Seek My Scribbles

#MySummerHaven with Lighthouse

2020-08-06T16:51:00.004+01:00

2020's lockdown and the on-going restrictions have seen most of us spending a lot more time at home. For me, the change wasn't too drastic. I work from home as a copywriter, so I'm used to spending a lot of time here. However, with my little boy unable to attend nursery and see his friends, I needed to find ways to keep him entertained and engaged. My partner suggested starting a vegetable patch - something fun we could do together as a family that also had educational value for Arthur (...well actually, us all!)

A few months on and I have to say, I never thought I'd find growing vegetables so enjoyable. It's not only therapeutic to spend time in nature but also incredibly rewarding. A couple of weeks back, we did our first proper harvest of vegetables and the look on my little boy's face was priceless. He was amazed that from those tiny little seeds, we'd grown something we could eat for dinner that night. Myself and Josh were equally as thrilled, not just to have been successful with our vegetables but to have discovered a new hobby we share.

Like for many others, our garden has become of great importance during lockdown, not only as a form of entertainment but also a place to relax and 'step away' from the screens we sit behind. So when Lighthouse got in touch about their #MySummerHaven campaign, all about finding adventure and solace in our own back gardens, I knew it was a perfect match. They kindly sent us some gorgeous clothing to wear in the garden and further afield now we're able to venture out.

A beautiful striped cotton sun dress for me (with practical pockets), an adorable combine harvester embroidered top for Arthur and a lightweight waterproof jacket for Josh - because let's face it, British weather can be rather unpredictable, even in the summer! I'm delighted with each new addition to our wardrobes, the quality is excellent and the designs offer the perfect balance between style and practicality.

Lighthouse as a brand is all about appreciating, celebrating and finding joy in the simple things in life. While the current pandemic has bought sadness to many families (of which my heart goes out to), as someone who tries to find the positives in situations, I'm very much appreciative of the time we gained as a family. It's bought us closer, made us thankful for what we have and it's motivated us to try something new, with wonderful results.

#MySummerHaven is our patch. A place for a moment’s peace. A place for new discoveries. A place for happy memories, made with the people I love the most.

This non-paid post features gifted products. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

GLO32 Teeth Whitening Review

2020-06-23T13:11:00.000+01:00

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The GLO32 Teeth Whitening Kit promises a happy white smile, without painful teeth or gums that occur with most traditional whitening methods. Instead of using peroxide (which I think we can all agree is pretty harsh on the gums), GLO32 is made with Coconut Oil - a much more natural and gentle whitening solution.

The advanced whitening system (£30) contains 28 strips, designed to be used over 14 days. The strips are very easy to apply on the top and bottom teeth and can be worn comfortably for the 20-30 mins required. Unlike other teeth whitening strips I've used in the past (that have had me almost wanting to retch), these didn't taste disgusting! As long as you like the taste of coconut oil, you'll find them quite pleasant.

The GLO32 teeth whitening strips are also very easy to remove. You can slide them off without any stickiness and either rinse your mouth out or brush any remaining gel away with your toothbrush. In the past I've found other strips difficult, and often painful, to remove but that hasn't been the case at all with GLO32.

In terms of results, I have to say that after just a couple of strips I think my teeth looked whiter. I still need to complete the full course and I'll update this post once I have. But so far, so good! I'm also happy to report that I've not experienced any sensitivity.

The GLO32 Home Teeth Whitening Kit also comes with a stilo pen. This can be used to 'top up' your teeth whitening and is super easy to use. All you need to do is twist the end to dispense the gel and brush it directly onto your teeth. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes and then rinse it away. It says to apply it 2-3 times a day for optimum results but after just 1 application I'm sure I noticed a difference in the colour of my teeth. I've got a feeling this is going to be my favourite product out of the two but I'll report back once I've had longer to try it out.

If you are looking for a home teeth whitening treatment that won't harm your teeth or gums, this is the one to try. As well as being peroxide-free, it's also a cruelty-free, vegan formula, giving it extra bonus points from me!

Product review featuring a gifted product. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Kids Stuff Crazy Foaming Soap Review

2020-06-03T15:11:00.000+01:00

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Kids Stuff Crazy Foaming Soaps make bath time far less boring for my four year old and my job of getting him clean a whole lot easier!

The crazy foam is a lot like a thick shaving foam in consistency and comes in several different colours including white, pink, blue and purple. It's super easy to use, so kids can have lots of fun squirting, shaping and bouncing it around the bathtub. Squirt out lots of foam and it'll change the colour of the water too!

Now parents, I know you'll be thinking about the potential for mess and stains on the tub. Well, you'll be pleased to hear that the bath foam is mess and stain-free! As soon as it hits the water it melts down and doesn't leave any stains whatsoever (making it far better than some of the colourful bath bombs you can buy.) If your little one gets any around the side of the tub or on the tiles, a quick rinse will wash it straight down the plug hole.
It's great!

The Kids Stuff Crazy Foaming Soaps are also a fun addition to the paddling pool. They're great for messy and sensory play, encouraging kids to use their imaginations and get creative. Arthur's favourite thing to do is make 'cakes' by layering up the different colours of foam. He also likes squirting the foam out like snow and rolling it into balls.

You could also spray the foam onto a tray and get your little one to practice drawing letters and numbers with their finger. Or grab a toy car and make tracks through the foam. The possibilities for play are endless!

The foaming soaps are very mild, with a hypoallergenic, PH balanced formula, to gently cleanse and moisturise your little one's skin. They're also free from nasty chemicals like SLES (sodium lauryl ether sulphate) and Parabens, giving you total peace of mind that they're safe for your little one to use and play with.

Priced around the £2 mark, they're fairly cheap and cheerful so you can let your little one go wild with the foam without worrying how long its got to last!

Kids Stuff Crazy Foaming Soap is available to purchase from Superdrug and other high street retailers.

It's a fantastic product for kids, great for injecting the fun back into bath time or enjoying messy play outdoors.

Product review featuring a gifted product. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Starting a vegetable patch

2020-05-29T13:21:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Josh's hard work and a new found love for gardening (cricket appears to be out of the question this year...) we're now proud owners of a vegetable patch.

Yes that section of our rather wild and wonderful paddock is now home to several vegetables, including potatoes, broad beans, peas, carrots, parsnips and beetroot. The potato plants are looking good, despite a rather unexpected frost and we've got bean and pea shoots up too. We've also spotted what we think are beetroot leaves. No sign of parsnips yet. Frankly, it'll be a miracle if we get any carrots seeing as we're not quite sure where Arthur scattered them. But hey, it's all part of the fun!

I've been getting my hands dirty too. Admittedly, avoiding the hard part i.e the digging of the vegetable patch. I wasn't so handy with the rotavator either. But I'm enjoying the sowing and watering parts. It's somewhat therapeutic going down to the patch in the evening to water the plants. It's also so exciting when you spot something new...even if it turns out to be a weed.

Back in the kitchen and living room, we've got several other plants taking over the window sills. First up, tomato and sweet pepper plants, grown from seeds we harvested from an actual tomato and sweet pepper. Who knows what they'll turn out like but they're growing!

Here we've got 2 rapidly growing runner bean plants (watch out Jack!) and 4 healthy-looking courgette plants, grown to replace our originals killed off by the aforementioned frost. I was genuinely gutted when we found them flopped over in the vegetable patch but we're new to this - it's a learning curve.

And recently planted in the pots are sweetcorn, pumpkin, chillis, more runner beans and two different types of marrow.

Apparently, we don't do things by halves! Fingers crossed they all grow.

Update: We've now turned an old egg incubator into a cold frame so we can put some of the window sill plants out each day. They're loving it! The runner beans have been planted out too. Josh cut an old barrel in half to make two big pots and they look fantastic.

Anyone else started a vegetable patch during lockdown? What have you been planting in your garden?

Life in lockdown

2020-04-14T17:35:00.001+01:00

It's been a while but as we muddle through the 4th week of lockdown in the UK, I thought, what better time to write a blog post?

Everything's a little strange right now. There's a lot of uncertainty and we don't know when things will go back to normal, or whatever the new normal will be.

I wouldn't be human if I wasn't worrying about the virus and all of the people it's hurting. I'm heartbroken for those who have lost their lives or people they love. I'm anxious for my brother, a key worker and my best friend, a nurse. I'm nervous about when this all ends and Josh goes back to work and Arthur goes back to nursery. I'm uncertain whether Arthur will even go back to nursery, or whether instead, he'll be going to school. I'm saddened that I was doing so well with my work, and that for the most part, I've had to hit the pause button. I'm gutted it'll be even longer before we get our dream home.

But despite the worries and weirdness, I'm at peace with this way of living for the time being. I'm so grateful we get to stay safe at home. I'm so thankful that the people I love are, so far, okay.

I'm happy we've been able to do fun things like paint rainbows, plant seeds and play in the garden. I love that we've been blessed with sunshine. I'm grateful we've enjoyed homecooked food every night.

I feel like it's making us appreciate the little things in life. And I think that once this is all over, we'll appreciate all the things we've missed out on a little more too.

Let's hope so anyway.

What I'm Wearing: Pinafore Dresses

2020-03-07T17:09:00.000+00:00

Pinafores are my favourite thing to wear right now. Comfortable and cute, they're perfect for everyday wear, with a long sleeved top and ankle boots. If it's a little cooler, I like to pop a jumper underneath for extra warmth and I've been known to wear them with my wellies too - we've had a lot of welly weather as of late, haven't we?

Although a quick Google search for 'pinafore dresses' will bring up trillions of results from almost every women's fashion store out there, my go-to place for a good pinafore is Tu!

They have some really gorgeous pinafore dresses (I own three) in various cuts and styles. I find they are true to size (I wear a size 10) and vary slightly in length, depending on the style you go for. Thankfully, none of the pinafores I've bought have been ridiculously short, a problem I've often had with pinafores from other stores.

I also love that they have pockets (practical) and are very reasonably priced. This black corduroy spotty pinafore was only £11! It's out of stock now unfortunately but there are plenty of other lovely choices under £20.

These days it's rare that I find a dress that I absolutely love but pinafores tick all of the boxes for me and I think I'll be wearing them for the foreseeable. Certainly until it gets hot enough to dig out my summer dresses anyway!

Are you a fan of the pinafore?

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Kids Sandpits

2020-01-21T10:07:00.001+00:00

[Partnered Post]

Whether they're scooping it, sifting it, building castles with it, making mudpies or digging through it - playing in the sand allows children to use their imaginations and hone their socialisation skills.

Living close to a number of beautiful beaches is never lost on us as a family, and the fact that we have the mother of all sandpits on our doorstep is something we never take for granted. But if you live inland or don’t like the idea of all that sand, you can bring the beach home to you, with kids sandpits.

What to Look For When Buying A Sandpit

The challenge isn’t finding a sandpit, after all, there are plenty to choose from. But it can be a little tricky knowing which one is best for your needs.

With this in mind, I've shared a little buying guide that will hopefully help you in your search...

1.The Size of the Sandpit Matters

When choosing a sandpit, the size of the sandpit matters, as well as the size of your garden. Ideally, you want something that can accommodate at least two children (think playdates), and that will be big enough to be played in four or five years down the line.

2. The Size of Your Garden Also Makes a Difference

While bigger is often better, you want a sandpit that doesn’t take up your entire garden. If space and budget are a real concern, there are some really great portable sandpits to choose from.

3. Where Do You Plan On Putting the Sandpit?

Knowing where you are going to be putting the sandpit is essential. Not only will this help you choose one that's the right size and shape for your garden, but you'll also be able to decide whether you need a sandpit with a canopy or a cover.

4. What Is the Sandpit Made Of?

Sandpits don't only come in all shapes and sizes, they are also made from different materials. Wooden ones are always popular, but if you are worried about the weather or are short on space, there is always the option of getting a sandpit made from non-toxic, eco-friendly plastic.

Aesthetically, a wooden sandpit looks nicer in a garden, but you will need to maintain to keep it looking as good as new, and prevent it from cracking. Plastic sandpits, depending on the weather, can fade over time and are also susceptible to cracking.

5. Raised or Ground-Level?

You can choose whether you want a sandpit that’s raised or one that’s ground-level. Raised ones can be better suited to younger children, as they come with different features to help develop your little one’s creative play. Ground-level models are best for older kids. While both have their pros and cons, the one you finally decide on will come down to your personal needs and budget.

6. What Else Can a Sandpit Be Used For?

It’s worth considering what else a sandpit can be used for, especially if you’re spending quite a bit of money on one. Some sandpits double up as a picnic table or bench, which makes them excellent value for money. Plastic sandpits can be filled with water, while those with lids make for an additional playing surface. And of course, there's the option of turning your little one's sandpit into a ball pit every now and then.

7. How Easy is it to Assemble?

Believe it or not, some sandpits are quick and easy to assemble, while others might need a little DIY on your part. To save yourself a lot of frustration and bother, go for a pre-made sandpit or choose one that has pre-drilled holes as well as easy-to-follow instructions.

8. The Cost of Filling It

Don't forget about filling it. In all the excitement of choosing a sandpit, it's easy to forget about the cost of filling (and refilling) it. If you have pets or plan on using it all year round, it might be worth considering getting one with a lid. And whatever you do, don’t skimp on the quality of the sand you buy. Building sand contains substances that aren’t healthy and can cause long-term health problems down the line. Although it’s slightly more expensive, it’s worth investing in a good quality sand that is safe and non-toxic.

9. Safety Comes First

Safety should always be top of mind, so try to avoid sandpits with sharp edges and keep an eye out for splinters. Raised sandpits can topple over, so don’t leave little ones playing unattended.

Have you got any other useful buying tips to add? Share them in the comments!

Partnered post written by a third-party with my editorial control. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Slow Sundays with Lighthouse

2019-11-28T10:12:00.000+00:00

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For us, Sunday is very much a family day. A slow morning, followed by an afternoon outdoors. If we don't have any plans, we often end up at the beach. We're very lucky to have several close by and given the choice of what to do, nine times out of ten, Arthur will pick a beach walk - especially if there's a trip to the cafe or an ice cream on the cards too!

Of course, you aren't always guaranteed good weather, especially here in Somerset. But what's the saying? 'There's no such thing as bad weather - only the wrong clothes...' something like that. So we try and make the most of our family time and get some fresh air, even if the weather is slightly questionable.

Wrapping up warm is essential and quite frankly, comfort over style is something I've really embraced since becoming a mum. Long gone are the days where I'd ditch my coat and brave the cold in favour of showing off my new dress. Today, I’d much rather wear a warm coat and sacrifice style for practicality. But thankfully, this new edition from Lighthouse, gives you the best of both worlds.

Made in Northern Ireland (where they know a thing or two about wet and windy weather) Lighthouse jackets are designed to help make life that little more simple. Whether on the nursery run (which may I add nearly always involves a downpour) or heading to the beach for a walk, it’s the perfect jacket to pull on to keep me warm and dry.

What I like most about the Alanna Coat is that it’s lightweight and close-fitting but doesn’t compromise on warmth. The 100% cotton outer makes it breathable but with soft jersey lining, it’s super cosy too. Not only that but it also has Teflon coating to add that extra layer of protection, keeping the rain off and the wind out. I love the whole nautical vibe. It’s timeless and slots perfectly into my wardrobe.

Lighthouse also kindly sent Arthur the Harrison Coat in Utilty Green. It’s currently a little oversized (I’m a mum that opts for growing room) but he looks adorable. It’s 100% waterproof, breathable and windproof, with insulated padding and quilted chambray lining, giving me peace of mind that he won’t catch a chill. Keeping little ones wrapped up is always a challenge but Arthur was more than happy to try on his new big boy coat and once labelled up, he can wear it to nursery too! He looks really smart and I think my other half would squeeze in it himself given half the chance. I did feel super guilty that Josh wasn't part of our new coat crew but he did a wonderful job snapping photos - as he always does!

Photos like these are some of my favourite to look back on. I think it’s because they help me remember the little things.

Visiting the beach on a slow Sunday is nothing out of the ordinary for us, yet it’s precious time I’ll treasure forever. You see, it’s not just a walk on the beach. It’s making memories with my little family. It’s Arthur’s beaming smile as we play Sly Fox. It’s breathing in the fresh sea air. It’s the squeal of excitement as the water nearly laps over his wellies. It’s walking hand in hand and enjoying the peace (side note: sometimes it isn't peaceful...we do have a 4 year old after all!) It’s taking the time to appreciate how lucky I am. Not just to live in such a beautiful part of the world but to get to enjoy weekends with the people I love.

We might not always be doing wild things but we’re still making memories. There’s nothing wrong with living slowly and appreciating the small things in life. It’s the Lighthouse philosophy and it’s something I wholeheartedly agree with.

Here’s to slow Sundays with my boys. They’ll always be my favourite.

Post contains press samples but I have not been paid for this feature.

Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Where I've been, What's Next and some Home Interior ideas

2019-08-19T16:43:00.000+01:00

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It's been a while since I shared a post here on Seek My Scribbles. It's partly down to being busy with work, which I certainly can't complain about. Back in February, I began working at a cafe in a nearby village and I really like it there. After years working alone, in front of my laptop screen, it makes a nice change to be around other people. I haven't quit writing though. In fact, I'm busier than ever! I have several regular clients and I feel like I'm getting back on track with things, which was my goal for this year.

I think the other reason I haven't blogged on here lately is that I just didn't know what to say. I couldn't see the point in posting for the sake of it and my heart wasn't in it. I want my blog to have direction and I felt like it had gone a little off-piste. At one point, I thought that I was going to share more of our family days out and that sort-of-thing but as Arthur grows, I become more and more concerned about sharing him online. My Instagram and Facebook have been very private for a long while now and although I was happy to share the odd photo of him on here before, it's no longer something I'm comfortable doing.

I'd really like to get back into sharing some more home / interiors posts when I have the chance. As we work towards building our family home - something that we're a little further along with since I last posted but still have a long way to go with - I'd really like to document our journey.

Recently, we've been collecting some ideas on Pinterest (you know it's getting real when you've got a shared home board), so for now I thought I'd share a few of them with you. Thankfully, we seem to be on the same page with the sort of home / interior styles we like!

Basically, the more wood the better. We're into the whole rustic look. Our walls don't need to be perfect and we'd rather the house looked cosy and lived-in than show-home. In terms of colour, I'm really into green. I particularly love the shade in the living room pictured above. I've still got my heart set on a roll-top bath - isn't that black one gorgeous? And I'd love one of the Insignia shower Cabins (you know, the ones with all the fancy gadgets)...but I think that's on my dream home list, rather than reality. There's nothing wrong with a little dreaming though right? There's already been talks of what is and isn't a necessity for the home but that's a whole other blog post right there.

Anyway, I've enjoyed posting on here again and sharing a little sneak peek of our ideas. I'd love to get back into posting regularly, especially when I've got some more home news and content ideas to share. Who knows, there may even be a blog name change on the cards because I'm just not sure Seek My Scribbles fits anymore. Let's see what happens shall we?

Meg x
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Made and Sent Personalised Mother's Day Gifts

2019-03-26T10:01:00.002+00:00

[AD - Gifted]

Mother's Day is on Sunday and if you're looking for a last minute (yet thoughtful) gift, let me point you in the direction of Made and Sent. They have such a beautiful range of Mother's Day Gifts that can be personalised with a special message.

I was kindly gifted the Personalised Mother's Day Hand Care Set, which I personalised with the message 'Happy Mother's Day. Love you always.' The floral-themed packaging is simply beautiful and I love that the products are made with natural ingredients, using traditional methods of botany.

The hand wash has a gentle, refreshing citrus scent and the nourishing hand cream contains shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax, a trio of skin-softening ingredients that will work wonders on dry, chapped hands.

All products are freshly made to order in Made and Sent's Norfolk workshop and shipped out the same day, if ordered before 2pm. That means if you order now, you should get it in time for Mother's Day. You can also speed up your order by selecting Next Day Delivery (£6.95).

What are you buying your mum this Mother's Day?

Meg x

[AD - Gifted. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more info.]

Popcorn Shed Review [+ Salted Caramel Popcorn Cheesecake Recipe]

2019-03-22T15:21:00.000+00:00

[AD - Product Review]

Hands up if you love popcorn! I love the stuff, so was very happy to receive a box of delicious flavours from Popcorn Shed, a UK family-run business, which started life in a garden shed!

I'm all for supporting 'Made in Britain' brands and love that they started their business in their own back garden. They offer a wide range of flavours including ... and I love that some of the larger helpings come in garden-shed style boxes. They're colourful, unique and so easy to identify as Popcorn Shed.

But most importantly, does the popcorn taste good? And the answer is yes - delicious! I'm more of a savoury popcorn kinda girl, so my favourite flavour was Say Cheese! The mature cheddar cheese was tangy, yet had a creaminess about it and it was divine. I wasn't so keen on the 'Sweet Chesus' popcorn, which was cheesy popcorn mixed with buttery caramel popcorn but I can imagine the mix of sweet and savoury would appeal to others.

The family also really enjoyed the salted caramel popcorn, so much so that I decided to use the larger pack in my favourite cheesecake recipe. If you fancy making a salted caramel popcorn cheesecake, then check out my very simple recipe below.

Ingredients:
1 x Pack of Popcorn Shed Salted Caramel Popcorn
250g Digestive Biscuits
100g butter
1 x 180g pack of Philadelphia (or other cream cheese)
250ml double cream
Icing Sugar

Method:
1. Pop your digestives in the food processor and give them a blast until they've turned into fine crumbs. Melt your butter gently in the microwave and add it to the biscuit crumbs, before whizzing with the processor again. Press the biscuit mixture into a spring tin and stick it in the fridge.

2. Whisk your double cream until thick in texture. Add the cream cheese and icing sugar and mix. Do a little taste test. You know what you like! Some people prefer it sweeter, others enjoy the cream cheese taste.

3. Get your biscuit base out of the fridge and sprinkle over half the pack of Popcorn Shed Salted Caramel Popcorn. Spoon over the cheesecake topping and smooth it out. The popcorn will move about a bit but that doesn't really matter!

3. Finally, sprinkle the remaining Popcorn Shed Salted Caramel Popcorn over the top and voila, you're finished! Refrigerate before serving.

As an extra, I made a super easy microwave salted caramel sauce, which I drizzled over the top. I used Gemma's recipe on the Bigger Bolder Baking blog and it was delicious.

All of the Popcorn Shed flavours are made with natural ingredients and are gluten free. Find out more on the Popcorn Shed website.

Meg x

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Epionce Renewal Enriched Body Lotion Review

2019-03-03T16:50:00.000+00:00

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I'll hold my hands up and say I've always been pretty rubbish at remembering to moisturise my skin. Well actually, I can't really blame it on poor memory, as I remember to moisturise my face daily. It really it comes down to just being a little too lazy to moisturise the rest of my body! Having said this, since having my rasul mud treatment a few weeks back, I've been making a conscious effort to pay my skin a little more attention. After all, I'm not getting any younger and if I want my skin to look good in the future, I need to be taking care of it now.

Testing the Epionce Renewal Body Lotion

Funnily, just as I was turning this new leaf in body care, Epionce sent over their Renewal Enriched Body Lotion for me to try out. With key ingredients including avocado oil, shea butter and rose hip oil, it is formulated to protect the skin against dryness and dehydration, whilst also repairing and strengthening its barrier.

I was a little dubious as to how effective it would be, probably because I've never really had a body lotion that's impressed me before but I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised. The first thing I noticed was the fresh citrus scent. It's obvious on application but doesn't linger too long (which I personally prefer.) The second thing, just how quickly the product sinks into the skin. Some body lotions can feel tacky and like you can't get dressed straight after application but this isn't the case with the Epionce body lotion. The lovely lightweight cream blends into the skin and leaves it feeling silky in seconds. No stickiness at all!

Long-lasting, noticeable results

What I've been most happy about is the long-lasting results. I can apply it in the morning and at the end of the day, when I'm getting ready for bed, my skin feels completely different. It's much softer to touch and feels as if the product is still there working its magic.

With the Epionce Renewal Body Lotion, I can really notice a difference. I don't know whether it's because I've never persevered with other body lotions before or my skin just really likes the ingredients in this one but it's made me want to rave about it on my blog and that's a sure sign I like it!

A wonderful body lotion - just a little pricey!

I guess the only downside to the product is the expensive price tag. £40.50 is not a price I can afford to spend on a body lotion, no matter how amazing it is. Having said this, you get 230ml so it's likely to last a good while and there are of course plenty of people out there who can afford luxury skincare (and just to be clear, there's no judgement here!)

It's a very lovely body lotion and I will certainly use it all up (and reap all of the wonderful skincare benefits) but unfortunately, I'll be looking for a cheaper alternative afterwards. As a mum on a tight budget, I'm probably not the target market for Epionce, however I really wanted to share my experience using the product as it's been such a positive one and has helped convince me to keep working daily moisturising into my routine.

Meg x

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JulieMay Luxury Shapewear Review

2019-02-26T14:05:00.000+00:00

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It's funny, I never imagined I'd be writing another lingerie post so soon but when JulieMay got in touch to share their beautiful collection of luxury shapewear, it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up on. You see, I'm a real advocate of comfortable underwear. I've been known to wear Bridget Jones pants, you know, the ones that hold everything in and I wore the large sized knickers I bought during my pregnancy with Arthur for many, many months afterwards, just because they were comfortable.

I'm also a big fan of beautiful lingerie but let's face it, it's not always that pleasant to wear! It may look attractive but how can something really make you feel your best, if it's digging into your shoulders or putting pressure on your ribs? The truth is, it can't.

But that's where JulieMay comes in. Their collections of lingerie, shapewear and postpartum wear offer the best of both worlds - beauty and comfort. They're designed to make you look but most importantly feel your best. And I think most women will agree that they feel so much more confident in their outfits when they're wearing good supporting, comfortable underwear!

I was very lucky to receive such a beautiful piece of JulieMay lingerie to try. This is the Flowery-Infrared Slim Silk Bodysuit Shaper and it's probably the most luxury piece of lingerie I've ever owned. It arrived in the prettiest presentation box (so pretty I had to share it on my Instagram stories) and I was immediately taken by the beautiful floral pattern.

But, like I said before, JulieMay lingerie has so much more to offer than an aesthetically pleasing design. The bodysuit is so comfortable to wear and it's no surprise, seeing as the inner layer of the bra and crotch are made of 100% pure silk (I told you it was luxury!) The non-slip shoulder straps are adjustable and wide so they don't dig into the skin and the lower waist cross-compression provides excellent support. There was no squeezing, bulging or irritation. It simply firmed-up my natural body shape, with everything feeling completely smoothed and supported.

The Infrared Slim™technology is also designed to improve your blood circulation and adjust body temperature so the bodysuit is comfortable to wear no matter the season.

Do you want to know one of the best bits about this gorgeous silk bodysuit? It's practical. You can actually go to the loo without having to take the whole thing off, simply using the (adjustable) poppers on the crotch. I know that's not the most glamorous thing to say but to a woman, it makes a huge difference!

Taking these photo wasn't easy. There were a lot of nervous giggles and awkward face outtakes. And admittedly, as great as this bodysuit makes me feel, I wasn't sure I really wanted to share how my body looks on my blog. But then I thought, hey, if I were buying such a beautiful piece of lingerie, it'd be useful to see what it looks like on someone that looks like me. A mum. Someone with curves, wobbles and stretch marks. A non-air brushed, imperfect body. So here you go!

I may not be 100% body confident. Like most people, there are things I'd change but I have to say since becoming a mum I've become a whole lot more comfortable in my own skin. My body carried, birthed and fed a baby. It's no surprise that it doesn't look the same as it once did. But that doesn't mean it should be neglected. In fact, it's a reason to take more care of it and I think that's the message that JulieMay relays with it's beautiful postpartum and shapewear designs. They show you that you don't have to compromise on beauty and luxury just because you need a little extra support.

You deserve to feel your very best!

Visit the JulieMay website for a closer look at their lingerie collections.

Meg x
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Get Muddy at The Cleve Hotel, Somerset [Review]

2019-02-18T13:58:00.001+00:00

The other weekend, we treated ourselves to a 'Get Muddy' spa day at The Cleve Country House Hotel & Spa in Somerset, with vouchers Josh received for his birthday. In all honesty, we had no idea what to expect from the mud treatment but couldn't wait for an afternoon of relaxation and some quality time together as a couple.

The Cleve Country House Hotel was very easy to find, just a stone's throw away from Wellington's historic town centre. The Victorian Country House looked impressive from the outside and with beautiful views of the Blackdown Hills and stunning Somerset countryside, it couldn't have been situated in a more picturesque place.

Inside, the hotel was equally as attractive. The staff were extremely welcoming and we felt completely at ease. After filling in a couple of forms, we were given a tour of the spa facilities and I could feel myself starting to relax. Unlike when we visited Thermae Bath Spa back in November, it was far less busy and for me, fewer people is always a winner! We went off to get changed into our swimwear and fluffy robes (who doesn't love a fluffy robe,) before heading back to the Spa Den to wait for our treatment. The lounging area had plenty of comfy chairs and as part of the 'Get Muddy' spa package, we could help ourselves to complimentary drinks, including fruit water, fruit juices and various hot drinks from the machines.

Rasul Mud Treatment at The Cleve Hotel & Spa, Somerset

The Rasul Mud Treatment was a little different from the treatments you would usually expect at a spa, as it's DIY, so there isn't a therapist to do it for you. We were taken into the treatment room and talked through each of the products we'd be using, how and when to apply them and all the benefits we'd feel. Once we'd had the full run down, we were left to head into the steam chamber, armed with our tray of exfoliators and Rasul muds, ready for application!

I actually really liked the fact it was just me and Josh in the steam chamber. I was able to relax so much more and it was a fun treatment to do together as a couple. Both the exfoliating and Rasul mud products were very easy to apply and you could really feel them working on the skin. The heat and steam inside the chamber felt quite intense at times but I really enjoyed it and knew it'd be opening up all my pores and helping the mud work it's magic. At the end of the 45 minute treatment, you simply had to shower off the mud. There were two showers conveniently located in the steam temple and the mud was so easy to wash off.

Did we feel the benefits?

Something else I really loved about the Rasul Mud treatment is that you could feel the benefits to your skin immediately. We both commented on how fresh we felt after stepping out of the treatment room and our skin was much, much softer.

The Rasul Mud is designed to detoxify the body, draw out impurities and get rid of dead skin cells. It leaves the skin feeling noticeable cleaner, plumped and super soft. My skin hasn't felt so good in ages and since having the treatment, I've been trying to make a conscious effort to keep exfoliating and moisturising, in order to prolong the benefits.

If your skin is in need of a little TLC, Rasul Mud is the perfect treatment to have. I'd also recommend it to new spa goers or those less keen on treatments like massages. As this is one you can do yourself, you're in full control. It's fun to do with a partner and a great way to relax while completely nourishing your body.

You can find more information about The Cleve Hotel's Rasul Mud treatment and it's benefits here.

A lovely lunch with bubbles!

After our 45 minute Rasul Mud treatment, we had a little time to relax in the Spa Den, before heading for our lunch platter and Prosecco, which is included in the price of the Get Muddy package. I really liked the fact the dining area was situated near the spa facilities, so you could eat in your robe and didn't have to bother getting dressed (it's the little things!)

We had the dining room completely to ourselves, which was lovely and the lunch platter (complete with a homemade soup) was absolutely delicious!

Spa Facilities at The Cleve Hotel, Somerset

Once lunch was over, we went for a lie down in the silent room. It was fairly peaceful in there (although not particularly silent with doors being constantly opened and closed) and the beds were very comfortable. The idea of going for a quick snooze may sound a bit weird but as a parent, it's something you never ever get to do, so it was really enjoyable!

We also visited the pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, all of which were clean and available to use as and when we wanted to. The spa facilities were great and although we didn't use the gym, it looked to be equipped with everything you'd need too.

Would I recommend The Cleve Country House Hotel & Spa?

I have no hesitation in recommending The Cleve Country House Hotel & Spa! I really enjoyed the Get Muddy spa day and at £75 each, including the 45 minute Rasul Mud treatment, lunch, prosecco, complimentary drinks and full use of the gym and spa facilities, I think it is good value for money. Whether you live in Somerset or are visiting for a weekend away, it's a lovely way to spend an afternoon with your partner or with friends.

Meg x

Images courtesy of The Cleve Country House Hotel & Spa.

Hunkemöller Lingerie for Valentine's Day

2019-02-12T00:05:00.000+00:00

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Let's start this post by saying, isn't that a beautiful looking bra? Hunkemöller kindly let me pick a piece from their Valentine's Day collection and I think I made the perfect choice with the Jaida Padded Push-Up bra. It's such a pretty colour and I love everything about it from the lace and crystal detailing to the long-line style and extra straps that give it a somewhat sexy feel. It's true to my usual size, fits like a dream and quite frankly, I feel great wearing it!

One of the reasons I think it's important to treat yourself to new lingerie for Valentine's Day (or whenever you feel like it) is because it makes YOU feel good. I find that new lingerie always gives me a confidence boost. It makes me forget about some of my body 'hang ups' and my outfits always feel better on (even though it's tucked away underneath!) I really don't think it matters whether or not you have a partner or someone else who'll enjoy it too. It's all about how it makes you feel.

There are so many beautiful Valentine's Day lingerie collections but Hunkemöller stands out as a brand that caters for every taste. So whether you're after something super sexy or a pretty pyjama set, they've got you covered. Go treat yourself and have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Meg x

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Tasty Butternut Squash Side Dish [Easy Recipe]

2019-02-07T15:21:00.000+00:00

Butternut squash is one of my favourite vegetables so I've been making more of a conscious effort to include it in my home cooked recipes. It's really versatile and can be used in all sorts of recipes from simple soups to tasty tarts and coconut-based curries! Today though, I wanted to share a very quick and easy butternut squash side dish that you can serve with anything from a traditional roast to a basic jacket potato!

Ingredients for 2 people:
Half a large butternut squash (chopped into small cubes)
6 x mushrooms
1 x small red onion
Olive oil for frying
Sage (fresh or dried)
1 teaspoon of Very Lazy Chopped Garlic (or 1 clove of garlic if you're not lazy like me)

Method:
To make this tasty butternut squash side dish, add a dash of olive oil to a hot pan and start frying off your butternut squash to soften it a little. After a couple of minutes, throw in your mushrooms and onions, along with a teaspoon of Very Lazy Garlic (or your garlic clove.) Lightly fry your vegetables, before sprinkling over either fresh or dried sage. At this stage your butternut squash will still feel a little hard but that's absolutely fine!

This isn't an AD for Very Lazy Garlic by the way - I just love the stuff! It's so convenient.

Next, transfer your ingredients to an oven-proof dish and roast for around 20-30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the butternut squash is completely cooked (your fork should go in without difficulty.)

And there you'll have a tasty vegan-friendly butternut squash side dish! See, I told you it was simple.

What I like about this recipe (aside from the delicious taste) is that you can do the frying part earlier on, leave it to cool and then warm it up / roast the vegetables in the oven later for dinner. Obviously roasting time will depend on your oven and the temperature but 20-30 mins should do it. I'd go for 180℃ on a fan oven. We have a Rayburn so it's often guess work but basically, we make sure it's on 'bake.'

Let me know if you try this simple butternut squash side dish and what you think!

Meg x

Book Gifts for Valentine's Day

2019-02-06T10:23:00.003+00:00

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Valentine's Day isn't everyone's cup of tea - some think it's over-commercialised, others think you should show your love and appreciation for those special to you every day. I agree with both of those sentiments but at the same time, I don't think there's anything wrong with celebrating on the 14th and if you want to buy a card or gift for your loved one then go for it!

Flowers and chocolates are popular gifts for Valentine's Day but if you're looking for something a little different (and something that'll last longer), why not treat your loved one to a book?

'It Had To Be You' is a journal that you can fill in as a couple, to document your very own love story. The beautifully designed book features prompts on each page, encouraging you to share special memories you've made, as well as the things you love most about each other. There's also the opportunity to write little love letters and poems, if that's your sort of thing. It's a really cute idea and would make a lovely keepsake for years to come.

It Had To Be You is available from Amazon.

[Affiliate Link]

Another book I wanted to share as a potential Valentine's Day gift idea is 'Being Beautiful' by Helen Gordon. This anthology features a collection of poems, quotes and musings by famous philosophers, writers and celebrities, all on what it means to be beautiful. The writings are split into sections such as 'Finding Beauty,' 'Living Beautifully' and 'Inner Beauty,' with quirky, colouful drawings scattered amongst the text, adding to the beauty of the book itself.

What I like about 'Being Beautiful' is that it's a book you can pick up as and when you wish. I enjoy turning to a random page and having a little read. I've found some quotes have really struck a chord with me, 'I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of that' (Lauren Bacall) being one and love being reunited with some of the poems I haven't read since school. The book itself is a thing of beauty and would make a unique gift for Valentine's Day.

Being Beautiful is available from Amazon.

[Affiliate Link]

Do you have any books you'd recommend as Valentine's Gifts? Feel free to share them in the comments or tweet me @meganjane03.

Meg x

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Fun Family Activity: Campfire & Marshmallows

2019-01-30T22:32:00.000+00:00

If you read my recent post 'An honest account of a family walk with a three year old,' you'll know that sometimes Arthur can be a little monkey (well that's the polite way of putting it) but at the same time, he can also be the cutest child ever.

Last week he came down with a rather nasty cold and after deciding to keep him off nursery for a couple of mornings to get better, I asked him what he'd like to do at the weekend to cheer him up. "Can we do campfire and marshmallows, with Arthur, Mummy and Daddy? My family!" he asked excitedly. My heart melted. It sounded like the cutest idea and the answer was a resounding YES.

I did wonder where he'd got the idea from, after all it's not really your average request from a three year old. Turns out he'd seen them doing it on an episode of Blaze and the Monster Machines. I think we'd probably watched that episode about five times in a row...so really, I should have guessed!

Love that Arthur gets involved with his toy chainsaw!

Sunday is family day, so after heading out to the beach for a quick stroll (it was beautiful but far too windy to stay there long) we picked up a bag of marshmallows for toasting and went into the paddock to find the perfect log. You see, Josh had spent time planning the type of campfire we were going to make and decided on a Swedish fire log. It's one of the things I love most about him. He'll do anything for that little boy and put his all into it.

Images by smithy.1990

Anyway, back to the Swedish fire log - it's meant to be one of the most efficient camp fires you can make because it is compact, self-contained and self-feeding. You only need a single log but make sure it's as dry as possible. The next step is to make slots in the top of it, which Josh did super quickly with his chainsaw (and Arthur 'helped' with his toy version!) There's a full tutorial on making and lighting a Swedish fire log on Fresh Off The Grid, which you may find useful if you want to have a go.

Admittedly, it took us a while to light but was totally worth the wait (and freezing cold hands!) Arthur's little face was beaming when he got to taste his toasted marshmallow and although a little scared of the fire (it never hurts to be cautious) he braved having a go with help. I tried my first ever toasted marshmallow (no I didn't have a sheltered childhood, I'm just fussy) and although I don't really like the texture, toasted they're quite tasty!

We were out there for over an hour and it was just such a lovely end to our weekend. Arthur went to bed a very happy boy and we warmed up with a bowl of my Mum's homemade Moussaka for tea. Often the simplest of times can feel the most special and I feel so lucky I get to make so many wonderful memories with my boys.

Did you have a weekend well spent? I'd love to hear about it!

Meg x

3 ways to Save Money on Furnishing & Decorating your Home

2019-01-28T16:54:00.000+00:00

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Photo by Eneida Nieves

We all know just how hard it is to buy a house these days and I have to admit, if it wasn't for my partner, it would still be completely out of the question for our family. Property prices in our local area are very high, so we've been exploring our options and looking into other, less traditional possibilities, such as self-build homes, which are often more affordable and made from sustainable materials.

It's not just the expense of buying or building a property that you have to consider though. The decorating and furnishing of your property needs to be factored into your budget too. After all, it's these personal touches that will turn a place from 'house' to 'home.'

The good news is, if you're willing to think a little outside the box and embrace sustainability, there are plenty of ways you can save money on styling your home...

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo

Upcycle Furniture

There's nothing wrong with collecting ideas from homeware magazines and browsing the latest furniture collections online but consider this - not everything you buy for your home needs to be new. In fact, you can save a lot of money by upcycling old furniture and giving it a new lease of life.

Both myself and my partner share a love for vintage and rustic furniture. We find it more homely and plan to upcycle as much as possible. We've been lucky enough to receive a few pieces of furniture from family that we'll be able to do up for our future home. Most pieces just need a little TLC but we also plan to reupholster a lovely armchair we've been given, so it's more to our taste. Sure, it'll take time but it'll be worth it.

Buy Secondhand

Facebook Marketplace is the go-to site for picking up good quality, secondhand furniture, for next to nothing. It's also a great place for purchasing white goods like fridges and freezers too. There's no buying or selling fees involved and you can narrow down your search to your local area, so you won't spend a fortune on fuel either!

Did you know you can also avoid buying new and save a lot of money on bigger purchases like your kitchen? Ex Display Kitchens are a fantastic way of getting an almost new kitchen but for a more affordable price. There are companies out there that specialise in second hand kitchens and other things like bathroom suites, so it's definitely worth doing a little research. It's an ethical choice that makes financial sense too.

Photo by rawpixel.com

DIY Projects

You can save a lot of money when doing up your home by doing as much as you can yourself (or y'know roping in your family and friends to help!) I am extremely lucky that both my partner and my dad love making things and are really good at it too. Josh has so many unique ideas for furniture he wants to make for our home and I love that they'll give it a really personal touch. My dad also used to have a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom fitting business, so I'm hoping to call in a favour (or fifty) when the time comes!

Although I'm not so handy with a hammer and saw, I'm not too shabby when it comes to painting. My mum and I made a wonderful job of the tearoom we owned a couple of years ago. It was hard work but we saved ourselves so much money on a painter and decorator! I plan to do the same with our future house.

Have you got any more tips to help save money on decorating and furnishing your home? I'd love to hear them so share below or tweet me @meganjane03.

Meg x

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The Pawfection Pack Treat Box Review

2019-01-24T07:00:00.000+00:00

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Blogger mail usually has my name on it, sometimes Arthur's but last week a brown paper wrapped parcel arrived for our lovely dog, Oby. The Pawfection Pack had kindly sent over their January Treat Box and I don't know who was more excited, Arthur or the dog!

The January Treat Box contained four full size products including a Doggy's Cuppa Detoxing Brew, Coconut, Chia & Turmeric Treats from The Dog Treat Company, a Trio of Biscuits from The Little Blue Pupcakery and Yup You Stink Hemp Treats from HOWND.

Can you guess what grabbed our attention? The Little Blue Pupcakery treats of course! The dainty Bourbon, Custard Cream and Jammy Dodger homemade dog biscuits could have easily been mistaken for the real deal. They're all made with low fat, human grade ingredients that are free from artificial colourings and additives. The biccies are such a cute idea for dog presents and I'm pleased to report Oby loved every single one!

Oby's also been enjoying the treat pots from both The Dog Treat Company and HOWND.

The Dog Treat Company Coconut, Chia & Turmeric biscuits are handbaked in Devon and said to be great for supporting dogs' immunity, aiding growth and encouraging brain and eye development. Turmeric also boasts anti-inflammatory properties. What stood out to me was the packaging, particularly the quirky dog illustration, it's brilliant!

I'd be lying if I said Oby didn't have a little bad breath from time to time so the Yup You Stink! Hemp Wellness Treats from HOWND were essentially a treat for us all. The healthy dog snacks contain dried mint and parsley (both known for their breath freshening properties), as well as organic Hemp, which is rich in healthy fats and minerals and offers a variety of natural health benefits for dogs. We love seeing him lie down next to his little treat pile, so he can take his time and enjoy them properly. He's a sweet thing.

I was really excited to see that The Pawfection Pack Treat Box also featured a Detoxing Brew from Doggy's Cuppa and I took great pleasure in making one for Oby; boiling the kettle, carefully spooning in the herbal tea, letting it steep for five minutes and then adding a splash of cold water. As you can imagine, I was somewhat disappointed when he then turned his nose up at it. Unfortunately, it just wasn't his cup of tea!

It's a shame because the Detoxing Brew is meant to be great for stimulating dogs' immune systems and promoting urinary health. I'm going to try sprinkling a little onto his dinner to see if he prefers it that way but if all else fails, it'll be sent off to my partner's parent's dogs, Narla and Tinker, to see if they fancy a cuppa instead!

All in all, I think The Pawfection Pack Treat Box was a success and contained some lovely products for Oby to enjoy. If you have money spare to treat your pet, it's a really nice idea and I like that it introduces you to new pet brands and products. The Treat Box is available monthly (from £10) and the company also offers various other subscription boxes for both dogs and cats on their website.

The Pawfection Pack have clearly put a lot of effort into sourcing quality products and taken great care in presenting their boxes. As a new business, I think this helps them stand out to pet owners like myself and I wish them all the success with their venture.

Fancy treating your dog? Get 10% off your first box using the code SCRIBBLES10 (valid until 22nd March.)

Meg x

PS - I've come to realise that when shooting blog pictures with Oby, there's very little hope of getting the exact photo you want. What's that saying? 'Never work with children and animals!'

Just kidding.

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Make Cleaning your Toddler's Teeth Fun with FOREO

2019-01-14T09:04:00.000+00:00

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Cleaning Arthur's teeth has always been a bit of a battle and I'm not quite sure who dreads it more, me or him! You see, even though I followed the guidelines and gently introduced a toothbrush as soon as his first tooth appeared, it's always been something he's hated doing. We've had tantrums galore, I've told him his teeth will fall out (c'mon we've all said things like this to our kids at some point) and there's even been a handful of times where I've given in and settled for the quickest of brushes. But as a parent, wanting to ensure her child has good dental hygiene and a healthy smile, I've battled on and although I don't want to speak too soon, I think we've finally done it!

Over the last couple of years, I've tried everything to get him to like brushing his teeth, from standing him in front of a mirror and pulling funny faces, to singing silly songs. I've even let him have a go at brushing my teeth a few times and consequently had a toothbrush jammed into my gums more times than I wish to think about. But it's only recently he's been more willing to clean his teeth properly (without a meltdown) and I think that's partially down to him being a little older but also because he now owns a super cool toothbrush!

Introducing the FOREO ISSA mikro

If you're into your beauty products, it's likely you've come across FOREO before. They're well-known for the best-selling 'Luna' facial cleansing brush and many other hi-tech skincare products but do you know, they also design toothbrushes? Even ones for little people like the ISSA mikro!

The ISSA mikro is an electric toothbrush, designed for children age 0-5 years. It is the only toothbrush on the market that is made from medical-grade silicone and uses gentle sonic pulsations to clean children's teeth, both safely and effectively. The toothbrush has two modes, a brush mode for cleaning and a massage mode, great for soothing the gums when your little one is teething.

Unlike your average toothbrush, the ISSA mikro has flexible silicone bristles that clean your little one's teeth in a non-abrasive way, keeping both the enamel and gum tissue intact. FOREO also says that the non-drying, non-porous silicone bristles are much more hygienic and carry up to 10,000 times less bacteria than toothbrushes with nylon bristles.

The thing that surprised me most about the ISSA mikro is that the head was completely attached. How was I going to change it? After a quick read on the FOREO website, I found out that the brush does not need replacing, as it's designed to last your child up until the age of five and comes with a 10 year quality guarantee. Arthur has been using the toothbrush for just over a month so far and I'm pleased to say it looks as good as new - the same of which couldn't be said for cheaper toothbrushes we've used in the past! I'm really interested to see if the ISSA mikro does stand the test of time. At £79 it's not cheap but if it lasts as long as FOREO claims, it'll be exceptionally good value for money.

Mr Frown and Mr Smile

The Foreo ISSA mikro comes in five bright colours (Sunflower Yellow, Bubble Blue, Pearl Pink, Fuchsia and Kiwi) making it very appealing to children. But it's best feature for kids, in my opinion, is the Smile Helpers.

The ISSA mikro will show a sad face if your little one has not used their toothbrush for over twelve hours. We've called him 'Mr Frown' and it's Arthur's mission to make him happy again. Once your little one has brushed their teeth for the recommended two minutes, 'Mr Smile' as we like to call him, appears and we have both a happy Arthur and happy Mummy. Two minutes can seem like a lifetime of brushing for a child but I feel like this really helps to make it fun. It turns it into a challenge for the child and as a parent, you can be satisfied that you're brushing your child's teeth long enough.

Charging the ISSA mikro

The ISSA mikro comes with a USB charging cable but not a plug. This wasn't a problem for me, as we have plenty in the house but it's something to consider before purchasing, if you don't have one spare. A one hour charge will give you up to 480 uses of the ISSA mikro, which is pretty incredible, especially compared to my own electric toothbrush from another brand, which needs recharging nearly every day!

Tips for cleaning your toddler's teeth

1. Use gentle, circular brushing motions

Although it's important to brush teeth regularly and properly, it's worth bearing in mind that there is such thing as brushing too aggressively. If you brush your teeth or your child's teeth vigorously, it may cause damage to the enamel. This is why dentists suggest you brush using a gentle circular motion, which cleans both the teeth and gums.

2. Take great care cleaning the molars

A new dental survey from FOREO revealed that 55% of 3-5 year olds already have a filling, which really shocked me. I'm 28 and although my teeth are far from perfect, I've not yet had a filling and want to do my best to make sure Arthur avoids them as long as possible too. According to Harley Street Dentist and FOREO ambassador Dr Mark Hughes 'a good portion of time should be spent on the back molars, as this is an area where cavities often develop.'

3. Let them have a go and do a 'check up clean' yourself afterwards

There's nothing wrong with letting your children have a go at cleaning their own teeth, when they show interest. In fact, it's the only way they'll learn! Of course, they may not do it to your standards for a good while, so you'll need to do what I call a 'check up clean' afterwards. That way you can have the peace of mind that your child's teeth have been cleaned properly but you haven't stopped them showing a little independence either!

Although I've only been using the FOREO ISSA mikro on Arthur's teeth for a month and therefore can't give a definitive long-term recommendation, what I can say is that it has made the teeth cleaning process a lot more attractive and fun to him as a three year old. Challenging him to get 'Mr Smile' seems to have stopped most teeth-cleaning-related-tantrums and the brush seems to be working effectively but please keep in mind I'm speaking as a parent and not a dental expert! I think the brush itself is a great concept and whilst pricey, you may find it's justified by the more positive teeth cleaning experience it offers both you and your child, plus the longevity in design it claims to offer.

Have you got any tips for making cleaning your toddler's teeth fun? Comment below to share!

Meg x

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What's That Smell? Family Game Review

2019-01-09T11:02:00.002+00:00

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Family nights in our household usually consist of good food, a bottle or two of Prosecco and a board game. We're a family that has fought over Monopoly, embarrassed ourselves playing Cranium and cheated at Cluedo... okay maybe that last one was just me! So when asked to try out WowWee's latest party game, 'What's That Smell?' over Christmas, it was an offer we couldn't refuse...

What's That Smell has quickly become one of the most talked about family games and once you've played it, you'll understand why! Basically, the idea is that you have to scratch and sniff the scented cards to identify the smells. Some of the scents are pleasant, some unusual and some are just downright nasty. The winner is the person who scores the most points from correctly identifying the scents, the category they come from and offering up interesting memories associated with a particular smell. Whoever wins gains the title of 'Nose-it-all' and can pick a player to endure three horrific sniffs of a stank card. I'm talking extra old toe cheese, diaper blowout, hot chunky vomit and smothered in B.O. kind of bad. I heaved at the B.O. card and it wasn't even me doing the Whiff of Shame, it was that pungent!

It's funny because even though some of the scents are probably ones you encounter every day, when it comes to actually identifying them in the game, it can become rather difficult. Particularly if you put yourselves under pressure by using the What's That Smell? app to set a time limit for each round! For the most part, we found each scent very different and even when we weren't able to identify them correctly, the hilarious wrong answers made the game even more fun to play.

The What's That Smell? app itself is a great addition to the party game. It's free to download from the App Store and can be used to set time limits for you to scratch, sniff and guess. There's also a camera feature on the app for you to capture the loser taking their 'Whiff of Shame' and you can play it back in slow-mo to see their reaction in all it's glory.

The concept of the game is simple but the technology that has been used to create the cards and accompanying app is really quite clever. I like that it was really easy to set up and you don't have to spend time reading through pages and pages of instructions to understand how to play. In fact, you can actually just download the 'What's That Smell' app and watch the instructional video, which is much quicker!

We, as a family, really enjoyed playing it (even if the B.O stank card did leave a nasty lingering scent in the living room) and it's definitely a game we'll be bringing out again at future gatherings.

What's That Smell is available to buy at:

Amazon UK

Smyths

Have you played What's That Smell before? What did you think?

Is it a game your family would enjoy playing together?

Meg x

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Getting Organised in 2019 with Danilo

2019-01-04T08:00:00.000+00:00

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One of the things I love most about the New Year is the motivation it brings to do better. I'm not necessarily into resolutions or the whole 'New Year, New Me' thing but I do like the idea of getting organised and setting goals. I have a few things I want to do differently this year, in order to get where I want to be but it's all going to come down to being organised.

For me, getting organised often means writing things down in a diary or planner and thanks to Danilo, I've already got the tools! Just before Christmas, they kindly sent over the official Great British Bake Off 2019 Diary (which comes complete with recipes to try) and the adorable Pusheen Desk Pad. I think the latter will be so useful for daily to-do lists and little reminders that will help me stay on track. If you're looking for a new diary, calendar or desk planner for the New Year, I definitely recommend taking a look at their selection. Danilo products are all officially licensed and there are lots of fantastic designs to choose from, whatever you're into!

I feel like all aspects of my life could do with a little more organisation at present but here are just three things I want to do more of in 2019...

Date nights

Something I really want to do this year is have a few more date nights with Josh. As much as we love Arthur (to the moon and back infinite times as I tell him every day), I think it's important to have time as a couple too. Whether it's going for dinner at a country pub or heading to a spa, it's just nice to spend some quality time together.

Meal planning

Another way I'd like to get organised in 2019 is with meal planning. Cooking is something I really enjoy but can find quite time consuming. This year I'd love to learn some new recipes and work them into some sort of rolling menu so we know what we need to order in our weekly shops. I'm lucky that as me and Arthur still live with my parents, I don't have to do all of the cooking but I'd like to make sure I'm doing my fair share. Plus, when we do have our own place with Josh, I imagine I'll be doing more of the cooking, so it'd be good to get organised for then!

Copywriting work

I'm hoping 2019 is the year I get my copywriting business back up and running. Don't get me wrong, I've been getting work but I really want to take things to the next level and try and get back to where I was (at the very least) before I had Arthur and things ground to a halt.

Something I find quite difficult is working from home, when I've also got Arthur to think about and take care of. He is of course (and always has been) my priority but at the same time, I've also got to try and make a living for us. It's helped that he's started nursery a few mornings a week, as I've gained some dedicated work time. I think I've just got to create a schedule for the week days, so that there's time for work and there's time for play. We're hoping that 2019 will be the year we get our first family home, so this is a real motivator for me to get my ass into gear and really make a go of it!

If you have any organisation tips or blog posts, feel free to share them below or tweet me @meganjane03! I'm thinking of picking up a copy of 'An Edited Life' when it comes out. I feel like I could definitely learn a lesson or two from Anna! But if you have any other recommendations, I'd love to hear them.

Meg x

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Thermae Bath Spa - Worth the wait?

2018-12-14T08:34:00.000+00:00

A few weeks' back, I was a spa virgin. Yes, I'd managed to reach the grand old age of twenty eight without ever stepping foot in a spa. Sure, I'd enjoyed the odd jacuzzi and even sweated it out in a sauna but I'd never actually done the whole 'spa day' thing. That was until I was treated to Thermae Bath Spa vouchers for my birthday! Bath is a city I've wanted to visit for a long time and we were keen to explore the Christmas market (which is meant to be one of the best in Britain) so decided to tie it all together and make a weekend of it. Just the two of us (a rarity) and it was lush!

Of course, visiting the spa on the first weekend of the Bath Christmas Market had it's positives and negatives. The positives being that Bath felt vibrant, full of life and utterly magical. The scent of Christmas was in the air. People were cheery. And the place was dolled up in decorations. It was beautiful. But the downside was a 2 HOUR, yes I repeat, 2 HOUR wait to get into Thermae Bath Spa.

Now, you're probably thinking, 2 hours? That's ridiculous! Why did you wait? But the thing is, it was our only real chance to visit the spa before Christmas and we'd set our hearts on it. So we got in line, listened to Christmas carols, enjoyed each other's company and every now and then took a step closer.

But was it worth the wait?

After two hours standing in the queue, I have to admit I entered the spa feeling a little stressed and like I definitely needed a couple of hours relaxation to compensate. But I have to say, once we got into the Wellness Suite, all was forgotten and after a first visit to the Roman Steam Room, I was in full relaxation mode!

The Wellness Suite is made up of six state-of-the-art spa facilities; Roman Steam Room, Georgian Steam Room, Infrared Room, Ice Chamber, Celestial Relaxation Room and Experience Showers.

Infrared Room - Good for your muscles

My favourite part of the Wellness Suite was probably the Infrared Room - a high temperature room, which transmits 'soothing infrared waves of light deep into the muscles and joints.' We sat in front of one of the heater panels and it felt so good on my back - an area where I do get pains, since having a child and carrying him round!

Georgian Steam Room - Super relaxing

The Georgian Steam Room was also really relaxing and I really felt like it was working it's magic on my skin! Although Josh commented that I didn't look relaxed, I actually felt super comfortable and almost sleepy in there!

Celestial Relaxation Room - Not for me

The Celestial Relaxation Room was a little odd in my opinion. We queued a few minutes for it, so I guess I was expecting something revolutionary and was then somewhat disappointed by the heated loungers (which I didn't find particularly warm or comfortable) and planet-themed video. Maybe it just wasn't my cup of tea? It was an interesting concept though, I'll give it that!

Ice Chamber - Fun, refreshing and a great way to cool down

We did however LOVE the Ice Chamber. It was the perfect place to go in between the warmer rooms to cool down. The menthol-infused mist was so refreshing and you could gently rub the ice over your body to exfoliate the skin too. It feels so good when you scoop the ice into your hands and plunge your face into it - just don't accidentally leave your mouth open like I did the first time...you can't take me anywhere! Also be on guard if you're there with your partner. Mine of course had to throw some down my bikini top (cheeky sod) but I got my own back, don't you worry...

Open-air Rooftop Pool

Once we'd enjoyed all of the spa and sensory experiences the Wellness Suite had to offer, we headed up to the Rooftop Pool. As the lift doors opened, you were hit instantly with freezing cold air (not pleasant) but it made the first toe dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters all the more satisfying. The Rooftop Pool was busy - after all, the staff were having to conduct a one-in-one-out type policy for entry to the spa that day, but that didn't matter to us. Everyone was in their own little worlds and we enjoyed taking in the city views while we paddled about. I'd love to visit the spa in the evening next time, as I imagine it's lovely relaxing in the rooftop pool, with the city lights twinkling around you.

Minerva Bath

Our final stop was the Minerva Bath, named after the Roman Goddess of Health and Wisdom. This is the spa's largest thermal bath and has a number of features including massage jets, a whirlpool and a lazy river. Lounge on a float and let it carry you round. It's so relaxing but fun at the same time. It was the perfect way to end our session.

Would I recommend Thermae Bath Spa & visit again?

Definitely! I think the Thermae Welcome Tickets (£40 per person and can be used any day) are very reasonably priced. You get a 2 hour spa session (towel, robe and flip flops included) and have access to the entire Wellness Suite, along with the two thermal baths. You can also use the cafe if you wish to and your time is paused, so you don't miss out on any of your spa time.

If you want a treatment, they do cost extra and need to be booked in advanced. I personally didn't feel like we needed treatments to really benefit from the spa. I left feeling so relaxed and my skin felt great, so our time in the mineral baths and Wellness Suite definitely made a positive difference to me.

After having such a lovely time at Thermae Bath Spa, I don't think it'll be long before we book our next spa day! It's a fun thing to do as a couple and would make a great Christmas present if you are after a romantic gesture or something a little different to traditional gifts.

Have you visited Thermae Bath Spa? What did you think?

Meg x
Image credits: Thermae Bath Spa

Hasslacher's Hot Chocolate Bar Review

2018-12-08T16:24:00.000+00:00

Hot Chocolate is one of my favourite winter drinks but not the fancy kind you get from the well-known coffee chains. No, I'm definitely more of a Plain (Megan) Jane when it comes to hot chocolate, so the product itself has got to taste good!

Recently Hasslacher's got in touch to see if I wanted to try their 'Solid Bar' Colombian drinking chocolate* - an opportunity I definitely wasn't going to pass up on! What makes this gourmet hot chocolate bar unique is the fact it's 100% pure cacao, made in Colombia, where the finest beans are grown. The brand makes the entire product in the same country as the beans (a rarity these days) and buys the cacao beans directly from the farmers, helping to sustain the fair trade system in Colombia. Hasslacher's 'Solid Bar' hot chocolate is also the only food product in the UK that is hand wrapped in 100% sugarcane fibre, an unbleached by-product of the sugarcane industry.

Is it easy to make?

The process of making a Hasslacher's Hot Chocolate could not be simpler! All you need to do is heat your milk up in a pan, add two squares of the Cacao, let them melt in and then whisk until you get a light, creamy drinking chocolate. Because the drinking chocolate bar is made from pure cacao, which does not contain any sugar, you do need to sweeten it. For this, it's recommended that you use Hasslacher’s Single Estate Organic Panela,* (available from Sainsbury's) a sugar substitute that is 100% natural and unrefined and 100% ecologically produced. Simply sweeten to taste!

Does Hasslacher's Hot Chocolate taste good?

100% yes! I was really impressed with the taste of Hasslacher's hot chocolate. It was light, yet luxurious - just how i like it and I found it really easy to get the right amount of sweetness with the Panela. If hot chocolate is your winter drink of choice, I definitely recommend giving it a try! I made mine with semi-skimmed milk but if you wanted it a little more creamy, you could try whole milk or go all out and add a splash of double cream instead...(I'm definitely trying that later!)

Dairy-free & Gluten-free

Hasslacher's 'Solid Bar' Colombian Drinking Chocolate is 100% cacao, contains zero sugar, zero cholesterol and is both dairy-free and gluten-free. It is also suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. Everyone's happy!

Use in home baking

Seeing as you get a generous 32 squares per 250g bar of Hasslacher's drinking chocolate (and only need to use two per cup), I'm thinking of saving some to use in a home baking recipe this Christmas. Perhaps brownies, as they're my other half's favourite! I'll also be using the Panela as a sugar substitute. All being well, I'll share this on the blog at a later date. It'll be my first time baking brownies in the Rayburn at the new house though, so wish me luck!

An ideal stocking filler

If you know someone who loves their hot chocolate, why not treat them to a Hasslacher's drinking chocolate bar this Christmas? Priced around £5, it'd make a lovely stocking filler, along with a festive-themed mug.

Hasslacher's 'Solid Bar' Colombian Drinking Chocolate is available to buy from most large M&S stores, as well as many independent stores across the UK. Both the hot chocolate bar and Panela can also be purchased directly from the Hasslacher's website.

Is Hasslacher's Solid Bar Drinking Chocolate something you'd like to try?

Meg x

*PR Item.