Organix Mighty Meals-Review

Jack, being 16 months, usually eats what we eat, but i always keep a back up of some 12 month plus baby food in the cupboard, as sometimes we eat after the little ones are in bed, or having something Jack can't have.

We were sent 3 mighty meals, Pork Meatballs, Spinach Falafals and Tomatoey Beef Bolognese.
All were meals i wouldn't make myself, as I don't like pork or bolognese, and would have no idea how to make falafals, so these meals are a nice way for Jack to try foods that he otherwise wouldn't get to.

This is Jack eating his Pork Meatballs

I think out of the 3 the Tomatoey Beef Bologonese was Jack's favourite, but he enjoyed them all.

Organix brings to us, what i'm sure every parent wants, which is "organic, natural ingredients. Food that doesn't have anything unnecessary added and nothing important taken away."

They make it quick, easy and very convienient for us mom's to feed our children, knowing they are getting something delicious, nutricious, and organic.

The Organix range consists of

• From 4-6 months
• From 7 months
• From 10 months
• From 12 months
• and a range of yummy snacks and drinks.

There really is something for everyone, Eva is 3 and a half and me, Eva and Jack often sit and eat a bag of rice cakes together. The drinks are also really handy for keeping in your bag when out and about.

Loren

My baby starting school.

Well the last few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster.
The 6 weeks holidays have never meant anything to me since leaving school...until now.
If you know me, you'll know i didn't go back to work after having Eva, and have got to do so much with her, things that if i had gone back to work i wouldn't of had the chance to do. As Eva keeps saying "mommy, we are best friends" and in a way that sums it up perfectly.
So all through this 6 weeks holiday i kept putting to the back of my mind, that actually it was only x amount of weeks left until Eva was going to be starting nursery school.
At her school they gradually settle them in, so it's been a confusing "faffy" couple of weeks. First we got a home visit, then the next week on the Tuesday an hour and a half visit with me there, and the Thursday an hour and a half on her own. This week she's done Monday and Wednesday, 12.45-3.15 and is going Friday too.
From next week she'll be doing 5 afternoons, then starting mid October she will be going 1 morning aswel.

Since last November Eva has done one afternoon a week at playgroup, but nothing prepared me for how I'd feel leading up to this September.
I kept pushing to the back of my mind that my baby girl was starting school. Every time i thought of it i felt physically sick.
Actually the dread and nerves in the lead up to her starting school have actually been worse then her actually going.
OK so so far I've not had chance to think about the fact shes not been here, so I'm sure next week it will hit me like a tonne of bricks.
But i can't be selfish, I've not once said I've missed her while shes been gone, but using phrases such as, I've been looking forward to coming to pick you up. If i was to say i miss her, then that would be it, she wouldn't want to go, as Ive made the mistake of saying that once before.
She comes out each time, with paintings, and pictures that shes drawn, or done gluing and sticking that shes done all by herself. To me, they are the most fantastic pieces of art I've ever seen in my life. She proudly writes her name on each picture as well. So although i miss her hugely, and my best friend has gone, i am filled with so much pride that i feel I'm going to burst. And the excitement in both our faces as i pick her up, the huge cuddle, and her telling me what she's done as we walk home is a feeling i cannot describe.

I also think it will do both her and jack good, within their relationship. 2 and a half hours a day Jack gets me all to himself. Something that he has never really had the privilege of. I can't wait to actually see him, spend time with him, sitting and watch him as he learns new things.
Eva getting to do what she wants, without her "annoying little brother" trying to snatch something off her, or copy her.

So all in all I think it will do us all good, especially Eva and Jack.

I've gone on long enough now, and if you've got this far, well done. Sometimes it's just nice to have somewhere to get things off your chest.

Loren xx

Scuttlebug Review

When I was asked if I would like to review Mookies Scuttlebug I didn't even have to thing before replying "yes".
Having already seen these, and having heard they were good, I couldn't wait to try it out...Ok for Eva and Jack to try it out. I will admit I did try, but nope, these are definately not a toy mommy and daddy can steal.

As soon as our bumble bee scuttlebug arrived Eva and Jack were both eager to test it out. And bless them they are slowly getting there with the whole taking it in turns and sharing thing. With the weather not being brilliant, we got it out in the lounge. The box it came in was really compact, which was good, as i'd been expecting it to be a lot bigger.
The scuttlebugs are so portable and easily fold and unfold with a 3 step system, and once folded are light and take up no room, so really can be taken anywhere.

So did Eva and Jack like it? A resounding yes.
Eva, who can peddle her smart trike, i think loved it as she didn't have to peddle, and could glide around really fast on the wooden floor. Jack was just amazed that he could do it himself. Jack being clumsy (sorry son, you inherited that off mommy) has fallen off a few times, but he falls so gracefully, he doesn't even go "BUMP". For those of you that know Jack, he's not exactly dainty and graceful. And he bounces straight back up and gets back on.
They both find it so easy and "Great fun", as Eva says, to use, scooting and gliding around in pure delight. I am seriously considering purchasing another scuttlebug so they have one each, even though Eva is already 3, she finds it such fun, I really think she would get the use out of it.

We love our scuttlebug, and honestly, if you have a child thats aged 1-3 I would highly recommend getting one of these. They retail at around £25, and are available from amongst many places, Argos and Amazon.

For those starting their christmas shopping, this is a must have on your little one's christmas list.

Loren x

The new Quinny Moodd

After days of teasing on the Quinny UK facebook page this morning they unveiled the new Moodd.
With very little details yet released, all i can say is WOW. As a pushchair addict, I am in love, Sleek and stylish yet practical and functional.
I can't wait to find out more details, such as other colours, price, accessories etc.
Click here to see the new Moodd.

Loren x

Baby Massage Experience with My Father: Book review

When i was asked to review "Baby Massage Experience with My Father" i jumped at the chance.

My Personal Experience
When Jack was born, for the first, at least, 6 weeks of his life he cried all day and all night, and didn't sleep...day or night.
Then Eva started playing up at bedtime(until we cut out her day time nap) so i would have to leave a crying Jack with daddy, while i put Eva, just turning 2, to bed, and because we were getting her into her big girls bed ready for Jack going into the cot, i had to sit with her until she was truly asleep.
My mom bought us some bedtime lotion for Jack, which contained lavender, to help aid with sleep.
So Daz started to get Jack ready for bed while i sorted Eva. He would gently rub the body lotion on Jack, change his nappy, and get him into his pjs. When Jack was about 8 weeks, by the time i got into the living room, he would be asleep in daddy's arms. Before doing this, Daz always used to say how Jack didn't like him, whereas in reality, Jack only ever settled on me, and as soon as being passed on to anyone else would start crying. The difference in them was amazing to see, watching them form an amazing bond.

The Book
The book, even though i'd read the info, wasn't what i was expecting.
Mary Kay appreciates that every journey into parenthood is different, and no baby or parent is the same.
As opposed to a "how to manual", it's a story, high lighting how baby massage can help in all sorts of instances, such as post natal depression, dad's feeling sidelined, and colic in babies amongst other things.

The story is about Mike's journey into parenthood, and how, as a father he felt that there was no support offered to fathers, in the same way it is offered to mothers. After all, it's not just a mother who becomes a parent, but a father too.
He feel's useless, due to lacking confidence, as he's never really been around children.

In my opinion this book is ideal for parents to be to read leading up the birth of their baby/babies. To give them the information about baby massage, and how it can help. It also high lights the fact that sometimes it's all too easy for new dad's to be sidelined. After reading this, i think as a new parent you would be more concious, as a mother to involve the new dad more, and as a father, to get involved more, and to ask if you're not sure you're doing something right.
All in all a good read, and something that covers many topics in one story.

This book is due for release 24th September 2011

Mary Kay

Mary Kay said, “During my experiences as a midwife, health visitor and more recently a baby massage instructor, I often see fathers feeling alone and unsure of their role after the birth of their child. This is often because the bonding between mother and baby is taking place 24/7 when dad is often at work and can’t always be around. I’ve found that fathers who use baby massage experience improved confidence and self-esteem due to the increased involvement with their new-borns. Babies benefit due to more eye-contact, smiling, and vocalising with their daddy. Of course, a father's involvement through baby massage can assist in giving a much needed break to mum which can ease stress on the parents’ relationship too!

Baby Massage

If you are interested in baby massage, ask your local GP or HV and they should be able to give you the information on dates and times of your nearest sessions.

Loren x

Beautiful Poem shared by my lovely friend

When I am ready, I will smile,
You'll have to wait a little while.
Its one of the first things I learn to do,
I want it to be just right for you.
When I am ready, I'll sleep through,
There may be small things you can do,
To help me do it, but you'll soon see,
That in the end, it's down to me.

When I am ready, I will crawl,
And then you'll have no peace at all.
Into everything I'll be,
No time for your nice cup of tea!
When I am ready I will walk,
And when I'm ready, I will talk.
Then that's it, big milestones done,
Though you will still cherish ones to come.

And when you're old and up I've grown,
And maybe perhaps children of my own,
You'll look at them and you will sigh -
How fast the time has passed you by!
Was I really as small as that,
Helpless and tiny, in booties and hat?
And much as you tried to enjoy each part,
There was that wish inside your heart.
"Will you ever get there?" You used to say,
As you wished my babyhood away.
"The others are doing it, why aren't you?"
Because it's not my time – if only you knew,
That all the worry was a waste of time,
The decision of when, was always mine.
I did it all in the end, nice and steady,
I told you I'd do it when I was ready!

Loren xx

Christmas...

OK, so it feels a million miles away, but it soon comes around.
So I've got some tips, and brilliant gift ideas to make Christmas a little less stressful, and alot more enjoyable.

Be Prepared
Start by writing a list of who you need to buy for.
Then look at it again, and check who you actually need to buy for. Is there really any point buying for someone you haven't seen for over a year? Mutually agree with friends on whether or not you're going to buy for them/their children and vice versa? If you are going to buy, set a price limit.
Now think what you want to buy for them? Not sure what to buy, ask their parents/them. There might be something they really want, and if you have no idea what to get, its worth asking.

I like to spread out my buying, so work out how many pay days til Xmas, and what your going to buy each month. If you like buying all in one go, then put some money away each month, so you don't break the bank in December.

Gift Ideas
Here are some pages that make some lovely things that make fab presents:

Loren's Little Lovely's-(Yes it's me)Handmade baby and children gifts, including bibs, bags, blankets, tag blankets. All items can be personalised with embroidery. Also working on personalised stockings.

Truly Madly Baby/Truly Madly Kid-Essex-Lovely Baby and Children items, from high quality toys, to feeding and safety equipment. (You can order from anywhere in the UK, not just Essex)

Soximals-Hand-made sock animals,custom orders taken.

Daydreams and Daisies- Unique gifts and cards including amazing handmade custom canvases.

Kidz Plaques- Hand cut and painted letters perfect for bedroom walls, and now also doing mini letters and large freestanding letters.

PrettyRaine-Pretty Raine baby hand and foot print keepsakes, including inkless kits.

Neverland Creations-Silver imprint Jewellery and accessories(can be done from anywhere as all done by email or post).

Crafty Mama-I make Dummy Clips,Pandora style charm bracelets, healing gemstone jewellery and other handmade items with a few other things added too.

Corlog Crafts and Celebration Cakes-Specialising in Baby Shower nappy cakes, New home/ engagement cakes, Christmas cakes, handmade cards, beaded wine charms and more. (Also going to be doing men's cakes, perfect for the man/men in your life).

Candy Bath Co-A selection of yummy goodies for your bath/body all hand made.

Bathtime Twists-Make your Bathtime a magical experience with our handmade products made from the highest quality ingredients.

Cake Pop Princess-Delicious handmade cake truffle lollipops by post, made to order in a variety of flavours and styles and posted to your door, anywhere in the UK (and beyond!).

Chilli Papas-Using our spice mix, you make the curry from scratch, you take the credit for a great meal!
No oil is needed so you make healthy curries that taste amazing!

Chocolate Madness-Bespoke chocolates for all occasions.

The Bespoke Dog Bakery-Some treats perfect for your pet.


(please note these are facebook pages. If you don't have facebook, leave a comment or email me at- lorenslittlelovelys@hotmail.co.uk and i can give you their direct website or email address)

Make your own cards
Last year me and Eva made our own Christmas cards, we got our cards from eBay, we got 50 cards with envelopes for around £5ish. We cut out a Christmas tree hape out of a potato, and a pot shape separately, and then dipped the tree shape in green paint and printed it, then the pot in red paint and printed that at the bottom of the tree. You can add fingerprint baubles on, and a star at the top. They can be as simple, or creative as you want.
I then wrote Merry Christmas in silver and gold pens on the front.
This year we will be doing more designs, trees, snowmen, penguins. Get artistic. And a lovely personal touch. You can search online for little verses to put inside, or we just wrote Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

You can even make your own wrapping paper. Get a long roll of brown or white paper, and print it to match your cards. Or just let your little ones get messy with it. No one will mind it's not "perfect", because if your little ones made it, it will be perfect to them.

We also made gift tags, we just cut up the left over cards and i let Eva paint and glitter them.
Preparation
Don't leave wrapping you presents til the last minute. Do it in advance, as A, You(well I know I)never realise how long it's actually going to take, and B, If you suddenly think, oh no i forgot "so and so" you have got chance to go out and get them something.
When it comes to wrapping children's presents, I always open the boxes, spend the 5 minutes to get the things from off the cardboard they are tied to, add batteries if need be, then put back in the box and wrap.
This just means that on Christmas day, presents can be opened and played with straight away, making Christmas morning that little bit less hectic.

Food
Plan in advance what food you need.
Farm shops are brilliant for buying fruit and veg, and we always get our veg for our Christmas dinner from our local one. They tend to be a lot more value for money, and really yummy.

We prepare all our veg on Christmas eve, so that it's one less thing to stress about on the day. Lay the table the night before as well. Much better to have a hectic, stressful Christmas eve then make Christmas day any more hectic than it already is.

Will you be having get togethers where your catering for guests? Plan in advance what your going to cook, and what you need, and shop around to get the best possible price. Buy easy to cook things, and prepare in advance where you can. I find Iceland is brilliant for frozen food, especially with their party food ranges.

Out with the old, In with the new
In the run up to Christmas, it's worth sorting out toys, and either passing on, selling, or taking them to the charity shop.
No doubt when you've got children you are going to have lots of new toys, and if you're anything like us, we're already bursting at the seams with toys. So it's the ideal time to get rid of the old, not been played with in a while, toys to make room for the new ones.
I usually have a clear out before and after Christmas. Get rid of a few before, and a few after. The trick is to do it when your children aren't around, as if they are there, anything you try to get rid of will inevitably be their favourite toy that you can not possibly get rid of, even if its been say unplayed with for months.


So there's a few of my tips on a stress free, enjoyable christmas.
Feel free to comment your own tips and ideas, the more the merrier :-)

Loren xx