SnafflesMummy

Review -Bananagrams Products

2012-01-31T19:44:00.001Z

After watching a few other bloggers compete with virtual games of Bananagrams I was excited to be offered the opportunity to review some of Bananagrams products.

Fruitominos

A more child friendly and appealing game of dominos. Snaffles has recently started playing dominos but tends to get overwhelmed by all the black tiles and white dots. Sometimes he can't see what numbers he has for all the dots. Fruitominos replace the white dots with fruit. We loved the white ceramic tiles, the fruit made the numbers easier to recognise and a zip up case is much more practical than the traditional domino box.

A big thumbs up from Snaffles.

Appletters

Snaffles has just turned 5 (yesterday) and is in reception year at school. He knows his phonics and is at the stage where he is learning to join letters up to form words. To play Appletters you make words beginning or ending with the last tile played. We have been playing this with the words Snaffles thinks of and I try and incorporate the school wordgs he is supposed to be learning. He struggles with words ending in a certain letter so we stick to words beginning with. Thats the simplicity of it. It's a bag of lettered tiles, you play to suit your age and ability.

Great educational fun. Again, we loved the zip up apple shaped storage bag.

Bananagrams

A similar concept to scrabble but no board. Fun, portable and addictive. Snaffles is too young for this really. Mummy isn't though.

What better way to test it out than to join A Mother's Ramblings January Bananagram challenge. Pippa has a special set of Bananagrams which are magnetic. I am tempted to put magnets on mine but little fingers and mouths mean I can't at the minute. You know your addicted when you make it your mission to use every tile (which I achieved).

For the hard core addicts who possess Apple products there is now a Bananagram app.

Great games for all the family.

40 Week & 6 Days

2012-01-31T16:29:00.002Z

Dear Munchie,

For 286 days I carried you inside me. I kept you safe, calmed you with my movement, lulled you to sleep as my heart beat against you. In return you reassured me that you were ok with your gentle movements and kicks.

Every day I wonder where the time has gone and where my baby has disappeared to.

You have changed so much recently. As hard as I try, I can not help but compare you to your brother. You are growing more and more alike to your brother in your looks yet to me you are so very different. Your temperament, mannerisms, development, such a very different personality.

At this age your brother was just learning how to rock on all fours. You have been crawling for a few months already and are now confidently cruising around the furniture.

Your brother was so cautious, careful and considered in his discovery of the world. You are so care free, brave, adventurous and mischeivous.

Your brother would sit, concentrate and play. You are inquisitive and intruiged to go in search of new things.

Munchie, there are things which you do that are yours and yours alone. Things that I remember for you and not for comparisons to your brother. Your hands reached upwards for mummy to scoop you up, your waves of delight when we come into the room, your curious frown at the door when daddy and Snaffles leave for work and school.

Despite this it is your brotherly bond that makes my heart both melt with love and swell with pride

Hearing your first vocal expression of the morning be directed to your big brother
Hearing his footsteps across the landing as he goes into your room each morning to see you. Footsteps which used to head to us have been replaced with a new path each morning.
Watching you turn to him when we collect him from school.
Watching you crawl down the hallway each morning as Snaffles and daddy leave for school and work.
Watching you crawl into Snaffles bedroom to seek him out.
Watching Snaffles look out for you as you are playing, passing you toys you have dropped.
Watching his patience with you when you are taking toys from him which you shouldn't.
Watching him sing and pull faces at you in the car when you are upset.

My boys, so very different children yet both the apple of the others eye.

And Then You Were Five

2012-01-30T12:03:00.000Z

Dear Snaffles.

Happy 5th birthday my handsome little boy.

This is the first year where you will spend your birthday at school with your friends instead of at home with Mummy and Daddy.

Long gone are the nappies and pushchairs, I suddenly seem to be mummy to a very grown up little boy.

Full of questions, eager to discover and learn new things, excited to run around outside exploring but still happy to cuddle up to mummy after school.

You have discovered Lego, Starwars and Scooby Doo.

You like bike rides, pyjama days and hot chocolate.

You are now old enough for cinema trips, theme parks and camping.

You are confident and outgoing with your friends, gentle and caring with your little brother and will forever be our loving little boy.

Love and hugs from
Mummy and Daddy

A Sad Goodbye To Daytime Nursing

2012-01-26T20:11:00.000Z

Tomorrow Munchie will have his last ever daytime breastfeed.

A combination of new job, returning to work and Munchie's refusal to take milk from anything other than me means its time to drop his only daytime feed.

He will continue to have his early morning feed and bedtime feed from me but in the day he will now survive on food.

My feeding journey has been very emotional. Initially I worried whether I would manage to feed this time. I then counted time as an ascending amount of time, 7 days, 10 days, 2 weeks, 1 month.

However, this ascending time soon began to feel like a burden, tied to Munchie for every feed, unable to leave him for any substantial amount of time and the only person who could tend to him during the night. I soon moved to counting down until when I could stop feeding altogether.

My aim to feed until 6 months was extended to 12 months. Its rewarding, its beneficial, its one of my favourite times with Munchie but it is also hard and draining and your body is not your own.

I have been counting down for so long that I am surprised to find myself feeling sad and emotional about dropping his last daytime feed.

I will miss our public day time feeds, no longer do they make me nervous, I feel confident, liberated and embrace the public feeds. I have surprised even myself. We have fed in parks, on beaches, camping, in theme parks, cafes, restaurants and in a tent in the middle of "Go Outdoors".

However, it is time. Time to begin to reclaim my body, time to teach him to feel safe away from Mummy, time for us to start a new chapter together. For him to begin to appreciate mummy for her tickles and smiles and stories and not for what he can take from my body.

So, tomorrow afternoon I will snuggle on our bed with my baby boy and we will share our final daytime breastfeed.

Nine Months

2012-01-25T08:17:00.001Z

Munchie is 9 months old today.

He has changed so much already in his 9 months with us. He is no longer my newborn baby boy. he is now a little adventurer learning new things every day.

We had waited so long for him to enter our lives, dreamed of the time we would one day become a family of four. We had imagined a future together but never had we understood that the most special person in his world would be his big brother Snaffles.

Their brotherly bond makes my heart both melt with love and swell with pride. It is hard to picture one of them without the other.

Hearing Munchie's first vocal expression of the morning be directed to his big brother.

Hearing Snaffles footsteps across the landing as he goes into Munchie's room each morning to see him. Footsteps which used to head to us have been replaced with a new path each morning.

Watching Munchie turn to his big brother when we collect him from school.

Watching Munchie crawl down the hallway each morning as Snaffles and daddy leave for school and work.

Watching Munchie crawl into Snaffles bedroom to seek him out.

Watching Snaffles look out for his little brother as he is playing, passing him toys he has dropped.

Watching Snaffles patience with Munchie when he is taking toys from him which he shouldn't.

Watching Snaffles sing and pull faces at Munchie in the car when he is upset.

My boys, so very different children yet both the apple of the others eye.

Miosolo - The Verdict

2012-01-22T20:46:00.000Z

First here are a few facts about reusable nappies that struck me the most;

On average a baby will use 5000 disposable nappies compared to only 48 reusable nappies,
Reusable nappies can save you up to £700 on your first child and up to £1000 for subsequent children,
By swapping just one nappy to a reusable per day you would save approximately 912 nappies,
The average cost of washing reusable nappies for 2.5 years is £102.19
A child is 5 times more likely to suffer with nappy rash if wearing a disposable nappy,
Councils across the UK often offer cash back incentives. (My council offers 50% cash back, up to a total of £50)

Despite numerous challenges I have failed to find fault with the Miosolo. It has also impressed everyone who has seen it this week and even swayed Mr C more towards reusable. Munchie's bum clearly does not agree with chemicals and the lack of wipes and disposables has his cute little bum rash free again.

Obviously the environmental, financial and rash free benefits are fantastic but they also make Munchie look even cuter than he did already.

Would I recommend the Miosolo? Well, the proof is in the purchase. I have now ordered a batch of Miosolo's and will be converting to reusable nappies on my 3 days off and also on the day my Mum has Munchie should she choose to use them.

If you are looking at purchasing the Miosolo's then there is a fantastic offer on until the 22nd January 2012. You can purchase the Miosolo with 25% off, a free nappy cleanser and also free delivery. Simply enter the discount "challenge" at the checkout.

Silent Sunday

2012-01-22T18:21:00.001Z

Miosolo - The Dad, Grandparent, Childminder Challenge

2012-01-20T19:33:00.000Z

So we have already established that I am finding it hard to find any faults with the Miosolo. But, how will others feel about them? If I can gain support from daddy and nannie then we are onto a winner.

I haven't been able to find an available participant to take the challenge for an entire so instead I will pass on feedback from those who have seen the Miosolo in action this week.

First up was nannie, nannie will be caring for my little man one day per week so her opinion on matters such as nappies matters. She was impressed with the all in one, a big change from the towelling nappies. She also noticed the softness and the ease of use. Her verdict was that they are no extra work and when I said I was seriously considering using the Miosolo on my non work days she said she would be happy to use on the day she had him too.

Big thumbs up from nannie.

Next up was a fellow mum from breastfeeding group. Again, she commented on how soft they are, was impressed that one size fits all and was surprised to hear Munchie was wearing a reusable nappy as his bum didn't look any bigger than in a disposable.

All positive again.

Then there is one of my best friends, the kind of friend who will get up close and personal and be honest. The prospect of poo in a reusable nappy wad clearly putting her off. The idea of the disposable liner eased the fear a little I think. She had a good look at one of the nappies and again commented on the softness, the slim appearance under clothing and one size fits all.

She then witnessed a nappy change, she was impressed at how dry his nappy area was and that the nappies didn't have the ammonia smell you can get with disposables. Yet another positive response and had her little boy been younger I think she would be very tempted to try them herself.

Now for one of the most important people, daddy. He is impressed with the financial and environmental benefits (I shall post about them shortly). He thinks they are very well made, soft and impressed that we have had no leaks. He would choose to use them close to home but is doubtful about the practicalities when out of the house. Over all he is not as against reusable nappies as he was before we tried the Miosolo.

Overall its a big thumbs up from almost everyone.

Miosolo - The Washing Challenge

2012-01-20T18:41:00.000Z

The washing challenge was supposed to be today but because I have used my miosolo's so much this week that I have already washed them a few times.

It really is easy. No need to wet pail them. Just stick them in the wash with non bio wash powder and add a scoop of mio fresh.

You dont even need fabric conditioner and they still come out fluffy and soft on a 30 degree wash.

They can be tumble dried but I have laid them over the radiators and they have dried within a few hours.

It's much easier than I thought and I was impressed the moo fresh removed the soil stains.

Another sucessful challenge.

Drying

Ready To Put On

Tesco Baby Competition - Win £100 Of Vouchers

2012-01-19T11:56:00.000Z

Tesco are launching another baby event starting on Monday 16^th Jan until the 5^th Feb offering even more promotions so you can make your budget go that bit further.

January can be a tough time so Tesco are offering one lucky follower the chance to win £100 Tesco vouchers to spend in store during the baby event – which will ensure those pennies spread that little bit further.

Some of the great offers include:

● Pampers Baby Dry Carry Pack: was £6.49 each, now £4.30 each

● Pampers Simply Dry Carry Packs was £4.50 each, now £3.00

● Johnson’s Baby Wipes 64-Pack:was £2.44 each, now 95p each

● Huggies Super Dry Economy Pack: was £9.98 each, now half price £4.99

● Aptamil Growing Up Milk 12m+ 900g: was £8.49 each, now £6.50 each

Products on BOGOF:

● Johnson’s Baby Bubble Bath & Wash, 500ml: £2.99

● Johnson’s Baby Gold Shampoo, 500ml: £2.60

● Johnson’s Baby Pink Soft Wash, 400ml: £2.98

● Johnson’s Baby Bedtime Bath, 500ml: £2.50

Half Price Buys:

● Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Electronic Steam Steriliser: was £47.99, now half price £23.99

● Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Microwave Steriliser: was £26.99, now half price £13.49

● Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Electric Breast Pump: was £99.99, now half price £49.99

● Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Freedom Breast Pump: was £29.99, now half price £14.99

Make sure you follow @TescoBabyClub for your chance to win great prizes every day during the Baby Event and keep your eyes peeled, as they have got some more great deals and prizes coming soon.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MioSolo - The Overnight Challenge

2012-01-19T10:54:00.001Z

Despite loving my MioSolo's so far this week I was honest enough last night to confess that I held virtually no faith in it coping with the overnight challenge.

We put Munchie in the Miosolo at around 6:30 last night and laid out fresh clothes, nappies and bedding just in case.

Despite a far from great night due to teething the Miosolo held up. We were up at 2 and 4 for a combined total of around 2 hours but when checked Munchie was still totally dry. He eventually gave in to sleep at 5:30 and slept again until 8am. The Miosolo (with booster) survived from 6:30pm until 8am with NO LEAKS!!! I am truly gobsmacked (and secretly pleased).

I am trying my hardest to find some flaws with the Miosolo. I was sent 3 nappies to test and I have used all 3 every day this week to ensure I am giving them a good run for their money and so far I am still struggling to find any flaws.

Next up is the dad, grandparent, babysitter challenge. This could be make or break time.

MioSolo - Day 3

2012-01-18T20:58:00.001Z

Not much to report today. We were not required to use the nappies in the day today but we did anyway. No leaks, no problems, no hassle so all good really.

Today's challenge is the over night challenge. Munchie is in his MioSolo with an added booster pad, he put the nappy on at around 6:30 and heres hoping for 12 hours from it (sadly he doesn't sleep 12 hours but even when he wakes it the night its not for a nappy change).

My honest thoughts on this? I have almost zero hope. I just cant see how a piece of padded fabric can keep my little man dry for 12 hours. I have clean pajamas and sleeping bag at the ready. Provided he can make it to 5am (ish) with no leaks then I will consider it a victory. Even in a disposable he has leaked after 5am so it seems only fair that I compare the MioSolo to his usual disposable.

So, fingers crossed I don't need the spare pyjamas and I will report back in the morning (or sooner via twitter if I am woken up in the night and left with an awake and damp baby).

Miosolo - The Out & About Challenge

2012-01-17T19:45:00.000Z

Day 2 and the challenge was out and about.

We didn't have anything specific planned other than the general pottering about, not particularly thrilling for the purpose of the challenge but representative of what I would need a nappy to cope with.

First up was mums house. Nappy change came around 3.5 hours after putting it on, again no leaks. I thought I would let my Mum have a go at changing it to see what she thought. Her comments were that it was no extra hassle, she commented on how soft the nappies were and also how dry Munchies bum was. I seem to be changing Munchies bum more because I think I should do rather than because he needs it.

Next up was a visit to Mr C's work. Again, we got quite a few hours out of the nappy and no leaks. There are no changing facilities at Mr C's work so a quick change on an office floor and he was done. Not ideal but we still managed.

I wasn't sure what to do with the nappies so I tied them in our usual nappy bags until I could bring them home.

Disposing of the nappy liner is easy enough, wet ones I have been putting in the bin and dirty ones I have flushed down the toilet. I can see that this could occasionally be difficult when out and about, many baby changing rooms do not have a toilet but I guess you could either put the nappy liner in the nappy bin or in a nappy bag.

I have been more conscious of how tightly I am doing the nappy up today. I think with disposables having an elasticated waist we tend to do them up tighter. His stomach has not been red today so I think I have figured out how tightly to do these up.

If you are looking at purchasing the Miosolo's then there is a fantastic offer on until the 22nd January 2012. You can purchase the Miosolo with 25% off, a free nappy cleanser and also free delivery. Simply enter the discount "challenge" at the checkout.

Miosolo the stay at home challange

2012-01-16T18:23:00.001Z

So day 1 started quite easy, simply stay at home and see how you get on.

The nappy went on very easily, a quick adjustment to the poppers to get the nappy to the right side and we were all set. It didn't really feel any different to using a disposable, no extra hassle.

The guidelines say you should get 2-4 hours from the nappy. I kept checking on it and both the outside of the nappy and also Munchie continued to feel dry for 4 hours. I was very impressed at how dry Munchies nappy area was. Plus, because its reusable you do not get any of the crystalised gel that you sometimes get with a disposable nappy.

My origional plan was to just try 1 miosolo nappy per day. However after the ease of the first one I thought what the heck and we have been in them all day.

We have survived out first poo in the miosolo (just flush the liner down the toilet) and also a baby yoga class.

So far I am pleasantly surprised by the miosolo. There was a slight red mark across Munchies belly this evening so maybe I need to do them up a little looser tomorrow.

The Bambino Miosolo Challenge

2012-01-15T19:42:00.000Z

This week I shall be taking part in the Bambino Miosolo real nappy challenge.

I have been curious about real nappies for a while now. After a run of dry skin on his face and awful nappy rash we have recently ditched baby wipes in favour of good old fashioned water and muslin clothes. The results have been amazing. Could real nappies improve his poor bum even more?

My main concerns are;

Ease of use
Absorbency
Cost
Smell
Washing

The thought of using real nappies does slightly scare me. I have looked into them before but got scared and confused. There just seemed too much to take in, sizes, inserts, liners, nappies, folding, wraps and pre soaking and arrrgggh I am so confused.

So, the things that appealed to me about the Miosolo is that they are all in ones so no wraps and boosters etc. Just a complete nappy that you put on baby and then put in the washing machine. Now even I can manage this surely?

The benefits of the Miosolo are listed as;

one size nappy, fits from birth
super absorbent core, draws moisture into the nappy away from baby
stay-dry inner layer, prevents moisture seeping back onto baby
unique pull-out tab system for quick drying core

So far I have had a good nosey at the Miosolo and I am surprised with how soft they feel. It is advised to pre wash the Miosolo's as this boosts absorbtion. I popped them straight into my machine with my usual non bio wash powder (no fabric softener required) and a scoop of Mio Fresh nappy cleanser. I was very surprised at how quickly they dried when put over a radiator ( the heating was already on).

So, tomorrows challenge is the "Stay At Home Challenge".

If you want to see how the Challenge is going, both for us and for the other mums taking part then follow the hash tag ~~#miosolochallenge~~

Munchie: Baby Or Dog?

2012-01-10T21:14:00.001Z

I fear Munchie thinks he's a dog.

Everytime you look at him he has found something new to put in his mouth. He squirrels things away until he thinks your not looking. No amount of tidying up and baby proofing the house can prevent him.

You finish tidying up, you hoover the floor, you assume the silence from Munchie means he's blissfully watching the washing machine only to find him crawling around with takeaway menus that have been posted through the door.

You visit your mum, you take his favourite toys, she lavishes attention on him and what does he choose to do? Crawl around whilst chewing on her shoe.

Lego, coasters, coal from the fire, socks, shoes, toy cars, plugs, wool, toes ( his or yours), tv remote controls, hair brushes, you name it, he will eat it.

Getting Creative With Wordle

2012-01-02T18:17:00.001Z

Whilst sat consuming alcohol on New Years Eve I suddenly had what could end up being a spark of creative genius or a creative disaster.

Have you ever taken a bunch of words and turned them into a wordle or word cloud? The results are both striking and unique.

I am after new and interesting creative projects and have recently reignighted my love for tapestry.

So, what if I could turn a wordle into a tapestry? Not a pre bought kit, a family creation like no other.

We have discussed some words which represent our family and our values. Snaffles and Mr C have helped with this.

I am now planning out the lettering and hopefully at some point in the future we will have our own colourful and unique family memento to hang for all to see.

What would represent your family and it's values?

Project 365 Commences

2012-01-01T11:18:00.002Z

So after seeing the new year in with a hysterical baby who understandably wasn't amused at being woken at midnight by the fireworks we have nevertheless arrived (somewhat sleepily) in 2012.

2011 will be a year etched in my heart for eternity. The passing of 2011 felt very confusing. On the one hand we were given Munchie after a very long wait to become a family of 4. He spread joy far and wide and sadly one of the people who was probably the most eager and proud to meet him only got to share 3 months with him.

Looking back over 2011 makes you realise how much happens and how much things and people change in a year.

Thus my Projects 365 have been born.

Clearly the lack of sleep last night has made me lose control of my senses as in a crazy moment I have decided to do not 1 but 3 projects.

There will be my general Project 365 where there are no rules to the photos.

(Day 1: Black Hole)

Then I will also be doing a project for Snaffles and Munchie. A photo a day of each of my boys, small changes each day and a record of their changes at the end of the year.

Manifesto for 2012

2011-12-31T19:51:00.001Z

I am not keen on making resolutions. They are usually unrealistic and never achieved.

However, I like the Mum In The Mad House idea of a Manifesto.

Some of my manifesto are matters of necessity rather than preference but they are going on my manifesto regardless. I am not saying I will or wont achieve these things, they are simply things I would like to work towards.

Return to the working world and start my new job,
Try and reduce Munchie's breastfeeds so that I do not have to express or worry about him while I am at work,
Not to let my Thursdays off become days for chores. I will try and plan fun activities for me and Munchie
Maintain our weekends as a family and continue our family walks.
Try and master circular knitting
Complete my Kiss tapestry
Arrange a date night with Mr C once a month
Continue with my ongoing weight loss
Attempt Project 365 (I may live to regret this!)

Have you made a manifesto or resolutions?

The One Where I Forgot How To Shop

2011-12-28T15:43:00.000Z

I had been looking forward to yesterday for weeks. No children, no men, money to spend, best friends and lots of shops.

Other than a picking up a few bits in supermarkets I haven't clothes shopped in probably around 18 months. Being pregnant and then post birth puts a girl off enjoying shopping. Shopping with children and pushchairs is beyond painful so I just stopped even trying.

However, I stood with my friends in the middle of Debenhams yesterday, I stood and looked around, surrounded with rails of dresses, coats, underwear, shoes, pyjamas. I was just so overwhelmed and didn't know where to start that I actually stood and panicked and gasped to my friend that I had forgotten how to shop. What do I do and where do I start?

Thankfully I soon recovered and caught the others up. I might have had a slow start but once I found my shopping mojo I was soon laden down with my sale bargains.

We had a great day, bought lots of lovely things, spent most of the day laughing and also discovered a new way of categorising shops.

Thin people Shops (Top Shop and Jane Norman)

Young People Shops (Top Shop and River Island)

Going Out On The Lash Shops (Lipsy)

We soon agreed that we were the type of shoppers better suited to Next, Monsoon and Debenhams.

Mr C and the boys had a great day together, they had lots of fun and Munchie proved again that he doesn't need me as much as I think he does. He managed all day with no milk and ate everything in sight and then some to make up for it. (Of course today hes back to refusing all food again).

Now I just need to work through my new purchases and decide which old clothes I am going to get rid of in order to make room for my new ones.

Silent Sunday

2011-12-25T22:33:00.001Z

Crochet Christmas Crafts

2011-12-22T08:19:00.001Z

My recent urge to get the crochet hook out again and become one with stripes resulted in a crazy plan to churn out some Christmas crafts.

Hot water bottle covers to be precise. A little bit of guess work and trial and error and I soon had something I was happy with and the hot water bottle production line was born.

Here are two of my creations. Hopefully the lucky few recipients will enjoy being kept cozy by something pretty.

Santa Visited Me Early

2011-12-21T02:48:00.001Z

My two wishes from Santa this year were sleep (which I am now getting most nights) and a local job.

My Christmas wish has been granted early.

I have this week been offered a new job and given in my notice. I am both scared and excited by this but mainly I am relieved at not having to return to my old job.

I love my job, I like where I work but something needed to change. Last year the commute left me in tears and I just can't face it anymore.

An hour each way as a minimum (it's taken me 3 hours in bad weather). A dangerous rural 'A ' road. A ridiculous amount of petrol. Nights spent unable to sleep due to dreading the snow that is forecast to arrive over night. Queues at the bottom of a very steep hill and watching the cars infront of you attempt the assent and sliding all over. Passing cars overturned in ditches after hitting black ice.

After 6 years the enjoyment of my job is no longer worth the hassle and stress of the commute.

I never did the nursery drop off or pick ups with Snaffles. I didn't know the other children, parents or even his key worker. At times this broke my heart. I don't want to have the same regrets with Munchie.

Moving from a city job to a rural town job was never going to be as good financially and career wise it is technically not an equal role. I know to some my change in job will seem illogical, a waste of my studies. However to me I see it as a job I know I will really enjoy, a firm I am excited about joining , and a job that will allow me to be more like the mum I want to be.

I already feel happier. The thought of returning to work no longer makes me cry. I am looking forward to some adult company, a hot cup of tea and being independent again. I do not want to continue spending 7-8 hours for a 3 day week in my car commuting. This is time I could be spending with my family. My family are my main priority, my career can wait.

The Giant Kiss

2011-12-19T05:01:00.001Z

Sometimes you see something and instantly fall in love with it. I recently saw Heather finishing her Emily Peacock 'Kiss' tapestry. The second I saw it I knew I wanted to replicate it.

I had two hurdles, the length of time it was predicted to take and the price.

It is predicted that it will take 6 months to complete. Heather said a more realistic time scale would be 12 months. I love my various crafts but I like to flit between projects. Would I stick with this and finish it?

Then there was the price. The large kits retail for around £80, I could neither afford nor justify this price. However, after a bit of time spent researching it I soon discovered that you can buy the wool and fabric for almost half of that price.

So, I have acquired a pattern chart, sourced the materials and begged a tapestry frame and I am all ready to go.

Watch this space for updates of the progress of the giant kiss.

Review: Photobox

2011-12-13T16:52:00.001Z

Photobox are one of the companies you will usually hear me singing about regardless of whether I am doing a review or not.

An offer to review a photo calendar was a great chance for me to indulge my photo habit. Turns out I couldn't contain myself to just one photo product and I ended up treating myself to a canvas too.

I ordered a family calendar. Here are a few of my favourite calendar pages;

Things I loved;

Photos are easy to upload.
Pages are easy to lay out with plenty of design options.
Individual dates can be personalised with photographs.
There is an option to upgrade and have the pages laminated.
You can order spiral bound to hang on the wall or loose leafed to stick to the fridge.
The loose leaded version comes with fridge magnets.
The laminated version comes with a wipe off pen.
The traffic light coloured faces which indicate the quality of the image you are using.
Print quality and finish are always flawless and exceptional

Things I Didn't Love;

The picture boxes are very narrow it was difficult finding images which worked well.
The laminated loose leaded version should have come with magnets and a wipe off pen. Both of these were missing from my order. Despite 2 phone calls, emails, some tweets with customer service and 5 weeks since my order I am still awaiting my magnets and I have now given up.
I understand that some orders are occasionally wrong, however the customer service needs to deal with this more efficiently.

Overall I love my finished product even if I am left a little disappointed in the missing accessories and aftercare.

There is still time to order photo gifts for Christmas delivery (order by 17th December). They make great gifts for grandparents.