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This day I love.......

My youngest daughter loves Squishy and collectable characters, she also loves to be creative. When I heard about the smooshins surprise maker kit I immediately thought it would be something she would want to try. The smooshins surprise maker kit provides over 10,000 different combinations and you can purchase additional colour pouches and moulds so the surprise maker can be used again and again.

Whilst the instructions are really clear and easy to follow I am rather grateful that the Surprise maker kit comes with a practise colour pouch. Our first 2 attempts were unsuccessful, which is why in the video the kids are wearing different clothes! On one of our attempts we did not mix the colour enough. You have 90 seconds to mix all the colour together. In another attempt we took too long to squeeze the colour into the maker, you only have 30 seconds to do so. 


The maker also lights up different colours in an attempt to guide you through the process.


We were very much third time lucky.

It is really important to fully pop the colour pouch and then mix it within the allocated time, followed by squeezing the colour before it hardens. A top tip would be to make full use of the practise pouch that comes with the kit, as it really does give you an idea of what to do. We also found that the longer you leave in the mould the better the product is. We left in the maker for 4 hours and then left it in the mould overnight. 

The girls talk through step by step how to make a Smooshin here



Now we know what to do and have had practise runs it is actually a lot quicker and simpler than the first time we did it. The girls really enjoy making the Smooshins and the extra surprise of not knowing what the character will be like really helps add to the magic. It is also great that additional moulds and colour pouches can be purchased so that you can continue to use the surprise maker kit once the supplied materials have been used up.

Smooshins are a really cute collectable toy, and the added mystery of not knowing what they will look like adds a whole element of fun to the creating process. My girls aged 8 and 6 really enjoyed making them and could do so with very minimal help. They are wanting to make some more so I am going to have to buy some more colour pouches for them.

The Smooshins maker was sent for review, all words are my own opinion. 

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If you follow me over on Instagram you will know that I have not been very well this past week. In fact the house has been full of lurgy! So much so that Saturday evening saw Little Man rushed to hospital with breathing problems. The problem when you are a parent and you are poorly is that you still have to take care of the tiny humans you have responsibility for. When there are 3 of them to entertain, each with different needs it can be extra tricky.

First port of call for the youngest two was trying to make me feel better. This obviously involved listening to my heart beat and checking my temperature. Little man seemed to shove all the medical tools into my ear, which didn't help matters.


After my check up I really needed a little bit of peace and quiet. Lets face it I wasn't feeling well to start with and a 2 year old performing a check up who is not the most delicate did not seem to help matters. Entertaining 3 children and keeping them quiet can be tricky but I found a solution. Mess free painting!


Little Brian paint sticks provided mess free painting and kept all three children quiet. Win all round. The paint sticks were perfect even for Little Man to hold and he had no issues twisting the paint up to use. There is no need for brushes or water, so nothing to clean up and no accidents to spill. Even better they are non toxic and wipe off glass and wooden tables easily [don't ask how I know].


With the colours drying really quickly creativity began flowing and the children were busy with their masterpieces. The colours really bold and vivid and dried the same way too. 


I managed to get some quiet time and the children got to spend some time using their imaginations and creativity. Even better there was no mess to clean up afterwards, except a quick table wipe were Little Man had got very creative.


The Little Brian paint sticks have been a huge hit all around and I can see us using them a lot more and not just when I am poorly!

The paint sticks were sent for review, all words are my own opinion 


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This morning we went for a run and assumed the weather would remain nice for the rest of the day, unfortunately we could not have been more wrong.  The rain came and just would not stop, so in a bid to keep the girls entertained we opened our 80 piece colouring activity set from BIC Kids. 


The kit has everything for wipe-able felt pens to easy to sharpen pencils, including and Alvin and the Chipmunk activity book.  The girls were very excited and could not wait to begin


One of the nice things about the kit is it keeps everything neat and organised.  The girls can easily see the colours and the colours are easy to get out.  It also helped us when tidying up as we could quickly see if any were missing.


The girls spent the afternoon colouring and completing the various activities in their BIC kit.  They both worked together and I had no arguing from them over a colour pencil, which is always a bonus.  


The BIC colouring pack was carefully tidied up after by the girls and has been stored safely for tomorrow.

Thank you to BIC for sending the colouring pack
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I really love apps that allow children to be creative.  This is most certainly the case with the Drawy book app from Bic.  The app allows children to have their drawings come to life.  

The app is free to download and simple to navigate.  The main screen can be rotated and children can explore the whole virtual room, even clicking on certain items.


We had two options to select either free hand drawing or to follow the story of Marty and the alien. 


The story is read out loud and whilst it is a good pace there is no skip option, so you do have to listen to it all.  There are handy hints and tips explaining how the app works, which is great and helps you to understand what to do.  I love that there was always the option to obtain help if needed.


At certain points in the story you are asked to draw an item.  We were asked to draw alien snacks, and this is what my youngest designed. 

Within the design you have the option to edit your creation.  In here you can add stickers to further customise your drawing.

The app is a great way to combine drawing and virtual reality.  Both girls find it great fun to play and I love that it sparks creativity and imagination in them. 
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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. 

Colour Colours everywhere

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.

Peekaboo 123

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.


Tommee Tippee Ultra

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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Regular readers will know my passion for learning.  I am currently in the process of 2 diplomas, both in very different fields and both come with coursework and assignments.  Printing out pages of assignments plus notes can become quite costly.  Even without these courses as a household we still do a lot of printing.

I love printing photos of the girls.  I also enjoy finding activities online and printing these for the girls also.  Needless to say we are a busy household and high technology users.  We try where ever possible though to watch the costs, so when Epson got in touch and said they could reduce our printing costs by 70% I was very keen to discover more.

The Epson ET-2500 is a 3 in 1 ink jet printer, which uses an eco tank and not ink cartridges.  It comes with enough ink to print up to 4,000 pages in black and 6,500 pages in colour which is around 2 years of printing.


The Epson ET-2500 comes with everything you need to set up and start using, with the exception of paper.  It has a small footprint for the amount of functionality within it.  The Epson ET-2500 is able to print, scan and copy.  I was a little worried at first when I saw the CD in the box for install, as my laptop does not have a CD drive, but thankfully the whole set up can be done via an online link.



There are no ink cartridges in the Epson ET-2500, and instead uses an eco tank which you fill with ink.  I found this a little messy the first time I did this but on subsequent colours got more efficient at filling the tanks.  


After filling the eco tanks the Epson ET-2500 the rest of the install process takes place on the computer.  Everything seemed to be done automatically and I needed no knowledge of our WiFi or any detailed computer knowledge.  Simply follow the on screen instructions.



I was quite surprised at how fast set up was, I needed nothing but my computer and the printer no extra cables.  






Once I had set the printer up I downloaded the Epson app onto my smartphone.  The app has a very simple layout to it making it user friendly.  From here I can print direct from my phone, which is something I absolutely love.  No need to scroll back through and find that photo, I can print direct.


As the Epson is WiFi enabled I can also print from anywhere in the house, or even outside the house.  There is the ability to store documents in the cloud and print when you get home or to print directly from anywhere.  My husband has been taking full advantage of this feature by sending me random messages via the printer, whilst he is at work.

Overall I have been very impressed with the Epson ET-2500.  I love that there is the option to scan and copy as well as print.  It takes both paper and photo paper meaning no need for a separate photo printer and with its WiFi capability I can print from anywhere at great quality and at less cost.


Thank you to Epson for sending the ET-2500, all words are my own opinion 
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Your house is much more than the four walls and the roof.  It is more than the bricks and the motar that go into make up your home.   Having that home feeling is a sign of comfort and release. It is the ability for you to come in and be with those you love. Being at home is safe and secure. It is your place and yours alone. You can be who you are here and it doesn't matter.

Similarly, there are days when you can make it sparkle and others when you can let it go a bit. There is something of you and your family here. You find your pets curling up on the couch the moment you leave. Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a house a home? And is there anything you can do to make it more so? 


It’s a matter of time.

I think that it’s true to say that time lived in a house will certainly leave its mark. I don’t just mean through the decades. I mean the personality that rubs off when you engage with family life. The activities and bits and pieces that get brought back from trips and travels. The photographs we start to collect, that build up on the surfaces and even walls. All of these add your personal touches. Even the marks and scratches that come with activities and accidents will tell their story. These are some things that only time can take care of, but maybe there are some things that we could do now to instantly bring that touch of home into our houses. A touch that is stylish and personal all at the same time.

Furnishings and fittings

These are the big stamps that we put on any room. A lounge space cries out for that feature piece of furniture that everyone can curl up on. You might have a well-loved couch or be considering upgrading. Think comfort as well as style. Home Space Direct has pretty much everything you need to bring that comfort factor into your home. The more we personalise a space, the more we own it. Couches and sofas no matter how old and preloved, come alive with throws and cushions. These are great for nestling up in and occasionally throwing around!

I quite like the idea of stretching out our family space to include the floor. A colourful feature rug is a good way to bring personality into a room. These look great on wooden flooring but they also serve just as well on top of fitted carpet. Floor cushions add extra seating as well as encouraging family play. The more furnishings we use, the more we soften the edges. The softer the edges, the greater the comfort factor.

Let beautiful colours surround you

Some colours are better than others at creating that welcoming feeling. White and brighter tones aren't a problem as they encourage light. One problem is they might show marks up easily. They do make a great backdrop for artifacts and other wall features that add character. Try and steer away from anything that is too bright and ‘in your face’ colour wise. You might also want to restrict your use of cool colours such as blues and greens. Soft, warm tones help that homely feeling and a good selection can turn a room around from being cold and unloved to warm and welcoming.

Texture is another way to allow touch and feeling to influence your choice of furnishing. There are some fabulous wall coverings that are softened almost to the feel of fabric. Have fun with tactile accessories. Have a fluffy cushion and a selection of gorgeous soft blankets for people to draw up and use.

The curtains you choose to use on your windows can add a real comfort factor. This is especially true at this time of year. Being able to draw floor length curtains not only keeps out the cold, but it also allows the warmth and intimacy you have created, to stay in the room.

Light your space with luxurious down lights and banish any harsh overhead lights. Instead, opt for lamps that you can alter and create intimate pools of light around the room

Your walls can be a family gallery

Your walls can be a place to show off your personality and bring a sense of family into the heart of your home. A great way to do this is display treasured artwork, or just allow your taste in pictures to create mood. Family portraits are great to have around and it can be worth getting some of your better pictures printed out and put into a good sized frame. It can be so nice to see the printed image rather than the digital version.



Storage spaces.

No one wants to live in a museum and some homes can seem a little sterile at times. It’s okay to allow your bits and pieces to spread around but you want to have handy and great storage solutions for the times when you want things tidied away. You also want to have things like board games accessible. They'll be easy to get out (and put away again). Create spaces for shoes and coats so they don’t clutter up your living space.

Personalise your space

Have things around you that reflect who you are. These are the books, the DVDs and the CD’s that you enjoy. All of these say something about you at the same time. It’s lovely to see your real personality shine through. You could have things that remind you of places you have travelled to. Vases, pottery and even random pieces of driftwood all tell a story. Stones, pebbles and feathers make colourful additions and touches.

Did your grandparents ever have a room that was saved for ‘best’ and special occasions? These rooms often have a cold and non lived in feel. Draw your family into shared real living space. It may be possible to for you to create separate areas, using lighting and even screens that will allow some members to have a quiet area, nook or alcove. It would be great to think that someone could be curled up with a book without being disturbed no matter what else is going on.

Encourage family in your space. Try not to let it just become a room for entertainment. Draw everyone together for treats or get out a family board game and open up the floor. The more you allow this to happen, the more your personality, taste and touches will become a part of your house and your home. 

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A few months ago I posted in my running update about the 5K run or dye which I had entered into.  I could not believe that the event was finally here, when I booked August seemed a long way away.  Run or Dye includes everyone and with my eldest daughter wanting to run, she accompanied me on the course.

The course at Castle Howard was very hilly, but incredibly beautiful.  My eldest was amazing, she runs at full sprint then walks to catch her breath before running at full speed again.  It took about 45 minutes but she loved it and loved running through the rainbows.

After the run or dye run

As this was a fun run there were no medals at the end.  My daughter did not know that I had signed her up for the Virtual runner kids medal and at the end of the race I presented her with her medal.  She asked why no one else had a medal and I said it was because she was the best 4 nearly 5 year old who ran today.  She was very pleased. 

eldest with running medal

Our journey home took us past the airfield where my Dad has been building a plane.  Having last seen the plane as a shell I was keen to take a look, and I think the girls were excited too.  I am so proud of my Dad for building a plane, it is amazing to look at and it flies beautifully, incredibly smooth.  It is hard to recognise the shell it once was.  The girls loved having a grand tour and although they desperately wanted to fly we thought it best to wait until they are a little bigger.

the girls in the plane

Watching the girls in the plane with my Dad reminded me of me and my sister doing the same when we were younger.  A colourful family weekend

This day I love a colourful flying visit. 
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My eldest daughter asks every morning if she can go for a run.  I love this in her and that she wants to be active and be outdoors.  Her face lit up when I told her we were off for a run this morning and she quickly got ready.  

We proceeded to a local park for the colour run.  Both girls were very excited as they spotted the mascots from various sports team walking round.  The mascots kicked off the colour run with a mascot race, which was rather comical.  Thankfully ParaTed was on scene. 


It was then time to enter the colour pit, which the girls loved.


Both girls then wanted to throw some paint, so I stood and braced myself as they threw orange paint at me

the girls throw paint

It was time for the run.  I followed the 5K course whilst the girls and their Dad did a fun run in the park, which also involved stopping off at the swings and throwing paint!

running 5k

The colour run was great fun which the girls loved, they thought it was really funny when we called at the supermarket with me looking like this.

after the colour run

I decided to create a quick video of the day using the RealTimes app.  I met the team from RealTimes at Britmums Live and have been looking for an excuse to try out the app.  RealTImes offers photo and video storage and the ability to create stories and albums.  I have even entered this video into their Ultimate family moments competition, as this is the perfect way to remember a wonderful day out with the family and the girls asking to do more running!


This day I love a colourful Sunday
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Since my last running update where I completed my first 10K I have been too poorly to run.  After getting over a nasty virus I damaged the muscles in my chest wall.  At one point it was thought it could be much more serious.  Everything is painful, particularly twisting and breathing.  Sneezing, hiccups and coughing are extremely painful and I at one point I was struggling to breathe normally.

The pain has started to ease up and my right side so far seems better.  I am breathing normal but still struggle with a deep breath.  I have a half marathon to run at the start of June and really need to get back into training.  I am really missing running, which is something I never thought I would say.

I have been looking for something to cheer me up and decided that a nice colourful run should do it.  Run or Dye promises to be the worlds most colourful 5k and even better given my current health state, it can be walked, run or danced.  

run or dye



Run or Dye looks like such a fun event and really cheered me up.  The girls would love it too, and kids under 6 go free.  The girls would love to paint a rainbow again, they have taken part in a colourful run before but this looks much bigger.

colourful run

I am hoping to start running again next week but take things very slowly.  If you fancy joining me on the worlds most colourful 5K I would love to see you there and I have a discount code for when you register, use code KISDISCOUNT.  I am hoping to run at the Castle Howard event.

run or dye discount code



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The sun seems to have disappeared this week and the grey sky and rain looks like it is here to stay.  This weekend was a complete wash out with heavy rain making it impossible to venture out.  Instead we decided to stay in and do a spot of painting.

We are Lottie Doll ambassadors and had just heard about a competition to win a collection of Lottie dolls.  As ambassadors we cannot enter but I thought it would be great fun to take part.  The competition brief is straight forward

'Use your imagination to design a pair of unique wellies for Lottie! One lucky child will WIN a Collection of the new Lottie Dolls and Accessories! (pictured)  #getmudd'

Muddy Puddles Lottie is perfect for my girls, she loves going on muddy adventures.  Enjoying the sound of mud squelching under her feet and jumping in muddy puddles.  Muddy puddles Lottie is just like my girls.  She comes with the following accessories

·         Yellow hooded raincoat with blue striped lining
·         Rain boots
·         A long sleeved t-shirt
·         Corduroy shorts
·         Striped leggings

The wet weather helped with the inspiration for our designs and the girls got stuck in

girls painting

It wasn't long before my youngest took it a step further and began designing her boots on her legs

youngest painting legs

The girls designed some rather pretty patterns and colours.

colourful feet

Why not give it a go yourself and design a unique pair of boots for Lottie, to help her splash and jump on her muddy adventures! You could win an entire collection of new Lottie Dolls and Accessories! #getmuddy.

Details of the competition are:

End Date: Tuesday the 5th of May 2015

Prizes: A selection of the new Lottie dolls and accessories. 

Lottie competition

How to enter:
Download the design template here; http://lott.ie/Rain-Boots-Template

Visit the app here through our Facebook page and website; (facebook) http://lott.ie/Rain-Boots-Design & (website) http://lott.ie/Website-Entry-Competition

General Terms and Conditions;
Parental permission required to enter. Competition open to kids aged 10 and under only. Multiple entries permitted. Open to all territories. All handwritten text provided must be also typed by an adult, in order for the submission to be considered.

Further information on terms and conditions can be found within the competition app.

Entries will be posted on our Lottie Pinterest page and selected entries will be posted on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; https://www.pinterest.com/lottiedolls/muddy-puddles-rain-boots-design-competition/

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Some days are full of fun.  

I had won tickets to see Ready, Steady, Colour in Huddersfield.  It looked great fun and I was so pleased to be picked as one of the winners.  We arrived in Huddersfield and were shown to our table.  The minute we stepped inside the girls began to giggle.  The waiters were so funny and amazingly good with children.

Choosing from the menu

The girls made their choices from the menu and were then given mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise.  This was of course yellow paint, red paint, and glue.  We were also given some salt and pepper, glitter.

Our paint

Our dinner soon arrived and the girls got stuck in.  Their imagination went wild and they coloured everything in.  Of course whilst we were having our dinner the waiters and cook continued to entertain the girls.

fish,chips and chilli peasone cherry cake

The girls tummies were soon full of laughter and their imaginations were full to bursting they could not eat another bite.  Lucky for us we could take away our creations.

ready steady colour

After an amazing lunch there was only one thing left to do, take a walk and look for fairies.  

one very happy fairy

The fairies were very well hidden.  We looked in the castle

exploring the castle

We even looked inside some beautiful flowers

pretty pink flower

We went deeper and deeper into the bluebells woods looking for the fairies.  

fairies in the woods

The big fairies went hunting in bluebell woods, until they found a fairy in the garden.  They didn't find just any fairy they found Tinkerbell

found a fairy


This day I love Silliness and fairy fun
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About me

About Me

Welcome to This Day I love.

My name is Leyla, also known as Mum to my 3 humans and dog Mum to J. I have a passion for the outdoors and love to run. I can often be found off road exploring the trails and fells and covering distances all the way up to 50 miles. As a family we love travelling and discovering new adventures, as I try and run around the world!

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