I love the vintage style floral dress/tunic which has really good lining (£15) the hat is v cute (£5) and the trousers are my STAR buy (£10) gorgeous quality wide leg crops. I have already worn them about 6 times in 2 weeks! Nice quality and well cut and they go with everything. What a bargain outfit…all to be purchased easily online at  Clothing at Tesco  or whilst you do you food shopping. What could be more convenient?

Competition

If you would like to win a £30 outfit form Tesco simply pop on to the Tesco website at http://www.clothingattesco.com/women and fill your shopping basket with an outfit up to the value of £30. Post on here what you have chosen and also email me your basket so I can see to Becky@babybudgeting.co.uk. I will pick the most appealing outfit and it shall be yours!

Terms and conditions

Competition ends Friday August 3rd at 4 pm

UK entrants only

Babybudgetings decision is final and no crorespondance entered into.

 Little Tikes kindly sent me one  to trial.

I have to say initailly I was thinking ‘well it doesnt do anything.’  Because these things generally do I think I  kind of expected it to light up, sing,  dance etc.   Annalise my 3 year old was much more impressed than me by the big pink pig. She immediately fetched her favouruite miffy money box and her silver teddy christening money box long adored. She ditched all the contents and sat for an age filling pink piggy’s (as shes imaginatively named him) belly. 

Click here to purchase

Then she dropped him on the floor and laughed. He is tough, durable and holds lots of money, hes funny looking and appeals much more to my daughter than her fancy porelain and silver money boxes. She now constantly asks me for my pennies! A true baby budgeter.

Later my six year old son emptied piggy belly counted up all £12,65  in pennies and silver and popped the money back in bit by bit woring it all aout on his calculator (bless him) . My kids absolutely love this piggy with the big belly. I can’t really tell you why but they really do and if it helps them save then that’s peachy!  He’s living on the window sill at present and is being filled up by the coins down my sofa !

Pink Piggy bank can also be bought in blue and generally retails for £10-12  and can be purchased at various outlets including Amazon. If it teaches good saving habits young then what a great investment!

Jessica says:

Looks like a fab resource! And if it can help/empower me to be more organized and focused I will be very grateful!

Hmm. Such a great question! I often wonder what I did with all my free time before I had my child. Anyway, I think I’d drink a (still hot) coffee, knit, read, write – all the things that I love to do but find them hard to accomplish with a toddler around me.

Baby Dines Out says:

July 21, 2010 at 7:47 am • Edit

Nothing, absolutely, gloriously amazing nothing. That would be the ultimate luxury. To have nothing to do but lay in the sun and doze for a couple of hours with no nagging sense that there is something or someone that needs attending to.

Kate says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:10 am • Edit

First I would dither around as am not ussed to child free time! Think I would start with a nice relaxing bath and then indulge in some sewing in peace.

Jenny Kearney says:

July 21, 2010 at 8:12 pm • Edit

There’s so many things on my wish list but top priority would be going for a swim followed by a much needed haircut and perhaps a quick trip to a coffee shop! Bliss Sadly all my spare time is taken with washing, changing and feeding my little one.

Jennifer says:

July 21, 2010 at 9:56 pm • Edit

I would file away important documents that have been collecting dust since my 16 month old was born. Sort out all the clutter that I removed from the spare bedroom which is now cluttering up my bedroom since putting my 2nd daughter in it.

List all the items that are no longer needed for babies on selling sites.

Find all the missing peices of the toys that children have thrown under chairs and behind cupboards.

Then if I have any time left I would do some brain training as I keep forgetting things after having 2 children in the space of 2 years.

T-J Hughes says:

July 22, 2010 at 8:37 pm • Edit

What a question. At the moment it would be go for a swim (doesn’t open early enough to go before boys get up!), then start the mammouth tidy and clean that’s needed at our house. I’d plan to finish with a lovely coffee and cake – well, I’ll need a treat won’t I?!
Hope to learn how to do this if I win!

If you are feeling stressed out aromatherapy is really easy to use at home & won’t break the bank.

One really quick instant stress reliever is to use an oil burner; the relaxing properties of essential oils are wonderful. Simply add essential oil to an aromatherapy oil burner, which is one of safest & easiest ways to use oils. If the room is small & warm use only 1-3 drops with water, if you want to fragrance the whole house 6-9 but leave doors open & windows     

 Suggested oils to use

You can use oils singularly or blend 2/3 together to enhance the properties & create an interesting aroma.

• Benzoin use this when your mind won’t switch off, if you are thinking of all the things you need to do, Particularly when you are trying to sleep, this is oil for you.
• Lavender wonderful relaxing oil melts your stress away & aids restful sleep. Also  very good for children who don’t sleep
• Lemongrass-use this oil to help you when you need extra energy it lifts you up when you are feeling low & over whelmed. I love to burn this in my kitchen, it has wonderful lemony aroma. It is perfect for clearing any unwanted odors.
• Geranium & Rosemary-If you are suffering from fatigue or just can’t face the task put 2 drops of geranium & 2 of rosemary into an oil burner, this will help.
• Mandarin  – Everybody will comment on how nice this smells, it’s a good oil to burn during the evening to relax and encourage conversation
• Clary Sage is a deep relaxant so only use in the evening, it will relax you & ensure a good nights sleep. It eases muscle aches when used in bath or massage very good for tense neck or shoulder.

NB don’t drive after using, as your concentration will be less & don’t drink as it brings on bad dreams.  

If you are using the essential oils to aid sleep, simply add 1 drop to a tissue under the pillow,

Bath

 I think we have all been guilty of neglecting the bath, due to time pressureres we shower. If just once a week we can make time for a 30 minute bath, where we have peace & quite that is such a stress reliever.

 A bath is an excellent way to relax when stressed, relieves muscular/ joint pains & aids sleep. Add 6 drops to a warm (not too hot bath) that has already been run. When using for a child, elderly, convalescent, sensitive skin or in pregnancy oils should be added to a vegetable carrier oil or full fat milk, only use 3 drops.

Guidance for which oils to use                                                                                      

At night time when you want to relax & sleep here are some oils that will help, Lavender, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, any wood oil i.e. Sandalwood.

 In the day when you feel invigorated, happy, alert & uplifted, use Citrus Oils, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Rosemary & Pine.

Always remember when using essential oils that less is more. Don’t be tempted to add one extra drop, less is better. They are very powerful.

Guide Lines

• The following oils should not be applied to the skin before exposure to sun. Lemon, orange, lemongrass, citronella, mandarin.
• Store oils in a cool dark place, away from homeopathic medicine.
• Don’t use oils neat on skin except for lavender & tea tree
• Kept out of reach of children.
• If you spill any oil clean up with milk or if you get any in your eye wash out with vegetable oil, don’t ingest or use internally.

Precautions

Pregnancy – don’t use oils for first 4 months. Then only at half strength. The following oils should be avoided: basil, cedar wood, citronella, clary sage, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, thyme.

 Epilepsy & high blood pressure-Avoid camphor, fennel, hyssop, rosemary, & thyme.

If you any questions regarding aromatherapy please email Justine Di Cesare  aroma@sky.com, if you wish to purchase any of the essential oils go to www.etranquility.co.uk

I love storytime at bed time. To see her listening so intently and taking it all in is fantastic. After I’ve put her down, she always calls me back a few minutes later. When I ask what she wants she replies “I just want a big cuddle and a kiss and a big squeeze”!!

I’d love to win this for my brother who is having his first baby later this year. x

Well done Elizabeth Ewan will be  with you soon!

Ewan is avaiable to buy from  www.easidream.co.uk/

1)      Make sure you get one evening off, even if it is only occasionally and do something “normal” like going to the cinema or for a simple meal with a friend. If you have a friend on the Orange network go on a Wednesday when Orange does a 2 for 1 deal.

2)      I am not much of a bath person, but since having children, I am converted! Even if you can only get your other half/ friend/ neighbour to look after kids for 20min, take that time to relax. Shut the door. Leave the phone. Take a book. Light a candle. Relax.

3)      Sometimes I have the choice, between tidying up or going to bed and read. I frequently choose the book. The toys will only get unpacked again in the morning. Do tidy, but don’t get frantic about it and once in a while JUST leave it!

4)      It is ok to teach your children about “your time”. I have a friend who says her son knows that when her coffee cup is still full, he has to wait, once it is finished he can come and play. This way she has 20min a day for “ her break”. Mine understand when I say “mummy needs to work”. It works if you then keep your promise and DO go and play!

5)      Teach your children to help tidy up – that way you a) do something together b) you have less to do and c) they learn about tidying. At first you will be doing more and they will be pretending, but eventually they will get the hang of it!

6)      Let your children help you cook – that way you a) have a toddler activity struck off the list, b) you get the cooking done whilst they are around and c) they learn to cook. At first they may just pretend to do some stiring or they may end up just playing with the water in the sink, but eventually they will be more helpful.

7)      Find another mum and do “babysitting” swaps. Either a weekly one hour exchange or with tokens. Get an hour or two off whilst your toddler plays. Make sure you do something for you in that hour.

Thanks Maggy.

…what do you do?

I’m a firm believer in Me Time for mums – although I realise it can be a slightly elusive concept, particularly if you’re a SAHM or a WAHM. Whether it’s going away for a few days with the girls, getting pampered, meeting up with friends for a coffee (or something stronger, *cough*) or simply having the chance to lie in or a long soak in a hot bubble bath or use a face pack or hair treatment once a week, it’s all good for your equilibrium.

Getting ready for your summer holiday is the perfect opportunity to give yourself some TLC – but if time, and budget are an issue, here are my top tips for how you can get beach ready quickly – and without spending a fortune.

*Whether you’re going on holiday tomorrow or in a month’s time, kick-start your metabolism by working out as often as possible. It’ll help reduce bloating, too. Head to the park for a powerwalk (pushchair optional), go swimming or just dance around your living room for 45 minutes.

*You can give your thighs (dimpled or not) a smoother appearance by dry brushing with a natural bristle brush. Start at your feet and work up in firm, circular motions towards your heart for three to five minutes. Then when you’re in the shower or bath, using a body scrub will help brighten your skin, and prepare it for sunbathing or fake tan.

*Alternatively, pamper yourself and your skin with an at home thalasso-style treatment. Light a candle, then luxuriate in a warm salt bath (try Dead Sea Spa Magic Bath Salts, £4.95, from Holland & Barrett). Remember to moisturise well afterwards.

*Whiten your smile with a baking-soda based toothpaste

*Remember to drink at least eight glasses of water a day –  it encourages the body to rid itself of any excess water – but not all at once!

*Get your eyebrows threaded – it will define your eyes and give you an instant face-lift. My local Asian beauty salon charges me £3 and it takes about as many minutes.

*If you’re applying fake tan, use a mitt – it’s the best way to avoid streaks and achieve a more natural looking colour.

Beach ready hair!

*Don’t fuss about your hair – summer is the time to wash and go. Just spritz on some conditioning spray and then forget about it.

*Get rid of dark eye circles by gently place the tips of your index finger at the inner corner of each eye hollow. Work round the eye contour, above the cheekbone and over the browbone with a small, feather-like patting action.

*Treat cracked heels, invest in a foot file for dry skin, and if you can afford it, get yourself down to your nearest nail salon for a mani-pedi. If you want to DIY, make sure you use a cuticle removing cream for a more professional look. Shape your nails, then soak off the cream. Pat dry and if you’re not using a polish, simply buff until mirror-shiny.

*Keep your make-up as natural as possible and avoid using too many products on your skin – they’ll just melt in the heat. Lip gloss is fine for the beach. In the evenings use a bronzer to intensify the colour on your cheekbones and pick up the light on your face, and a shimmery golden tone on your eyelids.

*Finally, practise your photo pose in front of the mirror. Hold your head high, shoulders back, chest and stomach in, one foot slightly in front of the other and you’ll instantly look 7Ib lighter.

You’re good to glow!

One of the areas of our health and well-being that women often forget about, or take for granted is their breasts. We were born with them. We either love them or hate them. Our fellas love them (haven’t met any that don’t!), and they’re also there for the really important job of breastfeeding our babies.

 We know we have to look after them. Check them regularly (monthly after your menstrual cycle), looking for anything different. We also know that we should get ‘good’ bras and regular bra fittings. But what does this mean?

We’re not taught about bras, or bra fitting at school, so we’re left to find out for ourselves what’s ‘good’ and what’s not. But a ‘bad’ bra can cause some or all of the following problems:

• Bad posture – rounded shoulders generally that may also lead to
• Back ache and/or neck ache
• Blocked ducts and mastitis (even when we’re not breastfeeding)
• Fibrous cysts
• Breathing problems

So, here’s a short checklist to check out your current bra and the ones you’ll need 6 months after you bought the last ones (yes, bras are only ‘good’ for the first 6 months of their life. Think about the work they do. That fabric has to do so much!).

1. Start with the band – the part that goes around your ribs. Is it in the smallest part of your back? Think low, often lower than you’ve ever worn your bra before. Getting this in the right place gives you the foundation for a good fitting bra. But it must be firm. You should be able to breathe, but also it shouldn’t be able to be pulled away from your body more than 1.5cm maximum.
2. Check the front of the bra. Is the band right underneath the root of your breast? For under-wired bras the wire should be against your rib cage. For soft cup bras, the band is doing this job. You may need to put your hand inside the top of the cup and lift your breasts up into the cups.
3. Then check the cups. Is Are your breasts totally enclosed in the cups? Depending on the style of the bra the cup may come across the breast. Check it is not pressing on breast tissue anywhere. If you’re spilling over the top this isn’t usually very attractive with your top on, (4-boobs syndrome).
4. The shoulder straps are purely there to pull the fabric of the cup over your breast. It is not to be yanked up to lift your breasts higher. If you do this, you will pull the band up and the shape of the bra will go and it will affect your posture. Change the style of the bra – maybe a fuller cup?
5. Please DO NOT be bothered about the size of the bra. Our bodies change during our monthly menstrual cycle, and with age, pregnancy, weight gain & loss, amongst other things! WHO is looking at your bra size label? Is your bra COMFY? Does it give you a good shape with your clothes on? Do your breasts feel supported? Then go for it.
6. What price do you put on comfort? If you need to save up and spend £60 on 2 bras every 6 months, that’s £10 a month for good health and well-being. Your self-esteem may also be higher if you are comfy and look good from under your clothes.

T-J Hughes runs bras4mums and bras4all and specialises in bra fitting advice for women of all shapes and sizes, (28-50” band, A-L cup).

Your breasts are precious to you, your baby and your partner. Without the correct support to protect your breasts you will experience discomfort and possible medical risks, including back and neck pain from poor posture and mastitis caused by blocked milk ducts. An ill fitting bra can also result in damaged breast ligaments, which increases your risk of stretch marks and sagging breasts.

Bras4all – Supporting You:

ü  Wide choice of attractive styles from comfy to sexy to sophisticated

ü  Value For Money – a bra fitted correctly will last you longer

ü  Complete satisfaction & a perfect fit guaranteed with free, unlimited UK mail order exchanges. 

ü  Trained, professional, expert bra fitters to ensure your changing shape and size is correctly supported at every stage for a great feeling of comfort and confidence!

ü  Individual service – you will be assigned a personal bra advisor to allay your individual concerns for peace of mind.

ü  Run by Women for Women – we will use our first hand experience to look after you.

ü  Experienced – established for 6 years.

ü  Home bra fitting service available in some parts of the UK

ü  Next day delivery. 

It goes without saying its crucial to get yourself a babysitter you absolutely trust. In the early days, a social life without baby can seem to be an impossibility, but it is really important to try and keep a life for you. In my opinion he best babysitters are the ones who do it for free out of love, Grandma or your best friends.

The golden rules of such baby-sits are

don’t ask too often,

don’t be late,

be sure they get home safe and without cost to themselves and safely

be sure the kids are in bed (if it’s at night),

leave everything they need out and easy to find and

be contactable at all times.

 Nice biscuits help too.

Other ideas such a babysitting circles where you use token systems to do exchange baby-sits can also save a fortune but BE VERY CAREFUL to be sure you trust your sitters and know them exremely well and for some time. You would not leave your car keys with a stranger or someone you didn’t completely 100% know and trust so similarly I would advise you don’t leave your child. Its harsh to say but a significant amount of abuse towards children happens from people known to the family ( I know that’s unpleasnt but in an article on babysitting I have to state that)

It’s nice for baby if they feel very safe and familiar with any sitter too so do cultivate these friendships.

Payment in kind is always a brilliant concept. If Grandma sits often, maybe you could weed her garden whilst she gives baby a cuddle one day? A breather for you and some good exercise and a loving cuddle from Grandma, what could be better?

 Even if you can’t really afford to go out, just popping to see friends or for an evening walk can make you feel great and not so tied down. Do try and get out and about every once in a while.

Have fun !    Bxx

Well I no longer have 70lb to lose

and 

I no longer have 65lbs to lose

and

I no longer have 63lb to lose

Over the last 2 weeks I have lost 4lbs so now ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I have only 59  to go ….YAY!   

 11bs lost in total  !

I’m working thos Reeboks and still playing a lot of garden footie!