Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and Giveaway

This week is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week.
Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the silent killer as it can’t be seen, tasted and is odourless. According to the NHS, over 200 people go to hospital every year with suspected poisoning and 40 of these result in death.
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, coal or wood do not burn fully. When a fire burns in an enclosed space, the oxygen is gradually used up and replaced with carbon dioxide. The fuel is unable to burn fully and releases carbon monoxide.

Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, tiredness and confusion.

It is important to get treated as soon as possible by accessing your GP or Accident and Emergency Department at your local hospital.

Installing a CO alarm in your house is an easy way to prevent CO poisoning in your home. This will detect a leak and give out a warning alarm if gas levels are high.

For more information, take a look at The Corgi Homeplan, How Safe Is Your Home

I have been given a carbon monoxide alarm worth £40 to giveaway. To enter, click on the link below x

Win A Carbon Monoxide Alarm Worth £40

Baby Bjorn Miracle Baby Carrier Review

As a Babyologist for Babies R Us I was given a Baby Bjorn Miracle Baby Carrier to review. The baby carrier retails at £76.99.

The Baby Bjorn Miracle baby carrier is suitable for babies 8-26lb which means it will last longer than a lot of other carriers available. The carrier we have previously used was suitable up to 19lb but we struggled getting Lucas in and out of it before he reached 17lbs.

The carrier is fully adjustable with a waist belt, wide shoulder straps and back support. Unlike other carriers on the market, the miracle carrier is adjustable to the baby’s height, with a ruler on the inside of the carrier to adjust it to match the baby’s height so they are in the best position. New borns are carried higher up on your chest where as older babies are lower down which relieves some of the pressure from your shoulders. The back support also provides stability for your lumbar region. The back can be adjusted for the wearer to decide whether to have more weight against their shoulders or hips.

The carrier can be adjusted very easily for different people to use, D and I have both used the carrier and have found it quick and easy to adjust to fit to us and both found it comfortable to carry Lucas who is now just 19lb 4oz.

It can be used for baby to be parent facing and outward facing so it is perfect for baby’s from birth to be parent facing and then changing to outward facing once they have more head control, usually around 5 months old.

What I have liked the most about this carrier is the ease of using it alone. With our old carrier, Lucas had to be guided in from the top which was difficult when on my own and wearing the carrier. We also struggled to pull him out of our old carrier. With the miracle carrier, the straps are fastened after I have positioned him, making it more comfortable for Lucas and easier for me. This is also great for when he has fallen to sleep in the carrier as I can unclip the strap and take him out of the carrier without disturbing him.

The materials used on the carrier are tested and guaranteed free from harmful substances and comply with the requirements of the Oeko-Tex standard 100 class 1 for babies, which is reassuring as Lucas immediately tries to put everything in his mouth. The carrier is also machine washable.

You can also buy a Baby Bjorn bib and cover for the carrier. I think I will be investing in the cover so I can continue using it throughout winter x

 

What Lucas Wore #13

Very serious face from Lucas this week, don’t think he was in the mood for modelling.

I was very excited when I found this three piece on the last Next sale! I bought it for £17 but it is currently available at Lilly and Sid for £32.
I got it in size 6-12 months but the top and joggers drowned Lucas so I put it away for a while. Lucas has had a cold this weekend so I got this out of the wardrobe thinking it would be perfect for layering and keeping him warm. The monkey top has long sleeves so if I needed to take the shirt off he would still be fully covered.

Unfortunately, when putting it on I was disappointed.
The monkey top gaped around the neck and the shirt was tight to put on. I would understand this if I had bought them separately as they could be sized differently but in a set I would expect them to both fit at the same time.
The drawstring in the joggers also disappeared inside so I took a while threading it back through to tie. There is only just enough to tie now so they definitely won’t tie in a months time, yet the actual fit of the joggers is big and would probably last him another three months. Lucas is currently wearing size 6-9 months so I know it isn’t because he is too big for the waist. I think the drawstring is meant to be a mock tie but when it disappears inside it looks cheap and would be better without having it so it doesn’t show the holes.
Luckily the monkey top will go well with other joggers and jeans so that should be used quite a lot when he fits into it properly.

The socks Lucas is wearing are from Tesco, as he keeps kicking his shoes off I wanted to get him some thick socks and these are perfect. I think they were £3 for two pairs but I can’t find them online and last time I was in Tesco they didn’t have any, hopefully they will restock them as I want to get him some more.

Linking up with Trendy Tot Thursday, Funky Kid Friday and What My Baby Wore.

Supporting BBC Children In Need

Children in Need has been raising money since 1927 for children and young people within the UK. Their vision is that every child in the UK has a childhood that is safe, happy, secure and allows them to reach their full potential. They provide grants to projects in the UK which focus on children and young people who are disadvantaged. They are local to people throughout the UK and support small and large organisations which empower children and extend their life choices.

This years televised appeal is on Friday 13th November on BBC 1 at 7.30pm and among the many guests are Rod Stewart, Selena Gomez and Years & Years. Sir Terry Wogan is hosting with Tess Daly, Nick Grimshaw, Rochelle Humes and Fearn Cotton.

To support the charity you can hold fundraising events, donate or buy merchandise. To donate by text;
Text PADDLE to 70701 for £1
Text GIVE to 70705 for £5
Text GIVE to 70710 for £10

The official song for the appeal is Jess Glynne’s, Take Me Home. The single available to download from iTunes, Spotify and Deezer. You can also buy the CD from 13 November at HMV, Asda, Tesco, Amazon (pre-order from 3 November) and independent retailers across the UK. A minimum of 30p from each sale will go to Children in Need.

As well as the Children in Need shop, children’s clothes are available at Debenhams and Asda.

How adorable are these children’s pyjamas, available at Asda for £8. 20% of the sale will go to Children in Need.

This children’s t-shirt is gorgeous and a bargain at £3 from Asda. 20% of the sales go to Children in Need.

This children’s top is also from Asda from £3 with 20% going to Children in Need.

I think I’m going to purchase this baby all in one for Lucas. £6 from Asda with 20% going to Children in Need.

I love these Giles Deacon t-shirts, available in black and gold for £12 with at least £7.09 going to Children in Need.

There are loads of other great buys from the Children in Need shop from ear muffs to money boxes, dinner sets to calendars, ironing board covers to dog bowls. There is definitely something for every member of the family x

Meet Father Christmas In South Lancashire

Lakeside Coffee House, Charnock Farm in Leyland are doing breakfast with Santa between 8-10am on
5,6,12,13,19,20 December. Book tickets ahead at the coffee house. Babys are £4 which includes a present from Santa.
Children are £10 which includes breakfast, drinks, present and chat with Santa. Adults are £6 which includes a breakfast sandwich and drinks.

Every Saturday and Sunday from Saturday 5th December until the Sunday 20th December, the Santa Express is running every 20 minutes from Chorley Council’s offices on Union Street to Astley Hall to meet Father Christmas between 10am and 4.30pm. Tickets must be booked in advance from Chorley.gov. The tickets are £6 for children (aged 12 and under) and £3 for adults and various time slots are available on all six dates. Children will receive a gift from Father Christmas. Baby’s under 12 months can ride on the express and meet Father Christmas with their family for free but will not receive a gift.

Meet Father Christmas on The Santa Express Train with Ribble Railways. Father Christmas will visit you at your seat on the train and give children a gift. The train journey lasts approximately 40 minutes. The price also includes entrance to the festively trimmed railway museum. There are 6 trains per day on the 5,6,12,13,19,20 December. Tickets are £9 for adults, £9.50 for children and £5 for infants 6-23 months. Tickets must be booked in advance at Ribble Steam.

Father Christmas will be visiting Samlesbury Hall on Sunday 29th November, Sunday 6thDecember, Sunday 13th December and Sunday 20th December. Entry to the grounds and hall is free, to meet Father Christmas it is £5 which includes a gift.

Meet Father Christmas at Barton Grange from 23rd November to 24th December. Children can visit Santas Grotto for £15.95 from the 28th November, they’ll receive a gift, a book, a photograph with Santa and some reindeer food for Christmas Eve.
There is a Santas Grotto Baby Week from the 23rd to 27th November between 10.30am-6pm. This is for 0-4 year olds, for £13.95 babys and toddlers will meet Santa and receive a gift, a book and colour photograph in mount.
Breakfast with Father Christmas is still available on the 17th and 18th December, all other dates have been sold out. This is £21 per child and £8 per adult. A child ticket includes gift, book, reindeer food, breakfast and all entertainment. An adult ticket includes tea or coffee and breakfast plus all entertainment.
Tickets must be booked in advance at santa@bartongrange.co.uk or 0199520642980

Have breakfast with Father Christmas at Wyevale Garden Centre, Leyland between 5th and 24th December. Tickets are £9.99 for children which includes breakfast, a gift and entertainment including decorating their own Christmas cookie. Adult tickets are £7.99 for a full breakfast and £3.99 for a mini breakfast. Have tea with Father Christmas is between 12th and 23rd December. Prices are the same as breakfast.

On the 21st November, Father Christmas will be arriving at Birkacre Garden Centre, Coppull on his sleigh with reindeers. Watch them travel from Birkacre Park to the garden centre. You can visit Father Christmas in his grotto on various dates from then until the 24th December. It is £6.50 to visit the grotto.

Father Christmas will be arriving by helicopter at Botany Bay on the 29th November at 12 noon. He will then be in his grotto ready for visitors on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays in December from 10am until 4pm. A visit costs £6.95 per child and includes a gift for under 12s plus the chance to take photos with Father Christmas in his grotto. Bookings haven’t started yet but you can register your interest at visitsanta@botanybay.co.uk to get an email once the online bookings begin.

On the 9th and 10th December you can have tea with Father Christmas at The Mill, St. Catherine’s. Children get to meet Father Christmas, have their photo taken and receive a gift. There will be a christmas music sing a long, decorate your own gingerbread and make a christmas card. Tickets need to be booked in advance and are £10 per adult and £7.50 per child.

My Forever Necklace

Oh my goodness, please take a moment to admire my new necklace…isn’t it beautiful?!

This little beauty is my 30th birthday present from my parents. Yes, I am turning 3-0, I actually remember when I was younger that I thought 14 was old, that then progressed to 25 and now I have only 2 months left in my 20s. I must admit, the fact I am turning 30 whilst sunning 🌞 myself with my 2 boys does make it that little bit easier 😍.

Anyway, back to the necklace…when my mum asked what I wanted for my birthday, I knew I wanted something that I could keep and something that involved Lucas. I considered casts of Lucas’ hands but after some thought, I decided that I would probably love them for a couple of months then not be too sure of where to place them in the house. I thought about a professional family photo but didn’t really want a staged photo and I also have an awesome cousin with a photography degree. Through entering competitions on facebook, I found some personalised jewellery and started investigating the various pages and shops that sell them.

When I stumbled upon Bella and Bow, I knew that a necklace with Lucas’ prints on was exactly what I wanted. It would be something special for me to treasure and something I would use. There are many places selling these types of items but I chose Bella and Bow as I could see the quality of the detail on the prints and I have not been disappointed. I also like to support local independent businesses rather than a bigger chain of shops.

I chose a handmade duo of heart charms necklace, I have Lucas’ hand and footprints on the larger heart and his fingerprint on the smaller heart. I had his birthdate, time and weight engraved on the back of them.

Once I placed the order online, Bella and Bow sent me a no mess print taking kit. This would usually be for the customer to take the prints at home and then send back to the studio. As I live near to the studio, I emailed to see if it was possible for me to go down for them to take the prints. They were very accommodating and allowed us to do this, I even had a slice of cake whilst there. I needn’t have worried about the print taking though, I would have easily managed it at home and it really does make no mess.

The handmade collection is created entirely by hand. ‘Each piece has to go through several processes to be made. Every part of the process has to be undertaken meticulously and carefully in order to ensure that the final product is perfect. After being fired in a kiln each individual charm is polished by hand until we achieve a mirror like shine – it’s a little wearing on the fingers – but very satisfying once done!’ – Bella and Bow
This commitment truly shows in the quality of the finished product, the intrinsic details of every line and crease in Lucas’ prints are amazing.

Sadly, I have to now attempt to tie the bow around the box and hand it over to my parents until January.

I can not recommend Bella and Bow enough, pop over and take a look. They make perfect Christmas presents for any member of the family with various charms, bracelets, cufflinks, keyrings and necklaces including the mini message trio charm necklace which is next on my wishlist x

Disclaimer; I have not been compensated for this review, I just love my forever necklace and wanted to share it x

Linking up with Find your Tribe and Lovely Things x

Note #8

Hi baby boy x

You were meant to be seeing the health visitor yesterday morning for your 8-12 month check but she cancelled just before she was meant to arrive, it did mean I didn’t have to interrupt your nap though so not all bad x

You have really got into a routine with your morning naps this week but the rest of your sleeping has gone all over the place. You have never slept through the night yet but when you did wake, you would feed and literally fall off my boob back to sleep but this week you have been waking differently. You don’t always want a feed, you have been wide awake between 2-4am a couple of times but quite content as if it’s time to get up but other times you have woken crying and difficult to settle again. You have also been whimpering in your sleep at times. I read that between 8-10 months it is normal for you to have sleep regression as you are learning and processing so many new things. I hope that is what this is and it won’t go on too long. I feel so helpless when you are sobbing in the middle of the night and nothing seems to pacify you x

When you have been awake though, you have been a lot more cuddlier this week. You initiate hugs and attempt to pucker up when we go to kiss you. This has definitely made your daddy’s week, you are his number one fan at the moment. We have started face-timing when your daddy is at work and you go to grab him and your face lights up when you see him x

Last week and the week before you definitely had a bit of separation anxiety, you would cry every time I left and didn’t want to be held by anyone else but fingers crossed, that phase has passed x

It was your first halloween last weekend, you made an adorable little skeleton and had your first chocolate button as your treat. You also went swimming and had your photo taken under water, you are a proper water baby, it didn’t phase you at all x

That’s all for now little fella, I’m shattered, hoping to nap when you next do x

Love you xx

What Lucas Wore #12

I have lost track of where this week has gone and completely forgot to write an outfit post so it’s a bit of a mismatched one today.

To start with I am sharing Lucas’ halloween outfit which was a skeleton all in one that glows in the dark and a ‘my first spooky halloween’ bib from Tesco. The all in one was £4 and the bib was £2. I’m sure they will now be half price if there are any left in stores.

The other piece I am sharing is this gorgeous reindeer print shirt and bow tie that I adore. D bought this from Tesco yesterday for Lucas to wear on Christmas Day, total bargain at £7 x

Linking up with Trendy Tot Thursday, Funky Kid Friday and What My Baby Wore x

Lucas’ First Halloween

Happy Halloween! For Lucas’ first halloween we took him to visit his grandparents and great grandparents.

He was a not so scary looking skeleton. I bought a skeleton all in one and ‘my first spooky halloween’ bib from Tesco.

I carved 2 pumpkins. The first I carved a heart for World Vision, the idea is you carve a heart in the pumpkin and text HEART to 70060 to donate £5, helping children living in fear.

The second pumpkin I carved was an image of a baby in a pram that I found from The Pumpkin Lady. It is meant to have Baby’s 1st carved across the pram but that got a little too tricky for me.

With the pumpkin I made Glorious Roasted Pumpkin Soup from Jamie Oliver, it was delicious but next year I am going to use less chilli;
• 1.5kg edible pumpkin
• Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried chilli
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 carrot
• 1 stick of celery
• 1 litre hot vegetable stock
Preheat the oven to 170°C/340°F. Half the pumpkin and remove the seeds (you can keep these for roasting), then chop into wedges. Place the pumpkin on two large baking trays and drizzle over a little olive oil. In a pestle and mortar, grind the chilli and coriander seeds with a pinch of salt until finely ground. Sprinkle the spices over the pumpkin with some black pepper. Roast the pumpkin for 1 hour, or until soft and slightly caramalised at the edges.
Meanwhile, roughly chop the onion, garlic, carrot and celery. Heat a lug of olive oil over a medium heat in a large saucepan then add the vegetables and cook for 15 minutes, or until soft and sweet but not coloured.

When the squash is ready, add to the pan with the hot stock. Blend with a stick blender, adding a little more water if you like a thinner consistency.

I washed and roasted the pumpkin seeds with sea salt and chilli, these were lovely sprinkled in the soup and as a snack.

I baked a halloween cake, this is the first cake I have baked from scratch, I usually use pre-mixed packets. I kept it simple by doing a Victoria Sponge. I used a recipe from BBC Good Food.

200g caster sugar
200g softened butter
4 eggs, beaten
200g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp milk
For the filling:
100g butter, softened
140g icing sugar, sifted
drop vanilla extract (optional)
half a 340g jar good-quality strawberry jam

-Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Butter two 20cm sandwich tins and line with non-stick baking paper. In a large bowl, beat all the cake ingredients together until you have a smooth, soft batter.
-Divide the mixture between the tins, smooth the surface with a spatula or the back of a spoon, then bake for about 20 mins until golden and the cake springs back when pressed. Turn onto a cooling rack and leave to cool completely.
-To make the filling, beat the butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually beat in icing sugar. Beat in vanilla extract if you’re using it. Spread the butter cream over the bottom of one of the sponges, top it with jam and sandwich the second sponge on top. Dust with a little icing sugar before serving. Keep in an airtight container and eat within 2 days.

• I used orange frosting and halloween sprinkles from Aldi to decorate.

D bought some orange and black balloons and some hanging decorations which Lucas enjoyed scrunching up and batting the balloons around.

I’m not sure Lucas will be awake for a bonfire and fireworks this year so I think meeting Father Christmas will be our next first event x

Linking up with Just Another Linky and Best and Worst Linky

What Lucas Wore #11

So I know I am biased but how adorable does the little fella look in this shirt?!

This was a gift when Lucas was born, I must admit that I wasn’t keen on it to begin with but I don’t want any of his gifts not being used so it came out of the wardrobe this week. I’m so glad it did, I absolutely love it. It has ruffle detailing on the front and imitation braces. It is from Baby K at Mothercare, as it was a gift in February it will be from the last A/W range x

Linking up with Trendy Tot Thursday, Funky Kid Friday and What My Baby Wore