Category: Views & Ramblings

1. Make A Wish : Pampers Unicef Partnership

   Posted on 9:33am Wednesday 28th Oct 2015

   When was the last time you made a wish? What did you wish for? Oooh in fact, don't tell me as it might not come true (that is what my Mum always used to say anyway).

   But what about making a wish that really can help make dreams come true?  For 10 years the Pampers® and UNICEF partnership has had only one wish: to eliminate maternal and newborn tetanus everywhere! On the 10th birthday of the Pampers Unicef campaign, they are asking you to watch their "Wishes" video of babies making wishes around the world to help protect babies at risk from newborn tetanus.

   For every view of this video, Pampers will donate 1 life-saving vaccine.

   And every time you share the video on social media, Pampers will donate another life-saving vaccine.

   That's 1 view = 1 vaccine and 1 share = 1 vaccine.

   Since the Pampers-UNICEF “1 pack = 1 vaccine” campaign began in 2006, they have helped to eliminate maternal and newborn tetanus in 17 countries. This means that an estimated 500,000 newborn babies have been saved and a vaccine has reached a mother and her baby every second. However, there are still 21 countries where the disease remains a threat.

   It seems incredulous that in parts of the modern world, a mother and her baby are unable to get the medication they need to survive and whilst it is a different circumstance with my own daughter suffering from asthma, I know how desperate you can feel as a mother when you need medical intervention, so I cannot imagine not having the resources at hand to help my child survive. 

   So how can we help?

   • For every heart-warming picture you share of your LO’s birthday wish on social media using the #PampersUNICEF Pampers will donate the cost of one vaccination
   • For every time you share the Wish Film, Pampers will donate the cost of a vaccination.

   So if you have never shared one of our posts, I ask you to share this one. Wouldn't you wish someone would do that for you and your child?

   

    

    Just one small gesture really can make a huge difference to mothers and babies around the world.

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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. If you see a fairy ring in a field of grass.

   Posted on 8:22pm Sunday 11th Oct 2015

   There has been lots of talk of fairies recently, so when we were invited to a nature birthday party we went in search of fairies. It was such a beautiful day and the sun was streaming through the leaves as we went sneaking through the trees looking for signs of where fairies were sleeping.

   

   

   We climbed over tree trunks seeking adventure.

   

    If you see a fairy ring,

   In a field of grass,

   Very lightly step around,

   Tiptoe as you pass,

   Last night fairies frocklicked there,

   And they're sleeping somewhere near.

   If you see a tiny fay,

   Lying fast asleep,

   Shut your eyes and run away,

   Do not stray or peep,

   And be sure you never tell,

   Or you'll break a fairy spell.

   ~ William Shakespeare

   

   Can you see them?

   

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