Breathe Easy, Sleep Easy with Olbas

Breathe Easy, Sleep Easy

Children with a cold need a good night’s sleep

When a child has a nasty cold or the flu, not only do they feel under the weather, but a blocked nose also prevents them from having a good night’s sleep.   As a result, no-one else gets much sleep either!  

According to The Sleep Council, young children and babies need 10-11 hours sleep a night, older children no less than 9.  Just one hour less of sleep a night can cause considerable memory and concentration problems, as well as slowing down the recovery process from a cold or flu.  55% of teachers questioned in a recent Sleep Council survey agreed that the brightest children in the classroom are the best slept and most wide awake.  Sleep also plays a crucial role for children, and for all the family, in keeping common colds and flu at bay.

Selecting the right products for your child can be confusing. That’s why Olbas provides a chart to help select the right product for the correct age – there is a product suited to every member of the family:

About Olbas for Children

Formulated especially for infants over

3 months, Olbas for Children is a gentle

decongestant that relieves congestion

and catarrh to make breathing easier.

Priced at £3.79 / 15ml

More about the Olbas range

Made with a combination of essential pure plant oils, such as eucalyptus, mint, clove, juniperberry and cajuput, Olbas products are formulated to help noses large and small breathe easy and aid in a good nights sleep. It’s the combination of these natural ingredients

which releases those distinctively soothing and relieving natural vapours.  

Kathleen McGrath, Paediatric Nurse and sleep expert, says, “Children have small air passages so even a minor blockage can affect their breathing pattern and disrupt sleep, which is essential for a quicker recovery from colds and flu.

“Young children do not know how, and hate being encouraged, to blow their nose.  An easy solution is to use an infant decongestant to help clear their nose, allowing children to fall asleep to a quicker recovery.”

McGrath offers some practical actions that parents can do to help a child suffering with congestion before bedtime:

·         Make sure your child drinks plenty of cold fluids

·         Don’t let your child get overheated – put them in cotton night clothes

·         Make sure their bedroom is well ventilated

·         Put a few drops of natural infant decongestant on the child’s pillow or baby’s bed sheet

·         Raising the head higher than the rest of the body can make it easier to breathe while sleeping. Place a towel underneath the head end of the mattress

·         From 2 years of age, teach little ones to blow their nose.  A good way to do this is to explain that “it’s like sniffing but backwards”

I was sent some Olbas bath to try and low and behold, all three of the children soon developed colds.  The bath produces plenty of bubbles to keep them happy and lots of the Olbas fragrance to unblock stuffy noses, without being overpowering.  Kian also tried the Olbas pastilles, which certainly helped get him through school!

Now is Good - Film Review

Tessa is 17 and passionate about life.  Diagnosed with a terminal illness, she determines to use every moment, compiling a catalogue of what a normal teenager would experience, including losing her virginity and taking drugs.  With the help of her friend, she sets the list in motion.  Whilst her brother and parents each deals with their fear of losing her in their own way, Tessa explores a whole new world, determined to live everyday as intensely as possible.  Falling in love with Adam, her new neighbour wasn't on her list, but it proves to be the most exhilarating experience of them all.

I waited until my husband was working late night to watch this film, as I know it isn't his cup of tea!  I settled the kids into bed and armed myself with some chocolate and a box of tissues.

With the exception of Dakota Fanning I had not heard of any of the other actors in this film before, but I will certainly remember them now.  All the characters are believable and you find yourself willing them on to a happy ending, even though you know it is never going to come.

It is a powerful and emotive film and I found myself smiling as well as crying.  I loved that Tessa was full of attitude and determined to live her remaining life as full as she could.  When asked the question  "What are you doing?" she answers "As much as I can, as fast as I can!", which sums up the whole film in a sentence.

If you are after a film to watch, with heartfelt meaning then this is for you - just don't expect hubby to tag along for the ride!

The Gallery - Bond

I have to admit when I first saw this weeks Gallery theme of Bond - the name James Bond immediately sprung to mind and I had an idea of dressing my kids in tuxedo's whilst trying to do some daring rescue.

Then I pulled myself together and thought about what bond really means:

something that binds, fastens, confines, or holds together.

I don't have a conventional family, my eldest child is almost 20 years old and my youngest has just turned 2, but they all have an amazing bond and adore each other (mostly).

I couldn't pick just one photo to represent this, so here is my definition of the word bond.

If you want to find out more about the Gallery, just head on over to Stickyfingers for more information.

The Baby Show - London ExCel Ticket Offer

I cannot tell you how excited I am about going to The Baby Show at London ExCel - which runs from the Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th February 2013.

This annual event series offers a unique shopping opportunity and a great day out for all the family.   It’s the place to browse 1000s of products from 100s of trusted brands and test run all the latest innovations that will make life with a new baby easy and fun.

From pushchairs to nursery ideas, maternity fashion to healthcare, experts are on hand to help you make the right choice for you and your growing family.  What’s more they will be joined by some of the top UK parenting experts including Professor Robert Winston, Annabel Karmel, Jo Tantum, Sarah Willingham and Clare Byam-Cook, ready to answer your questions and share their advice.

Now you can experience the UK's leading pregnancy and parenting event; an essential part of the journey into parenthood for over 10 years too, with a massive 40% off the door price of £20!

Friday price with offer = £11.95

Saturday price with offer = £11.95

Sunday price with offer = £11.95

This ticket offer runs until Wednesday 20th February and is subject to availability.

Tickets can be booked using this link:

http://www2.seetickets.com/babyshows/?a=baby+show+excel&pass=LH002

or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0871 231 0844*

Code LH002 must be quoted when booking.

*Calls cost 10p plus network charges

Further Information

·         Opening Times for The Baby Show Excel 2013: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9.30am – 5.00 pm

·         Pay and Display parking is available on site.  ExCeL is also easily accessible by Tube and DLR.

·         There are more than forty cafes, bars and restaurants on site.

·         Shop & Drop and Collect by Car service available.

·         Free crèche, baby feeding area and baby changing area available.

I hope to see you there!!

The Return of #MummyBudget

Around this time last year, I started my Mummy Budget page.  Having looked back at it, it is a little unloved with only a few links (albeit good ways to save a bit of extra money).

My aim this year is to keep it going and give you some of my best tips to either save a bit of cash, or even make a bit extra.

My question to you today is:  Do you have a cupboard full of old CD's / DVD's or video games?

We did - in fact we had a huge sideboard and a dresser full to bursting with CD's we never listened to, many doubled up from when hubby and I combined our collections, DVD's that never got watched and Games that were never played.

Did you know you can sell these for cash!

We never listen to CD's anymore - the stereo that played them is long gone and everything was played via our iPod on a special dock, or on the car stereo that links via bluetooth.  Hubby did spend a few hours ensuring that all the music we wanted to keep was put on iTunes so we didn't lose any, but once that was done it was all systems go.

I used MusicMagpie which was really simple to use.  If you have a webcam, simply scan the barcode and it gives you a price it will pay you for whatever you are selling.  If you haven't got a webcam, you can type in the barcodes although if you have a lot to sell it does take a while!  They even have an app now too, so you can do it all on your phone!

I have to admit that many CD's only sold for 30p each, however some of the more unusual ones sold for a lot more, as did DVD's and games and it certainly bit hanging around a carboot sale in the cold and rain hoping someone wanted to buy one.

Once you are done, you simply box them all up and arrange free collection through Music Magpie.

Music Magpie check all the CD's once they arrive with them and then pay you via bank transfer, cheque or e-vouchers!

As we had so many items to send, I did ours in two waves and made over £350 with all our unwanted items - an amount not to be sniffed at.  My cupboards are not bare however - they are now filled with toys and games!!

Music Magpie have expanded since I last used them and you can now sell, clothes, old computers and even GHD's and mobile phones!

Go on - have a de-clutter and see how much you can make!


Written in conjunction with Music Magpie

Win a Family Ticket to see Ben & Holly Live

From the makers of Peppa Pig and the producers of the two hugely successful Peppa Pig theatre tours comes the first ever stage version of the BAFTA award-winning TV animation, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom. And we have tickets to give away!

The Little Kingdom – where everyone is very, very small – is home to Princess Holly and her best friend Ben Elf. Holly is a young fairy princess who is still learning how to do magic properly and sometimes her spells don’t work out quite right. Ben is an Elf. Elves don’t do magic but they are very good at making things. Ben doesn’t have wings like Holly but he flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird.

In this exciting new musical adventure, Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston clean up his messy cave; they go on a trip to The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum; and still have time to plan a surprise for King Elf’s birthday party, complete with an unplanned jelly flood.

Packed full of games, songs and laughter, this is an enchanting and magical visit to the Little Kingdom, live on stage for the very first time. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family.

This brand new UK tour is now on the road until July 2013 and we have 1 family ticket up for grabs at the venue of your choice, subject to availability. A family ticket is for 4 people, minimum 1 adult. The tickets are non-transferable. No cash alternatives, accommodation or travel are provided in this competition. For further show information and tour dates: www.benandhollylive.com

To Enter:

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Closing date: 10th February 2013

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a Rafflecopter giveaway ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom Live

Eliza has progressed quickly from loving Peppa Pig to favouring Ben & Holly and I have to say I am relieved.  When I found out Ben & Holly were touring live, I had to book tickets as a birthday present.  We have to wait a little while before we go, but I thought I would share the details with you.

From the makers of Peppa Pig and the producers of the two hugely successful Peppa Pig theatre tours comes the first ever stage version of the BAFTA award-winning TV animation, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom. This brand new UK tour premiered at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford on 26 October and is currently on an extensive UK tour until August 2013.

Currently a top favourite show for pre-schoolers, this charmingly magical animation airs on Nick Jr (since April 2009) and on 5’s Milkshake (since April 2010). Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom is co-owned by animation studio Astley Baker Davies and has been a hit with audiences and critics alike. The series won a BAFTA award for Best Pre-School Animation in 2009 and a British Animation Award for Best Pre-School Series in 2012.

The Little Kingdom – where everyone is very, very small – is home to Princess Holly and her best friend Ben Elf. Holly is a young fairy princess who is still learning how to do magic properly and sometimes her spells don’t work out quite right. Ben is an Elf. Elves don’t do magic but they are very good at making things. Ben doesn’t have wings like Holly but he flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird.

In this exciting new musical adventure, Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston clean up his messy cave; they go on a trip to The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum; and still have time to plan a surprise for King Elf’s birthday party, complete with an unplanned jelly flood.

Packed full of games, songs and laughter, this is an enchanting and magical visit to the Little Kingdom, live on stage for the very first time. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family.

For more information, go to www.benandhollylive.com and follow them on twitter @benandhollylive.

Manuka Doctor Bee Venom Face Masks - Review

When I was given the opportunity to try the Manuka Doctor Apinourish Rejuvenating Face Mask, I couldn't say no.

It's active key ingredients are: UMF® 18+ Manuka Honey, Purified Bee Venom, Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut and Vitamin E, which promise rich hydration, assisting  collagen formation, replenishing the skin moisture barrier, whilst helping to reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles.

I have heard of celebrities, such as Kylie Minogue, Gwyneth Paltrow and the Duchess of Cambridge using bee venom, so here was a chance to try it for myself.

It is recommended that your perform a patch test first, before you plan to use this product, which I did as I have very sensitive skin.  It also cannot be used by people allergic to bee stings!

If you have read my blog before, you will be aware that I suffer from Acne Rosacea.  I am currently having a very bad flare up and my cheeks are covered in small lumpy spots that just won't shift without the use of antibiotics.  In fact, even my husband remarked how bad my skin was, so it must have been bad.

It is recommended you apply the product and leave on for half an hour, before gently wiping off, so I decided to have a relaxing bath whilst him indoors manned the children.

Once applied I felt my skin tighten, but it was not uncomfortable and it was really easy to remove half an hour later, unlike some face masks.  I used a warm, damp flannel to remove the product in an upward motion.

My skin felt lovely, smooth and refreshed when I removed the mask, and my cheeks were less inflamed.  I later read that bee venom helps with the elimination and prevention of acne.

I have now used this product twice, and although my face hasn't miraculously cleared up, it is much improved and I am considering using their other range of products, including the Repairing Skin Cream and the Facial Cleanser.

Priced at £49.99, the Manuka Doctor Bee Venom Face Mask is pricey, however Money Supermarket National Deals currently have it on offer at £19.99 plus £2.75 p&p.

Might be worth dropping the other half hints as Valentines Day is just around the corner!

Project 365 - 4/52

This week saw our youngest turn the grand old age of 2.  It has been a week full of fun, new toys and the occasional overwhelmed stroppy moment, but we have had lots of fun!

20.  Isaac reading Daddy his book
21.  It's all got too much!
22.  Come on Isaac - PUSH!!
23.  Birthday balloon
24.  Stealing Peppa Pig's nose off the cake
25.  Where's Eliza?
26.  Who needs Patrick Swayze when you've got Daddy and wings?

Silent Sunday - 27th January 2012

Andrex Clean Campaign

Poo!!

Wee!!

We all do it!

Most of us hate talking about toilet habits, unless you have a baby or a toddler and then it is common place!

We think nothing off cleaning a babies bottom with moist baby wipes, after all they get rid of the "residue" much better than using dry tissue, and they keep little ones clean and fresh.

The Clean Campaign by Andrex aims to change perceptions of moist tissues as “taboo” and encourage people to try the products and adopt them as part of their daily routine rather than associate them with ill-health.

Andrex Washlets are lightly moistened flushable toilet tissue wipes.  They are designed to be an extra step in your existing routine.  Pre-moistened, use one or two wipes alongside your normal toilet tissue to feel extra clean and fresh.  Dermatologically tested and available in a moisture retaining tub and a refill pack.  Skin PH neutral, these wipes are flushable and biodegradable.

Here is Dawn Porter to tell us more:

Saturday is Caption Day - 26th January 2012

Yesterday I told the kids to Bournemouth Oceanarium as they all demanded to see the fish.  By far the favourite creature of the visit is always the turtle, and this time was no exception.

This turtle spent a good 10 minutes in this position and I am not sure who was studying who harder!!

Should I teach my child to drive?

Learning to drive is a right of passage, but that doesn't mean parents have to like it when their kids get behind the wheel. So what do you do when they come to you asking if you'll teach them? Run? Play the "ask your dad" card? Well, both might seem like good options, but if you do decide to take to the passenger seat, Izzy from PassSmart has got some tips to help you, and your child, stay sane!

Don't take their first lesson

If the thought of your child in charge of a real-life car fills you with dread, you might feel a bit more at ease if they've had some practice with a professional instructor first. Get them to book a couple of hours with a driving instructor for their first driving experience. This way they'll learn the basics of how everything works in a dual control car, and you won't end up screaming at them to brake (hopefully).

Put yourself in their shoes

Remember that this whole experience is just as stressful for them as it is for you, and if your fingers have turned white from gripping the seat, it's not going to help their confidence. Think back to your own driving lessons. Millions of people learn to drive every year, and if they can do it, so can your son or daughter. Stay calm, tell them what they're doing well and what they need to concentrate more on, and explain that getting to grips with driving takes time.

No shouting

There's a reason why they say you should never mix business with pleasure. Working together with family members is tough. There will be times when you want to scream at each other, but it's important that you both keep your cool.
If things do get strained, take some time out outside the car. Go for a quick 5 minute wander and meet back at the car again to carry on. If either of you lose your cool with each other, you might struggle to get the teacher, pupil trust back.

Share the teaching

If there's someone else that can take them for lessons, get them to do a bit of teaching too. They might, for example, find they learn better with their dad, aunt or uncle. Don't take offence if they do; they might simply just respond better to their teaching style!
You should also make sure they get in some lessons with a trained driving instructor. The average learner takes around 47 hours of professional teaching and 20 hours of private practice to get to test. Not only will some professional tuition give them the best chance when it comes to taking their test, but might also take some of the pressure off you.

If it's not working, it's not working

There may come a time when you just have to throw the towel in. If you can't get used to being their teacher, or they can't get used to being your pupil, quit while you're still ahead. Remember you can still support them through their lessons without being their driving instructor!

This guest post was written on behalf of PassSmart.com; the site which matches learner drivers with instructors in their area.

Uh oh - we have a 2 year old!

Yesterday, Eliza turned the grand old age of 2 and it only seems like yesterday she was born!!

Then:

Now:

She is growing into a bright, intelligent and very mischievous little lady!  She has her brothers and sister wrapped around her little finger although can deliver a mean tantrum if she doesn't get her own way.

She was spoiled rotten on her birthday, with a Dolls House, Ben & Holly toys, clothes and a Peppa Pig duvet cover for her new big bed.  By far, her favourite present was her fairy wings and wand though!

She didn't quite manage to blow out the candles on her cake by herself, but she did make sure she got the piece of cake she wanted by ripping Peppa's nose off!!

A big thank you to all who sent birthday wishes on twitter and facebook - they were much appreciated - we hope you hang around for the next year!!

Hello Baby - Review

Just before Christmas I was sent a couple of items from HelloBaby to review.  

The first one was the Summer Infant Tiny Diner Placemat, which is a safe and clean surface for baby to eat on containing mess and protecting from germs.  They say:

The Tiny Diner is durable, flexible and washable making it the perfect travel product for mum’s on the go, rolling up nicely and securely for easy storage.

It is designed with strong suction cups to secure the Tiny Diner where ever you choose to use it.

The Mat also easily folds into a compact size so it can be tucked away for travel.

Features:

• the patented design protects children from germy surfaces while keeping spills off their laps.
• Strong suction cups keep the Tiny Diner where you put it and your kids eat directly off the mat so there are no worries about plates ending up on the floor.

So, what did I think?

I liked the concept - my daughter has a habit of launching her plate onto the floor, complete with whatever food happens to be on it.  This has suction cups that stick to the table and a food catcher that sits on the edge of the table.  

The problem with it is, it just doesn't stick.  I am not sure if it is my table (it's wood) or the oil cloth table cloth, but nothing I did would make it stay put.  Within seconds it un-pops and curls back up!!  Yes it is great for transporting, and fits neatly in the changing bag, but if it doesn't stick, it doesn't work!

The second item fared much much better!  

The Brother Max combi bibs - Just clip on and fold away.  This very convenient pack contains three detachable bibs and a crumb catcher. When your baby's finished eating, the crumb catcher is used as a case to tidy the bibs!

Product features:

• Cotton tops
• Leak-proof lining
• Three bibs, three colours for three different meals
• Suitable for machine washing and tumble drying

Maximum neck size is 12 inches

Age suitability: from 4 months

We have this style of bib at home, but all plastic!  This variation is great for days / meals out as it folds up really small and you can store the cotton tops in the crumb catcher which stops the changing bag getting mucky!!

And if you are concerned about it being too small - here it is on an almost 3 year old!!

HelloBaby is a fabulous website full of ingenious products for your baby, from safety equipment to toys, nursery furniture to car seats and pushchairs.  I may not have got on with the Tiny Diner, but there is plenty of other items to try!!

The Gallery - Adventure

Last year I promised myself that I would do The Gallery every week and I failed miserably.

Then I mean't do do last weeks, and life just got in the way, but, I have decided not to beat myself up about it and just take part when I can.

This weeks Gallery is Adventure and what a cracking theme!

My children have been having adventures in the very rare snow we have had this week - (we don't see it often in Bournemouth).

They were itching to get out the door to play, before it was even light!  The schools stayed shut, so we made the most of our unexpected snow day and had some fun!

Isaac last saw snow in December 2010 when he was 20 months, and didn't really remember.  This time he got really involved in making and throwing snowballs with the big boys, whom all let him throw them at them whilst not really retaliating.  Eliza on other hand, was more interested in stomping through the snow and making footprints!

I can't choose just one photo, so here is one of each of the three I had home!

Aim, FIRE!!!!

How to make the perfect Snowball

First time in the Snow

Oh, I have to share this one too!

Not sure I want to see where I am going!!

Harry Potter XBox360 Kinect - Review

If ever there was a game for me, it is this one.  We were sent Harry Potter for Kinect to review over Christmas, but sadly didn't feel up to it thanks to a nasty bug.

Having now had the opportunity to play it, I can easily say it is a MUST for Harry Potter fans.

Firstly you need the Kinect system for the XBox 360 and plenty of room to wave your wand and jump around.

We have played the movie version, which has dialogue and computer regenerated scenes from the actual films - from selecting your wand, the sorting hat and even being told by Professor Snape that you are good at your spells (or not).

It is a game the whole family can play, and there it is so much fun practicing the spells you see in the film.

By far one of the funniest part of the game (from a spectator point of view) is trying to defeat the Troll in the toilets as you have to leap out the way of his attacks.

I have always wanted to play Quidditch too and although it isn't real life, it is great fun you weave around and knock other Quidditch players off their broomsticks and catch the Golden Snitch.

The action replays are also amusing, and Eliza loved watching them back and trying to copy the moves.

We have thoroughly enjoyed playing this game, and I cannot wait to play some more.  If you are looking to get a bit of exercise on these cold winter nights, whilst having fun at the same time, then this game is for you!!

Now - I am off to practice my Levitation charm - Wingardium Leviosa