description":11709},"the-silver-cross-special-edition-surf-2-city-living-at-its-finest","zg4hqPStoPpKEwIxlmV3LZVX19bj0xLogGpceqZb4dI",{"id":11901,"title":11902,"author":245,"body":11903,"category":12012,"cover":12013,"date":12014,"description":11907,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":12015,"meta":12016,"meta_description":12017,"meta_title":11902,"navigation":236,"path":11685,"seo":12018,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":12019,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":12020},"posts/medela-swing-harmony-breastpump.md","Review: The Medela Swing and Harmony Breastpumps",{"type":9,"value":11904,"toc":12010},[11905,11908,11911,11918,11925,11938,11945,11948,11951,11959,11964,11983,11986,11993,12000,12007],[12,11906,11907],{},"Since before Taylor was born I knew that, if I could, I wanted to breastfeed. With the help and support of Medela we’ve been doing great. Taylor is now 14 weeks old and exclusively breastfed, I always look at him in wonderment when he feeds at the sheer joy I feel knowing he has grown, developed and thrived solely through me.",[12,11909,11910],{},"I’ve been using the Medela Swing Electric and Harmony Manual breastpump to start stock-piling my milk, I’m due to continue my driving lessons so I need to prepare for spending time away from Tails. I’m yet to leave him for any amount of time, so it’s going to be hard, but I’ll be safe in the knowledge that he has enough Milk to see him through!",[12,11912,11913],{},[34,11914,11915],{},[34,11916,11917],{},"Medela Swing",[12,11919,509,11920,11924],{},[16,11921,11917],{"href":11922,"rel":11923},"http://www.medela.com/UK/en/breastfeeding/products/pumping/swing.html",[20]," is a 2-Phase Electric Breastpump, this mimics the two phases babies are known to nurse in. The stimulation phase, where they suckle fast and light to stimulate milk flow, and the feeding (expression phase when pumping) phase where they suck slower and deeper to get the maximum amount of milk most effectively.",[12,11926,11927,11931,11932,11937],{},[45,11928],{"alt":11929,"src":11930},"medela_swing_pump_review_2","/images/2015/04/medela_swing_pump_review_2.jpg","Costing approx £135 depending on the retailer, it comes with everything from breast pads to Purelan 100 lanolin cream in the box! The Swing is really easy to navigate, it can be used whilst plugged in at the mains or using 4 AA batteries, it’s light and portable so you can use it anywhere. You also have control over the vacuum levels so it’s comfortable for you to use. I usually prop the bottle or bag on a pillow and try balance it, investing in an ",[16,11933,11936],{"href":11934,"rel":11935},"http://www.medela.com/UK/en/breastfeeding/products/pumping/easy-expression.html",[20],"Easy Expression Bustier"," might be a good idea then you can truly go hand’s free!",[12,11939,11940,11944],{},[45,11941],{"alt":11942,"src":11943},"medela_pump_review_4","/images/2015/04/medela_pump_review_4.jpg","I’ve found the Medela Swing to be extremely effective when expressing and get an average of 3 ounces each time I pump, it’s also very comfortable to use, I usually express in the morning from one side whilst feeding from the other. I find my pumping to be most effective when done this way and it also means Taylor is settled at the same time.",[12,11946,11947],{},"I’d consider using a double pump when returning to work and would be pumping more regularly but for my current needs the Swing is perfect.",[12,11949,11950],{},"I’ve used the Swing to start collecting a supply ready for when I’ll be leaving Taylor a few times a week, I’m now confident that he will always have plenty available to him whilst I’m not there which is one less thing to worry about. It’s simple to use, easy to clean and I really love it!",[12,11952,11953],{},[34,11954,11955],{},[45,11956],{"alt":11957,"src":11958},"medela_breastpump_review_1","/images/2015/04/medela_pump_review_1.jpg",[12,11960,11961],{},[34,11962,11963],{},"Medela Harmony Manual Pump",[12,11965,11966,11970,11972,11973,11978,11979],{},[45,11967],{"alt":11968,"src":11969},"medela_harmony_pump_review_1","/images/2015/04/medela_harmony_pump_review_11.jpg",[774,11971],{},"\nThe ",[16,11974,11977],{"href":11975,"rel":11976},"http://www.medela.com/UK/en/breastfeeding/products/pumping/harmony.html",[20],"Medela Harmony"," Manual Breastpump usually retails at around £40 and also uses the 2-phase expression like the swing, it comes with less accesories and the biggest difference of course is that it’s manual, you have to do all of the hard work. I found it took longer to express using the Harmony and you can’t be hands-free, it is however just as effective as it’s electric counter-part if you aren’t going to be pumping frequently. ",[45,11980],{"alt":11981,"src":11982},"medela_harmony_pump_review_2","/images/2015/04/medela_harmony_pump_review_2.jpg",[12,11984,11985],{},"The Harmony is a good pump to have if you’re only going to use it on the odd occasion, I find I get tired of pumping quickly and it becomes less effective. However, since Taylor dropped his night feeds around 3 weeks old I was waking up engorged and very uncomfortable, when this happens Taylor can’t latch properly then everyone is grumpy at 5am! I’ve been using the Harmony during the night to prevent this from happening as it’s silent and perfect to relieve the pressure if Taylor won’t dream feed.",[12,11987,11988,11992],{},[45,11989],{"alt":11990,"src":11991},"medela_pump_review_3","/images/2015/04/medela_pump_review_3.jpg","Overall I do prefer to use the electric breastpump as it’s more effective and works best for me, some women may find they express more with a manual than an electric or vise versa, this can vary for everyone.",[12,11994,11995,11999],{},[45,11996],{"alt":11997,"src":11998},"medela_pump_accessories_review_1","/images/2015/04/medela_pump_accessories_review_1.jpg","Check back next week for my must-have breastfeeding accessories including why we love Calma, also if you’re embarking on your own breastfeeding journey check out the Medela Facebook page for their great brestfeeeding Cafè events online and off-line.",[12,12001,11673,12002,11677,12004,12006],{},[16,12003,11676],{"href":253},[16,12005,11681],{"href":11680},"‘",[12,12008,12009],{},"If you have any questions regarding feeding or the pumps mentioned in this post just ask in the comments below and I’ll help in any way that I can 😀",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":12011},[],[2140,226],"/images/2015/04/medela_pump_review_cover.jpg","2015-04-21T08:34:00Z","5680",{},"Medela Swing electric and Harmony manual breast pump review. 2-phase expression technology for effective milk collection at 14 weeks postpartum.",{"title":11902,"description":11907},"medela-swing-harmony-breastpump","ifqg8rYWVtFE-C8PMfDe8j6PzNfjlMpCcqXjNtYnwgo",{"id":12022,"title":12023,"author":245,"body":12024,"category":12077,"cover":12078,"date":12079,"description":12028,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":12080,"meta":12081,"meta_description":12082,"meta_title":12023,"navigation":236,"path":12083,"seo":12084,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":12085,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":12086},"posts/win-a-brother-max-bear-carry-hang-nightlight.md","Win: A Brother Max Bear Carry & Hang Nightlight",{"type":9,"value":12025,"toc":12075},[12026,12029,12035,12038,12041,12044,12051,12054,12062,12065,12072],[12,12027,12028],{},"This week I’ve teamed up with the lovely folks at Brother Max to give you the opportunity to win one of their Bear Carry and Hang Nightlight’s, Brother Max are a brand that I personally love for their sleek, modern designs that are both practical and oozing with style!",[12,12030,12031],{},[45,12032],{"alt":12033,"src":12034},"brother_max_bear_lamp_2","/images/2015/04/brother_max_bear_lamp_2.jpg",[12,12036,12037],{},"As a designer by profession I can’t deny that I judge every book by its cover, and the majority of the items I purchase are based on the way they look as well as their functionality.",[12,12039,12040],{},"When I was a child I was terrified of the dark, I’d have loved a night light like this growing up. A friendly sleek looking bear with colour changing LEDs, the ability to hang from any door handle or hook and my favourite feature is its portability. This cute little bear can sit on a shelf or bedside table and should your child wake in the night for the loo they simply pick him up from the base and take him with them. The base acts as a charging dock and lasts for up to 12 hours!",[12,12042,12043],{},"So not only is this lamp pleasing to the eye, it’s also very practical with a multitude of brilliant features.",[12,12045,12046,12050],{},[45,12047],{"alt":12048,"src":12049},"brother_max_bear_lamp_3","/images/2015/04/brother_max_bear_lamp_3.jpg","Now we have Taylor I need to be able to see a little during the night, tackling night feeds and bottom changes in the dark isn’t advised, trust me, it gets messy!",[12,12052,12053],{},"We’ve resorted to moving my bedside lamp to floor level behind a door, we have also draped a muslin over the shade so the light isn’t so harsh that we can’t sleep. This lamp gives a lovely glow that isn’t harsh. The Carry and Hang Nightlight is practical and grows with your child.",[12,12055,12056,12057,575],{},"The Bear Carry and Hang NIghtlight retails for £24.99 and can be purchased from retailers listed on the ",[16,12058,12061],{"href":12059,"rel":12060},"http://brothermax.com/product-details/30131/Bear-carry-and-hang-nightlight.htm",[20],"Brother Max website",[12,12063,12064],{},"For your chance to win your very own adorable Carry and Hang Nightlight simply enter below!",[12,12066,12067],{},[16,12068,12071],{"href":12069,"rel":12070},"https://gleam.io/9YNGC/win-a-brother-max-bear-carry-hang-nightlight",[20],"Win a Brother Max Bear Carry & Hang Nightlight",[12,12073,12074],{},"Good Luck!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":12076},[],[2140,226],"/images/2015/04/brother_max_bear_lamp_cover.jpg","2015-04-20T13:20:00Z","5558",{},"Win a Brother Max Bear Carry & Hang Nightlight. Portable LED nightlight with colour-changing feature, 12-hour battery, and charging dock. RRP £24.99.","/win-a-brother-max-bear-carry-hang-nightlight",{"title":12023,"description":12028},"win-a-brother-max-bear-carry-hang-nightlight","wEc3O3-rYiNMlKxhz4XwRC04pniZtxOiPjnMJK8rjRI",{"id":12088,"title":12089,"author":245,"body":12090,"category":12183,"cover":12184,"date":12185,"description":215,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":12186,"meta":12187,"meta_description":12188,"meta_title":12089,"navigation":236,"path":12189,"seo":12190,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":12191,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":12192},"posts/competition-exclusive-content-when-we-were-friends-by-tina-seskis.md","Exclusive Content: When We Were Friends by Tina Seskis",{"type":9,"value":12091,"toc":12181},[12092,12100,12137,12140,12143,12146,12149,12152,12157,12162,12165,12170],[12,12093,12094],{},[34,12095,12096],{},[45,12097],{"alt":12098,"src":12099},"when_we_were__friends_book_cover","/images/2015/04/when_we_were__friends_book_cover.jpg",[12,12101,12102,12105,12107,12110,12112,12115,12117,12120,12122],{},[34,12103,12104],{},"Title : When We Were Friends",[774,12106],{},[34,12108,12109],{},"Author : Tina Seskis",[774,12111],{},[34,12113,12114],{},"Publication date : 23rd April 2015",[774,12116],{},[34,12118,12119],{},"Publisher : Penguin",[774,12121],{},[34,12123,12124,12125,12129,12131,9822,12134],{},"Purchase eBook: ",[16,12126,12128],{"href":11599,"rel":12127},[20],"Kindle",[774,12130],{},[34,12132,12133],{},"Purchase paper book:",[16,12135,768],{"href":11599,"rel":12136},[20],[12,12138,12139],{},"It had always been the six of us. Since we met at university twenty-five years ago, we’d faced everything together. Break-ups and marriages, motherhood and death. We were closer than sisters; the edges of our lives bled into each other.",[12,12141,12142],{},"But that was before the night of the reunion. The night of exposed secrets and jagged accusations. The night when everything changed.",[12,12144,12145],{},"And then we were five.",[12,12147,12148],{},"To celebrate the launch of When We Were Friends, author Tina Seskis has written an exclusive character profile for us, snuggle up and learn all bout Sissy below.",[12,12150,12151],{},"We also have the opportunity for three of you lucky readers to win a copy of the book, don’t miss out!",[12,12153,12154],{},[34,12155,12156],{},"Exclusive character profile – Sissy",[4284,12158,12159],{},[12,12160,12161],{},"“Darling Sissy” is how her friends often address her: Sissy is the kind of person that it’s hard to be mean to. She is meek and mild-tempered, and she’s always been the normal, boring friend, the one that people tend not to notice. She is the middle child of three from a do-gooder, religious family from Shropshire, and as her parents were so busy doing good things Sissy was rather left to her own devices as a child. She developed a great love of military history, going on to study it at Bristol. Whilst there she met Nigel, who she was convinced fancied her friend Renee, and so when he finally asked her out she was unable to believe it. Sissy and Nigel went on to get married, but Nigel got cancer and tragically died, and so now Sissy is a struggling single mother. She has a preference for wearing jeans and shorts, and with her short, mussy hair she looks like someone’s little brother. She nearly always has paint splatters on her hands (perhaps Elephant’s Breath or else magnolia) as she is trying, on a shoestring budget, to do up the house she and Nigel bought in Balham. These days she detests one of her friends’ husbands, but no-one knows that she does, or why…",[12,12163,12164],{},"If you love Sissy and want to know more about her and her friends enter below for your chance to win 1 of 3 copies of When We Were Friends –",[12,12166,12167],{},[16,12168,11591],{"href":11589,"rel":12169},[20],[12,12171,12172],{},[34,12173,11596,12174,11602,12177,12180],{},[16,12175,11601],{"href":11599,"rel":12176},[20],[16,12178,11606],{"href":11599,"rel":12179},[20]," and in-stores. – Look out for our review later today!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":12182},[],[226],"/images/2015/04/when_we_were__friends_cover.jpg","2015-04-19T07:30:00Z","5577",{},"When We Were Friends by Tina Seskis exclusive character profile of Sissy. Win 1 of 3 copies of this compelling friendship thriller releasing 23rd April.","/competition-exclusive-content-when-we-were-friends-by-tina-seskis",{"title":12089,"description":215},"competition-exclusive-content-when-we-were-friends-by-tina-seskis","9ludb6a6Hdjo2oymKfNojzlw5bxgTbaV6KbmfrxqWW4",{"id":12194,"title":12195,"author":245,"body":12196,"category":12254,"cover":12255,"date":12256,"description":12200,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":12257,"meta":12258,"meta_description":12259,"meta_title":12195,"navigation":236,"path":12260,"seo":12261,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":12262,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":12263},"posts/the-vintage-guide-to-love-and-romance-blog-tour.md","Book Blog Tour: The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance",{"type":9,"value":12197,"toc":12252},[12198,12201,12204,12207,12210,12213,12221,12226,12231,12234,12237,12240,12243,12246],[12,12199,12200],{},"Jessica Beam is a girl who knows how to party. Only lately she’s been forgetting to turn up for work on time. Or in clean clothes. Down on her luck, out of a job and homeless, Jess seeks the help of her long-lost grandmother.",[12,12202,12203],{},"Things aren’t going well for Matilda Beam, either. Her 1950s Good Woman guide books are out of print, her mortgage repayments are staggering and her granddaughter wears neon Wonderbras.",[12,12205,12206],{},"When a lifeline from a London publisher arrives, the pair have an opportunity to secure the roof over their heads – by invigorating the Good Woman guides and transforming modern, rebellious Jess into a demure vintage lady.",[12,12208,12209],{},"The true test of their make-over will be to capture the heart of notorious London playboy Leo Frost and prove that Matilda’s guides still work. It’s going to take commitment, nerves of steel and one seriously pointy bra to pull this off . . .",[12,12211,12212],{},"Today we’re excited to kick off the blog tour for Kirsty Greenwoods new novel The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance.",[12,12214,12215,12216,12220],{},"Kirsty has kindly shared with us what inspired her latest novel, The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance which is published today (April 9th) – So you can go ahead and ",[16,12217,11601],{"href":12218,"rel":12219},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vintage-Guide-Love-Romance/dp/1447247329/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428523310&sr=8-1&keywords=the+vintage+guide+to+love+and+romance",[20]," a copy for yourself right now, Happy Publication day Kirsty!",[12,12222,12223],{},[34,12224,12225],{},"What inspired The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance?",[12,12227,12228],{},[211,12229,12230],{},"By Kirsty Greenwood",[12,12232,12233],{},"The first thing I do when I try to come up with a book idea is to find a situation that makes me laugh. It has to be something visual, an idea where I can instantly see the ‘big’ scenes. It HAS to make me excited. You have to be excited about an idea if you’re going to spend a year (or more!) of your life exploring it.",[12,12235,12236],{},"One afternoon my sister sent me a link to some 1950s dating tips she had found online. They were absurd and hilarious. Things like ‘never make eye contact with the waiter when out on a date’ and ‘never discuss clothes with a man – it bores them.’ I thought about how a modern woman would react to dating tips like this and the idea made me laugh. Then I went a step further and thought about the kind of woman who would be a complete antithesis to the way that women were expected to be in the 1950s – someone bold and cheeky, a feminist, a blogger, a sexually liberated scamp of a woman. And I came up with Jessica Beam. I fell in love with her immediately and knew I really wanted to write about this character.",[12,12238,12239],{},"I have a very strong familial female influence in my life and enjoy writing about female relationships, particularly between different generations. And that instigated the idea of Matilda Beam, and Jessica’s tricky relationship with her.",[12,12241,12242],{},"I already loved the 1950s in terms of fashion and music and movies, so it was a complete pleasure to do more research into how women were expected to behave back then. The research I did informed a lot of the plot. The whole fairground scene was inspired by advice I saw that instructed women to ‘drop their glove’ near a man they fancied so that he would pick it up and they could have a conversation. Putting Jessica Beam into a situation like that heralded so many ideas for comedy, I couldn’t not write it.",[12,12244,12245],{},"I’m so pleased my sister sent me that internet link. Because I’m now writing the second Jessica Beam and Matilda Beam adventure!",[12,12247,12248,12249,12251],{},"Thank you to Kirsty for taking the time to share her inspiration with us, the 1950’s dating tips sound great, I doubt we’ll be trying them out ourselves any time soon.",[774,12250],{},"\nWe are however loving this book right now and look forward to more Jessica Beam!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":12253},[],[226],"/images/2015/04/Vintage_Guide_Blog_Tour_cover.jpg","2015-04-09T07:19:00Z","5524",{},"The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance by Kirsty Greenwood blog tour. Author shares inspiration behind 1950s dating tips and modern woman Jessica Beam.","/the-vintage-guide-to-love-and-romance-blog-tour",{"title":12195,"description":12200},"the-vintage-guide-to-love-and-romance-blog-tour","cYnAqMeRAZo3yW4VzwFom3oztJbSbIBiGPmAdMXNoHs",{"id":12265,"title":12266,"author":245,"body":12267,"category":12379,"cover":12380,"date":12381,"description":12271,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":12382,"meta":12383,"meta_description":12384,"meta_title":12266,"navigation":236,"path":12385,"seo":12386,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":12387,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":12388},"posts/my-given-name-personalised-childrens-book.md","Book Review: My Given Name – Personalised Children’s Book",{"type":9,"value":12268,"toc":12377},[12269,12272,12279,12282,12289,12296,12303,12306,12309,12312,12315,12318,12321,12324,12327,12334,12351,12359,12366,12369,12372],[12,12270,12271],{},"We have been loving this great book all about how Taylor got his name, it’s really cute and to be honest a lot more interesting than the real story of how we spent nine months unable to agree on what to name our little bundle.",[12,12273,12274,12275],{},"My Given name is a personalised children’s book with a difference, not only is it personal to your child but it’s filled with positive affirmations to show them just how special they are.",[45,12276],{"alt":12277,"src":12278},"my_given_name_1","/images/2015/04/my_given_name_1.jpg",[12,12280,12281],{},"Kevin Tyler who created and wrote the book wanted it be more specific to each child than other personalised children’s books, which simply replace a characters name, the entire story is determined by your child’s name.",[12,12283,12284,12288],{},[45,12285],{"alt":12286,"src":12287},"my_given_name_4","/images/2015/04/my_given_name_4.jpg","The book is landscape and available as both a hardback or softback cover, it even has the name written on the cover which looks great. When Taylor is older I think he’s going to enjoy the book even more simply because he can see his name on the front and know it’s about him as a baby.",[12,12290,12291,12295],{},[45,12292],{"alt":12293,"src":12294},"my_given_name_8","/images/2015/04/my_given_name_8.jpg","My Given Name follows a small stork named Bindee who cannot fly like all of the other stork’s, Bindee must travel on foot to deliver a birth certificate to the wizard on Given Mountain, on his journey he meets a whole host of characters who help him find his way. I particularly love the illustrations and vivid colours that can be seen throughout this book which are illustrated by Pushan Chakravarty.",[12,12297,12298,12302],{},[45,12299],{"alt":12300,"src":12301},"my_given_name_7","/images/2015/04/my_given_name_7.jpg","Each part of the story unveils another letter of your child’s name via the different animals Bindee meets on his journey, this is where each child’s story will differ from one another based on the letters used within their name.",[12,12304,12305],{},"Upon receiving the book I was expecting a generic overprinted book with Taylor’s name placed in specific areas, I wasn’t aware of the story fit personally to his name.",[12,12307,12308],{},"In Taylor’s story Bindee meets the following characters who each share a positive message.",[12,12310,12311],{},"Turtle – ‘I listen to my Teachers’",[12,12313,12314],{},"Aardvark – ‘I am Adorable’",[12,12316,12317],{},"Yeti – ‘Love Yourself and feel proud’",[12,12319,12320],{},"Lion – ‘I am Loveable’",[12,12322,12323],{},"Owl – ‘I Observe and learn well’",[12,12325,12326],{},"Rhinoceros – ‘I show Respect for others’",[12,12328,12329,12333],{},[45,12330],{"alt":12331,"src":12332},"my_given_name_2","/images/2015/04/my_given_name_2.jpg","As you can see Taylor has really enjoyed reading all about Bindee’s journey to Given Mountain and discovering how he got his name, he appears to be very alert when we have read the story together and looks wide eyed at the bright alluring pictures.",[12,12335,12336,12340,12342,12343],{},[45,12337],{"alt":12338,"src":12339},"my_given_name_6","/images/2015/04/my_given_name_6.jpg",[16,12341,10193],{"href":12339},"The book also includes illustrations of your baby, when you create your book you’re given options for the gender and skin tone that matches your baby the most. It’s not as detailed as choosing specific hair or eye colours and is more of a generic baby but it’s another addition of personalisation that I really liked. ",[16,12344,12347],{"href":12345,"rel":12346},"https://www.mygivenname.com",[20],[45,12348],{"alt":12349,"src":12350},"my_given_name_builder","/images/2015/04/my_given_name_builder.png",[12,12352,12353,12354,12358],{},"You can create your own personalised book at ",[16,12355,12357],{"href":12345,"rel":12356},[20],"www.mygivenname.com"," for £16.99 in three simple steps. Insert your child’s name, select a gender and the picture most like your child and you’re done! It’s free delivery and takes between 4 and 6 days, so it’s super fast!",[12,12360,12361,12365],{},[45,12362],{"alt":12363,"src":12364},"my_given_name_3","/images/2015/04/my_given_name_3.jpg","This book is a perfect keepsake and certainly something I would purchase as a gift for children of friends and relatives for Birthdays or Christmas, it’s a gift that promotes positive thinking with traditional illustration and a truly personal touch which I adore.",[12,12367,12368],{},"Have your children got unusual names that would create an interesting story for Bindee or are they sweet and traditional?",[12,12370,12371],{},"It took us so long to decide on Taylor’s name, as if 9 months wasn’t enough 😉",[12,12373,12374],{},[211,12375,12376],{},"– We received our copy of My Given Name in exchange for an honest review, all opinions expressed are my own. –",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":12378},[],[226],"/images/2015/04/my_given_name_cover.jpg","2015-04-03T17:43:00Z","5473",{},"My Given Name personalised children's book review. Story tailored to child's name with positive affirmations, Bindee the stork, and custom illustrations.","/my-given-name-personalised-childrens-book",{"title":12266,"description":12271},"my-given-name-personalised-childrens-book","uhPL8LizH3zT27W7vi-mghYnlr8aAMj-us1jDGAc67U",{"id":12390,"title":12391,"author":245,"body":12392,"category":12471,"cover":12472,"date":12473,"description":12396,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":12474,"meta":12475,"meta_description":12476,"meta_title":12391,"navigation":236,"path":12477,"seo":12478,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":12479,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":12480},"posts/baby-essentials-cybex-aton-q-car-seat.md","Baby Essentials: Why we love the Cybex Aton Q car seat",{"type":9,"value":12393,"toc":12469},[12394,12397,12404,12411,12418,12425,12436,12443,12454,12457],[12,12395,12396],{},"When you’re expecting a baby their are so many things you have to buy, some of which are essentials, many of which are not. For me, this is the absolute most important thing you will purchase for your tiny bundle. The car seat! If you have a car and intend to take your baby out in it then safety is paramount.",[12,12398,12399,12403],{},[45,12400],{"alt":12401,"src":12402},"Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_car_seat","/images/2015/12/Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold-660x440.jpg","Although some hospitals will allow you to collect your baby in numerous ways the majority like to see you have a suitable car seat before letting you leave, whether it be by car taxi or train if you want to take your newborn home in the safest way possible you’ll be wanting one of these.",[12,12405,12406,12410],{},[45,12407],{"alt":12408,"src":12409},"Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_Newborn_car_seat","/images/2015/12/Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_Newborn-657x440.jpg","Before Taylor was born I spent months looking at car seats, surely theirs not that much to them? New flash, their is so much to learn. First off they have expiration dates, seriously. It’s also advised to buy new as you may not know if a pre-owned seat has been in an accident and become weak. You’ll want your seat to be rear-facing, behind the passenger seat, with no active air bags. Where possible an iso-fix base is the wisest option making it easy to put the seat in and out of the car.",[12,12412,12413,12417],{},[45,12414],{"alt":12415,"src":12416},"Cybex_Aton_Q_isofix_car_seat","/images/2015/12/Cybex_Aton_Q_isofix-660x440.jpg","Car seats range from cheaper basic models to more technical and pricier models. We opted for the Cybex Aton-Q in Autumn Gold and it delivered in all areas. Retailing at £175.00 it was certainly one of the more high-end seats we’d come across and it ticked all of the safety boxes for us. Cybex are also a brand we had heard countless praise for in the car seat industry. Who knew it was possible to love a car seat so much. The Aton Q is a Group 0+ seat from birth up to approximately 18 months featuring an Energy absorbing shell and extra wide Y straps to ensure your baby is safe.",[12,12419,12420,12424],{},[45,12421],{"alt":12422,"src":12423},"Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_side_impact_car_seat","/images/2015/12/Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_side_impact-660x440.jpg","My two favourite features of this seat are the L.S.P System and the Height-Adjustable Headrest. The L.S.P System (Telescopic Linear Side-Impact Protection) is telescopic poles that slide out on either side. In the event of an accident they absorb pressure from a side impact. The height-adjustable head rest adds to baby’s safety and comfort moving as they grow. These features for me really add to the safety aspect of this product when compared to others we looked at which really lacked in these areas.",[12,12426,12427,12431,12435],{},[45,12428],{"alt":12429,"src":12430},"Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_Side_car_seat","/images/2015/12/Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_Side-660x440.jpg",[45,12432],{"alt":12433,"src":12434},"Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_Back_car_seat","/images/2015/12/Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_Back-660x440.jpg","You also have a large sun canopy hood with UVP50 protection, an integrated harness guide and removable seat insert. I love how the instruction manual is stored on the seat itself, this has come in handy before now when I took the car seat in a relatives car and fitted it using the seat belt instead of an isofix base, having never done this before I’d have been lost without the handy hidden manual.",[12,12437,12438,12442],{},[45,12439],{"alt":12440,"src":12441},"Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_3_point_harness_car_seat","/images/2015/12/Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_3_point_harness-660x440.jpg","We’ve done everything from 10 minute journeys to 12 hour journeys (with breaks every two hours for Taylor to have a stretch) and had no troubles. I’ve also used it on our pram when we go shopping and found the hood to be useful.",[12,12444,12445,12449,12453],{},[45,12446],{"alt":12447,"src":12448},"BABYBUNDLE_SNUGGLETOES_FOOTMUFF_03_car_seat","/images/2015/12/BABYBUNDLE_SNUGGLETOES_FOOTMUFF_03-660x440.jpg",[45,12450],{"alt":12451,"src":12452},"Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_Feet_car_seat","/images/2015/12/Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_Feet-660x440.jpg","Taylor is still comfortable in his Aton Q, his head is cushioned perfectly in the adjustable headrest, and the padded straps keep him safe and secure.",[12,12455,12456],{},"Overall the Cybex Aton Q has an array of safety features which made it easy for us to choose what we felt was the best car seat for our unborn baby at the time.",[12,12458,12459,12461,12465],{},[45,12460],{"alt":8216,"src":8217},[45,12462],{"alt":12463,"src":12464},"Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_cute_car_seat","/images/2015/12/Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_cute-293x440.jpg",[45,12466],{"alt":12467,"src":12468},"Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_Going_Home_Newborn_car_seat","/images/2015/12/Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_Going_Home_Newborn-295x440.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":12470},[],[226],"/images/2015/12/Cybex_Aton_Q_Autumn_Gold_rear_facing.jpg","2015-03-18T20:23:00Z","7935",{},"Cybex Aton Q car seat review in Autumn Gold. Group 0+ infant seat with side-impact protection, adjustable headrest, and isofix base compatibility.","/baby-essentials-cybex-aton-q-car-seat",{"title":12391,"description":12396},"baby-essentials-cybex-aton-q-car-seat","_3h9PJniP3x3E_JKE5KXKdc8qnDcuSwxGXDH8WBw60s",{"id":12482,"title":12483,"author":245,"body":12484,"category":12586,"cover":12587,"date":12588,"description":12589,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":12590,"meta":12591,"meta_description":12592,"meta_title":12483,"navigation":236,"path":12593,"seo":12594,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":12595,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":12596},"posts/fisher-price-newborn-to-toddler-play-gym.md","Review: The Fisher-Price Newborn to Toddler Gym",{"type":9,"value":12485,"toc":12584},[12486,12496,12503,12521,12530,12543,12546,12553,12560,12563,12571,12574],[12,12487,12488,12489,12495],{},"This month T has been trying out the The Fisher-Price ",[16,12490,12494],{"href":12491,"rel":12492,"title":12493},"http://www.fisher-price.com/en_GB/brands/babygear/products/Newborn-to-Toddler-Play-Gym",[20],"baby gym","Newborn-to-Toddler Play Gym"," another fantastic product adding to our love for Fisher-Price as a brand and their baby products. It’s easy to build, great to look at and best of all baby T loves it! He’s officially a leg kicking toy touching master who loves to gurgle away on this great play mat.",[12,12497,12498,12499,12502],{},"This ",[16,12500,12493],{"href":12491,"rel":12501},[20]," is extremely simple to build compared to others I have had the pleasure of tackling! You simply click the arch on top of the very cute Zebra and Giraffe sides, attach the additional swinging toys and clip on the base mat. Easy!",[12,12504,12505,12506,12508,12509,12511,12512,12514,12515,12517,12518,12520],{},"Whats in the box:",[774,12507],{},"\n– Pre-built toy arch",[774,12510],{},"\n– Zebra & Giraffe legs",[774,12513],{},"\n– Two detachable swinging toys",[774,12516],{},"\n– 5 play balls",[774,12519],{},"\n– Clip on base mat",[12,12522,12523,12527],{},[45,12524],{"alt":12525,"src":12526},"fisher_price_play_mat_gym_7","/images/2015/03/fisher_price_play_mat_gym_7.jpg",[211,12528,12529],{},"The gym requires also 3 AAA batteries which are not included.",[12,12531,12532,12536,12538,12539],{},[45,12533],{"alt":12534,"src":12535},"fisher_price_play_mat_gym_4","/images/2015/03/fisher_price_play_mat_gym_4.jpg",[774,12537],{},"\nOnce built and batteries have been inserted it’s down to play time! The gym plays up to 20 minutes of very happy sounding music during long play mode, whilst the toy arch also has two lights which come on when the toys are moved or a ball is rolled over the arch. ",[45,12540],{"alt":12541,"src":12542},"fisher_price_play_mat_gym_5","/images/2015/03/fisher_price_play_mat_gym_5.jpg",[12,12544,12545],{},"The mat feels soft and comfortable and is machine washable, which is a must for the amount of milk this boy likes to bring up! Taylor loves lying on the mat and listening to the music whilst attempting to touch the toys that dangle above him. He’s still figuring out that the movements make more sounds and has a surprised look every time this happens, it’s really rather cute.",[12,12547,12548,12552],{},[45,12549],{"alt":12550,"src":12551},"fisher_price_play_mat_gym_6","/images/2015/03/fisher_price_play_mat_gym_6.jpg","So far Taylor loves the baby gym and it’s encouraging him to reach out and use his hands more, which he rarely does! It’s going to be a great way to develop his fine motor skills, gross motor skills, balance & coordination.",[12,12554,12555,12556,12559],{},"I’ve also used the mat for tummy time, he hates tummy time. Taylor would rather lye there like a seal with his arms by his side, rubbing his face into the ground whilst shouting… but practice makes perfect, right? I’m hoping more use of the gym and mat will encourage him to build up the strength in his arms and neck as much as it has encourages him to reach out and hold objects. Since using the ",[16,12557,12493],{"href":12491,"rel":12558},[20]," he has been holding onto his stuffed animals and showing more interested in everyday objects.",[12,12561,12562],{},"The great thing about this gym is that it grows with baby, so it’s not obsolete once they’re sitting or standing, it turns into a sitting play gym with pockets on the underside of the mat and also has the ball track over the arch which toddlers love, Taylor’s cousin Matilda came to visit and loved playing with this feature! I especially love this as we don’t have any toys suitable for her when she visits and she seemed to really enjoyed this.",[12,12564,9535,12565,12570],{},[16,12566,12569],{"href":12567,"rel":12568},"http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3570609.htm",[20],"Fisher-Price Newborn to Toddler Gym here at Argos"," on offer at£47.99 RRP normally £56.99",[12,12572,12573],{},"Do you have any baby products that you swear by to allow you to get jobs done around the house or encourage your baby to develop new skills? I’d love to hear about them, pop us a comment!",[12,12575,12576],{},[211,12577,12578,12579,12583],{},"– We received the ",[16,12580,12582],{"href":12567,"rel":12581},[20],"Fisher-Price Newborn to Toddler Gym"," in exchange for an honest review – all opinions are my own –",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":12585},[],[226],"/images/2015/03/fisher_price_play_mat_gym_cover.jpg","2015-03-12T07:45:00Z","This month T has been trying out the The Fisher-Price Newborn-to-Toddler Play Gym another fantastic product adding to our love for Fisher-Price as a brand and their baby products. It’s easy to build, great to look at and best of all baby T loves it! He’s officially a leg kicking toy touching master who loves to gurgle away on this great play mat.","5431",{},"Fisher-Price Newborn to Toddler Play Gym review. Baby activity mat with lights, music, hanging toys, and ball track that grows from newborn to toddler.","/fisher-price-newborn-to-toddler-play-gym",{"title":12483,"description":12589},"fisher-price-newborn-to-toddler-play-gym","L-LuWqQbdM_wIaT1tV-CMhP9xJhbfwe2S4RfLEOZb4w",{"id":12598,"title":12599,"author":245,"body":12600,"category":12664,"cover":12665,"date":12666,"description":12604,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":12667,"meta":12668,"meta_description":12669,"meta_title":12599,"navigation":236,"path":12670,"seo":12671,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":12672,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":12673},"posts/win-a-shmuncki-liberty-print-vest.md","Win: A Shmuncki Liberty Print Vest",{"type":9,"value":12601,"toc":12662},[12602,12605,12617,12620,12626,12631,12634,12654],[12,12603,12604],{},"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!",[12,12606,12607,12610,12611,12616],{},[45,12608],{"alt":215,"src":12609},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_liberty_1_small.jpg","– Pictured above / ",[16,12612,12615],{"href":12613,"rel":12614},"http://shmuncki.com/collections/all",[20],"Betsy long sleeved vest"," (green) / RRP £18.50 –",[12,12618,12619],{},"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.",[12,12621,12622,12625],{},[45,12623],{"alt":215,"src":12624},"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!",[12,12627,12628],{},[45,12629],{"alt":215,"src":12630},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_liberty_3_small.jpg",[12,12632,12633],{},"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!",[12,12635,12636,12641,12643,12644,12648,12649],{},[16,12637,12640],{"href":12638,"rel":12639},"http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26870af25/",[20],"a Rafflecopter giveaway",[774,12642],{},"\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 ",[16,12645,12647],{"href":12613,"rel":12646},[20],"Harbour"," range at ",[16,12650,12653],{"href":12651,"rel":12652},"http://www.shmuncki.com/",[20],"www.shmuncki.com",[12,12655,12656,12659],{},[45,12657],{"alt":215,"src":12658},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_liberty_7_small.jpg",[45,12660],{"alt":215,"src":12661},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_liberty_6_small.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":12663},[],[226,1436],"/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":12599,"description":12604},"win-a-shmuncki-liberty-print-vest","jg3Q4fT7YycgbXI_lGAaIECInVnEKnKQT0xJ-dfzx0I",{"id":12675,"title":12676,"author":245,"body":12677,"category":12795,"cover":12796,"date":12797,"description":12681,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":12798,"meta":12799,"meta_description":12800,"meta_title":12676,"navigation":236,"path":9351,"seo":12801,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":12802,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":12803},"posts/review-shmuncki-baby-clothing.md","Review: Shmuncki Baby Clothing",{"type":9,"value":12678,"toc":12793},[12679,12682,12688,12696,12699,12702,12705,12708,12716,12724,12727,12730,12738,12745,12748,12756,12759,12767,12770,12778,12784,12787,12790],[12,12680,12681],{},"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!",[12,12683,12684,12687],{},[45,12685],{"alt":215,"src":12686},"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.",[12,12689,12690],{},[16,12691,12693],{"href":12651,"rel":12692},[20],[45,12694],{"alt":215,"src":12695},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_parcel_small.jpg",[12,12697,12698],{},"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?",[12,12700,12701],{},"We really love everything about both the brand and products so far, here’s why…",[10695,12703,12647],{"id":12704},"harbour",[12,12706,12707],{},"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.",[12,12709,12710],{},[16,12711,12713],{"href":12651,"rel":12712},[20],[45,12714],{"alt":215,"src":12715},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_harbour__11_small.jpg",[12,12717,12718,12719,12723],{},"– You can purchase the entire Harbour range from ",[16,12720,12722],{"href":12613,"rel":12721},[20],"Shmuncki here"," –",[12,12725,12726],{},"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.",[12,12728,12729],{},"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.",[12,12731,12732],{},[16,12733,12735],{"href":12651,"rel":12734},[20],[45,12736],{"alt":215,"src":12737},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_harbour__5_small.jpg",[12,12739,12610,12740,12744],{},[16,12741,12743],{"href":12613,"rel":12742},[20],"Harbour Romper"," / RRP £20 –",[12,12746,12747],{},"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.",[12,12749,12750],{},[16,12751,12753],{"href":12651,"rel":12752},[20],[45,12754],{"alt":215,"src":12755},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_harbour__7_small.jpg",[12,12757,12758],{},"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.",[12,12760,12761],{},[16,12762,12764],{"href":12651,"rel":12763},[20],[45,12765],{"alt":215,"src":12766},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_harbour__4_small.jpg",[12,12768,12769],{},"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!",[10695,12771,12772],{"id":215},[16,12773,12775],{"href":12651,"rel":12774},[20],[45,12776],{"alt":215,"src":12777},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Shmuncki_harbour__2_small.jpg",[12,12779,12610,12780,12744],{},[16,12781,12783],{"href":12613,"rel":12782},[20],"Harbour Blanket",[12,12785,12786],{},"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.",[12,12788,12789],{},"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!",[12,12791,12792],{},"Also be sure to pop back soon as we’ll be hosting a fantastic Shmunki Liberty print give-away.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":12794},[],[226,1436],"/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.",{"title":12676,"description":12681},"review-shmuncki-baby-clothing","VonM0gKd_nGhv9K5OYCUdm7lgIQwtzn7gIqV-CJY8O0",{"id":12805,"title":12806,"author":245,"body":12807,"category":12900,"cover":12901,"date":12902,"description":12811,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":12903,"meta":12904,"meta_description":12905,"meta_title":12806,"navigation":236,"path":12906,"seo":12907,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":12908,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":12909},"posts/fisher-price-take-along-swing-seat.md","Fisher-Price Take-Along Swing & Seat",{"type":9,"value":12808,"toc":12898},[12809,12812,12822,12825,12830,12833,12836,12841,12844,12847,12861,12864,12870,12880,12883,12890],[12,12810,12811],{},"The Fisher-Price® Take-Along Swing and Seat has fast become one of both mine and Taylor’s favourite products. Before T was born I purchased a bouncer to sit him in if I needed to put him down during the day, I hadn’t considered the option of a swing and the added bonus of this one in particular is that it can also be used as a static seat.",[12,12813,12814],{},[16,12815,12819],{"href":12816,"rel":12817,"title":12818},"http://www.toysrus.co.uk/Babies-R-Us/Safety/Baby-Swings/FisherPrice-Rainforest-Friends-Take-Along-Swing-and-Seat%280146163%29",[20],"baby seat",[45,12820],{"alt":215,"src":12821},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/fisher_price_take_along_swing_1.jpg",[12,12823,12824],{},"Once out of the box I was faced with a small bundle of pieces to put together, the build also requires the use of a screwdriver, however it’s super easy to build.",[12,12826,12827],{},[45,12828],{"alt":12818,"src":12829},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/fisher_price_take_along_swing_13.jpg",[12,12831,12832],{},"The man walked in from work to find me mid-build to which I told him I was playing the role of Daddy. Like I said it was super easy!",[12,12834,12835],{},"Once built and 4 C size batteries had been inserted the swing was ready to go, with 6 speed options, 10 different tunes and sounds, hanging animal toys and a vibration option it’s near impossible for baby T lose interest.",[12,12837,12838],{},[45,12839],{"alt":12818,"src":12840},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/fisher_price_take_along_swing_12.jpg",[12,12842,12843],{},"The bottom of the seat has this handy clip in strap which turns it into the static baby seat, I use this option once he has fallen asleep and no longer needs to swing.",[12,12845,12846],{},"The controls can be found on the right hand side of the swing and allow you to change the speed of the swing, the volume of the 10 sounds, which sound plays (fun play time sounds or soothing sleepy sounds!) and also a vibrate button which can be used when in seat mode.",[12,12848,12849,12852,12854,12855,12860],{},[45,12850],{"alt":215,"src":12851},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/fisher_price_take_along_swing_9.jpg",[774,12853],{},"\nOnce I initially put T in the swing and switched it on I noticed it didn’t move much even on the highest setting, it helps to manually give one or two pushes to build up momentum then the swing really kicks in and away it goes. The swing also has a 5 point harness to ensure your little one is safe. > ",[16,12856,12859],{"href":12857,"rel":12858},"https://instagram.com/p/ywd8LWMQoO/",[20],"A video posted by LeeLee (@leeleeloves)"," on Feb 6, 2015 at 3:01am PST",[12,12862,12863],{},"I’ve found the swing to be perfect for both sleep and play and has been loved from the moment T tried it. The Take-Along aspect of the swing is great, although the buttons to fold it down were initially rather stiff to use. When not in use the swing folds flat and can be stored away easily so it doesn’t take up space, this also makes it perfect for taking places like when we go and visit the grandparents for the afternoon!",[12,12865,12866,12869],{},[45,12867],{"alt":215,"src":12868},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/fisher_price_take_along_swing_7.jpg","Overall we are loving this product, having the swing has allowed me to be able to put T down while I clean the house and more often than not he will also fall asleep and stay there for a while after, this means a hot cup of tea with a book for mum! What more could I ask for?",[12,12871,9535,12872,9822,12876,12879],{},[16,12873,12875],{"href":12816,"rel":12874},[20],"Take-Along Swing & Seat",[16,12877,11231],{"href":12816,"rel":12878,"title":12818},[20]," for RRP of £82.99",[12,12881,12882],{},"Do you have any baby products that you swear by to allow you to get jobs done around the house? I’d love to hear about them!",[12,12884,12885],{},[211,12886,12578,12887,12583],{},[16,12888,12875],{"href":12816,"rel":12889},[20],[12,12891,12892,12895],{},[45,12893],{"alt":12818,"src":12894},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/fisher_price_take_along_swing_5.jpg",[45,12896],{"alt":215,"src":12897},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/fisher_price_take_along_swing_6.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":12899},[],[226],"/images/2015/02/fisher_price_take_along_swing_cover.jpg","2015-02-23T12:21:00Z","5194",{},"Fisher-Price Take-Along Swing & Seat review. Portable baby swing with 6 speeds, 10 tunes, vibration, and converts to static seat. Perfect for sleep.","/fisher-price-take-along-swing-seat",{"title":12806,"description":12811},"fisher-price-take-along-swing-seat","CVIw43GXPz71nGvo0UrERtZ0MuvstkhP8uYycZPCEG8",{"id":12911,"title":12912,"author":245,"body":12913,"category":12990,"cover":12991,"date":12992,"description":12917,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":12993,"meta":12994,"meta_description":12995,"meta_title":12996,"navigation":236,"path":12997,"seo":12998,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":12999,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":13000},"posts/kokoso-baby-coconut-oil-review.md","Review: Kokoso Baby",{"type":9,"value":12914,"toc":12988},[12915,12918,12921,12924,12927,12936,12944,12951,12954,12963,12970,12973,12976],[12,12916,12917],{},"When we brought our little bundle home from the hospital he had that super soft baby skin, the kind you hear about on television ads for baby products. It was like silk.",[12,12919,12920],{},"Jump forward a couple of days and Taylor started to get horrendous dry flakey skin, the health visitor told us it was perfectly normal for newborns to experience this. It didn’t seem to bother him at all, but it didn’t look nice all over his tummy, arms, and legs.",[12,12922,12923],{},"I spent the following weeks applying a known brand baby moisturiser to these areas to no avail, it would calm down for a few hours while the product was on then reappear as soon as the moisture was gone.",[12,12925,12926],{},"When we were asked if we would like to try Kokoso 100% Natural Coconut oil I was really looking forward to seeing what it could do for T’s dry skin problem.",[12,12928,12929,12933,12935],{},[45,12930],{"alt":12931,"src":12932},"kokoso_1","/images/2015/02/kokoso_1.jpg",[774,12934],{},"\nKokoso was created by Lauren, a mummy who wanted a natural way to tackle dry baby skin! The product comes in a branded box and wrapped in tissue paper to match the brand. This adds that extra personal touch to your order, I love this because it shows more thought and care has been given than that you receive from large retailers.",[12,12937,12938,12939],{},"Kokoso retails for £7.99 and can be purchased at ",[16,12940,12943],{"href":12941,"rel":12942},"http://www.kokoso.co.uk",[20],"www.kokoso.co.uk",[12,12945,12946,12950],{},[45,12947],{"alt":12948,"src":12949},"kokoso_4","/images/2015/02/kokoso_4.jpg","-I love Kokoso-I applied Kokoso to T’s dry skin after his bath and he loved it. He usually hates coming out of the bath as its chilly, but loved having a massage with the oil warmed by my hands.",[12,12952,12953],{},"Things we love about Kokoso –",[12,12955,12956,12957,12959,12960,12962],{},"♥ – Kokoso is made from nothing but 100% natural organic coconut oil making it safe for baby.",[774,12958],{},"\n♥ – It can be used as a daily moisturiser, a baby massage oil, a bottom balm and so much more.",[774,12961],{},"\n♥ – It’s great for mummy too!",[12,12964,12965,12969],{},[45,12966],{"alt":12967,"src":12968},"kokoso_2","/images/2015/02/kokoso_2.jpg","I’m ready for my massageAs Kokoso is pure oil it comes solid in the container so you need to warm it up between your hands until it melts, its turns to a lovely smelling warm oil, since T was born I’ve also had some awful dry skin so I’ve been using it on myself, don’t tell T, he wants to keep it all for himself!",[12,12971,12972],{},"Overall the product has amazed me, since the first application T’s dry skin literally disappeared a week later with no further applications his skin was still perfect and the softest it has been in weeks. I’ve now started to give him a massage with the oil once a week after his bath and his skin is as perfect as the day he was born.",[12,12974,12975],{},"We love Kokoso!",[12,12977,12978,12982,12983],{},[45,12979],{"alt":12980,"src":12981},"kokoso_3","/images/2015/02/kokoso_3.jpg","Snuggled up after bath time",[211,12984,12938,12985],{},[16,12986,12943],{"href":12941,"rel":12987},[20],{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":12989},[],[226],"/images/2015/02/kokoso_header.jpg","2015-02-13T09:49:00Z","5169",{},"Kokoso Baby coconut oil review. Natural solution for newborn dry skin, perfect for baby massage, moisturising, and gentle bottom care with organic ingredients.","Kokoso Baby Coconut Oil Review - Natural Baby Skincare","/kokoso-baby-coconut-oil-review",{"title":12912,"description":12917},"kokoso-baby-coconut-oil-review","WQw-W3ugGfdkDiTl9WeSfjd_XTOyQHwbbg5Frmh7i3w",{"id":13002,"title":13003,"author":245,"body":13004,"category":13080,"cover":13081,"date":13082,"description":13008,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":13083,"meta":13084,"meta_description":13085,"meta_title":13003,"navigation":236,"path":13086,"seo":13087,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":13088,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":13089},"posts/peter-rabbit-big-box-little-books.md","Book Review: Peter Rabbit – A Big Box of Little Books",{"type":9,"value":13005,"toc":13078},[13006,13009,13012,13015,13022,13025,13032,13040,13043,13046,13054,13057,13065,13068,13075],[12,13007,13008],{},"This set includes nine mini stories featuring characters from Beatrix Potter’s classic tales, including Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Squirrel Nutkin, Jemima Puddle-duck, Jeremy Fisher and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle.",[12,13010,13011],{},"Babies and young toddlers will enjoy the stories and pictures, and can play with the chunky little board books.",[12,13013,13014],{},"Featuring beautiful and classic artwork by Beatrix Potter, this set is a brilliant introduction to her stories about Peter Rabbit and his friends.",[12,13016,13017,13021],{},[45,13018],{"alt":13019,"src":13020},"Big_box_little_books_3","/images/2015/02/Big_box_little_books_3.jpg","The Peter Rabbit big box of little books contains 9 mini board books that are perfect for tiny hands like mine, they’re lightweight and robust so they should withstand the test of time, especially once I master how to grab items and even more so when I’m able to throw.",[12,13023,13024],{},"The books are presented in a lovely box which enables us to keep all nine books together without losing any, we can also pop the box onto the bookshelf with my growing book collection.",[12,13026,13027,13031],{},[45,13028],{"alt":13029,"src":13030},"Big_box_little_books_4","/images/2015/02/Big_box_little_books_4.jpg","They also come in this beautiful selection of bright colours making them pleasing to the eye, my favourite is orange!",[12,13033,13034],{},[16,13035,13037],{"href":13036},"/images/2015/02/Big_box_little_books_6.jpg",[45,13038],{"alt":13039,"src":13036},"Big_box_little_books_6",[12,13041,13042],{},"Each book has a segment of a picture on the back cover which creates a scene of Peter Rabbit and his mummy. These books will keep me entertained for quite some time yet, my first jigsaw!",[12,13044,13045],{},"All of the books are filled with illustrations just as beautiful and traditional as this one.",[12,13047,13048],{},[16,13049,13051],{"href":13050},"/images/2015/02/Big_box_little_books_7.jpg",[45,13052],{"alt":13053,"src":13050},"Big_box_little_books_7",[12,13055,13056],{},"As a tiny person my attention span isn’t the best so these short stories are perfect to keep us little ones engaged without getting grumpy. The stories are short but based around everyday activities such as getting dressed, playing with friends and having lunch. Which myself as well as other babies and toddlers will be able to familiarise with their own daily routines.",[12,13058,13059],{},[16,13060,13062],{"href":13061},"/images/2015/02/Big_box_little_books_2.jpg",[45,13063],{"alt":13064,"src":13061},"Big_box_little_books_2",[12,13066,13067],{},"I’m still perfecting my reading skills so for now mummy reads all of my stories to me, which is nice because she does all of the funny voices!",[12,13069,13070,13074],{},[45,13071],{"alt":13072,"src":13073},"Big_box_little_books_1","/images/2015/02/Big_box_little_books_1.jpg","This also means we get lots of time for extra cuddles in mums favourite reading chair!",[12,13076,13077],{},"Overall I really love my big box of little books, they’re easy to hold, beautifully illustrated, sturdy, and fun to read together. Once I’m bigger they’ll also be perfect short stories for learning to read by myself.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":13079},[],[226,226],"/images/2015/02/Big_box_little_books_cover.jpg","2015-02-12T16:15:00Z","5116",{},"Peter Rabbit Big Box of Little Books review. Nine mini board books by Beatrix Potter perfect for babies and toddlers with chunky pages and jigsaw backs.","/peter-rabbit-big-box-little-books",{"title":13003,"description":13008},"peter-rabbit-big-box-little-books","AbxFU5b_JRaDf3B7QlPpDmWDbme1wPNj_PZA-IHx2Vk",{"id":13091,"title":13092,"author":245,"body":13093,"category":13158,"cover":13159,"date":13160,"description":13097,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":13161,"meta":13162,"meta_description":13163,"meta_title":13092,"navigation":236,"path":13164,"seo":13165,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":13166,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":13167},"posts/breastfeeding-with-bibee.md","Review: Breastfeeding with Bibee",{"type":9,"value":13094,"toc":13156},[13095,13098,13101,13109,13114,13117,13122,13125,13138,13147,13150],[12,13096,13097],{},"If you followed my pregnancy updates you’ll know how much I loved Bibee dresses and tunics, the versatile clothing that can take you from pregnancy through to breastfeeding making them value for money compared to clothing that only caters for one or the other.",[12,13099,13100],{},"Now Taylor is here I’ve finally had the opportunity to put the feeding element of Bibee to the test using the Bibee tunic, I’ve been breastfeeding for four weeks now and if theirs one thing I know its that you need easy access. It doesn’t matter how many times you say “one minute” or “nearly there” to a screaming baby who wants his milk, he wants it now. Being able to have instant access without removing layers is essential.",[12,13102,13103,13106,13108],{},[45,13104],{"alt":215,"src":13105},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Bibee_dresses_feeding_2.jpg",[774,13107],{},"\nI’ve found Bibee to be fantastic for feeding so far, not only is it really fast and simple to gain access via the button on Bibee cover whilst keeping the rest of you covered up, this means you don’t need to layer up on clothing. At the moment I wear vests under my old tops so I can lift one layer up, it’s not so bad during winter but I can’t see this being ideal once warmer weather sets in.",[12,13110,13111],{},[45,13112],{"alt":215,"src":13113},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Bibee_dresses_feeding_3.jpg",[12,13115,13116],{},"The Bibee Dresses and Tunics are my favourite for discreet feeding, they’re so simple to use and you can’t see a thing. It just looks like I’m cuddling baby T when he is actually feeding, nobody can see anything as the tunic doesn’t look any different and there aren’t any layers being removed. The covering up element gives me more confidence to feed in front of others.",[12,13118,13119],{},[45,13120],{"alt":215,"src":13121},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Bibee_dresses_feeding_1.jpg",[12,13123,13124],{},"The Tunics are my favourite from the Bibee range as they go well over jeans and leggings, and don’t look like breastfeeding tops. I’ve been finding it really hard to find clothing that is made for this purpose without looking frumpy or in younger styles that I would want to wear.",[12,13126,13127,13130,13132,13133,13137],{},[45,13128],{"alt":215,"src":13129},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Bibee_dresses_feeding_5-1.jpg",[774,13131],{},"\nIt’s amazing to think this is the same tunic I was wearing ",[16,13134,13136],{"href":13135},"/styling-the-bibee-tunic","in my Bibee styling post"," when I was 38 weeks pregnant and it still looks great minus the bump. I’ll definitely be keeping these for when T needs a sibling. I’m missing my bump so much! Lets get the hang of having the one baby for now 😉",[12,13139,13140,13141,13146],{},"You can purchase your own Bibee Dresses at ",[16,13142,13145],{"href":13143,"rel":13144},"http://www.bibeedresses.co.uk",[20],"www.bibeedresses.co.uk"," or by clicking on any of the images within this post.",[12,13148,13149],{},"As a Bibee ambassador I’m pleased to offer all of my readers 15% off of Bibee dresses! Just use the code ‘lee lee’ at the checkout to receive your discount + free p&p!",[12,13151,13152],{},[45,13153],{"alt":13154,"src":13155},"Bibee_dresses_discount","/images/2014/11/Bibee_dresses_discount.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":13157},[],[226,11379],"/images/2015/02/Bibee_dresses_feeding_cover.jpg","2015-02-03T08:41:00Z","5066",{},"Breastfeeding with Bibee dresses and tunics review. Easy access, discreet nursing, and versatile clothing from pregnancy to postpartum. 15% discount.","/breastfeeding-with-bibee",{"title":13092,"description":13097},"breastfeeding-with-bibee","NwCCfibtMmq8HjOog0cG1wgPLKbYI3HsG5BfnYcrtZs",{"id":13169,"title":13170,"author":245,"body":13171,"category":13262,"cover":13263,"date":13264,"description":13175,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":13265,"meta":13266,"meta_description":13267,"meta_title":13170,"navigation":236,"path":13268,"seo":13269,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":13270,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":13271},"posts/house-of-fraser-childrenswear.md","Review: House of Fraser Childrenswear",{"type":9,"value":13172,"toc":13260},[13173,13176,13179,13182,13198,13201,13210,13216,13219,13228,13234,13237,13246,13249,13252,13255],[12,13174,13175],{},"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.",[12,13177,13178],{},"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!",[12,13180,13181],{},"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.",[12,13183,13184,13192,13194],{},[16,13185,13188],{"href":13186,"rel":13187},"http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Pumpkin+Patch/BRAND_PUMPKIN%20PATCH,default,sc.html?fromBrand=Pumpkin%20Patch",[20],[45,13189],{"alt":13190,"src":13191},"House_of_Fraser_1","/images/2015/01/House_of_Fraser_1.jpg",[774,13193],{},[16,13195,13197],{"href":13186,"rel":13196},[20],"Pumpkin Patch boys hiking check jacket £10 in sale RRP £25",[12,13199,13200],{},"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!",[12,13202,13203],{},[16,13204,13206],{"href":13186,"rel":13205},[20],[45,13207],{"alt":13208,"src":13209},"House_of_Fraser_2","/images/2015/01/House_of_Fraser_2.jpg",[12,13211,13212],{},[16,13213,13215],{"href":13186,"rel":13214},[20],"Pumpkin Patch Raccoon Dungarees £9.99 in sale RRP £22",[12,13217,13218],{},"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!",[12,13220,13221],{},[16,13222,13224],{"href":13186,"rel":13223},[20],[45,13225],{"alt":13226,"src":13227},"House_of_Fraser_4","/images/2015/01/House_of_Fraser_4.jpg",[12,13229,13230],{},[16,13231,13233],{"href":13186,"rel":13232},[20],"Kite stripy cardigan £9.99 in sale RRP £25",[12,13235,13236],{},"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?",[12,13238,13239,13243,13245],{},[45,13240],{"alt":13241,"src":13242},"house_of_fraser_5","/images/2015/01/house_of_fraser_5.png",[774,13244],{},"\n“Mum do I really need this much room to grow?”",[12,13247,13248],{},"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.",[12,13250,13251],{},"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.",[12,13253,13254],{},"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!",[12,13256,13257],{},[211,13258,13259],{},"– We received the items of clothing in exchange for an honest review – all opinions are my own –",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":13261},[],[2140,226,1436],"/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.","/house-of-fraser-childrenswear",{"title":13170,"description":13175},"house-of-fraser-childrenswear","ssjWONb9QqzxnLi6eXKRkollo2i1F-1Zdzec4HKIesg",{"id":13273,"title":13274,"author":245,"body":13275,"category":13342,"cover":13343,"date":13344,"description":13279,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":13345,"meta":13346,"meta_description":13347,"meta_title":13274,"navigation":236,"path":13348,"seo":13349,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":13350,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":13351},"posts/milestone-taylor-is-4-weeks-old-and-finally-sleeping.md","Milestone: Taylor is 4 Weeks Old, and Finally Sleeping!",{"type":9,"value":13276,"toc":13340},[13277,13280,13283,13286,13289,13292,13295,13298,13313,13316,13322,13328,13334],[12,13278,13279],{},"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.",[12,13281,13282],{},"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?!",[12,13284,13285],{},"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.",[12,13287,13288],{},"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!",[12,13290,13291],{},"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.",[12,13293,13294],{},"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!",[12,13296,13297],{},"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!",[12,13299,13300,13301,13306,13307,13312],{},"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 ",[16,13302,13305],{"href":13303,"rel":13304},"http://instagram.com/leeleeloves",[20],"Instagram"," or ",[16,13308,13311],{"href":13309,"rel":13310},"https://www.facebook.com/LeeLeeLoves89",[20],"Facebook ","until our next update!",[12,13314,13315],{},"Now I must go and cuddle this bundle some more.",[12,13317,13318],{},[45,13319],{"alt":13320,"src":13321},"290115_06","/images/2015/01/290115_06.jpg",[12,13323,13324],{},[45,13325],{"alt":13326,"src":13327},"290115_01","/images/2015/01/290115_01.jpg",[12,13329,13330],{},[45,13331],{"alt":13332,"src":13333},"290115_02","/images/2015/01/290115_02.jpg",[12,13335,13336],{},[45,13337],{"alt":13338,"src":13339},"290115_03","/images/2015/01/290115_03.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":13341},[],[226,1436],"/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":13274,"description":13279},"milestone-taylor-is-4-weeks-old-and-finally-sleeping","vEUU2U0Ek4V5TTrkTkxErIUc1RNy_G2nJRPBo6sscwA",{"id":13353,"title":13354,"author":245,"body":13355,"category":13447,"cover":13448,"date":13449,"description":13450,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":13451,"meta":13452,"meta_description":13453,"meta_title":13354,"navigation":236,"path":13454,"seo":13455,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":13456,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":13457},"posts/grohush-baby-calmer.md","Review: The grohush Baby Calmer",{"type":9,"value":13356,"toc":13445},[13357,13365,13368,13371,13377,13380,13383,13389,13392,13398,13407,13410,13413,13426,13429,13436,13442],[12,13358,13359,13360,575],{},"The grohush baby calmer is a white noise generator from ",[16,13361,13364],{"href":13362,"rel":13363},"http://gro.co.uk/",[20],"The Gro Company",[12,13366,13367],{},"Designed specifically to calm your baby, the gro hush comes in a handy clear plastic case with a removable and washable cover, it has three noise settings all set to a baby safe volume. One to mimic mummys heartbeat, as babies are used to this sound from being in the womb, calming raindrops on a tin roof and whooshing ocean waves.",[12,13369,13370],{},"Using three AAA batteries you simply select the sound option your baby prefers and hold the grohush against their ear. Thr calming sounds transmitted by the grohush can only be heard when held to your ears which enables you to calm your baby without disturbing others, it’s also small and portable so you can calm your little one on the go.",[12,13372,13373],{},[45,13374],{"alt":13375,"src":13376},"grohush_5","/images/2015/01/grohush_5.jpg",[12,13378,13379],{},"We put the grohush to the test with baby T over the weekend during an attempt to take some nice photos of baby boy to share with family, T decided he’d had enough and boy did he let us know about it!",[12,13381,13382],{},"This was a prime opportunity to try and calm him with our new device.",[12,13384,13385],{},[45,13386],{"alt":13387,"src":13388},"grohush_9","/images/2015/01/grohush_9.jpg",[12,13390,13391],{},"Initially he wasn’t too convinced and was still kicking off, I tested the device on all 3 sound options and found that T’s preferred option is the rain. This came as no surprise as he loves snoozing outside of the shower cubicle in the morning, who said new mums don’t have time to shower?",[12,13393,13394],{},[45,13395],{"alt":13396,"src":13397},"grohush_1","/images/2015/01/grohush_1.jpg",[12,13399,13400,13404,13406],{},[45,13401],{"alt":13402,"src":13403},"grohush_2","/images/2015/01/grohush_2.jpg",[774,13405],{},"\nOnce we had the right setting for him I was amazed to see that he actually started to calm down! It wasn’t an instant miracle worker and he still had a few strops, however he gradually started to tune out everything in the room and really focus on the grohush allowing me to take more pictures of him. The grohush alone might not calm your baby instantly, some babies require a combination such as being rocked or having a soother/dummy to suck on but when combined with these you’ll be amazed at what it can achieve, we used the grohush while cuddling and gained the results we had hoped for.",[12,13408,13409],{},"T is three weeks old and has since fallen asleep to the sound of the grohush baby calmer by having it lay next to him while settling in his bed. Before using the grohush you must make sure your baby isn’t crying because they require feeding/changing or simply a great big cuddle from mummy and daddy, otherwise you’ll have one very agitated tiny person!",[12,13411,13412],{},"I tried using the grohush during his first week at home and he didn’t respond to it, now he is a couple of weeks older it seems to be taking affect in calming him and we will continue to use it for as long as it will soothe him. It would seem that white noise is something T responds to at the moment, not all babies will respond to this type of calming device but for those that do it’s a fantastic product.",[12,13414,13415,13416,13421,13422,575],{},"The grohush retails for ",[16,13417,13420],{"href":13418,"rel":13419},"http://www.gro-store.com/newborn/gro-hush.html",[20],"£35.99"," and you can ",[16,13423,13425],{"href":13418,"rel":13424},[20],"buy it directly from the gro company",[12,13427,13428],{},"Do you have any special ways to help calm and soother your little one? We would love to know!",[12,13430,13431,13435],{},[45,13432],{"alt":13433,"src":13434},"grohush_8","/images/2015/01/grohush_8.jpg","A happy and content baby after being calmed with the grohush!",[12,13437,13438],{},[45,13439],{"alt":13440,"src":13441},"grohush_7","/images/2015/01/grohush_7.jpg",[12,13443,13444],{},"– We were sent the grohush baby calmer in exchange for an honest review – all opinions are my own –",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":13446},[],[226],"/images/2015/01/grohush_cover.jpg","2015-01-28T16:03:00Z","The grohush baby calmer is a white noise generator from The Gro Company.","4835",{},"Grohush baby calmer review from The Gro Company. Portable white noise generator with heartbeat, rain, and ocean sounds. Tested with 3-week-old baby.","/grohush-baby-calmer",{"title":13354,"description":13450},"grohush-baby-calmer","ZrtViG2Qv9P6elTp2poRvgtSkzcIaW5-os91k07FeAM",{"id":13459,"title":13460,"author":245,"body":13461,"category":13491,"cover":13492,"date":13493,"description":13467,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":13494,"meta":13495,"meta_description":13470,"meta_title":13460,"navigation":236,"path":13496,"seo":13497,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":13498,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":13499},"posts/the-girl-in-the-photograph-trailer.md","Book Trailer: The Girl in the  Photograph",{"type":9,"value":13462,"toc":13488},[13463,13468,13471,13475,13482],[12,13464,13465],{},[211,13466,13467],{},"When Alice Eveleigh arrives at Fiercombe Manor during the long, languid summer of 1933, she finds a house steeped in mystery and brimming with secrets. Sadness permeates its empty rooms and the isolated valley seems crowded with ghosts, none more alluring than Elizabeth Stanton whose only traces remain in a few tantalisingly blurred photographs. Why will no one speak of her? What happened a generation ago to make her vanish? As the sun beats down relentlessly, Alice becomes ever more determined to unearth the truth about the girl in the photograph – and stop her own life from becoming an eerie echo of Elizabeth’s…",[12,13469,13470],{},"Today is publication day of Kate Riordans novel The Girl in the Photograph, watch the exclusive trailer below and find out more about this fantastic novel!",[274,13472,13474],{"id":13473},"the-trailer","The Trailer",[12,13476,13477,13478,725],{},"Don’t forget to check out the event bloggers attended at Owlpen Manor in the lead up to the books publication in our ",[16,13479,13481],{"href":13480},"/event-a-weekend-at-owlpen-manor","Weekend at Owlpen Manor post",[12,13483,13484],{},[45,13485],{"alt":13486,"src":13487},"Weekend at Owlpen Manor","/images/2014/11/owlpen_weekend_cover.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":13489},[13490],{"id":13473,"depth":538,"text":13474},[226],"/images/2015/01/the_girl_in_the_photograph_trailer.jpg","2015-01-15T16:07:00Z","4767",{},"/the-girl-in-the-photograph-trailer",{"title":13460,"description":13467},"the-girl-in-the-photograph-trailer","2xISr-ldnTYzPLYIaQXeRcGi-Kr0oh6JoYbNk7Yv_jM",{"id":13501,"title":13502,"author":245,"body":13503,"category":13563,"cover":13564,"date":13565,"description":13566,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":13567,"meta":13568,"meta_description":13569,"meta_title":13502,"navigation":236,"path":13570,"seo":13571,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":13572,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":13573},"posts/book-cover-reveal-dream-a-little-dream-by-giovanna-fletcher.md","Book Cover Reveal: Dream a little Dream by Giovanna Fletcher",{"type":9,"value":13504,"toc":13560},[13505,13517,13521,13524,13527,13548,13557],[12,13506,13507,13508,13511,13512,13516],{},"Giovanna Fletcher has announced the title of her third full length novel with penguin Michael Joseph! ",[34,13509,13510],{},"Dream a Little Dream"," is set to hit the shelves on the 18th June 2015 and you can pre-order it ",[16,13513,11231],{"href":13514,"rel":13515},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dream-Little-Giovanna-Fletcher/dp/1405919167",[20]," now.",[274,13518,13520],{"id":13519},"the-cover","The Cover",[12,13522,13523],{},"The cover is another fantastic piece from the team at Michael Joseph and ties in perfectly with Gi’s other novels, this will have book lovers everywhere rejoicing, who doesn’t love it when books by the same author or from a series can sit together on your shelf and look perfect together?",[12,13525,13526],{},"I for one am very much looking forward to the publication of Dream a Little Dream. Giovannas writing is something that you can very much sit down and relax with, shutting out the world around you because you are so invested in the one she has created for you.",[12,13528,13529,13530,764,13536,307,13542,725],{},"If June is too long for you to wait then make sure you’ve read Giovannas other books ",[34,13531,13532],{},[16,13533,13535],{"href":13534},"/billy-and-me","Billy and Me",[16,13537,13539],{"href":13538},"/youre-the-one-that-i-want-by-giovanna-fletcher",[34,13540,13541],{},"You’re The One That I Want",[16,13543,13545],{"href":13544},"/christmas-with-billy-and-me",[34,13546,13547],{},"Christmas With Billy and Me",[12,13549,13550],{},[16,13551,13553],{"href":13514,"rel":13552},[20],[45,13554],{"alt":13555,"src":13556,"title":13555},"dream_a_little_dream_giovanna_fletcher_cover","https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6f57Q7IYAAWqw6.jpg",[12,13558,13559],{},"Put the date in your diary!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":13561},[13562],{"id":13519,"depth":538,"text":13520},[226],"/images/2015/01/dream_a_little_dream_giovanna_fletcher_cover.jpg","2015-01-12T19:04:00Z","Giovanna Fletcher has announced the title of her third full length novel with penguin Michael Joseph! Dream a Little Dream is set to hit the shelves on the 18th June 2015 and you can pre-order it here now.","4723",{},"Dream a Little Dream by Giovanna Fletcher cover reveal. Third novel from Penguin Michael Joseph releasing 18th June 2015. Pre-order available now.","/book-cover-reveal-dream-a-little-dream-by-giovanna-fletcher",{"title":13502,"description":13566},"book-cover-reveal-dream-a-little-dream-by-giovanna-fletcher","DhvMGEBJxOJ9OM88EvW0P_cT0WYsGeSl22GmM8yMS_8",{"id":13575,"title":13576,"author":245,"body":13577,"category":13651,"cover":11380,"date":13652,"description":11253,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":13653,"meta":13654,"meta_description":13655,"meta_title":13576,"navigation":236,"path":11353,"seo":13656,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":13657,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":13658},"posts/the-calm-birth-school.md","The Calm Birth School Review: Online Hypnobirthing Course",{"type":9,"value":13578,"toc":13649},[13579,13581,13588,13591,13594,13597,13600,13603,13612,13615,13624,13627,13630,13633,13640,13643],[12,13580,11253],{},[12,13582,13583],{},[34,13584,13585],{},[16,13586,11262],{"href":11260,"rel":13587},[20],[12,13589,13590],{},"The Calm Birth School are helping mums achieve a positive birthing experience through a number of different techniques and I’ve taken on the task of giving it a go for myself!",[12,13592,13593],{},"Suzy & Hollie of TCBS are now offering an online tuition in hypnobirthing, you don’t even need to leave home to learn the techniques!",[12,13595,13596],{},"This is a course built up of video modules, handbooks, mp3s, 1+1 guidance and a great private support network of other like minded ladies who all want the best experience from their birth.",[12,13598,13599],{},"Each week I have received a series of module videos via email alongside a digital handbook and mp3’s, each video takes you over a new birth related topic or technique and teaches you the best ways to overcome your fears of birth and best practices for a birth that suits you.",[12,13601,13602],{},"Everything you need each week can be found in the members area over a series of four week intervals for you to refer back to as many times as you need.",[12,13604,13605],{},[16,13606,13608],{"href":11260,"rel":13607},[20],[45,13609],{"alt":13610,"src":13611},"members_area_videos","/images/2014/12/members_area_videos.jpg",[12,13613,13614],{},"Within the modules you’ll also have access to a series of MP3’s which are perfect for practicing the techniques to and preparing you for your calm birth experience.",[12,13616,13617],{},[16,13618,13620],{"href":11260,"rel":13619},[20],[45,13621],{"alt":13622,"src":13623},"mp3_calm_birth","/images/2014/12/mp3_calm_birth.jpg",[12,13625,13626],{},"Of course it isn’t magic, their are no guarantees and everybody is different. I may go into labour and have a terrible time (hopefully not) but I know for sure I am entering the journey so far feeling both relaxed and positive which is what hypnobirthing aims to do. The female body is designed to birth babies, its what it does! So if we take what our body wants to do and go with it, we should be in for a more pleasant experience than if we were to fight our bodies natural reactions.",[12,13628,13629],{},"So far I’m finding the classes to be really helpful in getting myself mentally geared up for the big day, whether or not I crumble on the day is another matter but I feel having a positive attitude to the experience and trying to stay relaxed can only help!",[12,13631,13632],{},"I’m hoping to feel positive and confident to use the techniques I’ve learnt from the course when our big day comes and will share my experience and thoughts on the techniques used.",[12,13634,13635,13636,13639],{},"You can try the CBS classes free for one week by signing up ",[16,13637,7425],{"href":11260,"rel":13638},[20],"or book the entire course including 1+1 tuition, video calls and a private support group.",[12,13641,13642],{},"Stay tuned to find out how I found the techniques worked for me during my calm birth!",[12,13644,13645],{},[45,13646],{"alt":13647,"src":13648},"signature","/images/2012/10/signature.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":13650},[],[2140,226],"2014-12-30T03:34:00Z","4657",{},"The Calm Birth School online hypnobirthing course review. Video modules, handbooks, MP3s, and support network for a positive birth experience.",{"title":13576,"description":11253},"the-calm-birth-school","lXcwoan-EUri_fKwgCixN5Lnx4nR0pMPDsuRPe8dQeo",{"id":13660,"title":13661,"author":245,"body":13662,"category":13793,"cover":13794,"date":13795,"description":215,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":13796,"meta":13797,"meta_description":13798,"meta_title":13661,"navigation":236,"path":13135,"seo":13799,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":13800,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":13801},"posts/styling-the-bibee-tunic.md","Review: Styling the Bibee Tunic",{"type":9,"value":13663,"toc":13791},[13664,13674,13680,13690,13696,13706,13712,13719,13724,13727,13734,13737,13743,13746,13749,13755,13758,13764,13767,13773,13776,13781,13783],[12,13665,13666],{},[16,13667,13671],{"href":13668,"rel":13669,"title":13670},"http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=729372&c=130140",[20],"Bibee Maternity Dresses",[45,13672],{"alt":215,"src":13673},"http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20150202/50806/100/1422916699.38.jpg",[12,13675,13676],{},[16,13677,13679],{"href":13668,"rel":13678,"title":13670},[20],"Bibee Maternity Dresses  ",[12,13681,13682],{},[16,13683,13687],{"href":13684,"rel":13685,"title":13686},"http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=729368&c=130140",[20],"Styling the Bibee Tunic",[45,13688],{"alt":215,"src":13689},"http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20150202/50806/100/1422916633.4.jpg",[12,13691,13692],{},[16,13693,13695],{"href":13684,"rel":13694,"title":13686},[20],"Styling the Bibee Tunic  ",[12,13697,13698],{},[16,13699,13703],{"href":13700,"rel":13701,"title":13702},"http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=729377&c=130140",[20],"Breastfeeding with Bibee",[45,13704],{"alt":215,"src":13705},"http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20150202/50806/100/1422916898.98.jpg",[12,13707,13708],{},[16,13709,13711],{"href":13700,"rel":13710,"title":13702},[20],"Breastfeeding with Bibee  ",[12,13713,13714,13715,13718],{},"Last month I shared with you my initial thoughts on ",[16,13716,13717],{"href":10722},"Bibee maternity & nursing dresses",", my favourite thing about these dresses and tunics is not only that they can be used both during and after pregnancy but how versatile they are. With Bibee you have the ability to transform one key piece into an endless array of different looks!",[12,13720,13721],{},[34,13722,13723],{},"Save a whopping 40% on Bibee Dresses this winter using the code ‘lee lee’ in conjunction with their 25% off Christmas offer!",[12,13725,13726],{},"I’ve absolutely loved transforming my Bibee tunic into as many different styles and outfits as I possibly can, I’ve paired it with jeans, leggings and tights, I’ve worn it with a Bibee front and without, you can take this one Tunic from day to night in a flash and its fab!",[12,13728,13729,13733],{},[45,13730],{"alt":13731,"src":13732},"Bibee_Tunic_Bib1","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Bibee_Tunic_Bib1.jpg","Look one – Black Tunic + Black V-Neck Front",[12,13735,13736],{},"My favourite look so far has to be the tunic combined with the black v-neck Bibee front, this combo gives the tunic a perfect finish and looks great in the evenings when paired with coloured leggings and ankle boots.",[12,13738,13739,13742],{},[45,13740],{"alt":13731,"src":13741},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Bibee_Tunic_No_Bib_1.jpg","Look two – Black Tunic + vest",[12,13744,13745],{},"I’ve been wearing my tunic over various coloured vests throughout my pregnancy for a more casual look paired with grey skinny jeans.",[12,13747,13748],{},"The tunics and dresses don’t always require a Bibee front unless you’re wearing them for the breast feeding element of their functionality.",[12,13750,13751,13754],{},[45,13752],{"alt":13731,"src":13753},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Bibee_Tunic_Bib2.jpg","Look three – Black Tunic + Geo-Print Cowl-Neck Front",[12,13756,13757],{},"Initially I wasn’t sure how the Geo Print fronts would look with the black tunic, I selected them to go with the Geometric Print Dress. However it seems with Bibee anything goes because they still look great! Adding a pop of colour to the tunic and a really nice neckline which has been lovely in the cold weather.",[12,13759,13760,13763],{},[45,13761],{"alt":13731,"src":13762},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Bibee_Tunic_Bib3.jpg","Look four – Black Tunic + Geo-Print Round-Neck Front",[12,13765,13766],{},"Another of my looks is pairing the tunic with the Geo Print round neck front, it still works really well with the tunic giving a fourth alternative outfit to one garment!",[12,13768,13769,13772],{},[45,13770],{"alt":215,"src":13771},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/bottoms.jpg","I’ve been pairing my tunic with the above crochet leggings, maternity jeans and maternity leggings to take my outfits from day to night. These dresses and tunics have been designed by a mummy with other mummies in mind and so far they tick all of the boxes. I’ve yet to come across another maternity product like the Bibee dress.",[12,13774,13775],{},"As I enter my 38th week of pregnancy I’m really looking forward to seeing how to Bibee fairs when it comes to breast feeding and sharing my views with you.",[12,13777,13140,13778,13146],{},[16,13779,13145],{"href":13143,"rel":13780},[20],[12,13782,13149],{},[12,13784,13785],{},[16,13786,13789],{"href":13787,"rel":13788},"http://bibeedresses.co.uk",[20],[45,13790],{"alt":13154,"src":13155},{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":13792},[],[2140,226,11379],"/images/2014/12/bibee_dresses_styling_cover.jpg","2014-12-15T11:22:00Z","4485",{},"Styling the Bibee tunic review. Four versatile looks with interchangeable fronts for maternity and nursing wear. Save 40% with discount code.",{"title":13661,"description":215},"styling-the-bibee-tunic","NYfUrK7ptC6MU2h0uN6a6CjmAUk2drDY7HsPUtVm7a0",{"id":13803,"title":13804,"author":245,"body":13805,"category":13855,"cover":13487,"date":13856,"description":13467,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":13857,"meta":13858,"meta_description":13859,"meta_title":13804,"navigation":236,"path":13480,"seo":13860,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":13861,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":13862},"posts/event-a-weekend-at-owlpen-manor.md","Book Event: A weekend at Owlpen Manor",{"type":9,"value":13806,"toc":13852},[13807,13811,13815,13818,13821,13827,13830,13836,13839,13844,13847],[12,13808,13809],{},[211,13810,13467],{},[274,13812,13814],{"id":13813},"the-event","The Event",[12,13816,13817],{},"Recently I received quiet possibly the most mysterious yet exciting invite ever from the lovely folks at Penguin. When I was told they had an ‘exciting’ invitation for me I thought nothing of it, until I started receiving messages to tell me the courier couldn’t deliver it. Courier? Usually event invites come in the form of a very well designed email, not a signed for next day parcel! What on earth was it?",[12,13819,13820],{},"The invitation was for an overnight weekend stay on the grounds of Owlpen Manor house in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside, all in aid of Kate Riordans latest novel The Girl in the photograph (which is inspired by this particular manor house) being published on January 15th. So of course I RSVP’d like a mad woman and hopped on a train to Gloucestershire, who wouldn’t?",[12,13822,13823],{},[45,13824],{"alt":215,"src":13825,"title":13826},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Owlpen_Cottage.jpg","owlpen cottage",[12,13828,13829],{},"I spent the weekend in the lovely Over Court cottage with some other great book bloggers.",[12,13831,13832],{},[45,13833],{"alt":13834,"src":13835},"owlpen bedroom","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Owlpen_bedroom.jpg",[12,13837,13838],{},"The rooms were perfect and I had a fantastic stay, who wouldn’t enjoy a night here?",[12,13840,13841],{},[45,13842],{"alt":215,"src":13843},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/owlpen_book_the_girl_in_the_photograph.jpg",[12,13845,13846],{},"Owlpen is so isolated that their is no chance of receiving a phone signal, their was no wifi and I was literally cut off from the world, it was absolutely perfect to just curl up and read Kates book in the lovely surrounded by the setting which inspired it.",[12,13848,13849],{},[45,13850],{"alt":215,"src":13851},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/Owlpen_arch_to_church.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":13853},[13854],{"id":13813,"depth":538,"text":13814},[226],"2014-12-12T14:37:00Z","4410",{},"Penguin Random House book event at Owlpen Manor Gloucestershire for Kate Riordan's The Girl in the Photograph. Overnight stay in historic cottage.",{"title":13804,"description":13467},"event-a-weekend-at-owlpen-manor","1qwVwNA6bCqOZ8D3AZw2hQuVin1ctjMnOWzVXbgU2jA",{"id":13864,"title":13865,"author":245,"body":13866,"category":13915,"cover":13916,"date":13917,"description":13870,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":13918,"meta":13919,"meta_description":13870,"meta_title":13865,"navigation":236,"path":13920,"seo":13921,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":13922,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":13923},"posts/cathy-bramley-conditional-love-cover-reveal.md","Book Cover Reveal: Conditional Love by Cathy Bramley",{"type":9,"value":13867,"toc":13913},[13868,13871,13876,13888,13891,13896,13902,13905],[12,13869,13870],{},"Today we have a wonderful guest post from the lovely Cathy Bramley announcing the ebook release and new cover for her fantastic novel Conditional Love!",[12,13872,13873],{},[34,13874,13875],{},"Over to Cathy for the big reveal! –",[12,13877,13878,13879,13881,13882,13884,13885,13887],{},"I am thrilled to announce that a new ebook* edition of CONDITIONAL LOVE is being published by Transworld on Friday 5th December.",[774,13880],{},"\nI first published CONDITIONAL LOVE myself on Amazon in October 2013 but now it has had the full Transworld treatment.",[774,13883],{},"\nIt is essentially the same story, with the same characters and the same happy ending. So what is different about it?",[774,13886],{},"\nWell, I feel like my writing has developed since I first wrote it almost two years ago and so when Transworld very kindly gave me the opportunity to re-write it, working closely as usual with my editor, Harriet Bourton, I jumped at the chance. I took on board her editorial comments, sharpened up the narrative, tweaked some of the characters and generally I’ve given the book a more punchy, fast-moving feel.",[12,13889,13890],{},"I am delighted with what Harriet and I have achieved together this year and I hope readers will approve too. And of course the most exciting bit— is the sparkly new cover!",[12,13892,13893],{},[45,13894],{"alt":215,"src":13895},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/CoverofConditionalLovebyCathyBramley.jpg",[12,13897,13898,13899,13901],{},"I must admit I was a bit nervous about having a new cover; I’ve had so much lovely feedback from people about the old cover with the red umbrella. But I needn’t have worried. Illustrator, Kate Forrester, who has designed all the Ivy Lane and Appleby Farm covers, has done an amazing job and honestly can’t stop looking at the new look CONDITIONAL LOVE.",[774,13900],{},"\nWhat do you think?!",[12,13903,13904],{},"*with a paperback edition to follow in 2015",[12,13906,13907,13908],{},"You can purchase your ebook of Conditional Love ",[16,13909,13912],{"href":13910,"rel":13911},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Conditional-Love-Cathy-Bramley-ebook/dp/B00LI55D3K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417771360&sr=8-1&keywords=conditional+love",[20],"Now!!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":13914},[],[226],"/images/2014/12/conditional_love_cathy_bramley_header.jpg","2014-12-05T09:34:00Z","4455",{},"/cathy-bramley-conditional-love-cover-reveal",{"title":13865,"description":13870},"cathy-bramley-conditional-love-cover-reveal","gMCqxOHXWERZCiWqdWpa1CYx-w0ofY8V3yPaOpIZS84",{"id":13925,"title":13926,"author":245,"body":13927,"category":13960,"cover":13933,"date":13961,"description":215,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":13962,"meta":13963,"meta_description":13964,"meta_title":13926,"navigation":236,"path":13965,"seo":13966,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":13967,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":13968},"posts/win-a-festive-treat-christmas-with-billy-and-me.md","Win: A festive treat – Christmas with Billy and Me",{"type":9,"value":13928,"toc":13958},[13929,13937,13940,13943,13949],[12,13930,13931],{},[16,13932,13934],{"href":13933},"/images/2014/12/christmas_with_billy_and_me_cover.jpg",[45,13935],{"alt":13936,"src":13933},"christmas_with_billy_and_me_header",[12,13938,13939],{},"The festive season is upon us and that calls for a seasonal give-away, for your chance to win a paperback copy of Giovanna Fletchers festive novella Christmas with Billy and Me simply comment on this post and let us know what you love the most about Christmas? Follow the steps listed below for multiple entries!",[12,13941,13942],{},"The winner will recieve one paperback copy of Christmas with Billy and Me, and a Lindt chocolate reindeer!",[12,13944,13945],{},[16,13946,12640],{"href":13947,"rel":13948},"http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26870af24/",[20],[12,13950,13951,13952,13954,13955,13957],{},"T&C – Entrants must have a valid UK address in order to recieve the prize, entries from outside of the UK are invalid and will not be included in the prize draw.",[774,13953],{},"\nThe competition and prizes are in no way connected with the author, publisher or chocolatier.",[774,13956],{},"\nClosing date for entries – 15/12/14",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":13959},[],[226],"2014-12-04T07:21:00Z","4422",{},"Win a paperback copy of Giovanna Fletcher's festive novella Christmas with Billy and Me plus a Lindt chocolate reindeer. UK giveaway closes 15/12/14.","/win-a-festive-treat-christmas-with-billy-and-me",{"title":13926,"description":215},"win-a-festive-treat-christmas-with-billy-and-me","LPCYALwG08UZlkAHTyG2qBzmrtvrwpNbjgt31uLhHE0",{"id":13970,"title":13971,"author":245,"body":13972,"category":14240,"cover":14241,"date":14242,"description":13976,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":14243,"meta":14244,"meta_description":14245,"meta_title":14246,"navigation":236,"path":14247,"seo":14248,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":14249,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":14250},"posts/my-festive-reading-list.md","My festive reading list!",{"type":9,"value":13973,"toc":14233},[13974,13977,13980,13983,13986,13994,14021,14027,14032,14035,14041,14049,14058,14075,14080,14085,14093,14102,14118,14123,14126,14129,14134,14142,14151,14168,14173,14176,14179,14182,14187,14195,14204,14220,14225,14230],[12,13975,13976],{},"My to-be-read pile has been growing at an alarming rate and also during what is possibly the most busy and strange time of my life. At the end of this week (December 5th) I start maternity leave, so assuming Baby C stays where he is until his EDD that gives me 3 weeks over the festive period to wind down and get ready for the big day, and we’re not just talking Christmas 😉",[12,13978,13979],{},"However Christmas is my favourite time of year EVER.",[12,13981,13982],{},"It’s not often you can say you have the entire festive period off from work, infact the last time that happened I was 17. So lets make the most of it – I have been saving any new festive reads for my time off and want to know which novels you think I’m missing!",[12,13984,13985],{},"So far I have the following 5 festive reads on my shelf waiting to be read and I cannot wait to get stuck in!",[27,13987,13989],{"id":13988},"number-one",[211,13990,13991],{},[34,13992,13993],{},"Number One",[12,13995,13996,14003,14006,14007,14009,14012,14014,9822,14017],{},[16,13997,14000],{"href":13998,"rel":13999},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1405909978?adid=1FYXBC4AAVK8144FXH6K&camp=1406&creative=6394&creativeASIN=1405909978&linkCode=as1&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[45,14001],{"alt":215,"src":14002},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/my_true_love_gave_to_me_cover.jpg",[34,14004,14005],{},"Publication Date:"," 9th October 2014",[774,14008],{},[34,14010,14011],{},"Author: Stephanie Perkins",[774,14013],{},[34,14015,14016],{},"Buy the book:",[16,14018,768],{"href":14019,"rel":14020},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/My-True-Love-Gave-Me/dp/144727279X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416918725&sr=8-1&keywords=my+true+love+gave+to+me",[20],[12,14022,14023,14026],{},[34,14024,14025],{},"The Blurb:"," A collection of joyful festive stories that will keep you warm during the cold winter months",[12,14028,14029],{},[211,14030,14031],{},"On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me . . .",[12,14033,14034],{},"This beautiful collection features twelve gorgeously romantic stories set during the festive period, by some of the most talented and exciting YA authors writing today. The stories are filled with the magic of first love and the magic of the holidays.",[12,14036,14037,14040],{},[34,14038,14039],{},"Why I chose it:"," First of all this book looks absolutely stunning and you’re getting twelve festive romance stories from twelve different authors, all of whom are fantastic. The likes of David Levithan and Rainbow Rowell reside within the pages of this novel and I’ve been on tenter hooks trying not to start it too early!",[27,14042,14044],{"id":14043},"number-two",[211,14045,14046],{},[34,14047,14048],{},"Number Two",[12,14050,14051],{},[16,14052,14055],{"href":14053,"rel":14054},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Billy-Me-short-story-ebook/dp/B00MYMESX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416919517&sr=8-1&keywords=christmas+with+billy+and+me",[20],[45,14056],{"alt":215,"src":14057},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/christmas_with_billy_and_me_cover.jpg",[12,14059,14060,14062,14063,14065,14068,14070,9822,14072],{},[34,14061,14005],{}," 6th November 2014",[774,14064],{},[34,14066,14067],{},"Author: Giovanna Fletcher",[774,14069],{},[34,14071,14016],{},[16,14073,768],{"href":14053,"rel":14074},[20],[12,14076,14077,14079],{},[34,14078,14025],{}," Christmas has come to Rosefont Hill and it’s destined to be a particularly special festive season for Sophie May. When a smitten stranger emails Sophie to ask her if he can propose to the woman he loves in her little teashop, the romantic in her finds it impossible to refuse. Even though Christmas is her busiest time of year she has her own sweetheart, Hollywood actor Billy Buskin, to lend a helping hand. How could she say no to making someone’s dream come true?As Sophie and Billy work together to plan the perfect fairytale proposal for this couple, excitement in Rosefont Hill is mounting. Who is this mysterious man? And who is the lucky lady he’s about to get down on one knee for?",[12,14081,14082,14084],{},[34,14083,14039],{}," If you know me then you’ll know how much I loved Billy and Me and to combine this with my love of Christmas couldn’t be more perfect! I’ve been waiting to be reunited with Sophie and Billy for a while now and can’t wait to immerse myself in this festive novella.",[27,14086,14088],{"id":14087},"number-three",[211,14089,14090],{},[34,14091,14092],{},"Number Three",[12,14094,14095],{},[16,14096,14099],{"href":14097,"rel":14098},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Christmas-Knit-Off/dp/0007597363/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417524351&sr=8-1&keywords=great+christmas+knit+off",[20],[45,14100],{"alt":215,"src":14101},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/the_great_christmas_knit_off_cover.jpg",[12,14103,14104,14062,14106,14108,14111,14113,9822,14115],{},[34,14105,14005],{},[774,14107],{},[34,14109,14110],{},"Author: Alexandra Brown",[774,14112],{},[34,14114,14016],{},[16,14116,768],{"href":14097,"rel":14117},[20],[12,14119,14120,14122],{},[34,14121,14025],{}," The perfect seasonal tale of how laughter, friends and wacky Christmas jumpers can mend a broken heart. For fans of Trisha Ashley and Jenny Colgan.",[12,14124,14125],{},"Heartbroken after being jilted at the altar, Sybil has been saved from despair by her knitting obsession and now her home is filled to bursting with tea cosies, bobble hats, and jumpers. But, after discovering that she may have perpetrated the cock-up of the century at work, Sybil decides to make a hasty exit and, just weeks before Christmas, runs away to the picturesque village of Tindledale.",[12,14127,14128],{},"There, Sybil discovers Hettie’s House of Haberdashery, an emporium dedicated to the world of knitting and needle craft. But Hettie, the outspoken octogenarian owner, is struggling and now the shop is due for closure. And when Hettie decides that Sybil’s wonderfully wacky Christmas jumpers are just the thing to add a bit of excitement to her window display, something miraculous starts to happen…",[12,14130,14131,14133],{},[34,14132,14039],{}," Having read Christmas at Carrington’s last year I couldn’t resist buying Alexandra Browns latest festive addition, her books are filled with humour and I’m sure this will help me get into the Christmas spirit! Plus, just look at that cover!",[27,14135,14137],{"id":14136},"number-four",[211,14138,14139],{},[34,14140,14141],{},"Number Four",[12,14143,14144],{},[16,14145,14148],{"href":14146,"rel":14147},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jenny-Lopez-Saves-Christmas-Heart-ebook/dp/B00BOCXFJ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417524555&sr=8-1&keywords=jenny+lopez+saves+christmas",[20],[45,14149],{"alt":215,"src":14150},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/jenny_lopez_saves_christmas.jpg",[12,14152,14153,14155,14156,14158,14161,14163,9822,14165],{},[34,14154,14005],{}," 22nd May 2014",[774,14157],{},[34,14159,14160],{},"Author: Lindsey Kelk",[774,14162],{},[34,14164,14016],{},[16,14166,768],{"href":14146,"rel":14167},[20],[12,14169,14170,14172],{},[34,14171,14025],{}," I Heart short story: a new short story (ebook only) starring Jenny Lopez. From the bestselling author of What a Girl Wants and I Heart Christmas.",[12,14174,14175],{},"Jenny Lopez has had a rubbish twelve months. Determined to turn her festive frown upside down, she plots an escape to Vermont, the best Christmas tree the world has ever seen and more bottles of champagne than is legal to transport across state lines. Someone’s got to cheer up her friend Angela’s holiday season.",[12,14177,14178],{},"Nothing goes according to plan,starting with work and ending with her travelling companion. But this is Jenny Lopez. She’s going to have the best Christmas known to man, even if it means dragging a turkey three miles in the snow.",[12,14180,14181],{},"Single-handedly and in an inappropriate outfit Jenny Lopez is determined to save Christmas. Whether it likes it or not.",[12,14183,14184,14186],{},[34,14185,14039],{}," Lindsey Kelk has a knack for writing novels that leave me on the verge of literally wetting myself, she is hilarious. Last year I read I Heart Christmas, it was the first of the I Heart series that I had read but certainly not the last as this spurred me into a frenzy to back track and read them all. Jenny Lopez won’t let me down and I hope to see Angela along the way.",[27,14188,14190],{"id":14189},"number-five",[211,14191,14192],{},[34,14193,14194],{},"Number Five",[12,14196,14197],{},[16,14198,14201],{"href":14199,"rel":14200},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Solomons-Kitten-Sheila-Jeffries/dp/1471137597/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417524237&sr=8-1&keywords=solomons+kitten",[20],[45,14202],{"alt":215,"src":14203},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/solomons_kitten_cover.jpg",[12,14205,14206,14155,14208,14210,14213,14215,9822,14217],{},[34,14207,14005],{},[774,14209],{},[34,14211,14212],{},"Author: Sheila Jeffries",[774,14214],{},[34,14216,14016],{},[16,14218,768],{"href":14199,"rel":14219},[20],[12,14221,14222,14224],{},[34,14223,14025],{}," ‘This is a special kitten. She has come to heal.’ Moments after she is born, tiny kitten Tallulah, with her bright eyes and silver and white fur edged with gold, is whisked away from her father Solomon and dumped in the hedge like rubbish. After a tough start to life, neglected and abandoned, Tallulah eventually finds a new home with the Lee family and forms a special bond with their daughter Tammy. But Tammy has a terrible secret and Tallulah must do all in her power to keep the family safe. Moving, uplifting and inspiring, Solomon’s Kitten is the story of a cat who heals a family, and explores the true gift an animal can bring to our lives.",[12,14226,14227,14229],{},[34,14228,14039],{}," Last Christmas I read the heart-warming Solomon’s Tale and this year Sheila brings us Solomon’s Kitten, as a Christmas loving cat lady I can’t see where this could go wrong? I’m not sure how it will differ from Solomon’s Tale, but I sure can’t wait to find out.",[12,14231,14232],{},"So now the ultimate question is, which festive reads am I missing? Do you have any must-reads that I should add to my list? Let me know in the comments 🙂",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":14234},[14235,14236,14237,14238,14239],{"id":13988,"depth":216,"text":13993},{"id":14043,"depth":216,"text":14048},{"id":14087,"depth":216,"text":14092},{"id":14136,"depth":216,"text":14141},{"id":14189,"depth":216,"text":14194},[226],"/images/2014/12/festive_Reading_list_cover.jpg","2014-12-03T08:58:00Z","4403",{},"Festive reading list featuring Christmas books including My True Love Gave to Me, Christmas with Billy and Me, and The Great Christmas Knit Off.","Festive Reading List - Christmas Books to Read","/my-festive-reading-list",{"title":13971,"description":13976},"my-festive-reading-list","NIeUFZDQItq-yy4ETk2tGpMYHXI8sTudv-NHUg5EQXc",{"id":14252,"title":14253,"author":245,"body":14254,"category":14302,"cover":14303,"date":14304,"description":14258,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":14305,"meta":14306,"meta_description":14307,"meta_title":14253,"navigation":236,"path":14308,"seo":14309,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":14310,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":14311},"posts/water-baby-pregnancy-drinks.md","WaterBaby Pregnancy Drinks Review: Folic Acid & Hydration",{"type":9,"value":14255,"toc":14300},[14256,14259,14267,14274,14277,14294,14297],[12,14257,14258],{},"I wanted to share with you one of the things that has been a must for me so far throughout my pregnancy and an absolute god send when trying to keep down folic acid pills as you tackle morning sickness. This is something I came across when searching for different forms of folic acid as I was worried the baby wouldn’t be benefitting enough while I was experiencing a bout of morning sickness, its worked so well that I’ve continued to drink it through the rest of the pregnancy.",[12,14260,14261,14266],{},[16,14262,14265],{"href":14263,"rel":14264},"http://www.waterbaby.co/",[20],"WaterBaby"," is a low calorie hydrating pregnancy drink designed to provide you with 100% of your daily intake of Folic Acid, it also contains a blend of vitamins including zinc, calcium and b vitamins.",[12,14268,14269,14273],{},[45,14270],{"alt":14271,"src":14272},"water_baby","/images/2014/11/water_baby.jpg","I’ve been loving WaterBaby as its easy to grab a bottle on the go in the morning without remembering to take pills and also giving you the added element of hydration, when experiencing a few weeks of morning sickness and prenatal vitamins wouldn’t stay down this was the perfect solution and its also really refreshing.",[12,14275,14276],{},"The drinks are available in 3 flavours named Bloom (Cranberry) Care (Citrus) and Calm (Ginger & Lemon), my favourites have been Bloom and Care so far, the citrus is definitely the most refreshing of the three and helped me through my sickness.",[12,14278,14279,14280,14283,14284,14288,14289,14293],{},"You can purchase ",[16,14281,14265],{"href":14263,"rel":14282},[20]," on ",[16,14285,2130],{"href":14286,"rel":14287},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=bl_sr_grocery?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=WaterBaby+Pregnancy+Care+Drink&index=grocery&search-type=ss",[20]," in packs of 12 from ",[16,14290,14292],{"href":14286,"rel":14291},[20],"£14.67  ","I also came across some bottles in Poundland, surprising priced at £1 per bottle but not all flavours were available. 😉",[12,14295,14296],{},"It’s definitely a great sickness companion between nibbling on those ginger biscuits.",[12,14298,14299],{},"Have you tried anything different to help while experiencing morning all day sickness?",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":14301},[],[2140,226,11379],"/images/2014/11/water_baby_cover.jpg","2014-11-21T12:56:00Z","4322",{},"WaterBaby pregnancy drinks review. Low-calorie hydration with 100% daily folic acid, vitamins, and minerals. Perfect alternative during morning sickness.","/water-baby-pregnancy-drinks",{"title":14253,"description":14258},"water-baby-pregnancy-drinks","ZihPn03VTRQjN-Iie7OiEkZ0bFaqB4O5wER63KoHpQg",{"id":14313,"title":14314,"author":245,"body":14315,"category":14404,"cover":14405,"date":14406,"description":215,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":14407,"meta":14408,"meta_description":14409,"meta_title":14314,"navigation":236,"path":10722,"seo":14410,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":14411,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":14412},"posts/bibee-maternity-dresses.md","Why I Love Bibee Maternity & Nursing Dresses",{"type":9,"value":14316,"toc":14402},[14317,14324,14329,14336,14341,14348,14353,14356,14359,14362,14369,14377,14384,14391,14394,14397],[12,14318,14319],{},[16,14320,14322],{"href":13668,"rel":14321,"title":13670},[20],[45,14323],{"alt":215,"src":13673},[12,14325,14326],{},[16,14327,13679],{"href":13668,"rel":14328,"title":13670},[20],[12,14330,14331],{},[16,14332,14334],{"href":13684,"rel":14333,"title":13686},[20],[45,14335],{"alt":215,"src":13689},[12,14337,14338],{},[16,14339,13695],{"href":13684,"rel":14340,"title":13686},[20],[12,14342,14343],{},[16,14344,14346],{"href":13700,"rel":14345,"title":13702},[20],[45,14347],{"alt":215,"src":13705},[12,14349,14350],{},[16,14351,13711],{"href":13700,"rel":14352,"title":13702},[20],[12,14354,14355],{},"One thing I have been reluctant to do throughout my pregnancy is clothes shopping, which is unusual. Given the opportunity to go shopping I would usually have no trouble parting with my money but when pregnant I’ve found it can be very difficult.",[12,14357,14358],{},"I’ve been avoiding spending a lot on items that would be of no use to me once our baby is here and have struggled to find items that have suited my style without looking too mumsy or frumpy.",[12,14360,14361],{},"When asked if I would like to try Bibee Dresses I was intrigued by what their products had to offer, most importantly because they aren’t just a range of maternity wear, Bibee Dresses have been designed with two purposes in mind as they are also intended for nursing. Therefore it’s not something that would be obsolete and slung in the back of the wardrobe after having given birth, they are actually very practical multipurpose dresses!",[12,14363,14364,14368],{},[45,14365],{"alt":14366,"src":14367},"bibee_dresses_2","/images/2014/11/bibee_dresses_2.jpg","The above dress is the Geometric print Bibee Dress which retails at £65The dresses are designed to fit your ever changing body throughout pregnancy and I’ve found them to be the most comfortable items I’ve had so far, the best part is I don’t have to worry about them being of no use in 6 weeks time. This is perfect for myself as I do plan to breastfeed but hadn’t actually thought about the practicality of my clothing until now. This is where the Bibee itself comes in, a interchangeable dress front that buttons onto the dress giving you both the option of creating many different styles with the dress but also for easy access when breastfeeding. Of course I haven’t tested the breastfeeding element of the dresses yet but I can’t wait to see how practical they really are.",[12,14370,14371],{},[16,14372,14374],{"href":13787,"rel":14373},[20],[45,14375],{"alt":215,"src":14376},"http://bibeedresses.co.uk/bibeedresses/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/bibeedresses-making-fun-logo.jpg",[12,14378,14379,14383],{},[45,14380],{"alt":14381,"src":14382},"bibee_dresses_5","/images/2014/11/bibee_dresses_5.jpg","The above dress is the Geometric print Bibee Dress which retails at £65I took the Geometric print Bibee Dress on my travels over the weekend and found it to be very comfortable when spending 6 hours hopping from train to train with my 8-month bump! The quality of the product is fantastic and very versatile whilst not costing the earth, the fabric, in particular, feels like good quality thick material that is made to last. Considering these items will take me from my pregnancy through to breastfeeding and beyond I wish I’d known about them sooner. I also loved choosing which combination to wear for the day!",[12,14385,14386,13140,14388,13146],{},[45,14387],{"alt":13154,"src":13155},[16,14389,13145],{"href":13143,"rel":14390},[20],[12,14392,14393],{},"As a Bibee ambassador, I’m pleased to offer all of my readers 15% off of Bibee dresses! Just use the code ‘lee lee’ at the checkout to receive your discount + free p&p!",[12,14395,14396],{},"Stay tuned for my next post to see the different ways I’ve been styling my Bibee dress & tunic using 3 Bibees attachments.",[12,14398,14399],{},[211,14400,14401],{},"Disclaimer: For the purpose of this review, I received the Bibee dress & tunic free of charge however all opinions are 100% my own and honest",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":14403},[],[2140,226,11379],"/images/2014/11/bibee_dresses_cover_2.jpg","2014-11-20T09:01:00Z","4344",{},"Bibee maternity and nursing dresses review. Comfortable, versatile designs with interchangeable fronts for pregnancy and breastfeeding. 15% discount code.",{"title":14314,"description":215},"bibee-maternity-dresses","7sWcg9xUQ9iVfNRF0MkMk9FssKqXQNx07Wg211JugTo",{"id":14414,"title":14415,"author":245,"body":14416,"category":14563,"cover":14564,"date":14565,"description":14420,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":14566,"meta":14567,"meta_description":14568,"meta_title":14569,"navigation":236,"path":14570,"seo":14571,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":14572,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":14573},"posts/our-thoughts-on-sassy-bloom.md","Review: Sassy Bloom",{"type":9,"value":14417,"toc":14561},[14418,14421,14424,14427,14434,14444,14447,14452,14465,14478,14491,14494,14507,14510,14525,14540,14543,14546,14558],[12,14419,14420],{},"We were given the opportunity to try Sassy Bloom and when our first our first box arrived I couldn’t wait to find out what was inside!",[12,14422,14423],{},"Sassy Bloom is a subscription box aimed at women during their third trimester of Pregnancy up until your child is two, each box is tailored to your child based on their age and gender, their are also personalised items that include their name! We don’t have a name yet, but the idea of future boxes with such items is exciting.",[12,14425,14426],{},"A single monthly box is charged at £29, so you can buy a one-off gift or one box just to try for yourself. However if you subscribe to one of the packages from between 3 and 12 months you can get them for as little as £22.15 per month, each box will always contain over £40 worth of goodies suited to your needs. I was amazed when ours came to an overall value of £48.99. Some of the items were absolutely perfect for us!",[12,14428,14429,14430,14433],{},"You can get your own Sassy Bloom box with £10 off using the code ",[34,14431,14432],{},"BLG-LEE"," and the link below!",[12,14435,14436,14439,14443],{},[34,14437,14438],{},"Here’s what we thought of our box –",[45,14440],{"alt":14441,"src":14442},"Sassy_Bloom_Box","/images/2014/11/Sassy_Bloom_Box.jpg","Firstly our box came addressed to the baby, which was adorable. The box itself is presented beautifully and comes wrapped in an organza bow, also handy for any crafty folk to keep and reuse, that’s what I’ll be doing!",[12,14445,14446],{},"Under the fold of the box is this very sweet message ‘hand picked happiness’ showing that a lot of thought has gone into the process of packaging the Sassy Bloom boxes, even down to the design of the box itself. Everything inside comes wrapped in a fresh white tissue paper with a SB sticker giving it that luxury feel.",[12,14448,14449],{},[34,14450,14451],{},"What’s in our box?",[12,14453,14454,14458,14459,14464],{},[45,14455],{"alt":14456,"src":14457},"Sassy_Bloom_Kaloo","/images/2014/11/Sassy_Bloom_Kaloo.jpg","Kaloo Sweet Life DouDou Patchwork Bear – RRP £18.00 – ",[16,14460,14463],{"href":14461,"rel":14462},"http://www.kaloo.comThis",[20],"www.kaloo.comThis"," cute patchwork bear came in its own fancy little box and is covered in bold bright colours and varying textures. I think Baby C is going to love this! I know I do and it’s something I probably wouldn’t have thought to purchase, also a brand I hadn’t heard of before.",[12,14466,14467,14471,14472,14477],{},[45,14468],{"alt":14469,"src":14470},"Sassy_Bloom_little_bird_car","/images/2014/11/Sassy_Bloom_little_bird_car.jpg","Little Bird Told Me Baby Car Sign – RRP 6.00 – ",[16,14473,14476],{"href":14474,"rel":14475},"http://www.littlebirdtoldme.co.ukThis",[20],"www.littlebirdtoldme.co.ukThis"," has to be one of my favourite items from our Sassy Bloom box, It was the same day our box arrived that I had mentioned how we would need to buy a little hanger for the car window and now we have one! He’s a very cute snail and will do the job perfectly. This led to me looking at further products from the brand, where I discovered you can get a sit-on rocking snail, I really think I love him.",[12,14479,14480,14484,14485,14490],{},[45,14481],{"alt":14482,"src":14483},"Sassy_Bloom_Sock_Ons","/images/2014/11/Sassy_Bloom_Sock_Ons1.jpg","Sock Ons White 0-6 Months RRP £6.00 – ",[16,14486,14489],{"href":14487,"rel":14488},"http://www.sockons.co.ukSock",[20],"www.sockons.co.ukSock"," Ons are a nifty little invention designed to be worn over baby socks to stop them falling off, apparently baby socks come off a lot. This must be why I always see babies out and about with one sock on their foot and one in their mouth!",[12,14492,14493],{},"I’ll be trying these out on Baby C and making sure we don’t lose any of those tiny socks I’ve been obsessing over for months.",[12,14495,14496,14500,14501,14506],{},[45,14497],{"alt":14498,"src":14499},"Sassy_Bloom_Beaba_Bubble","/images/2014/11/Sassy_Bloom_Beaba_Bubble.jpg","Beaba Scissors – RRP £3.99 – ",[16,14502,14505],{"href":14503,"rel":14504},"http://www.beaba.com/enOne",[20],"www.beaba.com/enOne"," item I hadn’t yet thought of buying for Baby C is grooming essentials, our Sassy box just so happened to include these brilliant Beaba Bubble Nail Scissors.",[12,14508,14509],{},"They come with a case and also a protective guard so you can safely trim those tiny but very sharp & scratchy baby nails. I imagine it’s going to be a very fiddly job, much like trimming the cats claws but potentially less dangerous, so this is yet another item in the box that will be of great use to us.",[12,14511,14512,14518,14519,14524],{},[16,14513,14515],{"href":14514},"/images/2014/11/Sassy_Bloom_Oil.jpg",[45,14516],{"alt":14517,"src":14514},"Sassy_Bloom_Oil","Bloom Bump & Baby Stretch Mark Defense Body Oil – RRP £14.00 – ",[16,14520,14523],{"href":14521,"rel":14522},"http://www.bloombumpandbaby.co.uThe",[20],"www.bloombumpandbaby.co.uThe"," Bloom Bump Oil smells lovely and sinks into your skin really well, I found it perfect for massaging my bump. It’s really relaxing too. As for the benefits of reducing / preventing stretch marks I don’t have any yet but have been using products religiously so we’ll see how that goes. I’ve been told they can creep up at the very last second or even after birth! Blimey.",[12,14526,14527,14533,14534,14539],{},[16,14528,14530],{"href":14529},"/images/2014/11/Sassy_Bloom_Spa_Tone.jpg",[45,14531],{"alt":14532,"src":14529},"Sassy_Bloom_Spa_Tone","Spatone Liquid Iron Supplement – RRP £1.00 – ",[16,14535,14538],{"href":14536,"rel":14537},"http://www.nelsonsnaturalworld.comThe",[20],"www.nelsonsnaturalworld.comThe"," last item in our box was a sachet of Spatone liquid iron supplement, I’ve got a whopping big box of these that I’ve been taking but they’re not apple, so I’ve had to mix them in with fruit juice as the packaging recommends, otherwise it’s a lot like sucking on two-pence pieces! Ew.",[12,14541,14542],{},"With the flavoured version there is no need for this making it easier to take when out and about. I’ll definitely be looking for the flavoured version next time after trying this.",[12,14544,14545],{},"Overall I found the Sassy Bloom box to be of great value and filled with items I might not normally choose to purchase but also wouldn’t have heard of otherwise, all of the products in our box are suited to us and I was surprised to find we actually have a use/need for each of them. I think Baby C definitely approved as the kicks and wiggles were paramount whilst we waded through the goodies. I’d recommend the boxes to any mums as receiving a box full of fun every month for you and your little one is the perfect treat, I think we’ll be enjoying more boxes in the future once Baby is here to share the surprise too!",[12,14547,14548,14549,14551,14552,14557],{},"Baby C and I are excited to offer you the opportunity to get £10 off of your first box using the code ",[34,14550,14432],{}," over at ",[16,14553,14556],{"href":14554,"rel":14555},"http://www.sassybloom.com",[20],"www.sassybloom.com"," so you too can see what the excitement is all about.",[12,14559,14560],{},"Have you tried any of the products that were in my box? Let me know what you think!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":14562},[],[2140,226,11379],"/images/2014/11/Sassy_Bloom_Cover.jpg","2014-11-05T12:12:00Z","4274",{},"Sassy Bloom subscription box review. Tailored baby and pregnancy boxes from third trimester to age two, filled with personalised items worth over £40.","Sassy Bloom Subscription Box Review: Baby & Pregnancy","/our-thoughts-on-sassy-bloom",{"title":14415,"description":14420},"our-thoughts-on-sassy-bloom","mWuNEbOULwJq-XDJ1mIXuERrB036ki73s9jZhj8_joU",{"id":14575,"title":14576,"author":245,"body":14577,"category":14636,"cover":14637,"date":14638,"description":14639,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":14640,"meta":14641,"meta_description":14642,"meta_title":14576,"navigation":236,"path":14643,"seo":14644,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":14645,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":14646},"posts/books-are-my-bag.md","Books are my bag – Favourite bookstore edition",{"type":9,"value":14578,"toc":14634},[14579,14585,14588,14591,14597,14600,14609,14618,14621],[12,14580,14581,14584],{},[34,14582,14583],{},"BOOKS ARE MY BAG"," is a nationwide campaign to celebrate bookshops. This collaboration between publishers, bookshops and authors is the biggest ever promotion of bookshops. For many people bookshops conjure fond images of book readings, in-store cafes and delight at the discovery of a new author. In fact, 56% of all book buying decisions are made by consumers in a bookshop and high street bookshops (both chains and independents) still account for almost 40% of books bought by consumers. Yet, many high street bookshops are under threat.",[12,14586,14587],{},"This october book lovers everywhere have been celebrating their love of books and most important their local book stores, when I was asked what my favourite bookshop was I wanted to answer with a quirky independent store, but the truth is we don’t have one. We have a couple of used book stores in the city which as a lover of popular fiction isn’t ideal for picking up the latest chart topper, we have a book store solely themed around design related books but not fiction.",[12,14589,14590],{},"Taking this into consideration my favourite store would have to be the big dogs that are Waterstones. We have a few of their stores and my favourite has to be on Deansgate in Manchester city centre, it’s a large store with the most majestic black, floor to ceiling bookcases. I could easily spend hours browsing and lose track of time.",[12,14592,14593],{},[45,14594],{"alt":14595,"src":14596},"books_are_my_bag_1","/images/2014/10/books_are_my_bag_1.jpg",[12,14598,14599],{},"To celebrate Books Are My Bag I took my tote off to my favourite store to see if I could pick up something special to read!",[12,14601,14602,14606,14608],{},[45,14603],{"alt":14604,"src":14605},"my_true_love_gave_to_me","/images/2014/10/my_true_love_gave_to_me.jpg",[774,14607],{},"\nMy first purchase was this ever so beautiful copy of My True Love Gave to Me, 12 festive short stories written by a selection of fantastic authors including favourite such as David Levithan and Rainbow Rowell! I’m saving this book for the start of my maternity leave mid-December so I can really enjoy it. Hopefully next to the Christmas tree!",[12,14610,14611,14615,14617],{},[45,14612],{"alt":14613,"src":14614},"peepo","/images/2014/10/peepo.jpg",[774,14616],{},"\nI also purchased this very cute board book copy of Peepo, of course this isn’t for me, it’s for our impending arrival. It’s so easy to get carried away buying your own favourite childhood books! I’ve already been reading this to the bump and apparently he’s a fan!",[12,14619,14620],{},"Let us know in the comments below if you have any special book stores in your town and what it is you love about them, and tell us what you’re reading!",[12,14622,14623,14624,14629,14630],{},"You can learn more about ",[16,14625,14628],{"href":14626,"rel":14627},"http://www.booksaremybag.com/",[20],"Books Are My Bag"," and purchase your own tote at ",[16,14631,14633],{"href":14626,"rel":14632},[20],"booksaremybag.com",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":14635},[],[226],"/images/2014/10/books_are_my_bag_cover.jpg","2014-10-31T14:14:00Z","BOOKS ARE MY BAG is a nationwide campaign to celebrate bookshops. This collaboration between publishers, bookshops and authors is the biggest ever promotion of bookshops. For many people bookshops conjure fond images of book readings, in-store cafes and delight at the discovery of a new author. In fact, 56% of all book buying decisions are made by consumers in a bookshop and high street bookshops (both chains and independents) still account for almost 40% of books bought by consumers. Yet, many high street bookshops are under threat.","4223",{},"Books Are My Bag campaign celebrating bookshops. My favourite is Waterstones Deansgate Manchester with majestic floor-to-ceiling bookcases.","/books-are-my-bag",{"title":14576,"description":14639},"books-are-my-bag","t_KC6ZWURaoYbaNCvMzwwiPVKTDWZfbIPOpGHKODc6U",{"id":14648,"title":14649,"author":245,"body":14650,"category":14767,"cover":14768,"date":14769,"description":14654,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":14770,"meta":14771,"meta_description":14772,"meta_title":14649,"navigation":236,"path":14773,"seo":14774,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":14775,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":14776},"posts/mamas-papas-armadillo-flip-preview-event.md","Preview: Mamas & Papas Armadillo Flip",{"type":9,"value":14651,"toc":14765},[14652,14655,14664,14667,14670,14675,14681,14687,14699,14705,14711,14722,14728,14734,14740,14746,14752,14761],[12,14653,14654],{},"I was fortunate enough to be invited by mamas & papas to attend a preview of the new armadillo Flip along with some other lovely blogger ladies. I’d heard a lot about this product and they have been raving about it via social media, so I headed down to the Trafford centre on Thursday evening to see what all the fuss about!",[12,14656,14657,14661,14663],{},[45,14658],{"alt":14659,"src":14660},"mamas&papas_cake","/images/2014/10/mamaspapas_cake.jpg",[774,14662],{},"\nUpon arrival I received a bag containing information about the product, a m&p biscuit and a super sparkly cupcake.",[12,14665,14666],{},"The lovely Sharon performed a demonstration of the product and we all had the opportunity to play with it, everyone there was impressed with the Flip and a few even ordered one there and then!",[12,14668,14669],{},"The new armadillo flip has some really nifty features that aren’t on the original armadillo. The flip boasts a longer seat than most push chairs and quite possibly the largest hood I have ever seen. Perfect for when the paparazzi are chasing you down the supermarket isles and you want to hide your precious baby, or for that all important sun protection, its great for either! Definitely no need to purchase any extra shades with a hood so big. You have the option of adding a carrycot or attaching your carseat making this a travel system you can use from birth. You can also purchase accessories such as winter pods, foot muffs and order different coloured fabrics as spares as with most m&p pushchairs.",[12,14671,14672],{},[34,14673,14674],{},"So, whats all the fuss about? –",[12,14676,14677],{},[45,14678],{"alt":14679,"src":14680},"Armadillo_Flip_Hood","/images/2014/10/Armadillo_Flip_Hood.jpg",[12,14682,14683,14686],{},[34,14684,14685],{},"1."," Super XXXL Hood for hiding from the papz!",[12,14688,14689,14693,14695,14698],{},[45,14690],{"alt":14691,"src":14692},"Armadillo_Flip_Seat","/images/2014/10/Armadillo_Flip_Seat.jpg",[774,14694],{},[34,14696,14697],{},"2."," Longer seat than than your average push chair seating children up to 15 KG with wiggle room",[12,14700,14701],{},[45,14702],{"alt":14703,"src":14704},"Armadillo_Flip_Fold","/images/2014/10/Armadillo_Flip_Fold.jpg",[12,14706,14707,14710],{},[34,14708,14709],{},"3."," The amazing one handed fold of both chassis and seat, whether your seat is set to parent or world facing",[12,14712,14713,14717,14719,14721],{},[45,14714],{"alt":14715,"src":14716},"Armadillo_Flip_Flat","/images/2014/10/Armadillo_Flip_Flat.jpg",[774,14718],{},[34,14720,14709],{}," So small you can fit it into the boot of a Fiat500!",[12,14723,14724],{},[45,14725],{"alt":14726,"src":14727},"Armadillo_Flip_Car_Seat","/images/2014/10/Armadillo_Flip_Car_Seat.jpg",[12,14729,14730,14733],{},[34,14731,14732],{},"4."," The ability to attach your car seat for those early days and quick trips to the local shop",[12,14735,14736],{},[45,14737],{"alt":14738,"src":14739},"Armadillo_Flip_Carrycot","/images/2014/10/Armadillo_Flip_Carrycot.jpg",[12,14741,14742,14745],{},[34,14743,14744],{},"5."," The option of a carrycot making the armadillo a full travel system from birth!",[12,14747,14748,14749,14751],{},"Overall I was really impressed by the armadillo flip and felt myself wanting one!",[774,14750],{},"\nWe don’t even have a baby yet but It was so lightweight and easy to use It’s certainly one to consider if you’re looking for a push chair that is both lightweight and easy to fold, it’s particularly handy having the ability to fold with one hand as you can keep a hold of toddlers or bags at the same time.",[12,14753,14754,14755,14760],{},"You can find out more about the armadillo flip and ",[16,14756,14759],{"href":14757,"rel":14758},"http://www.mamasandpapas.com/cat/armadillo-flip/",[20],"order yours here"," – They won’t be available until early November!",[12,14762,14763],{},[45,14764],{"alt":13647,"src":13648},{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":14766},[],[226],"/images/2014/10/armadillo_flip_cover.jpg","2014-10-27T17:45:00Z","4175",{},"Mamas & Papas Armadillo Flip preview event review. Lightweight pushchair with one-handed fold, XXL hood, and compact boot storage. Available November 2014.","/mamas-papas-armadillo-flip-preview-event",{"title":14649,"description":14654},"mamas-papas-armadillo-flip-preview-event","7BHk4Gn9Ec5xnlkdGNkHy7v-0gRU_SIwbC06smk-Tzk",{"id":14778,"title":14779,"author":245,"body":14780,"category":14866,"cover":14867,"date":14868,"description":14869,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":14870,"meta":14871,"meta_description":14872,"meta_title":14779,"navigation":236,"path":14873,"seo":14874,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":14875,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":14876},"posts/lollipop-4d-baby-scans.md","Review: Lollipop 4D Baby Scans",{"type":9,"value":14781,"toc":14864},[14782,14791,14799,14806,14809,14812,14818,14825,14844,14854,14859],[12,14783,14784,14785,14790],{},"This week we went to ",[16,14786,14789],{"href":14787,"rel":14788},"http://www.lollipop4dbabyscans.co.uk/",[20],"Lollipop 4D Baby Scans"," in the heart of manchester city centre, this was our second visit as the week before baby was in an awkward position and didn’t want to show us much of anything.",[12,14792,14793,14794,14798],{},"After speaking to Liam who is co-owner of ",[16,14795,14797],{"href":14787,"rel":14796},[20],"Lollipop"," with his wife Anna I was able to get my rescan booked in for the following Sunday (October 12th) which was fantastic. It wasn’t until somebody at work pointed it out that I realised this was my birthday! I forgot my own birthday… is this a sign of growing old? I may be 25 but I’m still getting ALL of the dirty looks from people since being pregnant, it must be that youthful face. Hey-ho!",[12,14800,14801,14805],{},[45,14802],{"alt":14803,"src":14804},"lollipop_scan_day","/images/2014/10/lollipop_scan_day.jpg","This was the first time we’ve seen the baby awake and it was amazing, the sheer detail of the 4D scan is astounding and you have to remind yourself that what you’re seeing is actually taking place inside you at that moment in time. Baby spent some time rubbing their nose and opening their mouth which was fascinating to see.",[12,14807,14808],{},"The scan went perfectly and Elizabeth who is the sonographer makes you feel so comfortable, she is very friendly and overall just a really lovely person as was the lady on reception. We were able to finally confirm Baby C’s gender which was a relief, and have a look at them in detail. After the previous week of being cross legged and smushed up this week baby spent a lot of time covering their face, typical! (Is this baby playing games with us?)",[12,14810,14811],{},"But look at that little face! I can’t wait to see it again and give baby a big squish!",[12,14813,14814,14817],{},[45,14815],{"alt":215,"src":14816},"https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1975190_10204037929002567_6591677476005901051_n.jpg?oh=ab52fbfdf98fbc9030ec40eab385dd9f&oe=54AF8009&__gda__=1421055075_74f703b4784be6a7ade446c5fd6630d1","Just to add to how perfect our afternoon was they knew it was my birthday (I’m guessing this was via twitter where I had mentioned going for my scan on my birthday) and had some lovely millies cookies for me, seriously how amazing is that?! I felt well and truly spoilt!",[12,14819,14820,14824],{},[45,14821],{"alt":14822,"src":14823},"lollipop_4d_scan_2","/images/2014/10/lollipop_4d_scan_2.jpg","If you’re looking for somewhere in central Manchester for a 3D/4D scan I can’t recommend Lollipop enough, it’s value for money and the service is brilliant. A very friendly and professional team. Thanks for a truly great experience Lollipop!",[12,14826,14827,14828,14832,14833,307,14838,14843],{},"You can book your own scan via their website at ",[16,14829,14831],{"href":14787,"rel":14830},[20],"www.lollipop4dbabyscans.co.uk"," and catch them over on twitter ",[16,14834,14837],{"href":14835,"rel":14836},"https://twitter.com/Lollipop4dscans",[20],"@Lollipop4dscans",[16,14839,14842],{"href":14840,"rel":14841},"https://www.facebook.com/lollipop4dbabyscans?ref=ts&fref=ts",[20],"Facebook"," if you have any questions!",[12,14845,14846,14848,14851],{},[45,14847],{"alt":13647,"src":13648},[45,14849],{"alt":215,"src":14850},"https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10447853_10204037929482579_1927518896237243485_n.jpg?oh=2e4c04f861e4b1972ebda576ff577efb&oe=54ACF204&__gda__=1420531835_fd90222df54d49073dc701b7c5eefd90",[45,14852],{"alt":215,"src":14853},"https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10613052_10204037928922565_3240864424694152972_n.jpg?oh=b3f3a28642e969c88f3fa1c123634efe&oe=54B3DB1A&__gda__=1425033207_96b2744c5a26170f99d1129e9f2e8d2c",[12,14855,14856],{},[45,14857],{"alt":215,"src":14858},"https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10509577_10204037928962566_2537693279808529833_n.jpg?oh=acb70e6d580019fd9ac913381ed5bf2c&oe=54ED0239&__gda__=1424695404_0de2844f1b96c56e5a73182917fd05f6",[12,14860,14861],{},[45,14862],{"alt":215,"src":14863},"https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1471315_10204037929962591_1796941151126351664_n.jpg?oh=b4b47393e1a1f21ac8804032fef5113c&oe=54B503A9",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":14865},[],[2140,226,11379],"/images/2014/10/lollipop_4d_scan_cover.jpg","2014-10-20T20:22:00Z","This week we went to Lollipop 4D Baby Scans in the heart of manchester city centre, this was our second visit as the week before baby was in an awkward position and didn’t want to show us much of anything.","4119",{},"Lollipop 4D Baby Scans Manchester review. Birthday scan experience with friendly team, detailed photos, and unforgettable glimpse of baby.","/lollipop-4d-baby-scans",{"title":14779,"description":14869},"lollipop-4d-baby-scans","gjYZIzBMeVZCzJ11jqXPCGPBai5qLm1meN_A21pBxFo",{"id":14878,"title":14879,"author":245,"body":14880,"category":14914,"cover":14915,"date":14916,"description":14884,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":14917,"meta":14918,"meta_description":14919,"meta_title":14879,"navigation":236,"path":14920,"seo":14921,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":14922,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":14923},"posts/little-lies-by-liane-moriarty.md","Book Review: Little Lies by Liane Moriarty",{"type":9,"value":14881,"toc":14912},[14882,14885,14888,14893,14896,14899,14902,14906,14909],[12,14883,14884],{},"Jane hasn’t lived anywhere longer than six months since her son was born five years ago. She keeps moving in an attempt to escape her past. Now the idyllic seaside town of Pirriwee has pulled her to its shores and Jane finally feels like she belongs. She has friends in the feisty Madeline and the incredibly beautiful Celeste – two women with seemingly perfect lives . . . and their own secrets behind closed doors.",[12,14886,14887],{},"But then a small incident involving the children of all three women occurs in the playground causing a rift between them and the other parents of the school. Minor at first but escalating fast, until whispers and rumours become vicious and spiteful. It was always going to end in tears, but no one thought it would end in murder . . .",[12,14889,14890],{},[34,14891,14892],{},"What’s it about?",[12,14894,14895],{},"I just love Liane Moriarty’s work and her novels always have me on edge, they’re full of suspense leaving you hanging every step of the way, Lianes writing is the most un-predictable and I’ve yet to encounter a novel written by her that is predictable. I’ve never been able to guess where the plot is leading and that to me is the making of a perfectly written novel.",[12,14897,14898],{},"Little Lies had a surprising start to me, from the outset we are aware that something terrible has happened at a school fundraising event. We know enough to believe that somebody is definitely dead, who they are or what has happened is left completely open through to the very end and you’re not going to know any sooner than when you reach the point in the book where it actually tells you. Guessing what happened is nigh-on impossible!",[12,14900,14901],{},"Once the initial drama of the school fundraiser is over the novel follows a selection of middle-class mums and the everyday life of being a competitive mother, attending school fundraisers and having the smartest children in the school matters. Set in the small coastal town of Piriwee we follow Jane who has just moved to the area with her son, Jane is younger than all the other mothers and doesn’t have a fancy house with a wealthy husband like they do, however Jane soon finds herself being taken under the wings of some lovely ladies and attempting to fit it. It doesn’t take long for things to turn ugly when her son is accused of bullying and the drama begins.",[12,14903,14904],{},[34,14905,11550],{},[12,14907,14908],{},"I know I said in my review of Lianes last novel that it was utterly brilliant and topped her previous works and I hate to repeat myself but I think Little Lies might even stand to top both The Husbands Secret AND What Alice Forgot. I can’t decide, they’re all brilliant and all written to such a high standard. I can’t say either of them is less enjoyable than another but it just feels like with every new novel comes another level to Lianes writing, I feel myself becoming lost when enveloped in one of her books and thats just what I want, reading is supposed to take you away from reality and leave you absorbed in another world entirely.",[12,14910,14911],{},"Little Lies is another breathtaking novel from Liane Moriarty combining elements of murder and crime with Romance, written in such a way that you won’t want to put it down. With each chapter comes a small insight into what happened that night at the school but just enough to keep your interest and leave you guessing, I would highly recommend it.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":14913},[],[226],"/images/2014/10/liane-moriarty-little-lies-cover..jpg","2014-10-17T07:44:00Z","4018",{},"Review of Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. A suspenseful thriller about school mums, secrets, and a shocking murder at a fundraiser.","/little-lies-by-liane-moriarty",{"title":14879,"description":14884},"little-lies-by-liane-moriarty","In5hycE-4bS0zyAA1MLD7TjlssxKNqwlaEtjTYXIlcs",{"id":14925,"title":14926,"author":245,"body":14927,"category":15001,"cover":15002,"date":15003,"description":14931,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":15004,"meta":15005,"meta_description":15006,"meta_title":14926,"navigation":236,"path":15007,"seo":15008,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":15009,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":15010},"posts/the-baby-and-toddler-show-2014.md","The Baby and Toddler Show 2014",{"type":9,"value":14928,"toc":14999},[14929,14932,14939,14946,14953,14956,14959,14970,14977,14984,14987,14990,14993],[12,14930,14931],{},"September 28th saw us make our way down to our local exhibition centre at Event City in Manchester for the Baby and Toddler Show, I’d been waiting for weeks in anticipation of this particular weekend as we planned to buy many of the items on our list there. Unfortunately I failed to take any pictures while at the show as I was in full on mum-to-be mode taking in everything around me and not blogger mode!",[12,14933,14934,14938],{},[45,14935],{"alt":14936,"src":14937},"Baby and Toddler Show Emmas Diary","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/DSC_3000.jpg","Upon arrival we received a token for a our free gift bag, every mum and mum to be who bought a ticket to the show receives one of these. The pack is actually the Emmas Diary Mum to be pack and contains a selection of items such as Johnson’s wipes & lotions and breast pads. Another of the many things I’ve been staring at in shops and avoiding buying just yet, haha.",[12,14940,14941,14945],{},[45,14942],{"alt":14943,"src":14944},"MAM anti-colic bottle ","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/DSC_3018.jpg","Their were also free anti colic bottles on the MAM stand for those who signed up online prior to the event and downloaded a voucher, this was limited to the first 300 people on each day and surprisingly we managed to get one! It’s very cute and has little bunnies on it. These bottles are from MAMs range of very clever self sterilising bottles, you can fill them with water and pop them into the microwave to sterilise without being contained within a sterilising unit. The MAM stand was one of the more professional looking at the show and appeared to be very popular.",[12,14947,14948,14952],{},[45,14949],{"alt":14950,"src":14951},"mamas & papas timbuk tales ","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/DSC_2939.jpg","When we arrived at the show it didn’t take long for me to spot the large ‘mamas & papas’ signs gracing the back of the room where Baby Planet were exhibiting – this is where I intended to buy many of the items I needed and managed to do so with 20% off the RRP – Super!",[12,14954,14955],{},"We have chosen the kit out Baby C’s nursery in the Timbuktales range from m&p after we spent a day trailing all of the baby shops in Manchester to compare quality and design on the current ranges available, typical of me this had to be the most expensive range I came across but the quality and design far outweighed that when compared to others we had seen. So waiting for that extra 20% off was a brilliant idea.",[12,14957,14958],{},"We purchased the cot bumper (although I know their is a lot of controversy around these, we have one!) the nappy stacker and the snuggle blanket.",[12,14960,14961,14965,14969],{},[45,14962],{"alt":14963,"src":14964},"mamas & papas timbuktales ","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/DSC_2954.jpg",[45,14966],{"alt":14967,"src":14968},"mamas & papas timbuktales changing mat","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/DSC_3030.jpg","We also purchased the Timbuktales sheets, cot mobile, changing mat and curtains, I can’t wait to open them all and set up the nursery.",[12,14971,14972,14976],{},[45,14973],{"alt":14974,"src":14975},"mamas & papas donna wilson changing bag","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/DSC_2958.jpg","Also from the m&p stand we purchased the Donna Wilson Fox Leaf print changing, this came with 25% off and retails at £99. We’ve chosen the Donna Wilson edition Urbo 2 as Baby C’s pram so we couldn’t leave without the bag 😉",[12,14978,14979,14983],{},[45,14980],{"alt":14981,"src":14982},"poddle pod","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/DSC_3079.jpg","Another item on my list that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on is the Poddle Pod, I’ve heard so much about these and everyone is singing their praises! We chose the Poddle Pod bundle with a star print cover and fleece green bottom, it looks very snug. After last nights lack of sleep can we get a preggo pod?!",[12,14985,14986],{},"Overall the show was smaller than I had expected and was missing a few brand favourites that I had hoped to come across. Their wasn’t any Gro Bag or Little Green Sheep, I also failed to find Sophie the Giraffe and Ewan the Dream Sheep who were on our list. I’d also hoped to see Medela and learn more about their pumps. I think many of these brands can be seen at The Baby Show in London which is a completely different event all together but a little too far.",[12,14988,14989],{},"We did however manage to meet many other fab brands. Cosatto were there with a huge range of their products which really stood out from the crowd, Lollipop 4D Baby Scans were also there, we had already booked a scan via them prior to the show but their stand looked great. Pampers Pull-Ups had a bus inside the conference centre which looked brilliant and their were also fantastic baby first-aid courses taking place which we stopped by to watch for a little while.",[12,14991,14992],{},"The m&p stand had to be my favourite in terms of practicality as the majority of what I needed was there, the staff were brilliant and even carried our purchases over to the pay point for us. Our choice of pram for baby C also comes from m&p and we were given a great demonstration along with the chance for Phillip to race around the room turning doughnuts with it to pass the dad-to-be test!",[12,14994,14995,14996,14998],{},"I think the show is definitely worth going to if you intend to buy a lot of the larger items, these are where the best savings can be had. Not so much on smaller items or clothing.",[774,14997],{},"\nWe paid £12 for two tickets by using a discount code sent out a few days before the event, for this price and the savings we made it was more than worth it and made a really enjoyable morning out for us parents-to-be.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":15000},[],[2140,226],"/images/2014/10/the-baby-and-toddler-show-cover.jpg","2014-10-14T12:23:00Z","4089",{},"Baby and Toddler Show 2014 review at Event City Manchester. Shopping haul including Mamas & Papas Timbuktales nursery range with 20% discount.","/the-baby-and-toddler-show-2014",{"title":14926,"description":14931},"the-baby-and-toddler-show-2014","5lU-KIz1kzpjyfDzXvHb3ywaswyXo1eVGvxm29CsotM",{"id":15012,"title":15013,"author":245,"body":15014,"category":15057,"cover":15058,"date":15059,"description":15018,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":15060,"meta":15061,"meta_description":15062,"meta_title":15013,"navigation":236,"path":13544,"seo":15063,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":15064,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":15065},"posts/christmas-with-billy-and-me.md","Book Cover Reveal: Christmas with Billy and Me",{"type":9,"value":15015,"toc":15055},[15016,15019,15022,15025,15046],[12,15017,15018],{},"Take a deep breath and get ready because Billy and Sophie are back! Giovanna Fletcher brings us a Christmas themed novella this festive Season and I for one am thrilled to be reunited with a host of such loveable characters especially when my favourite time of year is involved!",[12,15020,15021],{},"I have a terrible habit of making things Christmas themed in my mind even when they aren’t meant to be, so I may have already imagined scenes of Tea on The Hill with a snow-capped rooftop with everyone hugging their hot chocolates and now it’s actually happening! I love a good novella and Christmas brings with it many, this is certainly one to put on the Christmas reading list.",[12,15023,15024],{},"Christmas with Billy and Me is out this November and you can pre-order it now!",[4284,15026,15027,15032,15041],{},[12,15028,15029],{},[34,15030,15031],{},"Join Billy and Sophie for the next chapter of their story by bestselling author Giovanna Fletcher.",[12,15033,15034,15035,15037,15038,15040],{},"Christmas has come to Rosefont Hill and it’s destined to be a particularly special festive season for Sophie May.",[774,15036],{},"\nWhen a smitten stranger emails Sophie to ask her if he can propose to the woman he loves in her little teashop, the romantic in her finds it impossible to refuse. Even though Christmas is her busiest time of year she has her own sweetheart, Hollywood actor Billy Buskin, to lend a helping hand. How could she say no to making someone’s dream come true?",[774,15039],{},"\nAs Sophie and Billy work together to plan the perfect fairytale proposal for this couple, excitement in Rosefont Hill is mounting. Who is this mysterious man? And who is the lucky lady he’s about to get down on one knee for?",[12,15042,15043],{},[34,15044,15045],{},"Giovanna Fletcher’s special Christmas novella is perfect for anyone looking for some seasonal magic.",[12,15047,15048],{},[16,15049,15052],{"href":15050,"rel":15051},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00MYMESX2?creativeASIN=B00MYMESX2&linkCode=w00&linkId=&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[45,15053],{"alt":215,"src":15054},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/christmas-with-billy-and-me.png",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":15056},[],[226],"/images/2014/09/Christmas_with_billy_and_me_thumb.jpg","2014-09-18T11:35:00Z","3911",{},"Cover reveal for Christmas with Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher. A festive novella featuring Billy and Sophie. Out November 2014.",{"title":15013,"description":15018},"christmas-with-billy-and-me","-ZzJchWjksRtEuqhzpRtIx-m6kYxK4r9zGSnow1hS58",{"id":15067,"title":15068,"author":245,"body":15069,"category":15132,"cover":15107,"date":15133,"description":15073,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":15134,"meta":15135,"meta_description":15136,"meta_title":15137,"navigation":236,"path":15138,"seo":15139,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":15140,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":15141},"posts/lucy-robinson-launch-party-the-unfinished-symphony-of-you-and-me.md","Book Event: Lucy Robinson Launch Party – The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me",{"type":9,"value":15070,"toc":15130},[15071,15074,15077,15082,15085,15088,15091,15094,15097,15100,15103,15111,15114,15117,15124],[12,15072,15073],{},"Firstly I know this is so so late, I do apologise!",[12,15075,15076],{},"The 19th of June saw me hop, skip and jump my way onto a train and bust my way to the big city that is our capital, London. Why? Because Lucy flippin Robinson’s new book was launching and she invited me to the party!",[12,15078,15079],{},[45,15080],{"alt":215,"src":15081},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/image001.jpg",[12,15083,15084],{},"After what felt like a very long day walking around London with no idea where I actually wanted to go or what I wanted see (I am terrible when it comes to navigation and London is not my stomping ground) finally party time rolled around.",[12,15086,15087],{},"I headed down to The Schott Music Shop on Great Marlborough street and upon entering found Lucy looking absolutely stunning in the most gorgeous dress with a huge smile on her face, and she was ready celebrate. To my surprise Lucy knew who I was instantly and gave a lovely welcome! The launch kicked off with Lucy giving a reading from her fabulous new novel and then things got crazy, their was opera and it was amazing, their wasn’t a dry eye in sight. It was beautiful and seriously emotional.",[12,15089,15090],{},"The wine was flowing (and water for some of us who were secretly pregnant) I met the lovely ladies from Penguin, Katie & Lydia, I also met many lovely bloggers. You know who you are, and you’re all so nice. I was amazed to see how many authors attended, these guys really do have one another back and come out to support one another.",[12,15092,15093],{},"Lucy and her amazing Opera friends!",[12,15095,15096],{},"Myself and Lucy flipping Robinson! Aaaaaah. Amazing!",[12,15098,15099],{},"I finally met the super lovely Hannah Beckerman! We had a picture taken but Victoria Fox has it, then she started taking selfies ;)",[12,15101,15102],{},"LOOK, So many amazing authors!!!",[12,15104,15105],{},[16,15106,15108],{"href":15107},"/images/2014/09/lucy_robinson_launch_cover.jpg",[45,15109],{"alt":15110,"src":15107},"lucy_robinson_launch_cover",[12,15112,15113],{},"Left to Right – Rosie Blake, Hannah Beckerman, Paige Toon, Lucy Robinson, Victoria Fox, Ali Harris, Michele Gorman, Matt Dunn, Scarlett Bailey, Lulu Taylor, Katy Regan",[12,15115,15116],{},"Overall the entire event was lovely as were all of the bloggers / authors / Penguins I met on the night, a huge thanks to Lucy for inviting me to her fabulous evening!",[12,15118,15119,15120,575],{},"You can ",[16,15121,15123],{"href":15122},"/the-unfinished-symphony-of-you-and-me","read our review of The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me",[12,15125,15126],{},[45,15127],{"alt":15128,"src":15129},"The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me by Lucy Robinson","/images/2014/07/unfinished_symphony_of_you_and_me_lucy_robinson.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":15131},[],[226],"2014-09-17T21:47:00Z","3717",{},"Lucy Robinson book launch party for The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me in London. A memorable evening with authors, bloggers, opera, and celebrations.","Lucy Robinson Book Launch - Unfinished Symphony","/lucy-robinson-launch-party-the-unfinished-symphony-of-you-and-me",{"title":15068,"description":15073},"lucy-robinson-launch-party-the-unfinished-symphony-of-you-and-me","KjLddxF54MSrF-cpyZn3yxEv-MkIg0naafjDjNGzMQI",{"id":15143,"title":15144,"author":245,"body":15145,"category":15229,"cover":15230,"date":15133,"description":15231,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":15232,"meta":15233,"meta_description":15234,"meta_title":15144,"navigation":236,"path":15122,"seo":15235,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":15236,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":15237},"posts/the-unfinished-symphony-of-you-and-me.md","Book Review: The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me",{"type":9,"value":15146,"toc":15227},[15147,15159,15162,15165,15168,15171,15178,15182,15185,15188,15191,15194,15197,15201,15204,15207,15213,15216,15222],[12,15148,15149],{},[34,15150,15151,15154,15155,15158],{},[211,15152,15153],{},"The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me"," by Lucy Robinson, author of ",[211,15156,15157],{},"A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger",", is a wonderfully witty and gorgeously romantic story of facing your fears and falling in love.",[12,15160,15161],{},"Sally is an incredible singer but she sings only in her wardrobe where nobody can hear her. She’d rather join a nudist colony than sing in public.",[12,15163,15164],{},"That is until she ventures to New York where a wild and heady summer of love and loss changes her forever. No longer able to hide in the shadows, Sally must return home to London to fulfill a promise she cannot break – to share her voice.",[12,15166,15167],{},"But just as she’s about to embark on her new life, a beautiful man turns up on Sally’s doorstep bearing a sheepish smile and a mysterious hand-written message.",[12,15169,15170],{},"How did he find her? Why is he here? Does he hold the truth to what happened back in New York? And, with him back on the scene, will she still have the courage to step into the spotlight?",[12,15172,15173],{},[34,15174,15175,15176,575],{},"Laugh out loud and follow your heart with Lucy Robinson’s ",[211,15177,15153],{},[12,15179,15180],{},[34,15181,11550],{},[12,15183,15184],{},"The day we’ve been waiting for finally came, Lucy Robinson shot up from her sick bed and bust out yet another show stopping novel, and you know what? Its bloody brilliant!",[12,15186,15187],{},"The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me is another side splittingly wonderful novel from Lucy Robinson and I wouldn’t have expected anything less. A tale of both love and self discovery with a twist, as always Lucy’s humour is utterly flawless and bursting with belly-laughs throughout.",[12,15189,15190],{},"Following the story of Sally Howlett, an opera aficionado who loves nothing more than belting out opera, from inside her wardrobe. Sally is quiet literally a closet lover of the opera. Although she spends her days working on the wrong side of the curtain as a seamstress at the Opera House, their is a lot more to sally than a needle & thread and everyone is going to know about it.",[12,15192,15193],{},"As we follow Sally and her cousin Fiona on an adventure of self discovery and following dreams we meet a whole host of exceptionally brilliant characters, from instant favourites like Jan Borsos who wins you over from the off with his humour, poor use of English and stories from trekking his way to London while wearing only one shoe. Then their are those who are impossible not to love. For instance, Julian, who will have your belly doing tiny flips. Sally’s too. My favourite has to be Barry of Barry Island. (It’s 110% impossible not to have a Welsh accent in your head while reading Barry!)",[12,15195,15196],{},"Not everything about this book is laugh out loud which is what I usually anticipate when I pick up one of her novels, Lucy has managed to touch base on a rather sensitive subject filled with grief and put it into a novel that is filled with humour. I usually see these as two things that don’t always mix well, but when done by the Robinson it works beautifully.",[12,15198,15199],{},[34,15200,11570],{},[12,15202,15203],{},"I may have read this book many moons ago now, at least two moons anyway. I was one of the first to read it and to my dismay probably one of the last to actually finish their review. I’ve read this book twice in that time through a misty-haze of morning all day sickness and toilet hugging in a bid to keep it all fresh in the forefront of my mind. I don’t know of any authors who have such a way with word as Lucy does, including those that may not be in the dictionary. 😉",[12,15205,15206],{},"Lucy’s writing should come with one of those content warnings you see on TV as you just never know what to expect, one thing for sure is its going to make you laugh, if theirs one thing Lucy does well it’s that.",[12,15208,15209,15212],{},[45,15210],{"alt":215,"src":15211},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/lucy_warning_reference.jpg","The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me will have you rolling with laughter one moment and gasping for air the next. This novel shows us a darker much grittier side to Lucy Robinsons writing, and it’s probably her best yet!",[12,15214,15215],{},"Many thanks to Katie Sheldrake of Penguin for the superb ARC of this book and to Lucy for writing another blooming marvellous read!",[12,15217,15218,15219,575],{},"I was also lucky enough to attend the launch party for this particular novel and you can ",[16,15220,15221],{"href":15138},"read about the Lucy Robinson book launch party",[12,15223,15224],{},[45,15225],{"alt":15226,"src":15107},"Lucy Robinson book launch",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":15228},[],[226],"/images/2014/03/march_14_fave_five.jpg","The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me by Lucy Robinson, author of A Passionate Love Affair with a Total Stranger, is a wonderfully witty and gorgeously romantic story of facing your fears and falling in love.","3922",{},"Review of The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me by Lucy Robinson. A hilarious and heartfelt story about an opera singer finding her voice.",{"title":15144,"description":15231},"the-unfinished-symphony-of-you-and-me","N6hL3heUIS6mzeR33k8cEPqhzPtBRNOWIP-kXxhcp6I",{"id":15239,"title":15240,"author":245,"body":15241,"category":15343,"cover":15344,"date":15345,"description":15247,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":15346,"meta":15347,"meta_description":15348,"meta_title":15240,"navigation":236,"path":15349,"seo":15350,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":15351,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":15352},"posts/author-qa-with-sinead-moriarty.md","Author Interview: Sinead Moriarty",{"type":9,"value":15242,"toc":15339},[15243,15248,15253,15256,15261,15264,15269,15272,15277,15280,15285,15288,15293,15296,15301,15304,15309,15315,15320,15323,15327,15333],[12,15244,15245],{},[34,15246,15247],{},"We caught up with the lovely Sinead Moriarty to ask her some questions about her recent novel Mad about You, which is currently on the Richard & Judy book club list!",[12,15249,15250],{},[34,15251,15252],{},"Mad about You has been chosen for this years Richard & Judy book club, can you tell us a little about the novel?",[12,15254,15255],{},"Mad About You deals with the theme of trust. How much do you really trust your partner? What would you think if your husband began to get sex texts from a strange number? When he protests his innocence and seems genuinely upset, would you believe him? Or would a seed of doubt be planted in your mind? Would that seed grow bigger and would it eventually destroy your relationship?",[12,15257,15258],{},[34,15259,15260],{},"Did Mad about You require a lot of research and how did you go about it?",[12,15262,15263],{},"The idea for the book came to me when I called over to a friend’s house for coffee and her neighbour called in. She began to tell me the story of what had happened in her life when her husband had been stalked by a ‘stranger’. She said it had affected their marriage and as things got progressively worse and the stalking became more aggressive, that it affected her physically as well as emotionally. They eventually found out who the stalker was. It turned out it was someone they knew but would never, in a million years, have suspected. I then read a lot about stalking and talked to more people about their experiences – I was amazed how many people I knew had been stalked in one way or another.",[12,15265,15266],{},[34,15267,15268],{},"Mad about You is part of a series; will we be seeing more of Emma and James in the future?",[12,15270,15271],{},"I don’t know. I think perhaps the story is over, but never say never. I have a very special place in my heart for Emma and James and I really want them to be happy. Maybe I will have to come back and do a ‘what happens next’ but it won’t be for a good few years. In the meantime, I have lots of other ideas for different books (thank God!!)",[12,15273,15274],{},[34,15275,15276],{},"Do you think many readers will identify with Emma, especially if they haven’t read previous novels in the series?",[12,15278,15279],{},"I think Emma is someone that anyone can relate to. She’s a working Mum who has had to emigrate and is feeling lonely, isolated and overwhelmed. I think everyone has felt lonely, isolated and overwhelmed at some point in their lives – I know I have!",[12,15281,15282],{},[34,15283,15284],{},"Which authors, books, or ideas have influenced your writing the most?",[12,15286,15287],{},"Stephen King’s book ‘On Writing’ helped me to get started. It gave me that final push that I needed to stop pontificating and get on with the writing. I recommend it to any and all writers starting out.",[12,15289,15290],{},[34,15291,15292],{},"Writing a novel is like a full time job that you can do from the comfort of your own home, how does an average day in the life of Sinead Moriarty usually go?",[12,15294,15295],{},"I work school hours. So I’m at my desk at 9 and I work until 2.30. I’m very disciplined because I love what I do and also because I have to use my time wisely. After 2.30 I can’t write because I’m tied up with my kids and their endless activities. I really love the quiet time at my desk, disappearing into my plot and characters. It’s such a lovely thing to be able to do – to forget about everything except your story.",[12,15297,15298],{},[34,15299,15300],{},"Since you became a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to happen to you?",[12,15302,15303],{},"Seeing my book in the window of a book shop! My tenth novel, The Secrets Sisters Keep, has just been published in Ireland and I think I was more excited than ever when I saw it in the shop windows. It means so much to see your hard work come to fruition.",[12,15305,15306],{},[34,15307,15308],{},"A lot of writers tend to write from experience, do you see yourself or your experiences in the stories and characters you have created?",[12,15310,15311,15312,15314],{},"My first book – which was about Emma and James – was about their struggle with infertility. It took me four year to get pregnant so the idea to write The Baby Trail did come from personal experience. I wanted to write something funny and sad about the crazy lengths that women go to when they want a baby. I definitely wasn’t as crazy as Emma in The Baby Trail…I swear!",[774,15313],{},"\nBut generally my inspiration comes from life. As I always say, fact is stranger than fiction. I’m always reading, listening and observing when I’m out. I think writers are always looking for ideas that could spark a theme for a new novel. The most important thing is to be passionate about your subject matter.",[12,15316,15317],{},[34,15318,15319],{},"The one thing all book lovers want to know, what are you currently reading and would you recommend it?",[12,15321,15322],{},"I’m reading a lovely book called Almost English by Charlotte Mendelson. My sister recommended it to me and I’m loving it. I also have to recommend Four Letters of Love by Niall Williams, it’s one of my favourite books ever.",[27,15324,15326],{"id":15325},"win-a-copy-of-the-book","Win a copy of the book!",[27,15328,15329],{"id":215},[45,15330],{"alt":15331,"src":15332},"mad_about_you_sinead_moriarty_cover","/images/2014/08/mad_about_you_sinead_moriarty_cover.jpg",[12,15334,15335],{},[16,15336,12640],{"href":15337,"rel":15338},"http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26870af23/",[20],{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":15340},[15341,15342],{"id":15325,"depth":216,"text":15326},{"id":215,"depth":216,"text":215},[226],"/images/2014/08/mad_about_you_thumb.jpg","2014-08-18T11:37:00Z","3780",{},"Author interview with Sinead Moriarty about Mad About You, her Richard & Judy Book Club pick. Exclusive Q&A plus book giveaway.","/author-qa-with-sinead-moriarty",{"title":15240,"description":15247},"author-qa-with-sinead-moriarty","jayCEfQtI0VZe0cu3dW1MS5UUb_0AvCzJxrc1S-4Mx4",{"id":15354,"title":15355,"author":245,"body":15356,"category":15444,"cover":15445,"date":15446,"description":15360,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":15447,"meta":15448,"meta_description":15449,"meta_title":15355,"navigation":236,"path":15450,"seo":15451,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":15452,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":15453},"posts/win-tickets-to-meet-rainbow-rowell-at-london-piccadilly-waterstones.md","Win: Tickets to Meet Rainbow Rowell!",{"type":9,"value":15357,"toc":15442},[15358,15361,15364,15367,15370,15372,15378,15383,15424,15427,15430,15433,15436,15439],[12,15359,15360],{},"The lovely folks at Orion publishing and myself are pleased to host this superb give-away. We are giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets for you and a friend to attend the London Piccadilly Waterstones event where you can meet Rainbow Rowell!",[12,15362,15363],{},"Many of the dates on Rainbows UK tour have SOLD OUT including London so this is a fantastic opportunity to get your hands on a pair of tickets.",[12,15365,15366],{},"All you need to do is follow the raffle instructions below and bag yourself an entry or two!The event is taking place on the 14th of July so please make sure you’re able to attend!",[12,15368,15369],{},"The competition closes on the 10th July at 12pm and a winner will be notified via Orion.",[12,15371,9470],{},[12,15373,15374],{},[16,15375,12640],{"href":15376,"rel":15377},"http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26870a2/",[20],[12,15379,15380],{},[34,15381,15382],{},"Landline is published by Orion TODAY – Get your copy now!",[12,15384,15385,15392,15394,15397,15399,15402,15404,15407,15409],{},[34,15386,15387,15391],{},[45,15388],{"alt":15389,"src":15390},"landline_rainbow_rowell_cover","/images/2014/07/landline_rainbow_rowell_cover.jpg","Title : Landline",[774,15393],{},[34,15395,15396],{},"Author : Rainbow Rowell",[774,15398],{},[34,15400,15401],{},"Publication date : 03 July 2014",[774,15403],{},[34,15405,15406],{},"Publisher : Orion Publishing",[774,15408],{},[34,15410,12124,15411,15415,15417,9822,15419],{},[16,15412,12128],{"href":15413,"rel":15414},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00JDQEEF4?adid=0W2MP93GRBMJW6SM87WV&camp=1406&creative=6394&creativeASIN=B00JDQEEF4&linkCode=as1&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[774,15416],{},[34,15418,12133],{},[16,15420,15423],{"href":15421,"rel":15422},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1409154912?adid=1G87V9RJG74ZHX6NTVDH&camp=1406&creative=6394&creativeASIN=1409154912&linkCode=as1&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],"Amazon HB",[12,15425,15426],{},"Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and he still loves her – but that almost seems besides the point now.",[12,15428,15429],{},"Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells him that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her – he is always a little upset with her – but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.",[12,15431,15432],{},"When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.",[12,15434,15435],{},"That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts…",[12,15437,15438],{},"Is that what she’s supposed to do?",[12,15440,15441],{},"Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":15443},[],[226],"/images/2014/07/rainbow_rowell_tickets.jpg","2014-07-03T08:22:00Z","3725",{},"Win tickets to meet Rainbow Rowell at Waterstones Piccadilly on 14th July. Enter now for this exclusive Landline book event giveaway.","/win-tickets-to-meet-rainbow-rowell-at-london-piccadilly-waterstones",{"title":15355,"description":15360},"win-tickets-to-meet-rainbow-rowell-at-london-piccadilly-waterstones","JGoY7q24MErOUGeNE0H3oxewNapC3fvlxxWgC9PMomQ",{"id":15455,"title":15456,"author":245,"body":15457,"category":15525,"cover":15526,"date":15527,"description":15528,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":15529,"meta":15530,"meta_description":15531,"meta_title":15456,"navigation":236,"path":15532,"seo":15533,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":15534,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":15535},"posts/one-hundred-proposals-by-holly-martin-cover-reveal.md","Book Cover Reveal: One Hundred Proposals by Holly Martin",{"type":9,"value":15458,"toc":15521},[15459,15468,15472,15477,15482,15485,15488,15496,15498,15507,15515],[12,15460,15461,15462,15467],{},"Today we have an exciting cover reveal for the wonderful Holly Martin and her latest novel One Hundred Proposals, publishing by Carina on the 25th June you can ",[16,15463,15466],{"href":15464,"rel":15465},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Hundred-Proposals-Holly-Martin-ebook/dp/B00KDIC5FC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1401308761&sr=1-1&keywords=one+hundred+proposals",[20],"pre – order"," your copy now!",[274,15469,15471],{"id":15470},"the-blurb","The Blurb",[12,15473,15474],{},[34,15475,15476],{},"‘Is there really such a thing as a perfect proposal?",[12,15478,15479],{},[211,15480,15481],{},"Over the next hundred days I intend to find out. I will find one hundred ways to propose to our Chief Proposer Suzie McKenzie and post the results here for your enjoyment. One thing’s for sure, not one of my proposals will be on top of the Eiffel Tower with a dozen red roses.’",[12,15483,15484],{},"Best friends Suzie and Harry are partners in romance. That is, they run the.PerfectProposal.com, coming to the aid of would-be grooms to create the ultimate marriage proposal.",[12,15486,15487],{},"But when Harry decides to catapult the business into the big leagues with a PR stunt all Suzie can see is a hundred days of heartbreak stretching ahead of her. But however exotic the location, or breath-takingly romantic the setting, Suzie has to keep remembering that ‘Marry Me?’ is the one question she can’t say yes to.",[12,15489,15490],{},[34,15491,15492,15493,15495],{},"This business proposal should come with one hundred broken heart warnings…",[774,15494],{},"\nOne hundred proposals, one hundred chances to say yes.",[274,15497,13520],{"id":13519},[12,15499,15500],{},[16,15501,15503],{"href":15464,"rel":15502},[20],[45,15504],{"alt":15505,"src":15506},"9781472097927_Cover","/images/2014/06/9781472097927_Cover-640x1024.jpg",[12,15508,15509,15510,15514],{},"One Hundred Proposals is published on the 25th of June by Carina but you can ",[16,15511,15513],{"href":15464,"rel":15512},[20],"pre-order it now","! Make sure you put the date in your diary! 😉",[12,15516,15517],{},[45,15518],{"alt":15519,"src":15520},"tumblr_m7qyzcQjmC1r0tmr2o1_500","/images/2014/02/tumblr_m7qyzcQjmC1r0tmr2o1_500.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":15522},[15523,15524],{"id":15470,"depth":538,"text":15471},{"id":13519,"depth":538,"text":13520},[226],"/images/2014/06/one_hundred_proposals_by_holly_martin_reveal_thumb.jpg","2014-06-10T11:00:00Z","Today we have an exciting cover reveal for the wonderful Holly Martin and her latest novel One Hundred Proposals, publishing by Carina on the 25th June you can pre – order your copy now!","3702",{},"Cover reveal for One Hundred Proposals by Holly Martin. A romantic novel about best friends and a PR stunt with 100 marriage proposals. Out 25th June.","/one-hundred-proposals-by-holly-martin-cover-reveal",{"title":15456,"description":15528},"one-hundred-proposals-by-holly-martin-cover-reveal","Dn4BS4O_Fe-02VrZ5A-vrE_Wy-y_62k36bM53eoz4tA",{"id":15537,"title":15538,"author":245,"body":15539,"category":15636,"cover":15637,"date":15638,"description":15639,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":15640,"meta":15641,"meta_description":15642,"meta_title":15538,"navigation":236,"path":15643,"seo":15644,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":15645,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":15646},"posts/the-story-behind-summer-at-the-lake-giveaway.md","Exclusive Content: Summer at the Lake by Erica James",{"type":9,"value":15540,"toc":15633},[15541,15559,15565,15570,15576,15579,15583,15602,15611,15618,15621,15624,15627,15630],[12,15542,15543,15553,15554,15558],{},[16,15544,15547],{"href":15545,"rel":15546},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1409145972?adid=0KS025BJWNE83WDZQYMK&camp=1406&creative=6394&creativeASIN=1409145972&linkCode=as1&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[211,15548,15549],{},[45,15550],{"alt":15551,"src":15552},"erica_james","/images/2014/06/erica_james.jpg","Today we have the pleasure of welcoming author Erica James to talk to us about the story behind her eighteenth novel ",[16,15555,15557],{"href":15545,"rel":15556},[20],"Summer at the Lake",", this is a novel full of love and romance set at the idyllic Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy. It’s the perfect summer read, we also have a summer themed giveaway so don’t miss out!",[907,15560,15562],{"id":15561},"over-to-erica",[34,15563,15564],{},"Over to Erica –",[12,15566,15567,15569],{},[211,15568,15557],{}," is my eighteenth novel and you’d think that after all these years of writing I would know exactly what to expect when I embark on a new novel. Well, the one thing I have learnt is that a mysterious force far greater than my feeble little brain can muster is quietly at work when I write and therefore I must expect the unexpected. Yet each finished novel is still a surprise to me; it’s never what I thought it might end up being. I put this down to the fact that I don’t write a plan or synopsis before I start, I simply wing it by making it up as I go along. Which leaves plenty of opportunity for the magic to happen, and by that I mean there’s plenty of opportunity for the characters to develop and get to know each other, and to start putting their own mark on the story, often in some very surprising ways.",[12,15571,15572,15573,15575],{},"When I started work on ",[211,15574,15557],{}," I initially viewed Esme Silcox as no more than an elderly friend to Floriana and Adam, who would dispense wisdom and advice at the appropriate moment and maybe indulge in a little matchmaking. How wrong could I have been! The more time I spent with her on the written page, the more she began to assert herself, and before long she was guiding the story in a very different direction to the one I had vaguely imagined. Without ever intending it, and at Esme’s very firm insistence, I was whisked back to Lake Como in 1950 and exploring a whole new cast of characters and scenarios. But more importantly, it created a new and very interesting storyline, thereby adding more depth to the book.",[12,15577,15578],{},"I have to say, I absolutely loved Esme’s contribution and am enormously grateful to her. And to that mysterious force quietly at work in my head . . .",[27,15580,15582],{"id":15581},"summer-giveaway","Summer Giveaway!",[12,15584,15585,15589,15590,15595,15596,15601],{},[45,15586],{"alt":15587,"src":15588},"picnic_blanket","/images/2014/06/picnic_blanket.jpg","As part of the tour the lovely folks over at Orion are hosting giveaways where some fabulous summer prizes are up for grabs! For the chance to win this super summer picnic blanket comment below or tweet ",[16,15591,15594],{"href":15592,"rel":15593},"https://twitter.com/leelee_loves",[20],"@leelee_loves"," with the hashtag ",[16,15597,15600],{"href":15598,"rel":15599},"https://twitter.com/search?q=picnicatthelake&src=typd",[20],"#PicnicAtTheLake"," telling us what you love the most about summer!",[12,15603,15604],{},[16,15605,15607],{"href":15545,"rel":15606},[20],[45,15608],{"alt":15609,"src":15610},"summer_at_the_lake_cover","/images/2014/06/summer_at_the_lake_cover.jpg",[12,15612,15613,15614,725],{},"Summer at the lake is published by Orion and will be available in paperback on the 5th June, you can ",[16,15615,15617],{"href":15545,"rel":15616},[20],"preorder your copy here",[12,15619,15620],{},"Lake Como – beautiful, enchanting, romantic…",[12,15622,15623],{},"For Floriana, it is the place where the love of her life is getting married to another woman. And she’s been invited to the wedding.",[12,15625,15626],{},"For Esme, it is where, over 60 years ago, she fell in love for the first time. So often she’s wondered what happened to the man who stole her heart – and changed the course of her life.",[12,15628,15629],{},"Adam is in danger of burying himself entirely in his work after his girlfriend left him. Could a trip to Lake Como be the distraction he needs?",[12,15631,15632],{},"Now it’s time for each of them to understand that the past is not only another country, it can also cast haunting shadows over everyone’s lives…",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":15634},[15635],{"id":15581,"depth":216,"text":15582},[226],"/images/2014/06/summer_at_the_lake.jpg","2014-06-02T07:03:00Z","Today we have the pleasure of welcoming author Erica James to talk to us about the story behind her eighteenth novel Summer at the Lake, this is a novel full of love and romance set at the idyllic Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy. It’s the perfect summer read, we also have a summer themed giveaway so don’t miss out!","3652",{},"Erica James discusses Summer at the Lake, her romantic novel set at Lake Como. Exclusive content plus a summer picnic blanket giveaway.","/the-story-behind-summer-at-the-lake-giveaway",{"title":15538,"description":15639},"the-story-behind-summer-at-the-lake-giveaway","d0DT5itIhBUh2EbQnu_bE1q-TUZR7YXIYWq-9xUoXzo",{"id":15648,"title":15649,"author":245,"body":15650,"category":15732,"cover":15733,"date":15734,"description":15735,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":15736,"meta":15737,"meta_description":15738,"meta_title":15649,"navigation":236,"path":15739,"seo":15740,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":15741,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":15742},"posts/youre-the-one-that-i-want-blog-tour-with-giovanna-fletcher-maddys-dress.md","Book Blog Tour: You’re the One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher",{"type":9,"value":15651,"toc":15728},[15652,15660,15663,15666,15669,15673,15685,15688,15690,15693,15696,15699,15713,15722],[12,15653,15654,15655,15659],{},"After last years exciting blog tour featuring Giovanna Fletchers debut novel I was thrilled to be ",[45,15656],{"alt":15657,"src":15658},"Giovanna Fletcher","/images/2013/05/5","asked back to take part again this year for the publication of her second novel You’re the One That I want.",[12,15661,15662],{},"Gi’s latest book is themed around three best friends and begins with a wedding, by following the tour you’ll find out everything you need to know about the wedding day from Maddys hen do to the cake and even the first dance.",[12,15664,15665],{},"Today we have a very special part of the big day to share with you, the all important Wedding Dress!",[12,15667,15668],{},"Over to Giovanna –",[274,15670,15672],{"id":15671},"her-wedding-dress","Her Wedding Dress:",[12,15674,15675,15676,15678,15679,15681,15682,15684],{},"Maddy’s not a girlie girl – how could she be when she’s spent the majority of her life flagged by Robert and Ben? However her wedding day would be an exception to her boyish flair, instead she’d be elegant, feminine and every inch the traditional bride!",[774,15677],{},"\nIvory would be the chosen colour – the softness of it complementing the earthiness of her auburn hair. Plus, after great thought she’d decide against the image of the virgin bride in white – she’s hardly void of sin. Ivory she could manage, but white would make her feel like a big fat liar when stood in front of the congregation and vicar – and that’s hardly an emotion one would like to feel on their wedding day… So ivory it would be.",[774,15680],{},"\nAlthough opting to be a traditional bride, she, unsurprisingly, wouldn’t go for the princess dress (too Barbie-like and out of her comfort zone), but she would go for an A-line gown with a fuller bottom – made in Duchesse Satin, but overlaid with loose Organza for a softer look, the dress would fan out gradually from the waist down, from just below a thin piece of mint chiffon (the same colour and material as the bridesmaids) – which would be tied into a bow at the back and cascade down softly.",[774,15683],{},"\nThe top half would be elegant and simple – with a sweetheart neckline that would be covered in a thin layer of organza, taking the neckline up into a scooping one, and delicately covering her arms down to her wrists. An extremely thin band of duchesse satin would frame the fabric there and at the neckline.",[12,15686,15687],{},"Its safe to say the dress sounds devine! I can imagine Maddy wearing it while looking down the isle toward her two lovely best friends.",[274,15689,15471],{"id":15470},[12,15691,15692],{},"Maddy, dressed in white, stands at the back of the church. At the end of the aisle is Rob – the man she’s about to marry. Next to Rob is Ben – best man and the best friend any two people ever had. And that’s the problem.",[12,15694,15695],{},"Because if it wasn’t Rob waiting for her at the altar, there’s a strong chance it would be Ben. Loyal and sensitive Ben has always kept his feelings to himself, but if he turned round and told Maddy she was making a mistake, would she listen? And would he be right?",[12,15697,15698],{},"Best friends since childhood, Maddy, Ben and Rob thought their bond was unbreakable. But love changes everything. Maddy has a choice to make but will she choose wisely? Her heart, and the hearts of the two best men she knows, depend on it…",[12,15700,15701,15703,15704,307,15709],{},[211,15702,13541],{}," is out now and available to buy in ",[16,15705,15708],{"href":15706,"rel":15707},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1405909978?adid=1GNGA6RY5C52PDWY8MFG&camp=1406&creative=6394&creativeASIN=1405909978&linkCode=as1&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],"paperback",[16,15710,12128],{"href":15711,"rel":15712},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ED6HLQI?adid=0V282HD0F17CAWWCZ64M&camp=1406&creative=6394&creativeASIN=B00ED6HLQI&linkCode=as1&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[12,15714,15715,15716,15721],{},"Don’t forget to follow Giovanna on Twitter (",[16,15717,15720],{"href":15718,"rel":15719},"http://www.twitter.com/MrsGiFletcher",[20],"@MrsGiFletcher)"," where she is also giving away copies of her new novel.",[12,15723,15724,15725,15727],{},"Be sure to check out the other blogs participating on the ",[211,15726,13541],{}," blog tour so you have all the deets on the wedding of the year! – You can find these in the tour banner to the right.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":15729},[15730,15731],{"id":15671,"depth":538,"text":15672},{"id":15470,"depth":538,"text":15471},[226],"/images/2014/05/youre_the_one_that_i_want_blog_tour.jpg","2014-05-24T06:18:00Z","After last years exciting blog tour featuring Giovanna Fletchers debut novel I was thrilled to be asked back to take part again this year for the publication of her second novel You’re the One That I want.","3621",{},"Blog tour for You're the One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher. Exclusive details about Maddy's wedding dress and the story of three best friends.","/youre-the-one-that-i-want-blog-tour-with-giovanna-fletcher-maddys-dress",{"title":15649,"description":15735},"youre-the-one-that-i-want-blog-tour-with-giovanna-fletcher-maddys-dress","gMTXxREacc0Mo-xaOK8JvsWF0xPa9MU4RXF1Leperk0",{"id":15744,"title":15745,"author":245,"body":15746,"category":15851,"cover":15852,"date":15734,"description":15853,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":15854,"meta":15855,"meta_description":15856,"meta_title":15745,"navigation":236,"path":13538,"seo":15857,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":15858,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":15859},"posts/youre-the-one-that-i-want-by-giovanna-fletcher.md","Book Review: You’re the One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher",{"type":9,"value":15747,"toc":15849},[15748,15791,15799,15801,15803,15805,15809,15812,15815,15818,15821,15824,15827,15831,15834,15837,15840,15843,15846],[12,15749,15750,15757,15759,15762,15764,15767,15769,15772,15774],{},[34,15751,15752,15756],{},[45,15753],{"alt":15754,"src":15755},"youre_the_one_that_i_want_giovanna_fletcher","/images/2014/05/youre_the_one_that_i_want_giovanna_fletcher.jpg","Title : Youre the One That I Want",[774,15758],{},[34,15760,15761],{},"Author : Giovanna Fletcher",[774,15763],{},[34,15765,15766],{},"Publication date : 22nd May 2014",[774,15768],{},[34,15770,15771],{},"Publisher : Penguin Michael Joseph",[774,15773],{},[34,15775,12124,15776,15779,15781,9822,15783,15786,15788],{},[16,15777,12128],{"href":15711,"rel":15778},[20],[774,15780],{},[34,15782,12133],{},[16,15784,768],{"href":15706,"rel":15785},[20],[774,15787],{},[34,15789,15790],{},"Rating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee’s!",[12,15792,15793],{},[16,15794,15796],{"href":15795},"/images/2012/09/Rating5.png",[45,15797],{"alt":215,"src":15795,"title":15798},"Rating4",[12,15800,15692],{},[12,15802,15695],{},[12,15804,15698],{},[12,15806,15807],{},[34,15808,11550],{},[12,15810,15811],{},"You’re the One That I Want is Giovanna Fletchers second novel, themed around love and romance it is on a whole new level in comparison to her debut novel Billy and Me which is also of the same genre.",[12,15813,15814],{},"You’re the one That I Want follows three best friends, Maddy, Ben and Rob. We happen to meet them at the start of a wedding, their wedding. From the off we know that the Groom is Rob, (even the blurb on the cover will tell you this!) so its no mystery who Maddy is headed down the isle to spend the rest of her life with, but who is it that she really loves and has she made the wrong decision?",[12,15816,15817],{},"Torn between her feelings for both Ben and Rob we are swiftly taken back to their childhood when the three friend also know as ‘the tripod’ were just nine years old, an age where they were too busy climbing trees and getting into trouble to think about love!",[12,15819,15820],{},"The tripods story is told from the perspective of Maddy and Ben taking us on their journey with various moments of Robs wedding speech throughout. The the story really develops from the moment romance sparks within the tripod during a school trip to Paris following them through their teens where they leave their hometown of Peaswood to live at university, this is where things start to get a little messy between the trio and Ben’s hidden feeling become apparent.",[12,15822,15823],{},"Each character is so well written that I found myself very torn on choosing a favourite, overall Maddy was my favourite of the tripod. A strong female antagonist who is realistic, funny and full of charisma. Although she seems fairly level headed and smart throughout she also makes mistakes, she isn’t perfect but learns from this. Seeing Maddy go from strength to strength as things get tough for her I began find a new appreciation for her character and her willingness not to lose her trust in those she loves.",[12,15825,15826],{},"As prospective husbands I think the outcome of the novel was most certainly the right one, I really liked both Ben and Rob for different reasons, and at various moments throughout the book due to their actions I also really disliked them! Some mistakes are just too big to be forgiven but as the saying goes love conquers all.",[12,15828,15829],{},[34,15830,11570],{},[12,15832,15833],{},"Love triangles are a bit like marmite, not everybody likes them. This particular love triangle however is very easy to like and I found myself transported into a fictional world where the characters had such a strong presence, I was able to lose myself in their world more as the plot thickened.",[12,15835,15836],{},"Overall I really enjoyed this book and would certainly recommend it to others, You’re the One That I Want sees Giovanna’s writing develop immensely and I felt like she had really opened up as an author with this one. Its full of character, confidence and the bare naked truth of what love and relationships can really feel like.",[12,15838,15839],{},"If you’re anything like myself then get the tissues ready, the very touching ending will have you in a blubbering mess, not to mention the many parts in between.",[12,15841,15842],{},"This book also had me prancing around to my very own favourite trio at the single mention of mmmbop, thats right I am a huge Hanson fan, who isn’t? This element managed to make the book seem even more special to me with its many references to 90’s classics and also some cheeky yet very clever references to Gi’s debut novel Billy and Me!",[12,15844,15845],{},"I love the way Gi has gone in full on with this novel and avoided covering it in what I like to call fluff! It isn’t all sunshine and lollipops, its realistic, maybe even a little raunchy and at times really rather intense.",[12,15847,15848],{},"Ps: After much thought I am definitely #TeamRob he may have had his bad points but he always did right by Maddy in the end! I’ve had a Ben before throwing their feelings into mix and its not always appreciated. 😉",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":15850},[],[226],"/images/2014/05/youre_the_one_that_i_want_giovanna_fletcher_thumb.jpg","Title : Youre the One That I WantAuthor : Giovanna FletcherPublication date : 22nd May 2014Publisher : Penguin Michael JosephPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: AmazonRating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","3619",{},"Review of You're the One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher. A compelling love triangle between three best friends. Rated 5 out of 5 stars.",{"title":15745,"description":15853},"youre-the-one-that-i-want-by-giovanna-fletcher","hgMW_uH9gl9c45AvaHRDEHbs9Ema1nDkZ_uJNAVpWNE",{"id":15861,"title":15862,"author":245,"body":15863,"category":15952,"cover":15953,"date":15954,"description":15955,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":15956,"meta":15957,"meta_description":15958,"meta_title":15862,"navigation":236,"path":15959,"seo":15960,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":15961,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":15962},"posts/beautiful-day-by-kate-anthony.md","Book Review: Beautiful Day by Kate Anthony",{"type":9,"value":15864,"toc":15950},[15865,15909,15912,15915,15918,15921,15924,15927,15931,15934,15937,15940,15944,15947],[12,15866,15867,15874,15876,15879,15881,15884,15886,15888,15890],{},[34,15868,15869,15873],{},[45,15870],{"alt":15871,"src":15872},"beautiful_day_cover","/images/2014/04/beautiful_day_cover.jpg","Title : Beautiful Day",[774,15875],{},[34,15877,15878],{},"Author : Kate Anthony",[774,15880],{},[34,15882,15883],{},"Publication date : 10th April 2014",[774,15885],{},[34,15887,15771],{},[774,15889],{},[34,15891,12124,15892,15896,15898,9822,15900,15904,15906],{},[16,15893,12128],{"href":15894,"rel":15895},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00G3S0SZA?adid=1XV9VV07NXGKNA1C7PM0&camp=1406&creative=6394&creativeASIN=B00G3S0SZA&linkCode=as1&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[774,15897],{},[34,15899,12133],{},[16,15901,768],{"href":15902,"rel":15903},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0718178327?adid=1ZY2RXEW37T38FQQA6ED&camp=1406&creative=6394&creativeASIN=0718178327&linkCode=as1&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[774,15905],{},[34,15907,15908],{},"Rating : 3.5 out of 5 LeeLee’s!",[12,15910,15911],{},"Today is the day that things are going to change for Rachel Bidewell.",[12,15913,15914],{},"She will walk through the doors of Clifton Avenue Care Home and start a new life. Rachel is returning to work. And as she discovers, juggling a new job, three children and an ex husband can feel like drowning.",[12,15916,15917],{},"Someone needs to throw her a lifeline…",[12,15919,15920],{},"Philip doesn’t seem like an obvious lifesaver. He has just lost the one person who ever cared for him and, even as an adult, he doesn’t know how to live in the real world.",[12,15922,15923],{},"But might Philip and Rachel each have something the other needs?",[12,15925,15926],{},"This is a story of unexpected friendship; of the messy, muddy territory of those broken by life – and what it takes to fix them. It reminds us that the very darkest of days can be funny, heart-warming and even beautiful.",[12,15928,15929],{},[34,15930,11550],{},[12,15932,15933],{},"Rachel Bidewell can only be described as bitter… Her world is turned upside down when her husband and father of their three children, – Alec, Luke and Jess, – leaves them for another woman. Struggling to make ends meet while he is living a new life Rachel is forced to go back to work and support herself. Taking everything in her stride Rachel heads off to work in a local residential care home where she is assigned as key worker to Philip, a grown man with learning difficulties. Philip has lived a sheltered life with his mother, hidden from the outside world for goodness knows how long, nobody knows his age, he can’t brush his own teeth and his people skills are non existant. Rach is in over her head and Philip is the only one keeping her going in her new role at Clifton Avenue, that is until heartless care home manager Denise steps in and starts to destroy any progress they have made.",[12,15935,15936],{},"Beautiful day is told in the first person by the main protagonist Rachel, this allows you to get a real sense of how she is feeling throughout, from her bitter twisted attitude towards Deborah, the younger woman her husband abandoned his family for, to the moment of elated joy when Philip brushes his own teeth for the first time. Kate Anthony writes such a realistic account of Rachel’s work in the care home and everyday incidents they face that you can really see the authors background of working as a residential social worker shine through in her writing. Following each event from Rachel’s perspective really brings home how much everything has affected their family, although I would have liked to hear a little of what Dom and Deborah thought at times I think not hearing their side of things automatically makes you take Rachels side.",[12,15938,15939],{},"I found the first half of the book to be a little repetitive as it very much evolved around the unhappy single mother who is forced to go back to work, it could be a little depressing at times, especially when you think these are everyday struggles that people in the real world are facing. However this didn’t put me off, if anything it left me rooting for Rachel more as the plot developed.",[12,15941,15942],{},[34,15943,11570],{},[12,15945,15946],{},"This is a heartwarming tale of love, friendship and family. Touching on many themes from divorce to the bureaucracy of social services alongside the challenges of being a single parent and still keeping up with the school PTA, Kate Anthony has managed to write about an array of serious subjects whilst also giving it a light hearted side showing it’s not always bad. The characters and events are written so well I felt rather compelled to follow Rachel on her journey in hope that things would turn around for her.",[12,15948,15949],{},"As her debut novel this is of course the first novel I have read by Kate Anthony and hopefully it won’t be my last!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":15951},[],[226],"/images/2014/04/beautiful_day_kate_anthony.jpg","2014-04-10T22:18:00Z","Title : Beautiful DayAuthor : Kate AnthonyPublication date : 10th April 2014Publisher : Penguin Michael JosephPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: AmazonRating : 3.5 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","3523",{},"Review of Beautiful Day by Kate Anthony. A heartwarming debut about single parenthood, care work, and unexpected friendship. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars.","/beautiful-day-by-kate-anthony",{"title":15862,"description":15955},"beautiful-day-by-kate-anthony","QEOwRUG_957SkKSeCpZ2VJrXNXA0Uoea2B04DaZTyf4",{"id":15964,"title":15965,"author":245,"body":15966,"category":16049,"cover":16050,"date":16051,"description":215,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":16052,"meta":16053,"meta_description":16054,"meta_title":15965,"navigation":236,"path":16055,"seo":16056,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":16057,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":16058},"posts/kate-anthonys-top-five-writing-tips.md","Exclusive Content: Kate Anthony’s Top Five Writing Tips!",{"type":9,"value":15967,"toc":16038},[15968,15979,15985,15988,15991,15997,16001,16004,16008,16011,16015,16018,16022,16025,16029,16032,16035],[27,15969,15971,15975,15978],{"id":15970},"we-have-a-treat-in-store-for-you-budding-writers-this-afternoon-kate-anthony-author-of-beautiful-day-has-stopped-by-to-share-with-us-her-top-five-writing-tips",[45,15972],{"alt":15973,"src":15974},"kate_anthony","/images/2014/04/kate_anthony.jpg",[34,15976,15977],{},"We have a treat in store for you budding writers this afternoon,"," Kate Anthony, author of Beautiful Day has stopped by to share with us her top five writing tips!",[27,15980,15982],{"id":15981},"who-is-kate",[34,15983,15984],{},"Who is Kate?",[12,15986,15987],{},"Kate Anthony grew up in the Midlands. On graduating, she began working as a residential social worker firstly with young offenders and later with vulnerable adults. She then joined the BBC, working as a producer in comedy for some years before moving to an independent production company as a drama producer. She lives close to Brighton with her family.",[12,15989,15990],{},"Kates debut novel Beautiful day was published by Penguin Michael Joseph on the 10th of April and is available for purchase now!",[27,15992,15994],{"id":15993},"kates-top-five-writing-tips",[34,15995,15996],{},"Kates top five writing tips –",[27,15998,15999],{"id":13988},[211,16000,13993],{},[12,16002,16003],{},"Don’t read other writer’s writing tips because they freak you out.",[27,16005,16006],{"id":14043},[211,16007,14048],{},[12,16009,16010],{},"Still reading? I’ll plough on. An extension of (1) was to find my own way of working. Everyone’s day is structured differently and I had to find what worked for me. Most of us would like to have a set place and time to work and to focus, with a little break here and there for a bowl of soup or cup of coffee (preferably brought to us by somebody else). Alas, it’s normally a mad scrabble to get anything down and there’s always less time than you thought and something to come along and muck up all your plans. When I read that an author I admire greatly, gets up at five, breaks for porridge at nine, has a quinoa salad at twelve thirty, works until six, does a bit of yoga, reads Proust and is in bed by ten, I panic (and also wonder who on earth is buying their loo roll, getting their car MOT’d or cat de-wormed). For me, starting to write was a bit like when you have a baby; you’re desperate for advice and madly absorb whatever you can find out. In reality, once the baby arrives, you throw out most of what you’ve learned and stumble through chaotically. The baby is relatively happy and healthy and eventually you find out that whatever gets you through, is roughly OK.",[27,16012,16013],{"id":14087},[211,16014,14092],{},[12,16016,16017],{},"In my case, the biggest difference between writing for the sheer pleasure of it and writing professionally, is that now I have to write on days when I really, really don’t feel like it; there’s no getting away from it, you just have to. I listened to a radio programme by Anne Enright and she said, if you just write 200 words in a day, then that isn’t a failure, you are 200 words further on than you were the day before. This has been a huge help on those mornings when every word is squeezed out like a pea through a needle, and I’m convinced that my latest project should be put out of its misery with one click of the delete button.",[27,16019,16020],{"id":14136},[211,16021,14141],{},[12,16023,16024],{},"Post-It Notes – everywhere.",[27,16026,16027],{"id":14189},[211,16028,14194],{},[12,16030,16031],{},"ENJOY. I try to remember what Val McDermid says: ‘I think there are 3 elements to any literary career. You’ve got to have a modicum of talent. You’ve got to work hard and you’ve got to be lucky.’ Sometimes when I get snowed under I lose sight of how lucky I am to be writing full-time, this is unforgivable.",[12,16033,16034],{},"A huge thank you to Kate for sharing her top tips with us today, I’m sure many houses are being showered in post-it notes right now!",[12,16036,16037],{},"Do you have any special tips that help you when writing? Let us know!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":16039},[16040,16042,16043,16044,16045,16046,16047,16048],{"id":15970,"depth":216,"text":16041},"We have a treat in store for you budding writers this afternoon, Kate Anthony, author of Beautiful Day has stopped by to share with us her top five writing tips!",{"id":15981,"depth":216,"text":15984},{"id":15993,"depth":216,"text":15996},{"id":13988,"depth":216,"text":13993},{"id":14043,"depth":216,"text":14048},{"id":14087,"depth":216,"text":14092},{"id":14136,"depth":216,"text":14141},{"id":14189,"depth":216,"text":14194},[226],"/images/2014/04/writing_tips.jpg","2014-04-10T08:51:00Z","3472",{},"Kate Anthony shares her top five writing tips from finding your routine to staying motivated. Exclusive advice from the Beautiful Day author.","/kate-anthonys-top-five-writing-tips",{"title":15965,"description":215},"kate-anthonys-top-five-writing-tips","NHAaqUNyrW4iSDnfqLRGWWFN5KeOg_vz9YsAtReZERY",{"id":16060,"title":16061,"author":245,"body":16062,"category":16169,"cover":16170,"date":16171,"description":16172,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":16173,"meta":16174,"meta_description":16175,"meta_title":16061,"navigation":236,"path":16176,"seo":16177,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":16178,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":16179},"posts/the-one-plus-one-by-jojo-moyes.md","Book Review: The One Plus One by JoJo Moyes",{"type":9,"value":16063,"toc":16167},[16064,16114,16120,16126,16135,16139,16142,16145,16148,16151,16154,16158,16161,16164],[12,16065,16066,16073,16075,16078,16080,16083,16085,16088,16090,16108,16110,16113],{},[34,16067,16068,16072],{},[45,16069],{"alt":16070,"src":16071},"the_one_plus_one_jojo_moyes_cover","/images/2014/03/the_one_plus_one_jojo_moyes_cover.jpg","Title : The One Plus One",[774,16074],{},[34,16076,16077],{},"Author : JoJo Moyes",[774,16079],{},[34,16081,16082],{},"Publication date : 27th February 2014",[774,16084],{},[34,16086,16087],{},"Publisher : Penguin UK",[774,16089],{},[34,16091,12124,16092,16096,16098,9822,16100,16104,16106],{},[16,16093,12128],{"href":16094,"rel":16095},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00EXYFD7O?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00EXYFD7O&adid=0K3170TJTGEQJTSFECEH&",[20],[774,16097],{},[34,16099,12133],{},[16,16101,768],{"href":16102,"rel":16103},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1405915579?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1405915579&adid=1BPHTHA6178SN66ACQEY&",[20],[774,16105],{},[34,16107,15790],{},[774,16109],{},[34,16111,16112],{},"One single mum –"," With two jobs and two children, Jess Thomas does her best day after day. But it’s hard on your own. And sometimes you take risks you shouldn’t. Because you have to …",[12,16115,16116,16119],{},[34,16117,16118],{},"One chaotic family –"," Jess’s gifted, quirky daughter Tanzie is brilliant with numbers, but without a helping hand she’ll never get the chance to shine. And Nicky, Jess’s teenage stepson, can’t fight the bullies alone. Sometimes Jess feels like they’re sinking …",[12,16121,16122,16125],{},[34,16123,16124],{},"One handsome stranger –"," Into their lives comes Ed Nicholls, a man whose life is in chaos, and who is running from a deeply uncertain future. But he has time on his hands. He knows what it’s like to be lonely. And he wants to help …",[12,16127,16128,9822,16131,16134],{},[34,16129,16130],{},"One unexpected love story –",[211,16132,16133],{},"The One Plus One"," is a captivating and unconventional romance about two lost souls meeting in the most unlikely circumstances.",[12,16136,16137],{},[34,16138,11550],{},[12,16140,16141],{},"The last JoJo Moyes novel I read was Me Before You and I loved it so much that I also I became a World Book Night giver for the title, it became my go to book of 2012. Whenever anyone asked me for a book recommendation this was the one, the words had left my mouth before I had the chance to think about it. This was one of those books that had me laughing uncontrollably and also crying like a baby! It was, to me, perfect. So of course I had high expectations when this book arrived, I know the authors work and I know what I like, however in no way was I expecting this to be ‘better’ or compare to the previous as of course it is a completely different novel and that wouldn’t be fair, although I was of course hoping that it would be just as enjoyable in its own right.",[12,16143,16144],{},"Without a doubt I can say that I really enjoyed The One Plus One, following a host of loveable quirky characters that I instantly connected with. The story is split into chapters that focus on events following each particular character one at a time, this sets the scene of what that person is currently going through and allows you to focus on them as singular characters and not just as a whole, I found this to be a brilliant way of introducing everyone and felt I knew more about them than I would have if it was told differently.",[12,16146,16147],{},"Jess is a single parent to maths wiz daughter, Tanzie, and withdrawn teenage stepson, Nicky. They also have a giant slobbering dog named Norman who I adored. Jess and her family struggle a lot financially, especially since her husband Marty left, working two jobs there is only so much Jess can do and cleaning the houses of the wealthy for a living can’t be the best moral booster.",[12,16149,16150],{},"When a life changing opportunity comes up for Tanzie in the form of a scholarship their is nothing Jess won’t do to support her family, with the help of Ed who is one of Jess’ clients, and a wealthy IT tech with a tonne of his own troubles, they set out on a three day car journey that they’ll never forget. Being enclosed in a small space together for a long period of time is enough to test anybody’s patience but ultimately it will either make you or break you.",[12,16152,16153],{},"I loved watching these characters open up gradually through the journey and seeing how their relationship with one another changed from the dysfunctional withdrawn family they start out as to becoming a very tight knit unit who will do anything to help one another achieve their dreams.",[12,16155,16156],{},[34,16157,11570],{},[12,16159,16160],{},"JoJo Moyes has given us an in-depth tale that captures everyday life in its truest form, it isn’t extravagant or far-fetched and this allows the reader to feel naturally drawn to the characters. This is a book that deals with every day issues that many families across the UK are facing right now, financial struggles, relationship issues, bullies and more.",[12,16162,16163],{},"The one plus one is yet another compelling and heart felt read from JoJo Moyes, it is both exciting and thought-provoking, this is a novel that will have you rooting for the characters from start to finish and ultimately leave you wanting more.",[12,16165,16166],{},"Have you read this one already? Let us know your thoughts!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":16168},[],[226],"/images/2014/03/the_one_plus_one_jojo_moyes.jpg","2014-04-02T06:29:00Z","Title : The One Plus OneAuthor : JoJo MoyesPublication date : 27th February 2014Publisher : Penguin UKPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: AmazonRating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee’s!One single mum – With two jobs and two children, Jess Thomas does her best day after day. But it’s hard on your own. And sometimes you take risks you shouldn’t. Because you have to …","3385",{},"Review of The One Plus One by JoJo Moyes. A heartfelt road trip romance about a struggling family and unexpected love. Rated 5 out of 5 stars.","/the-one-plus-one-by-jojo-moyes",{"title":16061,"description":16172},"the-one-plus-one-by-jojo-moyes","hsdY_Q8eiJWcGP3h3bzTmARGpA_UBi8c4I5-uh7DQo0",{"id":16181,"title":16182,"author":245,"body":16183,"category":16344,"cover":16345,"date":16346,"description":16187,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":16347,"meta":16348,"meta_description":16349,"meta_title":16182,"navigation":236,"path":16350,"seo":16351,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":16352,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":16353},"posts/book-news-new-childrens-editions-of-the-harry-potter-books.md","Book News: It’s Time to Pass the Magic On…",{"type":9,"value":16184,"toc":16341},[16185,16188,16191,16201,16204,16207,16210,16228,16237,16241,16247,16252,16335],[12,16186,16187],{},"Today Bloomsbury announced that they will be Publishing our beloved Harry Potter in new Hardback and Paperback editions this September with covers featuring stunning illustrations by Johnny Duddle.",[12,16189,16190],{},"I think my inner Hermione nearly hyperventilated through excitement!",[12,16192,16193],{},[16,16194,16197],{"href":16195,"rel":16196},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1408855895?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1408855895&adid=1C6K01WWQDPRMPJ5KTQF&",[20],[45,16198],{"alt":16199,"src":16200},"Screen Shot 2014-03-20 at 12.30.08","/images/2014/03/Screen-Shot-2014-03-20-at-12.30.08.png",[12,16202,16203],{},"The cover art for book one Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone can be seen below, It’s outstanding and to think these will be available in Hardback as well as Paperback, this almost makes me a little weak at the knees, I do love a good HB book!",[12,16205,16206],{},"This news has come to us with the headline ‘IT’S TIME TO PASS THE MAGIC ON…’ Being published as Children’s editions by the Bloomsbury Children’s Fiction department I find it very fitting, many of us who have grown up with Harry Potter from a young age are now having children of our own, I know its insane! But yes I couldn’t agree more that this is something I personally will love sharing with my own children when I have them.",[12,16208,16209],{},"As the saying goes – The Magic Lives On….",[12,16211,16212,16213,16216,16217,16222,16223,16227],{},"You can sign up for newsletter updates leading up to the release – which happens to be in exactly 164 days incase you weren’t aware – at the Harry Potter Bloomsbury website and also pre-order your copy NOW over on ",[16,16214,768],{"href":16195,"rel":16215},[20],", also check out illustrator ",[16,16218,16221],{"href":16219,"rel":16220},"http://jonnyduddle.blogspot.co.uk/",[20],"Johnny Duddle"," on over on ",[16,16224,16226],{"href":16219,"rel":16225},[20],"his blog",". These particular books will also include highlights from J.K. Rowing that have featured on Pottermore, if I need to explain to you what Pottermore is then you shouldn’t be reading this, you should be reading Harry Potter!",[12,16229,16230],{},[16,16231,16233],{"href":16195,"rel":16232},[20],[45,16234],{"alt":16235,"src":16236},"BjKdYEEIIAA0IIc","/images/2014/03/BjKdYEEIIAA0IIc.jpg",[27,16238,16240],{"id":16239},"press-release","Press Release –",[1423,16242,16244],{"id":16243},"its-time-to-pass-the-magic-on",[34,16245,16246],{},"IT’S TIME TO PASS THE MAGIC ON…",[12,16248,16249],{},[34,16250,16251],{},"NEW CHILDREN’S EDITIONS OF THE HARRY POTTER BOOKS",[4284,16253,16254],{},[12,16255,16256,16257,16259,16260,16262,16263,16265,16266,16268,16269,16271,16272,16274,16275,16277,16278,16280,16281,16283,16284,16286,16287,16289,16290,16292,16293,16295,16296,16298,16299,16301,16302,16304,16305,16307,16308,16310,16311,16313,16314,16316,16317,16319,16320,16322,16323,16325,16326,16328,16329,16331,16332,16334],{},"Bloomsbury Children’s Books are to reinvent the children’s hardback and",[774,16258],{},"\npaperback editions of the phenomenally successful Harry Potter series.",[774,16261],{},"\nRedesigned inside and out, all seven books will feature covers by award-winning",[774,16264],{},"\nartist Jonny Duddle.",[774,16267],{},"\nAlong with the brand new artwork and an updated author biography, the editions",[774,16270],{},"\nwill also be reset to create a child-friendly reading experience for a new",[774,16273],{},"\ngeneration of readers. The titles will also contain highlights from Pottermore, the",[774,16276],{},"\ndigital platform for Harry Potter. All seven titles will be published on 1st",[774,16279],{},"\nSeptember 2014.",[774,16282],{},"\nPottermore will publish the eBook editions of all seven books with the Jonny Duddle jackets at the same time.",[774,16285],{},"\nTogether, Bloomsbury and J.K. Rowling selected Jonny Duddle to be the new artist for the Harry Potter books.",[774,16288],{},"\nJonny will create front, back and spine artwork for each. On being chosen to design the covers Jonny Duddle",[774,16291],{},"\nsaid ‘I’m hugely excited to work my way through the wonderful books. I couldn’t have asked for more enjoyable",[774,16294],{},"\nsubject matter. It’s exciting, daunting and I feel the weight of responsibility, and I’m just hoping that my",[774,16297],{},"\nillustrations faithfully reflect the characters and world created by J.K.Rowling’",[774,16300],{},"\nJonny Duddle is best known for his award-winning picture books, including The Pirate Cruncher and The",[774,16303],{},"\nPirates Next Door (winner of the Waterstones Children’s Prize and shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize).",[774,16306],{},"\nHe has a background in the computer games industry and is highly skilled at character development. His work",[774,16309],{},"\nhas appeared in Aardman films and Terry Pratchett novels.",[774,16312],{},"\nBloomsbury has also collaborated with Pottermore to highlight how readers can discover more about the world",[774,16315],{},"\nof Harry Potter on Pottermore.com from J.K. Rowling. This information will feature in the back of the new",[774,16318],{},"\nchildren’s editions.",[774,16321],{},"\nThis is only the beginning of an exciting new era for the Harry Potter books. As previously announced",[774,16324],{},"\nBloomsbury and Pottermore will publish Jim Kay’s fully illustrated colour edition of Harry Potter and the",[774,16327],{},"\nPhilosopher’s Stone in autumn 2015. The books will be available in hardback and eBook formats and the",[774,16330],{},"\nremaining titles will publish annually from then on. Even more exciting Harry Potter plans will be announced at",[774,16333],{},"\nthe London Book Fair in April.",[12,16336,16337],{},[45,16338],{"alt":16339,"src":16340},"tumblr_n21qydae3s1s6gbilo1_500","/images/2014/03/tumblr_n21qydae3s1s6gbilo1_500.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":16342},[16343],{"id":16239,"depth":216,"text":16240},[226],"/images/2014/03/harry_potter_cover_2014.jpg","2014-03-20T12:57:00Z","3355",{},"Bloomsbury announces new Harry Potter children's editions with stunning cover art by Johnny Duddle. Coming September 2014 in hardback and paperback.","/book-news-new-childrens-editions-of-the-harry-potter-books",{"title":16182,"description":16187},"book-news-new-childrens-editions-of-the-harry-potter-books","-Omi14x9xk6TtiW5LR8JQHJxa8yKBoVVCGj5kq8uhUM",{"id":16355,"title":16356,"author":245,"body":16357,"category":16470,"cover":16471,"date":16472,"description":16361,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":16473,"meta":16474,"meta_description":16475,"meta_title":16356,"navigation":236,"path":16476,"seo":16477,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":16478,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":16479},"posts/an-evening-with-graeme-simsion-giveaway.md","Book Event: An Evening with Graeme Simsion + Giveaway!",{"type":9,"value":16358,"toc":16466},[16359,16362,16369,16376,16379,16386,16393,16400,16403,16406,16409,16412,16415,16419,16434,16437,16440,16452],[12,16360,16361],{},"On February 11th I made my way to Leeds for another book event at their Albion Street Waterstones store. It rained, it hailed, it snowed and I was four hours early… Was it worth it? Of course it was, I was on my way to meet Graeme Simsion author of best selling novel The Rosie Project.",[12,16363,16364,16368],{},[45,16365],{"alt":16366,"src":16367},"graeme_simsion_twitter","/images/2014/03/graeme_simsion_twitter.png","I’ve attended a few of these ‘An Evening with….’ events and generally they all work in the same way, as a few of use were early and so was Graeme, he introduced himself and had a chat while signing our books before the event had started, you also had to pick which colour you wanted it signed in before knowing if he had a pen in your chosen colour. He didn’t have a generic black sharpie like most but instead an array of colours lining his jacket pocket, an entire rainbow just for signing books. I loved this and not a single person was let down on their choice of colour.",[12,16370,16371,16375],{},[45,16372],{"alt":16373,"src":16374},"greame_simsion_lisa_b","/images/2014/03/greame_simsion_lisa_b.jpg","To my surprise and via the power of twitter, Graeme knew who I was before I had chance to introduce myself. The entire evening was hilarious and Graeme Simsions humour is constant, when an entire room of strangers spend an hour and a half grinning like cheshire cats and laughing non stop it shows that your host knows what he is doing.",[12,16377,16378],{},"The way Graeme shared stories from his own life while comparing some to those of Don Tillman was my favourite; you couldn’t even make this stuff up. This is where we found some of the best scenarios within the book are actually lightly based around real life events that Graeme has encountered via a friend during his days of being an IT nerd, honestly this is a man with such a plethora of skills and qualifications behind him I could hardly keep up. The Rosie Project was initially written and intended as a screenplay because of course Graeme is qualified in screenwriting amongst many other things.",[12,16380,16381,16385],{},[45,16382],{"alt":16383,"src":16384},"graeme simsion","/images/2014/03/graeme-simsion.jpg","It was interesting to find out that the character of Don wasn’t written with Autism or Aspergers in mind, this however is how the majority of Graeme’s readers have perceived him to be. Don has also been compared to the likes of Dr Sheldon Cooper (who I love!) from The Big Bang Theory many times, and for this reason Graeme hasn’t watched an entire episode as he doesn’t want another personality of the same characteristics to influence his future with Don.",[12,16387,16388,16392],{},[45,16389],{"alt":16390,"src":16391},"the_rosie_project_event_tickets","/images/2014/03/the_rosie_project_event_tickets.jpg","Graeme’s book was one of my favourites in 2013 and if you’ve had the pleasure of reading it you’ll understand why, this isn’t ‘just’ another romance novel. The Rosie Project has the ability to appeal to a variety of people and I wouldn’t place it in the women’s diction category at all; The Rosie Project deals with a series of complicated and sometimes awkward situations whilst being abundant in humour!",[27,16394,16396,16397,16399],{"id":16395},"the-moment-youve-been-waiting-forwin-a-signed-copy-of-the-rosie-project","The moment you’ve been waiting for…",[774,16398],{},"\nWin a signed copy of The Rosie Project!",[12,16401,16402],{},"Follow the steps below for your chance to win a copy of The Rosie Project.",[12,16404,16405],{},"Whats up for grabs?",[12,16407,16408],{},"1 – One copy signed by Graeme Simsion. In pink, incase you wanted to know which colour I chose!",[12,16410,16411],{},"This prize is in no way connect to the publisher and was purchased for the event by myself, good luck!",[12,16413,16414],{},"Winners will be announced on the 29th of March at 2:00pm",[12,16416,16417],{},[34,16418,14025],{},[12,16420,16421,16422,16424,16425,16427,16428,16430,16431,16433],{},"Don is getting married.",[774,16423],{},"\nHe just doesn’t know who to yet.",[774,16426],{},"\nBut he has designed a very detailed questionnaire to help him find the perfect woman.",[774,16429],{},"\nOne thing he already knows, though, is that it’s not Rosie.",[774,16432],{},"\nAbsolutely, completely, definitely not.",[12,16435,16436],{},"Don Tillman is a socially challenged genetics professor who’s decided the time has come to find a wife. His questionnaire is intended to weed out anyone who’s unsuitable. The trouble is, Don has rather high standards and doesn’t really do flexible so, despite lots of takers, he’s not having much success in identifying The One.",[12,16438,16439],{},"When Rosie Jarman comes to his office, Don assumes it’s to apply for the Wife Project – and duly discounts her on the grounds she smokes, drinks, doesn’t eat meat, and is incapable of punctuality. However, Rosie has no interest in becoming Mrs Tillman and is actually there to enlist Don’s assistance in a professional capacity: to help her find her biological father.",[12,16441,16442,16443,16445,16449,16451],{},"Sometimes, though, you don’t find love: love finds you…",[774,16444],{},[16,16446,12640],{"href":16447,"rel":16448},"http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26870a1/",[20],[774,16450],{},"\n>",[12,16453,16454,16458,16462],{},[45,16455],{"alt":16456,"src":16457},"signed_the_rosie_project_2","/images/2014/03/signed_the_rosie_project_2.jpg",[45,16459],{"alt":16460,"src":16461},"signed_the_rosie_project_3","/images/2014/03/signed_the_rosie_project_3.jpg",[45,16463],{"alt":16464,"src":16465},"signed_the_rosie_project_1","/images/2014/03/signed_the_rosie_project_1.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":16467},[16468],{"id":16395,"depth":216,"text":16469},"The moment you’ve been waiting for…\nWin a signed copy of The Rosie Project!",[226],"/images/2014/03/the_rosie_project_graeme_simsion_leeds.jpg","2014-03-15T12:54:00Z","3298",{},"An evening with Graeme Simsion, author of The Rosie Project, at Waterstones Leeds. Behind-the-scenes stories and signed book giveaway.","/an-evening-with-graeme-simsion-giveaway",{"title":16356,"description":16361},"an-evening-with-graeme-simsion-giveaway","eRlKP4GsV3LVZbAWDUyNE0mCGUCWSCnYyVppFq1fiCI",{"id":16481,"title":16482,"author":245,"body":16483,"category":16567,"cover":16568,"date":16569,"description":16570,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":16571,"meta":16572,"meta_description":16573,"meta_title":16482,"navigation":236,"path":16574,"seo":16575,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":16576,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":16577},"posts/gretel-and-the-dark.md","Book Review: Gretel and The Dark",{"type":9,"value":16484,"toc":16565},[16485,16525,16528,16531,16538,16542,16545,16548,16551,16554,16557,16559],[12,16486,16487,16494,16496,16499,16501,16504,16506,16509,16511],{},[34,16488,16489,16493],{},[45,16490],{"alt":16491,"src":16492},"gretel_and_the_dark_cover","/images/2014/02/gretel_and_the_dark_cover.jpg","Title : Gretel and The Dark",[774,16495],{},[34,16497,16498],{},"Author : Eliza Granville",[774,16500],{},[34,16502,16503],{},"Publication date : 6 February 2014",[774,16505],{},[34,16507,16508],{},"Publisher : Hamish Hamilton",[774,16510],{},[34,16512,12124,16513,16517,16519,4374,16521,16523],{},[16,16514,12128],{"href":16515,"rel":16516},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00ED6HLTA?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00ED6HLTA&adid=1A23G6H08S8QVQ3HRCF0&",[20],[774,16518],{},[34,16520,12133],{},[774,16522],{},[34,16524,15790],{},[12,16526,16527],{},"Vienna, 1899. Josef Breuer – celebrated psychoanalyst – is about to encounter his strangest case yet. Found by the lunatic asylum, thin, head shaved, she claims to have no name, no feelings – to be, in fact, not even human. Intrigued, Breuer determines to fathom the roots of her disturbance.",[12,16529,16530],{},"Years later, in Germany, we meet Krysta. Krysta’s Papa is busy working in the infirmary with the ‘animal people’, so little Krysta plays alone, lost in the stories of Hansel and Gretel, the Pied Piper, and more. And when everything changes and the real world around her becomes as frightening as any fairy tale, Krysta finds that her imagination holds powers beyond what she could have ever guessed . . .",[12,16532,16533,16534,16537],{},"Eliza Granville was born in Worcestershire and currently lives in France. She has had a life-long fascination with the enduring quality of fairytales and their symbolism, and the idea for ",[211,16535,16536],{},"Gretel and the Dark"," was sparked when she became interested in the emphasis placed on these stories during the Third Reich.",[12,16539,16540],{},[34,16541,11550],{},[12,16543,16544],{},"Reviewing this book is harder than most, I want to tell you EVERYTHING about it because I enjoyed it so much whilst at the same time I feel that I don’t want to tell you anything at all because that can only lead to me spoiling it for you.",[12,16546,16547],{},"Gretel and The Dark is a very dark, complex and hard-hitting novel which is not what I was expecting. I was prepared for a mature take on Grimm’s fairy tales, a story of magic and wonderment. This book however is on another level!",[12,16549,16550],{},"Eliza Granville’s debut novel tells two stories which intertwine chapter by chapter and are told from two different perspectives. We follow two sets of characters starting with Dr Josef Breuer in nineteenth century Vienna, when a naked woman is found by his gardener and brought to his house, Dr Breuer feels compelled to find out everything he can about her whilst also developing a bit of a soft spot for her. The second tale follows a young girl named Krysta along with her father who is also a doctor and works at the infirmary of a ‘Zoo’ as Krysta calls it working on the animal people. This is where Krysta meets a young boy named Daniel, who apparently eats worms and their tales start to unravel into a heavy story of torture, neglect, abuse and distant memories of better times.",[12,16552,16553],{},"The book is complimented with fairy stories told from memory by Krysta that their cook used to share with her, I really enjoyed a lot of these although sometimes it could get a little heavy on repeatedly going back to this when I was so eager to find out what was going to happen to my favourite characters next.",[12,16555,16556],{},"This a brilliant book and is most certainly different to any other take on such historical events or even fairy tales, that I have experienced before. The complex way the tales intertwine between different worlds was enough to have me a little baffled in the start, as you plough on into the depths of this book it all starts to come together, when Granville starts name dropping and the real tale becomes very apparent had me immersed further into this epic tale of historical fiction and fantasy.",[12,16558,11570],{},[12,16560,16561,16562,16564],{},"I loved this book, it wasn’t what I expected and it still managed to hold my attention. A book that isn’t predictable in any way yet keeps you wanting more.",[774,16563],{},"\nIt can be a little gory and shocking at times but without this it wouldn’t be a true representation of the time, I think Eliza Granville has done a superb job of combining this piece of history with the idea of fairy tales and the imagination of a child at this particular time so well, I would certainly recommend it to others.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":16566},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/gretel_and_the_dark_eliza_granville.jpg","2014-03-13T18:03:00Z","Title : Gretel and The DarkAuthor : Eliza GranvillePublication date : 6 February 2014Publisher : Hamish HamiltonPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: AmazonRating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","2893",{},"Review of Gretel and The Dark by Eliza Granville. A haunting blend of fairy tales and historical fiction set during WWII. Rated 5 out of 5 stars.","/gretel-and-the-dark",{"title":16482,"description":16570},"gretel-and-the-dark","3RbaNh6KDF8KIDQMsGmMUzZRi1FKCSCFYldyKW8qAG8",{"id":16579,"title":16580,"author":245,"body":16581,"category":16731,"cover":16732,"date":16733,"description":16734,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":16735,"meta":16736,"meta_description":16737,"meta_title":16580,"navigation":236,"path":16738,"seo":16739,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":16740,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":16741},"posts/the-deadwifes-handbook.md","Book Review: The DeadWife’s Handbook",{"type":9,"value":16582,"toc":16729},[16583,16634,16639,16644,16647,16650,16653,16656,16659,16662,16665,16674,16677,16680,16683,16686,16689,16692,16695,16698,16703,16706,16709,16712,16715,16720,16723,16726],[12,16584,16585,16596,16598,16601,16603,16606,16608,16610,16612,16630,16632],{},[34,16586,16587,16595],{},[16,16588,16591],{"href":16589,"rel":16590},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0718178149?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0718178149&adid=1FZ3ED9MQKA99VERAQY1&",[20],[45,16592],{"alt":16593,"src":16594},"the_dead_wifes_handbook_cover","/images/2014/02/the_dead_wifes_handbook_cover.jpg","Title : The Dead Wife’s Handbook",[774,16597],{},[34,16599,16600],{},"Author : Hannah Beckerman",[774,16602],{},[34,16604,16605],{},"Publication date : 13 February 2014",[774,16607],{},[34,16609,12119],{},[774,16611],{},[34,16613,12124,16614,16618,16620,9822,16622,9822,16625],{},[16,16615,12128],{"href":16616,"rel":16617},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00F02CI80?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00F02CI80&adid=0X1PYERDJSHJ22BQV35H&",[20],[774,16619],{},[34,16621,12133],{},[16,16623,768],{"href":16589,"rel":16624},[20],[16,16626,16629],{"href":16627,"rel":16628},"http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Dead-Wifes-Handbook-Hannah-Beckerman/9780718178147/?a_aid=LeeLeeLoves",[20],"Book Depositry",[774,16631],{},[34,16633,15790],{},[12,16635,16636],{},[34,16637,16638],{},"The Blurb –",[12,16640,16641],{},[34,16642,16643],{},"‘Today is my death anniversary. A year ago today I was still alive.’",[12,16645,16646],{},"Rachel, Max and their daughter Ellie had the perfect life – until the night Rachel’s heart stopped beating.",[12,16648,16649],{},"Now Max and Ellie are doing their best to adapt to life without Rachel, and just as her family can’t forget her, Rachel can’t quite let go of them either. Caught in a place between worlds, Rachel watches helplessly as she begins to fade from their lives. And when Max is persuaded by family and friends to start dating again, Rachel starts to understand that dying was just the beginning of her problems.",[12,16651,16652],{},"As Rachel grieves for the life she’s lost and the life she’ll never lead, she learns that sometimes the thing that breaks your heart might be the very thing you hope for.",[12,16654,16655],{},"Hannah Beckerman gives an unforgettable exploration of love and loss in her first novel, The Dead Wife’s Handbook.",[12,16657,16658],{},"Praise for The Dead Wife’s Handbook:",[12,16660,16661],{},"‘Beautifully written and full of love’ Fern Britton",[12,16663,16664],{},"Hannah Beckerman is a former TV and film producer living in London. The Dead Wife’s Handbook is her first novel.",[12,16666,16667,16671],{},[45,16668],{"alt":16669,"src":16670},"dotted","/images/2013/05/dotted.png",[34,16672,16673],{},"My Thoughts –",[12,16675,16676],{},"It was with an apprehensive and heavy heart that I chose to read this novel, the entire concept intrigued me however I felt it might ring a little too close to home for me to enjoy it without actually feeling a little miserable myself. This however wasn’t the case, I thoroughly enjoyed Hannah’s debut and this is what you can expect to find within the pages that lie under that truly stunning cover…",[12,16678,16679],{},"The Dead Wife’s Handbook follows the story of Rachel a wife and mother of one and is told from her perspective, the thing that sets this book apart from the rest is that Rachel is dead.",[12,16681,16682],{},"Following our protagonist in her world of perpetual limbo as she watches over her loved ones is an emotional roller-coaster; it’s been one year since that fateful evening when her heart suddenly stopped beating.",[12,16684,16685],{},"As Max and Ellie learn to deal with the loss of Rachel others around them are encouraging Max to move on with his life, get out more, have fun. Max thinks it’s too soon, and although he doesn’t know it, so does a Rachel.",[12,16687,16688],{},"The novel is split into sections based on the different stages of grief as Rachel experiences them, its interesting to think the deceased could also go through this and not just those they have left behind. Hannah Beckerman dealt with the issues surrounding the stages of grief so well from Rachel’s perspective; from her reaction to having somebody else take her place to the way seven-year-old Ellie copes without having her mother.",[12,16690,16691],{},"Its not all sad though! Following Max on a multitude of terrible first dates that even Rachel finds appalling adds a different dimension to the novel, he might be moving on without her but its not easy. Their are many parts to this book that had me laughing and cheering on Max in his venture to enjoy life again and made me realise how much we rely on those around us for our happiness.",[12,16693,16694],{},"One of my favourite characters was best friend Harriet who has stuck by Max and Ellie, although she encourages Max to start dating again when it finally starts to work out for him she isn’t impressed, how could he possibly start to love somebody after he married her best friend?! At this point I found myself thinking Hetty was a little selfish but aren’t we all at times?",[12,16696,16697],{},"Throughout the novel I was so invested in Rachel’s experiences and reactions to change I didn’t find myself crying at as many parts as I initially thought I would, that’s not to say I didn’t have my moments. The following quote from a conversation between characters Eve and Ellie was the moment The Dead Wife’s Handbook broke me.",[12,16699,16700],{},[34,16701,16702],{},"‘Eve? You know how everyone says Christmas is the time of year when you’re supposed to be most happy? Well, the thing is, sometimes I’m not. Sometimes it’s when I’m most sad.’",[12,16704,16705],{},"Christmas had always been mine and my mums favourite time of year. Nobody else was ever interested in decorating or singing Christmas songs for weeks while watching the same films every year like we were, it was just the two of us. True to Ellie’s words it really can be the time of year that some people are feeling most sad. I can only imagine how hard it would be to lose your mother at such a young age and Ellie deals with everything so well, one of the things that has always amazed me about children is their ability to move on and not over think things.",[12,16707,16708],{},"The element of this story that stood out for myself was the idea that those we love could witness things and share them with us, its not necessarily a reality but the idea of my mum having seen me on my 21st birthday or having watched me graduate from university is one I would certainly like to hold onto.",[12,16710,16711],{},"This is a novel that really delves into the real life issues that occur when you lose somebody who is close to you and seeing it from the perspective of the other side is astounding, no amount of research can put you directly into that characters mind. Hannah has achieved this so well within her writing you’d think she had been to this place with Rachel and asked her what she was feeling!",[12,16713,16714],{},"Their isn’t always a warning bell to let you know your time is going to be up in the next few weeks, months or years, it can happen any time, anywhere. For some it’s fast, sudden, and unexpected. The question is how would you handle it?",[12,16716,16717],{},[34,16718,16719],{},"Verdict –",[12,16721,16722],{},"The Dead Wife’s Handbook is a truly thought provoking and compelling read, a book so powerful it has the ability to leave its readers questioning their own life and legacy.",[12,16724,16725],{},"Many books are described by critics as “Life changing” and “Life Affirming” yet they rarely live up to this, The Dead Wife’s handbook is the first time I can say a book really does meet this expectation, something so strong and powerful with the ability to change your entire outlook on life.",[12,16727,16728],{},"I couldn’t put this book down, if you’re looking for a something that is funny, romantic, serious and emotionally charged then this is for you. It might make you cry but it will most certainly make you smile!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":16730},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/the_dead_wifes_handbook_review_hannah_beckerman.jpg","2014-02-27T12:59:00Z","Title : The Dead Wife’s HandbookAuthor : Hannah BeckermanPublication date : 13 February 2014Publisher : PenguinPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: Amazon Book DepositryRating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","3242",{},"Review of The Dead Wife’s Handbook by Hannah Beckerman. A life-affirming novel about love, loss, and grief told from beyond. Rated 5 out of 5 stars.","/the-deadwifes-handbook",{"title":16580,"description":16734},"the-deadwifes-handbook","T6BEDVspaAwqmnWeL7JbhqCEYCkCJcyxTxeoo2TD0-o",{"id":16743,"title":16744,"author":245,"body":16745,"category":16861,"cover":16862,"date":16863,"description":16749,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":16864,"meta":16865,"meta_description":16866,"meta_title":16744,"navigation":236,"path":16867,"seo":16868,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":16869,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":16870},"posts/hannah-beckerman-talks-terrible-blind-dates.md","Author Interview: Hannah Beckerman talks terrible blind dates!",{"type":9,"value":16746,"toc":16857},[16747,16750,16758,16761,16764,16767,16770,16773,16776,16779,16782,16785,16788,16791,16794,16801,16808,16811,16814,16817,16820,16823,16826,16829,16833,16836,16839,16842,16845,16848,16851,16854],[12,16748,16749],{},"Today we have the lovely Hannah Beckerman sharing her worst blind date experience with us, very much like those we follow Max on in her debut novel The Dead Wife’s Handbook, I think we’ve all had similar experiences?",[274,16751,16753,16754],{"id":16752},"hannahs-worst-blind-date","Hannah’s Worst Blind Date",[45,16755],{"alt":16756,"src":16757},"hannah_beckerman_author","/images/2014/02/hannah_beckerman_author.jpg",[12,16759,16760],{},"I was single for a while in my late twenties.",[12,16762,16763],{},"Okay, I admit it: I was single for ALL of my late twenties. In fact, from my mid-twenties until just before my 30th birthday, I was never in the company of someone who I could – outside of the realms of fantasy – call a boyfriend.",[12,16765,16766],{},"During that time I went on my fair share of terrible dates. Dates with friends of friends who turned out not to be the Prince Charming they’d been described as. Dates with men I’d met socially (okay, often drunkenly) who weren’t quite so interesting when we were both sober. And dates with people I knew through work who, it transpired, weren’t *quite* as single as they’d led me to believe.",[12,16768,16769],{},"I only ever went one blind date though. Because after this one, I could never face another.",[12,16771,16772],{},"The Boy been ‘introduced’ to me on email by a mutual friend who’d told us both that we had loads in common and were definitely going to hit it off. And we did. Over the course of a couple of weeks, we emailed each other every day and there did seem to be a bit of a spark (if there can possibly be such a thing when your only actual connection is broadband).",[12,16774,16775],{},"After a fortnight, The Boy suggested we should meet and on the day of the date, he mailed me to tell me what to look out for: ‘about 5ft 8, brown hair and I’ll be wearing a green army coat.’ Take the army coat out of that sentence and nothing too offensive, right?",[12,16777,16778],{},"I turned up at the dimly-lit pub in question that evening and scanned the room. Someone at the bar nodded his head at me in vague, tentative recognition: it was dark and I could barely make out what he looked like as I walked over to him.",[12,16780,16781],{},"He hopped off the bar stool and I looked down at him.",[12,16783,16784],{},"Yep, I looked down. And I’m only 5ft 4.",[12,16786,16787],{},"5ft 8 was what you might describe as pushing the limits of dramatic license. I reckoned 5ft 2 at a push.",[12,16789,16790],{},"Now, I’m not generally superficial when it comes to looks but I do have A Thing about short men. Blame my mum. She always told me she couldn’t be attracted to men who were shorter than her or who kept their loose change in a wallet instead of pocket. These things stick, right?!",[12,16792,16793],{},"Not only was he short but he had the weirdest haircut I’d ever seen up close: cropped all over except at the back where a few strands – a bit like those rats tails that were fashionable in the 80s – hanging down over his shoulders.",[12,16795,16796,16797,16800],{},"Over the course of the next couple of hours, the full extent of our mismatch became painfully apparent. He whined on about how much he hated his job, about how work was for losers, about how he didn’t understand anyone who enjoyed going to work (at the time, I was making Arts programmes for the BBC and couldn’t have been happier trotting off to the office every day). He described how his perfect life would be to have enough money to sit around playing computer games all day (I didn’t even know he ",[211,16798,16799],{},"liked"," computer games). He chewed his fingernails and tugged at those funny strands of hair until individual strands came out, which he wound round his fingers into tight balls before flicking on the floor.",[12,16802,16803,16804,16807],{},"If you’ve read ",[211,16805,16806],{},"The Dead Wife’s Handbook,"," you might start to see where some of the inspiration for Dodie came from…",[12,16809,16810],{},"By the middle of the evening, I knew that this wasn’t going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship, and made my excuses to leave.",[12,16812,16813],{},"And then The Boy did the thing that boys do when they really don’t have a clue about a situation.",[12,16815,16816],{},"He tried to kiss me. Not as in a peck-on-the-cheek. As in an attempt at a full-on snog.",[12,16818,16819],{},"It took a firm, rejecting hand on his chest and a look on my face which I’ve no doubt was something between bemusement and horror for him to get the message.",[12,16821,16822],{},"When he emailed me the next day to arrange a follow-up, I politely declined.",[12,16824,16825],{},"And I’ve declined every blind date ever since.",[12,16827,16828],{},"Turns out a virtual spark isn’t always enough…",[274,16830,16832],{"id":16831},"my-worst-date","My Worst Date",[12,16834,16835],{},"I’ve been lucky enough not to have experienced the woes of a blind date, but I have had my fair share of terrible dates and heres one I’d never like to repeat…",[12,16837,16838],{},"For myself it has to be a date I went on during my second year at college I was 18, and it was tragic! Firstly neither of us drove so I had to wait for a bus in the rain while said date was half an hour late. Not the best start to our day. I was however rather looking forward to our pre-planned date, the generic trip to the cinema where neither party has to make small talk or even choose to interact with one another, perfect.",[12,16840,16841],{},"Their were some brilliant rom-coms out at the time so I had a good feeling about the day over all, that was until my date announced we were going to see ‘Borat’ I spent the next two hours of my life (hours I shall never get back) watching fat men roll around naked with their balls in one anothers faces, to this day that is the only thing I remember from the entire film, I’m sure a lot of other less disturbing things happened but that particular scene was enough to put me off and block out the rest for life.",[12,16843,16844],{},"After the rather traumatising trip to the cinema he suggested we go for something to eat, great idea! I was then swiftly taken to the nearest Greggs, I actually can’t stand the place, even the smell of their pastry makes me feel a little queazy.",[12,16846,16847],{},"I kindly announced that I must have filled up on cinema food and wasn’t really hungry, not wanting to sound like one of those girls who just doesn’t eat but I couldn’t put myself through eating a greasy Greggs dinner. This lead to me watching him eat a large greasy pastry at the bus stop, while he talked with his mouth full, he had beans and pastry flakes stuck to his teeth.",[12,16849,16850],{},"Thankfully he did not try to kiss me, because after that I don’t know what I would have done!",[12,16852,16853],{},"I hope you enjoyed our terrible tales of dating, please share your own in the comments below, we would love to know it isn’t just us who have been tarnished with the bad dates brush!",[12,16855,16856],{},"Many thanks to Hannah for sharing her blind date experience with us today, just remember if you’re going to risk going on a blind date you could fall short. 😉",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":16858},[16859,16860],{"id":16752,"depth":538,"text":16753},{"id":16831,"depth":538,"text":16832},[226],"/images/2014/02/the_dead_wifes_handbook_feature_hannah_beckerman.jpg","2014-02-24T08:41:00Z","3194",{},"Hannah Beckerman shares her worst blind date story that inspired The Dead Wife's Handbook. Hilarious dating disasters and awkward moments.","/hannah-beckerman-talks-terrible-blind-dates",{"title":16744,"description":16749},"hannah-beckerman-talks-terrible-blind-dates","s0eLY76VqxK9XcIfsAPywF4lj-9xDDEAM4H6MhHiik4",{"id":16872,"title":16873,"author":245,"body":16874,"category":16963,"cover":16964,"date":16965,"description":16966,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":16967,"meta":16968,"meta_description":16969,"meta_title":16873,"navigation":236,"path":16970,"seo":16971,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":16972,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":16973},"posts/how-to-get-a-love-life-rosie-blake.md","Book Review: How to Get a (Love) Life",{"type":9,"value":16875,"toc":16961},[16876,16909,16915,16920,16923,16926,16930,16933,16936,16939,16942,16945,16948,16951,16955],[12,16877,16878,16885,16887,16890,16892,16895,16897,16900,16902],{},[34,16879,16880,16884],{},[45,16881],{"alt":16882,"src":16883},"how_to_get_a_love_life_cover","/images/2014/02/how_to_get_a_love_life_cover.jpg","Title : How to get a (Love) Life",[774,16886],{},[34,16888,16889],{},"Author : Rosie Blake",[774,16891],{},[34,16893,16894],{},"Publication date : 28 January 2014",[774,16896],{},[34,16898,16899],{},"Publisher : Novelicious Books",[774,16901],{},[34,16903,16904,16905,16907],{},"Purchase eBook: N/A",[774,16906],{},[34,16908,15790],{},[12,16910,16911],{},[34,16912,16913],{},[34,16914,15471],{},[12,16916,16917],{},[34,16918,16919],{},"Some people book last-minute holidays, walk barefoot in the grass or party on a week night. Not Nicola Brown. Nicola is the kind of girl who double-locks the front door, leaves the plastic covering on new furniture, sticks to a super-strict diet and definitely, absolutely Does Not Date.",[12,16921,16922],{},"Her colleague Caroline – loopy, warm and exasperated by her, knows that Nicola’s reluctance to lose control means she’s living only half a life. And so she lays down the gauntlet: Nicola must cast aside her hang ups and go on as many dates as it takes to find true love in time for Valentine’s Day.",[12,16924,16925],{},"The pick of local men is, quite frankly, a bit rubbish. And there are only three months until February 14th. Surely it’s an impossible task? But, as Nicola is about to find out on her dodgy dates, letting go isn’t quite as scary as she imagined. In fact, it’s rather a lot of fun…",[12,16927,16928],{},[34,16929,11550],{},[12,16931,16932],{},"How to Get a (Love) Life follows the story of Nicola Brown on her mission to find herself a man before valentines day, a real man, a tall handsome muscular man. The only reason Nicola actually wants to navigate away from her very orderly life of solitude is because of her work college Caroline.",[12,16934,16935],{},"Nicola works for a small acting agency with Caroline and their boss James, although they are a very small knit team the business is booming and she will do anything to help them succeed, even if it involves donning her own acting skills or dining with the most arrogant man on the agencies books, Nicola really does go above and beyond for her career.",[12,16937,16938],{},"Following Nic on her journey starts with a series of quiet possibly the worst first dates ever! If a man ever tells you to bring your bikini on a date in the middle of winter lock the doors and avoid him at all costs! He is NOT taking you to a spa or to any place remotely warm, poor Nicola learnt this the hard way, with the salty ocean spray slapping her in the face and a neoprene hat on her head.",[12,16940,16941],{},"After a few not so perfect dates Nicola takes it upon herself to meet new men as much as possible and of course the best way to do this is do man stuff, right? Play golf, start carpentry, all perfectly normal things for a woman to do. So you won’t be surprised to find her efforts to meet single men isn’t going quiet to plan.",[12,16943,16944],{},"Throughout the course of the story we meet Nicolas lovely family and her charming brother Mark who has an unhealthy obsession with bats, he was one of my favorite characters, his determination to date the woman he works with is very sweet. At one point I found myself rooting for mark and his romantic endeavors more than I was for Nicola.",[12,16946,16947],{},"The trouble with Nicola is that she spends so much time concentrating on her OCD plan to find her perfect man that she’s not looking right under her own nose! We meet a whole host of different gents on the journey to find the one, some of them are so tragic its unreal and others will make your insides do a tiny flip.",[12,16949,16950],{},"I would however have liked to see a little more of Nicolas perfect man Mr *cough cough* sorry did you miss that? Yes him, he was such a fantastic character and throughout the novel I wanted more!",[12,16952,16953],{},[34,16954,11570],{},[12,16956,16957,16958,16960],{},"How to Get a (Love) Life is a really fun and refreshing read, a novel filled with humour and a sprinkling of romance. The writing is easy to follow and flows well throughout leaving you eager to find out what could possibly go wrong next. Rosie doesn’t over do it with the romance element of this novel, and it works really well. Its not soppy and its not sexy but its funny and entertaining through to the very end.",[774,16959],{},"\nThe perfect companion for a relaxing weekend.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":16962},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/how_to_get_a_love_life_rosie_blake.jpg","2014-02-21T13:02:00Z","Title : How to get a (Love) LifeAuthor : Rosie BlakePublication date : 28 January 2014Publisher : Novelicious BooksPurchase eBook: N/ARating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","2965",{},"Review of How to Get a (Love) Life by Rosie Blake. A hilarious debut about disastrous dates and finding love. Rated 5 out of 5 stars.","/how-to-get-a-love-life-rosie-blake",{"title":16873,"description":16966},"how-to-get-a-love-life-rosie-blake","xQFHh_ZniB-NPw0stHD-Vhzne2O4EvOPnLWbO3QhWbE",{"id":16975,"title":16976,"author":245,"body":16977,"category":17044,"cover":17045,"date":17046,"description":17047,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":17048,"meta":17049,"meta_description":17050,"meta_title":16976,"navigation":236,"path":17051,"seo":17052,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":17053,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":17054},"posts/heroes-and-villains-by-rosie-blake.md","Exclusive Content: Heroes and Villains by Rosie Blake",{"type":9,"value":16978,"toc":17042},[16979,16985,16994,16997,17000,17003,17006,17009,17012,17015,17020,17027,17034],[12,16980,16981,16984],{},[34,16982,16983],{},"We have a treat in store for you this Friday afternoon,"," Rosie Blake, author of the laugh out loud, try not to pee in your pants, How to Get a (Love) Life has stopped by to talk to us all about heroes and villians!",[12,16986,16987,16991],{},[45,16988],{"alt":16989,"src":16990},"rosie-blake","/images/2014/02/rosie-blake.jpg",[34,16992,16993],{},"Over to Rosie…",[12,16995,16996],{},"Every book I’ve ever loved so much I wish I could have wiped my memory of it just so I could start again (aka the entire Jilly Cooper collection and Harry Potter 1-7), featured an amazing collection of heroes and villains. Better than that, heroes that start out as villains and then surprise you by being the ultimate hero.",[12,16998,16999],{},"Take Rupert Campbell-Black, the terrible cad who treats women like dirt and venereal disease like it will never happen to him. He roams about arrogantly whipping horses, and ladies, into submission and the reader is left agog. Then enter Taggie, the cloudy haired, long-legged dyslexic, who is a dream in the kitchen and has amazing skin. Over the course of the book, we see the transformation of this rakish rogue into a fiercely loyal man in love. He doesn’t become a wuss, he still treats people appallingly, but he is incredibly kind to our beloved heroine and so in turn we, the reader, love him.",[12,17001,17002],{},"Do I need to go on? I could probably sum up what I’m trying to say in two words. Professor Snape. Where do we even begin with this incredibly well-written character? The man we all love to loathe. The greasy-haired teacher who seems to be out to target Harry Potter from day one at Hogwarts. The dreadful moment when he appears to show his true dark side (I’m desperately trying not to throw in spoilers). But then the gorgeous storyline of a childhood love; another man fiercely loyal to the last who will do anything for that one woman. *pause to sigh and get ‘kerchief*",[12,17004,17005],{},"So there you have it. A couple of fabulous heroes, villains and heroes who have turned villains and back again. I think, overall, women want to read about a man who puts one person first, right? Above all, we all want to hold on to the notion of a monogamous, red-blooded male who still has a fierce personality (and great legs).",[12,17007,17008],{},"Am I right? Or are you shaking your head? Do you have any favourite heroes or villains that you want to gush about to me?",[12,17010,17011],{},"Please do!",[12,17013,17014],{},"Rosie x",[12,17016,17017],{},[211,17018,17019],{},"Rosie Blake’s debut novel, How to Get a Love Life, is out now.",[12,17021,17022,17023],{},"Twitter: ",[16,17024,17025],{"href":17025,"rel":17026},"https://twitter.com/RosieBBooks",[20],[12,17028,17029,17030],{},"Facebook: ",[16,17031,17032],{"href":17032,"rel":17033},"https://www.facebook.com/RosieBBooks",[20],[12,17035,17036,17037],{},"Web: ",[16,17038,17041],{"href":17039,"rel":17040},"http://www.novelicious.com/",[20],"www.novelicious.com",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":17043},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/rosie_blake_feature.jpg","2014-02-21T11:57:00Z","We have a treat in store for you this Friday afternoon, Rosie Blake, author of the laugh out loud, try not to pee in your pants, How to Get a (Love) Life has stopped by to talk to us all about heroes and villians!","2981",{},"Rosie Blake discusses literary heroes and villains from Jilly Cooper to Professor Snape. Exclusive content from the How to Get a Love Life author.","/heroes-and-villains-by-rosie-blake",{"title":16976,"description":17047},"heroes-and-villains-by-rosie-blake","Bfq9m88s9PmuFbGCftMw5N2rWIDyb5waaPaQOUb1MZM",{"id":17056,"title":17057,"author":245,"body":17058,"category":17148,"cover":17149,"date":17150,"description":17151,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":17152,"meta":17153,"meta_description":17154,"meta_title":17057,"navigation":236,"path":17155,"seo":17156,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":17157,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":17158},"posts/the-guestbook-holly-martin.md","Book Review: The Guestbook by Holly Martin",{"type":9,"value":17059,"toc":17146},[17060,17097,17101,17106,17109,17112,17115,17120,17124,17127,17130,17133,17136,17139,17143],[12,17061,17062,17069,17071,17074,17076,17079,17081,17084,17086],{},[34,17063,17064,17068],{},[45,17065],{"alt":17066,"src":17067},"the_guestbook_cover","/images/2014/02/the_guestbook_cover.jpg","Title : The Guestbook",[774,17070],{},[34,17072,17073],{},"Author : Holy Martin",[774,17075],{},[34,17077,17078],{},"Publication date : 14 February 2014",[774,17080],{},[34,17082,17083],{},"Publisher : Carina",[774,17085],{},[34,17087,12124,17088,17092,17094],{},[16,17089,12128],{"href":17090,"rel":17091},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HVD8VX2?ie=UTF8&at=aw-iphone-pc-uk-21&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links",[20],[774,17093],{},[34,17095,17096],{},"Rating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee’s!",[12,17098,17099],{},[34,17100,15471],{},[12,17102,17103],{},[34,17104,17105],{},"Welcome to Willow Cottage – throw open the shutters, let in the sea breeze and make yourself completely at home. Oh, and please do leave a comment in the Guestbook.",[12,17107,17108],{},"As landlady of Willow Cottage, the young widow Annie Butterworth is always on hand with tea, sympathy or strong Norfolk cider – whatever her colourful array of guests require. A flick through the messages in the leather-bound cottage guestbook gives a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of everyone who passes through her doors.",[12,17110,17111],{},"This includes Annie herself – especially now celebrity crime writer Oliver Black, is back in town. He might grace the covers of gossip magazines with a different glamorous supermodel draped on his arm every week, but to Annie, he’s always just been Olly, the man who Annie shared her first kiss with.",[12,17113,17114],{},"Through the pages of the Guestbook Annie and Olly, along with all the guests that arrive at the seaside retreat, struggle with love, loss, mystery, joy, happiness, guilt…and the odd spot of naked rambling!",[12,17116,17117],{},[211,17118,17119],{},"Forget sending postcards saying ‘wish you were here’ – one visit to Willow Cottage and you’ll wish you could stay forever.",[12,17121,17122],{},[34,17123,11550],{},[12,17125,17126],{},"The Guestbook follows a whole host of characters who visit Willow Cottage, a quaint little holiday rental ran by the lovely young widow Annie Butterworth. Upon reading the blurb I already wanted to get stuck in and meet all of the characters I had already been introduced to, most of all I wanted to know what was in that biscuit tin!",[12,17128,17129],{},"The novel is set out exactly as a guestbook in a hotel following the adventures of Annie’s guests, she also uses the guestbook to leave notes to her guests without disturbing them and vice-versa.",[12,17131,17132],{},"Surely that would be boring? I wasn’t sure how this was going to work out at all with no way for characters to be connected to one another but it works perfectly. You can differentiate between each characters entries by the different fonts used, although I found the entries in all caps to be rather off-putting and difficult to read. The story had me waiting for repeat visitors to come back and stay at Willow Cottage so I could catch up with them, from the couple who have a new born baby the the crazy lady with all of her animals they all had their quirks and left me wanting to know more after they signed out of the cottage.",[12,17134,17135],{},"Some entires in the guestbook are absolutely brilliant and had me laughing out loud where others had me asking myself if this was realistic, would somebody actually divulge such information with their name alongside it in a book that is public domain once they leave the cottage? The majority of the tales I thought were certainly believable and they were indeed very funny if not at times rather emotional. I’m just not sure anyone would actually discuss their sex life, or lack of, in a guestbook or personal affairs such as the loss of your unborn child. But who knows? Either way they certainly brought new depths and elements of surprise to the novel each time a new guest appeared and spilled their heart all over the pages.",[12,17137,17138],{},"Annie herself has a really interesting back story, a love triangle of sorts and a confusing relationship with her brother in law, famous crime writer Oliver Black. Many visitors confuse Annie for being the granddaughter of the land lady upon seeing her and don’t realise that she is the widowed owner of Willow Cottage, always described as being young and beautiful Annie is the perfect host not only to the cottage but to this entire novel. Her soft caring side combined with her crazy humour really bring the book together.",[12,17140,17141],{},[34,17142,11570],{},[12,17144,17145],{},"The Guestbook is an emotional story filled with laughter and a great element of mystery throughout, I found Annie and Olly to be such wonderful characters and was rooting for them right to the end. Holly Martin has written this novel with so much heart and the characters feel so genuine and realistic not forgetting the huge twist of an ending which I of course am not going to reveal to you! The book is an absolute bargain and I recommend you go grab a copy for yourself, its a really fun relaxing read and I demolished it in one sitting.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":17147},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/the_guestbook_holly_martin.jpg","2014-02-20T13:14:00Z","Title : The GuestbookAuthor : Holy MartinPublication date : 14 February 2014Publisher : CarinaPurchase eBook: KindleRating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","2962",{},"Review of The Guestbook by Holly Martin. A heartwarming novel about Willow Cottage, its guests, and a seaside romance. Rated 4 out of 5 stars.","/the-guestbook-holly-martin",{"title":17057,"description":17151},"the-guestbook-holly-martin","FpSadSEgPKFZjyr2eOLoTqGk7LfJ3OP88-0DvJvnCyk",{"id":17160,"title":17161,"author":245,"body":17162,"category":17233,"cover":17234,"date":17235,"description":17236,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":17237,"meta":17238,"meta_description":17239,"meta_title":17240,"navigation":236,"path":17241,"seo":17242,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":17243,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":17244},"posts/giovanna-fletcher-youre-the-one-that-i-want-reveal.md","Book Cover Reveal: Your’e the One that I Want by Giovanna Fletcher",{"type":9,"value":17163,"toc":17229},[17164,17184,17187,17189,17192,17195,17197,17199,17201,17204,17213,17216,17219,17222,17225],[12,17165,17166,17167,17171,17172,17174,17175,17178,17179,17183],{},"Giovanna Fletcher, author of my ",[16,17168,17170],{"href":17169},"/leeleeloves-fave-5-books-of-2013","favourite read"," of 2013 ",[16,17173,13535],{"href":13534},", has announced the title of her second book with penguin Michael Joseph. ",[34,17176,17177],{},"You’re the One That I Want"," is due for release on the 22nd of May 2014. You can pre-order it ",[16,17180,7425],{"href":17181,"rel":17182},"https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/youre-the-one-that-i-want/id690986963?mt=11",[20],"right now.",[12,17185,17186],{},"The publication happens to fall prior to a bank holiday weekend so if you can’t devour it in one sitting (which I am sure many of you will) then what better way could you possibly spend this May bank holiday? Grab a cat (if you have one, or borrow a neighbours) and some chocolate cake, turn off the phone and snuggle up with a copy of You’re the One That I Want, I’m sure Giovanna would approve.",[274,17188,15471],{"id":15470},[12,17190,17191],{},"Maddy, dressed in white, stands at the back of the church. At the end of the aisle is Rob – the man she’s about to marry. Next to Rob is Ben – best man and the best friend any two people ever had.",[12,17193,17194],{},"And that’s the problem.",[12,17196,15695],{},[12,17198,15698],{},[274,17200,13520],{"id":13519},[12,17202,17203],{},"Not only has Gi announced the official title of her second novel but she also just dropped the C-Bomb, thats right, the cover has also been revealed and it is of course stunning!",[12,17205,17206],{},[16,17207,17209],{"href":17181,"rel":17208},[20],[45,17210],{"alt":17211,"src":17212},"youre-the-one-that-i-want-giovanna-fletcher","/images/2014/02/youre-the-one-that-i-want-giovanna-fletcher.jpg",[12,17214,17215],{},"The team at Penguin never fail to produce superb cover art and if Billy and Me was anything to go by I had high expectations, which they appear to have met! Doesn’t it just make you that little bit (…a whole lot!) more excited for publication day? I know I am!",[12,17217,17218],{},"Book covers to me are equally as important if not more so than the words that lie beneath them. That is not to say they matter more, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to write a novel and we buy them for the stories they hold, if it were easy we would all have one. Covers however go through many creative processes and their ability to depict an entire novel in a single image is astounding as this is the first chance a book has to make an impression on a reader and influence them.",[12,17220,17221],{},"I for one am very much looking forward to the publication of You’re the One That I Want. Giovannas writing is something that you can very much sit down and relax with, shutting out the world around you because you are so invested in the one she has created for you.",[12,17223,17224],{},"Make sure you put the date in your diary, only 91 days to go 😉",[12,17226,17227],{},[45,17228],{"alt":15519,"src":15520},{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":17230},[17231,17232],{"id":15470,"depth":538,"text":15471},{"id":13519,"depth":538,"text":13520},[226],"/images/2014/02/giovanna_fletcher_interview.jpg","2014-02-19T15:05:00Z","Giovanna Fletcher, author of my favourite read of 2013 Billy and Me, has announced the title of her second book with penguin Michael Joseph. You’re the One That I Want is due for release on the 22nd of May 2014. You can pre-order it here right now.","2947",{},"You're the One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher - book cover reveal. Her second novel follows Maddy facing an impossible choice between two best friends.","You're the One That I Want - Giovanna Fletcher","/giovanna-fletcher-youre-the-one-that-i-want-reveal",{"title":17161,"description":17236},"giovanna-fletcher-youre-the-one-that-i-want-reveal","0Wh23huBlajKWeFCylJtSAZn3LrEJWjj430VPj3aGKg",{"id":17246,"title":17247,"author":245,"body":17248,"category":17330,"cover":17331,"date":17332,"description":17254,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":17333,"meta":17334,"meta_description":17335,"meta_title":17247,"navigation":236,"path":17336,"seo":17337,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":17338,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":17339},"posts/author-qa-with-pippa-croft-aka-phillipa-ashley.md","Author Interview: Pippa Croft – AKA Phillipa Ashley!",{"type":9,"value":17249,"toc":17328},[17250,17259,17268,17271,17276,17279,17286,17289,17292,17295,17300,17303,17308,17311,17320],[12,17251,17252],{},[34,17253,17254,17255],{},"The lovely folk at Penguin books have asked Pippa Croft some fantastic questions about her new book The first Time We Met for all of you book lovers and Penguin fans! ",[45,17256],{"alt":17257,"src":17258},"pippa_croft","/images/2014/02/pippa_croft.jpg",[12,17260,17261],{},[34,17262,17263,17264,17267],{},"Your new book ",[211,17265,17266],{},"The First Time We Met"," explores falling for the wrong sort of guy. What inspired you to write this story? Do you think many readers will identify with Lauren?",[12,17269,17270],{},"I really hope that readers will identify with what Lauren is going through. Writing a book about young people having an amazing time at Oxford has been a dream come true. Not only has it enabled me to relive my time there, but I’ve also been able, I hope, to tap into the fears, hopes and excitement of the students who are there right now. OK, the world I’ve created is a very glamorous one – most students at College wouldn’t be able to live the kind of high end lifestyle that Alexander and Lauren can. However, both Alexander and Lauren also realise that no amount of wealth and privilege can protect them from the emotions that everyone experiences at university, at one time or another: feeling like a fish out of water, homesickness, finding your feet in an alien world and of course, falling in love. On top of that, Alexander has some extra issues to deal with arising from the loss of his mother and his job in the Army… my characters are getting a very bumpy ride indeed.",[12,17272,17273],{},[34,17274,17275],{},"You went to Oxford, does this story have any personal context?",[12,17277,17278],{},"Absolutely! My time there was one of the most exciting, fun and terrifying periods of my life: it was a massive culture shock at first and has influenced the way I think ever since. I learned to stand on my own two feet and have the confidence to be my own person, like every student does. Many of the friendships I made, have lasted to this day and some of the people I knew have helped me with the book. I’m also very proud that my daughter chose to go to the same college as me and in fact, we’re the first mum and daughter ever to do that.",[12,17280,17281],{},[34,17282,17283,17284],{},"Did you do any research for ",[211,17285,17266],{},[12,17287,17288],{},"Did I do any research? Only masses!!! I’m sure I’ve driven many people insane with questions about hunting, horses, US food and drink, fashion, art, stately homes etc Although I’ve been back to Oxford and Cambridge many times and had some juicy tales from my days there, I still ‘recycled’ lots of anecdotes from my daughter and her friends who are the same age as the characters – some of them are even doing the same courses.",[12,17290,17291],{},"I definitely couldn’t have written this book without the help of my online and Real Life American friends who were a constant source of advice on language, attitudes, politics and culture – such as what would the American students eat and drink at their party? I remember one debate on Facebook that centred on the different between knickers and panties that ran to over 100 comments, and has us all RFLMAO. Once lunchtime comes around, I’m often messaging US friends who have only just crawled out of bed, to ask another question.",[12,17293,17294],{},"However, perhaps the most fun and the trickiest part of the research was finding out about Alexander’s ‘job’ in the Army – I can’t say too much about it or he’d have to kill me. I was lucky enough to bump into an old university friend at a reunion who’d been in Special Forces and knew things that made my eyes pop out. I’m very grateful to him and an author friend for their help.",[12,17296,17297],{},[34,17298,17299],{},"What authors, books, or ideas have influenced you most?",[12,17301,17302],{},"Jane Austen, definitely, I love the banter and sexual chemistry in Pride & Prejudice and the emotional subtlety of Persuasion. However, I also like thrillers and crime. Ian Rankin is my favourite crime author and read a lot of non-fiction. Aas research for The First Time We Met , I read The Junior Officers Reading Club by Patrick Hennessy which I keep picking up now and dipping into.",[12,17304,17305],{},[34,17306,17307],{},"What’s your next writing project?",[12,17309,17310],{},"Finishing the Second Time I Saw You, 0f course!",[12,17312,17313,17314,17319],{},"Pippa’s new book The First Time We Met published yesterday 13th February 2014) , you can",[16,17315,17318],{"href":17316,"rel":17317},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HS983P0?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00HS983P0&adid=1C2M08Z2E1K5KQEXDXNB&",[20]," buy a copy here",". This is the first book in the Oxford blue Series by Pippa, twitter has been awash with people talking about this book and everyone wants to get their hands on a copy.",[12,17321,17322,17323,17327],{},"Don’t forget to read the **",[16,17324,17326],{"href":17325},"/the-first-time-we-met-inc-extract","exclusive extract ","**we shared yesterday from the book to find out why and watch the fan promo video!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":17329},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/pippa_croft1.jpg","2014-02-14T13:03:00Z","2936",{},"Author interview with Pippa Croft (Phillipa Ashley) about The First Time We Met. Discover her inspiration and Oxford University experiences.","/author-qa-with-pippa-croft-aka-phillipa-ashley",{"title":17247,"description":17254},"author-qa-with-pippa-croft-aka-phillipa-ashley","7KE9fsGmYknmMlRyvK2R0vepQQPAXUCopL-g1ow6hrQ",{"id":17341,"title":17342,"author":245,"body":17343,"category":17484,"cover":17485,"date":17486,"description":17487,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":17488,"meta":17489,"meta_description":17490,"meta_title":17342,"navigation":236,"path":17325,"seo":17491,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":17492,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":17493},"posts/the-first-time-we-met-inc-extract.md","Exclusive Content: The First Time We Met",{"type":9,"value":17344,"toc":17482},[17345,17379,17385,17392,17395,17400,17465,17470,17479],[12,17346,17347,17354,17356,17359,17361,17363,17365,17367,17369],{},[34,17348,17349,17353],{},[45,17350],{"alt":17351,"src":17352},"the_first_time_we_met_cover","/images/2014/02/the_first_time_we_met_cover.jpg","Title : The First Time We Met",[774,17355],{},[34,17357,17358],{},"Author : Pippa Croft",[774,17360],{},[34,17362,16605],{},[774,17364],{},[34,17366,12119],{},[774,17368],{},[34,17370,12124,17371,17374,17376],{},[16,17372,12128],{"href":17316,"rel":17373},[20],[774,17375],{},[34,17377,17378],{},"Rating : Rating & Review Coming Soon!",[12,17380,17381,17384],{},[34,17382,17383],{},"News!:"," Today marks the publication of Pippa Crofts new book The First Time We Met, this is the first book in the Oxford blue Series by Pippa. Twitter has been awash with people talking about this book and everyone wants to get their hands on a copy. Here’s why…",[12,17386,17387,17389,17391],{},[34,17388,16638],{},[774,17390],{},"\nWhen US Senator’s daughter, Lauren Cusack, arrives at the enchanting Wyckham College of Oxford University she hopes to mend a broken heart by throwing herself in to her studies. But then the English aristocrat Alexander Hunt walks in to her life and everything changes. Handsome, brooding and with his own dark past to escape, Alexander is exactly what Lauren doesn’t need – but she finds herself helplessly drawn towards him.",[12,17393,17394],{},"They are attracted to one another with an intensity that should warn them that neither is what the other needs. But sometimes desire is too powerful to ignore…",[12,17396,17397],{},[34,17398,17399],{},"Exclusive Extract –",[4284,17401,17402],{},[12,17403,17404,17405,17407,17408,17410,17411,17413,17414,17416,17417,17419,17420,17422,17423,17425,17426,17428,17429,17431,17432,17434,17435,17437,17438,17440,17441,17443,17444,17446,17447,17449,17450,17452,17453,17455,17456,17458,17459,17461,17462,17464],{},"“ ‘Alexander Hunt asked you into his house?’",[774,17406],{},"\n‘Sure. He had to fetch an ice pack and some vet tape for me.’",[774,17409],{},"\nShe squeals in delight. ‘Vet tape!’",[774,17412],{},"\nOh, hell, what have I started now? ‘He, um, said it was the best thing for sports injuries and that he’d used it on his horses.’",[774,17415],{},"\nImmy’s shriek attracts the attention of some of our fellow drinkers.",[774,17418],{},"\n‘Immy, please.’",[774,17421],{},"\nHer face is mock solemn. ‘And, pray, what happened after he’d done his Nurse Alexander act?’",[774,17424],{},"\nAnd? Should I tell her that he kissed me and had his hand inside my shorts and that we were on the verge of having sex on his sofa? No way. We may have got to know each other pretty well in a short time, but I’m not ready to share that info with anyone.",[774,17427],{},"\nI shrug. ‘He drove me back to college.’",[774,17430],{},"\n‘So,’ she says, leaning forward. ‘Let me get this straight. Alexander Hunt carried you into his house, laid you on his sofa, strapped up your injured ankle and brought you home in the Range Rover and you say it’s nothing?’",[774,17433],{},"\n‘He didn’t carry me into his house and I didn’t say he’d laid me on his sofa.’",[774,17436],{},"\n‘But you were lying on it?’ Wow, Immy could work for MI6.",[774,17439],{},"\n‘Sitting, actually. I had no choice.’",[774,17442],{},"\nImmy snorts. ‘Do you have any idea what you’re saying here?’",[774,17445],{},"\n‘That I fell over outside some random guy’s house? That he taped up my foot? Is that such a big deal?’",[774,17448],{},"\n‘It is when Alexander Hunt is the random guy in question!’",[774,17451],{},"\nI shrug my shoulders. ‘So?’",[774,17454],{},"\n‘So, he’s incredibly choosy about his women and a huge catch and when this gets out, half the girls in Oxford will have the knives out for you.’",[774,17457],{},"\n‘His women? Hey, I’m deeply flattered to be one of the chosen few – I don’t think – but there’s no need for anything to “get out”. I’d hate people to get the impression I set out to ‘hook’ Alexander or something which incidentally makes him sound like some huge great fish that I’ve landed.’",[774,17460],{},"\nImmy wipes her eyes and I see her mascara has run where she’s been laughing at my horrified response. ‘I know you haven’t set out to get him and that’s probably half the attraction with him – not that you’re not gorgeous and glamorous, of course.’",[774,17463],{},"\nI roll my eyes and Immy smirks mischievously. ‘And he also totally cannot resist a challenge.’ ”",[12,17466,17467],{},[34,17468,17469],{},"The Promo Video –",[12,17471,17472,17473,17478],{},"A few of the lovely book bloggers have taken to youtube via the lovely ",[16,17474,17477],{"href":17475,"rel":17476},"http://goslinggirlsbooktours.weebly.com/",[20],"Gosling Girls Book Tours"," for The First Time We Met Promo Blitz, telling stories of the first time they met special people in their lives!",[12,17480,17481],{},"Watch for our author Q&A with Pippa Croft on her new book right here tomorrow!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":17483},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/the_first_time_we_met_pippa_croft.jpg","2014-02-13T13:03:00Z","Title : The First Time We MetAuthor : Pippa CroftPublication date : 13 February 2014Publisher : PenguinPurchase eBook: KindleRating : Rating & Review Coming Soon!","2924",{},"Exclusive extract from The First Time We Met by Pippa Croft. First in the Oxford Blue series about love and passion at Oxford University.",{"title":17342,"description":17487},"the-first-time-we-met-inc-extract","_-eBzzFst27ZKk1urAnfJlyg0JH8ww-sp7Widuea3WM",{"id":17495,"title":17496,"author":245,"body":17497,"category":17605,"cover":17606,"date":17607,"description":17608,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":17609,"meta":17610,"meta_description":17611,"meta_title":17496,"navigation":236,"path":17612,"seo":17613,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":17614,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":17615},"posts/publication-day-the-dead-wifes-handbook.md","Book News: The Dead Wife’s Handbook Publication Day",{"type":9,"value":17498,"toc":17603},[17499,17538,17542,17554,17558,17562,17564,17566,17568,17570,17572,17574,17576,17580,17583,17588,17591,17594],[12,17500,17501,17508,17510,17512,17514,17516,17518,17520,17522],{},[34,17502,17503,16595],{},[16,17504,17506],{"href":16589,"rel":17505},[20],[45,17507],{"alt":16593,"src":16594},[774,17509],{},[34,17511,16600],{},[774,17513],{},[34,17515,16605],{},[774,17517],{},[34,17519,12119],{},[774,17521],{},[34,17523,12124,17524,17527,17529,9822,17531,17534,17536],{},[16,17525,12128],{"href":16616,"rel":17526},[20],[774,17528],{},[34,17530,12133],{},[16,17532,768],{"href":16589,"rel":17533},[20],[774,17535],{},[34,17537,17378],{},[12,17539,17540],{},[34,17541,16643],{},[12,17543,17544,17546,17547],{},[34,17545,17383],{}," Today marks the publication of Hannah Beckermans highly anticipated debut novel and my god is it good! I will share with you my review of this fantastic heart wrenchingly laugh out loud novel in a few days time but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to shout about this novel and let you know its here right NOW and you really need to read it! You can also read the first chapter of the book right here – ",[16,17548,17551],{"href":17549,"rel":17550},"http://issuu.com/penguinbooks/docs/dwh_first_chapter",[20],[34,17552,17553],{},"Read The First Chapter",[12,17555,17556],{},[34,17557,16638],{},[12,17559,17560],{},[34,17561,16643],{},[12,17563,16646],{},[12,17565,16649],{},[12,17567,16652],{},[12,17569,16655],{},[12,17571,16658],{},[12,17573,16661],{},[12,17575,16664],{},[12,17577,17578],{},[34,17579,17469],{},[12,17581,17582],{},"A few of us rather crazy and obviously lovely book-ish people took to the tube (the viral internet sort not the underground) to tell everyone what we wanted to be remembered for and to promote this brilliant new novel. Have a watch, have a giggle. I still cringe every time I see or hear myself! 😉",[12,17584,17585],{},[34,17586,17587],{},"The Cover –",[12,17589,17590],{},"This cover stands out so much for me, I absolutely love it. As somebody who has to keep up with the latest trends in graphic design for a living book covers are very much my weakness, their is no set style or trend and can vary so much from one book to another. They may not be relevant to my particular line of work but the choices and thought process followed in order to represent a novel in a single image fascinates me always. This book is no exception, the team at Penguin have created stunning imagery that to me depicts our main character Rachel while she is looking down on the world, sharing elements of the beauty in everything she can no longer physically experience. The vivid colours and the spot UV used to accentuate detail are simply perfect.",[12,17592,17593],{},"If you’re looking for something new to read and certainly something different to the norm Hannah’s book is available to purchase now and I would recommend it.",[12,17595,17596],{},[16,17597,17599],{"href":16589,"rel":17598},[20],[45,17600],{"alt":17601,"src":17602},"DWH cover 1.12.13","/images/2014/02/DWH-cover-1.12.13-666x1024.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":17604},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/the_dead_wifes_handbook_hannah_beckerman.jpg","2014-02-13T10:13:00Z","Title : The Dead Wife’s HandbookAuthor : Hannah BeckermanPublication date : 13 February 2014Publisher : PenguinPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: AmazonRating : Rating & Review Coming Soon!","2903",{},"Publication day for The Dead Wife's Handbook by Hannah Beckerman. A heart-wrenching debut about love, loss, and letting go. Out now.","/publication-day-the-dead-wifes-handbook",{"title":17496,"description":17608},"publication-day-the-dead-wifes-handbook","qcUs10rqcNqTBzT_H3Pi1yYXbdWzn3k8JgbfpM70agQ",{"id":17617,"title":17618,"author":245,"body":17619,"category":17711,"cover":17712,"date":17713,"description":17714,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":17715,"meta":17716,"meta_description":17717,"meta_title":17618,"navigation":236,"path":17718,"seo":17719,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":17720,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":17721},"posts/yours-truly-kirsty-greenwood-book-review.md","Book Review: Yours Truly by Kirsty Greenwood",{"type":9,"value":17620,"toc":17709},[17621,17665,17668,17671,17674,17678,17681,17684,17687,17690,17693,17696,17700,17703,17706],[12,17622,17623,17630,17632,17635,17637,17640,17642,17645,17647],{},[34,17624,17625,17629],{},[45,17626],{"alt":17627,"src":17628},"yours-truly-cover","/images/2013/12/yours-truly-cover.jpg","Title : Yours Truly",[774,17631],{},[34,17633,17634],{},"Author : Kirsty Greenwood",[774,17636],{},[34,17638,17639],{},"Publication date : 21 November 2013",[774,17641],{},[34,17643,17644],{},"Publisher : Pan Macmillan",[774,17646],{},[34,17648,12124,17649,17653,17655,9822,17657,17661,17663],{},[16,17650,12128],{"href":17651,"rel":17652},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CU8PW0I?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00CU8PW0I&adid=0HKZ1CXXEZJM0JYP26W4&",[20],[774,17654],{},[34,17656,12133],{},[16,17658,768],{"href":17659,"rel":17660},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1447247272?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1447247272&adid=1TYFSTRTJNT3K688VJ6G&",[20],[774,17662],{},[34,17664,15790],{},[12,17666,17667],{},"‘Your bum does not look big in that dress.’ ‘Mmmm, this meal is delicious!’ ‘Of course you’re better looking than Jon Hamm.’",[12,17669,17670],{},"Newly engaged Natalie Butterworth is an easy-going girl. She’ll do anything for a quiet life and if telling a few teensy white lies keeps her friends and family happy, then so what? It’s not like they’ll ever discover what she’s really thinking …",[12,17672,17673],{},"Until one night, thanks to a pub hypnotist, Natalie’s most private thoughts begin to bubble up and pop out of her mouth. Things get very messy indeed, especially when some sticky home truths offend her fiance. Natalie must track down the hypnotist before her wedding is officially cancelled. So along with bad influence bestie Meg, Natalie finds herself in the Yorkshire Parish of Little Trooley — a small village bursting with big secrets, nosy old folk and intriguing Wellington-wearing men. When the girls get stuck in the village with no means of escape and no way to break the hypnotist’s spell, Natalie is forced to face the truths she has been avoiding her whole life …",[12,17675,17676],{},[34,17677,11550],{},[12,17679,17680],{},"If like myself you’re a fan of womens fiction then you may have come across Novelicious and their Founding Editor Kirsty Greenwood, her strong love for books lead to her writing one of her own. Initially Kirsty self published her first novel, it became so popular that she found herself signing a book deal with Pan Macmillan. The rest was history, she’s now an official published author and a blooming good one!",[12,17682,17683],{},"As a debut novel I don’t think this book could have been any better, it’s literally laugh out loud hilarious. It made me snort. Attractive I know!",[12,17685,17686],{},"Yours Truly follows Natalie Butterworth on what could only be described as a rather crazy journey of self discovery, when we meet Natalie she has just had the worst haircut imaginable and leaves the salon with a look similar to that of Garfield the cat, avoiding any form of confrontation she pays the bill tips the stylist and doesn’t say a thing. I found this very easy to relate to as I myself have done the same – sans the garfield look of course! Mine wasn’t that bad honest. – This instantly had me feeling that Natalie is a bit of a push over, it turns out I was right.",[12,17688,17689],{},"Natalie soon finds herself in a whole heap of trouble. The I’ve been hypnotised to tell absolutely nothing but the 100% truth kind of trouble. As somebody who has a habit of constantly telling lies, the sort we all tell so save face and keep the peace, this was a big problem for her! After the shocking discovery of her truth telling – Which may have been discovered by telling her future husband to be that he actually wasn’t that good in bed and that his cooking is terrible – Natalie must find the hypnotist in order to put things right, otherwise things were only going to get worse.",[12,17691,17692],{},"The mission to find ‘The Amazing Brian’ leads Natalie and best friend Meg to the very quaint village of little Trooley in north Yorkshire, this is where they meet a whole host of crazy but quirky characters. I found myself really getting into the book at this point, the characters in little Trooley were brilliant from the village OAPs to the eccentric millionaire and of course the village hottie, Riley!",[12,17694,17695],{},"Kirsty’s writing style and the amount of depth and feeling that has gone into the characters is outstanding, I particularly liked Natalie’s rather chavvy sister with her ridiculous tiny dog and Riley’s bitchy girlfriend, they brought another level of humour to the book and a host of hilarious cat fights.",[12,17697,17698],{},[34,17699,11570],{},[12,17701,17702],{},"This is a fantastic laugh out loud novel, I found myself rooting for Natalie throughout like she was a friend. I happened to like the changes that were happening in her life and didn’t want her to have Brian reverse the spell. Her family are horrible and selfish while her fiancé Olly is so self centred and arrogant that I thought she really deserved better. Now you can’t choose your family but you can choose your husband!",[12,17704,17705],{},"If anything telling people the truth helped her in many ways, thats not to say we should all just start blabbing our mouths off but this taught me that in some instance its actually best to just be honest!",[12,17707,17708],{},"This is a brilliant read that will have you rolling with laughter, combined with a whole host of fabulous characters you can fall in love with over and over again its certainly one to put on your book shelf!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":17710},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/yours_truly_kirsty_greenwood.jpg","2014-02-03T12:35:00Z","Title : Yours TrulyAuthor : Kirsty GreenwoodPublication date : 21 November 2013Publisher : Pan MacmillanPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: AmazonRating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","2684",{},"Yours Truly by Kirsty Greenwood book review. A hilarious debut novel about Natalie, hypnotised to tell the truth, embarking on a journey of self-discovery.","/yours-truly-kirsty-greenwood-book-review",{"title":17618,"description":17714},"yours-truly-kirsty-greenwood-book-review","mUGH93ze3RbjBsPcjYsSeTMMpt-47wlPG06XxscvChk",{"id":17723,"title":17724,"author":245,"body":17725,"category":17782,"cover":4527,"date":17783,"description":17733,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":17784,"meta":17785,"meta_description":17786,"meta_title":17724,"navigation":236,"path":17787,"seo":17788,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":17789,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":17790},"posts/i-want-a-blind-date-with-a-book.md","Book Event: I want a Blind Date with a Book!",{"type":9,"value":17726,"toc":17779},[17727,17734,17737,17740,17743,17746,17754,17770,17773],[12,17728,17729,17733],{},[45,17730],{"alt":17731,"src":17732},"books3","/images/2014/01/books3.jpg","**How about a Blind Date with a Book this valentines day? No long term commitment required, but this could be the beginning of a meaningful relationship.**I took part in a fabulous book themed secret santa via twitter and the book blogging community over the festive period, and soon it will be Valentines day. You may already have a date but whether you do or not, nothing can beat finding yourself a new book boyfriend, surely?",[12,17735,17736],{},"Book blind Dates are usually held in libraries, books are wrapped with a few words written about them for somebody to choose with the inability to judge the book by its cover. Ours of course will be a little different as somebody else will be choosing your book for you!",[12,17738,17739],{},"Everyone taking part will receive a name and address, all you have to do is take a book, it can be one you already own and love or one that is shiny and new, that is entirely up to you.",[12,17741,17742],{},"Wrap that book up and send it with love for somebody else to enjoy!",[12,17744,17745],{},"This means everyone will have a book to read that they themselves might not have normally chosen. The book can be of any genre their is nothing to stop you but I do think something of the romance genre would be most fitting. You may also include a small note to say why you have chosen that particular book but don’t let them know who you are! 😉",[27,17747,17749,17753],{"id":17748},"how-to-take-part",[45,17750],{"alt":17751,"src":17752},"bokos1","/images/2014/01/bokos1.jpg","How to take part:",[12,17755,17756,17757,17760,17761,17765,17766,17769],{},"If you would like to take part send an email to myself by ",[34,17758,17759],{},"Saturday the 1st of February"," at ",[16,17762,17764],{"href":17763},"mailto:hello@leeleeloves.co.uk","hello@leeleeloves.co.uk"," titled ",[34,17767,17768],{},"'I want a Blind Date with a Book!'"," include your name and address, you will then receive an email with the information needed for you to send your book on to your blind book date!",[12,17771,17772],{},"In order for postage prices to be fair for all taking part may I ask that you only send your details if you are located in the UK.",[12,17774,17775],{},[45,17776],{"alt":17777,"src":17778},"books2","/images/2014/01/books2.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":17780},[17781],{"id":17748,"depth":216,"text":17753},[226],"2014-01-27T21:43:00Z","2839",{},"How about a Blind Date with a Book this valentines day? No long term commitment required, but this could be the beginning of a meaningful relationship.","/i-want-a-blind-date-with-a-book",{"title":17724,"description":17733},"i-want-a-blind-date-with-a-book","zv_UFv7fuQrj6L7b1ggSHwNEJBJnAuDYYAd2p-YHoz4",{"id":17792,"title":17793,"author":245,"body":17794,"category":17927,"cover":17928,"date":17929,"description":215,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":17930,"meta":17931,"meta_description":17932,"meta_title":17793,"navigation":236,"path":17933,"seo":17934,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":17935,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":17936},"posts/suzanne-rindell-exclusive-on-writing-the-other-typist.md","Exclusive Content: Suzanne Rindell on writing The Other Typist",{"type":9,"value":17795,"toc":17925},[17796,17806,17811,17814,17817,17824,17827,17830,17833,17836,17839,17842,17852,17857,17860,17872,17877,17887,17897,17907,17915],[12,17797,17798],{},[16,17799,17802],{"href":17800,"rel":17801},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0241963745?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0241963745&adid=1TAEV066MAMQDEQ3KE4E&",[20],[45,17803],{"alt":17804,"src":17805},"TOTBanner","/images/2014/01/TOTBanner.jpg",[12,17807,17808],{},[34,17809,17810],{},"To mark the release of The Other Typist paperback edition, debut author, Suzanne Rindell has stopped by to tell us what her inspiration for writing was and how she took on the task of researching her chosen subject, including the history of the typewriter…",[12,17812,17813],{},"A question often put to authors is “What inspired you to write this novel?” I’ve answered this question on many occasions, and I customarily tell the story of how I was meant to be working on an academic dissertation on 1920’s literature but wound up writing a fictional tale set in the 1920’s instead. The story goes: In the course of my academic research I came upon an obituary of a woman who had worked as a typist in a police precinct during America’s Prohibition era. I was fascinated with the sorts of things she might’ve seen at the precinct, and the sorts of reports she might’ve typed up. The wheels in my brain got to turning and my imagination ran away with me.",[12,17815,17816],{},"While I usually go on about my unreliable narrator, Rose, I sometimes forget to elaborate on how studying the history of the typewriter more generally also helped to inspire me. While you mightn’t think it, the typewriter is quite a compelling character in and of itself. The proliferation of the typewriter around the turn of the century was a cultural game-changer, as it meant more and more women were able to enter the workplace. In Rose’s case, she works in a police precinct – a place where women had rarely worked before.",[12,17818,17819,17820,17823],{},"Around the time I came upon the obituary, I also encountered an interesting article in a back-issue of the ",[211,17821,17822],{},"New Yorker"," titled “The Typing Life.” In the course of surveying three non-fiction books about the invention of the typewriter the article asserted:",[12,17825,17826],{},"…in the early days the word “typewriter” was used to mean not just the machine but the person plying it. That person, the Remington folks assumed, would be a woman. (The flowers printed on the casing of the early models were to make the mechanism seem friendly to the weaker sex.)",[12,17828,17829],{},"Printing flowers on typewriters to make them more woman-friendly! What a kick, I thought to myself. I was amused by this factoid, in the way you can be amused by the blatant, unabashed sexism of commercial advertising. Then my eyes were drawn back to the sentences that had preceded this flower-printing gem of trivia. It read:",[12,17831,17832],{},"In the beginning, few people imagined that anyone would compose at the machine. The user of the typewriter would be an amanuensis—in other words, a secretary—taking dictation from another person.",[12,17834,17835],{},"These two notions – that the typewriter was meant solely as an instrument of (presumably accurate) dictation, and that women were meant to operate the typewriter – began to dance about in my head. What if my narrator Rose was assumed to be a passive woman, entrusted to take dictation and transcribe reports, but turned out to be an extremely biased, unbalanced individual? The things she could do and the trouble she might wield with her typewriter presented itself as a potentially juicy story, and I was off and running with the novel’s plot.",[12,17837,17838],{},"In the end, the typewriter played a kind of a lynchpin role in the creation of my novel. It brought Rose into the police precinct, and it enabled her – an otherwise powerless secretary – to wreck havoc over the systems we rely upon to produce objective legal justice.",[12,17840,17841],{},"After reading the obituary and the New Yorker article, I knew something had sparked, and as a writer, I felt the exciting prickle of inspiration. I knew that within the typewriter a story was waiting for me, in more ways than one.",[12,17843,17844,17846,17847],{},[211,17845,17822],{}," article: ",[16,17848,17851],{"href":17849,"rel":17850},"http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/books/2007/04/09/070409crbo_books_acocella?printable=true&currentPage=all%23ixzz2ocHVhNvg",[20],"http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/books/2007/04/09/070409crbo_books_acocella?printable=true&currentPage=all#ixzz2ocHVhNvg",[12,17853,17854],{},[34,17855,17856],{},"Many thanks to Suzanne for this fantastic piece.",[12,17858,17859],{},"I am very much looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of this novel, their is already a lot of chatter amongst the book community about this stunning dark and mysterious tale.",[12,17861,17862,17863,17866,17867,575],{},"The book is out ",[34,17864,17865],{},"NOW"," and you can grab your copy ",[34,17868,17869],{},[16,17870,11231],{"href":17800,"rel":17871},[20],[12,17873,17874],{},[34,17875,17876],{},"For more exciting and exclusive pieces from excerpts to interviews, check out the other stops on the tour!",[12,17878,17879],{},[34,17880,17881,17882],{},"January 16th- ",[16,17883,17886],{"href":17884,"rel":17885},"http://www.novelicious.com/2014/01/the-other-typist-exclusive-excerpt.html",[20],"NOVELICIOUS",[12,17888,17889],{},[34,17890,17891,17892],{},"January 17th- ",[16,17893,17896],{"href":17894,"rel":17895},"http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=The_Interview:_Bookbag_Talks_To_Suzanne_Rindell",[20],"THE BOOKBAG",[12,17898,17899],{},[34,17900,17901,17902],{},"January 18th- ",[16,17903,17906],{"href":17904,"rel":17905},"http://ravencrimereads.wordpress.com/2014/01/18/an-interview-with-suzanne-rindell-the-other-typist-blog-tour/",[20],"RAVEN CRIME READS",[12,17908,17909],{},[34,17910,17911,17912],{},"January 19th- ",[16,17913,17914],{"href":9670},"LEELEE LOVES",[12,17916,17917],{},[34,17918,17919,17920],{},"January 20th- ",[16,17921,17924],{"href":17922,"rel":17923},"http://readinginthesunshine.wordpress.com/",[20],"READING IN THE SUNSHINE",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":17926},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/the_other_typist_suzanne_rindell.jpg","2014-01-19T11:04:00Z","2822",{},"Exclusive content from Suzanne Rindell on writing The Other Typist. Discover her inspiration and research into typewriters and 1920s history.","/suzanne-rindell-exclusive-on-writing-the-other-typist",{"title":17793,"description":215},"suzanne-rindell-exclusive-on-writing-the-other-typist","LycGcPxNkjC8PjQLTMvsu1cggkkJDzzjSloZCiIHWvg",{"id":17938,"title":17939,"author":245,"body":17940,"category":18079,"cover":18080,"date":18081,"description":18082,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":18083,"meta":18084,"meta_description":18085,"meta_title":17939,"navigation":236,"path":18086,"seo":18087,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":18088,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":18089},"posts/what-alice-forgot.md","Book Review: What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty",{"type":9,"value":17941,"toc":18077},[17942,17985,17988,17993,17996,17999,18008,18032,18036,18039,18042,18045,18048,18051,18054,18057,18060,18065,18068,18071,18074],[12,17943,17944,17951,17953,17956,17958,17961,17963,17965,17967],{},[34,17945,17946,17950],{},[45,17947],{"alt":17948,"src":17949},"what_alice_forgot_cover","/images/2014/01/what_alice_forgot_cover.jpg","Title : What Alice Forgot",[774,17952],{},[34,17954,17955],{},"Author : Liane Moriarty",[774,17957],{},[34,17959,17960],{},"Publication date : 16th January 2014",[774,17962],{},[34,17964,12119],{},[774,17966],{},[34,17968,12124,17969,17973,17975,9822,17977,17981,17983],{},[16,17970,12128],{"href":17971,"rel":17972},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003TSE8G2?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B003TSE8G2&adid=1D5B2Q3Y16SK7SPBRHM5&",[20],[774,17974],{},[34,17976,12133],{},[16,17978,768],{"href":17979,"rel":17980},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0141043768?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0141043768&adid=0HBP65G0N7RM7YZMA6MS&",[20],[774,17982],{},[34,17984,15790],{},[12,17986,17987],{},"Alice is twenty-nine. She adores sleep, chocolate, and her ramshackle new house. She’s newly engaged to the wonderful Nick and is pregnant with her first baby.",[12,17989,17990],{},[34,17991,17992],{},"There’s just one problem. All of that was ten years ago .",[12,17994,17995],{},"Alice has slipped in a step-aerobics class, hit her head and lost a decade. Now she’s a grown-up, bossy mother of three in the middle of a nasty divorce and her beloved sister Elisabeth isn’t speaking to her. This is her life but not as she knows it.",[12,17997,17998],{},"Clearly Alice has made some terrible mistakes. Just how much can happen in a decade?",[12,18000,18001],{},[34,18002,18003,18004,18007],{},"Can she ",[211,18005,18006],{},"ever"," get back to the woman she used to be?",[12,18009,18010,18011,764,18014,764,18017,764,18020,18023,18024,18027,18028,18031],{},"Liane Moriarty is the bestselling author of five novels, ",[211,18012,18013],{},"Three Wishes",[211,18015,18016],{},"The Last Anniversary",[211,18018,18019],{},"What Alice Forgot",[211,18021,18022],{},"The Hypnotist’s Love Story"," and most recently the top ten bestseller ",[211,18025,18026],{},"The Husband’s Secret",", as well as the ",[211,18029,18030],{},"Space Brigade"," series for children. She lives in Sydney with her husband and son.",[12,18033,18034],{},[34,18035,11550],{},[12,18037,18038],{},"Did you love The Husbands secret? Do you Miss the sheer suspense of never knowing what was going to happen next and where the story would lead? Well Liane Moriarty has done it again!",[12,18040,18041],{},"What Alice Forgot, originally published in 2010 has been reissued in the UK for your reading pleasure. You’d be a fool to miss out, I can’t believe I hadn’t read this sooner. After reading Lianes most recently written novel and best seller ‘The Husbands Secret‘ last year I instantly had high expectations and Liane delivered.",[12,18043,18044],{},"Waking up on the gym floor 29 year old happily married and recently pregnant Alice Love doesn’t know where she is, she doesn’t even go to the gym and she certainly doesn’t like the idea of having been to one! Thats exactly how I feel every time I’m at the gym, I am not a gym person why on earth am I here? Alice and myself were on similar terms right from the start.",[12,18046,18047],{},"Imagine losing ten years of your life, would it be like having a clean slate? Would those around you forgive and forget for all those horrible things you did or said over the years? Could you handle not being able to remember your own children or how many you even had? Thats what happened to Alice.",[12,18049,18050],{},"After her ‘bump on the noggin’ a Doctor who Alice chooses to call George Clooney, due to his handsome looks, whisks her off in a ambulance. Surely everything would come back to her once she’d been looked at and had an evenings rest, even if they did wake her every hour to ask her the same questions over and over… But what if it didn’t?",[12,18052,18053],{},"Alice can’t seem to fathom why her husband is being so blooming nasty to her, or why her sister isn’t speaking to her. She couldn’t even remember what the names of her own children were! She only knows she has them due to finding a photograph in a purse, and until she found the drivers license with her name on she wasn’t even sure it was hers.",[12,18055,18056],{},"The thing I loved about this is the way Liane Moriarty managed to piece together the whole novel, constantly referring to the past in which Alice feels like she still lives in, all while jumping to the present where everything and everyone has changed dramatically over the last ten years. The story is told from the perspective of each character, from love letters being read aloud to blog posts by her grandmother and the combination works really well.",[12,18058,18059],{},"Throughout the novel you feel like you have been placed very much in Alice’s shoes, their is nothing to give away anything of what Alice has forgotten and this only makes you want to know more, it felt like I was channeling some of the frustration Alice was feeling and when something comes back to her everything slowly starts to make sense and click together.",[12,18061,18062],{},[34,18063,18064],{},"Would I recommend it?",[12,18066,18067],{},"This book didn’t disappoint and I’d certainly recommend it to others, Liane Moriarty has managed to write yet another book that I can only describe as being a gripping and thought provoking novel. I’d expected nothing less.",[12,18069,18070],{},"Just like The Husbands Secret I wouldn’t put this book in the category of standard Women’s Fiction like so many do, its much more than that, a deep meaning piece of writing that makes you stop and think of how these events would affect your life if it were to happen to you. Its not all serious though the whole novel is topped with the quirky Aussie slang found in all of her books and humour flowing throughout.",[12,18072,18073],{},"I was totally invested in this novel from start to finish and haven’t contemplated over anything so much in a very long time. A perfect read to get absolutely lost in, you’ll come up for air feeling much appreciation for the people in your life and even the little things that we all take for granted. Gripping, thought-provoking and funny, a literal laugh and cry kind of read.",[12,18075,18076],{},"Many thanks to the wonderful Katie Sheldrake at Penguin UK Books for a copy of this superb novel, and thanks to Liane Moriarty for another fabulous read.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":18078},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/what_alice_forgot_liane_moriarty.jpg","2014-01-16T18:09:00Z","Title : What Alice ForgotAuthor : Liane MoriartyPublication date : 16th January 2014Publisher : PenguinPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: AmazonRating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","2804",{},"Review of What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. A gripping novel about a woman who loses ten years of memories. Rated 5 out of 5 stars.","/what-alice-forgot",{"title":17939,"description":18082},"what-alice-forgot","70YskpNrqlR1A_JFXQe9lsAk7P5twOteJcUF_mbxqoI",{"id":18091,"title":18092,"author":245,"body":18093,"category":18195,"cover":18196,"date":18197,"description":18198,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":18199,"meta":18200,"meta_description":18201,"meta_title":18092,"navigation":236,"path":18202,"seo":18203,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":18204,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":18205},"posts/christmas-at-carringtons.md","Book Review: Christmas at Carrington’s by Alexandra Brown",{"type":9,"value":18094,"toc":18193},[18095,18139,18145,18148,18151,18154,18157,18161,18164,18167,18170,18173,18176,18180,18183,18186,18189],[12,18096,18097,18104,18106,18109,18111,18114,18116,18119,18121],{},[34,18098,18099,18103],{},[45,18100],{"alt":18101,"src":18102},"christmas-at-carringtons-cover","/images/2013/12/christmas-at-carringtons-cover.jpg","Title : Christmas at Carringtons",[774,18105],{},[34,18107,18108],{},"Author : Alexandra Brown",[774,18110],{},[34,18112,18113],{},"Publication date : 5th December 2013",[774,18115],{},[34,18117,18118],{},"Publisher : Harper",[774,18120],{},[34,18122,12124,18123,18127,18129,9822,18131,18135,18137],{},[16,18124,12128],{"href":18125,"rel":18126},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00C0U77RW?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00C0U77RW&adid=0T6E85MHSNSKYEBM1DPH&",[20],[774,18128],{},[34,18130,12133],{},[16,18132,768],{"href":18133,"rel":18134},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0007488254?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0007488254&adid=0YA81063083NK92WQB68&",[20],[774,18136],{},[34,18138,15790],{},[12,18140,18141],{},[16,18142,18143],{"href":15795},[45,18144],{"alt":215,"src":15795,"title":15798},[12,18146,18147],{},"A deliciously indulgent read and the follow up to Cupcakes at Carrington’s. Set in Carrington’s Department Store this is perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan.",[12,18149,18150],{},"Georgie Hart loves Christmas time at Carrington’s Department store. Running the luxury handbag department, Georgie adores helping customers in the hunt for the perfect gift for the perfect someone. And this year is no exception – now she has the hunky Tom, Mr Carrington himself, to spend the special day with.",[12,18152,18153],{},"But when Tom springs a surprise, Georgie’s plans are thrown into chaos. Carrington’s is getting a fresh lease of life in a hot new reality TV show, featuring formidable retail guru, Kelly Cooper.",[12,18155,18156],{},"As the first show airs, Georgie is shown in a far from flattering light. Worse is to come when Kelly’s vile daughter appears to get her claws into Tom. Georgie fears this will be the worst Christmas ever, but Santa still has a little surprise for her stocking this year – she’ll just have to wait until Christmas to find out…",[12,18158,18159],{},[34,18160,11550],{},[12,18162,18163],{},"Christmas is my absolute favourite time of the year, its hectic and crazy but at the same time so magical and exciting. I love nothing more than curling up next to the Christmas tree with a cup of tea, book in hand and a cat or two on my lap, and that Is exactly what I did once I got my hands on the latest installment of Carrington’s by Alexandra Brown.",[12,18165,18166],{},"When Georgia Hart finds out that Carrington’s department store is taking part in a reality TV show she gets a big surprise, in the shape of her booty shaking on camera. Georgie thinks she is going to be an absolute laughing stock! Reluctant to take part in the show the free designer clothing, magazine columns and fame win her over. But can she forgive the handsome Mr Carrington for the betrayal of not telling her about the cameras?",[12,18168,18169],{},"Carrington’s is the kind of store where they address customers by their first name, its like one big happy family. Can the store build a new high-end reputation and keep its existing qualities once Kelly Cooper and her team have swept in, and how much of a reality TV show is actual reality?",[12,18171,18172],{},"Following Georgie as they filmed the TV show and she dons her acting skills with Eddie was hilarious, her character is written so well that you’ll feel like you’ve made a new best friend, every element from family drama, fabulous friendships and rocky relationships are covered in this installment. One thing I could relate to especially was when Georgie finds out her father has ‘moved on’ since her mother passed away, its nice to know that even a grown woman can find this hard to handle.",[12,18174,18175],{},"This is a novel filled with an eclectic selection of characters, their really is a favourite for everyone within this one book, from camp and crazy Eddie who I absolutely adored to the catty vindictive Zara and her pushy mother. I particularly liked Georgie’s friend Sam and the way the atmosphere of the book changes altogether from one subject matter to another, one moment its laugh out loud hilarious, the next you’re almost bawling you’re eyes out! (In a good way). I could not put it down.",[12,18177,18178],{},[34,18179,18064],{},[12,18181,18182],{},"This is the first of Alexandra Browns books that I have read, I wasn’t sure if I should have read its predecessor before hand but it was Christmas so of courses I couldn’t wait that long!",[12,18184,18185],{},"The story is easy to follow without having the background from the previous book, the style of writing allowed me to learn who everyone was as the story progressed. I enjoyed this book so much that It had me ordering Alexs‘ debut novel Cupcakes at Carrington’s and novella Me and Mr Carrington straight after.",[12,18187,18188],{},"You’ll laugh and cry at this truly funny festive read, and it doesn’t have to be Christmas for you to enjoy it!",[12,18190,18191],{},[45,18192],{"alt":13647,"src":13648},{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":18194},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/christmas_at_carringtons_alexandra_brown.jpg","2014-01-15T16:53:00Z","Title : Christmas at CarringtonsAuthor : Alexandra BrownPublication date : 5th December 2013Publisher : HarperPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: AmazonRating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","2783",{},"Review of Christmas at Carrington's by Alexandra Brown. A festive department store romance with reality TV chaos. Rated 5 out of 5 stars.","/christmas-at-carringtons",{"title":18092,"description":18198},"christmas-at-carringtons","zumv0ryKbCnE4Ur438-xG12zIb7dziWWVzBruKHhs8c",{"id":18207,"title":18208,"author":245,"body":18209,"category":18307,"cover":18308,"date":18309,"description":18310,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":18311,"meta":18312,"meta_description":18313,"meta_title":18208,"navigation":236,"path":18314,"seo":18315,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":18316,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":18317},"posts/war-of-the-roses-stormbird.md","Book Review: War of the Roses: Stormbird by Conn Iggulden",{"type":9,"value":18210,"toc":18305},[18211,18255,18258,18261,18264,18267,18270,18274,18277,18280,18283,18286,18289,18293,18296,18299,18302],[12,18212,18213,18220,18222,18225,18227,18230,18232,18234,18236],{},[34,18214,18215,18219],{},[45,18216],{"alt":18217,"src":18218},"stormbird-cover","/images/2013/12/stormbird-cover.jpg","Title : War of the Roses: Stormbird",[774,18221],{},[34,18223,18224],{},"Author : Conn Iggulden",[774,18226],{},[34,18228,18229],{},"Publication date : 10 October 2013",[774,18231],{},[34,18233,15771],{},[774,18235],{},[34,18237,12124,18238,18242,18244,9822,18246,18250,18252],{},[16,18239,12128],{"href":18240,"rel":18241},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BQ4NHXQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00BQ4NHXQ&adid=1NYV41QSAGZNAEN3WYYZ&",[20],[774,18243],{},[34,18245,12133],{},[16,18247,768],{"href":18248,"rel":18249},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CUTLML0?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00CUTLML0&adid=1A4NV2T3S8X1WW6TXPPT&",[20],[774,18251],{},[34,18253,18254],{},"Rating : 3 out of 5 LeeLee’s!",[12,18256,18257],{},"Wars of the Roses: the brand new historical series from Conn Iggulden – internationally best-selling author of the Emperor and Conqueror series.",[12,18259,18260],{},"King Henry V – the great Lion of England – is long dead.",[12,18262,18263],{},"In 1437, after years of regency, the pious and gentle Henry VI, the Lamb, comes of age and accedes to the English throne. His poor health and frailty of mind render him a weakling king -Henry depends on his closest men, Spymaster Derry Brewer and William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, to run his kingdom.",[12,18265,18266],{},"Yet there are those, such as the Plantagenet Richard, Duke of York, who believe England must be led by a strong king if she is to survive. With England’s territories in France under threat, and rumours of revolt at home, fears grow that Henry and his advisers will see the country slide into ruin. With a secret deal struck for Henry to marry a young French noblewoman, Margaret of Anjou, those fears become all too real.",[12,18268,18269],{},"As storm clouds gather over England, King Henry and his supporters find themselves besieged abroad and at home. Who, or what can save the kingdom before it is too late?",[12,18271,18272],{},[34,18273,11550],{},[12,18275,18276],{},"Set in the year 1437 when Henry VI was acceding to the throne Conn Igguldens new series follows The War of The Roses. These were a series of dynastic wars fought between supporters of two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: the houses of Lancaster and York for the throne of England.",[12,18278,18279],{},"The story is focused around families and politics during the reign of Henry who was said to have been a weak King, not only does he have a weak constitution he is very poor in health, he is also heavily influenced by his corrupt advisors.",[12,18281,18282],{},"French princess Margaret of Anjou is the main protagonist in this first instalment to the series. Margaret is sold as a wife to Henry by her father to negotiate with England for the return of their land. She is only fourteen but a comes across as being a very strong and determined character.",[12,18284,18285],{},"Another big character in the story is Jack Cade who is made to feel like a powerful and noble character. He fought a rebellion with no less than 5000 men. Promised pardons and reforms, many of the rebels were instead declared traitors",[12,18287,18288],{},"Conn Ilguldens take on the War of The roses is a mixture of fact and fiction so you aren’t only being educated but also having the gaps filled in based on Conn’s version of how it all happened, although this is the first of his books I have read he has written many historical fiction books and knows his stuff!",[12,18290,18291],{},[34,18292,11570],{},[12,18294,18295],{},"Stormbird is a novel of a genre that I personally wouldn’t normally read, its based on historical events and set 1437! You’ll usually find me curled up reading women’s fiction, YA and thrillers but nothing Historical.",[12,18297,18298],{},"What attracted me to this book is my love for The Game of Thrones television series and having been compared to same topic and theme as Game of Thrones and The White Queen I had to find out more.",[12,18300,18301],{},"This novel is true to the theme and has some brilliant gory battle scenes with lots of blood and killing, its very descriptive, I’d say it has more descriptive scenes than it does dialogue but still manages to keep the reader engaged and overall I enjoyed it.",[12,18303,18304],{},"I’d definitely recommend this to any fans of historical fiction and I’m trying to tempt the man to read it, certainly a perfect read for a male audience and anyone who shares a love of historical fiction. Its different to what I would normally choose to read but it still left me wanting to read more!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":18306},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/war_of_the_roses_stormbird_conn_iggulden.jpg","2014-01-01T21:47:00Z","Title : War of the Roses: StormbirdAuthor : Conn IgguldenPublication date : 10 October 2013Publisher : Penguin Michael JosephPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: AmazonRating : 3 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","2679",{},"Review of Stormbird by Conn Iggulden. Historical fiction set in 1437 during the War of the Roses. Perfect for Game of Thrones fans. Rated 3 out of 5 stars.","/war-of-the-roses-stormbird",{"title":18208,"description":18310},"war-of-the-roses-stormbird","-TtMwmXgvT8EFOJx0pRLfr4yQybRILuvB1VI91mp2TM",{"id":18319,"title":18320,"author":245,"body":18321,"category":18475,"cover":18476,"date":18477,"description":18325,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":18478,"meta":18479,"meta_description":18480,"meta_title":18320,"navigation":236,"path":17169,"seo":18481,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":18482,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":18483},"posts/leeleeloves-fave-5-books-of-2013.md","LeeLeeLoves fave 5 books of 2013",{"type":9,"value":18322,"toc":18468},[18323,18326,18329,18332,18336,18342,18350,18356,18360,18364,18367,18370,18373,18378,18382,18386,18389,18392,18400,18404,18410,18413,18421,18426,18430,18435,18441,18444,18447,18455,18459,18462],[12,18324,18325],{},"As 2013 comes to a close I’d like to share with you five of the books I enjoyed most this year! Its been a busy year between moving house (again) and changing job but I’ve still been reading.",[12,18327,18328],{},"To those of you who visit the website and the fantastic book lovers and authors I have met along the way I hope you have a fabulous 2014 with lots of great reading and writing.",[12,18330,18331],{},"Now lets get down to the nitty gritty!",[27,18333,18334],{"id":14189},[211,18335,14194],{},[12,18337,18338],{},[45,18339],{"alt":18340,"src":18341},"solomons-tale","/images/2013/11/solomons-tale.jpg",[12,18343,18344,18345,575],{},"Solomons Tale is a book that I adored, its about a cat who is sent to look after a family in need and its a very sweet heart warming story.A story of love, courage and strength. You’ll laugh, cry and never look at cat in the same way again. Its like cats and Christmas rolled into one…This book was published on the 21st of November by Avon books, written by ",[16,18346,18349],{"href":18347,"rel":18348},"https://twitter.com/sheilajeffries1",[20],"Sheila Jeffries",[12,18351,18352],{},[16,18353,18355],{"href":18354},"/solmons-tale","You can read my review here",[27,18357,18358],{"id":14136},[211,18359,14141],{},[12,18361,18362],{},[45,18363],{"alt":18101,"src":18102},[12,18365,18366],{},"This is the first Carringtons book I have read… I loved it so much that before I had finished reading it I had already purchased its predecessors Cupcakes at Carringtons and new Novella Me and Mr Carrington.",[12,18368,18369],{},"I haven’t posted my review of this book yet but I can say it was PERFECT! My heart was in my mouth wondering if it was going to end how I wanted. A brilliant festive feel good romance to finish the year with.",[12,18371,18372],{},"This book was published on the 5th of December by Harper, written by Alexandra Brown.",[12,18374,18375],{},[16,18376,18355],{"href":18377},"/books",[27,18379,18380],{"id":14087},[211,18381,14092],{},[12,18383,18384],{},[45,18385],{"alt":17627,"src":17628},[12,18387,18388],{},"As a debut novel I don’t think this book could have been any better, its literally laugh out loud hilarious. It made me snort. Attractive I know!",[12,18390,18391],{},"The characters in this book are just so likeable that you’ll wish you knew Natalie. I just wish Little Trooley did exist so I could live there.",[12,18393,18394,18395],{},"This book was published on the 21st of November by Pan Macmillan, written by ",[16,18396,18399],{"href":18397,"rel":18398},"https://twitter.com/KirstyBooks",[20],"Kirsty Greenwoood.",[27,18401,18402],{"id":14043},[211,18403,14048],{},[12,18405,18406],{},[45,18407],{"alt":18408,"src":18409},"A-Passionate-Love-Affair-Cover","/images/2013/02/A-Passionate-Love-Affair-Cover.jpg",[12,18411,18412],{},"I read A Passionate Love Affair With a Total Stranger at the very start of 2013 and it has stuck with me ever since, its not your average soppy predictable love story; It brings a whole new meaning to love stories and it’s exciting, it’s not just about passion and romance it’s filled with mystery and abundant with hilarity.",[12,18414,18415,18416],{},"This book was published on the 31st of January by Penguin, written by ",[16,18417,18420],{"href":18418,"rel":18419},"https://twitter.com/Lucy_Robinson",[20],"Lucy Robinson.",[12,18422,18423],{},[16,18424,18355],{"href":18425},"/a-passionate-love-affair-with-a-total-stranger",[27,18427,18428],{"id":13988},[211,18429,13993],{},[12,18431,18432],{},[45,18433],{"alt":215,"src":18434},"/images/2013/12/Book-of-the-year-2013.png",[12,18436,18437],{},[45,18438],{"alt":18439,"src":18440},"Billy-and-Me-Cover","/images/2013/01/Billy-and-Me-Cover.jpg",[12,18442,18443],{},"Billy and Me had me with the cover alone and was my most memorable read of 2013. This is a debut novel that anyone would be proud of and perfect for its genre. Warm, funny, and absolutely addictive!",[12,18445,18446],{},"Not many books have had my crying one moment and laughing the next (Especially not in public, on the train!) I cannot wait to read more from this author in the new year.",[12,18448,18449,18450],{},"This book was published on the 23rd of May by Penguin Michael Joseph, written by ",[16,18451,18454],{"href":18452,"rel":18453},"https://twitter.com/MrsGiFletcher",[20],"Giovanna Fletcher.",[12,18456,18457],{},[16,18458,18355],{"href":13534},[12,18460,18461],{},"Keep a look out for a fantastic give-away with a selection from my top 5!",[12,18463,18464,18465,18467],{},"I hope you all have a wonderful year,",[774,18466],{},"\nLisa Xx",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":18469},[18470,18471,18472,18473,18474],{"id":14189,"depth":216,"text":14194},{"id":14136,"depth":216,"text":14141},{"id":14087,"depth":216,"text":14092},{"id":14043,"depth":216,"text":14048},{"id":13988,"depth":216,"text":13993},[226],"/images/2014/02/books_of_2013.jpg","2013-12-31T21:05:00Z","2696",{},"My favourite 5 books of 2013 including Billy and Me, Solomon's Tale, and A Passionate Love Affair. Year-end reading recommendations and reviews.",{"title":18320,"description":18325},"leeleeloves-fave-5-books-of-2013","kfG6ZpfqpqjVLkGQrUoYwP22GYZJLJogHIcZU4Tl6VQ",{"id":18485,"title":18486,"author":245,"body":18487,"category":18543,"cover":18544,"date":18545,"description":18491,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":18546,"meta":18547,"meta_description":18548,"meta_title":18486,"navigation":236,"path":18549,"seo":18550,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":18551,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":18552},"posts/chalky-and-the-new-sports-car.md","Book News: Chalky and the New Sports Car",{"type":9,"value":18488,"toc":18541},[18489,18492,18508,18511,18517,18520,18525,18530,18538],[12,18490,18491],{},"If you know me then you’ll know that I love cats, I am a crazy cat lady. When I was approached to speak about an illustrated children’s book about a cat I couldn’t say no.",[12,18493,18494,18495,18500,18501,18503,18504,18507],{},"Belfast based company Little Thunder Co are looking for your help, in making their book series about an inquisitive cat come to life. The series of books follows the adventures of young Chalky, a stray cat discovered by one of the creators behind the story. The project is currently on ",[16,18496,18499],{"href":18497,"rel":18498},"http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/littlethunder/chalky-and-the-new-sports-car-childrens-pictureboo",[20],"Kickstarter"," and needs £10,000 for Chalky to happen and for each pound that you donate, you shall receive a little treat for your kind support. The lovely people at Little Thunder Co, are offering eBooks and hardback copies of Chalky as well as prints from the story.",[774,18502],{},"\nYou can view the project page ",[16,18505,11231],{"href":18497,"rel":18506},[20]," or by clicking on the title image above, the project cannot be fulfilled without our support.",[12,18509,18510],{},"The below video explains the book and the work involved in more detail, you’ll even meet the real Chalky!",[12,18512,18513,18514,18516],{},"Chalky is a real cat who appeared in Tim Potter’s life in 2002 when he was found sleeping on a plastic bag in his friends shed, Tim ended up bringing the 6 month old tomcat home with him. The first book of the series is called ‘Chalky and the New Sports Car’ and follows the friendly and adventurous kitty on his journey.",[774,18515],{},"\nThe series is marketed for 6 months to 5 years old, when children are at their most inquisitive wondering the how’s and whys of life making this book ideal for a bedtime reading adventure.",[12,18518,18519],{},"As a designer and illustrator myself I instantly fell in love with the beautiful typography and illustrations from this story, they are filled with beautiful textures and vibrant colours that will appeal to all. I cannot wait to see more!",[12,18521,18522],{},[45,18523],{"alt":215,"src":18524},"https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/001/343/155/df58aee825c9048264918e5edfcf6de2_large.jpg?1384768377",[12,18526,18527],{},[45,18528],{"alt":215,"src":18529},"https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/001/348/821/87f843da52edb8db845ce56240465081_large.jpg?1384860013",[12,18531,18532,18533,18537],{},"If you would also like to see more from this fantastic project and secure yourself with the opportunity to read this brilliant book to your little ones then head over to the ",[16,18534,18536],{"href":18497,"rel":18535},[20],"kickstarter"," page and show your support.",[12,18539,18540],{},"This project will only be funded if at least £10,000 is pledged by Saturday Dec 21, 7:00am EST.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":18542},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/chalky_and_the_new_sports_car.jpg","2013-12-11T12:39:00Z","2605",{},"Chalky and the New Sports Car: a beautifully illustrated children's book about an inquisitive cat. Support this Kickstarter project from Little Thunder Co.","/chalky-and-the-new-sports-car",{"title":18486,"description":18491},"chalky-and-the-new-sports-car","gU4KcDlZc4h0MTyf6fTLktq7RLljXwgKy8R_CyI1cSg",{"id":18554,"title":18555,"author":245,"body":18556,"category":18670,"cover":18671,"date":18672,"description":18673,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":18674,"meta":18675,"meta_description":18676,"meta_title":18555,"navigation":236,"path":18677,"seo":18678,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":18679,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":18680},"posts/a-cinderella-christmas.md","Book Review: A Cinderella Christmas by Holly Kingston",{"type":9,"value":18557,"toc":18668},[18558,18594,18597,18600,18603,18606,18609,18616,18620,18627,18630,18633,18636,18639,18642,18645,18649,18652,18655,18658],[12,18559,18560,18567,18569,18572,18574,18577,18579,18581,18583],{},[34,18561,18562,18566],{},[45,18563],{"alt":18564,"src":18565},"a_cinderella_christmas","/images/2013/12/a_cinderella_christmas.jpg","Title : A Cinderella Christmas",[774,18568],{},[34,18570,18571],{},"Author : Holly Kingston",[774,18573],{},[34,18575,18576],{},"Publication date : 19 November 2013",[774,18578],{},[34,18580,16899],{},[774,18582],{},[34,18584,12124,18585,18590,18592],{},[16,18586,18589],{"href":18587,"rel":18588},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GPCZX04/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00GPCZX04&adid=0VARQYAAS565S7QV46NR&",[20],"Kindle 77p!",[774,18591],{},[34,18593,17096],{},[12,18595,18596],{},"Lucy Tilley dreams of a career in show business. But this isn’t quite what she had in mind …",[12,18598,18599],{},"This year’s Cinderella pantomime is the hottest production in town. What’s more, Lucy is starring alongside Ryan Aspall: famous TV actor, sex symbol and potential love of her entire life. One teeny problem – Lucy is tripping the light fantastic as … the back end of the comedy cow. Surely nothing kills a flirty moment quite like wearing a massive set of udders?",[12,18601,18602],{},"At least she has the support of glamorous (if potentially flammable) Charmaine; a reality star diva of a Cinderella, who Lucy is completely fascinated by. But behind the fame and beauty, Charmaine is not all she seems.",[12,18604,18605],{},"With more drama off the stage than on it, and everyone",[12,18607,18608],{},"wanting to be star of the show, will Lucy find the confidence to make it out of the cow suit and into the spotlight this Christmas?",[12,18610,18611],{},[34,18612,18613],{},[45,18614],{"alt":16669,"src":18615},"/images/2013/05/dotted1.png",[12,18617,18618],{},[34,18619,11550],{},[12,18621,18622,18626],{},[45,18623],{"alt":18624,"src":18625},"6a010536b33b69970b019b00635fab970c-800wi","/images/2013/12/6a010536b33b69970b019b00635fab970c-800wi.gif","A Cinderella Christmas is a feel-good festive novella based around the theme of a pantomime and I loved it! If Lucy was going to make an arse of herself this Christmas then she didn’t need to try, being cast as the back-end of the pantomime cow did it for her.",[12,18628,18629],{},"Lucy is a lovely little 26 year old red headed dancer who loves the theatre although she is too afraid of being in the spotlight and chooses to take the back seat when it comes to castings, this is how she finds herself being the back end of the panto cow looking at the bottom of her best friend Ben for the entire festive season.",[12,18631,18632],{},"When Lucy meets Cinderella who is played by reality TV star Charmaine she is in awe and finds herself answering to her every beck and call. Juggling work and her new friendship with a rake-thin botoxed injected diva is hard. When Ben tries to tell her he thinks she is being taken for a ride Lucy refuses to listen and is certain she has something special with her new friend, even if it does involve doing her shopping and cleaning up after her dog. Thats what friends are for right?",[12,18634,18635],{},"Lucy is a very likeable character who you want to protect and I found myself wanting to scream at her for being so naive and stilly sometimes! Surely she can see what an evil manipulative cow Charmaine really is? Obviously being star struck can make even the best of us do things we might later regret and Charmaine has got Lucy right by the horns.",[12,18637,18638],{},"Between being a skivvy to Charmaine and dancing around in a cow suit Lucy still hopes that the drop-dead gorgeous Ryan Aspall AKA Prince Charming will fall head-over heels in love with her and sweep her off her feet. Is kicking a heart-throb celeb in the face while dressed as a cow really the way to his heart?",[12,18640,18641],{},"Lucy pins all of her hopes on the fantastic Christmas party Charmaine is throwing, her chance to get close to Ryan, that is until she takes a turn for the worst. Nothing can prepare a girl for falling ill whilst trapped inside a cow suit mid performance and that isn’t even the half of it.",[12,18643,18644],{},"Can her Christmas wishes possibly come true when everything is going so wrong?",[12,18646,18647],{},[34,18648,11570],{},[12,18650,18651],{},"Overall this was a really fun novella and Holly Kingston did a great job of getting me into the festive spirit. I found myself reading this book long into the night as I was so immersed in the characters and the story. Each character was really well written and I had not one, not two, but three favourites!",[12,18653,18654],{},"I just love a good romance novel and most of them are rather predictable, for the majority of this book I was fairly certain I knew where it was going. How wrong could I have been?! I just wish it had been longer as it left me wanting more. I think I might have a slight book hangover from this one…",[12,18656,18657],{},"If you’re looking for a feel-good festive read that will have you laughing your head off one minute and gasping in shock the next then look no further.",[12,18659,18660,18664,18667],{},[45,18661],{"alt":18662,"src":18663},"Holly-Kingston","/images/2013/12/Holly-Kingston.jpg",[34,18665,18666],{},"About the author"," Holly started her life as a child. When she grew substantially taller and learnt how to read, she decided that she’d jolly well liketo write books. Whilst at college, Holly had a slight change in her career focus and decided to become a marine biologist. On discovering that she sucked at science and that her future job was unlikely to involve monitoring anything larger than sea plankton, Holly went back to the drawing board and got a Bsc in Psychology instead. She studied with Scriptwriting North and wrote her first film, along with a number of shorts and a sitcom pilot. After several years of writing, rewriting, and hiding stuff for posterity on her hard drive, she sent her first novel to The Marsh Agency where she is now represented by Hannah Ferguson. She iscurrently working on her second full length novel and wondering how to lose the weight she’s put on whilst writing her last book. Her first book, A Cinderella Christmas, is out this November.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":18669},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/a_cinderella_christmas_holly_kingston.jpg","2013-12-10T16:51:00Z","Title : A Cinderella ChristmasAuthor : Holly KingstonPublication date : 19 November 2013Publisher : Novelicious BooksPurchase eBook: Kindle 77p!Rating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","2557",{},"Review of A Cinderella Christmas by Holly Kingston. A festive pantomime romance with hilarious twists and surprises. Rated 4 out of 5 stars.","/a-cinderella-christmas",{"title":18555,"description":18673},"a-cinderella-christmas","uYCUsEp8FJI4uns_57wlG3Yp4QvtRv_WAu4sLk3NPhw",{"id":18682,"title":18683,"author":245,"body":18684,"category":18774,"cover":18775,"date":18776,"description":18777,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":18778,"meta":18779,"meta_description":18780,"meta_title":18683,"navigation":236,"path":18781,"seo":18782,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":18783,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":18784},"posts/solomons-tale-sheila-jeffries-book-review.md","Book Review: Solomon's Tale by Sheila Jeffries",{"type":9,"value":18685,"toc":18772},[18686,18719,18722,18725,18728,18731,18734,18738,18741,18744,18747,18750,18753,18757,18766,18769],[12,18687,18688,18695,18698,18700,18703],{},[34,18689,18690,18694],{},[16,18691,18692],{"href":18341},[45,18693],{"alt":18340,"src":18341},"Title : Solomon's Tale",[34,18696,18697],{},"Author : Sheila Jeffries",[34,18699,17639],{},[34,18701,18702],{},"Publisher : Avon",[34,18704,12124,18705,18710,9822,18712,18716],{},[16,18706,18709],{"href":18707,"rel":18708},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00D0VYCWS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00D0VYCWS&adid=0BMPD12BDE1YF24MN7F1&",[20],"Kindle 99p!",[34,18711,12133],{},[16,18713,768],{"href":18714,"rel":18715},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0007523858/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0007523858&adid=1R24V21D1066BQ9QZCPX&",[20],[34,18717,18718],{},"Rating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee's!",[12,18720,18721],{},"The story of a little cat who saved a family in crisis.",[12,18723,18724],{},"Solomon's story began one stormy night…",[12,18726,18727],{},"Found on the doorstep in the middle of a thunderstorm, Solomon enters the King family as a tiny, wet ball of fur. But as his new owner Ellen coaxes him back to life, it becomes clear that he is no ordinary cat.",[12,18729,18730],{},"Wise beyond his years, this little black and white kitten becomes the family's protector. As Ellen and her young son deal with abuse, homelessness, and the loss of everything they hold dear, it is Solomon who brings light to the darkest times.",[12,18732,18733],{},"Inspiring, moving and heartbreaking, 'Solomon's Tale' is the story of an extraordinary cat who is the most faithful of friends. The perfect read for fans of 'A Street Cat Named Bob'.",[12,18735,18736],{},[34,18737,11550],{},[12,18739,18740],{},"Solomon's Tale is a story about a cat, not just any old cat but a healing cat. He is sent by way of an angel to look after Ellen who was Solomon's best friend many years ago when she was just a little girl herself, now she is a married woman with a child of her own and a whole heap of troubles!",[12,18742,18743],{},"To reach Ellen, Solomon, had to be reborn. He came out as what he described as being nothing but a sausage and unable to open his eyes for six weeks. The entire story is told from Solomon's point of view, this is not what I was expecting at all but it is something I really enjoyed. After his weeks as a helpless sausage kitten he sets out on a mission to find Ellen using his psi sensor (built in cat sat-nav! Pretty cool, right?)",[12,18745,18746],{},"Once Solomon is reunited with Ellen he begins to see just how much he is needed,\nthe family are in debt and on the verge of losing their home. Ellen is stressed with looking after little John and the worry of having nowhere for her family to go if they lost their home.",[12,18748,18749],{},"Her husband Joe can be very bad tempered and drinks a lot. At first I saw him as a bad person but then I saw that the stress of them being in debt and losing their home was weighing on him, as the bread winner providing for his family and failing must be hard. I think these troubles have also driven him to drink more, once the family move house his temper only becomes worse and you're left wondering why Ellen is still sticking around to have more abuse hurled at her on a daily basis. This also had me wondering why she would put so much pressure on him by choosing to be a stay-at-home mother, why wasn't she also attempting to save their family?\nMy opinion of Joe changed all together when he became worse regardless of their situation and Ellen had no real support system other than their lovely neighbour.",[12,18751,18752],{},"Following Solomon on his journey to help Ellen and her family along with their misbehaving crazy cat Jessica was quiet an emotional roller coaster and the way the story comes to a close is also very surprising. Jessica is Solomon's true love and they are the cutest cat couple ever, that may sound odd but yes this book does have a romance side to it and its not Ellen and Joe, its the cats!",[12,18754,18755],{},[34,18756,11570],{},[12,18758,18759,18760,18765],{},"When I received my copy of Solomon's Tale in the post I literally did a little excited squeal like a 12 year old at Christmas, it's about a cat! It's shiny! It's also a HB, everyone loves a hard back book, especially one with glitter on. It was like cats and Christmas rolled into one. So yes this book had scored a few brownie points from me before I had even turned the first page. I did spend a while admiring the cover and taking pictures of it for",[16,18761,18764],{"href":18762,"rel":18763},"http://instagram.com/p/gbMvUCMQn1/",[20]," Instagram "," before adding it to my pile of books for review.",[12,18767,18768],{},"Solomon's Tale isn't just a story about a cat, its about life, death, and everything in between. One of Sheila's aims was for families to be able to read this story together and help explain situations such as the loss of a pet or loved one to children and I can see how this story would be brilliant at helping people explain this. The story itself is very emotional and on more than one occasion had me thinking of my cat Milly who came to me when I was six, Milly went to catnip heaven two years ago at the grand age of 17. This story has confirmed for me that Milly left to be with my mum and she's being spoilt on kitekat as I type this! The spiritual side of the book with the angels and shining cats is so interesting and I think Sheila hit the nail on the head with this one, I couldn't think of better ending!\nOf course as a cat lover myself this may have influenced my opinions of this particular book and its theme but I don't feel that you need to be a cat or animal lover to enjoy it. You need to be open minded but overall the story is suitable for everyone and I personally would recommend it to others.",[12,18770,18771],{},"If you are a lover of cats like myself, find a cosy spot and curl up with your kitty and a cup of tea!\nPrepare to lose yourself in this heart-wrenching story of love, courage and strength. You'll laugh, cry and never look at cat in the same way again.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":18773},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/solomons_tale_sheila_jeffries.jpg","2013-11-26T13:02:00Z","Title : Solomon's TaleAuthor : Sheila JeffriesPublication date : 21 November 2013Publisher : AvonPurchase eBook: Kindle 99p!Purchase paper book: AmazonRating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee's!","2526",{},"Solomon's Tale by Sheila Jeffries book review. A heartwarming story of an extraordinary healing cat who becomes a family's protector during their darkest times.","/solomons-tale-sheila-jeffries-book-review",{"title":18683,"description":18777},"solomons-tale-sheila-jeffries-book-review","5JSPFjxU6Z7GybHBwwuGLzbYUfS8HiejqBfZyZFxujk",{"id":18786,"title":18787,"author":245,"body":18788,"category":18884,"cover":18885,"date":18886,"description":18887,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":18888,"meta":18889,"meta_description":18890,"meta_title":18787,"navigation":236,"path":18891,"seo":18892,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":18893,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":18894},"posts/cocos-secret-niamh-greene-book-review.md","Book Review: Coco’s Secret by Niamh Greene",{"type":9,"value":18789,"toc":18882},[18790,18832,18835,18838,18841,18844,18848,18854,18860,18863,18866,18869,18873],[12,18791,18792,18799,18801,18804,18806,18809,18811,18813,18815],{},[34,18793,18794,18798],{},[45,18795],{"alt":18796,"src":18797},"cocos-secret","/images/2013/11/cocos-secret.jpg","Title : Coco’s Secret",[774,18800],{},[34,18802,18803],{},"Author : Niamh Greene",[774,18805],{},[34,18807,18808],{},"Publication date : 15 August 2013",[774,18810],{},[34,18812,12119],{},[774,18814],{},[34,18816,12124,18817,18820,18822,9822,18824,18828,18830],{},[16,18818,12128],{"href":18240,"rel":18819},[20],[774,18821],{},[34,18823,12133],{},[16,18825,768],{"href":18826,"rel":18827},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0241951984/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0241951984&adid=0JW8YH2STM27GPRR48EB&",[20],[774,18829],{},[34,18831,17096],{},[12,18833,18834],{},"Coco Swan has always been embarrassed by her name.",[12,18836,18837],{},"With a name like Coco, she thinks people expect her to be as exotic and glamorous as the famous designer, not an ordinary-looking small-town antiques dealer who could win an award for living cautiously. But when a vintage Chanel handbag turns up in a box of worthless bric-a-brac, Coco’s quiet world is turned upside down. Where did it come from? And is it just coincidence that it’s the same bag Coco’s late mother always wanted for her?",[12,18839,18840],{},"When Coco discovers a mysterious, decades-old letter hidden in the bag’s lining, she sets off on a quest to piece together the story behind it, stumbling across secrets that span three generations as she goes.",[12,18842,18843],{},"Could the beautiful Chanel bag be about to teach Coco more than she wants to learn? Or will it show her just where her heart can take her if she lets it lead the way?",[12,18845,18846],{},[34,18847,11550],{},[12,18849,18850,18851,18853],{},"Coco’s secret is a story of self-discovery and adventure.",[774,18852],{},"\nWe are introduced to to Sarah Swan who is on business in Paris finding antiques to sell at her families shop in Ireland, Sarah is planning to head home to be with her teenage daughter Coco when she is in an accident and never returns to her daughter.",[12,18855,18856,18857,18859],{},"We then jump forward by 20 years to a now 33 year old Coco, living in the town of Dromore with her Grandmother. As glamorous as her name sounds Coco is very much an average woman, their isn’t anything spectacular about her and she certainly doesn’t feel anything like her name sake Coco Chanel.",[774,18858],{},"\nWhen Coco finds herself in possession of a vintage Chanel 2.55 bag containing what can only be the sweetest most romantic love letter anyone has ever seen she feels nothing but guilt. Of course she should be happy, her mother always wanted her to have a Chanel bag. She found the bag in a mixed lot she won at an auction and deep in her gut she just knew this bag belonged to somebody else and that the letter inside must be of importance to them.",[12,18861,18862],{},"As Coco sets out to find the bags rightful owner she meets some fantastic people, some who may even change her life forever. Their isn’t a single point where I could tell if she was ever going to find the bags owner or the person who wrote the letter inside and this kept me engaged start to finish gripping me in the mystery Coco was trying to solve.",[12,18864,18865],{},"One of my favourite characters in this story is Cocos grand mother Ruth, she is sassy and sparkling with attitude, I also liked her love interest Karl in his homer simpson underpants!",[12,18867,18868],{},"Every character in this book has a certain charm and like-ability to them right down to Cocos godson Mark and his younger twin siblings giving the story a lighter tone and adding some giggles to the seriousness of what Coco is unravelling.",[12,18870,18871],{},[34,18872,11570],{},[12,18874,18875,18876,18878,18879,18881],{},"I found Cocos Secret to be a really enjoyable read and can’t believe its been hiding on my shelf for weeks. The plot is compelling and unlike many chick-lit novels it isn’t at all predictable which I quiet liked.",[774,18877],{},"\nIf you want to try something that isn’t your average ‘chick-lit’ novel and more mystery based with a serious undertone and a little peek into history then I recommend Cocos Secret.",[774,18880],{},"\nI read this book in two sittings, and found it to be a really nice heart warming tale of self-discovery and adventure. With just a nibble of romance on the side for good measure!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":18883},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/cocos_secret_niamh_greene.jpg","2013-11-24T13:12:00Z","Title : Coco’s SecretAuthor : Niamh GreenePublication date : 15 August 2013Publisher : PenguinPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: AmazonRating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","2513",{},"Coco's Secret by Niamh Greene book review. A heartwarming mystery following Coco Swan as she uncovers decades-old secrets hidden in a vintage Chanel handbag.","/cocos-secret-niamh-greene-book-review",{"title":18787,"description":18887},"cocos-secret-niamh-greene-book-review","pfG4Na1RS2MPc6ri3OR1f5bknOdoHkiTyJU_bHXDi_A",{"id":18896,"title":18897,"author":245,"body":18898,"category":18978,"cover":18979,"date":18980,"description":18981,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":18982,"meta":18983,"meta_description":18984,"meta_title":18897,"navigation":236,"path":18985,"seo":18986,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":18987,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":18988},"posts/confessions-of-a-chalet-girl.md","Book Review: Confessions of a Chalet Girl by Lorraine Wilson",{"type":9,"value":18899,"toc":18976},[18900,18938,18941,18944,18948,18951,18954,18957,18960,18963,18966,18970],[12,18901,18902,18911,18913,18916,18918,18921,18923,18926,18928],{},[34,18903,18904,18910],{},[16,18905,18907],{"href":18906},"/images/2013/11/Confessions-of-a-Chalet-Girl-cover.jpg",[45,18908],{"alt":18909,"src":18906},"Confessions of a Chalet Girl cover","Title : Confessions of a Chalet Girl",[774,18912],{},[34,18914,18915],{},"Author : Lorraine Wilson",[774,18917],{},[34,18919,18920],{},"Publication date: 27th June 2013",[774,18922],{},[34,18924,18925],{},"Publisher : HarperImpulse",[774,18927],{},[34,18929,12124,18930,18934,18936],{},[16,18931,12128],{"href":18932,"rel":18933},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lorraine-Wilson/e/B00CWFWCG6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1",[20],[774,18935],{},[34,18937,17096],{},[12,18939,18940],{},"Set in the exclusive Swiss ski resort of Verbier, the winter playground of the rich and famous, Confessions of a Chalet Girl is a fun and flirty contemporary romance novella from the fabulous Lorraine Wilson.",[12,18942,18943],{},"The slopes seriously start to heat up when chalet girl Holly is propositioned by her sexy new boss!",[12,18945,18946],{},[34,18947,11550],{},[12,18949,18950],{},"When Holly leaves England for a season working at a chalet in the Swiss Alps it’s to get a way from her everyday life and get over a recent break-up, she needs to have fun. Also because her house mates have announced they are expecting a baby and she needs to move out! Avoiding all of that she jets off for a season of Skiing and adventure… So this novella is about skiing and snowboarding right? Wrong!",[12,18952,18953],{},"When Holly arrives a Chalet Repos she is worlds apart from the other girls who appear to do this kind of work every season, sweet and sassy snow girls. The opposite of Holly.",[12,18955,18956],{},"The story opens with Holly and the other chalet girls in a bar full of men where the norm is for newbies to take their bra off for all to see and pin it up as a form of initiation to the chalet girl world. Holly is dubious about this but plays along, how else is she going to fit in?",[12,18958,18959],{},"Before you know it Holly is on all fours being given the reach around by steamy hot boss Scott, see I told you it wasn’t about skiing! Suddenly this novella with its cover of pure innocence hurtles into a steamy romance and frankly its brilliant.",[12,18961,18962],{},"Scott isn’t the type of boss who usually sleeps with his staff, the type of girls who normally work at the chalets aren’t his type. This is what attracts him to Holly, she is totally different to all of the other girls and he feels like he needs to protect her.",[12,18964,18965],{},"There are also deep and meaningful elements to this story, it isn’t all about romance, the story deals with abusive relationships, cancer and trust issues. The story has a really nice balance of the serious and fun elements that make it so engaging, its short and sweet without being slow.",[12,18967,18968],{},[34,18969,11570],{},[12,18971,18972,18973,18975],{},"This is a great read if you’re looking for something in the romance genre, it’s a little bit naughty but not in an over the top or weird way just enough to keep the story going and hold the readers interest. A perfect, short, easy read.",[774,18974],{},"\nThis book caught my eye after finding out it was about chalet girls, I love snowboarding and thought this sounded perfect. After reading a few pages I couldn’t put it down. I then proceeded to the iBooks store to purchase the second book in the series. A great little evening read for the mere price of £1.99 – Review for book two Secrets of a Chalet Girl coming soon!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":18977},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/conffessions_of_a_chalet_girl_lorraine_wilson.jpg","2013-11-14T00:53:00Z","Title : Confessions of a Chalet GirlAuthor : Lorraine WilsonPublication date: 27th June 2013Publisher : HarperImpulsePurchase eBook: KindleRating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","2476",{},"Review of Confessions of a Chalet Girl by Lorraine Wilson. A steamy romance novella set in the Swiss Alps with depth and heart. Rated 4 out of 5 stars.","/confessions-of-a-chalet-girl",{"title":18897,"description":18981},"confessions-of-a-chalet-girl","KOXu2iz6ZkCktrm5R3hJwWO_aaMjgo8OBeT2u05X2Bc",{"id":18990,"title":18991,"author":245,"body":18992,"category":19095,"cover":19096,"date":19097,"description":19098,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":19099,"meta":19100,"meta_description":19101,"meta_title":18991,"navigation":236,"path":19102,"seo":19103,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":19104,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":19105},"posts/tempting-fate-jane-green-book-review.md","Book Review: Tempting Fate by Jane Green",{"type":9,"value":18993,"toc":19093},[18994,19025,19031,19034,19037,19040,19043,19049,19055,19061,19065,19068,19071,19074,19077,19080,19084,19087,19090],[12,18995,18996,19003,19006,19009,19011],{},[34,18997,18998,19002],{},[45,18999],{"alt":19000,"src":19001},"Tempting-Fate-Jane-green","/images/2013/10/Tempting-Fate-Jane-green.jpg","Title : Tempting Fate",[34,19004,19005],{},"Author : Jane Green",[34,19007,19008],{},"Publication date : 12 September 2013",[34,19010,12119],{},[34,19012,12124,19013,19017,9822,19019,19023],{},[16,19014,12128],{"href":19015,"rel":19016},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CBO0BIY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00CBO0BIY&adid=15WVDNP5ZFE3M7N0BE4Z&",[20],[34,19018,12133],{},[16,19020,768],{"href":19021,"rel":19022},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0718157583/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0718157583&adid=0ZVD7K08EDWN4RAAX5QE&",[20],[34,19024,18718],{},[12,19026,19027,19028,575],{},"Number one bestselling author Jane Green gives a powerful portrayal of a marriage rocked by betrayal in the stunning ",[211,19029,19030],{},"Tempting Fate",[12,19032,19033],{},"When Gabby first met Elliott she knew he was the man for her. In twenty years of marriage she has never doubted her love for him – even when he refused to give her the one thing she still wants most of all. But now their two daughters are growing up Gabby feels that time and her youth are slipping away. For the first time in her life she is restless. And then she meets Matt . . .",[12,19035,19036],{},"Intoxicated by the way this young, handsome and successful man makes her feel, Gabby is momentarily blind to what she stands to lose on this dangerous path. And in one reckless moment she destroys all that she holds dear.",[12,19038,19039],{},"Consumed by regret, Gabby does everything she can to repair the home she has broken. But are some betrayals too great to forgive?",[12,19041,19042],{},"Praise for Jane Green:",[12,19044,19045,19046],{},"'A heartbreaking tale of love and family, truly compelling' ",[211,19047,19048],{},"Closer",[12,19050,19051,19052],{},"'Compulsively readable. I raced through it' ",[211,19053,19054],{},"Daily Mail",[12,19056,19057,19058],{},"'Green is women's fiction royalty . . . a compelling family drama' ",[211,19059,19060],{},"Glamour",[12,19062,19063],{},[34,19064,11550],{},[12,19066,19067],{},"When this book landed on my doorstep I couldn't wait to get started, it climbed straight to the top of my reading pile.\nThe last Jane Green novel I read was 'The Accidental Husband' which I really enjoyed and was hoping this would be just as good if not better. Of course Jane didn't let me down.",[12,19069,19070],{},"Gabby and Elliot are a lovely couple, married for twenty years with two daughters they seem just as in love now as the day they met. They have what can only be seen as a perfect relationship, the only thing that has ever come between them is Elliot having a vasectomy against Gabby's will while she still held hope that he would come around to the idea of a third child.",[12,19072,19073],{},"Gabby is a middle aged stay at home mum trying to make something of her life, she doesn't want to be like all of the other mums who find they have nothing to do and no career driven skills once they are no longer needed constantly by their children. Going back to college at 43 or scrubbing the bathroom for the eighth time in one week is not for her. In a suburb where everyone competes and every day is like keeping up with the Jones' Gabby tries to concentrate on herself, Elliot often works away and she starts to focus her days on her hobby, 'up cycling' old furniture. The girls are growing up and her time has come to do something for herself before its too late.",[12,19075,19076],{},"Whilst on a girls night out young bachelor Matt comes on the scene, he's charming and rich and most important he makes Gabby feel young again, alive and wanted. He's flirtatious and sweet. Of course Gabby is married and wouldn't dream of cheating on her husband, she is loyal and committed to Elliot and their family. At least this is what she keeps on telling herself.",[12,19078,19079],{},"After Gabby has given into fate one weekend while Elliot is away on business she is left to deal with the consequences of her mistake. Now she unintentionally has what she wanted but loses everything she had. Can she put right everything has done wrong?",[12,19081,19082],{},[34,19083,11570],{},[12,19085,19086],{},"Giving into temptation has severe consequences and it isn't pretty. Seeing Gabby suffer for what she had done turned this into a real love/hate relationship for me, of course I thought she was a terrible woman for what she had done but I also felt sorry for her when she has nobody there to support her. I particularly loved how unlike most womens fiction novels centred around cheating and affairs Gabby has to live with the consequences and everything isn't okay, what she did was not okay and she wasn't going to get off lightly for it. What I enjoyed most is what I felt was lacking in the last Jane Green novel I had read and that is the male side of the story. Understanding things from Elliott's perspective and how the events affect him really brought the story together for me. It wasn't just about how one woman cheats on her husband and ruins their relationship, it was about what happens when you're entire social circle is shared with that person and everyone can see what you've done wrong. What happens when your children find out what you did to their perfect father and how nothing is going to be easy.",[12,19088,19089],{},"Jane Green has done it again and the hours dwindled away once I was emerged in this story. I was invested completely in the characters and didn't want the book to end. Overall Tempting Fate is a fantastic read and had me rooting for the characters relationship and screaming when I thought she was going to do something she was undoubtedly going to regret. A realistic take on how one mistake can tear apart everything you have.",[12,19091,19092],{},"Jane will now be publishing two books per year so we don't have to wait long to get our next fix!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":19094},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/tempting_fate_jane_green.jpg","2013-10-26T12:06:00Z","Title : Tempting FateAuthor : Jane GreenPublication date : 12 September 2013Publisher : PenguinPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: AmazonRating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee's!","2360",{},"Book review of Tempting Fate by Jane Green. A powerful tale of marriage, betrayal and the consequences of one moment that changes everything.","/tempting-fate-jane-green-book-review",{"title":18991,"description":19098},"tempting-fate-jane-green-book-review","qsnDvn1Jb2lD6fmptyET-OwRT_WmNv9TYfD4LMwOvYQ",{"id":19107,"title":19108,"author":245,"body":19109,"category":19250,"cover":19251,"date":19252,"description":19253,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":19254,"meta":19255,"meta_description":19256,"meta_title":19108,"navigation":236,"path":19229,"seo":19257,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":19258,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":19259},"posts/the-husbands-secret-2.md","Book Review: The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty",{"type":9,"value":19110,"toc":19248},[19111,19153,19156,19160,19163,19166,19169,19172,19175,19178,19181,19184,19188,19191,19194,19197,19200,19216,19219,19222,19225],[12,19112,19113,19120,19122,19124,19126,19129,19131,19133,19135],{},[34,19114,19115,19119],{},[45,19116],{"alt":19117,"src":19118},"The Husband's Secret","/images/2013/08/The-Husbands-Secret.jpg","Title : The Husbands Secret",[774,19121],{},[34,19123,17955],{},[774,19125],{},[34,19127,19128],{},"Publication date : 29 August 2013",[774,19130],{},[34,19132,12119],{},[774,19134],{},[34,19136,12124,19137,19141,19143,9822,19145,19149,19151],{},[16,19138,12128],{"href":19139,"rel":19140},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BQ4NLC8/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00BQ4NLC8&adid=0EHY2JC6HFMK91PSV14E&",[20],[774,19142],{},[34,19144,12133],{},[16,19146,768],{"href":19147,"rel":19148},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1405911662/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1405911662&adid=1X32XW37RYYHWJH0V96D&",[20],[774,19150],{},[34,19152,15790],{},[12,19154,19155],{},"At the heart of The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty is a letter that’s not meant to be read…Mother of three and wife of John-Paul, Cecilia discovers an old envelope in the attic. Written in her husband’s hand, it says: to be opened only in the event of my death. Curious, she opens it – and time stops. John-Paul’s letter confesses to a terrible mistake which, if revealed, would wreck their family as well as the lives of others. Cecilia – betrayed, angry and distraught – wants to do the right thing, but right for who? If she protects her family by staying silent, the truth will worm through her heart. But if she reveals her husband’s secret, she will hurt those she loves most…Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, or anyone who enjoyed One Moment, One Morning or The Midwife’s Confession, The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty is about the things we know, the things we don’t, and whether or not we ever get to choose. Above all, though, it’s about how we must live with the consequences of our actions – whether we like it or not.",[12,19157,19158],{},[34,19159,11550],{},[12,19161,19162],{},"After reading the synopsis to The Husbands Secret I thought it would centre around Cecilia and the finding of that all important letter. Written in her husband’s hand, it says: to be opened only in the event of my death. From the outset the story actually follows three different women at a time in their lives that seem to overlap and cross paths with one another, I really liked this, following three story lines and plots at once was surprisingly simple and each one of them had me sucked in from the get go. I could not put this book down!",[12,19164,19165],{},"Initially I thought all three women were at a time in their lives where everything was perfect, how wrong was I?",[12,19167,19168],{},"Cecilia is a house wife who also runs her own business, she has three beautiful daughters and a handsome husband. Her life couldn’t be anymore perfect! Until her husband rushes home from the other side of the world upon hearing she has found his letter and she begins to question their life together, could it really be that bad?",[12,19170,19171],{},"Tess lives with her true love Will and their 6 year old son Liam running a joint business with her best friend & cousin Felicity, Tess couldn’t be happier but not every cloud has a silver lining when you share everything.",[12,19173,19174],{},"Rachel is an older lady who although she has lost a lot in her life has a wonderful son and grandson who make her happier than ever, but her clearly evil daughter in law is taking them away from her.",[12,19176,19177],{},"As things take a turn for Cecilia after she finds the all important letter addressed to her in the event of her husbands death we also see the lives of the others start to unravel, and things get a little crazy from here.",[12,19179,19180],{},"While Cecilia spent hours wondering whether or not to open the letter she had found, Tess is questioning everything she has done in her life. How much has her cousin Felicity affected every life choice she has made to date? Rachel is fixated on finding out who is responsible for tearing her family apart back in the 1980’s and won’t ever let go of the past.",[12,19182,19183],{},"I was very surprised that there wasn’t a single moment where I even thought I had guessed the husband’s secret or how all of these characters connected. It was a complete mystery and one of the reasons why you won’t want to stop reading, It’s not predictable but when it all comes together everything makes sense.",[12,19185,19186],{},[34,19187,11570],{},[12,19189,19190],{},"This is a book I shall be recommending to people for a while and putting in Christmas stockings. A deep, mysterious, gripping and thought provoking novel.",[12,19192,19193],{},"This had my attention from start to finish. It’s been a while since I picked up a book that caught my interest as quickly as this, I found myself feeling attached to the characters very quickly, they all have their own traits that make you like them all for different reasons.",[12,19195,19196],{},"You know it’s a great read when you realise you’re still reading at 4:00am and you have work at 7:00am!",[12,19198,19199],{},"Liane Moriarty has given this novel a dark twist. Full of surprises, it’s not your average womens fiction and will have you sneaking in a page at every spare moment you get.",[12,19201,19202,19203,19206,19207,19211,19212,19215],{},"I received this book with a very fun and exciting envelope, upon the front it read ",[34,19204,19205],{},"“The Husband’s Secret is…”"," along ",[45,19208],{"alt":19209,"src":19210},"moriarty-letter","/images/2013/08/moriarty-letter.jpg","with a note that read ",[34,19213,19214],{},"“This envelope contains The Husband’s Secret. How long can you resist opening it?”"," Well I did rather well, because I still don’t know what it says inside!",[12,19217,19218],{},"I kept telling myself it will be a note telling me off for being nosey and instruct me to read the book if I wanted to know the secret, but then maybe it actually had the secret? I don’t know! However the boyfriend does know as he OPENED IT!!! He read it and resealed it, then cackled like an evil witch and I still don’t know what it says. I must admit I did hold it up against a lamp like a detective to see if I could figure it out but had no such luck. Did anyone else open theirs? Can I open mine? Who knows.",[12,19220,19221],{},"I also received an optical illusion spinner, like the bird in a cage Johhny Depp has in sleepy hollow? This has the butterfly on one side and the jar on the other so when you spin it you get the illusion of the butterfly fluttering its wings. The result looks a lot like the animation you can see in the side bar!",[12,19223,19224],{},"Many thanks to the wonderful Katie Sheldrake at Penguin UK for allowing me to be a part of the blog tour, and thanks to Liane Moriarty for a fabulous read.",[12,19226,19227,9822,19234,9822,19241],{},[16,19228,19230],{"href":19229},"/the-husbands-secret-2",[45,19231],{"alt":19232,"src":19233,"title":19232},"The Husbands Secret Review","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/HS-Review.png",[16,19235,19237],{"href":19236},"/liane-moriarty-author-qa",[45,19238],{"alt":19239,"src":19240,"title":19239},"Liane Moriarty Q&A","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/HS-QA.png",[16,19242,19244],{"href":19139,"rel":19243},[20],[45,19245],{"alt":19246,"src":19247,"title":19246},"Billy and Me Book Cover","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/HS-Buy.png",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":19249},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/the_husbands_secret_liane_moriarty.jpg","2013-08-31T08:56:00Z","Title : The Husbands SecretAuthor : Liane MoriartyPublication date : 29 August 2013Publisher : PenguinPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: AmazonRating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","2203",{},"Review of The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. A gripping mystery about three women and a life-changing letter. Rated 5 out of 5 stars.",{"title":19108,"description":19253},"the-husbands-secret-2","4XRnUiGWHAsoRrSLqVDuRnuCslk9KjnmeSsG2VNM7cQ",{"id":19261,"title":19262,"author":245,"body":19263,"category":19336,"cover":19337,"date":19338,"description":19339,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":19340,"meta":19341,"meta_description":19342,"meta_title":19262,"navigation":236,"path":19236,"seo":19343,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":19344,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":19345},"posts/liane-moriarty-author-qa.md","Author Interview: Liane Moriarty",{"type":9,"value":19264,"toc":19334},[19265,19275,19280,19283,19286,19294,19302,19310,19318],[12,19266,19267,19268,19272,19274],{},"The lovely Liane Moriarty answers some question for all of you book lovers and Penguin fans! ",[45,19269],{"alt":19270,"src":19271},"Liane Moriarty","/images/2013/08/Liane-Moriarty.png",[774,19273],{},"\nPenguin books that is, but I do understand that everyone loves flightless Antarctic bird.",[12,19276,19277],{},[34,19278,19279],{},"1. Since you became a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to happen to you?",[12,19281,19282],{},"I am trying to choose between two memories. The first is of sitting on a Sydney ferry and seeing the woman next to me open her handbag and pull out a copy of my first novel, Three Wishes. She then proceeded to read it. As if it was a real book! Until then I’d secretly wondered whether the whole process of publication had been a giant (cruel) practical joke.",[12,19284,19285],{},"The second memory is of sitting on my back steps watching my son play in the yard, while I was on a conference call with my literary agent, a film agent, and a Hollywood film producer. The producer was buying the film rights for What Alice Forgot. “We were thinking of someone like Jennifer Aniston or Reese Witherspoon for the role of Alice,” he said, just as my little boy bellowed, “I’m hungry!” It was quite surreal.",[12,19287,19288,19291,19293],{},[34,19289,19290],{},"2. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?",[774,19292],{},"\nTo fly. I know everybody has dreams about flying, but mine feel so very real. Each time I dream-fly, I think, “That’s right, of course I can fly—how could I have forgotten!” I have a friend who claps her hands to make herself fly in her dreams. That’s ridiculous. I gracefully flap my arms and point my toes.",[12,19295,19296,19299,19301],{},[34,19297,19298],{},"3. What fictional character do you have a crush on?",[774,19300],{},"\nPatrick Pennington from the series by the British author K. M.Peyton, beginning with Pennington’s Seventeenth Summer. I read these YA books as a fourteen-year-old and fell deeply in love with Patrick. He was a big, brooding, leather-jacket-wearing bad boy, who got into trouble a lot but played the piano like an angel. I still swoon at the thought of his big grazed knuckles (from punching walls and the like) caressing the piano keys. Ah, Patrick. It’s probably your fault that I took so long to find the right man.",[12,19303,19304,19307,19309],{},[34,19305,19306],{},"4. How did you get the idea for the novel?",[774,19308],{},"\nTwo years ago I stumbled upon a fascinating article about real-life deathbed confessions. I learned about Christian Spurling, who confessed on his deathbed to faking a notorious photo of the Loch Ness Monster. There was a famous songwriter who was dying of cancer who wrote a letter admitting, after years of adamant denials, that she had plagiarized a lullaby melody. Then there was the hapless man who, after suffering a stroke, confessed he’d killed his neighbour thirty years earlier. The only problem was that he didn’t end up dying. After he was released from hospital, he went straight to jail. These stories, particularly the one about the man who didn’t die, got me thinking. I was intrigued by that overwhelming desire to share your darkest secret. So I came up with the idea of a man who feels such a powerful desire to share a secret that he sits down and writes a letter to his wife, to be opened in the event of his death. It’s a deathbed confession, except he’s not dead.",[12,19311,19312,19315,19317],{},[34,19313,19314],{},"5. What do you do in your spare time when you’re not writing?",[774,19316],{},"\nI read in bed, read in the bath, read in the TV commercials, sleep, eat chocolate, work off all that chocolate in gym classes, ski (not that I ski every weekend, but I thought I should mention something outdoorsy), and now it occurs to me that I haven’t mentioned my children, and I don’t know how I could have forgotten them, because they are currently with the babysitter, screaming their darling little heads off in the hallway just outside my office door. What I actually do when I’m not writing is take care of my five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter, and I like that very much.",[12,19319,19320,9822,19324,9822,19328],{},[16,19321,19322],{"href":19229},[45,19323],{"alt":19232,"src":19233,"title":19232},[16,19325,19326],{"href":19236},[45,19327],{"alt":19239,"src":19240,"title":19239},[16,19329,19331],{"href":19139,"rel":19330},[20],[45,19332],{"alt":19333,"src":19247,"title":19333},"Husbands secret",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":19335},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/liane_moriarty.jpg","2013-08-31T02:23:00Z","The lovely Liane Moriarty answers some question for all of you book lovers and Penguin fans! \nPenguin books that is, but I do understand that everyone loves flightless Antarctic bird.","2152",{},"Exclusive Q&A with bestselling author Liane Moriarty. Discover her inspiration for The Husband's Secret and her most exciting writing moments.",{"title":19262,"description":19339},"liane-moriarty-author-qa","E-PROiGkI8lIP7wekPIg29SWglBRD25V0U60WKs2z0c",{"id":19347,"title":19348,"author":245,"body":19349,"category":19468,"cover":19469,"date":19470,"description":19471,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":19472,"meta":19473,"meta_description":19474,"meta_title":19348,"navigation":236,"path":19475,"seo":19476,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":19355,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":19477},"posts/my-husband-next-door.md","Book Review: My Husband Next Door by Catherine Alliott",{"type":9,"value":19350,"toc":19466},[19351,19395,19398,19401,19404,19409,19415,19420,19437,19441,19444,19447,19450,19453,19456,19460,19463],[12,19352,19353,19357,19360,19362,19365,19367,19370,19372,19374,19376,19377,19381,19383,9822,19385,19389,19391,19392,575],{},[45,19354],{"alt":19355,"src":19356},"my-husband-next-door","/images/2013/08/my-husband-next-door.jpg",[34,19358,19359],{},"Title : My Husband Next Door",[774,19361],{},[34,19363,19364],{},"Author : Catherine Alliott",[774,19366],{},[34,19368,19369],{},"Publication date : 06 June 2013",[774,19371],{},[34,19373,15771],{},[774,19375],{},"\n**Purchase eBook: ",[16,19378,12128],{"href":19379,"rel":19380},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CBO0BGG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00CBO0BGG&adid=16J1VNSXWZXG95NDXNF2&",[20],[774,19382],{},[34,19384,12133],{},[16,19386,768],{"href":19387,"rel":19388},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0141047801/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0141047801&adid=0V4KSHCSEFXQZZG7EWQE&",[20],[774,19390],{},"\n**Rating : 3 out of 5 LeeLee’s!****Step into Alliott country with the fabulously funny and wonderfully heartwarming ",[211,19393,19394],{},"My Husband Next Door",[12,19396,19397],{},"When Ella married the handsome, celebrated artist Sebastian Montclair at just nineteen she was madly in love. Now, those blissful years of marriage have turned into the very definition of an unconventional set-up. Separated in every way but distance, Sebastian resides in an outhouse across the lawn from Ella’s ramshackle farmhouse.",[12,19399,19400],{},"With an ex-husband living under her nose and a home crowded by hostile teenaged children, gender-confused chickens – not to mention her hyper critical mother whose own marriage slips spectacularly off the rails – Ella finds comfort in the company of the very charming gardener, Ludo.",[12,19402,19403],{},"Then out of the blue Sebastian decides to move on, catching Ella horribly unawares. How much longer can she hide from what really destroyed her marriage . . . and the secret she continues to keep?",[12,19405,19406,19407],{},"‘I raced through it, completely gripped from start to finish’ ",[211,19408,19054],{},[12,19410,19411,19412],{},"‘An entertaining read that’s as light as the summer breeze’ ",[211,19413,19414],{},"Daily Express",[12,19416,19417,19418],{},"‘A captivating and heartwarming tale’ ",[211,19419,19048],{},[12,19421,19422,19423,764,19426,764,19429,19432,19433,19436],{},"Catherine Alliott is the author of twelve bestselling novels including ",[211,19424,19425],{},"A Rural Affair",[211,19427,19428],{},"One Day in May",[211,19430,19431],{},"The Secret Life of Evie Hamilton",", and ",[211,19434,19435],{},"A Crowded Marriage",". She lives with her family in Hertfordshire.",[12,19438,19439],{},[34,19440,11550],{},[12,19442,19443],{},"This is the first book I’ve read by Catherine Alliott, I have heard many great things about her and her work so I must say I probably had rather high expectations? Sorry Catherine, no pressure!",[12,19445,19446],{},"I must admit I did struggle to get into this book for the first hundred or so pages and I was taking my sweet time to read it. I find it’s never a good idea to give up so soon though as you may find you missed the really good stuff! I’m glad I stood by this as I persevered it did get much better.",[12,19448,19449],{},"There is an incident with a dog and this is one part in the early stages of the book that had me thinking this book is going to have some hidden gems so don’t give up now. Honestly when you read about the dog and the suitcase you’ll know why I was laughing like a crazy lady on the train to Warminster last Friday. (Sorry people on my train. I am not a total weirdo, honest!)",[12,19451,19452],{},"Ella is a character who I liked but found hard to love, actually I really loved her children! Albeit rude and lazy they were funny and their conversations with their mother made me laugh. Saying that if they were mine I’d have given them a good telling off if they spoke to me like that or addressed me by my name instead of ‘Mum’ but Ella finds them amusing and so did I.",[12,19454,19455],{},"This story is a great insight to how dysfunctional some families can be, like having your husband live in a guest house of the holiday let business you run, which in actual fact is just filled with family members and not making much money at all. This truly reveals if living next door to your husband is the key to a happy life, and left me wondering if they would they ever get back together? Everyone is having affairs and their isn’t a lot of order in their lives but the setting of this book gives it a quaint and quirky edge. A Countryside location in a village where everyone thinks they know your business but actually they’ve got it all wrong.",[12,19457,19458],{},[34,19459,11570],{},[12,19461,19462],{},"This book is a bit of a feel good story of family and every day problems people face in life yet it is also a lot darker than one might think when they pick up this book!",[12,19464,19465],{},"Hearing the back story of Ella and Sebastian is something I enjoyed. When the secret was revealed I was surprised but it made sense and brought the story together for me and overall I did enjoy it enough to consider reading more of this authors work in future.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":19467},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/my_husband_next_door_catherine_alliott.jpg","2013-08-25T16:31:00Z","Title : My Husband Next DoorAuthor : Catherine AlliottPublication date : 06 June 2013Publisher : Penguin Michael Joseph\n**Purchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: Amazon\n**Rating : 3 out of 5 LeeLee’s!****Step into Alliott country with the fabulously funny and wonderfully heartwarming My Husband Next Door.","2123",{},"Review of My Husband Next Door by Catherine Alliott. A quirky tale of separated spouses living side by side with hidden secrets. Rated 3 out of 5 stars.","/my-husband-next-door",{"title":19348,"description":19471},"ZFmi654n582SZz1aBRIfUiYLxNM8keNDRlugqY1PGrI",{"id":19479,"title":19480,"author":245,"body":19481,"category":19565,"cover":19566,"date":19567,"description":19568,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":19569,"meta":19570,"meta_description":19571,"meta_title":19480,"navigation":236,"path":19572,"seo":19573,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":19489,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":19574},"posts/me-and-mr-jones.md","Book Review: Me and Mr Jones by Lucy Diamond",{"type":9,"value":19482,"toc":19563},[19483,19525,19528,19531,19534,19537,19541,19544,19547,19550,19553,19557],[12,19484,19485,19492,19494,19497,19499,19501,19503,19505,19507],{},[34,19486,19487,19491],{},[45,19488],{"alt":19489,"src":19490},"me-and-mr-jones","/images/2013/07/me-and-mr-jones.jpg","Title : Me and Mr Jones",[774,19493],{},[34,19495,19496],{},"Author : Lucy Diamond",[774,19498],{},[34,19500,19369],{},[774,19502],{},[34,19504,17644],{},[774,19506],{},[34,19508,12124,19509,19513,19515,9822,19517,19521,19523],{},[16,19510,12128],{"href":19511,"rel":19512},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BUOA6PO/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=2506&creative=9298&creativeASIN=B00BUOA6PO&link_code=as3&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[774,19514],{},[34,19516,12133],{},[16,19518,768],{"href":19519,"rel":19520},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1447208668/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1447208668&adid=072WC230DVBTDGTG266H&",[20],[774,19522],{},[34,19524,17096],{},[12,19526,19527],{},"Meet the women in love with three very different brothers . . . Izzy’s determined to escape her troubled past with a new start by the sea – but flirtatious Charlie Jones is causing complications.",[12,19529,19530],{},"Alicia’s been happily married to loyal Hugh for years but secretly craves excitement. Maybe it’s time to spice things up?",[12,19532,19533],{},"Emma’s relationship with David was once fun and romantic but trying for a baby has taken its toll. Then temptation comes along . . .",[12,19535,19536],{},"As the future of the family’s B&B becomes uncertain, Izzy, Alicia and Emma are thrown together unexpectedly. It seems that keeping up with the Joneses is harder than anyone thought . . . From the queen of summer reading, this is a sparkling tale of heartbreak, hope, friendship and love.",[12,19538,19539],{},[34,19540,11550],{},[12,19542,19543],{},"Me an Mr Jones is the first novel I have read by Lucy Diamond and I don’t think it will be the last. The Jones family live in lovely Lyme Regis in Dorset running a family B&B from their home Mulberry House, Lillian and Eddie raised their three sons in the very same house. Hugh Jones their eldest son is married to Alicia and has three beautiful children, David Jones is married to Emma who is desperate to start a family of her own and their youngest Charlie Jones is still in a bit of a limbo as to what he wants to do with his life.",[12,19545,19546],{},"As old age is creeping up on Lillian and Eddie they have decided they can no longer run the B&B and would prefer it if one of their son’s were to take over the family business rather than them sell to a stranger but now they must decide which son if any of them would want to or is capable of taking on their beloved family home and still run the b&b.",[12,19548,19549],{},"The story is told via the wives of the Jones brothers, Alicia, Emma and Izzy who isn’t a Jones wife but a friend and love interest of Charlie. I really liked how the story was told from their point of view and not the Joneses themselves, it’s a bit like an outsiders point of view and they weren’t afraid to speak their minds whether it be about the brothers or their mother-in-law they have a lot of opinions!",[12,19551,19552],{},"My favourite character had to be Alicia, I really liked her and the way she was handling her turning 40 crisis of wanting to be exciting and fun instead of just a house wife in the kitchen. I’d have liked a bit more of the book to have been about Alicia and Emma rather than Charlie and Izzy, although I really liked Izzy and her story of running away from an abusive relationship. This gave the book a much more serious side and the way it was told gave the book a dark side that kept you in suspense. I also loved how each of the women at some point crossed paths and their relationships went from almost being strangers who see each other at annual family events to becoming good friends who choose see one another outside of the family circle.",[12,19554,19555],{},[34,19556,11570],{},[12,19558,19559,19560,19562],{},"Overall this book is a bit of a feel good story of family, romance and fun with some deep underlying past stories for good measure. It makes you wish your family were as close as the Jones’. Long summer evenings where everyone is at the in-laws house all with their children together playing sports and enjoying each others company after a mad few weeks of drama. It also shows how the most perfect of families aren’t always what they seem when behind closed doors.",[774,19561],{},"\nWhat more could you want from a lovely summer read?",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":19564},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/me_and_mr_jones.jpg","2013-07-31T20:18:00Z","Title : Me and Mr JonesAuthor : Lucy DiamondPublication date : 06 June 2013Publisher : Pan MacmillanPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: AmazonRating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","2084",{},"Review of Me and Mr Jones by Lucy Diamond. A feel-good summer read about family, romance, and the Jones brothers of Dorset. Rated 4 out of 5 stars.","/me-and-mr-jones",{"title":19480,"description":19568},"mfjSYk7sHVijctxlBxJUA4XEiy8BD9yPiNfp7Hr_W-U",{"id":19576,"title":19577,"author":245,"body":19578,"category":19724,"cover":19725,"date":19726,"description":19582,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":19727,"meta":19728,"meta_description":19729,"meta_title":19577,"navigation":236,"path":19730,"seo":19731,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":19732,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":19733},"posts/post-pals-retail-royalty-challenge.md","Post Pals – Retail Royalty Challenge",{"type":9,"value":19579,"toc":19720},[19580,19583,19587,19598,19601,19618,19622,19625,19638,19641,19648,19651,19654,19657,19660,19691,19706,19713,19716],[12,19581,19582],{},"Money Supermarket gave bloggers a challenge and this time it’s one I really approve of they’ve had various challenges but this particular one is to help a local charity. The challenge was to use a budget of £30 (Provided by moneysupermarket) that you must use in the best way possible to help your charity and see how much you can do for them within budget. You can see all details about the challenge and MoneySupermarket.com here",[27,19584,19586],{"id":19585},"my-chosen-charity","My chosen charity",[12,19588,19589,19590],{},"I chose a very special charity who although they aren’t ‘local’ to me as such they support children all over the country and that charity is Post Pals! ",[16,19591,19594],{"href":19592,"rel":19593},"http://www.postpals.co.uk",[20],[45,19595],{"alt":19596,"src":19597}," photo post-pals-logo.png","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/post-pals-logo-1.png",[12,19599,19600],{},"Post Pals is a small charity run solely by volunteers who are dedicated to making seriously ill children and their siblings smile by the sending of cards, letters, little gifts, support and friendship.",[12,19602,19603,19604,19608,19609,19611,19612,19617],{},"Everyone can take part, all you have to do is visit ",[16,19605,19606],{"href":19606,"rel":19607},"http://www.postpals.co.uk/",[20]," find a pal or choose a featured pal via the home page or the ‘TLC’ page for those who need extra smiles!",[774,19610],{},"\nWrite a letter, a post card (the ",[16,19613,19616],{"href":19614,"rel":19615},"http://www.postpals.co.uk/help/guide-to-writing-a-post/",[20],"guide to writing post"," may come in handy here) or if you choose to purchase a gift based on the child’s like/hobbies listed on their page, use the address on the page (which is a forwarding address) and pop in the post! Simple, you just made a very poorly child smile and that matters.",[27,19619,19621],{"id":19620},"challenge-accepted","Challenge Accepted!",[12,19623,19624],{},"After I received confirmation of the challenge I set out to find pals on the site to see what interests they have, you can also search the site for pals via interests which is handy.If you know me, then you know I love books, I decided I was going to try to send books to pals who like reading themselves or having stories read to them for those who cannot read.",[12,19626,19627,19631,19632,19637],{},[45,19628],{"alt":19629,"src":19630}," photo post-pals-books6.png","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/post-pals-books6.png","I already knew of one pal who is very poorly and in hospital at the moment, his name is Lewis and I put him on my list. I then visited the ",[16,19633,19636],{"href":19634,"rel":19635},"http://www.postpals.co.uk/tlc/",[20],"TLC page"," and made sure all of the children on there at the time were put on my list, from there I set out to find some bargains and make some smiles!",[12,19639,19640],{},"I initially went to the Disney Store and Waterstones but their were no bargains that would stretch my budget far enough for the amount of smiles I wanted to make.",[12,19642,19643,19644],{},"I had noticed many people taking part had contacted large stores/companies and received some amazing donations for their chosen charities, I found out about the challenge very close to the end date but I still decided to contact a few companies explaining the charity and the challenge incase I could get any great offers to stretch the £30, two of the larger companies I contacted (Disney and Lego) did respond but unfortunately they only support selected charities of their own choice each year. ",[45,19645],{"alt":19646,"src":19647}," photo post-pals-books1.png","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/post-pals-books1.png",[12,19649,19650],{},"The majority of my budget was spent in The Works, they do great deals on books for children of all ages and many themed around popular characters, I managed to find an item for each of the children I had selected in this one store.",[12,19652,19653],{},"I bought this great little baking set and recipe book for the very low price of £2 in sale reduced from £6.99. Robyn H enjoys baking and I thought this would be perfect for her. They also had a really nice Dr Seuss book for £6.99 also in sale suitably titled ‘Doctors Orders’ I decided this would be a nice book for Lewis while he’s recovering from his operation. Dr Seuss makes everyone smile and I know Lew’s parents read to him a lot. 🙂",[12,19655,19656],{},"Overall I spent the £30 on books and gifts for the children and credit for cards on sending future smiles.",[12,19658,19659],{},"Here is what I bought how much I paid and how much it would have cost at the RRP! –",[12,19661,19662,19666,19667,19669,19670,19672,19673,19675,19676,19678,19679,19681,19682,19684,19685,19687,19688,19690],{},[45,19663],{"alt":19664,"src":19665}," photo post-pals-books4.png","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/post-pals-books4.png","Dr Seuss Book – Sent to Lewis J – RRP £19.99 Paid £6.99",[774,19668],{},"\nHarry Potter Book – Sent to Daniel RRP £14.99 Paid £6.99",[774,19671],{},"\nLouise Rennisson Books x2 – Sent to Milly and Sapphire RRP £10.99 each Paid 99p each",[774,19674],{},"\nFireman Sam book – Sent to Poppy RRP £4.99 Paid £1",[774,19677],{},"\nZhu Zhu Hamster toy – Sent to Poppy RRP £6.99 Paid £2",[774,19680],{},"\nBaking book + baking equipment – Sent to Robyn H RRP £6.99 Paid £2",[774,19683],{},"\nHorrid Henry books x 2 – Sent to William S RRP £5.99 Paid £1 each",[774,19686],{},"\nLittle Bear Book – Sent to Finley G RRP £4.99 Paid £1",[774,19689],{},"\n£7 Funky Pigeon Credit to directly send cards to pals.",[12,19692,19693,19694,19697,19698,19701,19702,19705],{},"The overall cost of the books without the sale prices or being purchased from a store with great offers would have normally cost up to ",[34,19695,19696],{},"£109"," but I only spent ",[34,19699,19700],{},"£23"," on them thats a total saving of approx. ",[34,19703,19704],{},"£86!"," It really does pay to shop around a little.",[12,19707,19708,19712],{},[45,19709],{"alt":19710,"src":19711}," photo post-pals-books7.png","http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/post-pals-books7.png","Postage on all items came to a whopping £18 for standard 2nd class, I would usually do 1st class signed for but wanted to reduce costs, the price of postage is obviously not within the challenge budget but is something I was willing to cover myself. Just remember if you want to start taking part and making children smile a one off parcel will cost you around £3, mine was only such costly as I sent weighty books and a lot of them all at once. I really hope the children enjoy their gifts as much a I’ve enjoyed taking part.",[12,19714,19715],{},"I also hope this inspires you to pick up a pen, purchase a stamp and make a poorly child smile.",[12,19717,19718],{},[45,19719],{"alt":13647,"src":13648},{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":19721},[19722,19723],{"id":19585,"depth":216,"text":19586},{"id":19620,"depth":216,"text":19621},[226],"/images/2014/02/post_pals.jpg","2013-07-26T15:22:00Z","1982",{},"How I stretched £30 to £109 worth of books and gifts for seriously ill children through Post Pals charity. MoneySupermarket Retail Royalty Challenge.","/post-pals-retail-royalty-challenge",{"title":19577,"description":19582},"post-pals-retail-royalty-challenge","kdJEP_ZnODZ9KwR9e9X1AWEOVjUoCFhkRPf3cM47fYM",{"id":19735,"title":19736,"author":245,"body":19737,"category":19869,"cover":19870,"date":19871,"description":19872,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":19873,"meta":19874,"meta_description":19875,"meta_title":19736,"navigation":236,"path":19876,"seo":19877,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":19878,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":19879},"posts/the-river-of-no-return-2.md","Book Review: The River of No Return by Bee Ridgway",{"type":9,"value":19738,"toc":19867},[19739,19787,19797,19800,19803,19806,19809,19812,19815,19818,19832,19835,19839,19851,19857,19860,19864],[12,19740,19741,19769],{},[16,19742,19744,19747,19750,19752,19755,19757,19760,19762,19764,19766,9822],{"href":19743},"/images/2013/06/the-river-of-no-return-cover.jpg",[45,19745],{"alt":19746,"src":19743},"the-river-of-no-return-cover",[34,19748,19749],{},"Title : The River of No Return",[774,19751],{},[34,19753,19754],{},"Author : Bee Ridgeway",[774,19756],{},[34,19758,19759],{},"Publication date : 09 May 2013",[774,19761],{},[34,19763,12119],{},[774,19765],{},[34,19767,19768],{},"Purchase eBook:",[34,19770,19771,19775,19777,9822,19779,19783,19785],{},[16,19772,12128],{"href":19773,"rel":19774},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ADXDZWO?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creativeASIN=B00ADXDZWO&linkCode=xm2&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[774,19776],{},[34,19778,12133],{},[16,19780,768],{"href":19781,"rel":19782},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0718176987?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creativeASIN=0718176987&linkCode=xm2&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[774,19784],{},[34,19786,17096],{},[12,19788,19789,19790,19793,19794],{},"An utterly engrossing historical romance from debut novelist Bee Ridgeway, ",[211,19791,19792],{},"The River of No Return"," is a must-read. ",[34,19795,19796],{},"‘Time is like a river. It always flows in one direction.’ What if everything you thought was certain was not?",[12,19798,19799],{},"1812: On a lonely battlefield in Spain, Lord Nicholas Falcott, Marquess of Blackdown, is about to die …. But, the next moment, he inexplicably jumps forward in time, nearly two hundred years – very much alive. Taken under the wing of a mysterious organisation, The Guild, he receives everything he could ever need under the following conditions:",[12,19801,19802],{},"He can’t go back.",[12,19804,19805],{},"He can’t go home.",[12,19807,19808],{},"He must tell no one.",[12,19810,19811],{},"Accepting his fate, Nicholas begins a life of luxury as a twenty-first century New York socialite, living happily thus for the next ten years. But, when an exquisite wax sealed envelope brings a summons from the Alderwoman of The Guild, Nicholas is forced to confront his nineteenth century past.",[12,19813,19814],{},"Back in 1815, Julia Percy’s world has fallen apart. Her enigmatic grandfather, the Earl of Darchester, has died and left her with a closely guarded secret, one she is only now discovering – the manipulation of time. In terrible danger from unknown enemies, Julia flees her home to the sanctuary of neighbouring Falcott House. In this strange place Julia and a recently returned Nicholas are drawn to each other and together they realise how little Julia knew about her beloved grandfather and begin to understand his ominous last words…",[12,19816,19817],{},"‘Pretend.’",[12,19819,19820,19821,19824,19825,13306,19828,19831],{},"Bee Ridgeway’s ",[211,19822,19823],{},"The River Of No Return"," is a truly unforgettable novel. If you loved ",[211,19826,19827],{},"The Time Traveler’s Wife",[211,19829,19830],{},"The Night Circus"," then prepare to be swept away by this stunning debut novel.",[12,19833,19834],{},"Bee Ridgway grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts. She attended Oberlin College (B.A.), then worked for a year as an editorial assistant at Elle magazine. She studied literature at Cornell University (M.A. and Ph.D.). She has worked at Bryn Mawr College since 2001. She lives in Philadelphia, PA.",[12,19836,19837],{},[34,19838,11550],{},[12,19840,19841,19842,19844,19845,19850],{},"After reading the blurb to this book it sounded exciting and adventurous, I initially thought it sounded a little like a cross between The Time Travellers Wife and the film Looper. I have heard the Time travellers Wife reference floating around about this book and after reading I personally don’t think they are similar to one another, this book is absolutely in a class of it’s own, it’s different and compared to most romance and time travel novels it’s original.",[774,19843],{},"\nI first saw this book via ",[16,19846,19849],{"href":19847,"rel":19848},"https://www.facebook.com/TheBookBoutique?fref=ts",[20],"The Book Boutique"," on Facebook and the cover alone caught my attention, If you happen to buy a hard back printed version of this book you’ll find that an online jpg of the cover does not do it justice, you need to see and feel the print, it really is beautiful.",[12,19852,19853,19854,19856],{},"The book centres around Nicholas Falcott who is on the battlefield in 1815 about to face death when he suddenly jumps to the future and finds himself in 21st century London and a member of The Guild a secret society of people who travel forward through the river that is time. One thing you cannot do is travel back; so everyone is told.",[774,19855],{},"\nIt’s all very deep and the author has clearly put a lot of thought into every aspect of time travel, from politics to the speech and grammar used within the different centuries and how this affects the characters as they try to fit into their new lives. I really enjoyed seeing how Nicks character would cope when he was put into the 21st century, how the bright electrical lighting hurting his eyes to the drastically changed city he once knew.",[12,19858,19859],{},"The romance aspect of this novel begins with Julia Percy who is the first person we meet. Julia has grown up living next door to the Falcott family and upon Nicks return to the nineteenth century they develop a close friendship, the romance within this book isn’t instant like most and it’s quite far in that any relationships or romance starts to spark. This was a nice change from most books where the main characters meet and their love for one another begins within the first few paragraphs.",[12,19861,19862],{},[34,19863,11570],{},[12,19865,19866],{},"The River of No Return is a fantastic read if you are looking for something with a lot of depth that is going take you into another world and also make you think every step of the way, I initially found the book rather difficult to stick to as I haven’t read such a serious in depth novel in a while. Once I was past the initial introduction to the plot and who the characters were I found it to be more enjoyable although I struggled with some areas as the book is so descriptive that I felt sometimes it took a while to progress. Overall it is bulging with fun literary echoes, both funny and clever.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":19868},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/the_river_of_no_return_bee_ridgeway.jpg","2013-07-04T20:50:00Z","Title : The River of No ReturnAuthor : Bee RidgewayPublication date : 09 May 2013Publisher : PenguinPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: AmazonRating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","1807",{},"Review of The River of No Return by Bee Ridgway. An original time travel romance spanning 1815 to the 21st century. Rated 4 out of 5 stars.","/the-river-of-no-return-2",{"title":19736,"description":19872},"the-river-of-no-return-2","gxgFWquM_Y5RP4hl7diwEp2TCKK9qM5wQQVzOhvam0I",{"id":19881,"title":19882,"author":245,"body":19883,"category":19990,"cover":19991,"date":19992,"description":19993,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":19994,"meta":19995,"meta_description":19996,"meta_title":19882,"navigation":236,"path":19997,"seo":19998,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":19999,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":20000},"posts/down-london-road.md","Book Review: Down London Road by Samantha Young",{"type":9,"value":19884,"toc":19988},[19885,19930,19933,19936,19939,19942,19945,19949,19952,19958,19961,19964,19970,19973,19985],[12,19886,19887,19891,19894,19896,19899,19901,19903,19905,19907,19376,19909,19913,19915,9822,19917,19921,19922,19927,19929],{},[45,19888],{"alt":19889,"src":19890},"downlondonrd","/images/2013/05/downlondonrd.jpg",[34,19892,19893],{},"Title : Down London Road",[774,19895],{},[34,19897,19898],{},"Author : Samantha Young",[774,19900],{},[34,19902,19759],{},[774,19904],{},[34,19906,12119],{},[774,19908],{},[16,19910,12128],{"href":19911,"rel":19912},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00B2FLDSU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00B2FLDSU&linkCode=as2&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[774,19914],{},[34,19916,12133],{},[16,19918,768],{"href":19919,"rel":19920},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1405913045/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1405913045&linkCode=as2&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20]," – ",[16,19923,19926],{"href":19924,"rel":19925},"http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/samantha+young/down+london+road/9598768/",[20],"Waterstones",[774,19928],{},"\n**Rating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee’s!****Down London Road is the unmissable sensual sequel to On Dublin Street by best selling author Samantha Young.",[12,19931,19932],{},"Johanna Walker knows what she wants. And that’s a strong, steady, financially secure man who will treat her well and look after her and her little brother, Cole – something her parents have never done.",[12,19934,19935],{},"But when she meets the gorgeous Cameron MacCabe, a new bartender at work,",[12,19937,19938],{},"Jo can’t deny the instant and undeniable attraction she feels. Cam doesn’t fit into her strict specifications of her perfect partner at all – but for once she is tempted to let her heart rule her head.",[12,19940,19941],{},"And as their intense connection grows, Jo has to stop hiding the truth about herself and her family. Is Cam prepared to accept Jo for who she really is? And is Jo willing to let someone into her life for keeps?",[12,19943,19944],{},"Down London Road follows the lives of characters introduced in Samantha Young’s bestselling romance prequel, On Dublin Street.",[12,19946,19947],{},[34,19948,11550],{},[12,19950,19951],{},"Down London Road is in a sense a sequel to Samantha Young’s ‘On Dublin Street’ which I have not yet read, the book follows a character who I know to be within the previous book but not the feature character, therefore this meant I could read Down London Road having not read on Dublin street and it didn’t really matter. Although I have been left definitely wanting to read On Dublin Street!",[12,19953,19954,19955,19957],{},"Johanna Walker is a young woman who to those that don’t know her can be seen as a gold digger, a whore, and a bimbo.",[774,19956],{},"\nJo dates a very wealthy man who is much older than she is, and of course he was a lottery winner. You’re already thinking of the nasty names I mentioned previously aren’t you? The pretty girl who dates older rich men… Eurgh! But no there is actually a lot more to this girl and her story than meets the eye and this is why I found myself enveloped in the story of Johanna Walker.",[12,19959,19960],{},"Jo is a very likeable character as beneath the exterior of her pretty face and rich older boyfriend Malcolm she is a hard working determined young woman who is looking after her family and protecting her younger brother from their alcoholic mother, she’s secretly a bit of a saint and very few people actually know about it.",[12,19962,19963],{},"Malcolm & Jo have a rather unusual relationship and I never felt that they actually knew one another, it would appear that Jo feels the same way. Their relationship is going well until Cameron MacCabe is on the scene and Jo’s insides go all a flutter just by looking at him. She’s never felt this way when looking at Malcolm and this sends her into a whirlwind of emotions and confusion. Cameron is a lovely charming guy who gets a position working at the same bar as Jo, working with him only enhances her feelings for him which she spends a third of the book denying. Come on Jo admit it, you want this man and you can’t hide it. Even Joss knows it!",[12,19965,19966,19967,19969],{},"Overall this book is great, it kept me interested and I love it when a book has you so sucked in that you’re eagerly awaiting the long and tedious train home from work just so you can find out what’s going to happen next. The book is a little saucy, it’s nothing on the level of for example Fifty Shades which is a little crazy, maybe on par with a few scenes from the Crossfire novels? It has it’s fair share of steamy sexy scenes.",[774,19968],{},"\nThe sexual tention between characters is apparent from the beginning and throughout, Samantha Youngs way of describing this to the reader is electric, you’ll certainly want to read more. There is a really nice balance between the serious story telling and the romantic scenes, so It’s not too much that it would put you off if that weren’t the type of thing you enjoy in a good book.",[12,19971,19972],{},"Now I just need to read on Dublin Street and see what Joss and Braden’s story is…Working my way backwards!",[12,19974,19975,19978,19982,19984],{},[34,19976,19977],{},"Casting:",[45,19979],{"alt":19980,"src":19981},"Down-London-Road-casting","/images/2013/06/Down-London-Road-casting.png",[774,19983],{},"\nIf I were to choose characters to play Jo and Cam I would Select Kaley Cuoco as Jo, she’d have to be good at accents I suppose but she’s smart and funny and has the good looks just like Jo.",[12,19986,19987],{},"Cameron would have to be Chad Michael Murray, purely because he looks hot enough to be Cam right?",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":19989},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/down_london_road_samantha_young.jpg","2013-06-02T21:31:00Z","Title : Down London RoadAuthor : Samantha YoungPublication date : 09 May 2013Publisher : Penguin\n**Purchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: Amazon – Waterstones\n**Rating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee’s!****Down London Road is the unmissable sensual sequel to On Dublin Street by best selling author Samantha Young.","1522",{},"Review of Down London Road by Samantha Young. A sensual romance following Johanna Walker as she navigates love and family. Rated 4 out of 5 stars.","/down-london-road",{"title":19882,"description":19993},"down-london-road","q0v29DI-hHd8kbsNI1IMSDhGspitLXtlJhNtfa6--UI",{"id":20002,"title":20003,"author":245,"body":20004,"category":20105,"cover":20106,"date":20107,"description":20108,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":20109,"meta":20110,"meta_description":20111,"meta_title":20003,"navigation":236,"path":20112,"seo":20113,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":20114,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":20115},"posts/billy-and-me-giovanna-fletcher-review.md","Book Review: Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher",{"type":9,"value":20005,"toc":20103},[20006,20038,20041,20044,20047,20050,20054,20061,20064,20070,20073,20076,20079,20083,20086,20089,20092,20100],[12,20007,20008,20011,20014,20016,20019,20021,20022,20026,9822,20029,19921,20033,20037],{},[45,20009],{"alt":20010,"src":18440,"title":20010},"Billy and Me book cover",[34,20012,20013],{},"Title : Billy and me",[34,20015,15761],{},[34,20017,20018],{},"Publication date : 23 May 2013",[34,20020,15771],{},"\n**Pre-Order eBook: ",[16,20023,12128],{"href":20024,"rel":20025},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00ADXDZXS/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00ADXDZXS&adid=1GXW2S9YCMC2TWXZEYCH&",[20],[34,20027,20028],{},"Pre-Order paper book:",[16,20030,768],{"href":20031,"rel":20032},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1405909951/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1405909951&adid=0FM32R869FJ93ANCK17Q&",[20],[16,20034,19926],{"href":20035,"rel":20036},"http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/giovanna+fletcher/billy+and+me/9527316/",[20],"\n**Rating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee's!****When you've got the dream boyfriend everything should be perfect, right?",[12,20039,20040],{},"So why isn't it? Wonders Sophie May. When Sophie and Billy met and fell in love, she thought she was living in a fairytale.",[12,20042,20043],{},"After all, Billy is an actor, a teen heart-throb adored by girls around the world – and he loves Sophie. She's the only girl for him.",[12,20045,20046],{},"But being on Billy's arm comes at a price. Their relationship has thrown Sophie right in the spot;ight after years of shying away from attention.",[12,20048,20049],{},"Can she handle the constant scrutiny that comes with being with billy? Most of all, is she ready for her secret heartbreak to be found out and shared with the nation?",[12,20051,20052],{},[34,20053,11550],{},[12,20055,20056,20057,20060],{},"I liked this book instantly thanks to its cute cover design and typography I know they say you should ",[211,20058,20059],{},"\"never judge a book by its cover\""," but I can't help it, its one of those things that comes with being a designer and I have a soft spot for pretty things. The vector silhouettes in the design and the simple style used, combined with the warm gradient background attracted me to the book before I had even curled back the freshly printed cover. To me this was promising and I was hoping that what awaited me on the other side of the cover would be just as good, and I certainly wasn't disappointed.",[12,20062,20063],{},"When Giovanna Fletcher revealed to the world that the secret job which allowed her to spend time working in her pyjamas surrounded by her cats had been her first novel I think everyone got excited, and rightly so! I found it hard to believe that this is her first book; it's well written the story is fabulous and the characters feel real.",[12,20065,20066,20069],{},[211,20067,20068],{},"Billy and me"," is very much a story of love, it's exciting and made up of everything you want a fairytale romance to be. The book follows Sophie a young woman who works in a quaint little teashop in a small village, the kind where nothing ever happens but if it did the local ladies would tell absolutely everyone about it!",[12,20071,20072],{},"When news spreads that the film of Pride and Prejudice is going to be shot locally the whole village is abuzz, everyone begins to guess which A-list celebrities are going to be gracing the cobbled streets of Rosefont hill but Sophie doesn't seem overly excited about it all until the gorgeous Billy Buskin is in front of her and she cannot get enough of him. After shying away from almost everything in life after tragic events in her past it was about time Sophie put herself first and had some fun, and that is exactly what she does.",[12,20074,20075],{},"I felt I could really relate to Sophie and her life (sadly not including the heart – throb actor part *sigh*) a character that is so real I could have been reading about myself. She bottles up all of her emotions and it's quiet far into the book when we discover what her secret actually is, its' at this point I understood why she was so self contained and cautious and I found a new respect for her character.\nBilly on the other hand is the complete opposite, he is a young Hollywood star who is known by everyone and can't even go out for coffee without hoards of teenage girls swooning over him but at the same time he is very grounded and enjoys the simple things just like Sophie which I think it what makes them a perfect match.",[12,20077,20078],{},"The book has an array of fantastic characters from Sophie's caring mother to Billy's manager Paul who I didn't take a liking to at all! My favourite character in the entire novel has to be Molly, she is so sweet and caring but also loves a good gossip. She is the one person who Sophie really trusts and confides in with all aspects of her life and without Molly I don't think Sophie would have ever ventured outside of that teashop with Billy.",[12,20080,20081],{},[34,20082,11570],{},[12,20084,20085],{},"Overall I really liked this book, there was something about it that kept me right there in the small village of Rosefont Hill, like a nosy neighbour trying to peer over a fence to see what's happening next door. I just really wanted to know if things were going to work out for them and if Sophie was ready to be pulled into that spotlight with Billy. Could she handle having her past shared with the world and what would that mean for her in her new life with Billy. Not to mention it actually had me crying like a crazy lady on the train home from work, oh dear. This is a debut novel that anyone would be proud of and perfect for its genre. Warm, funny, and absolutely addictive!",[12,20087,20088],{},"If you're going to pick up a copy of this book, which I think you should, I advise you don't have any other plans when you start to read it. That's not to say it is short or in any way something you should rush, you'll want to read it slowly so the story never ends and undoubtedly lose track of time completely.",[12,20090,20091],{},"Put the kettle on, get a slice of cake and sink into the frantically romantic life of Sophie and Billy.",[12,20093,20094,20097,20099],{},[45,20095],{"alt":13535,"src":20096},"/images/2013/05/billy-casting.png",[34,20098,19977],{},"\nIf I were to choose characters to play Sophie and Billy (not including Mr and Mrs Fletcher!) I would Select Anna Kendrick as Sophie, she may be American but that's all a part of acting isn't it? I think she would be a fabulous Sophie, she also looks great while baking! (and singing with cups)",[12,20101,20102],{},"I was in two minds about my choice for Billy and would easily have said Zac Efron, he has that quiff and the broad smile and who wouldn't want him as their Billy? But after thinking about it I decided it would have to be Alex Pettyfer he has that British charm and doesn't even look like he is trying!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":20104},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/billy_and_me_giovanna_fletcher.jpg","2013-05-22T11:07:00Z","Title : Billy and meAuthor : Giovanna FletcherPublication date : 23 May 2013Publisher : Penguin Michael Joseph\n**Pre-Order eBook: KindlePre-Order paper book: Amazon – Waterstones\n**Rating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee's!****When you've got the dream boyfriend everything should be perfect, right?","631",{},"Book review of Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher. A warm, addictive romance about falling in love with a Hollywood actor and life in the spotlight.","/billy-and-me-giovanna-fletcher-review",{"title":20003,"description":20108},"billy-and-me-giovanna-fletcher-review","72uvLg-Kv9quUWQ3ZT4Js3VVJlkwkzX7wU9XZ9LfgMI",{"id":20117,"title":20118,"author":245,"body":20119,"category":20225,"cover":17234,"date":20226,"description":20126,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":20227,"meta":20228,"meta_description":20229,"meta_title":20118,"navigation":236,"path":20230,"seo":20231,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":20232,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":20233},"posts/giovanna-fletcher-chats-to-leeleeloves.md","Author Interview: Giovanna Fletcher",{"type":9,"value":20120,"toc":20223},[20121,20127,20130,20133,20139,20142,20148,20151,20157,20160,20166,20172,20175,20181,20184,20190,20193,20199,20202,20208,20211,20217,20220],[12,20122,20123,20126],{},[45,20124],{"alt":20125,"src":17234},"giovanna_fletcher_cover_reveal","With only one day until the big publication day (Exciting!) and having already made nine stops on the blog tour we have learnt a lot about various characters from the book. Now it’s time to learn a little about Giovanna’s thoughts and experiences that have lead up to her debut novel.",[12,20128,20129],{},"Imagine you’re sat down with a lovely cup of tea and a nice slice of cake, you’re in a quaint little tea shop with miss-match tables and cute decor. Sat across from you at your polka dot covered table is Giovanna Fletcher author of Billy and Me. This is what I did, okay maybe it involved the Internet but I definitely had tea and cake!",[12,20131,20132],{},"I asked Giovanna some questions solely relating to her book and writing career and here is what she had to say:",[907,20134,20136],{"id":20135},"_1-please-tell-us-a-little-about-your-new-novel-billy-and-me",[34,20137,20138],{},"1. Please tell us a little about your new novel, Billy and Me.",[12,20140,20141],{},"It follows Sophie May as she falls in love with teen-heartthrob Billy Buskin. He forces her outside of her comfort zone and makes her deal with her past.",[907,20143,20145],{"id":20144},"_2-you-are-known-as-an-actress-a-singer-a-journalist-a-book-reviewer-and-of-course-tom-from-mcflys-wife-clearly-a-lady-of-many-talents-background-aside-what-inspired-you-to-write-your-first-novel",[34,20146,20147],{},"2. You are known as an actress, a singer, a journalist, a book reviewer, and of course Tom from McFly’s wife… Clearly a lady of many talents. Background aside, what inspired you to write your first novel?",[12,20149,20150],{},"I’ve always been a total bookworm with a massive love of books. A few people have said that they thought I should write one myself… I suddenly realised it was time to stop dreaming and start doing.",[907,20152,20154],{"id":20153},"_3-how-did-you-find-yourself-signing-a-two-book-deal-with-the-lovely-folk-over-at-penguin-michael-joseph",[34,20155,20156],{},"3. How did you find yourself signing a TWO Book deal with the lovely folk over at Penguin Michael Joseph?",[12,20158,20159],{},"After I’d finished my first draft (following millions of self-edits), my agent sent it out to a handful of publishers. I was invited into the MJ office to meet Claire Pelly and was won over as soon as I saw the cupcakes she’d placed on the table. And if that wasn’t enough, I was thrilled to see how much she clearly loved Billy and Me.",[907,20161,20163],{"id":20162},"_4-writing-a-novel-is-like-a-full-time-job-that-you-can-do-from-the-comfort-of-your-own-home-in-your-pjs-with-your-cats",[34,20164,20165],{},"4. Writing a novel is like a full time job that you can do from the comfort of your own home, in your PJ’s with your cats!",[907,20167,20169],{"id":20168},"how-does-an-average-day-in-the-life-of-giovanna-usually-go",[34,20170,20171],{},"How does an average day in the life of Giovanna usually go?",[12,20173,20174],{},"This is an answer I’m ashamed to give… I procrastinate far too much, find myself wandering off and doing unbook related tasks, and then, once I am at my desk, spend far too much time on social media. BUT, at around three o’clock, I sit in my PJs and start writing until bedtime. There’s no correct way to write, and even though my way might seem unproductive to others, it works for me.",[907,20176,20178],{"id":20177},"_5-a-lot-of-writers-tend-to-write-from-experience-do-you-see-yourself-or-your-experiences-in-the-story-and-characters-you-have-created",[34,20179,20180],{},"5. A lot of writers tend to write from experience, do you see yourself or your experiences in the story and characters you have created?",[12,20182,20183],{},"Well, in my acting training I was always encouraged to use part of myself when starting to build a character, it enables truth and grounds the whole thing. I guess I’ve used those skills when writing this book. That’s not to say the book is in any way autobiographical, it’s really not, but somewhere deep in its core there is an element of truth.",[907,20185,20187],{"id":20186},"_6-have-your-experiences-of-dating-and-being-married-to-a-man-who-is-also-in-the-spotlight-like-billy-influenced-your-writing-in-any-way",[34,20188,20189],{},"6. Have your experiences of dating and being married to a man who is also in the spotlight like Billy influenced your writing in any way?",[12,20191,20192],{},"I know what I’m writing about when it comes to certain emotions and situations that others won’t have experienced. It’s a crazy world being with someone in the spotlight, and I think it’s perceived in a way that’s not altogether truthful. It’s not as glamorous as people might think.",[907,20194,20196],{"id":20195},"_7-my-favourite-character-is-molly-as-she-is-very-sweet-and-kind-hearted-who-is-your-favourite-and-why",[34,20197,20198],{},"7. My favourite character is Molly as she is very sweet and kind hearted, who is your favourite and why?",[12,20200,20201],{},"Molly is easily my favourite and that’s because she’s the only character that’s based on a real person. The real Molly is a lady I used to work with in my local florist growing up, a wonderful woman who had time for everyone.",[907,20203,20205],{"id":20204},"_8-like-many-people-i-love-the-idea-of-owning-my-own-quaint-little-cupcake-shop-with-a-book-section-a-place-where-people-can-read-books-all-day-while-eating-cake-and-drinking-tea-just-like-tea-on-the-hill-if-you-werent-a-writer-what-do-you-see-yourself-doing",[34,20206,20207],{},"8. Like many people I love the idea of owning my own quaint little cupcake shop with a book section, a place where people can read books all day while eating cake and drinking tea. Just like Tea-on-the-hill. If you weren’t a writer what do you see yourself doing?",[12,20209,20210],{},"The easy thing for me to say would be acting, but if I took that out as well then my dream would be the same as yours. I’d love to own a little place like Tea-on-the-hill. There’s something simply gorgeous about village life and being part of a community… Plus having tea, cakes and books all under one roof waiting to be devoured is my idea of heaven.",[907,20212,20214],{"id":20213},"_9-you-are-currently-writing-your-second-book-will-it-be-a-continuation-from-billy-and-me-or-another-story-all-together",[34,20215,20216],{},"9. You are currently writing your second book, will it be a continuation from Billy and Me or another story all together?",[12,20218,20219],{},"It’s a completely different story, although I’d love to visit Billy and Sophie again in the future and see what they’re up to.",[12,20221,20222],{},"A huge thank you to Giovanna for taking the time to tell us about her writing experiences and congratulations on the release of Billy and Me!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":20224},[],[226],"2013-05-22T11:01:00Z","1505",{},"Exclusive interview with Giovanna Fletcher about her debut novel Billy and Me. Discover her inspiration, writing process, and landing a two-book deal.","/giovanna-fletcher-chats-to-leeleeloves",{"title":20118,"description":20126},"giovanna-fletcher-chats-to-leeleeloves","bRTm_5wQNMbOrUzW2vcPqMVrSL7bpTXN8Z9lbORmCNk",{"id":20235,"title":20236,"author":245,"body":20237,"category":20297,"cover":20298,"date":20299,"description":20300,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":20301,"meta":20302,"meta_description":20303,"meta_title":20236,"navigation":236,"path":20304,"seo":20305,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":20306,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":20307},"posts/gi-bride-iris-jones-simantel-review.md","Book Review: The GI Bride by Iris Jones Semantel",{"type":9,"value":20238,"toc":20295},[20239,20273,20276,20280,20283,20286,20289,20292],[12,20240,20241,20248,20251,20253,20255],{},[34,20242,20243,20247],{},[45,20244],{"alt":20245,"src":20246},"the gI bride cover","/images/2013/05/the-gI-bride-cover.jpg","Title : The GI Bride",[34,20249,20250],{},"Author : Iris Jones Semantel",[34,20252,19759],{},[34,20254,12119],{},[34,20256,12124,20257,20261,9822,20263,19921,20266,20270],{},[16,20258,12128],{"href":20259,"rel":20260},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1405912642/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1405912642&linkCode=as2&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[34,20262,12133],{},[16,20264,768],{"href":20259,"rel":20265},[20],[16,20267,19926],{"href":20268,"rel":20269},"http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/iris+jones+simantel/the+gi+bride/9525275/",[20],[34,20271,20272],{},"Rating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee's!",[12,20274,20275],{},"Discover the remarkable memoir by \"GI Bride\" and bestselling author Iris Jones Simantel. Iris had escaped the Blitz but now lived in crippling poverty after the war – until a chance meeting changed her life. Aged just sixteen, she fell in love and married US soldier Bob Irvine. And soon after she set sail for a new life in America. It was the 1950s, the land of hope, dreams and Doris Day movies. But Iris ended up in a cramped Chicago bungalow, shared with Bob's parents. With a baby on the way and a husband turning daily into a stranger, Iris was wracked by homesickness. Trapped and desperately lonely, she had to make a fresh start, in a country where hope and opportunity thrived. In this dramatic sequel to the \"Sunday Times\" bestseller, \"Far From the East End\", we follow young Iris Jones Simantel from London to New York, Chicago and Las Vegas in her struggle to find work, love and a sense of belonging in a foreign land. Iris Simantel is the acclaimed winner of the \"Saga Magazine\" 'Life Story' competition, beating several thousand entries to publish her first memoir \"Far From the East End\". Iris grew up in Dagenham and South Oxhey (with an evacuation to Wales in between) before marrying her GI husband Bob and moving to Chicago. She now resides in Devon where she enjoys writing as a pastime.",[12,20277,20278],{},[34,20279,11550],{},[12,20281,20282],{},"This is a book that gave me a real insight into what life was like in 1950's London and America, having been born in 1989 and only just scraping by the title of being an 80's kid I actually wasn't aware of what a GI bride really was. GI stands for either Government Issue or General Issue and GI bride refers to the latter, it's British brides of American servicemen during the war.",[12,20284,20285],{},"Not many books I have read are true accounts of a person's life; those that I have read haven't been as interesting as this one. Iris Jones Simantel was the Saga Magazine life story competition winner and her debut novel Far from the East End tells the story of her growing up as a child and being an evacuee, this book however is about her adult life and follows a 16 year old Iris on her journey over seas (being very sea sick) to America with her new husband and starting a new life.",[12,20287,20288],{},"As somebody who was born and raised in the British Army family I imagined she would move to America and live on a camp/base and live the life of a Military wife. What I hadn't realised was that many of the soldiers had only been enlisted for the war, I don't think they had a choice at the time. So upon their return home they were no longer soldiers and went on to live their previous civilian lives. This meant Iris had to move into the family home of her new husband living with the in-laws who didn't seem to care about her while she had just left her family and friends, it was tough and she went through a lot.",[12,20290,20291],{},"With multiple marriages and divorces, being beaten, dealing with drunks and having two children to raise life wasn't a fairly tale, but it wasn't all bad either as Iris had may good friends who helped her.",[12,20293,20294],{},"Overall this is a good read and enough to keep the reader engaged as you follow Iris on her journey you may stop to realise how easy things are for us today. I'd actually like to know what happened next!",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":20296},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/the_gi_bride_iris_jones_simantel.jpg","2013-05-12T18:19:00Z","Title : The GI BrideAuthor : Iris Jones SemantelPublication date : 09 May 2013Publisher : PenguinPurchase eBook: KindlePurchase paper book: Amazon – WaterstonesRating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee's!","1476",{},"The GI Bride by Iris Jones Simantel book review. A compelling memoir of a 16-year-old British war bride's journey to 1950s America and her struggle to belong.","/gi-bride-iris-jones-simantel-review",{"title":20236,"description":20300},"gi-bride-iris-jones-simantel-review","J2wSS6Grp3TgXCcbeVVDcXhFHtIfdsnVVlJqC9gAp9E",{"id":20309,"title":20310,"author":245,"body":20311,"category":20350,"cover":20351,"date":20352,"description":20315,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":20353,"meta":20354,"meta_description":20355,"meta_title":20356,"navigation":236,"path":20357,"seo":20358,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":20359,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":20360},"posts/happy-world-book-night.md","Happy World Book Night!",{"type":9,"value":20312,"toc":20348},[20313,20316,20319,20322,20334,20337,20340,20343],[12,20314,20315],{},"World Book Night is a celebration of reading and books which sees tens of thousands of passionate volunteers gift specially chosen and printed books in their communities to share their love of reading. World Book Night is celebrated on April 23. In 2013 it is being celebrated in the UK, Ireland and the USA.",[12,20317,20318],{},"I have been a giver three years running now, there are many positives to being a giver for World Book Night and each year you can submit an application to become a giver, it’s great fun and I highly recommend it.",[12,20320,20321],{},"Last year I gave copies of Stephen kings Misery I still remember the shock on the faces of an elderly couple on their way to the airport for a holiday when I asked them if they would like a copy of the book for free, they were really pleased and said it would be perfect for while they were away. Not only were they really happy but I left feeling really good about myself too!",[12,20323,20324,20325,20329,20330,20333],{},"This year I’m going go be giving copies of ",[16,20326,20328],{"href":20327},"/me-before-you-jojo-moyes","Me Before You by JoJo Moyes",", as you may know from ",[16,20331,20332],{"href":20327},"my review"," I really enjoyed this book and having to opportunity to share it with everyone is great. I recommend this book to everyone and now I can actually give them a copy.",[12,20335,20336],{},"The only problem I have faced this year is that my local library couldn’t find the books when I went to collect them, this means I won’t be able to take part this evening. It’s never too late to give books though so as soon as I get the books I’ll be giving them out!",[12,20338,20339],{},"If you would like a copy keep a look out, I shall be leaving a few copies on my commute between Manchestet and Leeds. I’ll tweet which train they’re on using the hash tag #LeeLeeLovesBooks",[12,20341,20342],{},"These are all of the book titles you can expect to find givers handing out this year so keep a look out for books in your area!",[12,20344,20345],{},[45,20346],{"alt":215,"src":20347},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/covers.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":20349},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/world_book_night.jpg","2013-04-23T20:12:00Z","1377",{},"Celebrating World Book Night on 23rd April. Join thousands of volunteers gifting books to share the love of reading in communities across the UK and Ireland.","World Book Night: Celebrating Reading and Book Gifting","/happy-world-book-night",{"title":20310,"description":20315},"happy-world-book-night","MQXFGLgcBTkkG6fbQP2qK_jFnqn4bXkQOhOJJPGq7Ho",{"id":20362,"title":20363,"author":245,"body":20364,"category":20399,"cover":20106,"date":20400,"description":20368,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":20401,"meta":20402,"meta_description":20403,"meta_title":20363,"navigation":236,"path":20404,"seo":20405,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":20406,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":20407},"posts/the-billy-and-me-book-blog-tour.md","Book Blog Tour: The Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher",{"type":9,"value":20365,"toc":20396},[20366,20369,20372,20375,20383,20386,20390],[12,20367,20368],{},"The Billy and Me Book Blog Tour line-up has been released!",[12,20370,20371],{},"Make sure you visit each blog on their specified day of the tour for special surprises related to the book and the author. Each blog will have their review of the book posted, as well as special content from Giovanna Fletcher herself.",[12,20373,20374],{},"This means each day leading up to the books publication you can learn something new whether it be about a character, an event within the novel or something about the author!",[12,20376,20377,20378],{},"I have chosen to take part in the tour on the 22nd of May which is the last date for book bloggers on the tour before the pixiwoo.com main event. *In the music world this would be a bit like headlining so it’s all good 😉 ",[211,20379,20380],{},[34,20381,20382],{},"(I have a very busy month and this date suited best!)",[12,20384,20385],{},"I hope you’ll stop by on the 22nd of May to see what I have in store for you.",[27,20387,20389],{"id":20388},"tour-dates-are-as-follows","Tour Dates are as follows:",[12,20391,20392],{},[45,20393],{"alt":20394,"src":20395},"book blog tour","/images/2013/04/book-blog-tour.jpg",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":20397},[20398],{"id":20388,"depth":216,"text":20389},[226],"2013-04-21T20:00:00Z","1402",{},"Join the Billy and Me book blog tour featuring Giovanna Fletcher. Discover exclusive content, reviews, and special surprises from the author herself.","/the-billy-and-me-book-blog-tour",{"title":20363,"description":20368},"the-billy-and-me-book-blog-tour","QLgPfReD9pfScxwxcKK-D0DTYM5URPsDWP-I98wWRzM",{"id":20409,"title":20410,"author":245,"body":20411,"category":20508,"cover":20509,"date":20510,"description":20511,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":20512,"meta":20513,"meta_description":20514,"meta_title":20410,"navigation":236,"path":20515,"seo":20516,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":20517,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":20518},"posts/the-accidental-husband.md","Book Review: The Accidental Husband by Jane Green",{"type":9,"value":20412,"toc":20506},[20413,20466,20469,20473,20476,20479,20482,20485,20494,20497,20500],[12,20414,20415,20421,20424,20426,20428,20430,20433,20435,20437,20439],{},[16,20416,20418],{"href":20417},"/images/2013/03/The-Accidental-Husband-Cover.jpg",[45,20419],{"alt":20420,"src":20417},"The-Accidental-Husband-Cover",[34,20422,20423],{},"Title : The Accidental Husband",[774,20425],{},[34,20427,19005],{},[774,20429],{},[34,20431,20432],{},"Publication date : 14 March 2013",[774,20434],{},[34,20436,12119],{},[774,20438],{},[34,20440,12124,20441,19921,20445,20450,20452,9822,20454,19921,20458,20462,20464],{},[16,20442,12128],{"href":20443,"rel":20444},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ADXE06E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00ADXE06E&linkCode=as2&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[16,20446,20449],{"href":20447,"rel":20448},"http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=2225426&url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/the-accidental-husband/id582150407?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D2&affId=2225426",[20],"iBooks",[774,20451],{},[34,20453,12133],{},[16,20455,768],{"href":20456,"rel":20457},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0718157559/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=0718157559&linkCode=as2&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[16,20459,19926],{"href":20460,"rel":20461},"http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/jane+green/the+accidental+husband/9484423/",[20],[774,20463],{},[34,20465,18254],{},[12,20467,20468],{},"Jane Green’s “The Accidental Husband” is a powerful story about two women connected by an earth-shattering secret. Maggie and Sylvie are perfect strangers: two very different women, living very different lives on opposite coasts. But they share more in common than they could ever imagine. Both women have beautiful children on the verge of flying the nest, the home they worked hard to build and always longed for, and a handsome and devoted husband they can’t believe belongs to them. Both women think their lives are seamlessly secure, but they couldn’t be more wrong…For each is about to discover a secret that will shake their world to the very core, throwing into doubt everything they ever thought they knew, and bringing Maggie and Sylvie together in the most unexpected way.",[12,20470,20471],{},[34,20472,11550],{},[12,20474,20475],{},"I know that this may come as a shock, prior to reading this book I hadn’t read any Jane Green before, I have heard a lot about her and how she is loved as writer of women’s fiction so this was my chance to find out why.",[12,20477,20478],{},"I was expecting this book to be rather happy and upbeat the title has a nice ring to it and the book is heavily themed around relationships and gossip.",[12,20480,20481],{},"Split into two parts, part 1 is primarily about Sylvie a woman who is carefree and happy, Sylvie lives with her Husband and her daughter from a previous marriage in California. Sylvie has a good life, a husband who supports her and her child although he may be away on business a lot their time together is always good.",[12,20483,20484],{},"On the opposite coast in suburban New England lives Maggie, she has the perfect life and home, three beautiful children and a husband who owns a million dollar business but she can only dream of having the kind of relationship with her family that Sylvie has with hers.",[12,20486,20487,20488,20490,20491,20493],{},"The story is told primarily from the points of view of Maggie and Sylvie, with the occasional input from the children.",[774,20489],{},"\nMy favourite character was initially Sylvie, her energetic personality and way of dealing with things is so positive, how could I not like her?",[774,20492],{},"\nTowards the end of the book I found myself really liking Maggie and the person she had become after dealing with her struggles. She started out as a being somebody who was very false and stuck up, once she stopped trying to be something she’s not she became a very likeable person.",[12,20495,20496],{},"As always without giving away the plot this book covered topics that were shocking but realistic. I would have liked to hear some of the story from Marks point of view as this could have given the story more depth and explanation. Some parts were a little repetitive and it wasn’t difficult to see what was coming next, I’d have liked for the story to be a little more challenging in terms of knowing where the development of the plot was heading before it had actually happened.",[12,20498,20499],{},"If you’re looking for a book that is emotional, and centred around a serious subject that is easy to follow then this book is perfect. It can be a little predictable in places, having said that I still found it enjoyable to read which I put down to the characters being so likeable.",[12,20501,20502],{},[16,20503,20504],{"href":13648},[45,20505],{"alt":215,"src":13648,"title":13647},{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":20507},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/the_accidental_husband_jane_green.jpg","2013-03-24T22:31:00Z","Title : The Accidental HusbandAuthor : Jane GreenPublication date : 14 March 2013Publisher : PenguinPurchase eBook: Kindle – iBooksPurchase paper book: Amazon – WaterstonesRating : 3 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","1178",{},"An honest review of Jane Green's The Accidental Husband. Discover why this emotional women's fiction about two strangers earned 3 out of 5 stars.","/the-accidental-husband",{"title":20410,"description":20511},"the-accidental-husband","_DM41hQPJbwXzzvmW8HIDuaGHTvWgJXfGY6Omlavf6c",{"id":20520,"title":20521,"author":245,"body":20522,"category":20628,"cover":20629,"date":20630,"description":20631,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":20632,"meta":20633,"meta_description":20634,"meta_title":20521,"navigation":236,"path":20635,"seo":20636,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":20637,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":20638},"posts/forgive-me-lesley-pearse-book-review.md","Book Review: Forgive Me by Lesley Pearse",{"type":9,"value":20523,"toc":20626},[20524,20577,20580,20583,20586,20589,20592,20595,20599,20602,20608,20611,20617,20620],[12,20525,20526,20535,20537,20540,20542,20545,20547,20549,20551],{},[34,20527,20528,20534],{},[16,20529,20531],{"href":20530},"/images/2013/03/Forgive-Me-Cover.jpg",[45,20532],{"alt":20533,"src":20530},"Forgive-Me-Cover","Title : Forgive Me",[774,20536],{},[34,20538,20539],{},"Author : Lesley Pearse",[774,20541],{},[34,20543,20544],{},"Publication date : 14 Feb 2013",[774,20546],{},[34,20548,12119],{},[774,20550],{},[34,20552,12124,20553,19921,20557,20561,20563,9822,20565,19921,20569,20573,20575],{},[16,20554,12128],{"href":20555,"rel":20556},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ADNPD6A/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00ADNPD6A&linkCode=as2&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[16,20558,20449],{"href":20559,"rel":20560},"http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=2225426&url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/forgive-me/id581922387?mt=11",[20],[774,20562],{},[34,20564,12133],{},[16,20566,768],{"href":20567,"rel":20568},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0718159004/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=0718159004&linkCode=as2&tag=leeleeloves-21",[20],[16,20570,19926],{"href":20571,"rel":20572},"http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/lesley+pearse/forgive+me/9389033/",[20],[774,20574],{},[34,20576,17096],{},[12,20578,20579],{},"Cheltenham, 1991",[12,20581,20582],{},"When Eva Patterson returns home from work one day, a devastating scene awaits her. Her mother, Flora, lies dead in the bath. Beside her is a note saying only: ‘Forgive Me’.",[12,20584,20585],{},"Until then, Eva always believed her family’s life would be comfortable and secure – but Flora’s suicide changes everything. And when Eva discovers that in her will Flora left her an artist’s studio in London, she realises how little she knows about her mother’s past.",[12,20587,20588],{},"When Eva visits the now derelict studio, she is shocked to find out that her mother was once a successful artist back in the 1960s. A chance encounter leads her to Phil, who agrees to help her restore the studio, as well as offering her the advice and friendship Eva so badly needs.",[12,20590,20591],{},"In the studio attic she finds a collection of Flora’s paintings and old diaries, which Eva believes were purposely left for her to find. Searching for answers, Eva encounters a psychic who mysteriously warns her to beware of a ‘sleeping serpent’, which she soon discovers refers to a shocking crime in Flora’s past.",[12,20593,20594],{},"Will discovering the truth destroy Eva’s belief in everything she holds dear? And will Phil stand by Eva even when her journey leads her and those she loves into certain danger?",[12,20596,20597],{},[34,20598,11550],{},[12,20600,20601],{},"I was reluctant to read this one, I don’t know why but it didn’t seem like something I would usually read. A book found in the fiction section of which I would usually associate with women older than myself, I’ve never read a Lesley Pearse novel before and didn’t know what to expect. Safe to say I have spent the last couple of days engrossed in it and didn’t want it to end. I’m sure my train to work went faster than usual while I was reading this one!",[12,20603,20604,20605,20607],{},"Eva is 20 years old when she finds the body of her mother Flora in the bath tub of their Cheltenham home, something that nobody should have to see. Her father Andrew blames Eva for his wife choosing to kill herself after she inherits a studio space in London from her mother, this sparks a lot of tension within the family during a time when they should be sticking together and grieving with her two younger siblings.",[774,20606],{},"\nThere is a lot Eva doesn’t know about her mother, she never knew she was a successful artist before becoming a mother or that she ever lived in the London studio. After finding a few paintings and photographs in the studio Eva takes it upon herself to find out who her mother really was.",[12,20609,20610],{},"The book follows Eva on an incredible journey filled with mystery and more heart ache than any young woman could possibly handle. Anyone else would have curled up in bed and refused to resurface by now, but Eva keeps on going and digs up the many secrets of her mother’s past. Believe me when I say Flora didn’t have a boring life, far from it!",[12,20612,20613,20614,20616],{},"I really liked Eva and felt I could relate with her so much throughout this book as she goes through the notions of her grief. One of my favourite characters is Phill who helps Eva in her time of need and pretty much keeps her grounded.",[774,20615],{},"\nHaving your mum pass away when you’re only 20 is horrible; unless you’ve been through it yourself I’m not sure you could ever really imagine how hollow and lost it can make you feel. Eva isn’t the type of person to dwell too much over things before she moves onto the next. I found this a little strange as she never really dwells on the fact that her mum wasn’t there when she turned 21 or that she shall never see her marry or have children and these are things that prey on my mind a lot, these are milestones that every girl wants her mum to be there for. Eva doesn’t even have a dad for these life events as she finds herself and Andrew on very bad terms for many reasons. (no spoilers!)",[12,20618,20619],{},"Overall the story covers many serious issues in a realistic manner, following a vulnerable Eva from being a young girl who is a little scared and unsure of what she is doing to somebody who has found themselves and becomes a strong woman because of it.",[12,20621,20622,20623,20625],{},"The book is an easy relaxing read with some great moments of suspense for good measure. It’s captivating and had me waiting to see what would happen next for Eva.",[774,20624],{},"\nThis is certainly one to put on your to read list",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":20627},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/forgive_me_lesley_pearse.jpg","2013-03-07T15:31:00Z","Title : Forgive MeAuthor : Lesley PearsePublication date : 14 Feb 2013Publisher : PenguinPurchase eBook: Kindle – iBooksPurchase paper book: Amazon – WaterstonesRating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","1175",{},"Forgive Me by Lesley Pearse book review. An engrossing mystery following Eva as she uncovers her mother's shocking secrets after a tragic suicide.","/forgive-me-lesley-pearse-book-review",{"title":20521,"description":20631},"forgive-me-lesley-pearse-book-review","CpGdan2XujQWOmE8HcJjWMZtz3egcHIJR3PSXyTho8E",{"id":20640,"title":20641,"author":245,"body":20642,"category":20753,"cover":20754,"date":20755,"description":20756,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":20757,"meta":20758,"meta_description":20759,"meta_title":20760,"navigation":236,"path":18425,"seo":20761,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":20762,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":20763},"posts/a-passionate-love-affair-with-a-total-stranger.md","Book Review: A Passionate Love Affair With a Total Stranger by Lucy Robinson",{"type":9,"value":20643,"toc":20751},[20644,20693,20696,20699,20702,20705,20709,20712,20715,20724,20730,20733,20739,20745],[12,20645,20646,20651,20653,20656,20658,20661,20663,20665,20667],{},[34,20647,20648,20650],{},[45,20649],{"alt":18408,"src":18409},"Title : A Passionate Love Affair With a Total Stranger",[774,20652],{},[34,20654,20655],{},"Author : Lucy Robinson",[774,20657],{},[34,20659,20660],{},"Publication date : 31 Jan 2013",[774,20662],{},[34,20664,12119],{},[774,20666],{},[34,20668,12124,20669,19921,20673,20677,20679,9822,20681,19921,20685,20689,20691],{},[16,20670,12128],{"href":20671,"rel":20672},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00ADNPB80/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B00ADNPB80&adid=1KZPSJYNG24A3911AKZS&",[20],[16,20674,20449],{"href":20675,"rel":20676},"http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=2225426&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Fbook%2Fpassionate-love-affair-total%2Fid581923431%3Fmt%3D11%26ign-mpt%3Duo%253D2%26partnerId%3D2003",[20],[774,20678],{},[34,20680,12133],{},[16,20682,768],{"href":20683,"rel":20684},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0718157664/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0718157664&adid=1R2HRB7RZ15DF2KRKYXR&",[20],[16,20686,19926],{"href":20687,"rel":20688},"http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/lucy+robinson/a+passionate+love+affair+with+a+total+stranger/9361218/",[20],[774,20690],{},[34,20692,17096],{},[12,20694,20695],{},"Charley Lambert has worked hard at creating a perfect life. She has an aspirational flat, a job of international significance and a very good pair of legs, thanks to a rigorous health and fitness regime. Best of all, her boss has asked her out after seven years’ hard flirting and a covert fumble in a mop cupboard.",[12,20697,20698],{},"Then she breaks her leg in three places, watches her boss propose to someone else and – horror – is forced to hand over her job to her nasty deputy. Charley, a certified workaholic, fears that she will go mad.",[12,20700,20701],{},"Dangerously bored, she starts helping people who are talentless at internet dating. Then William arrives in her inbox and rocks her world. Helpless, she watches herself fall in love with him and discovers she’s not who she thought she was.",[12,20703,20704],{},"But can she turn her back on her old life – all for a total stranger?",[12,20706,20707],{},[34,20708,11550],{},[12,20710,20711],{},"A Passionate Love Affair With a Total Stranger is a love story, not your average soppy predictable love story; Lucy Robinson has brought a whole new meaning to love stories and it’s exciting, it’s not just about passion and romance it’s filled with mystery and abundant with hilarity.",[12,20713,20714],{},"This is a love story with a twist and without giving away the entire plot (which is rather expansive for a story of love) I can say that you will be guessing more or less until the end. You just couldn’t predict exactly what is going to happen like you can with so many generic love stories.",[12,20716,20717,20718,20720,20721,20723],{},"What do you do when you’re a workaholic and you throw yourself down a massive bloody hill resulting in breaking your leg in three places?",[774,20719],{},"\nIf you’re name is Charley Lambert you’ll ignore your doctor’s orders for many weeks of rest and find a way to work from home.",[774,20722],{},"\nAs an outlet and use of her newly found free time, Charley sets up a business as a ghost writer for people who are terrible at trying to be romantic but want to meet people via online dating. It’s called First Date Aid.",[12,20725,20726,20727,20729],{},"The business is going really well, but when you start to fall for one of your clients love interests it can never be good. Charley finds herself falling helplessly in love and can’t control her feelings, but is William everything Charley thinks he is and more? How can she communicate with William as herself and not Shelley her hopeless romantic of a client without breaking all the rules of her new business?",[774,20728],{},"\nShe’s spent the last seven years in love with her boss John and this is the first time she has had feelings for somebody other than him.",[12,20731,20732],{},"Charley is on a journey of self discovery and realizes that maybe she doesn’t love her life and her job as much as she thought, maybe she really just wants to sit back and be normal for a while and take care of her own needs before everyone else’s.",[12,20734,20735,20736,20738],{},"I particularly like Charley’s relationship with her friends and family, my favourite character is her house mate Sam who is a bit of a slob but overall a real sweetheart who is there in times of need just like a good friend should be. Throughout the story I could never trust John, her love interest of seven years and boss at the big corporate pharmaceutical firm she works for. He seemed a little sleazy to me and like he was always up to no good.",[774,20737],{},"\nMargot my least favourite character is a colleague, she tries repeatedly to steal Charlotte’s job position from her while she is unable to work and in a vulnerable position as her life comes crashing down around her.",[12,20740,20741,20742,20744],{},"This was a great lesson in how people on the internet especially within dating aren’t always going to be what they seem but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be a bad thing!",[774,20743],{},"\nIt also shows you how easily you can be blind to what is going on around you, especially if you’re always caught up in work and not stopping to take a moment for yourself.",[12,20746,20747,20748,20750],{},"This is the first book I have read by Lucy Robinson and I really enjoyed it, so much that I would like to read her previous novel to see if it is as enjoyable as this one was.",[774,20749],{},"\nI read this book over 3 days commuting to work and back, I even found myself spending my lunch hour sneaking in more as I was eager to know what was going to happen next. It’s a very witty light hearted novel and I found it to be a really relaxing read, perfect to put your feet up with on a weekend and just enjoy a few quiet hours. I absolutely loved it.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":20752},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/a_passionate_love_affair_lucy_robinson.jpg","2013-02-12T13:54:00Z","Title : A Passionate Love Affair With a Total StrangerAuthor : Lucy RobinsonPublication date : 31 Jan 2013Publisher : PenguinPurchase eBook: Kindle – iBooksPurchase paper book: Amazon – WaterstonesRating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee’s!","1081",{},"Lucy Robinson's A Passionate Love Affair With a Total Stranger book review. A witty, unpredictable romance filled with mystery, humour, and unexpected twists.","A Passionate Love Affair With a Total Stranger - Book Review",{"title":20641,"description":20756},"a-passionate-love-affair-with-a-total-stranger","UHKqzNkaKhqzHSpXaVj7qeYfOsYEIx3_QtL90-Gu0P4",{"id":20765,"title":20766,"author":245,"body":20767,"category":20828,"cover":20829,"date":20830,"description":20771,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":20831,"meta":20832,"meta_description":20833,"meta_title":20766,"navigation":236,"path":20834,"seo":20835,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":20836,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":20837},"posts/the-penguin-books-readarama.md","Penguin Books Readarama: Read a Book a Week Challenge",{"type":9,"value":20768,"toc":20826},[20769,20772,20781,20784,20793,20809,20812,20820,20823],[12,20770,20771],{},"The lovely folks over at Penguin towers have set about encouraging everyone to read more, they plan to make 2013 the year of reading!",[12,20773,20774,20775,20777,20778,20780],{},"It really is as simple as reading a book a week.",[774,20776],{},"\nTalk about it, share your thoughts with everyone but most of all enjoy it. You can read any books you like, or you can follow the reading list along with the reader at Readarama.",[774,20779],{},"\nThis week the secret reader at Penguin is reading Judith O’Reilly’s A Year of Doing Good, Judith will be guest posting over at Readarama on Wednesday so make sure you check that out if you’re a fan.",[12,20782,20783],{},"A book a week may sound like a lot but it isn’t, they aren’t suggesting you read war & peace in a week, a nice short novel is where it’s at for me!",[12,20785,20786,20787,20789,20790,20792],{},"Make good use of your daily commute to work, that’s when I do most of my reading.",[774,20788],{},"\nRead in the bath everyone does it… Be careful not to drop your book!",[774,20791],{},"\nYou can also sneak in 10 minutes before bed, you can literally read anywhere.",[12,20794,20795,20796,20802,20803],{},"Readarama has officially begun, visit the ",[16,20797,20801],{"href":20798,"rel":20799,"title":20800},"https://www.facebook.com/Readarama",[20],"Readarama Facebook Page","Readarama Facebook page"," or pledge your allegiance and tell the world you’re taking part by tweeting with the hashtag ",[16,20804,20808],{"href":20805,"rel":20806,"title":20807},"https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.readarama.co.uk%2Fjoin-in%2F&text=%23readarama&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.readarama.co.uk%2Fjoin-in%2F",[20],"Tweet Readarama","#Readarama",[12,20810,20811],{},"If you have a blog you can also find the Readarama badge like the one in my side bar to show everyone that you’re taking part!",[12,20813,20814,20815],{},"You can find out more about Readarama over on the website ",[16,20816,20819],{"href":20817,"rel":20818},"http://www.readarama.co.uk",[20],"www.readarama.co.uk",[12,20821,20822],{},"I particularly like the design of the website built by Rebekha Ford and love the chosen colour pallete almost as much as Impress A Penguin!",[12,20824,20825],{},"Let us know if you’re taking part and share your favourite books in the comments below.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":20827},[],[226],"/images/2013/01/penguin_readarama_2013.jpg","2013-01-28T21:25:00Z","961",{},"Join Penguin Readarama challenge to read a book a week in 2013. Tips for fitting reading into your busy schedule and making this your year of books.","/the-penguin-books-readarama",{"title":20766,"description":20771},"the-penguin-books-readarama","_8a4dP_-338C50i6u-aagoKEKpS4ILW218ZCiebnAng",{"id":20839,"title":20840,"author":245,"body":20841,"category":20964,"cover":4477,"date":20965,"description":20845,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":20966,"meta":20967,"meta_description":20968,"meta_title":20969,"navigation":236,"path":20970,"seo":20971,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":20972,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":20973},"posts/five-books-that-you-should-read-in-2013.md","Five books to read in 2013",{"type":9,"value":20842,"toc":20956},[20843,20846,20849,20852,20858,20862,20869,20876,20880,20882,20891,20898,20903,20905,20908,20914,20920,20922,20925,20931,20938,20944,20946,20949],[12,20844,20845],{},"Initially I was going to write a list of books that would make great Christmas gifts for friends and family, but everyone did that didn’t they?",[12,20847,20848],{},"There is nothing better than buying yourself a treat and a good book for the new year is a great way to start!",[12,20850,20851],{},"Here are five books in no particular order, that I have really enjoyed and hope you will too.",[274,20853,20854],{"id":215},[45,20855],{"alt":215,"src":20856,"title":20857},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/book1_zps43b44060.png","Book1",[274,20859,20861],{"id":20860},"_1-the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower","1. The perks of being a wallflower",[12,20863,20864,20865,20868],{},"This is a book I read a long time ago in high school along with ",[211,20866,20867],{},"The Catcher in the Rye",". Charlie is the most socially awkward boy you may ever meet, a ‘wallflower’ he observes everything as it goes on around him without actually ever taking part. This is a great read covering so many issues from suicide, homosexuality, abuse and drug use. It’s one you can read as a teenager and then revisit as an adult to find you have much more understanding and appreciation for the story and the characters within it.",[27,20870,20872],{"id":20871},"_1",[45,20873],{"alt":215,"src":20874,"title":20875},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/book2_zps64748526.png","Book2",[9211,20877,20878],{"start":216},[364,20879,20068],{},[206,20881],{},[12,20883,20884,20885,20890],{},"I think I already have a favourite book of 2013! This book is one for you to look forward to and isn’t published until May 23rd, Giovanna Fletchers debut novel is set to impress! You can pre-order it right ",[16,20886,7425],{"href":20887,"rel":20888,"title":20889},"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Billy-and-Me-ebook/dp/B00ADXDZXS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357769047&sr=8-1",[20],"Billy Link"," in paperback and kindle. Billy and me is a fairytale romance about young love, following Sophie May as she is swept off her feet by famous actor Billy. Relationships aren’t simple for anyone but how can Sophie cope with being thrown into the spotlight? Put this on your list of books to buy in 2013.",[27,20892,20894],{"id":20893},"_2",[45,20895],{"alt":215,"src":20896,"title":20897},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/book3_zpsbf29fb00.png","Book3",[9211,20899,20900],{"start":538},[364,20901,20902],{},"Before I Die",[206,20904],{},[12,20906,20907],{},"Tessa is 16 years old and has leukaemia she has weeks left to live. In order to make the most of her time Tessa writes a list of things she would like to do before she dies. From feeling the weight of a boy on top of her to stealing something, she wants to try everything! If you are looking for a happy read then this may not be the choice for you, although Before I Die is fiction you get to love Tessa and her family so much and feel their pain. At the same time it’s a fantastic read that also has a lot of laughter and happiness.",[27,20909,20911],{"id":20910},"_3",[45,20912],{"alt":215,"src":20913,"title":20897},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/book4_zpsd5d1252d.png",[9211,20915,20917],{"start":20916},4,[364,20918,20919],{},"Me before you",[206,20921],{},[12,20923,20924],{},"I must say this was at the top of my favourites list in 2012! At first glance you may think you’re about to settle down into a lovely chick-lit romantic comedy…. You may be very mistaken! Me Before You is a romantic novel, and has its moments that will make you laugh and fall in love with the characters over and over again. There are also times where it will more than likely make you want to cry.",[12,20926,20927,20928,575],{},"You can read my ",[16,20929,20930],{"href":20327},"Me Before You review",[27,20932,20934],{"id":20933},"_4",[45,20935],{"alt":215,"src":20936,"title":20937},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/book5_zps8906c82b.png","Book5",[9211,20939,20941],{"start":20940},5,[364,20942,20943],{},"On the Island",[206,20945],{},[12,20947,20948],{},"I read this book in one sitting during 2012, it was a fantastic light read that i didn’t want to put down. Heres a little of what I thought… Before I had even started this book I had my doubts, how can an entire book about two people on an island possibly be any good?! Well now I can say there is a lot you can write about two people stranded on an island together and Tracey did the most spectacular job of making this such a good read. When you can’t wait to read more you know you’re onto a winner!",[12,20950,20951,20952,575],{},"You can read the rest of my ",[16,20953,20955],{"href":20954},"/on-the-island","On the Island review",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":20957},[20958,20959,20960,20961,20962,20963],{"id":215,"depth":538,"text":215},{"id":20860,"depth":538,"text":20861},{"id":20871,"depth":216,"text":215},{"id":20893,"depth":216,"text":215},{"id":20910,"depth":216,"text":215},{"id":20933,"depth":216,"text":215},[226],"2013-01-09T22:52:00Z","622",{},"Five must-read books for 2013 including The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Billy and Me, and Me Before You. Personal recommendations to start your year right.","5 Must-Read Books for 2013: Top Book Recommendations","/five-books-that-you-should-read-in-2013",{"title":20840,"description":20845},"five-books-that-you-should-read-in-2013","62r_yiZH3aX3T-32woUdI5qVVtur1WT4AsnTTUb2haI",{"id":20975,"title":20976,"author":245,"body":20977,"category":21067,"cover":21068,"date":21069,"description":21070,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":21071,"meta":21072,"meta_description":21073,"meta_title":21074,"navigation":236,"path":21075,"seo":21076,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":21077,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":21078},"posts/mcfly-unsaid-things-our-story.md","McFly – Unsaid Things…",{"type":9,"value":20978,"toc":21065},[20979,21028,21031,21034,21038,21044,21047,21053,21056,21059,21062],[12,20980,20981,20985,20988,20990,20993,20995,20998,21000,21003,19376,21005,19921,21009,21013,21015,9822,21017,19921,21021,21025,21027],{},[45,20982],{"alt":20983,"src":20984},"McFly-Unsaid-Things-Cover","/images/2012/12/McFly-Unsaid-Things-Cover.jpg",[34,20986,20987],{},"Title :McFly: Unsaid Things… Our Story",[774,20989],{},[34,20991,20992],{},"Author : McFly",[774,20994],{},[34,20996,20997],{},"Publication date : 11th October 2012",[774,20999],{},[34,21001,21002],{},"Publisher : Bantam Press",[774,21004],{},[16,21006,12128],{"href":21007,"rel":21008},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0093LFXIG/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B0093LFXIG&adid=14EDA7CYEP6G9D75R871&",[20],[16,21010,20449],{"href":21011,"rel":21012},"http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=2225426&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Fbook%2Fmcfly-unsaid-things...our%2Fid553879912%3Fmt%3D11%26partnerId%3D2003",[20],[774,21014],{},[34,21016,12133],{},[16,21018,768],{"href":21019,"rel":21020},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0593070631/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0593070631&adid=1F88EF7VNWG32981KZZ4&",[20],[16,21022,19926],{"href":21023,"rel":21024},"http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/simpleSearch.do?simpleSearchString=unsaid+things&typeAheadFormSubmit=",[20],[774,21026],{},"\n**Rating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee’s!****In 2003, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Harry Judd and Dougie Poynter came together and formed what would become one of the most popular and successful bands in the UK. Just teenagers at the time, they were catapulted into the limelight and had to adapt quickly to their new-found fame – and everything that came with it. Now, at last, they have decided to tell their story, in full and revealing detail.",[12,21029,21030],{},"Speaking with candour and their trademark humour, Tom, Danny, Harry and Dougie share both the stories of their own lives and that of McFly. They give their personal insights into their contrasting childhoods, the individual paths that led them to the band, the struggles they have each overcome, their love lives and, of course, their music.",[12,21032,21033],{},"Packed with previously untold stories, a lot of laughter and the occasional tear, Unsaid Things offers a privileged look into the lives of four guys who started out as bandmates and became best friends. Their unique camaraderie radiates from every page and by the end of the book, you’ll know them almost as well as they know each other …(less)",[12,21035,21036],{},[34,21037,11550],{},[12,21039,21040,21041,21043],{},"Can you remember being thirteen and jumping around your room to ‘5 colours in her hair’ while your mum shouted upstairs to turn it down and get ready for school? I can.",[774,21042],{},"\nThat was ten years ago now, a lot has changed since then.",[12,21045,21046],{},"I’m no longer thirteen I’m twenty-three and have a ‘real’ job, in those ten years we moved house five times, I went to five schools, my amazing mum passed away. I even went to university and wore a funny hat to get my degree while dad proudly took pictures, but some things never change. I still spent two hours refreshing ticket master on Saturday evening while watching ‘The McFly Show’ on ITV to ensure that my cousin and I make it to our eighth McFly concert. It’s become a bit of a tradition!",[12,21048,21049,21050,21052],{},"So obviously this book appealed to me before I had started it but do you have to be a fan of the band to enjoy the book?",[774,21051],{},"\nI don’t think you do, of course there is much more appeal if you do like them as a band but it isn’t necessary. The band have done a lot on their own over the last few years and this has meant that people from generations who may not have an interest in McFly do have an interest in particular members of the band, from opera singing to eating bugs and flashy dancing they’ve done it all!",[12,21054,21055],{},"I don’t often read autobiographies but found there was a lot to be learnt from this book in particular, a lot that the boys managed to keep private from the media which is nice. I don’t agree that because a person is in the public eye they have no right to privacy and their entire lives are thrown about like it doesn’t matter, because it does. The band chose to tell the world many personal things within in this book but they did it in their own way and told the story themselves.",[12,21057,21058],{},"From what happened that night in the hotel with Lindsey Lohan, to why Dougie was really in rehab when the papers claimed it was just ‘a broken heart’ the book reveals all so I really recommend you grab a copy or put it on your Christmas wish list.",[12,21060,21061],{},"I have given the book three out of five as it’s not my usual cup of tea but kept me engaged and had so much information you would never have imagined. I found it harder to compare or judge against other books within its genre, I did however enjoy it.",[12,21063,21064],{},"It most certainly confirms that they aren’t as innocent as you might think 😉",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":21066},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/mcfly_unsaid_things.jpg","2012-12-13T14:24:00Z","Title :McFly: Unsaid Things… Our StoryAuthor : McFlyPublication date : 11th October 2012Publisher : Bantam Press\n**Purchase eBook: Kindle – iBooksPurchase paper book: Amazon – Waterstones\n**Rating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee’s!****In 2003, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Harry Judd and Dougie Poynter came together and formed what would become one of the most popular and successful bands in the UK. Just teenagers at the time, they were catapulted into the limelight and had to adapt quickly to their new-found fame – and everything that came with it. Now, at last, they have decided to tell their story, in full and revealing detail.","594",{},"McFly Unsaid Things book review. The band's revealing autobiography shares personal stories, untold secrets, and their journey to fame with humour and candour.","McFly Unsaid Things Our Story - Autobiography Book Review","/mcfly-unsaid-things-our-story",{"title":20976,"description":21070},"mcfly-unsaid-things-our-story","PR5DBJYP4pXorTyMBK6X5_pszTJwtZECnPa6uK7qKoc",{"id":21080,"title":21081,"author":245,"body":21082,"category":21187,"cover":21188,"date":21189,"description":21190,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":21191,"meta":21192,"meta_description":21193,"meta_title":21081,"navigation":236,"path":21194,"seo":21195,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":21196,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":21197},"posts/on-the-island-tracey-garvis-graves-review.md","Book Review: On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves",{"type":9,"value":21083,"toc":21185},[21084,21120,21145,21148,21151,21154,21158,21161,21164,21167,21170,21173,21176,21179],[12,21085,21086,21090,21093,21095,21098,21100,21103,21105,21107,19376,21109,21113,21114,21118],{},[45,21087],{"alt":21088,"src":21089},"On-the-Island-Cover","/images/2012/10/On-the-Island-Cover.jpg",[34,21091,21092],{},"Title : On the Island",[774,21094],{},[34,21096,21097],{},"Author : Tracey Garvis Graves",[774,21099],{},[34,21101,21102],{},"Publication date : 16 Aug 2012",[774,21104],{},[34,21106,12119],{},[774,21108],{},[16,21110,12128],{"href":21111,"rel":21112},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008846BR6/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B008846BR6&adid=1NEGBXXWQ7MJYDWP3VFX&",[20]," – [iBooks](\u003C",[16,21115,21116],{"href":21116,"rel":21117},"http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=2225426&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fbook%2Fon-the-island%2Fid534338126%3Fmt%3D11%26partnerId%3D2003",[20],[774,21119],{},[4284,21121,21122],{},[12,21123,21124,21125,21127,9822,21129,19921,21133,21137,21139,21140],{},")",[774,21126],{},[34,21128,12133],{},[16,21130,768],{"href":21131,"rel":21132},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1405910216/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1405910216&adid=0ZK4W29QMAVNE9JPAXX9&",[20],[16,21134,19926],{"href":21135,"rel":21136},"http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/tracey+garvis+graves/on+the+island/9211649/",[20],[774,21138],{},"\n**Rating : 5 out of 5 LeeLee’s!****",[16,21141,21142],{"href":15795},[45,21143],{"alt":215,"src":15795,"title":21144},"Rating5",[12,21146,21147],{},"When thirty-year-old English teacher Anna Emerson is offered a job tutoring T.J. Callahan at his family’s summer rental in the Maldives, she accepts without hesitation; a working vacation on a tropical island trumps the library any day. T.J. Callahan has no desire to leave town, not that anyone asked him. He’s almost seventeen and if having cancer wasn’t bad enough, now he has to spend his first summer in remission with his family – and a stack of overdue assignments – instead of his friends.",[12,21149,21150],{},"Anna and T.J. are en route to join T.J.’s family in the Maldives when the pilot of their seaplane suffers a fatal heart attack and crash-lands in the Indian Ocean. Adrift in shark-infested waters, their life jackets keep them afloat until they make it to the shore of an uninhabited island.",[12,21152,21153],{},"Now Anna and T.J. just want to survive and they must work together to obtain water, food, fire, and shelter. Their basic needs might be met but as the days turn to weeks, and then months, the castaways encounter plenty of other obstacles, including violent tropical storms, the many dangers lurking in the sea, and the possibility that T.J.’s cancer could return. As T.J. celebrates yet another birthday on the island, Anna begins to wonder if the biggest challenge of all might be living with a boy who is gradually becoming a man.",[12,21155,21156],{},[34,21157,11550],{},[12,21159,21160],{},"Before I had even started this book I had my doubts, how can an entire book about two people on an island possibly be any good?! Well now I can say there is a lot you can write about two people stranded on an island together and Tracey did the most spectacular job of making this such a good read. When you can’t wait to read more you know you’re onto a winner!",[12,21162,21163],{},"Anna and T.J are characters that you begin to connect with instantly, for a moment in my mind I think I was actually living on that island with them!",[12,21165,21166],{},"Once the characters started to develop more of a relationship on the island I wasn’t sure it was ‘right’ there is almost 13 years between them. It’s also interesting to have a story where the woman is the older one of the relationship. I actually liked this about the book as it was a different to most stories with an age difference where it is usually a young woman with an older man.",[12,21168,21169],{},"The relationship between Anna and T.J started with her strictly telling him he could not look while she changed and he could not touch her, anything that would be seen as ‘wrong’ in the real world still counted. In the beginning, it was very much adult and child until they had been on the island so long together and created such a strong bond that eventually none of that mattered and the last thing that mattered on the island was their age after spending so much time together.",[12,21171,21172],{},"This book makes you realise how easy we have it with so many things at our convenience that we take them for granted, I can only imagine a life like they have on the island and how hard it would be, yet it is this that allows them to form such a strong bond.",[12,21174,21175],{},"One of my favourite silly lines from the book is “You named the chicken, Chicken?” as it just made me giggle and is the sort of silly thing I would do!",[12,21177,21178],{},"Reading this book I really connected with the characters, it was light-hearted and witty with just the right amount of serious. Overall I would not hesitate to recommend this book to someone, its a nice short story that’s relaxing to read and keeps you engaged through to the end. You might find you don’t put the book down until you’ve finished!",[12,21180,21181],{},[16,21182,21183],{"href":13648},[45,21184],{"alt":215,"src":13648,"title":13647},{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":21186},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/on_the_island_tracey_garvis_graves.jpg","2012-10-30T14:01:00Z","Title : On the IslandAuthor : Tracey Garvis GravesPublication date : 16 Aug 2012Publisher : Penguin\n**Purchase eBook: Kindle – [iBooks](\u003Chttp://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=2225426&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fbook%2Fon-the-island%2Fid534338126%3Fmt%3D11%26partnerId%3D2003","493",{},"Book review of On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves","/on-the-island-tracey-garvis-graves-review",{"title":21081,"description":21190},"on-the-island-tracey-garvis-graves-review","Rz9OYKIXYkoDLAdv4JGzfLDe_vZaonCBTZAi_FwMiHE",{"id":21199,"title":21200,"author":245,"body":21201,"category":21223,"cover":21224,"date":21225,"description":21205,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":21226,"meta":21227,"meta_description":21228,"meta_title":21229,"navigation":236,"path":21230,"seo":21231,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":21232,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":21233},"posts/carrie-fletcher-october-club-book.md","The October Club",{"type":9,"value":21202,"toc":21221},[21203,21206,21209,21212,21215],[12,21204,21205],{},"What is The October Club you ask? Well, it is a youtube based book club of sorts started by the lovely Carrie Fletcher, unlike your average book club this particular one is not based around everyone reading one book at the same time.",[12,21207,21208],{},"The general idea is that everyone reads a book, any book… you choose.",[12,21210,21211],{},"All you do then is share your thoughts with everyone to inspire and encourage others to read more. The aim is to read one book per week throughout the month of October, I myself shall not be making a video response for The October Club as I don’t do videos! But I will share my thoughts right here for you all to see at the end of each book which may not be one per week but I will try to fit them all in!",[12,21213,21214],{},"You can see my four chosen books listed below, I am currently reading book one ‘On The Island’ by Tracey Garvis-Graves as recommended to me by Kirsty of the Editorial Girls ( @EditorialGirls ) at Penguins Michael Joseph.",[12,21216,21217,21220],{},[45,21218],{"alt":215,"src":21219},"http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u515/leeleeloves89/books-october2.jpg","Here is a video of Carrie telling you all about The October Club",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":21222},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/october_club_carrie_fletcher.jpg","2012-10-03T11:25:00Z","428",{},"Discover The October Club, Carrie Fletcher's unique YouTube book club where members choose their own books and share inspiring thoughts with fellow readers.","The October Club: Carrie Fletcher YouTube Book Club","/carrie-fletcher-october-club-book",{"title":21200,"description":21205},"carrie-fletcher-october-club-book","szuhKeJM5fv7w0C-mJ9h4-TTpvB__hLbbJjbf_JhYQE",{"id":21235,"title":21236,"author":245,"body":21237,"category":21341,"cover":21342,"date":21343,"description":21344,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":21345,"meta":21346,"meta_description":21347,"meta_title":21236,"navigation":236,"path":21348,"seo":21349,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":21350,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":21351},"posts/the-mystery-of-mercy-close-marian-keyes.md","Book Review: The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes",{"type":9,"value":21238,"toc":21339},[21239,21274,21293,21296,21299,21302,21306,21309,21312,21315,21318,21324,21327,21330,21333],[12,21240,21241,21245,21248,21250,21253,21255,21258,21260,21262,19376,21264,21113,21268,21272],{},[45,21242],{"alt":21243,"src":21244},"The-Mystery-of-Mercy-Close-Cover","/images/2012/09/The-Mystery-of-Mercy-Close-Cover.jpg",[34,21246,21247],{},"Title : The Mystery of Mercy Close",[774,21249],{},[34,21251,21252],{},"Author : Marian Keyes",[774,21254],{},[34,21256,21257],{},"Publication date : 13 Sep 2012",[774,21259],{},[34,21261,15771],{},[774,21263],{},[16,21265,12128],{"href":21266,"rel":21267},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008PS0JL4/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B008PS0JL4&adid=0EF87XDQ5QCVNRBF2ZC3&",[20],[16,21269,21270],{"href":21270,"rel":21271},"http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=2225426&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Fbook%2Fthe-mystery-of-mercy-close%2Fid548610420%3Fmt%3D11%26partnerId%3D2003",[20],[774,21273],{},[4284,21275,21276],{},[12,21277,21124,21278,21280,9822,21282,19921,21286,21290,21292],{},[774,21279],{},[34,21281,12133],{},[16,21283,768],{"href":21284,"rel":21285},"https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0718155319/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=leeleeloves-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0718155319&adid=09FKXR2X536XFZMKF0ME&",[20],[16,21287,19926],{"href":21288,"rel":21289},"http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/simpleSearch.do?simpleSearchString=the+mystery+of+mercy+close&typeAheadFormSubmit=",[20],[774,21291],{},"\n**Rating : 4 out of 5 LeeLee’s!****Helen Walsh doesn’t believe in fear – it’s just a thing invented by men to get all the money and good jobs – and yet she’s sinking. Her work as a Private Investigator has dried up, her flat has been repossessed and now some old demons have resurfaced.",[12,21294,21295],{},"Not least in the form of her charming but dodgy ex-boyfriend Jay Parker, who shows up with a missing persons case. Money is tight and Jay is awash with cash, so Helen is forced to take on the task of finding Wayne Diffney, the ‘Wacky One’ from boyband Laddz.",[12,21297,21298],{},"Things ended messily with Jay. And she’s never going back there. Besides she has a new boyfriend now, the very sexy detective Artie Devlin and it’s all going well. But the reappearance of Jay is stirring up all kinds of stuff she thought she’d left behind.",[12,21300,21301],{},"Playing by her own rules, Helen is drawn into a dark and glamorous world, where her worst enemy is her own head and where increasingly the only person she feels connected to is Wayne, a man she’s never even met.",[12,21303,21304],{},[34,21305,11550],{},[12,21307,21308],{},"As a first time reader of a Walsh sisters novel and the work of Marian Keyes I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to enjoy this without having read the previous books first, to my surprise this was not the case.",[12,21310,21311],{},"Initially I found myself struggling to get into this book but I stuck with it and a quarter of the way in I found myself loving everything about it, the characters had really started to come to life and the story itself was keeping me on edge wanting to see what was going to happen next.",[12,21313,21314],{},"I found myself loving Helen and her family, with the current financial climate and shortage of work everyone is experiencing Helen finds herself with no work and an unpaid mortgage. Her only option is moving back in with her parents, and at 33 she isn’t exactly proud of this.",[12,21316,21317],{},"Helen is a female private investigator so that instantly gained some cool points for this book, everyone loves a bit of a mystery and wants to be a spy don’t they? She is very funny and would appear to be a real head strong tough woman at first glance, but she is actually very vulnerable and has a lot weighing her down which also puts pressure on Helen to succeed at her job.",[12,21319,21320,21321,21323],{},"In this particular Walsh family novel centred around Helen she is hired to find Wayne Diffney a missing member of Irish boy band Laddz who are currently making a comeback.",[774,21322],{},"\nThe only downside to the job is that she was hired by her ex, Jay Parker. But Helen cannot afford to turn it down, he is paying good money for her help!",[12,21325,21326],{},"The search for Wayne see’s Helen going all out to find out anything she can about the ex boy band star who isn’t exactly pleased to be taking part in the big come back. Helen’s mother Mammy Walsh is a big fan of Laddz herself and manages to help Helen with what would normally be seen as useless knowledge which she had learnt from gossip magazines, nobody knows where Wayne is or why he would disappear like this, it is Helen’s job to find out where he is.",[12,21328,21329],{},"This novel really is a great look into who Helen Walsh is and we learn a lot about her from her job as a PI which is apparently not as exciting as most would think, to her serious experiences with depression and attempted suicide. We also get a good look into her current relationship with the sexy detective Artie Devlin and his family as well as her past relationship with Jay Parker.",[12,21331,21332],{},"I found myself asking questions with this book, wondering where Wayne is, why don’t Artie and Helen EVER express their feelings for one another? Who is Helen’s friend Bronagh and what happened to her? Is Jay Parker really an absolute douche? Do the other Ladzz really care about Wayne?",[12,21334,21335,21336,21338],{},"If you enjoy a good mystery that is light hearted but with a serious edge, romance, sarcasm and a lot of Irish laughs then this book is certainly the one for you.",[774,21337],{},"\nSome may label it as chick lit but I found it to be more of a thrilling mystery novel with some added romance and a lot of humour.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":21340},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/the_mystery_of_mercy_close_marian_keyes.jpg","2012-09-12T22:42:00Z","Title : The Mystery of Mercy CloseAuthor : Marian KeyesPublication date : 13 Sep 2012Publisher : Penguin Michael Joseph\n**Purchase eBook: Kindle – [iBooks](\u003Chttp://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=2225426&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Fbook%2Fthe-mystery-of-mercy-close%2Fid548610420%3Fmt%3D11%26partnerId%3D2003","395",{},"Book review of The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes. A thrilling mystery featuring PI Helen Walsh searching for a missing boyband member.","/the-mystery-of-mercy-close-marian-keyes",{"title":21236,"description":21344},"the-mystery-of-mercy-close-marian-keyes","lhC2CF3II7cqbCJBSwpDaRU6glGG2tIx4GibBGvQICQ",{"id":21353,"title":21354,"author":245,"body":21355,"category":21399,"cover":21400,"date":21401,"description":21359,"excerpt":230,"extension":231,"featured_image":230,"legacy_id":21402,"meta":21403,"meta_description":21404,"meta_title":21354,"navigation":236,"path":20327,"seo":21405,"sponsored":236,"status":239,"stem":21406,"subtitle":215,"__hash__":21407},"posts/me-before-you-jojo-moyes.md","Book Review: Me Before You by JoJo Moyes",{"type":9,"value":21356,"toc":21397},[21357,21360,21363,21366,21369,21373,21376,21379,21382,21385,21388,21391,21394],[12,21358,21359],{},"Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.",[12,21361,21362],{},"What Lou doesn’t know is she’s about to lose her job or that knowing what’s coming is what keeps her sane.",[12,21364,21365],{},"Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he’s going to put a stop to that.",[12,21367,21368],{},"What Will doesn’t know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they’re going to change the other for all time.",[12,21370,21371],{},[34,21372,11550],{},[12,21374,21375],{},"At first glance you may think you’re about to settle down into a lovely chick-lit romantic comedy…. You may be very mistaken! Me Before You is a romantic novel, and has its moments that will make you laugh and fall in love with the characters over and over again. There are also times where it will more than likely make you want to cry.",[12,21377,21378],{},"Without mentioning too many details as I wouldn’t want to spoil this book for anyone, I would say it covers what most will find to be a very sensitive subject. Should people have the right to choose their own fate and make the choice between life and death, even if those around them aren’t happy with their decision?",[12,21380,21381],{},"This is a very heavy subject and author Jojo Moyes has managed to write about this in a very heartfelt manner with a lot of love and laughs, but still reminding you how serious the subject matter really is and how this personally affects each character in the story.",[12,21383,21384],{},"It had me asking myself what I would do if I were put into this situation and how hard it would be. A subject that is generally ignored by those who are not affected by it in their daily lives yet should be addressed a lot more seriously than it actually is.",[12,21386,21387],{},"Once you get to know the characters you’ll think of them like you would your friends, and you’ll love them! Following Lou on this journey with Will is intense and exciting, it’s also heart breaking and shocking, I didn’t want it to end.",[12,21389,21390],{},"I’d have liked to hear more of Wills thoughts but I think the reason we hear the story in detail from everyone but Will is because this is a reflection of what it is like for a person in his position, people don’t want to listen or know what he wants. Everyone is being a little selfish purely because they love him so much, they don’t agree with his choice but for the wrong reasons. It’s not with his best interests at heart that they don’t agree, they’re actually more bothered about themselves and how it will make them feel.",[12,21392,21393],{},"I couldn’t put this book down, if you’re looking for a story that is both funny and romantic yet very serious and emotionally charged then this is for you.",[12,21395,21396],{},"It might be an emotion roller coaster, but you won’t want to get off.",{"title":215,"searchDepth":216,"depth":216,"links":21398},[],[226],"/images/2014/02/me_before_you_jojo_moyes.jpg","2012-09-06T19:00:00Z","24",{},"Book review of Me Before You by JoJo Moyes. A heartfelt romantic novel tackling life, love, and difficult choices that will make you laugh and cry.",{"title":21354,"description":21359},"me-before-you-jojo-moyes","ATJfC7gG8ZS8IuBCV54KIQY_PfnYqjtr7yxZYdRHKW0",1777287793323]