All About The Boys

Lberty London launches Debut Childrenswear Collection

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 12:40:00 +0000

AUTUMN WINTER 13 - LIBERTY LONDON LAUNCHES DEBUT CHILDRENSWEAR COLLECTION

Popping prints, contrasting trims and a touch of 70’s Bohemia - Liberty London launches its inaugural childrenswear collection - an eclectic celebration of Liberty’s rich print, design and colour heritage.

The Liberty design studio has been creating exceptional printed textiles since the late 1870’s. Autumn Winter 2013 sees a collection of Liberty classic and exciting new prints exploding with colour and vivid pattern inspired by the archive re-coloured and transformed into wonderful pieces in the world’s finest textiles for young Liberty fans.

Modern, simple shapes allow vibrant print and bold colour to play together unexpectedly - creating a delightful, carefree yet classic collection of exceptional childrenswear in quintessential English style.

Boys look effortlessly cool in printed skinny fit jeans, placement t-shirts and collared shirts complemented by a range of textured knitwear with contrasting Liberty print trims, styled with a hooded wool coat perfect for the winter winds.

An exclusive collection of printed baby jersey in soft pastels [from newborn to 18 months] is complemented by exquisite pieces knitted in the finest Scottish cashmere yarn to welcome the very youngest Liberty fan.

Collection Highlights:

Boys

Super cool Elizabeth Anne Liberty print skinny fit jeans with the bright Orizaba print classic shirt.

Liberty Coram Fields placement print t-shirt teamed with raspberry red skinny fit jeans and topped off with a hooded wool coat popped with Marco Liberty print trim.

Baby Boy

Hip Criss Cross Liberty print shirt with Marco print reversible trousers and textured raglan jumper with Orizaba print trim.

information provided via press release from Liberty London no payment received.

What's in a Name ?

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:55:00 +0000

I know my husband will be horrified that I have committed my thoughts to paper (or more accurately cyberspace) but it is something that has bothered me for several years now.

I think we made a mistake with one of our children's names and I wish I could change it !

There I said it for all the World to see.

I read with interest this article in the Guardian

I do feel your name dictates how people view you and although it seemed like a good idea at the time to name one of our boys after a very cool rock star. I really, really do wish now we had gone for the famous rugby player name instead.

I had no problems with my eldest son's name. I always, always wanted him to be called Jacob. A strong biblical name, I read the story that he was his mother's favourite son. As (at the time) I had no intention of having more children it appealed to me even more.

The name suits him, People call him by it and rarely shorten it to Jake. He refers to himself as Jacob, which is always a good sign and I think the name holds him in good stead for adulthood.

When we found out we were expecting twin boys we spent a lot of time discussing names. Should they both begin with the same initial ? Should they be similar ? We decided as twins they would have enough to deal with being collectively called "The Twins" and so decided on completely different initials and sounding names.

I do think like my taste in clothes, music and other areas of my life, my choice in names has changed over time. There are of course names I would never dream of giving my children, none starters from the off, like Wayne or Kevin. Is it snobbish ? Is it where we live ? The family and friends who surround and influence us ? Our aspirations for our children ?

All that said, maybe there is some kind of devine intervention at play. My gorgeous twin already appears to be living up to the name we chose for him. It's looking like he is not destined to be a great academic but he might, just might be a world class footballer, which suits his name just fine!

Maybe it was the right choice after all .....

Odd one out

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:18:00 +0000

You would think because my youngest boys are twins they would never be short of a friend. Which in a way is true, but most of the time they prefer the company of friends from school. This would be fine if it were not for the fact that both boys have developed friendships which include two other boys and the twins each seem to be the "third" friend in each the relationship.

I remember this type of friendship well from my own schooldays. It would always end with one person not included in one way or another, usually with the "popular" child moving between the other two as they saw fit. Arguments, jealousies and fall outs were common.

This week I have had to try to answer questions from both boys asking why they never get invited to their "friends" homes when the other boys see each other for tea after school, sleepovers and day trips out.

I try to answer best I can but am finding it increasingly difficult to explain to them why this might be happening. I don't want to hurt their feelings and it breaks my heart to see them cry because they don't understand.

Today after another particularly upsetting episode where one twin stood outside his friends house shouting his name because where he knew the two other boys had a play date, I angrily called him away. I was embarrassed.

Like many people I suppose I am insecure myself and try hard to be a nice person although I am well aware I can be curt and sharp with people at times. I want my boys to be liked and it breaks my heart to think they are not wanted as friends. So I told them that actually it was probably me their mummies didn't like and not them at all.

"Well you need to get a pretty face then and then our friends will like us best".

No answer to that really.

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Time to say goodbye

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:58:00 +0000

Someone once told me, in business you had to know when to call it a day.

That day has come.

It's been brewing away at the back of my mind for sometime. I have tried so hard to maintain two small businesses online, alongside a new venture at The Vintage Trading Company in Exeter, selling at various Vintage fairs and a regular slot with a group in Topsham each week. Not to mention all the social media involved, etsy and ebay.....

and what about my home and my family ?

They have certainly suffered from me being time poor.

In recent days, weeks and months I have read with a heavy heart on twitter and facebook about tragedy affecting wonderful families whilst I have taken mine for granted.

Tomorrow, I'll get the lego out with them. Tomorrow,

I'll build the den out of quilts. Tomorrow,

I'll make a big mess in the kitchen with them. Tomorrow,

I'll go puddle jumping again. Tomorrow.

Tomorrow has arrived.

Goodbye All About The Boys . It's been a blast, you gave me the courage to start my own business. You gave me a good living in the early days but now like a long overdue love that's been lost, it's time to say goodbye.

All stock on the website is available for sale. All reasonable offers will be considered.

I am not closing this blog but will use it as it should be used. To document my life and my true loves

My Boys. Nigel, Jacob, Milo and Jarvis.

I love you all so much.

I'm back !

Go get that football...........

" Can we have a dog ? "

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 15:42:00 +0000

Going back to Christmas 3 years ago, all the presents are open, paper strewn, happy faces all around.

Jarvis starts to cry.

"What's the matter sweetie ? "

"I didn't get my dog mummy, I asked Father Christmas for a dog, I promised to be a good boy and he didn't bring me one "

Floods of tears.

oh dear ! Explanations given and the excuses began

and have continued ever since. We can't have a dog because .......

Fast forward to this weekend.

Norman came to stay....

I might be starting to waver.

Do you believe in Luck ?

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:47:00 +0000

Do you think people make their own luck, are born lucky or unlucky ?

The more I type the word the more jumbled up it appears. Is that what luck is just a jumble of letters.

I saw this sign at a recent vintage fair and bought it with a breezy comment to the seller that hopefully it might change things for us.

It doesn't appear to be working.

Nice picture though.

Its Raining, its pouring ! Thank heaven for Joules Wellies

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 18:01:00 +0000

Perfect timing (do they have secret access to the weather forecasts ) ? We were recently contacted and asked if we would like to review a pair of Joules wellies. Absolutely!

Milo (the biggest twin) is usually the one who has clothes, wellies etc from new and Jarvis wears his hand me downs. As we try to buy the best brands we can afford either second hand or by canny bidding on auction sites,they always last well to pass down and eventually resell. Joules is no exception. The quality of their products is second to none.

I thought it was about time Jarvis got to have a brand new pair of wellies for a change and of course he choose the Shark ones!

These hardy, colourful wellies are perfect for the most enthusiastic puddle jumper. Sure to be a firm favourite. You can buy them from Joules online or instore now.

How thrilled was Jarvis to wake up the day after we received the wellies to find it had been raining overnight and he could wear them to school.

Off we go.

We received a pair of Joules wellies for the purpose of this review. Only our opinions are expressed.

Happy Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 06:51:00 +0000

Happy Anniversary to my Hubby. Nine years ago today ! We have come so far, Love you Nigel.

The Poem you wrote me on our wedding day

To My Wife

No Words can describe

What I feel inside

Its something Fresh

and oh, so new

I think I found all I wanted

and more in you

I will show you that my feelings

Are true and just for you

The love I've been waiting for

has somehow found me

you fill my life

and make it complete

I don't ask for much

but just your love

lets just keep going

and discover one another

and what love is all about

We both know the tears we've cried

The things that have happened

and we had to put aside

They didn't give us what we wanted

or make us feel the way each other do

that is where we found each other

and our dreams have come true

Independents Day

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Here we are again on the 29th of the month. The date each month we celebrate all Independent businesses.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS

You can be any type of independent business to join in. If you are not a business you can still help us out, if you have a favourite one you love to support please tell us about it.

If you have a blog, please write a short post mentioning and linking to three or so independent businesses you follow, buy from or just plain admire. You can of course link to your own business if you want to. Its all about building up the traffic to help people find our businesses.

Leave a comment below with a link to your blog so we can all pop over and take a look. It would be really great if you would link back to this post.

and/or

Tweet about the independent businesses you are supporting and mentioning the hashtag #IndependentsDay

and/or

Link or share this or your own post on your Facebook page and encourage others to share

and/or

Link up your business below

You don't have to be an independent business to get involved or have a blog. Comments, tweets and Facebook mentions will all help enormously.

Here are my selection for this month

Find my Child - Find My Child is the world’s first global alerting service and smartphone application designed to help reunite parents and lost children quickly and safely should they become separated.

Paper Boy wallpaper - a collection of elegant, high-quality decorative boys' wallpapers & fabrics

The Chocolate Library Personalised chocolate bars combined with great booky gifts

The Twins Gift Company - Unique gifts for twins

Caramel Baby and Child - Beautiful clothes and interiors for babies and children

Please link up below or leave your comment

Bubble London - Homegrown

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 08:32:00 +0000

One show I have wanted to attend for a long time but always seem unable to get to because of other commitments is Bubble London. They showcase the coolest children’s fashion, footwear, accessories and interior brands. The show takes place on 17‐18 June at the Business Design Centre, Islington.

As a long time supporter of Independent retailers I am really thrilled to see such an influential trade show making positive steps to showcase British companies.

This year they have come up with Bubble Homegrown

PRESS RELEASE DETAILS :

Bubble Homegrown brands set to shine this season

The children’s fashion pride of Britain are counting down the days to the launch of

Bubble Homegrown, an initiative aiming to applaud brands that design and manufacture their products on UK soil, at the imminent spring/summer 13 edition of kid’s fashion trade event Bubble London, taking place on 17‐18 June at the Business Design Centre, Islington.

This weekend’s event will see a great mix of homegrown brands showing a truly British selection of fashion, footwear, bath and body products, lifestyle goods and toys.

Isossy Children, Little Troll, Cyd & Emma, Beau Loves, Grubbies, Helen Gordon, Immink, Little Mashers, Pili Pala Childrenswear, Poppet, Rock n Regal, Tulip & Nettle, Poppy, Beauty & the Bib, Raggy‐Tag, Organics for Kids, Inch Blue, Childs Farm and Teddy & Me will perfectly demonstrate the sheer talent, creativity and high‐quality that this country’s children’s fashion industry has to offer.

Bubble Homegrown

brands will show peers and visitors that creative control, product longevity and low carbon emissions are just a few of the advantages of exclusive British design and production. Melanie Salisbury, owner and designer of Rock n Regal, explains her reasoning for remaining homegrown, "We use working British mills and specialist dressmakers to finish our garments as it’s so important for us to maintain premium quality. I think people are prepared to pay a little extra for a high‐quality product that will stand the test of time. The very nature of our garments is rooted in British heritage, and there is such a high respect globally for British products. We use suppliers that not only supply to Savile Row, but also provided the silk for the wedding dress for the Duchess of Cambridge. We really have sourced the best of British."

Ben Johnson, managing director of show newcomer

Immink, adds, "We are a brand that designs and makes our collections from our own factory unit in Norfolk. As there is no history of garment manufacture here, we are training a team of people and bringing employment to our local area as we believe in putting something back into our local community. We are excited to be part of Bubble London and are looking forward to introducing our brand to new stockists and being able to market to a wider audience."

Retailers are also in full support of the homegrown launch, with many expressing that demand for such products is on the rise. Teresa Emmerich, owner of Little Monkeys Baby Wear & Accessories in Bristol and stockist of

Helen Gordon, says, "We are very supportive of UK‐based brands designing and manufacturing their products here in the UK. It’s not only us that look to purchase from these suppliers; a high percentage of our customers these days specifically ask where products are manufactured as they associate British design and manufacturing with high standards versus mass production offshore."

Julie Lowe, owner of Biff in London, adds, "I think it’s a great idea for Bubble London to have a homegrown section, and we are really pleased and excited to see growth in British design, and even better British manufactured brands. Not so long ago, customers were asking for such products but there was very little that we could offer so as an independent store, we are proud to help promote and represent British brands such as Grubbies as much as possible."

Please support British Brands where possible.

Puddle jumping

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 17:24:00 +0000

As the saying goes, if you can't beat em, join em!

Its been hell on earth for most parents this half term. With all the excitement and most likely over indulgence in sugar from the Jubilee celebrations, combined with the appalling weather most of us have had to endure. For many of us it will be a big sigh of relief come Monday morning.

Yesterday, after one fight too many I decided to do something I had been promising the twins FOREVER ! Lets go puddle jumping !

So we did.

tentative paddling outside the house to start off, will mummy really let us jump in puddles ?

oh yes I will !

I had actually forgotten how much fun you can have doing the simple things in life, the free things, the things little boys just LOVE to do.

People actually slowed down their cars driving past us in the park. Have we really become so indoctrinated in our "stay indoors" mentality when it rains ? Some smiled, some frowned, some laughed .

WE had a wonderful time, got absolutely soaking wet and filthy

Might actually be just a little sad when the rain goes away. (well, maybe not) Role on the sunshine and time to climb those trees.........

50th Birthday and the Bucket list update

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 08:33:00 +0000

Before I knew it, it was upon me. The Big 50 ! I wrote a post some months ago about all the things I'd like to do before I was 50 My 50th Birthday Year Bucket List . Although it doesn't feel like I achieved many of the things on the list, I didn't do too badly, although some of the things I really hoped would happen didn't. Does your long term partner/husband still tell you he loves you ?

Maybe this year.

I did have a fab birthday party. Despite the awful weather, attended by lots of great friends. Including lovely people I have met through Twitter.

Great friends Annette and Elaine all of us 50 this year ! We have known each other since our boys were in Kindergarten together from the age of two.

The gorgeous Suzy who is @Atlanta7 on twitter with my favourite Twitter man @onlyDads

What really made it a great night for me was seeing how total strangers all mingled and had fun. You have twitter peeps, old school friends and the twins school friends here all enjoying each others company.

I have always been blessed with great neighbours seen on the left and right chatting and having fun with th couple in the middle Carol and John who I sell with on a friday at the Topsham handmade and vintage fair.

Another Twitter friend @anotherPlanet looking a little bemused by the end of the night by the antics of one of Jacob's friends. It was commented on how lovely that teenage boys wanted to be at my 50th Birthday party ! I think @msMollyLouise would agree too.

Towards the end of the night the stunning @msMollyLouise with my erm "happy" No 1 son !!!

There are many more pics from later in the night when the shirts came off and the dancing got "lively" but, well best not on here.

Independents Day - Fathers Day

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Tue, 29 May 2012 08:35:00 +0000

Be an individual, shop Independents

Here we are again on the 29th of the month. The date each month we celebrate all Independent businesses. As #IndependentsDay falls a little too late for retailers to send out in time for all things Queens Diamond Jubilee, I thought it might be a good idea to support all those hard working businesses who sell items suitable for celebrating Fathers Day on the Sunday June 17th .

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS

Any type of independent business or even if you have a favourite one you love to support you can join in.

Leave a comment below with a link to your blog so we can all pop over and take a look. It would be really great if you would link back to this post.

and/or

Tweet about the independent businesses you are supporting and mentioning the hashtag #IndependentsDay

and/or

Link or share this or your own post on your Facebook page and encourage others to share

and/or

Link up your business below

You don't have to be an independent business to get involved or have a blog. Comments, tweets and Facebook mentions will all help enormously.

Here are my selection for this month

Wonderful personalised gifts for the whole family from Moobaacluck

Stylish and unique word art from Wall envy Art

Is the daddy in your life a fisherman ? How about amazing mosaic wall art from Just Mosaics

and if your budget will stretch to it, how about this stunning chair for Daddy to relax and read the papers. Wonderful Earmes style chair from Rose and Grey

If you are a business don't forget to submit your link below so we can find you.

Fathers Day - Mercimaman Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:43:00 +0000

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

The winner picked at random by Jarvis is :

Boo, Roo and Tigger too - Congratulations !

Many thanks to al who entered, more giveaways coming soon

********************************************************************************

We are really fortunate to be sent lots of lovely things to review. Mostly they are for the home, for me or the twins. So it made a lovely change to be offered an item for the bigger boys in the household. Hubby although "a modern man" isn't a great wearer of jewellery. Jacob (No 1 son) on the other hand considers himself the coolest teenager around and more than happy to accept the open disc personalised bracelet from Merci Maman to review.

Described as a personalised charm bracelet. This is an on trend waxed cotton braid with a sterling silver disc which you can have personalised with your own words. Jacob choose "“Veni, Vidi, Vici “ on one side and on the other side “No pain, No gain “

Jacob loves his bracelet and hasn't taken it off since receiving it. He highly recommends it and that is praise indeed coming from a 16 year old !

Merci Maman have a very kindly offered an open disc personalised bracelet as a giveaway. Perfect for Fathers Day, you can choice from Sterling silver or Gold Plated open disc fixed onto a colour braid of your choice and personalised with upto 20 letters maximum.

TO ENTER

Pop over to the Mercimaman website HERE and leave a comment below telling me which item you like the most and why the dad in your family should receive the price.

For one each additional entry

subscribe to Mercimaman newsletter, the subscription box in on the homepage at the bottom of the left hand-side. www.mercimaman.co.uk

Like the MerciMaman Facebook Timeline page http://www.facebook.com/MerciMamanGifts

Follow MerciMaman on twitter @MerciMamanGifts and tweet about it.

The giveaway is open to UK residents only (sorry)

The giveaway closes Wednesday 6th June 2012 at 8 pm

Winner will be selected at random

No cash alternative.

We received a bracelet for the purpose of this review and giveaway.

Create a World Review & Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:57:00 +0000

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Many thanks to all who entered. The winner picked at Random by No 1 son is

ZOE ARTHURS - Congratulations !

***********************************************************************************

We were recently sent a Create a World to review. Unfortunately my twins felt it was "for babies" and were not interested in it. Luckily I know another mummy of twins who was more than happy to receive it for her boys.

Julie's Review

Review of Simply Good – “Create-a- World” – soft imaginative game offering endless playtime fun.

Suitable for 12 months plus

(My kids are 3 ½ boys(twins) and 7 year old girl)

Younger product than I would buy for this age but they did have good interactive fun with it for about 20 minutes or so.

Having researched the price I felt it was a little bit too expensive for what it was. (Approx RRP £45ish??) Would probably pay around £20 if buying as a present for younger children.

Size of product did mean that more than one child could play with it.

Equally great for mummy and me time as the play mat is big enough for you and child to sit around on the floor.

Great detail on the fuzzy felt pieces, great bright colours to capture younger childrens imagination.

Promotes interactive play between older and younger children (or mum and younger toddler) as there is simply so much to talk about. Colours, people, make up stories etc. and it can really encourage children to chat about what they are creating.

Opportunity to link animals or people to settings and then talk about it. Giving children good language skills.

My older child took the lead and the boys followed her and they were imagining what would happen between the characters etc and what would link with what. Eg princess with castle and dragon etc. Never heard my boys talk so much!!

Think as a child gets older it would be nice to have wall mounted and then they could create a scene as some wall art.

My kids biggest disappointment was on the box it showed a beach scene and a sun. They searched endlessly for these pieces to link with their scene and story and could not find them. We counted the pieces at the end (there were 61 present as stated on the box) but not all of the ones depicted on the exterior of the product. I found this a little misleading as they felt short changed by it. (Perhaps they should state on outside “may contain only some of the pieces depicted”). (On Amazon it says comes with 90 pieces so this may have been rectified…??)

To summarise I would say a great product for say 12 mths – 2 ½ years old but a little expensive and misleading packaging. 6 out of 10??

Julie's review is complete and unedited in anyway. I think she (and the children) did a great job of reviewing this set.

Create a World available to buy from Whitestep

GIVEAWAY

I have a brand new and boxed "Create a World" to giveaway if you would like to be in with a chance of winning it. Please follow this blog and leave a comment below, making sure you are contactable either through google, twitter, email or facebook.

Giveaway is open to UK residents only (sorry)
Will close on Monday 14th May at 8pm
Winner will be picked at random

We received the item to review and keep, no payment was received and all views expressed are Julie's : )

THANK YOU & GOOD LUCK

Independents Day

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 09:39:00 +0000

Here we are on a very windy and wet 29th of the month and our third #IndependentsDay. Although its a Sunday I thought I would still go ahead as I know most (if not all ) independent businesses work 7 days a week. No shutting up shop or day of rest for us.

BE AN INDIVIDUAL, SHOP INDEPENDENTS

I was interested to listen to a discussion on the radio last week about a new term that has come about called "zig zagging" . The phrase was coined by Sir Mervyn King, The Governor of The Bank of England and refers to the ups and downs in the recovery of the UK economy.

The programme discussed how when we talk the economy down, it affects shoppers habits and people stop spending. When the economy is talked up, they start spending again ! Not rocket science is it ?

I have always felt that too much negativity on the news and tv has a detrimental effect on peoples spending patterns. They get frightened and become cautious. So would it really be as simple as just being more positive ? Why is the only new bad news ?

Here are the wonderful hard working businesses I am featuring this week.

LindleyWoods - Original Handmade products

Swings and Pretty Things - Inspirational gift ideas

Showler and Showler - beautifully illustrated Art prints and postcards

Trunk Reclaimed - Makers of bespoke furniture from reclaimed wood

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS

Any type of independent business or even if you have a favourite one you love to support you can join in.

Leave a comment below with a link to your blog so we can all pop over and take a look. It would be really great if you would link back to this post.

and/or

Tweet about the independent businesses you are supporting and mentioning the hashtag #IndependentsDay

and/or

Link or share this or your own post on your Facebook page and encourage others to share

and/or

Link up your business below

You don't have to be an independent business to get involved or have a blog. Comments, tweets and Facebook mentions will all help enormously.

How Low Maintenance are you ?

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 14:50:00 +0000

It occurred to me today as I was "putting on my makeup" I use that term loosely as I am not, and have never been big on wearing makeup, and that actually I really am very low maintenance. I thought it might be fun and probably quite shocking for some people, to see the contents of my makeup bag. People like MostlyYummy might not want to look at this post. I feel for sure she will be horrified !

I have never been a girly girl although I have tried in the past. I remember the red lipstick day. EVERYBODY was wearing red lipstick with smokey eyes and pale skin. Luscious, red slashes across their face making them look glamorous and grown up. Me ? I just looked liked Coco the clown, and it stained my bloody lips. I couldn't get it off for about two days. Comments of " have you cut your lip ?" and "Have you been eating an ice lolly ? "

What ! Too much ?

Then there were the good old 1980's when it was really cool to wear blue eye liner with pink eyelids. I can do this one I thought. The blue actually looked OK with my blue eyes. It was probably the blue mascara that was a touch too far ! At the time I was living with a man who thought every evening after work had to start in the local pub (in those days you could still smoke in them too).
The result ? Eyes watering so badly from sitting amongst the smokers trying to look grown up and sophisticated but actually having rivers of blue running down my cheeks. I looked like my blue eyes were in fact melting !

Or the time the same man decided we would stay over in London after going to the theatre. Being the low maintenance girl I was I only had a Tampax and a pink blusher in my handbag. Result , Blusher on my cheeks, lips and eyelids the next morning. I thought I looked OK swanning out of a five star hotel in my evening clothes, killer heels and pink panther face. The staff on the other hand just gave each other knowing sideways looks. Another businessman with his hooker!

Anyway, so here are the contents of my makeup bag (look away MostlyYummy) . Makeup bag is actually one of those in flight pouch things you are given when you fly first class with British Airways! Not me of course, stolen from my mother's house. She has cupboards full of them.

Contents :

Big silver thing at the top - retractable blusher brush another donation from mothers house

Gold thing underneath - is actually a touche eclat I picked up at the airport on my way out on honeymoon ! yep, it is actually nearly 9 yrs old. Didn't work for me, just made me look like Donald Trump with big white patches around my eyes. Can't bring myself to throw it away ! It was SO expensive.

Pretty red round tin - Cherry lip gloss included in the goody bag from the first Cybermummy I think. Do use it sometimes but just end up licking the sticky stuff off.

Lacura Blusher and Mascara - best value makeup that suits my pocket

Teeny pencil - my grey eyeliner, how Small can YOU go ?

Blue Shark pencil sharpener stolen from the twins, AND it still sharpens the eye pencil !

That's it. What do you think, can you improve on my low maintenance makeup bag ?

http://mostlyyummymummy.com/

Pixie Dixie joins All About The Boys

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:42:00 +0000

I am thrilled to introduce you to the second great British brand to join the All About The Boys website. Pixie Dixie sell high quality childrens pajamas and sleepwear.

All items from rompers to bath robes feature iconic British images including a Grenadier Guard, Black Taxi, Policeman, Mini Cooper and red London Bus.

From newborn to 8 years all items are made in 100% jersey cotton for comfort and durability.

Please pop over and take a look, I would love to know what you think.

www.allabouttheboys.co.uk

Isn't it about time she was back at work !

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Just about three weeks ago a friend of mine who had been feeling unwell for sometime had a massive heart attack. She was clinically dead for two minutes, if it wasn't for the fact her mum happened to pop round to her home that morning and the professional work of the ambulance crew she would not be here today.

This friend is a young 38 year old mum of two small children. Heart attacks are rare in this group of people.

Prior to the heart attack she knew she wasn't too well, she visited the doctor on several occasions to be told it was probably gas or heartburn. Nothing to worry about. She was sent away with nothing more than a condescending pat on the back and a few "don't be such a hypochondriac " type comments.

She has since told me that she feels terrible guilt over these visits, that she should have "known" she was ill, she should have insisted she was taken seriously. But how could she ? Would you query the "advice" of a GP ?

Just because heart attacks are rare in young women doesn't mean they don't happen.

She had emergency key hole surgery through a tiny hole in her thigh, a stent was fitted and she was discharged within a week with a huge haul of drugs.

In shock, at home she tells me that its hard to believe it actually happened. Showing me the bruises, needle and plaster marks almost as if by showing me I too will believe that this beautiful, vibrant young woman had indeed had a heart attack.

Now here is the real issue. I visited her today and she looks so much worse than when I saw her last week. She is really suffering emotionally. People are expecting her to be "back to normal" to be "coping" People are even hinting that she should be back at work !

I am horrified by this, she is suffering so much. Has so much fear that it might happen again, that she might die in her sleep and I can't help her. I really feel that if she had a huge scar down her chest where they had cut her open to repair her heart she would have been given the time she needed to recover not only from the surgery but also the time to rest to recover her emotional scars.

I really, really want to help this lovely lady so please, please if you have any experience of heart attacks in young mothers or any advice at all to give from a personal experience I really feel it would help her to recover.

Give Up Clothes for Good

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:43:00 +0000

When I saw on the Tots100 that they were supporting Cancer Research UK and T K Maxx with the Give up clothes for good campaign I immediately knew which items of clothing I was going to donate.

The Give up Clothes for good is in its fifth year and is the UK's biggest charity collection raises much needed money for research into beating children's cancer. They are hoping to raise £12.5 million by the end of 2012 .

All you have to do is donate a quality item of clothing you no longer wear. We all have clothes in our wardrobes we love but know we will never wear again either because no matter how much we kid ourselves, we are just never going to slim down to a size eight EVER again or because are we REALLY going to wear those rainbow harem pants again ?

Last year I was really, really lucky to get into the final of the MAD's and part of the experience was an amazing day out at John Lewis where I was treated to a wonderful outfit to wear to the ceremony. Here I am in all my glory on the red carpet at the MAD's. I love this outfit and felt a million dollars on the night.

Time for it to move on to help a really worthy cause.

Please, please take part too. Just find a piece of clothing, write a quick post (only take you a few minutes) and link it up to the Tots100 Carnival.

Take the item of clothing along to your local TK Maxx during April. The clothes are then sorted, tagged and sold throughout Cancer Research UK Stores to raise the money. EVERY penny raised will go towards the fight against cancer in children.

A really useful gift

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 07:57:00 +0000

I received an offer recently that couldn't have come at a better time. Trutex contacted me offering me uniform for the twins. My boys are world champions when it comes to wearing out the knees in their school uniform trousers. I swear they move around school on their knees not their feet.

The lovely people at Trutex sent us a pair of trousers and a polo shirt each for the boys.

Jarvis was just not getting in the zone for this particular photo shoot ! Nothing says "I don't want my photo taken" than round shoulders.

Many thanks to Trutex for the uniform, the quality is so much better than the cheap supermarket uniform we have been buying. I'll let you know if it stands up to the knee test.

*We were sent the uniform to review and keep, we were not paid for this post and the content is mine.

30 years ago today...

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:30:00 +0000

I remember exactly what I was doing. Do you ?

I know, because I was lying in a Military hospital bed in Northern Ireland in a bed next to a beautiful 21 yr old girl who had been shot in the back and legs six times .

We were told that Argentina had invaded the Falkland Islands.

Like many people at the time we were a bit confused. The Falklands ? isn't that above Scotland somewhere ? why would the Argentinians invade there ? We soon found out where it actually was.

I don't want to get into the politics or history of the situation, all I know is the people side of why.

As a serving soldier I was involved in the Northern Ireland and the Falklands conflict. I served with the Intelligence corps in Northern Ireland and came into contact with the "ordinary" people. In the Falklands I spent R & R with a family, I spent time in Port Stanley, I listened to their views, their hopes and dreams.

For me at that time it was simple. We were there to defend people who were British, who thought of themselves as British, who spoke English, who wanted to be part of Britain. That simple, whatever your views or politics it really was that simple.

2nd Independents Day - Supporting Independent Businesses

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:42:00 +0000

BE AN INDIVIDUAL, SHOP INDEPENDENT

Today is the 29th of the Month so it must be #IndependentsDay. We had a great response last month to our first ever Independents Day (it's deliberately spelt that way just in case you think I am spelling it wrong ) *smiles* .

I really hope we can grow this to show support to all the hard working people out there who have been brave enough to go it alone and set up their own businesses. I truly believe Independent businesses will be a major factor in putting the GREAT back into this country. But we have to get out there and promote ourselves. It's no good just setting up a website, bricks and mortar shop/business, on line business and just sitting back expecting the customers to turn up. I know from experience it doesn't work like that. You have to work at it and by using Social Media (which is mostly FREE) you CAN make a massive difference to your business.

Here's how it works :

If you have a blog, please write a short post mentioning and linking to three or so independent businesses that you follow, buy from or just plain admire. You can of course link to your own business if you want to. Its all about building up the links to help people find our businesses.

Leave a comment below with a link to your blog so we can all pop over and take a look. It would be really great if you would link back to this post and if you want grab the badge code.

and/or

Tweet about the independent businesses you are supporting and mentioning the hashtag #IndependentsDay

and/or

Link or share this or your own post on your Facebook page and encourage others to share

You don't have to be an independent business to get involved or have a blog. Comments, tweets and Facebook mentions will all help enormously.

Below are this months featured independent businesses.

I will be featuring more each month so if you want to get involved please leave a comment below so I can find you.

http://www.precious-memories.co.uk/ Creating fingerprint Jewellery, hand, foot and pet castings and impressions.

http://minimagpie.com/ The coolest upcycled clothes you are likely to find anywhere

http://www.coombemill.com/ Family Farm Holidays in Cornwall

http://www.charliemoos.co.uk/ Award winning Party Bags

http://musicbus.com/about-us/ Pre-school music for babies and toddlers. Making music fun

http://www.attachatag.co.uk/ Clothes labelling made easy

http://byjada.com/collections Fine Jewellery

Please leave your comments and Link up your blogs and businesses below

It's Easter so it must be Aldi

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:18:00 +0000

We were thrilled to receive this lovely selection of Aldi treats. Perfect for Easter and with 3 boys in the house always great value.

We are regular shoppers at Aldi where they offer high quality, brand like products at the best low prices I have found anywhere. If you are yet to pop along to one of their shops you might like to know that they won 128 performance awards in 2011 including Grocer discounter of the Year and second place in the Which ? Annual Supermarket Satisfaction Market Survey, beating many of the top supermarket names.

Do you like my Easter bunny and basket ? Found for just £1 in the charity shop and perfect for popping these Choceur Marzipan mini eggs in . £1.49 for 200g.

Think this one is for me *big smile* no really, has my name on it, saw it on the inside as I gobbled it all up. Absolutely too die for Choceur Flame Egg just £2.99 it is so worth it. Real luxury chocolate egg with milk and white chocolates inside. YUMMY !

Selection of chocolate treats perfect for the boys and their friends. A large selection of treats on sale just for Easter. Range in price from just 79p for the chocolate bunny, 99p for the marshmallows if you want a non-chocolaty treat to £1.89 for the luxury filled mini eggs.

and if your children (or you ) Love Haribo then you will love this new range just launched at Aldi. Haribo Jelly Jungle, Farmyard Friends and Fizzy Seaworld all at just 89p for a 225g bag !

*We were sent these items curtesy of Aldi. All words are my own and I wrote the post because I wanted to : )

Whitestep cozy wrap giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (karen jones) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:47:00 +0000

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

The winner as picked out of the hat by Jarvis is

MISSY

CONGRATULATIONS

Thank you to everybody who entered, more giveaways coming soon

************************************

Although I am long past the baby stage I was really pleased to be offered a cozy wrap to giveaway by the online baby shop Whitestep.

When no 1 son was a baby there wasn't anything similar on the market and I used to carry him around in a really uncomfortable sling that dug into my shoulders and really didn't give me any contact with my baby. When the twins came along it really was impossible to try and carry two babies at the same time unless of course I had been an all in wrestler.

Whitestep say :

" We are passionate about products that are functional, practical and beautiful with a twist of innovation and lots of style. The Cozy baby wrap is no exception…

Having your baby close is comforting for you both, and promotes your baby’s well-being and development. Babies who are carried cry less, soothed by your warmth, closeness and the sound of your heartbeat. Comfortable and ergonomically designed, the Cozy wrap can be worn in one of four positions, so you can adapt to your baby’s needs as they grow.

Baby wrap frees you to do more, and puts your child right in the middle of the action. Whether shopping, travelling, or just doing the housework, your baby is with you at all times, listening to your conversations, and watching you go about day to day life.

Cozy wrap is made with just the right amount of elasticity to calm your baby with a soothing rocking effect, resembling womb-like movements. A handy small pocket in the wrap is perfect for keeping small items like keys handy, and the Cozy wrap comes in three stylish colour combinations, so you can show off your new baby in style! "

The Cozy wrap is made from high quality materials – 95% cotton and 5% spandex for elasticity, and is fully machine washable.

To enter the giveaway all you need to do is to follow this blog and leave a comment below telling me why you would like a cozy wrap.

You will get one additional comment for each of the following (but not necessary) :

If you want to follow me on twitter and leave a comment https://twitter.com/#!/allaboutheboys

Follow Whitestep on twitter and leave a comment https://twitter.com/#!/WhitestepUK

Giveaway ends on Monday 2nd April 2012 at 8.00pm

Winner will be picked at random

Prize will be despatched from the supplier

open to UK residents only (sorry)

GOOD LUCK