Photo-Jigsaw

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I've been very lucky to have received a canvas to review from Bags of Love who have a fantastic range of personalised gifts. I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of the print and speed of service and would thoroughly recommend Bags of Love for any personalised photo products.

Thanks to the lovely folk over at Bags of Love, I am lucky enough to be able to offer one reader a prize of a photo jigsaw. However this is no ordinary photo jigsaw, this is a rather cool one that I'm actually quite jealous of!

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Theraline Animal Neck Pillow

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In a few weeks time we're off down to Delightfully Delicious Dorset for a week's holiday and therefore my mind is filled to bursting with all the different things that we're going to need. That includes all the things that will make a possibly three-hour journey (depending upon the damned M5 around Taunton) easier for us, especially me as I'll be in the back next to a crotchety two-year old who has started to refuse to sleep in the car.

One such item that will make him more comfy (and therefore more likely to sleep) is the Theraline animal neck pillow that we've recently been sent to review. We chose a sheep one because we're Welsh but they come in three very cute and cuddly designs to keep little boys and girls happy. Made from a soft and cuddly materials and filled with fine sand-like micro-beads, I already know that The Boy is going to enjoy cuddling up to sheep, and when he falls asleep I can pop it around his neck to support and make it more comfy for him.

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WOW: Fun with Fred!

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From the first moments that The Boy could crawl, one of his favourite activities was crawling up the sofa and onto the windowsill behind. He'd then lift up the net curtains and sit there waving at the people going past. His most favourite person to wave at was the driver of the dustbin lorry that goes up the street on a Tuesday and a Friday. Even now, he still insists on watching them go past, and now they wave back to him.

When I saw that WOW Toys have a range of vehicles found about town and that one of these is Flip'n'Tip Fred the recycling lorry, I was more than happy to review it with The Boy. His little face when he saw it was an absolute picture and he spent a very busy hour or two playing extremely contentedly with it.

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Orchard Toys: Nursery Rhymes Jigsaws

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I cannot even begin to convey how big a fan I am of Orchard Toys. The British brand produces some of the best games and toys around on the market, and that's both mummy-voice and teacher-voice speaking there.

We were recently sent Nursery Rhyme: Four in a Box jigsaws to review, which came at the right time because The Boy has become very interested in puzzles lately.

The images used on the puzzles are: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star; Humpty Dumpty; Jack and Jill; and Hey, Diddle, Diddle. Which is, quite frankly, ever so convenient as these are his favourite rhymes at the moment! If you are unsure of the words (I'm certainly not, that much I can assure you) then they are written on the back.

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Competition: UltraSun Professional Protection

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Yesterday we spent the late afternoon at the beach building sandcastles in the sand and filling our buckets with salty water to empty into our moat. Yesterday it was boiling. Today it has rained, but yesterday was brilliantly sunny with temperatures of 28°C here in south Wales. Perfect weather to try out the UltraSun Professional Protection sun-cream we'd been sent to review.

As we are typically British in complexion, and therefore likely to burn at the drop of a hat, it is always extremely important that we cover ourselves in really good sun protection. I have suffered second degree sunburn from half an hour in the sun (in Dubai) and it's not a fun experience. There is no way that I am going through that again, especially as my skin now seems to almost have been tattooed with the shoulder straps from the swimsuit that I wore that day. I kid you not.

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The Land Of Me

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I am many things in my life (mainly exhausted), but the bit that pays the bills means that I'm a primary school teacher. More than that, I am ICT co-ordinator for a primary school of over 450 children. This means that not only do I have the responsibility of ensuring that Information Communication Technology is taught in accordance with the National Curriculum, it also means that I have to oversee that it is taught with enthusiasm and that the children are instilled with a lifelong interest in, and motivation by, technology.

The world in which our children will continue to grow up in is inconceivable. The technology that they will be using in ten years time, or as an adult, has not been dreamt of yet. This is why it is so important to instill an enthusiasm in learning through technology. Now don't get me wrong, I also trained as nursery nurse studying psychology and I know the stages of a child's development and the different phases of play. Which is why it is important to immerse them in a mix of the traditional physical toys playing with a person, as well as developing their technological awareness.

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Competition: NIP + FAB Frown Fix

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I'm rather aware that I'm knocking on a bit now, what with being the grand old age of 33. In addition, I'm a mother, wife and teacher. All of these things can lead to frowns occuring on a daily, possibly even hourly, basis! I've discovered that pushing my skin back down and trying to smooth down my eyebrow furrows doesn't really work, which I think is a bit inconsiderate.

So when I was approached to review the brand new NIP + FAB Frown Fix, I metaphorically bit the hand off of the kind soul offering. You may have seen NIP + FAB in the beauty pages of the national newspapers and glossy magazines. If you haven't then you've not been paying attention properly. The range of products is amazing, including a Tummy Fix and a Cellulite Fix, and is coveted by many a celebrity from Alexandra Burke through to Jennifer Aniston. To top it all off, they are launching the Frown Fix as we 'speak' so I feel a little bit special in having the opportunity to review it!

The Frown Fix which I have to try comes in a neat little tube, similar in size to a mascara so it can fit nicely in your make-up kit. One end opens up to show a little brush, the other twists to push the formula up. The description on the box says 'Frown fix is a concentrated formular designed to plump and smooth the appearance of expression lines, fine lines and wrinkles.' And hopefully my furrows caused by people who stress me out!

I followed the instructions to 'brush directly onto clean skin to target expression lines around eyes, forehead and mouth', although I didn't need it around the mouth (clearly I don't smile enough!). It is incredibly smooth, doesn't sting or feel tight (or any other unpleasant sensation) and just gently works subtly. The research indicates that 'the effects are instant (within a couple of minutes), but everyday use also results in a cumulative effect so lines become permanently more visible. Clinical tests on the active ingredient has shown a reduction in wrinkles of up to 50% over a 60 day period.'

I'd call it botox in a tube, but that sounds derogatory to Frown Fix as it doesn't render you incapable of showing expression. Don't even think of it as polyfilla. Consider it a magic wand to indicate that you are a young and carefree woman! It could just be your new BFF!

I am giving FIVE of you lucky individuals the chance to win a NIP + FAB Frown Fix (which retail for £10.25 each in Boots and Harvey Nichols don'cha know).

In order to be in with a chance of winning, please do all of the following things:

  1. Tell me in the comments box whether you are going to be using it fill the laughter or frown lines, and who causes them!
  2. 'Follow' NIP + FAB on twitter or 'like' on Facebook
  3. Tweet the following message:

"I've entered to win a @NipandFab Frown Fix on @TheBoyandMe's blog https://www.theboyandme.co.uk/?p=2216"

Please only leave one comment to tell me that you've done these things. You won't be getting more entries if you leave separate comments!

T&C:

The competition will end on Monday 9th May 2011 at 8pm. I will draw five winners using www.random.org and notify them by e-mail, I will need a reply by Wednesday 11th May 2011 at 8pm or I will redraw. Open to UK entrants only please.

GOOD LUCK!

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I have been provided with a tube of Frown Fix for the purpose of this review, which is as always honest and my own opinion. No other reward was given.

To see the winners, please click here.

Competition: MiaTui Bags

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I have been lucky enough to be approached to review a new range of 'big' bags created by Charlotte over at MiaTui.

MiaTui bags are a fantastic range of bags which have been created by mother of two Charlotte, who is currently living out in Vietnam as an ex-pat. Charlotte realised that many of the change-bags available nowadays just weren't practical or attractive enough for modern women, and therefore set about designing and producing practical bags which are fashionable and can be multi-purpose.

What makes these bags different for me is that they are not produced by a huge multi-national company by a man. MiaTui have used local (Vietnamese) designers, resources and manufacturers to produce the bags; I particularly found it fascinating that Charlotte has made the decision to work with "local women who have their own small businesses, getting paid a fair wage for their work and working their own hours to suit their family circumstances." This is an incredibly responsible attitude of Charlotte, it probably would be easy to having the bags produced in less than ethical situation, but she has thought long and hard about the image that MiaTui bags present. This post really illustrates the background to MiaTui.

The bag came in a large box well protected by air-pockets, but again this is another example of Charlotte's responsible attitude; Opus Air Pockets are biodegradable and compostable, so when put into plastic recycling it only takes 12-24 months to degrade. Underneath this is a beautiful wrapped bag in bright pink tissue paper: I felt like it was Christmas!

And so on to the bag and why it's better than others out there!

I chose the Amelie White-Pink bag to review after much deliberation, although I had the choice of seven different colours and I seriously considered the Aubergine (a brilliant colour for Autumn and Winter I feel).

Sunday was test day, a beautiful day to go to the park (by the sea) and the picture on the left illustrates all the things that would normally be shoved into the change-bag or bottom of the push-chair. I know what you're thinking, "That will never all fit in there!"

"Ha!" says I, "Look!"

Look at the organisation in that bag! And look how little space is taken up in it!

Inside the bag are several really deep pockets to hold the contents in an organised way:

  • a big pocket along one side which is perfect for The Boy's spare clothes and nappies.
  • a pocket for your phone (underneath the end of the zip so you can access it quickly) and it's also big enough to fit the iPod touch (a necessary must to distract The Boy sometimes)
  • a proper-sized insulated drinks pocket (how infuriating is it when only half the bottle fits in like in other bags?)
  • two further pockets along the other side, into these I put my purse and camera, and the wipes and nappy sacks.
  • in the middle section I had the two PVC bags which come with the Amelie bag but are also sold separately. One of them had nappy cream, Savlon, teething gel, anti-bac handwash and sun-cream. The other had packets of snacks for The Boy. There was a towel (in case he went paddling) and I also had the matching clutch bag into which I put essential make-up and other bits and bobs that you'd find in a lady's handbag!
  • my car keys which were clipped on to one of the two safety clips.

The Amelie bag hangs brilliantly off the back of the stroller because, as well as the big handles which enable you to use it as a shoulder bag, there is a long strap which can be attached to either end of the bag. Yes, that is a photo of me!

The bag held everything in it that I needed it to and there was space for more; I could quite easily have had a couple of small toys or a book in there for The Boy, or his swimming stuff and a picnic blanket (I'm thinking ahead here to Friday when we're going to country park which has paddling facilities in it). The most important feature for me was the long zip closing the contents up nice and secure; I hate it when everyone can see into your bag and everything falls out!

The Amelie bag is adapatable to your needs; travel bag, work bag (the large pocket can hold a 13" laptop or iPad), change bag, beach bag (it is made from a splash-proof material). I actually wish that Charlotte had created this two years ago and then I could have dispensed with the two or three change-bags that I've tried during that time!

For a short-time only, until Easter Monday, to celebrate the launch of her online shop, MiaTui are offering the bags with 20% off which brings them down from a very reasonable £54.99 to a bargain £44.50 with free postage and packaging. They are despatched from the UK, so don't worry about waiting more than a couple of days for them to be delivered.

Not only do MiaTui produce multi-purpose bags for mums, but they also produce a range of rucksacks for children with 8 different designs for both girls and boys. I actually really like the silver dot and am thinking of sneakily buying one for myself The Boy!

To be in with a chance of winning one of these rucksacks for your little one (or yourself!) then you will need to do all of the following:

1) Visit www.MiaTui.com and then come back to tell me your favourite item in the comments box below.

2) Either follow MiaTui on twitter or 'like' on Facebook.

3) You will also need to tweet the following message:

"I've entered to win a @miatuibags with @TheBoyandMe's blog https://www.theboyandme.co.uk/?p=2095"

There are no additional entries, so please just leave one comment in the box telling me: your favourite item from www.MiaTui.com and whether you have followed on twitter or liked on Facebook.

Competition closes on Thursday 5th May 2011 at 8pm. I will contact the winner that night and they need to reply with their colour choice of rucksack by Saturday 7th May 2011 at 8pm or I will redraw a winner. Open to UK entrants only.

While I have been provided with this bag for the purpose of this review, my opinion is honest and fair, and I have not received any payment for this post.

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The winner of the competition is: SomethingBlue_2!

Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered!

Competition: Jackson Reece wipes

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I have recently been lucky enough to be sent a sample of the range of Jackson Reece wipes.

 

There are many reasons that I could tell you, to explain why Jackson Reece wipes are good:

  • They are a natural, healthier alternative. The "unique herbal formula soothes and protects against common skin irritations such as nappy rash and eczema and contains none of the harsh ingredients that can potentially damage delicate skin." Excellent news to us, we have very sensitive skin in this household.
  • They have been dermatologically tested.
  • They contain Certified Organic Aloe Vera (naturally hydrating, healing & cooling), Certified Organic Tea Tree Oil (naturally antibacterial), and Certified Organic Lavender Essential Oil (soothing and calming). I believe quite strongly in the healing power of the natural and herbal alternatives. There's a reason that they've been used for hundreds of years.
  • The bio-degradable wipes are made from wood pulp which is a sustainable resource. They are also compostable and will degrade within 12 weeks in aerobic conditions. More importantly to me is that the packaging is more degradable than normal wipes packaging; not 500 years in a landfill site!
  • The wipes have not been tested on animals.
  • They are suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

All of these are true and surely enough of a reason to start using these wipes. There are a few ranges out there at the moment which are suitable for sensitive skin or use natural products, this has got to be the best incorporating both factors.

Jackson Reece wipes have not just one USP, but several. If you've watched the vast array of entrepreneurial programmes out there (you can't have missed them!) then you will know that I am talking about the Unique Selling Point. What makes these wipes different to others?

Yes it's the unique herbal formula that I've already mentioned, and yes, it's the fact that they are carbon conscious. They have chosen to have their wipes manufactured in the United Kingdom in order to keep the carbon footprint low, and for me there are too many industries farming their production overseas, so it's good to see that they are providing employment at home.

However, the reason that I really like them is because they derive from the need for a real solution to a real child's problems. Jackon and Reece are two little boys, the sons of Janet and Colin, the founders of the company. Jackson is the elder son, and at 8 months old he developed horrendous eczema. The steroid cream was thinning his skin and lowering the tolerance of his immune system which made him ill. His parents explored the range of wipes to try and find alcohol-free, natural wipes and found none. After years of extensive research, they determinately designed the Jackson Reece wipes.

This is what makes me want to buy them and use them. Like Kirsty Henshaw of Worthenshaws 'fame', these are people who have worked hard to solve it in a safe and ethical manner whilst providing a solution for their own son's problem, and helping others along the way.

The other major factor is that actually, they are very good. Extremely soft and smooth without a gritty feel to them (unlike some supermarket brands), they are also thick and plush. We've all had occasions when we needed a thicker than normal wipe and have been let-down in a rather grim manner, Jackson Reece wipes have been successful! Yay, no more icky fingers! I've also been sneakily using them (shhh, don't tell The Boy) as facial wipes and they've left my own skin feeling smooth, soft and clean.

Jackson Reece wipes are the Rolls Royce of baby wipes; soft, strong, plush, and very attractive.

Available in John Lewis, a wealth of online shops, and larger Tesco stores (as part of the Baby Event until 12th April they are on offer: £2.49 for 2 packs).

However, three lucky readers could win a pack of the unscented wipes (72 wipes in a pack).

In order to enter, please do the following:

Follow Jackson Reece on twitter and tweet the following message:

"I want to win @JacksonReece wipes with @TheBoyandMe https://www.theboyandme.co.uk/?p=1516"

Then tell me that you've done it in the comments box below.

Competition closes Saturday 16th April 2011 at 8pm. Open to UK entrants only. The three winners must respond by Monday 18th Apil 2011 or I will redraw.

The winners are:

And they are:

– Emma Cella

– Rhonda

– Elaine Livingstone.

Congratulations you three.

Everyone else, please keep entering.

Competition – Earth Friendly Baby and Kids

by 26 Comments

I have recently been sent some of the products from the Earth Friendly Baby and the Earth Friendly Kids range to review. This is excellent news for us as The Boy has very sensitive skin, something he has inherited from his parents; both hubby and I suffered from eczema as children, him far worse than me, and I tend to have allergic reactions to many products.

My sister had given me a tube of their Organic Red Clover Diaper Care Cream when I first had The Boy and it is marvellous stuff. The smallest amount on nappy rash clears it up fairly quickly and without harshness from chemicals. So I was more than happy to receive a pack of Earth Friendly Kids Gentle Wipes and Organic Lavender Shampoo & Bodywash to review.

The Earth Friendly Kids Gentle Wipes (flushable and 100% biodegradable) are soft and thick, which is always great. I've tried a few supermarket own-brand wipes that are quite thin and almost a little gritty, so these were a 'refreshing' change. Nothing worse when dealing with certain nappies to have to use one that is too thin! I should point out that they are labelled as being 'ideal for toilet training and sticky hands' and not intended for nappies, but they do actually work. They are nicely fragranced containing 100% organic Aloe Vera which is also soothing for little sensitive bottoms!

The one that I really must rave about is the Organic Lavender Shampoo & Bodywash. We started using it hoping that it would help with The Boy's scalp as he appears to have recently developed a toddler version of cradle-cap, which is a complete mystery to me; he never had it as a baby! It is brilliant! As it is lavender it's soothing and calming to his scalp, and used just before bedtime it is very relaxing. All three of the washes in the range contain Chamomile ' as a key ingredient, because for centuries, Chamomile has been used for its gentle healing properties – ideal for babies'. It's a top-toe wash and only the smallest amount needs to be used as it is concentrated. This one I am a big fan of, and when we run out it is definitely going to be the one that we use as opposed to Johnson's Baby Shampoo. I am a convert!

The kind folk over at Earth Friendly Baby have offered up a few products for a competition. One of you lucky individuals can be in with a chance to win items from their Earth Friendly Kids range: the Zingy Citrus Bubblebath has a blend of organic extractswith an easy-pouring bottle while the Zingy Citrus Body Lotion is ideal for the whole family, has a skin nourishing formula and has an easy to use pump.

To be in with a chance to win these two items just tell me what your child's favourite bath-toy is in the comments box below.

Extra entries are available through:

– tweeting the following: I want to win Earth Friendly Baby products on @TheBoyandMe's blog http://www.TheBoyandMe.co.uk

– following me on twitter (@TheBoyandMe)

– subscribing to my blog.

Don't forget to tell me what you've done, or you'll only receive one entry!

Competition ends Saturday 19th February 2011 at 8pm.

Open to UK residents only.

The Winner: I assigned each entry a number and then used random.org to randomly generate a winning number. It was no. 44 which was HoniebUK. Congratulations!

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