Spring Bedroom Ideas

1. Cow Parsley Prints 2. Ceramic Torps 3. Peony Snowball Stem 4. White House Tealight Holders 5. Green Mini Pom Pom Cushion 6. Butterfly Blossom Wallpaper 7. Bobbins Promenade Mini Lamp 8. Egg Tealight Candles 9. Desk Collage

I may be going a tad ‘Spring’ crazy on the blog at the moment but I’m not a Winter person at all and can’t hide my delight at the change in season. I mentioned here about the commencement of ‘Operation Big Spring Clean’ in my house and work is already under way in the bedroom. The arrival of Spring may mean that the long nights of winter hibernation are over, but the bedroom still remains your own private haven – a place of comfort, serenity, beauty and peace….. well that is until the kids invade your quarters anyway!

We took delivery of a brand spanking new bed a fortnight ago (which is lush I might add) and with the impending arrival of warmer temperatures, now seems as good a time as any to start shedding the heavier layers of bedding and usher in the change of seasons with some fresh linen and cosy accessories - think pillows and cushions of all sizes; or add some layers and texture with a selection soft lightweight quilts and throws.

As for colours - soft pastels are bang on trend and the perfect way to add a touch of Spring to your bedroom. The gentle palette is ideal for those, like me, who are afraid to experiment with bold, bright colours and is soothing to wake up to in the morning. The bedroom should be a place to escape, recharge and dream so colours that match your style and season are key.

Now may also be the ideal time to lighten up your room by removing any heavy curtains used of the cold winter months. Embrace all the natural light in your bedroom with a simple blind and light voile curtains to keep the room looking soft and breezy.

I’m all for blue/green hues and blends of neutral pastel shades at the moment so above are just a selection of my favourite picks but there’s a huge range of styles, colours and accessories to choose from that will make your bedroom fresh for Spring! 

Vikki xxx

Big Spring Clean

Spring has officially arrived in the UK, well…. It’s arrived somewhere, I’m just not entirely sure where. Clearly it ignored Mother Nature’s memo about the ‘non-fancy dress’ this year and decided to make a statement on the red carpet in a glistening camouflage of white snow instead. Either way, snow is NOT a sign of Spring.That being said, as I write this, the sun is beaming in through the windows and the first shoots of daffodils and snowdrops have bloomed in the garden, I’m not sure if it’s the warmer temperatures, the longer days or my nesting instinct kicking in but I’ve already been bitten by the spring cleaning bug and ‘Operation Big Spring Clean’ has commenced.

As a stay at home mum, I can’t begin to tell you the number of times that I’ve cleaned the house and thought “I wish I could get paid for this!” Besides I feel that I often work hard enough that I should be rewarded or at least make something off of it. Sadly for the day to day cleaning I’m just going to have to be happy with the joy of having a nice clean home and the opportunity to dance like a crazy woman to a bit of Michael Jackson, all the while impersonating his signature moves with the hoover or broom in hand. Don’t deny it mamas, we ALL do it!

So, back to the spring cleaning – If it’s junk, clutter or unused it’s out the door, quite literally. I’ve also thought about doing a boot fair or garage/yard sale which would be great for the larger household items but it all takes time, effort and at 6 months pregnant I don’t think I’m cut out to be standing out in the cold all day. (Praise to you that do). Most of mine I’m sure will end up going to charity shops or out in the trash.

But, did you know you can also recycle or sell items online? Next time you’re looking to get rid of some unwanted DVD’s, video games, CD’s and other small electronics I’d recommend a visit to musicMagpie , a site allowing you to turn your old stuff in to cash instantly. Whats more, for those of us that over indulged in the sales or have a wardrobe full of clothes that are too small/big, still have the labels on or are just unworn they even offer clothes recycling. Their service is totally FREE, quick, efficient and can be used from the comfort of your own home – the perfect scenario for us busy mamas.

You just scan or enter the barcode of the CD/DVD/Game, the make and model of your electronics or the brand and type of garment you want to sell into their valuation engine and it will tell you instantly how much it’s worth. Simple. Not only is the process of selling your items easy but they also provide a FREE fully insured courier service that will come and collect the boxes for you.

So ladies, whilst you’re carrying out your spring cleaning, nesting or even just trying to get some order back into the home, don’t just throw out your unwanted items, sell your stuff on the internet instead and make yourself a little extra cash.

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DIY: Rainbow Paper Easter Eggs

I made these Rainbow Paper Easter Eggs with my niece last week and they are so quick and easy to do. Perfect for keeping little fingers occupied and lots of fun too.

What You Will Need:

Scissors

PVA Glue

Tissue Paper (Various Colours)

White Paper or Card

1. Gather all of your items together and either draw an easter egg on to your piece of white paper/card or you can download a template to print here.

2. Cut out the easter egg and cover in a layer of PVA glue.

3. Scrunch up pieces of coloured tissue paper and stick to the easter egg template.

4. Continue until entire surface area has been covered and voila - One Rainbow Paper Easter Egg.

Vikki xxx

Maternity Style - Bump On A Budget

 We all deserve to look and feel good throughout pregnancy, but unless you have an unlimited clothing budget or a VERY flexible plastic friend (and lets face it, who does?), you're probably wondering how you'll get through the coming months without breaking the bank balance on maternity purchases.

BUT

Being pregnant doesn't mean your fashion sense has to go completely out of the window and it doesn't mean you have to splurge out on expensive items. You can still look your best on a budget by investing in a few key Mix & Match items:

* Maternity trousers or a smart skirt for work. (Linen trousers are ideal over the Spring/Summer months as they're loose and made from breathable fabric).
*Two pairs of maternity jeans or leggings.
*A cardigan.
*Two or three maternity tops. (High street shops like New Look have a HUGE range of cheap fashion and vest tops over the Spring/Summer months).
*Two or three dresses. (Even if you usually steer clear of dresses, you'll find them more comfortable as your bump expands and they can easily be worn over leggings).

An easy way to change your look without spending a fortune is to accessorize. Even the most basic of wardrobes can be given a fresh lease of life with a new pair of shoes, some fashion jewellery, great value clutch bags or a funky belt that sits below and accentuates your bump. An added bonus if you do decide to splurge on accessories is that you'll be able to wear them long after baby is born.

I've put together a few basic outfits as an example of what you could achieve when dressing your bump on a budget - be it for day or night!

What do you think? How did you dress your bump during pregnancy?

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Our Next Mini Haul

Our Next Mini Haul by vikkiholness on Polyvore

Riley is eating his way through England at the moment and consequently growing at a rate of knots so it was time to hit the shops (online i might add) and update the wardrobe with some new essentials. We may have gone a little overboard in Next but who could resist these gorgeous bits? BLUE is totally his colour - pics to follow soon!

Vikki xxx

The Tablet Takeover

A few years ago not many UK households would have heard of a Tablet PC, let alone owned one but with an ever changing society and developments in technology a Tablet is fast becoming the must have item and I’m not referring to the pharmaceutical kind.  It’s not just businesses jumping on the bandwagon, families and even kids are being enticed, with new devices such as the Xperia™ Tablet offering users the ability to download various apps, play games and watch films.

The tablet is definitely my favourite invention when it comes to digital devices and perfectly bridges the gap between a smartphone and desktop PC. Forget handbags, my tablet has become my ‘must-have accessory’ and is used to watch films, access emails and social media accounts, organise my calendar, take and edit quality photos, blogging, shopping and more.

I think the future for Tablet PC’s is looking very bright indeed, especially as more powerful and innovative devices like the Xperia™ Tablet are making their way on to the market. Their effortless good looks and comfortable handling make it perfect around the home or on the move. They have all the power you need to enjoy your favourite media, apps and games without compromising performance so perfect for entertaining the kids on those long car journeys.

According to 2012 statistics though (see infographic below), only 33% of the population use theirs at home and only 30% use their tablet daily. I was actually quite shocked by this as I’m the complete opposite.

How does everyone else use theirs? 

 

 Xperia™ Tablet

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Easter $500 Cash Giveaway

Welcome to the $500 Easter Cash Giveaway. How would you like to win some free cash to perhaps brighten up your wardrobe, treat the kids, or even pay those dreaded bills! I've teamed up with some lovely bloggers to give you the chance to win $500 in Paypal cash!! Simply complete the tasks below to earn entries for this giveaway. 

Read below for rules and info. Good luck and as always thanks for reading! 

-Giveaway starts March 15th at 12:01 am GMT – April 15th at 12:00 am GMT 

-Open to everyone worldwide 

-You must have a paypal account 

-You must be at least 18 years to enter 

-All entries will be verified, so please don’t cheat.

Please take a moment to visit our co-hosts below. 

Hosted by: Ohsoamelia, Co-hosts: Berice Baby, Life In A Break Down, Daddy Space, The Life Of An Not So Ordinary Wife, Kelly Westover, Just Dawnelle, Love From Mummy, This Mama Loves,  Aka Chymecindy, Mumfection, Ronda Writes, Mrs G Mummy, The CentisbleFamily, Mice In The Kitchen, Sparkling footsteps, I Gotta Try That, Marine Wife Mommy Life, and Colorful Commotion!

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Disclosure: I have received no compensation for this post. Any opinions are my own and may differ from your own. Please contact ohsoamelia@hotmail.co.uk with any questions or if you would like to take part in the next big event sign up to the mailing list here.

Motherhood

Mother’s Day has just passed and it’s a day that has always held a special place in my heart but one that I value even more now that I’m a mother myself. It’s not about the cards or even the gifts, it’s about the sense of achievement that motherhood brings, the appreciation from your child(ren) and the precious time spent with loved ones.

Motherhood happens to consume 100% of everything I do, how I breathe, prioritize my day, and function as a whole. 

Motherhood has also taught me a lot. In the time that I have been blessed with this privileged role, I have learned more about life than in my previous 26 years here on Earth. Motherhood has changed me. Moulded me. Made me stronger, wiser, and more of a delicate individual. Motherhood has opened my eyes, my heart, and my soul. It's taught me patience and determination. It's tested my limits and questioned my actions.

Motherhood has taught me I have an unlimited capacity to love. I have a strong intuition and I can trust it. Motherhood has also made me aware of my limitations. I’ve learned that I can’t do it all, which is a good thing because it reminds me to focus on my most important priorities and goals.It's shown me beauty in the little moments in life and taught me to enjoy them, savour them and treasure them, for one day I’ll look back and realise they were actually the BIG moments.

And motherhood? Well motherhood all began for me on 21^st November 2011 when I gave birth to my beautiful boy, Riley, albeit 10 weeks earlier than expected. And without him? Motherhood wouldn't exist. All those lessons learned? Wouldn't be there. That one moment change my life forever. And so today, I want to focus on one of the most important things that MY son has taught ME.

A child's unconditional love. 

Because I hit a moment not too long ago, in between the tantrums, frustrations, and the i'm-not-sure-if-i'm-doing-this-right, when I looked at my son and realized... wow... this child loves me no matter what. He doesn't compare me to anyone else. In his eyes, I'm his hero. I don't have to always do the right thing, say the right words, do the most fun activities, or buy the biggest toys. In fact, I could do none of those things and he would still love me all the same.

That's the beautiful thing about children, you know. They truly define unconditional love, and there is absolutely no other kind of love out there like it on earth.

So when I think I've failed as a mum....when I've had one of those "oh man" moments... when I feel like I've done it all wrong... I remind myself that my child {and future children} will love me nonetheless. That tomorrow is a new day.

And that to them?

We, their parents, are as perfect as perfect gets. We give them life, love and understanding and we ARE what makes their world go round.

Vikki xxx

Face Painting Is Fun, But Where To Start?

Face painting is all about having fun, for both parent and child. It allows your imagination to run wild with your children giving you the freedom to turn yourself and your little one into anything or anyone – the possibilities are endless! If you are new to face painting, a great way to start is with the purchase of some basic colours, that will allow you to create a number of looks, and then you can expand on your collection as your mastery of the art progresses.

I would really recommend Snazaroo, as one of the leading brands, all of their paints are really easy to use as well as safe. All of their products are fragrance free and suitable for sensitive skin, so you can be confident when using them. They are easily removed with warm water and soap or face wipes, but last really well and brightly on the skin during use. One of the best things about the Snazaroo range is that it is so easy to apply. Use a brush or sponge and apply straight to the face or the body, and within 5 minutes the paint will be dry. This is perfect for kids, who won’t want to sit still for long once they have a bright and beautiful design on their face! Amongst other things, this minimizes the mess that might be made with other brands.

Click the link to see the range of Snazaroo classic face paints for a great place to start your collection. They come in three different sizes, so can be suited to a first timer, a one off party or a professional. A little really goes a long way with these paints, and each pot lasts 18 months so you really get your monies worth. 

  

With so many shades to choose from, the possibilities are really only limited by imagination. If you are short of ideas, they have plenty of guides and a community photo section of the website to get you started. Another really helpful place to look is in the tips section, with really great advice on getting going and storing your products. Check out the full colour range available and get your thinking caps on!

 *This is a sponsored post*

Win Tickets To The Baby & Toddler Show At Glow, Bluewater

The Baby & Toddler Show at Glow, Bluewater

gives mums-to-be and new parents a helping hand

Whether you’re pregnant, have a new baby or a lively toddler, The Baby & Toddler Show supported by Emma’s Diary, in partnership with Nurofen for Children, taking place at Glow, Bluewater from 19-21 April has everything you need to give your baby the best start with amazing shopping and expert advice on pregnancy, birth and parenthood.

At this exciting, life changing time you will no doubt have a list of must-haves (and probably lots of nice-to-haves) as long as your arm designed to make your life with your baby easy, practical, safe, stylish and comfortable.

The Baby & Toddler show doesn’t just offer you the widest possible choice of products to see you through pregnancy, birth and into parenthood, you’ll also hear from leading experts on every aspect of becoming a new mum or dad.

The show helps to make your baby budget stretch further with special show deals, in fact we are guaranteeing the best prices on car seats, prams and buggies and nursery furniture at the show so it’s the perfect opportunity to make your investment purchases. We all know it can be expensive to buy everything you need as a new parent so it’s important to get the right products for your budget and there is a greater range on offer at the show to test, try, compare and buy than anywhere else.

There will be over 150 different brands available to choose from including big names in baby such as Bugaboo, iCandy, Cosatto, Mamas & Papas, Britax, Silver Cross, Joolz, Meego and Bloom to unique, stylish and innovative brands and products that aren’t available in nursery stores or on the high street.

Everyone’s needs are different; finding the right products to suit your family lifestyle, budget and circumstances can be difficult, confusing and time consuming. To make things a little simpler, The Baby & Toddler show offers free product demonstrations from the brand experts to enable you to see the benefits of each product, test them out and ensure you are buying the best for you and your baby. You can get hands-on with an unrivalled range of products to compare and contrast, not just on price but based on getting up close and personal with the products. Meet the brands representative’s and quiz the experts who actually make them so you can make a fully informed decision.

Becoming a parent is an emotional time. Exciting on the one hand, but sometimes a little daunting. It opens up a world of questions and need for information as you strive to make sure your new arrival has the best start to life possible. Free workshops are available to give you a helping hand and put your mind at rest - providing advice and practical tips and information from a panel of handpicked experts on the topics you want to know about - including sleeping, feeding and first aid. There are also some fun sensory sessions for the little ones to join in too! No need to book, simply drop in on the day. 

Getting around with a little one can be a headache so you’ll be relieved to hear that the show is bump and baby friendly! Whether you’re pregnant, have a new baby or a lively toddler we will ensure your visit is comfortable and enjoyable. Take advantage of 13,000 free parking spaces at Bluewater, exceptional facilities around the complex and once you get to The Baby & Toddler Show there are baby changing facilities as well as a comfortable and discreet feeding area.

Tired feet after shopping? Need to satisfy a craving? There are over 50 restaurants and bars in Bluewater to suit all tastes and budgets. Many of these restaurants will be offering visitors of The Baby & Toddler Show exclusive meal deals.  What’s more, every mum will receive a free Goody Bag from Emma’s Diary including 8 great products.

Book your 2 for 1 tickets now and save £12 – quote code BS46 at www.babyandtoddlershow.co.uk

Giveaway time

The organisers of the Baby & Toddler Show are very kindly offering my readers the chance to win 1 of 5 pairs of tickets. To be in with a chance of winning, simply enter using the rafflecopter form below.

Good Luck & Hopefully See Some Of You There!

Vikki xxx
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Spring Fever

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I don't know about you but i am currently having Spring Fever and am totally over Winter. Although i like a little snow, i get over it pretty quickly and can't wait for the sunshine and warmer weather. The other morning i woke up, stepped outside, took a big inhale and got a hint of Spring in the air. You know that smell, where the breeze blowing by you lingers with a bit of freshness, a scent of floral blooms and life, something that Winter just does not have?

Spring makes me happy and i am very lucky that our home is surrounded by beautiful woodland and wildlife so i am already beginning to think about ways of creating an 'outdoor room' in the garden so i can sit and  enjoy it all. Somewhere to retreat to in the evenings with a glass of lemonade (no alcohol for this pregnant lady) and a romance novel. A place to enjoy the sounds of nature and watch the garden wildlife. A space to entertain friends with a barbecue , music and drinks.

Anyway, above are some of my picks for creating a perfect garden oasis during the warmer months. Do you have an area in your garden designated for Spring/Summer?

Vikki xxx

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Friday Chaos Blog Hop

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Blog of the weekMeet Nicole - Her & Nicole

Don't forget to come by next week and link up to see if you're featured as Blog Of The Week! 

Featured Co-host

Vikki @ Love From Mummy

"Hi, I'm Vikki and i'm a 26yr old first time mummy to a beautiful little boy called Riley, born 10 weeks prematurely in November 2011. Aspiring yummy mummy, girlfriend to the wonderful Mr B, twitter addict, chocoholic and now blogoholic xxx"

Want to be a featured co-host? Email us and quote 'Option 2 or 3'

Link up below and meet some new friends:BLOG
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My Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mothers day gifts like these make me so happy.

Although i'm a firm believer that motherhood should be celebrated EVERY day of the year, Mother's Day has always held a very special place in my heart and even more so now that i'm a mother myself. Riley is still too young to understand the whole concept, so i'll be more than happy with some cuddles in bed and breakfast made by daddy, but i long for the day he returns home from preschool with a handmade card and some crafts or pictures to hang on the wall. 

Saying that, it hasn't stopped me looking at some lovely gifts for my own mum and i thought i would put together a little gift guide in case anyone was struggling for ideas. It definitely has my mum in mind but i've tried to include a variety of gifts to suit all tastes. (Ok, so there may also be gifts included that i personally would like and I may have also been contemplating the idea of sending myself a little something in honour of the occasion but i think i'm perfectly within my rights!). 

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It's not all about the gifts though and if you're still struggling for ideas or strapped for cash, then why not make a collage from some old family photographs, pick some spring flowers from the garden, create artwork with the kids or simply treat them to breakfast in bed or afternoon tea. Supermarkets have some fantastic offers on at the moment and you could present mum with a hamper of ingredients for the perfect Contintental breakfast in bed and some cheery daffodils for the bargain price of £5.

Whatever you decide, if you don't live close by to your mum, then ensure your efforts don't go to waste and use a courier like Parcelforce to make sure your gifts get there on time and without delay. Their online service is quick and easy to use and you can track parcels from the comfort of your own home which will take the stress out of sending items. 

However you choose to celebrate this Mother's Day though, remember that no gift is more precious to mum than your love and time.

Vikki xxx

*This is a sponsored post*

Celebrating Mums Of All Kinds On Mother's Day

Whether it’s a close family friend, an admirable aunt or even a caring colleague, many of us have a special lady in our lives that looks out for us, offers their support, and puts a smile on our face when we need it the most – just like they were our own mum. If this sounds like someone you know, why not show them how much they’re appreciated by treating them on Mother’s Day? After all, if they’re like a mum to us, they deserve to be spoiled like one too!

Of course, the ways in which you can do this are endless, but a great place to start is with a beauty treatment. This is something that you can both share, and even if it’s just getting your nails manicured or enjoying a relaxing facial, you can guarantee that it’ll make her feel wonderful and give her a Mother’s Day to remember.

Bouquets of flowers are also a timeless Mother’s Day gift, but an extraordinary woman should receive an extraordinary gift, which is where mouth-watering chocolate bouquets come in! These delightful gifts comprise of baskets filled with chocolates and arranged to look just like a floral bouquet, but with a decadent twist. We think they’re the ideal way to surprise someone that’s just like a mum to you, but if she doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth, you can find amazing fruit bouquets too, with the slices cut to look just like colourful flowers.

Exciting Experiences

If the wonderful mother figure in your life is an adventurous type, perhaps you could have some fun and help her to learn a handy new skill. You could sign her up for a chocolate making workshop, take her along for a belly dancing lesson or even – if she’s really, really daring – let her try her hand at a Ferrari or Porsche driving experience for a Mother’s Day that will be unlike any other.

A thoughtfully chosen greetings card is also an essential accompaniment for your gift, and you’ll be delighted to know that the greetings card specialist Hallmark has designed a range of mothers day cards  for the ladies that are just like mums to us! Each beautiful card has a lovely message inside that will help you to speak from the heart, and tell that special someone just how much they mean to you. It’s the perfect gesture to make on Mother’s Day, that they’ll remember for a whole lifetime. 

Win A Bump Gift Pack From Cussons Mum & Me

Happy Mum-To-Be Day from Cussons Mum & Me

There’s nothing better than becoming a mum, and Mother’s Day is the perfect chance to celebrate what a good job mums do.  But what about Mums-to-be?

If you’re pregnant, Mother’s Day may be a day to think about the journey ahead, and take some time to relax while you still can! The Cussons Mum & Me Gift Pack is the perfect present for mums-to-be to pamper themselves before their little bundle of joy arrives.

 The Bump Gift Pack includes:

Smooth & Glow Pregnancy Shampoo

• Containing Almond Oil and Pro Vitamin B5 to keep hair nourished and easy to manage. The perfect item to keep mum-to-be looking her very best for the party season.

Soothe & Nourish Body Lotion

• With a blend of Avocado, Almond & Grapeseed oils, this product will leave mum-to-be feeling hydrated and moisturised. A great choice during the cold chilly months when your skin can be extra prone to damage. Plus it contains Allantoin that can help to relieve itchy skin, especially over mum’s bump.

Relax & Unwind Bath Soak

• This product contains Camomile which is known for its relaxing properties. The ideal gift for mum-to-be to get some “me time” this festive season, after all that partying and entertaining.

Relax & Unwind Sleep Mist

• With Lavender and Camomile this sleep mist will have mum-to-be unwinding in no time at all. Its relaxing aromas will let her gently drift off to sleep so she can dream about all her favourite Christmas things.

With an RRP of £15.99 the Bump Gift Pack includes every essential mums-to-be will need to enjoy a little me time on their day.

Cussons Mum & Me is a new range of products designed to help with the amazing realities of becoming a mum. The range addresses three keys needs of mum and baby – sleep, skin and hair and has been designed to help with every stage of the journey – from bump to new mum to baby.

All Cussons Mum & Me products are available from major retailers including Tescos, Boots and Sainsbury’s. 

Giveaway time

I am able to offer ONE lucky reader the chance to win their own Cussons Mum & Me Bump Gift Pack. To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is complete the rafflecopter entry form below.

 Good Luck!

Vikki xxx

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