The Benefits of Online Dating
The Future of Online Dating
- Cheaper- you wont need to consider taxi costs or food and drink expenses for example.
- Quicker- if you realise the person you are dating isn't quite for you, you wont have to awkwardly sit through a three course meal or make difficult small talk on the ride home.
- Instantaneous- you don't need to wait until you can make a dinner reservation or until the babysitter is free as virtual dating can be done from the comfort of your home on your timescale.
If you're not quite ready to meet someone (virtually) face to face, you may like to consider a phone call. Many phone contracts come with unlimited or plentiful minutes to enable you free or cheap phone calls or you could do this from an app such as WhatsApp which also offers a free call feature.
You also don't just have to stick to just talking. You can bring a little fun to the date with a virtual activity that you can both enjoy. A virtual pub quiz, a virtual wine tasting evening, virtual cocktail classes, online gaming or virtual escape rooms are just a few ideas of things to do. This is a great idea if you're nervous about running out of things to talk about or are a little shy.
The Business of Blogging- My Blogging Journey So Far
My Little Love Heart- Beautiful Baby Accessories
I was so delighted when I was recently contacted by the lovely Luisa, owner of My Little Love Heart, to see if I would like to review some baby accessories. I jumped at the chance!
My Little Love Heart have an array of gorgeous baby accessories, which are handmade and beautifully designed in Perth, Australia. The items are carefully crafted and are made with 100% cotton, organic cotton and cotton/ bamboo so deliver the absolute best for your precious little one. Not only are the items beautifully soft but they are also eco-friendly and safe for baby too.
I was kindly given the opportunity to review a gift set which contained a baby bib, a bunny teether, a burp cloth and a bandana bib. I opted for the gorgeous koala design which I just love so much- I couldn't wait for it too arrive. When the parcel arrived, it was so beautifully packaged that it's clear how much thought and care goes into everything at My Little Love Heart. The items also did not disappoint, they are so beautifully soft and are wonderful quality too.
The first item my little one wore was the bandana bib. This has been so handy as he is very dribbly at the moment so quickly soaks through his onesie and vest. These bibs help absorb moisture as they are made with a highly absorbent material with a bamboo backing. The front pleats also help to catch some of the excess drool. I love how practical these are but also how stylish they are too- they make a great little accessory for some of his little outfits.
The bunny teether, is a really cute and clever design. It consists of a hardwood ring which is coated with a certified organic beeswax blend and it also has cotton fabric with a bamboo backing for the ears. My little boy loved exploring this teether.
Lastly the burb cloth is one of those items I will probably never be without while he is so little. It is handy for catching any little accidents as you burp them. The shape of them enables you to easily drape them over your shoulder for when your baby is being burped; I haven't seen this design over in the UK!
I absolutely love the items from My Little Love Heart. The range of items available are simply stunning and it's clear how much love and attention goes into each and every product. A great eco-friendly, quality brand- I will definitely be putting an order in soon!
You can visit My Little Love Heart here.
*Disclaimer- I was kindly gifted these items in exchange for an honest review.
A Cracking Easter Gift Guide for 2021
Easter is typically a time to enjoy a chocolate egg (or two or three!) but why not shake things up by gifting your loved ones with something a little bit different this year? If you're in need of a bit of inspiration. I've put together an Easter gift guide full of egg-cellent ideas!
For Children...
STABILO Woody 3 in 1 PencilsYour children can get creative this Easter with the wonderful STABILO woody 3 in 1 pencils. They act as colouring pencils, watercolours and wax crayons all rolled into one, creating bright and vibrant colours. They can be used on a multitude of surfaces including glass, coloured paper and card. They easily wash off glass enabling your little ones to create their own (non-permanent) masterpieces on the windows. They are also long-lasting; each pencil has 10mm led with the same amount of colour as eight standard colouring pencils! What a cracking Easter gift for little ones. Find out more here.
Relax, unwind and breathe in the exquisite scents bought to you by ARRAN Sense of Scotland. This family-run business have created an array of luxury fragrances for bath, body and home which are made on and inspired by, the beautiful Isle of Arran. The reed diffusers make a wonderful gift this Easter enabling one to immerse themselves in the vibrant and carefully crafted fragrances. The After The Rain Reed Diffuser has delicate rose, zesty lime and deep sandalwood fragrances and has a stylish and classic design. To explore the range and find out more, just click here.
5 Outdoor Learning Activities to Explore with Your Child
Planting and Growing
Get those fingers green and go out and plant some stuff in the garden. It can either be that rose bush you’ve always wanted in the front garden, or you can even put together your own vegetable patch for you and your child to build and grow together. Planting and growing a variety of different things is a great way for a child to see science and nature in action.
Treasure Hunt
Make your garden into an adventure by creating a treasure hunt! The questions asked in the clues will help your child with their reading and problem-solving skills, as they deduce where the clue is trying to take them in the garden.
Bug Hunt
Challenge your child, either out in the garden or when you’re on hikes, to try find five different bugs and animals that are around in their environment (and don’t squish any!). The act of them identifying different creatures in their environment will help deepen their understanding of the different kinds of ecosystems that surround them.
Shadow Art
On a lovely sunny day, your child can go outside and do a little art project by putting down a piece of paper and casting a shadow on it with an object that they can then draw around. They can bring their favourite toys to life on the page, or create weird and wonderful shapes to then fill in with colour, sparking their creative energies!
Paint Leaves
Collect whatever leaves may be on the ground in your garden, and have your child build a painted collection. Not only does it engage their creativity, but you can make it a nature identification exercise by having your child categorise the leaves by what they are.
Tonka Mighty Metals Fleet Review
This month we were delighted to be given the opportunity to review the Tonka Mighty Metals Fleet vehicles. Tonka toys actually take me right back to my own childhood as my brother and I had a large yellow Tonka Dump Truck that we played with lots over the years. I can still remember playing with it in the garden of our childhood home and rolling it down the slope we had. I couldn't wait to introduce my boys to the world of Tonka toys!
Tonka began making toys in 1955. For almost 70 years Tonka have been the kings of the sandbox, based on the notion that "a toy should not break just because a child plays with it". They are certainly built to last. They are strong, sturdy and durable. In the 70s, an elephant even stood on one to test out this theory!
We were given the opportunity to review the Tonka Mighty Metals Fleet which consists of two different designs; the Mighty Dump Truck and the Garbage Truck. The Tonka Mighty Metal Fleet vehicles are a new size of vehicle for Tonka and are recommended for ages 3 to 6. The size of them suits little hands and means they are easy to lift and manoeuvre around. They are perfect for both indoor and outdoor play.
So what did we think?
Dump TruckThis is just like the Dump Truck from my childhood only smaller in size. It has the same sturdy feel and weight to it and is the same bold yellow that I can remember. My little boy loved that the dumper could be lifted; he liked to put pebbles in and then tip them out. What fun! It has a realistic design and is made with sturdy, solid metal. It also has chunky off-road wheels which my boys loved testing out on the grass, soil and carpet!
Garbage Truck
Garden Rooms: The Ultimate Garden Accessory!
We've all been spending more time than ever in our homes and gardens over the last twelve months because of the lockdown restrictions in place. And so it perhaps has never seemed quite so imperative to make the most of the space that we have available to us. I always like to think that a garden or outdoor space can be considered as an extension to your home, a whole extra room if you will! When used effectively, it can serve as a relaxation, dining or recreation area, to name just a few examples. Recently, I have been looking into the possibility of purchasing a garden room. My husband has been working from home throughout the pandemic and without a separate room in our home for him to use as an office, it has certainly presented as a challenge, particularly during the weeks our boys were being homeschooled. I currently do my work in a corner of the dining room and that in itself is not without it's difficulties at times. The idea of using a garden room as an office really appeals to us both, meaning that when we have work to do, this can be done separately from the hustle and bustle of the household.
I really like the idea of using a garden room as a yoga studio. I love yoga but during the homeschooling months, I simply did not have an area to practice which was very frustrating. Even when the boys are playing in their rooms, our home is always noisy and that means a relaxing and peaceful yoga session is out of the question. With a garden room, this space would be perfect for achieving that golden silence!
A relaxation area
Gifts for new mums and babies
2021 Mother's Day Gift Guide
After a year of ups and downs, one thing is for sure, mums definitely deserve a treat! If you're looking for some gift inspiration for your wonderful mum or are looking for ideas for yourself then look no further than with my 2021 Mother's Day gift guide!
St Eval CandlesI was delighted to recently discover the range of candles from St Eval. Created on a sustainable farm in North Cornwall, traditional methods are used to craft the high quality candles by hand. The unique pots, blends and fragrances are inspired by nature and inspiration is drawn from the beautiful Cornish countryside. These would make a wonderful gift for your mum enabling her to relax and unwind by candlelight, breathing in the divine scents. Find yours here!
Aveeno Mum and Baby Gift Set
This gorgeous set for mum and baby contains everything you need to care and nourish for mum and baby's delicate skin, helping them both relax and unwind this Mother's Day. The set contains a body wash and moisturising body lotion for baby and a moisturising lotion for mum. The products contain naturally derived ingredients like oat extract to delicately and effectively soothe and nourish our skin. The set also contains a sweet little teddy comforter. Find out more here.
Treat Your Mum With L'abu Skin Luxury Skincare Plus Giveaway!
Your mum deserves the very best and so why not treat her to some luxury skincare this Mother's Day? I was delighted to recently discover the beautiful range of skincare products from L'abu, perfect for pampering your wonderful mother this Mother's Day.
L'abu is a luxury, salon-grade skincare brand created by a mother and daughter with considerable experience in the skincare industry, having ran their own skin clinic specialising in treatments to lift and tighten the skin. They have launched their own range of skincare and work closely with chemists to create formulations to benefit the skin. They strongly oppose animal testing and their products are suitable for vegans. The products are also paraben and sulphate free. Here are some of the fantastic products on offer.
Oat Milk Cleanser
The natural ingredient of oat found in this cleanser, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It gently removes dirt and oil whilst exfoliating the skin. This beautiful cleanser removes make up and daily grime, leaving the skin soft, hydrated and glowing.
Mother&Baby Organic Cotton Feeding and Infant Support Pillow from CuddleCo
Becoming a new mother is a truly wonderful experience but one thing is for sure, it's not always easy! Whether you're in the early stages of pregnancy and suffering from that unforgettable pregnancy nausea, or in the third trimester on the final stretch, or even have your little one snuggled in your arms right now, chances are you're feeling a little tired and in need of some pampering. And that's why any products that help to make life a little bit easier in those early days of pregnancy and parenthood are an absolute godsend. This month I was delighted to be given the opportunity to review the Mother&Baby Organic Cotton Feeding and Infant Support Pillow from CuddleCo.
I've been breastfeeding my baby boy for seven months now and whilst I am truly grateful for this experience, it can sometimes leave me feeling a little sore and achy. I had been using a couple of square cushions when breastfeeding; one for behind my back and one for him to lie on but sometimes I don't seem to position them correctly which means my back and shoulders feel sore and my baby can't quite latch on correctly which then causes me a bit of discomfort. Even seven months in, it is still a bit of trial and error on occasions and so I couldn't wait to review the support pillow from CuddleCo to see if it made any difference.The pillow is also great for helping you to support your baby when he/she is in your arms. I have been propping it underneath him when I'm cuddling him to sleep which is both comfortable for him and gives my arms a rest. It would be a great support for bottle feeds too.
We have also used the pillow to help support him to sit up. He can't quite sit himself up yet without flopping to the side so the pillow helps to keep him supported and upright.
I loved testing the Mother&Baby Organic Cotton Feeding and Infant Support Pillow. It is multifunctional, made with high quality materials and definitely helped make life a little easier! It's a thumbs up from me!
To find one and to explore the great range of products from CuddleCo, just click here.
*I was kindly gifted the product in exchange for an honest review.
Surviving the first few weeks with a newborn!
Congratulations, your little one is finally in your arms! As blissful as these early days can be, they can also be a bit of a blur. The first few days and weeks are all about survival as you get to know your new baby, begin to heal from the birth and settle into your role as a new mum. There are many products out there to help you during the first few weeks as a new mum or dad and here are a few of my favourites!
Palmer's
Palmer's have some wonderful products for mums and babies. I used their products throughout my pregnancy to keep stretch marks at bay and keep my skin feeling soft, smooth and supple. Their range for babies includes their Baby Butter, Baby Oil and Nursing Butter. The Baby Butter which contains cocoa butter and aloe, is gentle enough for daily use and leaves baby's skin moisturised and soft. The Baby Oil is enriched with natural oils, cocoa butter and Vitamin E to help to protect baby's delicate skin. The Nursing Butter, which is a combination of cocoa butter and Panthenol, is designed for breastfeeding mothers, helping to soothe sore and cracked nipples. To find out more and explore the fabulous range, just click here.Sanature
Pregnancy and childbirth can cause a weakened pelvic floor which can result in urinary incontinence or urgency. Sanature incontinence pads help to keep you secure and comfortable. They are made with 100% cotton, allowing skin to breathe as well as leaving you feeling dry and protected. Their sanitary pads are also perfect for postpartum bleeding. Find out more here.
Natural Birthing company
I love the range from Natural Birthing Company. Their products are designed and developed by midwives, aromatherapists and chemists so you can be confident that they are carefully tailored for use during pregnancy and following the birth of your baby. They contain naturally derived ingredients and help to relieve common pregnancy and postpartum symptoms. The Mama's Moments Maternity Kit has everything you need for this exciting time including Cool It Mama; a cooling body spritz which is just so refreshing to use during pregnancy, labour and for life as a new mum! It also includes breastfeeding oils, a wonderful postnatal compress solution, a perineal massage solution and two organic flannels! Explore the range and find out more here!Modibodi
Modibodi provide sustainable, reusable and effective underwear that replaces the need for disposable products such as pads, tampons, incontinence pads and panty liners. They use high quality fabrics with breathable, antimicrobial fibres with their own Modifier Technology™ and Modifier Air Technology™ to prevent against stains, leaks and odours. For both pregnancy and the postnatal period, Modibodi underwear is the ideal solution to help protect you from any leaks and keep you feeling comfortable. They even have a new detachable bikini which has a clasp at the side to ensure you can easily remove it and change when out and about. They can be washed, dried and reused meaning they are much more environmentally friendly than disposable products and more comfortable too! Find out more here!
SEAMS Couturiers Hand Cream
When you have a new baby, you will suddenly find yourself washing your hands a whole lot more (and especially during the current climate!) which can result in hands becoming dry, sore and cracked. SEAMS hand cream helps to keep skin moisturised, Its carefully crafted formula leaves hands feeling soft, supple and smooth. It is enriched with shea butter, rosehip oil and oat beta-glutan. It smells divine too! Find out more here!
The Positive Planner
Looking after your mental health and well-being is vital during pregnancy and the postnatal period. As wonderful as the motherhood journey is, with it comes a whole host of emotions and feelings. One minute you're deliriously happy cuddling your newborn and the next minute you can be crying from exhaustion. It's certainly not easy and that's why it is important to make sure you are taking care of yourself. The Positive Planner is one way you can manage your mental well-being. It has sections dedicated to daily reflections and mindfulness activities and offers positive and inspirational quotes. It also helps you to plan and manage your time effectively, offering organisational extras such as meal planners and shopping lists. This beautiful journal will help assist, support and lift you during this special time. Find out more here!
*I was kindly gifted these items in exchange for an honest review.