My Blog Awards September - The Winners

in , , , by Jada, September 30, 2012
fter receiving link's to bloggers own blogs, people recommending their favourite blogs and me taking a look at blogs I have found myself, I made the choice in choosing these lucky 11 bloggers as the winner of the September blog awards. Now you may be thinking it's only some rubbish little graphic banner but your a winner and its some free advertising ayy? To access the winners blog click on their award where you will be taken to their blog. Congratulations to you all :)

The September Winners:


My Personal Favourite Blog 
which goes to
Kate Takes 5.
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Most Updated Blog
which goes to 

Madhouse Family Reviews
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Best Designed Blog
which goes to

Johnson Babies

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 Best Reviews
which goes to

Mum Reviews

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Best Young Mummy Blog
which goes toA New Addition Blog
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Best Daddy Blog
which goes to
SAHD and Proud
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Best Grandparent Blog
which goes to
Fun As A Gran
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Best Original Blog
which goes to
Yummy Mummy Training
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Best Unique Blog
which goes to
Attachment Mummy
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Best Foodie
which goes to
Maison Cupcake
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Best Frugal Blog
which goes to
Baby Budgeting
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September Company Of The Month

in , by Jada, September 30, 2012
Congratulations to Babybundles Gifts who is my September company of the month. I have received many links and recommendations to small businesses and loved checking them all out but Babybundles was the one that caught my eye the most, fabulous gifts handmade and home made by a Mummy. We got the chance to have a little interview with Babybundles, read below for the questions I asked and the answer's she gave.

Babybundles gifts is a handmade homemade company that make cute keepsake gifts out of clothing their customers send in.Personalised orders can also be placed as well as non personalised.

Q1: When was Babybundles Gifts established?
A1:  My company The Original Babybundles Gifts LTD was established in February 2012.

Q2: What made you start the business?
 A2: Following a career in the Army I wanted to pursue a lifelong ambition of starting my own business as well as be a stay at home mum with William my son. It was very important to me that I balanced family time with my business and after considerable research and extensive conversations with mums in the UK I developed my company, The Original Babybundles Gifts LTD.

Q3: Did anyone influence your idea?
A3: I have always admired women who set up their own business once they become mothers. A lot of work is involved in any new business venture and it can be very challenging, seeing other mums successfully do this influenced my decision to start my own company.

Q4: Does anyone help you out?
A4: I received advice from a company called NWES who support local people looking to start their own business, the valuable information they provided me with really helped in the early days of my company starting out

Q5: Do you have a favourite item you have made? If so do you have a photo?
A5:  Yes is a personalised keepsake puppy made from 4 items of baby's clothing, here is a photo.


Q6: Where can customers buy your items from?
A6: Customers can purchase my products from my online store or Facebook page.

Q7: How much does your items cost to buy?
A7: Prices start from £19.99 with many items available for £21.99 we also sell gift vouchers too (excluding P&P).

Q8: Can potential customers find you on social media sites?
A8: I am on Facebook.


Here is some other photo's from Babybundles Gifts, more can be seen on the official website or over on the Facebook page.


 


Ahh Pokemon the franchise that began in Japan in 1995 and is now one of the worlds most entertaining children's brands in the world, I was 5 years old when Pokemon first came out and I remember the TV series fondly, me and my brother collected the cards and watched the Pokemon movie at the cinema with our Mum. Spud watches Pokemon on CITV and was delighted when we was given the opportunity to review a Pokemon Poke Ball Twister Figure from Bandai.

The Poke Ball Twister Figure includes 1 figure, a weighted base and axle, we was sent Snivy to review although there are 5 available to collect.

Spud doesn't like waiting but to be honest what child does? So you can imagine how happy he was to discover after Mummy had a quick read through the instructions all that needed to be done was for Snivy to be attached to the weighted base and then the base clicked into the Poke Ball.

From the above picture above you may be thinking the Poke Ball doesn't close when the base and figure is attached, I thought the exact same, how wrong was I,


The Poke Ball is targeted for children aged 4+ and is great for hand to eye co-ordination skills as the weighted base has to be inserted back into the Poke Ball correctly for the twisting part of the toy to work correctly. The colours are bold and do really stand out which is what children like!

The idea of the Pokemon Poke Ball is for the figure to come spinning out of the ball, for this a cord needs to be pulled which is located at the back of the ball, as you may be able to see in the photo above, Spud is having a quick check to see what he needs to do.
  
Once the cord is pulled the Pokemon figure will come spinning out of the ball still on its base, I would suggest it is done on a hard smooth floor such as laminate flooring as when Spud tried it on his bedroom carpet we couldn't get the figure to spin.

The picture above is of the spinning figure hence why the picture is blurry. The toy is very easy to put together and easy for a child to work themselves, I would suggest you purchase more than 1 of these as Pokemon is known for its battles and as they say ''Gotta Catch Em All''. Spud plays with his Poke Ball on a daily basis and even gives himself little targets.to see how far he can get the figure to spin.

Pokemon Poke Balls are available for £9.99 from many leading retailers including The Entertainer, Tesco, Toys R Us, Amazon and many more. For more information check out the official Bandai website.

Disclosure - I was sent this product on the basis to review it, I have not received a payment for reviewing this product but instead was compensated as I was aloud to keep the product. All comments and views are of my own/Spud's or have been taken from the official press release in regards to this product unless other wise stated and was not influenced in any way shape or form.

PurFlo Sleepsac Review

in , , by Jada, September 27, 2012
When we was given the opportunity to review a PurFlo SleepSac for Baby J we just couldn't refuse. I called my sister to discuss the opportunity and she agreed it would be great for Baby J as he loves fidgeting in his cot and his blankets always end up somewhere else apart from on top of him where they should be.


A Purflo SleepSac is like a baby's sleeping bag, great for keeping babies warm especially little wrigglers like Baby J who loves to kick off his covers! Spud had a baby sleeping bag when he was younger, it did do the job and I must admit it was great especially during the cold Winter nights. What I love most about the PurFlo SleepSac is the fact that it comes with added zip on sleeves for the colder nights!



PurFlo SleepSacs are available in plain white and 4 different designs in 2 different sets of colours, natural colours and bright colours, the designs include cute applique elephants, lions, owls and giraffes.



''PurFlo SleepSacs have a silky soft 100% bamboo fabric lining that is naturally anti-bacterial and absorbs 60% more moisture than cotton. This combined with a high tech anti-bacterial “Amicor” filling to prevent the build-up of nasty bacteria, fungi and House Dust Mites make the SleepSacs particularly ideal for babies prone to allergies such as Asthma and Eczema''.





''Unique features include a zipped wide open front for easy night time nappy changes with minimum disturbance, a soft chin guard to prevent rubbing and zip-on sleeves for added warmth on colder nights with built in scratch mittens on the smaller sizes (0-3 months & 3 -9 months)''.





The PurFlo SleepSacs are available in 1.0 Tog and 2.5 Tog and four sizes from new born to 18 months plus.We was sent the 9-18 months one for Baby J and here he is below sleeping peacefully in his new PurFlo SleepSac.


I reviewed this product whilst Baby J stayed at my home in his travel cot for the night and then I passed the PurFlo SleepSac onto my sister when she collected Baby J the next night. My sister continues to use the PurFlo SleepSac and she has been using it every night for the last week due to the weather being really cold.


PurFlo SleepSacs retail from as little as £19.95, they are available to buy from Boots, Mothercare, Tesco, ASDA Direct, Amazon, Kiddicare and loads more retailers, for a full list of where to buy from or to check out their many designs check out the official PurFlo website here, follow them on Twitter here and like them on Facebook here.



Disclosure - I was sent this product on the basis to review it, I have not received a payment for reviewing this product but instead was compensated as I was aloud to keep the product. All comments and views are of my own/Spud's or have been taken from the official press release in regards to this product unless other wise stated and was not influenced in any way shape or form.

I Just Threw £10.96 In The Bin!!

in , , by Jada, September 26, 2012
OK well now I've got your attention, I may of mislead you just a tiny tiny little bit, I didn't throw £10.96 cash in the bin, but I did throw £10.96 in the bin just by opening my fridge. Mad isn't it, there is people worldwide starving and I open my fridge and just throw loads of food away.


2 x cucumbers 80p each - £1.60
3 x fruit packets - 90p (part of a 5 for £1.50 offer)
1 packet of grapes - 98p
1 x full packet of sausage rolls - £1
1 x opened packet of sausage rolls 60p (3 left, 100p divided by 5 = 20p each)
1 x packet of sausages - £1.85
1 x ready meal - £1.25
various yogurts - £1.50
4 pint of milk - £1.28

Everything was unopened apart from 1 of the packet of sausage rolls, after receiving a email from a fellow blogger in regards to a Save the Children campaign and rooting through my fridge and finding all of this stuff needed to be binned it has truly disgusted me. After a telephone call with my Mum I am now going to freeze what can be put in the freezer and the rest I shall be using up within its due by date in the future.

It makes you feel guilty doesn't it, I know it couldn't of fed the 5 thousand but it could of fed me and Spud for a few days, or fed a few others, provided them with some calcium etc. Have you ever threw so much food out that you have felt guilty knowing their is children starving worldwide? 

Until next time,
Jade x

WIN A Boo Bear Keep Me Safe Alarm!!

in , , by Jada, September 24, 2012
Did you read my review on the Boo Bear Keep Me Safe Alarm? If not you may just want to read it now (click here), I personally think every child every where should have one. We take Spud's everywhere with us now, it has become part of our daily getting ready routine, brushing our teeth, washing, getting dressed and clipping on the bear!!!

Well now you've read the review how would you like the opportunity to win one for your child/yourself?

I am changing the way I am going to do this competition as I personally think this company needs more recognition. The bear was invented by a school girl, I love the bear and think it need's a lot more recognition.

So YES although I may be using rafflecopter I would like the rules to be followed! I WILL be checking entries, so please don't try and cheat, as cheaters will be caught, and I will ban you from every competition I ever ever host! 

Got it? What you waiting for! Try your luck on winning a bear today!!


You may have seen some of my past post and noticed mine and Spud's craft box? Well it isn't filled up just yet and I cant resist a bargain when I see one! 

 
Whilst doing our weekly shop at Asda this week, I had a browse down the toy/stationary isle as I was looking for a good notebook and as you do you walk past products and right at the very beginning I noticed lots of craft items was on sale/reduced cant remember what the ticket said but the prices were either 42p or 50p.


This is what I picked up
  • 1 packet of mixed colours tissue paper.
  • 1 packet of mixed colours pipe wire.
  • 1 packet of wobbly eyes.
  • 1 packet of mixed colours match sticks.
  • 1 packet of mixed colours pom poms.
  • 1 packet of multi sequins.
  • 2 packets of mixed colours feathers.
They had more on display like foam shapes but we already have loads of them. Nothing was less than 42p and nothing more than 50p.


As you can see, we recycle packaging like butter/milkshake tubs to keep our craft items in, we have a variety of items including alphabet foam shapes (99p stores) tissue paper, wobbly eyes, pipe wire, pom poms, paints, different colours of glitter, felt tips, crayons, pencils, plain white card, different coloured card, paper, paint brushes, foam shapes, sequin shapes (butterflies, stars, hearts, circles, leaves, all of different shapes and colours) and loads more. 

Pick up bits on a weekly basis and you can soon fill your own craft box, we picked up this storage box from Asda for £3 and it come with a lid.

Keep an eye out on my blog for our next craft project =D

Until next time,
Jade x

Boo Bear "Keep Me Safe" ® Review

in , by Jada, September 21, 2012
When I stumbled upon the Keep Me Safe Alarms website I instantly said I need one for Spud, so I was thrilled when we was given the opportunity to review one. Not sure what I am talking about? Well read on below for my review on the Personal Attack Alarm bear for children.



The Personal Attack Alarm bear was invented by 13 year old schoolgirl Forrest Smyth after being given a school project to invent something useful for children. What she designed was the cute personal attack alarm, a cute little teddy bear on a keyring with a clip too, inside the bear hidden away so no one will ever know is a loud alarm that is activated when the green charm cord is pulled, not only that but the bear also has a torch at the end of his nose in case you need it in them dark situations.


The bear can be clipped onto trousers, school bags, hand bags, jeans, key rings and more.


The day after we received the bear we went on a day trip to Bournemouth beach, so this was our first opportunity to give the bear a proper review. Of course I had shown Spud at home the day we received the bear what to do if he was lost or in case a stranger approached him, and how to work the torch too. With a few practice runs Spud soon got the hang of it and soon loved to block Mummy's hearing with the very loud alarm ringing off!


We arrived at Bournemouth and had a fantastic day, thankfully the bear wasn't needed, but I did take 10 large steps away from Spud and asked him to sound the alarm to see if I could hear, I could very faintly here but this was due to the fact the Bournemouth Air Show was taking place so the beach was more packed then usual and there was really big speakers around the beach with people giving descriptions etc and then we cant forget the planes that was flying low showing us the stunts and tricks.


On the official website, the product is recommended for all teenage girls and adults, I couldn't disagree more, Spud is a boy, a little boy, 6 years old to be precis and I thought this product was amazing! In fact Boo Bear goes on every outing with us now, even if its too the supermarket, you can never be sure of what situation you may ever find your self in. Not only do I find Boo Bear great in case my child was in danger, but I also find it good in case he ever got lost in a supermarket/shop/cinema etc, I've told Spud if he ever got lost to stay where he is and sound the alarm and I will locate myself too the sound, if not he should not panic but instead go through the routine we practice over and over again.

Also another thing about this alarm is small plastic alarms seem to be placed in hand bags and then lost or hard to find, with crime rates at a high and people being in danger every single day, the Boo Bear is on show and is easy for a child or adult to quickly pull the cord.
The torch is activated by holding down Boo Bears paw, very simple and easy for a child to use. I recommend this to any one and everyone, I think every child should have one! Such an amazing invention and invented by a schoolgirl herself.

Be Alarmed Not Harmed order yours NOW.


The Boo Bear Keep me safe alarm is currently sold for £8.99 excluding P&P. To find out more information or to purchase the Boo Bear Keep Me Safe Alarm check out the official website.


Disclosure - I was sent this product on the basis to review it, I have not received a payment for reviewing this product but instead was compensated as I was aloud to keep the product. All comments and views are of my own/Spud's unless other wise stated and was not influenced in any way shape or form.

Green People Sticky Hand Sanitiser Review

in , , by Jada, September 20, 2012
When I was asked to do a product review for Green People on their Sticky Hand Sanitiser I wasn't really sure what to say at first, I've had many issues with OCD (read the About Me section for more information) and didn't want Spud to have the same issue. The thing is, Spud keeps washing his hands, and once in the bathroom he will easily stand there for a good half an hour even the full hour if I would allow him too washing his little hands over and over again, so this is why I wasn't sure weather I wanted to give the Sticky Hand Sanitiser a go, I decided I would as it is not only for hands as you will soon find out.



When we received the sanitiser I read every single word on the packet to make sure it was safe for Spud to use, he has very sensitive skin so I have to be very careful with products, although the product is organic, it doesn't mean the product would work well with Spud. Below is some of the information I have noted from the product packaging.

  • 100 ml
  • 96.7% Organic ingredients certified.
  • Citrus scented.
  • Suitable for high chairs, face, hands, toys.
  • A little bit goes a long way.
  • Foam texture.
  • Anti Bacterial.
  • Extra mild.
  • leaves sticky faces and hands germ free and clean.
  •  Best of British
  • Fairly traded.
  • Suitable for Vegans.
  • Suitable for Vegetarians.
  • Recycle packaging.

Another great thing about this product is 10% of net profit is donated to charity! 

After reading it is extra mild, I decided to test a small patch on Spud 24 hours before giving the product a review. Checking the same patch I applied some sanitiser too the day before and the rest of Spud's body and not noticing anything unusual, we got to work testing the product out.


After giving Spud a introduction on the project (you know kids are quite clever and want to know the ins and outs lol) we tested it out, the product description advises you to use with a cloth, we tried with and without a cloth, no water is needed which means you could even take this outside with you! The bottle is quite large for a sanitiser so I would prefer to keep this one at home for use in and around the home.


Spud likes to be independant so I let him squeeze down the nozzle himself, he had quite a lot of his hands bless him, after taking the photo I took some off him and used on my own hands. We both rubbed the sanitiser in and made sure we covered every part of our hands we could, Spud started singing the theme to the lurpak advert at this time, making up his own little version of course ''wash wash wash wash washing, spread spread spread spread spreading, clean clean clean clean cleaning, we are having lots of fun today''.



We cant see germs, not without a microscope any way so I am not sure if the whole killing germs thing is true, I would like to hope so! As for sticky free clean hands, ohh yes this product done just the job! With the added bonus of our hands smelling lovely (citrus).

 'Organic Children’s Sticky Hand Sanitiser is a great alternative to mainstream hand sanitisers that use chemical ingredients such as alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol) and Triclosan which can strip and dry out the skin'

Currently the Sticky Children's Sanitiser is on offer for £7.45 (£2 off, normal price £9.45) this offer is running until November 2012.

To find out more about the Sticky Hand Sanitiser from Green People, or even purchase the sanitiser check out the Green People website here,.


Disclosure - I was sent this product on the basis to review it, I have not received a payment for reviewing this product but instead was compensated as I was aloud to keep the product. All comments and views are of my own/Spud's unless other wise stated and was not influenced in any way shape or form.

In the early hours of Monday morning, Spud climbed up onto my bed and told me he wasn't feeling well, I shot up and turned the light on to wake myself up a bit more. Spud informed me he had a bellyache, 5 minutes later he was on the toilet, and that's how the rest of the day went, no school, instead lots of movies and snuggles at home with Mummy. On Tuesday Spud was more perked up and we had no toilet incidents, but he couldn't go back to school because of the 48 no sickness and diarrhoea policy. 

Spud snuggling into me for a cuddle

Our Not So Silent Sunday

in , , by Jada, September 16, 2012
Today me and Spud went to my Father's for a BBQ along with the rest of my family, where most of us have children of our own now, its quite hard to cram us all in so we don't have days like this often any more, so it was lovely to see all my nephews, apart from 1 of them who wasn't there :(.

  

Yazoo Milkshakes Review

in , , by Jada, September 16, 2012

YAZOO, the nation’s favourite milkshake, belongs to an exclusive selection of drinks which meet current government legislation for drinks that can be freely sold in schools. Parents can be assured that it is a healthier alternative to high sugar soft drinks and an ideal lunchbox filler, at price that’s right, so when we was given the opportunity to review some YAZOO milkshakes, I took up the offer and received them by Ice the very next morning.


We received 4 YAZOO banana milkshakes and 2 YAZOO strawberry milkshakes, children between the ages of 7-10 years should get at least 550mg of calcium each day and a small 200ml bottle of YAZOO provides kids with 30% of their RDA , so there’s no tastier way of getting calcium into their bodies than a YAZOO milkshake!


Spud wanted one straight away, and choose banana. They come in 200ml bottles and are a great way to get calcium into kids who are not so keen on milk like my Spud! With milk being one of the best sources of calcium which is vital for healthy growth and strong bones I know that although Spud doesn't like milk, he loves milkshakes which is an alternative way to give him the nutrients he needs.


 I didn't have to worry about Spud not being able to open the milkshake by himself, the lid is large and was quite easy to unscrew, and the straw that came in a protective packaging just pops into the foil lid covering the milkshake.


Although we was sent only 2 flavours, YAZOO also does a chocolate flavour milkshake, so for children who don't like banana or strawberry there is always chocolate :) Spud loved both flavours and I will be buying the chocolate ones on our next shopping day. I asked Spud what his thoughts were on the milkshakes and he said delicious and yummy.


When Spud started back at school, I inserted a milkshake into his packed lunch box, although his school does sell milk, Spud doesn't like plain milk, he will have it with cereal and that's about it. So now I don't have to worry about my little man getting his daily milk fix as I now know about the facts for YAZOO, not only does a a small 200ml bottle of YAZOO contains about 30% RDA of calcium but it also contains 6g of protein and can make a good contribution to the daily protein intake kids need!



''According to health expert Dr Jennie Cockroft (Director of Nutrition at Purely Nutrition Ltd), “Many children’s drinks have been banned from schools and lunchboxes but because YAZOO contains no artificial sweeteners or preservatives and less than 5% added sugar, your school will be happy for you to pop one in your child’s lunchbox to quench their thirst at lunch or to keep them going on the way home. Not only that but you’ll be providing your child with a healthy calcium-kick at the same time”.''
 
I know what will be a regular on my shopping list when I do the weekly shop each week now! I only wish I knew about the facts of YAZOO before hand!

YAZOO milkshakes are available in 200ml, 475ml and 1 litre formats.

For more info visit the official YAZOO website.


Disclosure - I was sent these products on the basis to review them, I have not received a payment for reviewing these products but instead was compensated as I was aloud to keep the products. All comments and views are of my own/Spud's and facts were taking from a press release, this review was not influenced in any way shape or form.

Smurf Bookends Review

in , by Jada, September 16, 2012
Ahh the Smurfs can you remember them? The little blue people with the white clothing? I remember them fondly from when I was a child and was thrilled when we were asked to review Smurf Bookends from the lovely team over at Find Me A Gift, I snapped up the opportunity and waited eagerly for them to arrive on our doorstep.

  
I must admit when the box arrived, I was thinking they were going to be tiny as the box was quite small, but to my surprise, they are actually normal-sized bookends! Well, to be precise they are approx 8 cm x 15 cm x 6 cm each which was perfect for the shelf we have placed them on until we can get a proper bookshelf! 


As we don't have a bookshelf, Spud's books our kept in 3 storage boxes, we now have an extra storage box spare for some more of Spud's toys as we have now made some room for the smaller books to fit on our small shelfs


How cute do they look? Spud loves them, he keeps popping into his playroom to tell me he is choosing a book, but after 15 minutes of waiting I popped my head around the door and fount him checking out the bookends instead! Spud is now anxious to watch the new Smurf film that was recently released, a DVD to go onto his Christmas list I think :)


Below Is  a picture of Spud with his new Smurf Bookends, what do they do Mummy he asked? I told him they keep his books all up right and stop the book worms from eating the books, he laughed and said silly Mummy.



''Whether you are a fan of the movie or remember them from when you were a kid, our Smurf Bookends make smurfingly good retro gifts for the home! With 2 Smurf figures pushing your books together, these handy chaps will look right at home in your office or house!
Whether you are looking for fun house warming gifts or children's bookends, there's no need to shop until you are blue in the face! These Smurfs Bookends will make the best gifts for him or her.
Made of poly resin and official Smurf merchandise, they should turn any Gargamel scowl into a smile!''


The Smurf Bookends are available to buy from Find Me A Gift for £19.99 you can check out their website.

Disclosure - I was sent this product on the basis to review it, I have not received a payment for reviewing this product but instead was compensated as I was aloud to keep the product. All comments and views are of my own/Spud's unless other wise stated and was not influenced in any way shape or form.   

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