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On the Lilypad, we love unique and unusual gifts and every once in a while a truly revolutionary product hits the market and the incredible Magic Mitten is one such example. This ingenious product is set to help parents across the world instantly settle distressed babies and regain precious sleep!

The patented Magic Mitten is the first ever handheld baby calming aid that plays settling white noise sounds that only your baby can hear. The specially designed sounds have a swiftly calming effect that will soothe your baby whenever it’s distressed. Even babies with colic are gently soothed into a calm state, removing a stressful burden from sleep deprived mums and dads.

The clever design allows you to securely and easily hold your baby while holding the Magic Mitten to your baby’s ear so it can be used by anyone, at anytime, at home or out and about. Simply pop it in your baby bag wherever you and baby go.

Features:

•   Fixed volume providing safe decibel level               
•   Automatically switches off after 10 minutes use for safety & prolonged battery                                                                              
•   Three sound options, including mother's heartbeat, ocean waves and rain on a tin roof
•   Triple layered comfort pad for cushioning and sound diffusion
•   Removable comfort pad for easy cleaning
•   Rechargeable via AC/DC charger or USB connection included 

 

The Magic Mitten is set to hit the UK this month and will be available for £39.99 from www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk as well as a number of carefully selected retailers. 

The Magic Mitten Story

The Magic Mitten was created in New Zealand by father Mark Hubble to help soothe his new daughter Lily. When Lily got herself in a state she was very difficult to settle and Mark and his wife exasperated themselves trying all kinds of things to calm her; dummies, pacing, rocking, singing, driving around in the car...the list goes on. Mark believed there must be a better way. So he began researching the calming effects of white noise and vowed to create a product that brought together the perfect sounds at the perfect pitch.

Mark began designing an effective, safe and portable settling aid, that could be operated while holding a baby, and that didn’t drive everyone in the vicinity crazy. Mark's initial prototype was so successful at calming his daughter Lily that he knew he was onto something. The results were like magic!

Together with friends Simon and Dean, Mark developed, patented and began selling the Magic Mitten, which is now being distributed all over the world.

To find out more about Magic Mitten you can visit www.magicmitten.com but to be in with a chance to win one, you can enter below!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 This competition is also listed on Prize Finder

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After weeks of glorious sunshine, over the past few days the rain fell. And fell. And fell. So after almost surfing through the country lanes that surround our local villages at the weekend, it was no surprise to find that many of the roads were closed this morning due to the rivers breaking their banks and the lanes being flooded. We certainly dont live in the middle of nowhere but apparently close enough to lakes and rivers for them to affect our ability to get anywhere easily and as neither of us want to sit in a car in the floods, stuck in the same position for hours and wondering who to make an arm injury claim from when we end up with tennis elbow!

So the man on the Lilypad decided to work from home today, rather than risk his car floating away down the Blythe River. This was a novelty for the little one and I as we have our routine of eating, playing, sleeping (her, not me) cleaning (me, not her) and working (again me, not her), so it was strange having someone else in the mix.

Having a one year old around isnt really condusive with making sales calls, well any calls really unless she is asleep, so he had to lock himself away while she was awake. I got asked not to put the washing machine on because it is too noisy and I kept chuckling to myself at how "different" our working from home theory is. Dont get me wrong, it was really lovely to have him at home and the little one kept peering round the door saying "da da da da da"  but I had to smile to myself over the amount of times its been said "its easy to work from home isnt it?"  when being at home with the children can be the hardest job in the world, even if it is the most rewarding.

There are lots of work from home opportunities in the UK, with a huge increase in direct marketing and whilst staying at home with your children is definately a life choice, it isnt always the easiest one, no matter what anyone else says ..... just ask my other half!

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I love inspirational quotes, you know the kind that you find yourself nodding along to or the kind that resonate with you completely?  So when I read this on Facebook earlier this week and I was nodding my way through reading it,  it says to share it and I wanted to share it with you.

It was shared from Keith A Wells Snr, although I am unsure if he is the author.

I BELIEVE A Birth Certificate shows that we were born; A Death Certificate shows that we died; Pictures show that we lived! Have a seat . . Relax . And now read this slowly.

I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe - That it' s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe - That maturity has more to d o with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we
are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I believe - That you should send this to all of the people that you believe in. I just did.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

 

What do you believe ...?

Would you add anything to this list?

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There are usually a number of wedding invites every summer but the older we get (ahem), the cycle turns to christenings and sometimes second weddings. Everyone I know is always seeking "something different" and on the Lilypad we are always looking for the unique option so when we were asked to feature some amazing wedding venues, we couldn't resist sharing a little love. 

If you're looking for a wedding venue with a difference, rather than the traditional manor house or chapel, you could turn your attention to the rustic charm of a barn wedding. Perfect if you've chosen a country or vintage (which we love) theme or are hoping for a relaxed atmosphere, barns are ideal venues for your big day celebrations.

Take a look at our pick of five of the best choices for a barn wedding.

Combe Manor, Berkshire

If you have a penchant for history or have chosen a medieval theme for your big day, there are few better barn venues to select than Combe Manor in Berkshire. Comprising two L-shaped barns that have been restored to their former glory, the venue is situated amid rolling countryside in a romantic location.

Within the barn are visible beams and hanging tapestries, which give the venue a rustic, historical ambience. The barn can be decorated to specific tastes and you can also specify the menu you'd like for your wedding breakfast. The venue is accessible from the M4 and A34, while just 50 metres away is a Norman church, and you may be able to hold your ceremony here.

Gaynes Park, Essex

Fans of the great outdoors looking to hold their wedding in a natural location should take a look at Gaynes Park in Essex. The barn is situated on a country estate near Epping, surrounded by parkland.

You can choose to have your ceremony in the Garden Barn, which is open on two sides, opt for the modern and spacious Mill Barn, or hire the beautiful Orangery for your service and walk down the Garden Aisle - which is lined with herbaceous borders - afterwards. There is also a Grade I-listed church nearby, and catering facilities are on hand for your reception. (My brother and sister in law got married here and it is truly beautiful)

The Barn at Chilton, Buckinghamshire

If you're hoping for a simple yet charming wedding, you should consider booking the Barn at Chilton in Buckinghamshire. The vaulted barn, which dates back to the 18th century, is located close to the Georgian Chilton House and retains its charming antique ambience as a result of sympathetic renovation using traditional methods.

Your ceremony can be held in the barn or outdoors on the terrace, which can be covered with a marquee if the weather looks less than promising. Afterwards, enjoy your reception under a marquee to one side of the barn that are accessed via French doors.

Clock Barn, Hampshire

For a truly unique setting for your nuptials, take a look at Clock Barn in Hampshire. The distinctive location comprises a rustic barn with a beamed interior and an eye-catching thatched clock tower, both of which are surrounded by farmland and rural landscapes.

Both the ceremony and reception can be held in the barn, with drapes separating the barn into two areas, and there are catering facilities on site and a variety of mouth-watering menus to browse when choosing your wedding breakfast.

Sandhole Oak Barn, Cheshire

Another wedding barn worth considering (you can browse plenty more at Country House Wedding Venues) is Sandhole Oak Barn in Cheshire. The elegant setting comprises a traditional oak barn with contemporary lighting, a clock tower and a private lake. Located close to the M6 just off the A34, the barn is artistically laid out and also offers 17 luxury en-suite bedrooms, so both you and your guests can relax in the glorious setting overnight following your celebration.

We love unique and we love beautiful things, so they tick all the boxes for us ..... oh and it appeals to my romantic nature too!!

Photo credits : ThinkStock / iStockphoto