Category: Reviews

1. My Reverse Resolutions : 2015

   Posted on 8:14pm Friday 1st Jan 2016

   It has become a tradition to look at my resolutions in reverse, 2014 was a particularly good year and rather than setting myself for new year resolutions, I like to reflect on the previous year and what's been acheived.

   For some reason, I have always started my post with my favourite quote of the year and so the quote for 2015 has to be:

   "It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness"

   Charles Spurgeon

    

   So here are my Reverse Resolutions for 2015.

   1. After "working" social media with my own business for such a long time, I decided it was time to get some form of recognition for my talents (ahem). I did it, got a distinction and a real sense of achievement.

   2. My daughters birth story was in the national press. Admitedly some 4 years after it happened but even so, it reminded me of how amazing it was and how empowered I felt after giving birth. 

   3. This lead to a couple of my articles being published in the press, not just on my little corner of the internet, printed in the paper and friends actually realising some of the things I do for a living!

   4. I lost a really good client at the beginning of the year, due to the reduction of their business and it knocked me off balance for a while but they say as one door closes another opens. So that change has given me time to work with some AMAZING new companies, which has pushed my comfort zones and abilities and I am very excited where this will take us into 2016.

   5. Finally, I *think* I may have mastered the work / life balance. I have spent time going out with friends and family, I have walked away from my phone and my laptop to spend time with the people I care about. I do care passionately about my work but making sure that it doesn't engulf my life has become the holy grail and for now, it is within my grasp. Maybe I shall make this my only resolution for 2016, to maintain a healthy balance throughout the whole year. What do you think?

   I shan't mention my ability to consume prosecco at an exceptional rate or how removing nail polish from the carpet should be on my CV, so I shall stick to the resolutions that I am most proud of for now (although the red nail polish was some achievement). How about you? Do you make resolutions? Or would you prefer to look at your achievements in reverse too?

    

    

    

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2. How to make the morning school run a little easier

   Posted on 10:10am Tuesday 27th Oct 2015

   How much do you love your morning routine?

   How often are you left repeating yourself over and over again? What do you want for breakfast? Have you eaten your breakfast? This is our morning routine, does yours look similar?

   

   I don't want to plead with my children but I can't force feed them either, so what are your choices when you have limited time and limited appetite to contend with? I frequently make smoothies or milkshakes for myself so when I was introduced to Up & Go, I was more than a little intrigued. Up&Go, is Australia’s No. 1 breakfast and is a breakfast you can drink on the go – with six yummy flavours to choose from; Banana & Honey, Chocolate, Mixed Berry, Strawberry, Iced Coffee, and Vanilla.

   Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but 60% of Brits skip breakfast at least once a week, so with Up&Go you can grab a nutritious breakfast while on the move. Children need energy after a night's sleep so skipping breakfast is not something I advocate but giving me an nutritionally balanced alternative containing as much fibre, protein and calcium as a bowl of cereal it can be a healthy and smart choice.

   So if we can be tempted by the delicious flavours (the sweet Vanilla was my particular favourite), does it make a difference and save time on our morning routine? Take a look for yourselves ....

   

    It won't be for everyone but it works for us and at £4.99 for a pack of four, I know that it will be going on next weeks shopping list.  

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   Disclosure:  This post is in association with Up and Go.

3. How much can you fit in an Orla Kiely bag?

   Posted on 5:34pm Thursday 15th Oct 2015

   I have a love of bags (although my husband doesn't seem to have the same appreciation for the quantity of bags that I need in my life) but over the years as my collection has grown, it has become apparant that some designer bags never seem to be particularly practical for every day use. So when I got the opportunity to review the Orla Keily Midi Sling bag, I was determined to put it through its paces.

    

   The handy bit for mums:

   The first thing that struck me was the fabric. It is nylon and I have to admit that initially I was unsure about it but unlike other fabrics, the nylon wipes clean which is a HUGE plus when you have small sticky fingered children around. I have found that the rain also just runs off it .... a big plus for me as I am usually carrying a small child and trying to juggle an umbrella so my bag is flung over my shoulder somewhere getting soaking wet.

   

   The info bit:

   • Beautiful handbag to wear for all occasions
   • Nylon bag with magnetic closure
   • Webbing handles and leather trims with logo card holder
   • Inside includes small zip pocket, key chain and mobile pocket
   • H 27 cm x W 30 cm x D 9 cm
   • Handle Length 116 cm - this adjusts too which is handy.

   

   The useful bit:

   I mentioned at the top of this post that some designer bags aren't always practical but I shared this photo on Instagram the other day showing just how much room is inside the Orla Kiely bag as I could fit my purse, phone, baby wipes, hairbrush, hair grips, phone charger, perfume, notepaper and a random green balloon and there was still ALOT of room left. I could easily get a spare outfit for one of the children in there too, which is always handy with those aforementioned sticky fingered children!

   Retailing at £119.99 it is not the cheapest bag you could find to use everyday but the quality of the stiching, zips and handles shout quality and it is currently on offer at Cloggs for £80.00*, so it is a great time to grab a gorgeous bag at a discounted rate...... or if you have been a really good girl, you could just put it on your list for Father Christmas!

    

   *price correct at the 15th October 2015. I was gifted the Orla Kiely bag for the purpose of this post.

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4. How to pack "light" for the half term holiday

   Posted on 10:24am Wednesday 7th Oct 2015

   The children seem like they have only been back at school for five minutes but October half term is creeping up on us, so planning a half term get away may be a good way to cast off the autumnal blues that seem to have descended. But holiday packing can be an absolute nightmare, whether you’re sneaking off for a naughty weekend or jetting off for a fortnight with the family and the bane of baggage costs, suitcase sizes, (lets not get started on the liquid allowances) and the inevitable repacking at the check-in desk can be daunting for even the ardent traveller. This obviously doesn't apply if you are going camping, as it is important to pack all the kit for your tent, as you need them robustly built! 

   So we have put together some easy to follow steps for packing light this half term. 

   

   1. Most of us tend to buy new clothes for our holidays but how about taking old clothes and undergarments and dispose of them each day leaving more room for momentos to bring home if you choose. It also cuts down on items that will need washing when you return.

   2. Don't bother packing towels, they take up far too much room (and weight). Most resorts have them available now but if you really insist on taking one, try the Hammamas as they have a beautiful range of turkish cotton towels, which are perfect for taking on holiday as a beach towel, or sarong. We tried one over the summer and they really are super absorbent, lightweight and fast drying, and come in a gorgeous range of colours and sizes too.

    

   3. Think carefully about the clothes that you want to take with you and question whether you really need a different pair of shoes for every night. If you are staying in the UK, the British weather can be unpredictable but you don’t want to end up bringing everything plus the kitchen sink! Pack clothes for your holiday that you can mix and match together and make sure you bring plenty of layers.

   4. Travel size toiletries are your friend. You don't need to take the full size bottle of shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and most have a travel size alternative, which is ideal if you really want to travel light by only taking hand luggage. 100ml liquid rules mean you don't want to have to leave your favourite product in the security bin in the airport.

   5. Leave the laptop behind, as well as the iphone, ipads and any other tech gadget you can think of. For computer addicts, being away from the internet’s constant flow of data for a few days recharges and relaxes you in ways that you never experience at home. Unless of course you have children who can be kept entertained on the plane with an iPad!

   6. If you are travelling with your partner, most men dont usually take hand luggage, so getting him a flight bag means that  he can keep all your travel documents in one place (over his body) and you can simply carry on to the plane. With an easy over the shoulder strap, the Spiral Flight Bags let you keep all your valuables within arm’s reach which avoids having to rummage around in your carry case or handbag every time you pass security.

    

   7. If you can spare 10 minutes a night while you are aware to wash your socks and underwear in your hotel room, you could save a lot of space in your suitcase.

   8. Wear your heaviest clothing on the plane, like jeans and boots to travel in, you will have them with you but they won't contribute to the weight of your case!

   9. Keep your sunglasses, ear plugs, snacks, lip balm, toothbrush, hairbrush, a change of underwear, pen, and any special medicines and necessary items you need in the top of your bag or even in your hand luggage because you never know what may happen when you travel.

   10. Wheels? Do you need them on your luggage? You should consider if you want your bag or suitcase to have wheels or not. They take up lots of precious packing space and add weigh to your bag. But they are also super handy at helping to maneuver luggage through airports!

    What would you add to the list?

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