This day I love.......: book

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Storm Doris seemed to have skirted round the edges of our village, with just some wind and very cold weather. Nothing too bad, but bad enough that we opted to stay inside today. The dog went out and came back, so I know it wasn't too windy.

Staying in gave us the perfect opportunity to have a very lazy day, which is exactly what we did. Little Man is almost over his cold, not quite 100% but he did eat a bit of food today so I know he is getting better. I have been suffering with back pain again this week so a lazy day suited me well, particularly after the past few sleepless nights.

Whilst Little Man was awake we put on a DVD that both the girls and Little Man liked, the teletubbies.

2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the teletubbies. I can remember sitting with my youngest sister and watching them and even watching them through university as we reminisced childhood. Both girls are still fans of the teletubbies. My eldest used to ask for 'dirty knees' when she was a baby and it was her way of asking for a particular episode of the teletubbies. The girls love to guess which teletubbie is going to jump last, or which tummy will light up and they love to cuddle their brother as they all watch together.

The DVD 'Big Hugs' was thoroughly enjoyed by all three children and there were lots of big hugs all around! Storm Doris was still trying to blow up a storm outside so the girls got set to colouring with the colouring pad that came with the DVD and I sat down to read the Tubby custard ride with Little Man.

Little Man started patting the book on the tubby custard page, I think because of the bubbles. He waved at the teletubbies and enjoyed making them appear with the push and pull sections of the book. His sisters found him funny at how excited he kept getting.

It was soon time for Little Man to have a nap, and whilst they waited for him to settle the girls sat down to watch the DVD again.

Storm Doris might have been causing chaos outside, in some areas, but at home we had a lovely lazy day together with the teletubbies!

This day I love staying in from the storm

I received the book and DVD in exchange for this post, all words are my own opinion

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This Christmas one of the must see animations was the adaptation of the classic tale 'We're Going On A Bear Hunt'. The story is one we know well and one we often recite on our many outdoor adventures. The girls love to pretend that we are going on a bear hunt when we are out and about and it really is a true favourite of ours.

As always when a classic book comes to screen I feel apprehensive hoping that the screen adaptation will remain true to the book. We're Going on a Bear Hunt has been adapted and produced by the makers of the hugely popular The Snowman and The Snowdog and given how much we love watching those as a family I was very confident we would enjoy We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

We settled down together to watch the DVD. As the story unfolded we could see the animation had expanded upon the classic story. This was done in such a way that it enhanced the original story and we enjoyed the film as much as we enjoy the book. The film did however touch on a separate range of emotions from the book, one of empathy towards the bear. My youngest daughter falling in love with the song entitled Me & You specially composed for the film by British singer-songwriter George Ezra.

One of the aspects of the film I really liked is that the animation was similar to that of the original story. Everything from the colours to the way the characters were drawn. I liked this touch as in my opinion it gave the film more credibility and watch-ability. Another lovely touch is that the author Michael Rosen also makes an appearance as the Bear.

The film features the voices of Olivia Colman, Pam Ferris and Mark Williams as brand new characters Mum, Grandma and Dad. In addition to the film the DVD comes with some great special features and even some bear ears!

With half term around the corner this is such a heart warming film to enjoy all together and for many years after.

Available to Buy and Download.

The DVD was sent for review, all words are my own opinion

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Every year we like to give the girls a book for Christmas, and we also like to have a new book with a Christmas or winter theme. I love giving the gift of reading as it is a gift like no other. Watching a child become engrossed in a book and listening to their imagination as they interact with a story is such a wonderful feeling. The same extends for adult hood, I love nothing more than escaping into a good book. Hiding away and shutting out the world and just becoming engrossed in the text on the pages, is a feeling you cannot compare anything to.

We are a family of book lovers and so it is only fitting that I put together a gift guide for book lovers like us.

1. A book for Christmas

We love reading a Christmas themed book and one of our favourites this year is The Snowflake Mistake by Lou Treleavan. This book is a simply wonderful tale about the snowflakes and how they are created, but it also teaches children to appreciate and value the uniqueness in each of us. It is a heart warming tale and perfect for cuddling up to on a winters night.

2. A Book for Children

A few months ago we review Create me books. These are truly unique books that put your children into the heart of the story. The girls love them and love to dress up as their Princess character. They would make a perfect gift for any child.

3. A book for an adult

As a family we love to travel and explore new places. I can remember as a child looking forward to visiting Butlin's. With the emphisis on family and family fun, it is certainly a place I have many happy memories. We have been really lucky to visit Butlin's with the girls and most recently with Little Man. The girls talk about Butlin's rather a lot and ask to go back with each advert they see on television.

Butlin's has changed quite a lot over the years and this year marks its 80th anniversary. To celebrate Butlin’s presents its first official book ‘The Nations Host: Butlin’s and the story of the British Seaside’. The book has been written in collaboration with acclaimed seaside historian Kathryn Ferry. Kathryn has had unique access to the Butlin’s Heritage Collection archives, and has uncovered many images and items never seen before.

The book is simply amazing. I have spent many hours flicking through the pages, reminiscing about the monorail that I can remember so well. Looking at the chalets as they used to be, and admiring the new inspired chalets. I think many of us have a memory of visiting Butlin's , either as a child with family, on a school trip or perhaps later in life. Butlin's is a British tradition and the book brings back wonderful childhood memories for me. It would certainly make a wonderful and treasured gift for anyone with fond Butlin's memories.

4. A little different

I saw this book rest/table light on Red candy and fell in love

I think it is simply amazing. For the book lover it provides a light by which to read your books, it gives a space to store your book and it also acts as a handy page marker, so you know exactly where you are! I think this is such a fantastic idea!

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Morgan Pryce, experts in office rentals in Mayfair asked their staff to choose their favourite books for spring 2016 based on what they are reading on the commute to work. From that four were picked and I am offering one as a prize, the winner can pick which book out of the 4 they would like, subject to availability.

The four books are:

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

At the age of thirty-six, on the verge of completing a decade’s training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. One day he was a doctor treating the dying, the next he was a patient struggling to live.

When Breath Becomes Air chronicles Kalanithi’s transformation from a medical student asking what makes a virtuous and meaningful life into a neurosurgeon working in the core of human identity – the brain – and finally into a patient and a new father.

‘Sadly Paul, the author, died shortly after finishing this book. If anything the fact it is real life makes it such a greater read and although at times sad it was a wonderful book and so inspiring’ Dani, Morgan Pryce

Making It Up As I Go Along by Marian Keyes

Marian gives her guide to breaking up with your hairdresser? Along with the warning she has for us all after a particularly traumatic fling with fake tan. Not to mention the very best lies to tell if you find yourself on an Arctic cruise. She has words of advice for those fast approaching fifty.

You'll be wincing in recognition and scratching your head in incredulity, but like Marian herself you won't be able to stop laughing at the sheer delightful absurdity that is modern life - because each and every one of us is clearly making it up as we go along.

‘I have read loads for Marian Keyes books and I love her sense of humour. It’s light-hearted but also spot on, you have to laugh at yourself sometimes. I love reading something upbeat when I travel into work’. Gina, Morgan Pryce

Pretty Happy by Kate Hudson

A smart beautiful book from a smart inspirational actress and fitness icon. Kate Hudson will share her insights into how every woman can live healthy, strong and beautiful – from the inside out. For Kate Hudson the key to living healthfully is simplicity and positivity. The book includes lots of real-world ideas for eating better, making exercise enjoyable and for clearing the mind to leave space for positive thinking. Kate Hudson’s subscription-based fitness clothing retailer, Fabletics, has been a massive success. Packed with information and inspiration, Kate Hudson’s relatable beauty and dedication to wellness will come through on every page.

‘I love to live healthy but it’s tough when you work long hours but this book is great. Kate is a busy lady and she gives tips you can use in a busy lifestyle’. Anon, Morgan Pryce

Sleepless in Manhattan by Sarah Morgan

Great friends. Amazing Apartment. An incredible job. Paige has ticked off every box on perfect New York life checklist. Until disaster strikes and instead of shimming further up the career ladder, Paige is packing up her desk. Her brother’s best friend Jake might be the only person who can help her put her life back together. He also happens to be the boy she spent her teen years pining after, and Paige is determined not repeat her past mistakes. But the more time she spends with Jake, the more Paige realises the one thing that was missing from her world all along. The perfect New York love story…

‘I love Devil Wears Prada and Sex in the City, so this book was a sure win with me. It has my favourite components New York and Love! A joy to read’ Zoe, Morgan Pryce

Entry is via the widget below which contains full terms and conditions. Prize supplied by commercial offices in Shoreditch

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Thing 3 has once again felt very lucky this week and has had some lovely things sent

I Love My Mummy by Jonathan Litton and illustrated by Fhiona Galloway - Little Tiger Kids

Thing 3 is due just after Mothers day, they might even be my Mothers day present! I love my Mummy is a wonderful hard back book from Little Tiger Kids which follows a cast of animals who all want to say thank you to their Mums. The gorgeous colourful artwork from Fhiona Galloway really helps to make the story blossom. This is such a beautiful book for Thing 3, who will love the bright colours, the rhyming story and of course the flower finger holes.

Natural Birthing Company - Pure Bliss and Down Below

I have been really lucky with both girls to have had straight forward labours and no tears. I am hoping to be as lucky this time around but just in case have started using Down Below from Natural birthing company. Down below can be used from 34 weeks of pregnancy and is for perineal massage. Full instructions of how to perform a perineal massage are included. It is really simple to use and fingers crossed it helps to reduce the possibility of tearing.

The product can also be used all over the body as well to moisturise & condition the skin. The calendula ingredient is great for the dry itchy skin you get on your bump as it grows. The rosehip oil within it is brilliant for stretch marks too, so the product is a good all rounder. It's fragrance free which is crucial for where it is designed to be used - any fragrance could cause a sensitivity. It is also completely natural because again any petroleum, or other chemical additives could cause issues. It's suitable for use by Vegans as the Natural birthing company are against animal testing and none of their products or ingredients have been tested on animals.

Pure Bliss is for after birth to create soothing compresses for either your perineum or c-section wound. I have not yet used the product as I have not needed to, but I have it in my hospital bag ready. It smells great and is 100% natural and suitable for vegans. It can be used straight away after birth (with a c-section you'd need to wait until your dressing was removed), you can place your compress from the front area (labia grazes etc) right round to the back (to get those haemorrhoids too). It can be used with stitches, episiotomies etc. It brings instant comfort & relief to any soreness down there, and promotes the natural healing. It also had anti-fungal properties so helps to prevent any infections.

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning a Pure Bliss and Down Below from the Natural birthing company, then follow the instructions on the widget below. Full terms and conditions and closing date are available on the widget.

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I love to give gifts that are unique and personalised, as I personally feel they add an extra special touch. I am currently looking for gifts to give the girls from the new baby and also gifts for Easter. They get a lot of chocolate from family so I prefer to give them something a little different.

Create me Books allow you to create a personalised children's books for little ones (ages 2-7). With our love for reading I knew these would be a great gift for the girls. The first step in the ordering process is adding the childs name, followed by the gender and finally a personal message. I love the touch of adding a personalised message, as the book can then be given for any occasion.

The personalisation process then takes you through to character options. You can choose not only the hair colour, but skin colour and clothes. Again, a great idea to help add more of a personalised touch to make your child the star of the story. If like me you create a book for each child, each book can be slightly different for each child making them feel extra special. Once personalisation is finished you can then preview the final book. The whole process is very quick and easy to do.

A story for a boy does vary slightly to that for a girl, but overall the story follows the same theme. From ordering to printing and delivery takes around 10 days, which for a personalised book I find a good turn around time.

The books are of a great quality and high print finish. The characters in the book have a fun cartoon style to them, which appeals to the girls. They love spotting their names throughout the book and listening to the story. The story is the same in each of the girls book, but with the difference of names and characters. Overall I am very happy with the books and the girls love them.

I am very pleased to be able to give away a Create me book. This will be a code to receive a book for free. To enter simply follow the details on the widget below, which also contains full terms and conditions.

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In the final few weeks [or days] before Thing 3 arrives, I am feeling really lucky to be able to work with some amazing brands. This week Thing 3 has received some wonderful things, and I am getting more excited for their arrival.

Snüz Pod

Both my girls were terrible sleepers as babies. My eldest wanted a hand on her cheek in order to sleep and my youngest liked a hand on her tummy or to be laid on my chest. Both proved difficult to do in a standard crib and I would be sat upright most of the night until they eventually fell back asleep. Whilst I would have loved to have co slept with the girls, in all honesty I was too scared to in case I squashed them in my sleep.

When I saw Snüz Pod I knew that it would have made such a difference when the girls were babies. The mesh side allowing me to watch them whilst they are asleep, zip down side to allow co sleeping without my fear of squashing and a way for me to lie down and comfort the girls as they wanted.

Imagine my excitement when I found out I would be lucky enough to be sent a Snüz Pod to review for Thing 3. To say I am over the moon is an understatement, I really feel lucky. Along with the Snüz Pod I have been sent some absolutely gorgeous bedding, which I cannot wait to put Thing 3 in.

I have a feeling my Dad is also excited, a when he saw the box he wanted to put the Snüz Pod together.

I am going to be sharing a first impression post of the Snüz Pod, which will include how we found assembly, on the blog soon.

I simply cannot stop looking at the Snüz Pod as it sits at the side of my bed in waiting ready for Thing 3!

Colours colours

Colours Colours everywhere is written by Libby Walden and illustrated by Samantha Meredith. The black base for the book really helps to accent the colours and show off their brightness I personally love this as it helps the little ones with the colours. Some sections of the book are raised which helps little hands explore the book and engage with the story. I really love the simple story which flows beautifully through the book. The illustrations are really child friendly and help little ones want to engage with the book. This will be a gorgeous book to introduce Thing 3 to colours.

Peekaboo 1 2 3 and Peekaboo A B C

We have a huge passion for reading in our house and we are all secretly hoping that Thing 3 loves to read too. Peekaboo 123 and Peekaboo ABC by Gareth Lucas are gorgeous hard back books with large lift up flaps. The books have made a stunning addition to Thing 3 growing book collection. They are the perfect size to hold and share with a little one. The text in both books is humorous and accompanied with bright colourful illustrations. They are both great books and I think Thing 3 is going to love them. Peekaboo 123 and Peekaboo ABC are published by Little Tiger press and priced at £9.99 each. They will be available from the 10th March.

Tomme Tippee Ultra

Tommee Tippee have launched a baby bottle like no other. It has 85% of Mums saying that it is the best baby bottle they have ever used. The Tommee Tippee Ultra offers:

- An extra wide teat to give a more breast-like shape for baby to latch on to, making it easier to combination feed

- A contour zone has been built in to the Ultra teat which gives a secure seal to help reduce air ingestion and comfort. It also reduces the amount of air dribbles

- The angled teat on the Ultra ensures milk flows down the bottle even to the end of the feed, giving a more natural feeding position.

I cannot wait to give the Ultra a try with Thing 3.

Deep Freeze

Not strictly for Thing 3, but this week I received some Deep Freeze patches. I have tried to be as active as possible in this pregnancy but the problems I have encountered with hip displacement and torn abdominal muscles have not helped.

As Thing 3 has got bigger I have been experiencing back pain and Deep Freeze Cold Patch ensures a consistent, long-lasting cold analgesia at the point of pain but without the mess and fuss of an ice pack.

The Deep Freeze Cold Patch contains menthol, aloe vera and water in a hydrogel layer which slowly evaporates to produce prolonged cooling relief without a hint of drips or dampness. The slim profile and flexibility of the adhesive patch means it can easily be hidden under clothing and is suitable for use on any joint. The adhesive patch can also be worn without restricting movement or needing to be replaced frequently to maintain the cooling effect. Once in place it will work for up to three hours.

They are easy to apply and really help with pregnancy aches and pains.

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It has been a rather exciting time for Thing 3. All at once things seem to be arriving, from the less exciting things like nappy liners for my washable nappies and of course the disposable nappies to some really exciting items!

Babyzen Yoyo

We sold or gave away all of our baby items so had no pushchair for Thing 3, well unless you include BOB but as that is a double and not suitable until 6 months it was not something we could use straight away. With my tummy muscles torn and hips displaced I decided that one of my priorities in a pushchair was that it would be lightweight. I do not know how long it will take me to recover after Thing 3 arrives and I so a light weight pushchair was a must.

We are also planning a family holiday to Florida, we were supposed to be going this year but due to fly on my due date so we had to reschedule, and I wanted something we could take with us. I did a lot of research into different systems and the Babyzen YoYo ticked all of our boxes.

I have purchased this pushchair and not been sent it to review, however I may well write a review on it as I absolutely love it so far. It is incredibly light weight and has a really small fold, it is actually cabin approved for most airlines. I love how easy it is to fold and unfold, and whilst I won't use it as a running pushchair I will be using it as my every day pushchair. I cannot wait for Thing 3 to arrive!

Brother Max Thermometer

The Brother Max is a 6 in 1 contact less thermometer, and I think it is fantastic. I remember the struggles of having to take a temperature from a wriggly baby and never getting an accurate reading. The thermometer is so easy to use, simply press the forehead button and point. It takes the temperature and displays the reading.

In addition you can also take the temperature of the room, food, milk, bath water and skin. All contact less so you could get an idea if something was too hot before using it or giving it to your child. Whilst for Thing 3, I can see this getting used for the whole family. The girls have been taking the temperatures of everything they can think of and think it is lots of fun. I will be sharing a full review and a video soon!

Sam the Sleepy Sheep

My girls take ages to go to sleep, in fact we started bedtime at 6pm it is now 10.15 and I still have one awake [my eldest]. Once they are asleep they do stay asleep though which I guess is a bonus. I am hoping Thing 3 does not behave the same way and is actually a good sleeper.

Sam the Sleepy Sheep is a story that has been designed using language patterns to help children relax and feel tired. The book comes with instructions at the start which took me a while to get used to, I did have to read the book a few times out loud without the girls just to get used to how to read the story. You can also get the story on audio book if you prefer.

My eldest at 5 cannot seem to switch off and for her she wants to read the book with me. She does not yet seem to be capable of just lying and listening to the story, so as of yet I do not know if it would work on her. My youngest however will lie back and listen. The story does seem to have a calming property on her and when we do read the book bedtime is much quicker and easier.

We do not read Sam the Sleepy Sheep every night, as the girls like to vary the stories they have read and to be honest some nights I myself am just too tired to read a longer story and perhaps put the emphasis that is needed with this book. On the nights we do read it, I can say that it does really help my youngest to unwind.

When Thing 3 arrives I hope to read the book to them too to help them to drift off to a good nights sleep.

Kiddy evolution pro 2

This week has been incredibly exciting as the other item to arrive is the car seat! I originally wanted a car seat that would lie flat in the car, however this was not possible as they did not fit in my car. It is always important to test the car seats first as not all seats fit every car. I also have two other car seats in my car for each of the girls and have to fit Thing 3 car seat around these.

The Kiddy evolution pro 2 can allow baby to lie flat outside of the car, so if I ever did decide to take the car seat out of the car I could make use of the lie flat feature. We have practised putting it in the car and it is incredibly easy to install. There are so many safety features, the newborn inlay feels incredibly padded and soft and I love the extending sun canopy. Cannot wait to bring Thing 3 home in it and I will be writing a full review too.

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We are very lucky that when we found out we were expecting Thing3 that we had enough bedrooms. It did mean that I had to give up my office, but this has now been relocated. My office walls were decorated recently in Graham and Brown wallpaper and it was decided that rather than removing the paper we would instead paint over the top to brighten up the room.

I wanted to keep the nursery neutral as we do not know if Thing3 is male or female and I settled on Ammonite and Dimpse, from Farrow and Ball, for the walls. These colours both have soft natural hints to them and as this is a little room I thought it would be perfect for adding in light. Dimpse has a subtle grey tone to it and Ammonite has more a natural fossil colour. I felt the two would compliment each other really well.

I was really pleased that the paint covered the walls well and only needed one coat. Farrow and Ball paint has a real luxurious touch to it, which you can see when you paint. I wanted to ensure a good coverage over the wallpaper and therefore Farrow and Ball was the paint of choice. In certain lights the walls change colour slightly, with the feature wall becoming darker and the other walls becoming closer to white and then sometimes grey. I think it depends on the light from the window and if in natural light or artificial light. I love these subtle changes to the room. The room feels really warm and welcoming, and the natural tones on the walls add a calming effect to the room.

The carpet in the room was the original black carpet from when we moved in. This has been in need of replacing for some time and converting the space into a nursery seemed the optimum moment to do so. I settled for a hardwood floor, as it is much easier to keep clean, plus it is then in keeping with the rest of the house. Once the flooring had been laid it was a case of adding in the furniture.

The room has a fitted wardrobe, so all that was needed was a cot and chest of drawers. The drawers I already had, and the cot we painted from a second had cot which I bought online. I made sure it met all current safety standards and had the required stamps before purchasing. It looks brand new and I am so pleased with it.

There was originally a sofa in my office and I decided to keep this in the nursery for night feeds. We all love superheroes in our house and I thought this, along with Dr Seuss would be perfect for the theme for the nursery. I came across a batman cushion online and knew the second I saw it that it had to be in the nursery.

I had had a canvas shopping bag which the handles broke from Cosatto and by sticking velcro in the top I converted it to a cushion cover. Perfect for the nursery. The sofa has been used to create a reading corner. We have a real love for books and reading in our house and we are hoping Thing3 develops this same love. As this is only a small room I purchased a tidy books book case in white to help display all the wonderful books for Thing3. The girls both have tidy book cases which I have also purchased for them and they take up very little floor space, along with giving easy access to the books.

The girls have their scan pictures displayed on the walls in their bedrooms, and I found the hanging frame in Asda in the sale. It is the perfect size for adding scan pictures to.

The reading corner is finished with my beautiful wooden print from Imprify, which of course is of the girls in their superhero costumes.

I would love a superhero themed rug and blind to go in the nursery but have not yet managed to find one, but these can be added once Thing3 arrives.

I really love the nursery and the way the room has transformed from my office to a room filled with love ready for Thing3 arrival.

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