Dear Riley - 12 Months Old

Dear Riley,

Weight: TBC
Clothes Size: 6-9/9-12 Months
Nappy Size: Pampers Baby Dry Size 4

Mummy is a week late in writing this but Wow baby boy, you are now 12 months old - WE MADE IT! What a year it's been, there's been highs and lows but i wouldn't change anything for the world and would do it all over again in a heartbeat. We celebrated your birthday in style and had a HUGE 'Very Hungry Caterpillar' party for you which seemed like the perfect theme given that it's your favourite book for mummy to read. There was soft play, a bouncy castle, a ball pit, arts & crafts, cake and lots of food. You got thoroughly spoilt with gifts from your guests and one of mummy's friends made you THE MOST AMAZING CAKE EVER!

You've started doing all sorts of fun things this month, revealing more and more of your cheeky personality. You've got a silly sense of humour and an infectious laugh. During a month of  'party organisation stress' you've been my relief. Always there to remind me of what's really important, ever in the moment, helping me to enjoy now...

*You still refuse to sit up on your own but we had a breakthrough last week when mummy discovered that you can stand on your own for about 10 seconds and you can also walk around the sofa whilst holding on. You're clearly one of these babies that will run before he walks. (so to speak).

*This month we've been trying to teach you to wave hello and goodbye to people and also to say 'ta' when you're given something. I don't quite think you've grasped the concept yet but you always seem so eager to try and to learn so we'll get there.

*You've discovered your reflection and it is so funny. You look completely dumbfounded and amazed every time you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and normally raise an arm to touch your face, just to clarify that it is actually you you're seeing in there. You look at mummy and then back at the mirror - confusion! So, you look at mummy again and then quickly turn back to the mirror and this process continues (ALOT) which makes mummy laugh and then you start laughing. It's become a little bit of a game between us now but fun all the same.

*You babble up a storm all the time, often having little conversations with your stuffed animals, your books, the tv and generally anyone or anything that will listen. I wish i knew what you were saying. You've definitely found your voice this past month and have begun experimenting with other sounds like hissing, gurgling, squealing and cooing. 

* You smile and laugh all day every day and are such a loving, content and laidback baby to be around. You recognise your nana, aunty and uncles now and your face lights up whenever you see or hear them walk in to the room. None more so than with your cousin Tia, she is without question the apple of your eye and i love watching the two of you together. She's so affectionate towards you and you're always trying to interact with her so i just know you two are going to be the best of friends growing up.

*We had an 'amusing' incident with the fireplace this month - mummy won't go in to details but lets just say she found you covered from head to toe in ash, your hair was black, your face was black, your hands were black, you'd put black handprints all over the wall and obviously mummy didn't find this situation funny in the slightest. Much. Lol. It made for an eventful bathtime that's for sure.

* You're continuing to sleep through at night and take 2 really decent naps during the day which is awesome, although you've been under the weather this past week or so which has led to many sleepless nights for mummy and hours of wandering around aimlessly in the dark trying to rock you back to sleep. Sometimes you still wake up a little early, but for the most part this is a really easy and nice time in regards to sleep so thank you!

*Though you're becoming more mobile and independent - spending time on your own playing, sitting in your walker, rolling around on the floor etc. you're more cuddly than ever. Sometimes, especially right after a nap, you just want to sit in my lap. You've been falling asleep in my arms a lot lately as well. During these moments, i pause and try to memorise the way you smell, the way you feel, the weight of you in my arms, the rise and fall of your chest against mine. It's one of my favourite experiences in life. Ever. 

You are pure joy and everyone LOVES to be around you.

As ever Riley, keep happy, keep safe and keep healthy.

Love From Mummy xxx

Treat Your Family To A Festive Getaway In South Wales

If you’re the type of family that’s always looking for unique things to do at Christmas, you couldn’t ask for anything more memorable than a family caravan holiday to South Wales! This beautiful part of the country is home to two Parkdean caravan holiday parks where you can spend some much-needed time together in cosy and comfortable accommodation this Christmas period, and be perfectly placed to explore some of the most stunning scenery and charming locations to be found anywhere in the UK. 

What’s more, at Christmas in South Wales you’ll never be short of something festive and fun to do with your family. A favourite family tradition at Christmas is taking the kids to visit Santa, and in South Wales this December you’ll find him in his log cabin grotto at the beautiful Carmarthen Castle, and once the little ones have told him their Christmas lists you can all enjoy the street entertainment, side stalls and tasty refreshments to be found in the Castle’s grounds. 

Santa Doesn’t Stop!

In fact, it seems that Santa’s schedule is well-packed in South Wales this year as he’ll also be stopping by Rhonnda Heritage Park, where he’s hidden toys underground in the Toy Mine! Your whole family can join the miners on a thrilling underground adventure to see if you can find Santa’s hiding place and of course when you find them, your kids will be able to take one home. 

Newport’s Celtic Manor will also be a magical place to visit on caravan holidays to South Wales with the family this Christmas, as their sensational Christmas Kingdom returns throughout December to delight visitors of all ages. Wrap up warm and glide around the ice rink in Celtic Manor’s lush grounds, enjoy the live festive music, do some essential Christmas shopping at the Christmas Market and even pay a visit to a very special guest – that’s right, Santa will be stopping by too! He must be exhausted.

The National Coal Museum should also be on your list of places to visit during your caravan holiday to South Wales this Christmastime, as from December 15th your whole family can take part in an exciting challenge – the Festive Trails! You’ll need to solve the Christmassy quiz to be in with the chance of winning a prize, but it’s a great way to see this wonderful museum too. 

So why not check out the Parkdean holiday parks in South Wales now and treat your family to an early Christmas gift!

Baby's First Christmas

Ok, so technically last year was Riley's first Christmas, but as he was in NICU we had limited time with him and didn't get to celebrate it how we would have liked. Don't get me wrong, the nurses did an amazing job of making it special for him and we arrived on Christmas morning to find that Santa had visited over night and left personalised stockings full of wonderful gifts for all the babies, but it still didn't really feel like Christmas.

It was a really lovely, thoughtful touch and a day that we will never forget but we're classing this year as his first 'proper' Christmas and above are just a selection of the items we would LOVE to get for Riley. Just little   mementos and keepsakes of our first Christmas at home together as a family that can be tucked safely away in his memory box.

This weekend we're planning to get the tree and decorations up and at some point later in the month are hoping to take Riley to The Reindeer Centre located 5mins away from where we live. They have an amazing Santa's grotto, soft play area and petting zoo for kids to visit. You can even feed carrots to the reindeer and have photographs taken with them.

Did you do anything special to celebrate your little one's first Christmas? Did you get them any personalised or keepsake gifts?

All of the items listed above can be found by clicking on the images below:

Love Vikki xxx

Maternity Dresses For The Party Season

Are you pregnant and dreaming of being a style goddess this party season? Probably not, I think it’s safe to say you have more important things on your mind at the moment. But this doesn’t mean that now you’re pregnant you have to swap festive glamour for plain and comfortable. With so much choice nowadays it’s easier to stick to your own style and avoid those elasticated waistbands!

With so many maternity dresses, such as these, available online and on the high street all you need to do is decide which ones will suit you and your growing bump. One tip is to opt for skater styles or an empire waistline, meaning that you’ll be able to wear it throughout your pregnancy. At the moment pleats are your friends! They’re more comfortable, and allow space for your growing bust and bump. For a versatile Christmas party season style, look for timeless dresses in neutral shades such as black or beige. A block colour with flowing fabric will flatter your bump, and it needn’t be boring. Classic black dresses can be dressed up with a statement necklace and drop earrings for a chic, evening look.

If you can afford to choose something a bit more festive (and less wearable past January 1^st!), opt for an on-trend berry, wine or luxurious purple dress. These are the shades of the season. With these dresses keep accessories to a minimum to avoid overdoing it. But we’re not forgetting about the importance of comfort - Stretchy fabrics and gathered waists mean that you won’t be squeezing your bump into tight dresses. This is all the more important as there’s no telling how big you’ll get. You should be able to enjoy your special occasion, whether that’s an office Christmas party or family dinner, without feeling frumpy or being uncomfortable.

Which style will you go for this party season?

Post Op Healthcare With Kids

As a parent, having a surgery that renders you immobile for days, or even weeks, is a scary thought. And if you experience complications from your procedure or have been subjected to clinical negligence that makes your road back to health more difficult, who will take care of your family while you are recovering? It is never an ideal situation, but there are some steps that can help make it easier. Here is how to handle your post-operation healthcare with children.

1. Enlist as much help as you can.Ask family and friends if they can help care for you and your kids while you are unable to move around. Even if the same person can’t be with you all the time, creating a schedule in which several people each have their own “shifts” can be a great relief to you. It can also bring in a welcoming change while you’re stuck in the same spot

2. Prepare for downtime before your operation date. Many people like to prepare themselves a comfortable spot at home where they can pass their recovery time, such as a bed or a sofa. You can place books, magazines and music within reach as well as blankets and pillows. Take the same kind of steps to make sure your kids will be comfortable as well. For little ones, create an “arsenal” of go-to toys within your reach, and for older ones, the same kind of entertainment that you use - books, magazines and television, perhaps - is useful.

3. Make easy-to-reach meals. You’ll hardly be in the shape to make decisions about what to have for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so a little planning ahead can help ensure that you and your family is still getting the nutrients you need. Anything from quick and easy meals such as sandwiches and salads to filling casseroles that you can freeze for later will work perfectly because the kids can “prepare” it themselves. A couple of days before your surgery, you can make a massive shopping list, bring home food and snacks, and prep it all for your post-op recovery.

4. Allow them to participate in your recovery. Many parents are afraid to let their children see them in pain, but to the contrary, letting kids help with your recovery can be a rewarding experience for them. Don’t be afraid to ask them to bring you food or water, or to simply let them sit and spend time with you while you’re healing. This is a vital step in recovery that can make surgery seem less scary to them.

You are accustomed to thinking of them as your greatest responsibility, but your recovery time may prove that your children can also be your greatest relief from the physical and emotional discomfort that surgery can bring. Remember to keep them involved in the process because recovering as a family is easier than doing it alone.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Range Review

I have heard positive things about the John Frieda Frizz-Ease range of hair care products over the years, but for one reason or another have always put off buying them and stuck to a brand that i know works for me. I have thick curly hair which is prone to frizzing and it's annoying to say the least. I have tried a whole host of different brands suitable for my 'hair type' but i've never had great results from any of them, Pantene being the only exception. I always envy girls with straight, silky hair because the slightest breeze or drop of moisture in the air and my locks becomes a frizzy, tangled nightmare. With this in mind, i'm always on the look out for products to smoothen and soften my hair follicles and when i was given the opportunity to review some products from the John Frieda Frizz-Ease range, i jumped at the chance.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Hydrating Shampoo, John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth
Start Hydrating Conditioner & John Frieda Frizz-Ease Straight Fixation Smoothing Creme.

I don't think there is anything particularly special about the packaging of John Frieda products, but i do think that the simple, sleek design with clear text makes it look like a professional salon quality brand.

Smooth Start Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner £5.89 each

 "Formulated with a Frizz-Mending complex and natural olive oil to nourish every strand of hair, replenish lost moisture and restore the hair's natural frizz defences".

All John Frieda products have a trademark fragrance which in my opinion is gorgeous and leaves hair smelling fresh, clean and 'salon like'. The product has a typical shampoo consistency and lathers up really well so you only need to use a tiny amount to get full coverage and the same can be said for the conditioner. Both products are designed to fight all levels of frizz with added nourishment and a moisture boost and that's exactly what they do - i noticed a difference immediately after use and they left my usual parched, frizzy tresses silky, shiny and highly manageable. Whats more the conditioner gave that extra kick of hydration and made my hair a lot easier to brush and untangle.

Straight Fixation Smoothing Creme £5.89

"Lightweight creme smooths away frizz and keeps hair silky-straight for up to 24 hours while helping block humidity".

I always find that if i straighten my hair, the humidity in the air (especially this time of year) means that my hair starts to go frizzy again within a couple of hours so i was keen to put this product to the test and see if it would really help my sleek style last for 24 hours. This smoothing creme contains a Thermaguard Complex which helps to protect your hair against heat damage and as someone who straightens their hair on a daily basis, this really appealed to me. To use, you apply the product to damp hair before blow drying and i found it made my hair easier and quicker to style, plus i didn't have to repeatedly drag my straighteners through my hair to get it straight once it was dry.

Unfortunately, i cannot say that my hair stayed smooth and sleek for 24 hours after using this creme, however it did keep my style in place for longer than usual and left my locks feeling lushious and hydrated. I have really enjoyed reviewing these products and i will definitely be purchasing some more as i love the smell  and my hair feels in much better condition. I would definitely recommend trying the range out for yourself if you have dry, frizzy or unmanageable hair.

Have your tried anything from the John Frieda Frizz-Ease range? They also have a Sheer Blonde, Brilliant Brunette and Radiant Red collection as well as a range of products designed to create volume, awaken roots or repair damaged hair.

Full product information is available on their website at: www.johnfrieda.co.uk 

You can also like John Frieda on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/JohnFriedaUK 

Disclaimer: I was sent a selection of John Frieda Frizz-Ease products for the purpose of this review but all views and opinions expressed are honest and entirely my own.

Perfect Knitwear From Fever Designs

It’s getting colder, so naturally, we are seeing much more knitwear wherever we go. Knitwear is a versatile clothing option, as it can come in many forms, to suit many outfits.

Thin knitted cardigans can be great for the working environment – they can make any piece of clothing, even a party dress, when paired with a cardigan, seems more formal and office friendly. They show a certain level of restraint and consideration for your appearance. They can also be great in the summer, when it is not particularly cold outside, and a coat would be too much, but there is a mind, so you need to stop it from drying out your skin somehow.

The vintage style cardigan to the right is a perfect example of a cardigan that can be perfect for the milder month. The colour means that it can be paired with many different colours and the shape is basic but elegant.

Chunky knitted cardigans can be a great addition to your outfit in the winter months, but they don’t have to be baggy and shapeless. You can find many different styles to suit your needs, in many different lengths and colours. They can be incredibly cosy, and can be a great way to keep warm. One only needs to look to Fever Designs to see that this is the case.

And, whilst you may not have considered it, knitwear can also be very good in the office. In the winter you may want to keep warm and comfortable. Too often, this is associated with the sacrifice of shape and femininity – however this doesn’t haven’t to be the case – it is entirely possible to find warm, soft and cosy knitwear that is still beautiful, sophisticated and feminine. Take for example, this gorgeous red knitted dress. I imagine this dress to look beautiful with thick black tights and knee high leather boots. Finish the look with a head scarf for that true bohemian chic look. This dress is shapely and flattering to many body shapes, but is also comfortable and warm. A brilliant choice if fashion and comfort are priorities of yours!

Happy 1st Birthday Riley

The 21st November 2011 was one of the best but scariest days of my life - one full of tears, laughter and mixed emotions, a day that changed me and my life forever. My son was born.

His premature birth came as a surprise and through my world into turmoil but it made me the person i am today and i would do it all over again in a heartbeat. 

Today, the tiny 2lb 13oz baby i brought in to the world celebrates his first birthday. It's been quite a year and i thank my lucky stars everyday that i have a beautiful, happy and healthy little boy who continues to thrive and exceed my expectations.

Happy 1st Birthday Riley!

Love From Mummy xxx

Guest Post - How To Make Custom Christmas Cards With Your Kids

With the wonderful season of Christmas rapidly approaching and the little ones getting all excited, what better way to channel their enthusiasm than with some Christmas crafts. Creating a custom Christmas card couldn’t be easier and with this guide you can’t go wrong.  This post includes a step by step guide and some great printouts to colour in and use on your custom cards. 

What you will need:
-A4 card or thick paper
-Scissors
-Glue
-Colouring Stationary

Folding:
Take a piece of A4 card or thick paper and fold it in half as shown below. There are two types of card that can be made ether the traditional landscape or the portrait card which gives more options for decorating the card.
 
Decorate: 
Now you should have a blank card ready to decorate; this is where the real fun begins.  Although it is not essential to have a background, having one on your card can look much more effective when compared to a blank card. You can use all manner of pictures as a background from magazine covers to lovely snowy landscapes printed off the computer. This guide also includes a lovely background of the sun setting over a snowy landscape which is sized to fit an A4 landscape card perfectly. Once you have the perfect background cut it out and stick it on the front of your card using glue . Glue sticks work well and can stop some of the mess which other glues can cause. When doing these crafts with little ones it’s a good idea to ether give them some safety scissors or do the cutting out yourself.


Now that you have a great background it’s time to start adding some Christmas images to create a great looking Christmas card. This guide includes a wide range of Christmas Characters and objects to print out which can be used to make a great card. Click here to view the selection. They come both coloured in and blank so that your kids can colour them in their selves in adding even more fun to the activity. Once you have your images simply cut them out and stick them on the background to create the perfect Christmas scene.
There is no reason you can’t print out multiple copies of some of the images to create themed cards.  Everyone loves a penguin themed Christmas after all. 

Write:
The last task to do is to write the card. Writing a heart-warming personal message is so much better than the cliché shop bought cards. When you have young children there a few great ways you can do to help them sign it. If they are just starting to write why not write it out first in pencil and get them to trace over it. When you have children who are too young to write why not get them to dip their hand in paint and sign it with a hand print. Not only is it fun for the kids but looks very cute for family members to keep as a memento. 

   Finished:
Now comes the best part of the whole experience for parents; watching the proud  delighted smiles on your children’s faces as they hand out the cards to adoring relatives. There is nothing quite like getting a handmade card from the little ones to put a smile on everyone’s face. Hope you all have a great Christmas. 

This guide was a guest post designed by Sam Fisher on behalf of Vistaprint a supplier of personalised gifts including Christmas cards.

Arthur Christmas DVD Review & Giveaway

This time of year always brings with it the release of festive themed movies and whilst it may only be November, it's time to deck the halls with excitement, fun and wonder as Arthur Christmas delivers us an early and must see festive treat.

From Aardman Animations and Sony Pictures Animation comes this heartwarming animated tale of Santa's youngest son, Arthur, and his race to save one little girl's Christmas. The movie reveals the answer to the age old question of cynical children everywhere, just how does Santa deliver billions of presents to the whole world in one night?

Well that's simple, with an army of one million combat-style elves and a vast,state of the art control centre buried beneath the ice of the North Pole. 

It turns out that the annual festive missions has been carried out by a long line of santas and has evolved considerably over the years. The latest Santa (Jim Broadbent) is a little more than a figure head and it's his alpha male eldest son Steve (Hugh Laurie) who is really running the show. Steve has turned the present delivery tradition into a slick hi-tech operation involving a mile-wide sleigh shaped stealth craft and a million loyal elves, who have less than 20 seconds to nip in and out of each household on Earth.

But when a glitch occurs with the system and a child misses out on her present, it's Steve's clumsy younger brother Arthur (James McAvoy) who resolves to put things right before the mistake threatens to end the magic of Christmas. With the help of Grandsanta, a rebellious young elf, an old-fangled sleigh and some untrained reindeer, Arthur sets forth on a crazy magical adventure to deliver the last present to its destination on time.

Arthur Christmas is a real treat - a charming family adventure that is fun from start to finish with a cast of colourful characters, witty script and plenty of sentimentality. The Claus' are depicted as a run of the mill family who argue around the Christmas dinner table just like everyone else - a lovely and unique touch in my eyes. Like Santa's sack, the movie is stuffed with so many surprises, delights and wonders it will keep on giving over many Christmas viewings to come and is a gift that will make all of the family feel happy over the festive season.

Arthur Christmas is out on Blu-ray and DVD on Monday 19th November from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

DVD bonus features include:

* 'Santa Claus is Comin' to Town' by Justin Bieber - Music video

*Behind the scenes of 'Santa Claus is Comin' to Town'

*Un-wrapping Arthur Christmas featurette

*Five Progression Reels

*Elf recruitment video

Blue-ray and Blu-ray 3D bonus features include:

*All the DVD features plus...

*Santa's Soldiers featurette

*The Christmas Family Tree featurette

© 2011 Sony Pictures Animation Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Giveaway time

I am able to offer ONE lucky reader the chance to win their own copy of Arthur Christmas on DVD or Blu-ray. To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is complete the rafflecopter entry form below.

Good Luck!

Vikki xxx

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Loquax Competitions 

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Is He Sitting Up Yet?

This is a question i'm being asked and confronted with on a daily basis and the answer quite simply is NO! At 12 months old (9 1/2 months adjusted), Riley is still not sitting up unaided and seems to have no interest or intention of doing so either. He can roll over, he can use his legs to spin himself round in a circle, heck he can even crawl a few shuffles across the floor but when it comes to sitting up? He just will not do it. He arches his back up, kicks his legs out or quite literally flops forward on to his tummy.

Despite being born 10 weeks prematurely i'm incredibly lucky in the sense that there is nothing physically or mentally wrong with Riley and he's a perfectly healthy and happy baby. He just seems to prefer laying down or sitting in his walker/bumbo seat and i'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that he's just your typical 'lazy' boy and doing things at his own rate. Albeit at a rate that is slower than mummy would like.

Now don't get me wrong - as the parent of a premature baby, i was warned from the start that he was likely to be behind with developmental milestones and i fully accept that, but that doesn't stop me from getting baby envy when we're socialising with our mummy friends and their babies, all of which are of similar ages. You all know what i'm talking about, those words that go round in our heads but never actually leave our mouths, don't deny it - we all do it:

'Her baby is sitting up, why isn't mine?'

'Her baby is sleeping through the night, mine's still up every few hours'

'Her baby weighs more/is taller/has more teeth/has more hair'

BUT

I take a deep breath and remind myself -  IT'S NOT A COMPETITION! There's no race, no winners and no losers. 

It may come across like i'm somehow disappointed with Riley, which is terrible and not the case at all. I think he's pretty amazing and he astounds me all the time!Yes he may be slightly behind than his peers and not doing the things a normal 12 month old should be doing and yes i question myself everyday if i'm doing a good enough job to aid his development, but you know what? When i think about how far he's come since birth and all the challenges he's faced and overcome, who cares if he's sitting up or not.

It isn't the be all and end all......sure it would be nice and give mummy's back a break but i'm thankful to have him in my life at all. Some don't even get that chance. I nearly didn't. Every accomplishment he makes is BIG in my eyes no matter how tiny or insignificant it may seem to others.

 He is my miracle who beat the odds to still be here. A 2lb 13oz baby who fought with all his mite to live. He was learning to breathe, to eat, to maintain his own body temperature, to hear and to see when other baby's his age were still growing in the womb. He is a fighter, strong willed, determined and one very special little boy who makes me incredibly proud every single day. He has brought much love, joy and happiness to my life and to those that know him and there is no greater feeling than knowing that i played a part in creating him.

As long as he's happy, healthy and continues to grow - that's all that matters!

Vikki xxx

Guest Post - How To Save Money This Christmas

Christmas is rapidly approaching and if you’re worried about the financial cost of the festive season, then you’re definitely not alone. In a time of economic recession, with high unemployment and a rising cost of living, many household budgets are already stretched to the limit. That’s why it’s so important to try and save money whenever possible and why we’ve come up with some ideas to help you do so.

Save on heating bills

Winter is a time when heating costs skyrocket - and this winter will be particularly expensive, as energy companies are increasing their prices. If you’re worried about staying warm and being able to pay the bills, consider taking a few practical steps to lower costs.

Make sure that your house isn’t losing heat through poorly fitted doors and windows. To check for gaps between windows and frames, use either a thread or a smoking object like a burning incense stick. Hold it up to the window frame and if you spot movement, it signifies a draught. This means cold air is entering your home, and making it more expensive to heat! Luckily this is a problem that can be easily fixed, by purchasing self-adhesive plastic weatherstripping which is available in most hardware stores.

For those living in an apartment with bare wooden floors, laying down large rugs in winter will help retain heat and keep your home warmer.

Another effective but economical idea is to buy curtains with a thermal lining, which again helps keep the heat in your home. If you’d rather not replace existing curtains, then thermal lining can be bought separately and sewn into place.

Save on Christmas presents

Whilst the recession is putting huge pressure on household finances, an economic downturn also means that retailers are pulling out all the stops to try and sell you their products. We’re all familiar with traditional post-Christmas sales, but this year we’ll be seeing many more pre-Christmas sales – both on the high street, and on the internet. Shop around, compare prices, and you’ll be sure to find some discounted bargains which could help lower Christmas present bills significantly.

It’s been a tough year for many retailers, and several household names have gone into administration. Whilst obviously very bad news for those made unemployed, it could offer an opportunity for shoppers keen on a bargain. A large electronics retailer which has very recently gone bust has, for example, begun selling off its stock at reduced prices. Whilst some consumers have reported less than impressive discounts, you may be able to hunt down a bargain – and don’t forget that haggling is perfectly acceptable!

Avoid shopping on credit

It’s very tempting to pay for Christmas on the never-never by pulling out your credit card at the till. Whilst this will undoubtedly enable a more lavish Christmas, it really doesn’t make any financial sense in the longer term. Unless you’re in a position to pay off the full balance when the bill arrives after Christmas, then you’re obviously going to be hit with costly interest charges; and covering only the minimum payment every month makes credit ridiculously expensive.

Retailers will be very eager to offer their own store cards, to try and tempt you into buying their products on credit. You should definitely avoid shopping on store cards - the APR (the annual percentage rate of interest) 

is often even higher than that charged on regular credit card balances.

Saving an amount of cash and then hunting out sale bargains, is the most financially shrewd way of doing your Christmas shopping. If you’ve been unable to save as much money as you’d have liked and are on a limited budget this Christmas, try being creative when it comes to gift ideas. Presents don’t have to be hugely expensive, after all, and it’s perhaps a cliché, but it really is the thought that counts. Try making your own gifts for loved ones – the time and effort will really be appreciated!

Brit Peacock is a keen money-saver currently blogging on behalf of Wooden Blinds Direct, a specialist in ethically sourced wooden blinds.

Riley's Hearing Test

Like all newborns, Riley had an ABR (auditory brain stem response) hearing test before he was discharged from hospital. This involves headphones being placed over baby's ears and electrodes placed on their head to measure the brain's response to sounds and he passed with flying colours, but as with most premature babies who require NICU care he is at greater risk of hearing loss for several reasons:

*Prematurity - He was born at 30 weeks gestation and typically, premature birth (before 37 weeks gestation) is a risk factor for hearing loss.

*Low birth weight -  He was born weighing 2lb 13oz and typically, babies born weighing less than 5lb 8oz (2500g) are at increased risk for hearing loss.

*Medication - During his stay in NICU, he was prescribed an antibiotic called gentamycin for a suspected infection and this medication can cause harm to a baby's ear.

*Jaundice - He was diagnosed with jaundice at 2 days old and underwent an intensive course of light therapy. This condition is known to increase a baby's risk for hearing loss.

Even though he passed the first hearing test, we were informed that he would need to be screened again at 9 months as he was considered to be in a high risk category for hearing problems. So, with that in mind, last week we headed off to the clinic for his test and i must admit i was feeling slightly anxious, not because i had concerns about his hearing or anything but having heard a few things from other parents i was pretty sure Riley would not do what was required. 

The appointment started out with the audiologist having a look at his ears and conducting a pressure test to ensure that the ear drums vibrate correctly. Everything was fine with that, so then it was time for the hearing test. As Riley is still not able to sit on his own, he sat on my lap and earphones/electrodes were placed in his ear. There came problem number 1, i mean honestly, what baby is going to calmly sit still with foreign objects poked in their ears? Not mine that's for sure, his hands were on the move and these 'things' were coming out whether we liked it or not. So, i was asked to hold his hands and pin them down by his sides. There came problem number 2, anyone that knows my son will know that he NEVER sits still, his arms are constantly moving and his legs are always kicking about so keeping him in this position was a challenge in itself.

Now the idea of the test was that they would play a sound and Riley should look in the direction of the sound where he would be rewarded with a puppet that lights up. The audiologists told me that they would spend some time conditioning him to do this but i was skeptical to say the least. Each time the noise played, she would jump up and rush over to the puppet making a big deal about it and encouraging Riley to look at it. He didn't. She tried for quite a while but by this point he was becoming agitated and although he would look on occasions, he was generally not interested in paying any attention to the puppet at all. Eventually he got a clear reading on one frequency but they needed more so decided to try a different approach.

For this second attempt, the first audiologist sat in front of us whilst the second one sat behind us. The idea now was for the lady behind to shake a variety of 'noise makers' either side with the intention that Riley should turn his head to look at the sound or respond in some other way. Of course, to do this test (and the first one) they gave him a toy to distract him. So all the while this lady is ringing these bells etc. Riley is going to town on this toy, banging it with his hands, chewing it and babbling away. My instinct was to take the toy away so he could pay attention to the sounds but i restrained myself. After all, there must be a reason for that kind of stupidity right?

Anyway, the second test was a bit more successful in that Riley responded sometimes but on the whole he was far too busy playing with the toy. The results? Inconclusive! Surprised? I wasn't. They've requested that we return to the clinic in 3 months time for a follow up appointment with the hope that Riley will be in a better 'frame of mind' for the puppet test. We'll see how that goes but i wouldn't put money on it being any more successful.

Has anyone else experienced this problem and do have any advice on how i can handle the situation better next time?

Vikki xxx

Guest Post - How To Fit In To Your Christmas Dress

Mums are busy, and often live a hectic lifestyle but sometimes superwoman needs to relax and add a bit of glamour to her life.

We’ve all been there when it’s time for winter we complain about not having the hot summers but there is a sigh of relief.  We can cover up in as many layers and hide those bulges but what happens when we have been invited to a Christmas party. Fitting into that dress seems like a daunting task but with a progress every day the long term benefits will pay off. Starving yourself will not work, you need to work the parts of your body you want to tone up. All you need is an exercise mat, skipping rope and some motivation.

Guest Post - DIY Christmas Cards

The lights are up, the sales are on and the bank balance is well, not so high so what do you do with little budget, its simple don’t spend. That’s not to say you have to hide away and send out that awkward message that says you are not celebrating this year.

Just reuse what you have and make your Christmas cards current, it’s cheaper and much more fun than trying to find a batch of cards.

What you’ll need:

Old Christmas cards

Ribbons

Buttons

Glue

Scissors 

3D Christmas tree

Step 1

After you have found all your old Christmas cards which you are ready to reuse get ready to save yourself money and impress everyone.

Step 2

Cut out several small Christmas trees, it may be easier to use the first one as a template so that they are all the same size.

Step 3

Fold the middle so it has a crease, then stick the left side of one tree on the card. Repeat with another piece of tree but this time stick on the right side. Your Christmas tree should look 3D, now repeat with however many trees you have cut. 

Riley's First Eye Test

Most babies will have an eye examination before six months of age and again when they're three years old. However, this process differs entirely for very premature babies and during Riley's stay in the neonatal unit he was screened for an eye condition called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) because he was born before 32 weeks of pregnancy and weighed under 1500g at birth.

ROP is abnormal growth of the blood vessels at the back of the eye and only occurs in very premature babies. If very severe, the retina can be damaged and the sight may not develop properly. Fortunately for us Riley showed no signs of the condition at the time but was checked again at 4 months old as a matter of precaution and  last week, we took a trip to the opthalmology unit at our local hospital for him to undergo his first full eye test with an optometrist.

She used a variety of toys, lights and images to determine his ability to focus, recognise colours and perceive depth or dimension. He was so well behaved that the tests were completed within a matter of minutes and i was very relieved to hear that he had normal vision and had passed with flying colours.

As i know all to well, the best way to protect your baby's eyes is through regular professional examinations, as the earlier problems can be detected the better the chances of correcting them. So, if you are reading this and  your baby hasn't had an eye exam since birth then i would highly recommend speaking to your GP or health visitor to arrange one.

The examinations are so quick and easy and checks by the optometrist will include:

*Alignment - Using toys that make noises (or are otherwise intriguing) the optometrist will cover and quickly uncover each eye to test for a dominant eye.
*Ability to fixate - The optometrist will move an object in front of your baby's eyes to see if the eyes can watch and follow the object.
*Coordination of eye muscles - The optometrist will move a light or some interesting toys in a set pattern to test your baby's ability to see sharply and clearly at near and far distances.
*Pupil response to light - The optometrist will shine a small light in your baby's eyes and watch the pupil's reaction. The pupil would normally get smaller very quickly in response to light.
*Eyelid health and function - They will examine each eyelid to be sure it is functioning normally. This includes a check for drooping eyelid (otherwise known as a lazy eye), inflammation and any other indications that your baby's eyes need greater attention.

If anything is out of the ordinary, you'll be advised to make an appointment with an opthalmologist who will perform a more comprehensive evaluation of your baby's eyes.

As for Riley, he'll be examined twice a year until the age of 3 as a matter of routine but for now i'm happy to report that there are no immediate concerns and we'll be heading back to the opthamology unit in 9 months time for a review!

Vikki xxx

Guest Post - How To Make Your Greeting Cards More Meaningful This Christmas

Even in the age of text messaging, Twitter and Facebook, giving and receiving greeting cards are still one of the most sincere ways to get a message across – but it’s still important to make your cards as meaningful as possible. We’ve teamed up with Hallmark, whose personalised greeting cards and gifts are available to buy online, to bring you some great top tips for greeting cards to treasure.

Make Them Picture Perfect
It’s easy to find football-themed cards for sports fans or pink, sparkly cards for little princesses, but how about making your greeting card really stand out with a bit of personalisation?There are a number of sites online that allow you to customise a greeting card with your own message and even upload a photo, and the Hallmark range of personalised greeting cards even includes Disney, Lego and Forever Friends themed designs, so you can give a thoughtful greeting card that’s sure to put a big smile on their face.

Say the Right Thing
Once you’ve chosen the perfect greeting card design, now you have to decide what to write in it! Many greeting cards come with a thoughtful or funny verse already included, but if you’re feeling creative, why not try and write your own?You could look online for ideas, but if the creative juices aren’t flowing you could just include a joke, song lyric or inspirational quote in the greeting card that’s relevant to the occasion. It’s also wonderful to share a favourite memory of the person to whom you’re sending the card, and with a Hallmark personalised greeting card you can even include a photo that brings the memory to life.

Sign Off Warmly
What does your signature say about you? More than you think, according to handwriting analysts (or ‘graphologists’), so be careful not to scrawl! Graphologists say that the larger your handwriting, the more you want to stand out to others, so go big on your greeting card signatures to make an impact.You can still add this finishing touch to greeting cards ordered online too, as Hallmark offers the option to have the greeting card sent directly to you before you send it to the lucky recipient, meaning you can make your greeting cards as personal as possible - and a keepsake that they’ll remember forever. 

I'm A Britax Mumbassador

Ok Love From Mummy readers, VERY exciting news from me today (well i think it's exciting anyway).

Britax, who are a leading brand when it comes to child safety products, have asked me to join their panel of trusted mummy advisers and become an official 'Britax Mumbassador'. To say i feel honored and privileged is an understatement.

They are one of the world's leading manufacturers of travel solutions for children, with an impeccable safety record in products such as car seats, baby carriers, prams and travel systems. Britax constantly strive to develop and create fantastic new innovative products for parents and like many other brands out there, they like to get every one independently tested and reviewed. This process helps their customers to feel informed and confident in their purchases, as they understand how important that is to parents, especially when it comes to travel safety.

That's where the Britax Mumbassadors come in!

Over the coming months and with Riley's help i will be putting some of Britax's products to the test and bringing you our honest views and feedback. As part of the scheme, i'll also be keeping you up to date on the latest Britax news, offers, updates and campaigns.

This is such a fantastic opportunity and as an existing customer of Britax and a fan of their products, i can't wait to get stuck in.

If you'd like to find out more about Britax or view their full range of products, please visit www.britax.co.uk

You can follow Britax on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/BabyOnBoardUk

You can like Britax on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BritaxUK

RING Jewellery Giveaway

RING is an independant bespoke jewellery store located in Brighton, set up and managed by Stuart Stanley. After graduating from Buckinghamshire University in 1997, Stuart moved to Brighton and turned his attention to jewellery design. RING opened in 2005 and it did not take long for the company to gain a reputation for quality bespoke jewellery and excellent customer service.

At RING jewellers, everything is about choice and their concept is simple; the only way to get that perfect piece of jewellery is to have it made especially for you and as their website states:

"Many jewellers will have something you like, but will they have something you love?"

So, whether it is a diamond engagement ring, gold or titanium wedding ring, commitment band or that special gift - RING can design and make jewellery to your exact specifications.

They have even secured themselves some celebrity clients including musician Mark Ronson, actress Kara Tointon, footballer Theo Walcott and presenter George Lamb.

The team at RING take huge pride in their work and this is reflected in the quality and finish of their products. They have a huge array of beautiful pieces available and i would highly recommend a visit to their site here.

Giveaway time

RING are very kindly offering ONE lucky reader the chance to win and design their very own pair of bespoke cufflinks. Just in time for Christmas!

Features:

*All artwork (cropping, altering brightness & contrast etc.) will be carried out by RING*

*Choose from round or square cufflinks*

*Choose from Silver or gold coloured* 

*Receive your cufflinks in just 1 week*

To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is complete the rafflecopter entry form below.

Good Luck!

Vikki xxx

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Loquax Competitions 

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