All-in-One Mum

On Sunday 30th June 2013, Don’t just Talk the Talk…Walk the SunWalk! We all know someone that has fallen victim to breast cancer, some conquering it and coming out stronger than before and others unfortunately not being so fortunate, losing their battle. Walk the Walk, a grant-making breast cancer charity that was started 17 years ago, has raised over £86 million for vital breast cancer causes, with money granted for research into breast cancer and to help improve the lives of those with cancer now. They are passionate about encouraging women and men to become fitter and healthier, taking full control of their personal well being. This Sunday, 30th June 2013, three fabulous Walk the Walk SunWalk London walking challenges will take place in Battersea Park. Also on offer is live stage music, circus sideshows, stalls, dancing, delicious food, stilt walkers, clowns; basically something for everyone in the family. There is free entry into SunWalk City all day. In 2012, SunWalk L...

Great guest post from  John O'Connor.  He is a father, outdoorsman, sports enthusiast and passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.  John blogs at  bloggingwjohno.blogspot.com .   How Children with Hearing Loss Can Overcome If you’ve never had difficulty hearing, you may take it for granted at times. Can you imagine what it would be like to never hear birds chirping outside your window, children playing in the yard or coffee brewing in the kitchen? Many people associate hearing loss with old age, but in reality, many children experience it as well. In fact, some babies are born with hearing loss. As cases of hearing loss increase throughout the United States, more and more children are affected. In fact, around eight percent of those with severe to profound hearing loss are under 18 . Even more will have difficulty hearing common sounds because around 15 percent of children between six and 19 have hearing loss in either h...

I had heard these rather vicious rumours that estate agent types and mortgage lender types basically shut down and become rather robotic once you tell them you are self-employed... "Sorry, we can't help you." "Do you have two years of accounts to show us?" "Oooh!  I think that's going to be a bit of a problem!" I thought that this simply couldn't be true.  I mean, in this day and age when absolutely no job is for life and dependant on your industry, you pray that your entry fob lets you in the following morning. Well.  It's true... I was looking to surprise my parents-in-law with an upgrade to the flat that they are currently staying in.   They are getting older and as retirement looms and my mother-in-law gets closer to finishing work, they will need a larger space as she will be at home more.  Nice of me, yes? No!  Boo, hiss!!!  When it came to discussing rent and standing surety, I told the estate agent that I ...

My daughter loves children that are younger than here, especially little babies.  She gives them gentle hugs and strokes their heads and arms with tender loving care.  Basically, she adores them. I'm not even sure how we got onto the subject but we started to talk about babies and where they came from.  Now, as she is only just three years old, it's a tad too early for the real 'facts of life' talk.   However, she had somehow concocted a theory of her own.  It goes something like this... Little One: Daddy is going to London to go and buy a baby. Me: Oh really, and where will he get one from? LO: The shop. Me: (fair enough answer I thought). Okay, so what happens next? LO: Daddy comes home and gives it to mommy and puts it in her tummy. Me: (thinking that is slightly how babies come about, without having to go into more detail.) Yes, something like that babe.  But what happens next?  How does the baby come out? LO: Like this! (sticki...

I was approached by a company to test out a canvas print, to examine the quality of what they offer; basically providing me with a product that I would be happy to recommend.   I decided to provide them with one of my favourite images of my daughter that a talented photographer friend of mine ( Michelle Wiggett ) had recently taken. So, I sent my image across to the team at HelloCanvas .   The website was extremely easy to use, giving you ideas on different colour options and effects, providing the option to remove dates on images and red eyes for free as well as a number of other creative ideas for your images. Their prices are very reasonable too. Within 3 days of placing my order my canvas arrived, which I didn't find to be an unacceptable time frame. Feeling rather like a kid at Christmas as I carefully pulled it out of the cardboard packaging, I was completely lost for words. It was beautiful. The quality of the canvas itself is of an extremely high sta...

Now that my daughter is three I'm even more aware that I need to watch what I say around her.  My attitudes and opinions are absorbed by her like a sponge, so if I am going to have a strop, I'm going to need to do it in my own time. Last week two of her little friends (sisters) were having an argument over my daughter's bike.  Both grabbed a side of the handle bars and were tugging on them for dear life in order to stake their claim to the bike for that nanosecond, right before the kerfuffle would start again. So, in steps my daughter, standing in front of her friends with hands raised up high to the sky... "Just, calm down!" says my incredibly mature three year old. Never mind the fact that I was lost for words and then couldn't stop laughing at the ridiculously grown-up kiddie moment.  I think the kids were as shocked as we were with my daughter not fully knowing the impact of what she had just said. I hope that this is a show of things to come; t...

Very exciting news for fans of JoJo Maman Bébé!   They have recently  launched their brand new online outlet store, where you can find fantastic savings and offers across maternity, childrens wear and products. If you love their styles, and want to save money, the  Outlet  cannot be missed.  T he online outlet will see old season stock priced with up to 50% off. As well as discounted fashion lines there will be limited offers on practical products.  The stock will be regularly updated with new items from previous collections.  Some examples of the amazing discounts on offer are... beautiful real leather pink heart baby booties reduced from £14 to £9. the nautical stripe trousers reduced from £16 to £11. for Mums-to-be there’s the super flattering chiffon evening dress reduced from £49 to £25. JoJo will never become a discount brand, they understand that everyone loves a bargain and appreciate that with the ...

If you are looking for that perfect summer holiday read or a bit of escapism for the trappings of everyday life, look no further that Chelsea Wives, where revenge  is sweeter than champagne... Author Anna-Lou Weatherley introduces you to the extravagant and over-indulgent lives of three of the ultimate ladies who lunch;  Imogen, the beautiful ex-model; Calvary, the glamorous, former fashion editor; and Yasmin, the feisty ex-party girl.  The distinctive trait with all three however, is that nothing is as it appears to be. Failing marriages, domineering or simply ignorant husbands and personal tragedy unite them as they mastermind an extremely cunning yet elegant plan to disempower their husbands and gain back the lives that they lost and so passionately long to regain. Exotic locations, glamorous parties, designer boutiques and fancy cars have nothing on this group of fiercely ambitious women who will stop at nothing to find peace, love and happiness in their li...

I have recently discovered the exciting new and rather delicious Tea India premium tea range that offers 3 authentic Chai’s and a black tea blend.  There is nothing better than a delicious, perfectly brewed cup of tea and the Tea India range offers just that; an authentic Indian tea experience with e ach blend masterfully created using the finest ingredients and more than 70 years tea blending experience. The inspirational fusion of tradition with the vibrancy of modern India suit every palate and are a real treat.   A combination of unique flavours, local tastes and family history ensure that they stay true to the Indian tradition of Chai.  The teas come in 3 delicious blends; warming Masala Chai, invigorating Cardamom Chai and refreshing Vanilla Chai. I sampled the Vanilla Chai and Black Tea varieties.  The Vanilla Chai, already a 2 star Great Taste Gold Winner, has a delightful sweet and spic...