May/June Favourites

Last month I did my first blog post on a month's favourite products and it was one of my most popular blog posts so I decided to write one every month. There are a range of products for myself and for my 3 year old son.

1. Black Sandals-Peococks (£16). 

The weather has been absolutely beautiful in London recently and I badly needed a new pair of sandals. We only have a few places in my local town centre that sells shoes and Peococks was one of these. I found these sandals and fell in love. They have beautiful detail on them and a little heel making them super comfy! I will be wearing them all summer.

2. The Third Wife by Lisa Jewell

I love having a good book to read in the sun while Michael plays and after reading some reviews I reserved The Third Wife from the library. It was a very interesting and believable story with compelling characters. I read it in a short while. It was the first of Lisa Jewell's books I have read so I will be picking up some of her other books to see what they are like.

https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-third-wife/lisa-jewell/9780099559573

3. Pretty Little Liars-Netflix

I have watched Pretty Little Liars from the start and love it. The show follows the lives of four girls who have been taunted by a mysterious A and later the ultimate AD. The show is on its last series(sob!) and I am still hooked with so many questions-who is AD?! The characters are compelling to watch and I am a massive fan of Hanna and Calab. You can watch the series from the start over on Netflix. 

4.Fibre One Chocolate Fudge Brownies

I have had my eye on these for a while and recently bought a pack while they were half price at Asda. They are baked naturally high in fibre and low in fat and are a 90 calorie snack. I am trying to diet so they are my little bit of a sweet without high calories. They taste pretty good, so much so I bought 3 packs while they were still on offer.

5. Simple Facial Scrub

If you read my blog post on the Decleor Spa, you would know that exfoliating is really important for the skin. This facial scrub with multi vitamins exfoliates the skin removing all the dead skin cells and leaves your skin looking brighter and more even. It is great for sensitive skin such as mine and is a must in my skin care routine.

6. Mint and Dead Sea Salt Face Mask

As part of my skin care routine I regularly like to apply a face treatment or mask. If you will follow me on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/hannahscudder091/  You would have seen I was recently sent a big box of products from Essentials AA Skincare. One of the products was this cleansing face mask. Made with essentials oils, it works to draw out impurities, moisturise and tone the skin. It leaves your skin feeling really cleansed, soft and smelling great. I have been applying it once a week and would really recommend it. I have sensitive skin and am a little weary of some face masks but this one is great. It is especially great if you are prone to spots and acne.

http://www.aaskincare.co.uk/ourproducts/face-masks/mint-and-dead-sea-salt-deep-cleansing-clay-face-mask-100ml-single-detail

7. Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream candle

Home Bargains sell a great range of candles for only 59p and they are just as good as more expensive ranges. The scents of candles are changed according to season and I love the more summer scents such as this one. They smell great, burn for ages and are great value.

 

Michael:

8. Nivea Sun Lotion for Kids

With the warmer weather, comes the essential need of sun lotion. Michael is a very fair child and we are always outside so the need for good sun lotion is a must. This sun lotion is especially formulated for children's delicate skin and has both a high SPF factor and UVA number so is highly effective as sun protection. It is easy to apply and water resistant so great when you are spending time at the beach or splash parks. I know there are cheaper sun lotions but this one has always worked well for us and gives me peace of mind when out in the sun with Michael so I will be continuing to buy this sun lotion.

9. Orchards Shopping List Game

Since turning 3 Michael is a big fan of games. He loves Buckaroo, Pop up Pirate and the game ranges from Orchards. One of his favourite games in the Shopping List Game. Suitable from 3+, the aim of this game is to taking turns turning over one of the cards and find the items on your shopping list. The first one to find all their items wins. It develops matching and memory skills, taking turns and creating discussion. Michael also now likes to play a version in the supermarket where I will give him a list of items he is responsible for finding which is great at keeping him happy and entertained during the weekly shop. I have recently bought him Pig in Pants from Orchards range for his birthday and I am hoping he loves that as much as he has the Shopping List game.

https://www.orchardtoys.com/buy/shopping-list_4.htm?sid=4128769

10. Read with Biff, Chip and Kipper Collection: Levels 1-3 - 33 Books

There is one thing Michael asks for that I always struggle to say no to and that is more books. As a reader myself I have always encouraged Michael to enjoy reading and a bedtime story has always been a part of his bedtime routine. I love to see a child develop their imagination and to enjoy a story. I read these books as a child and now Michael is getting older and starting to learn his phonics I thought it would be great to buy these for him. Each book is carefully levelled for a young reader and are great for starting to practising skills they will be learning at school, such as phonics, common words and everyday language. The Book People is a fantastic online book store which sells books incredibly cheaply. The collection of 33 books is currently selling at £17.99 which I think is a amazing deal! The Book People also regularly do discount codes and sales so you could buy the books at a even further discount.

 https://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/qs_product_tbp?productId=537110&storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=100&searchTerm=Read+with+Biff%2c+Chip+and+Kipper

What have your favourite products been this month? Let me know in the comments below.

H. 

 

   

Fabulous Friday Frugal- 10 Frugal Things I have done this week!

If there is one thing I am passionate about it is saving money! We are currently on one wage and saving to move so the need to save money is essential. However I do not think you have to miss out on the things you enjoy to save money, it takes a bit of thinking. Every Friday I will be sharing the frugal/money saving things I have done that week to hopefully give others some ideas.

1. I used free children's playgroups to entertain Michael. Children's activities can be expensive which is why I am a massive fan of our local sure start/children centres. We are very lucky we have three different centres in our local area which means we have a range of baby/toddler groups to choose from such as toddler talk, play with a story, make and shake etc. They are free to attend and have a range of toys and activities for your child to play. Ranging from 45 mins to 1h30mins they easily fill some time with your toddler. Some Sure Start centres are currently closing due to lack of funding so more people really do need to make use of them.
https://www.gov.uk/find-sure-start-childrens-centre

2. Picked up reserved books from our local library. Another place more people need to use! I have no idea why some are not making use of their local library-ours is great! Our local library holds free events from time to time, children's story time and a sticker book your child can complete by taking our books. I love reading but buying a new book every week can be costly. As a result this year I set myself the challenge to not buy any new books. Instead I have been making use of my libraries online reservation service and reserving the new hardbooks recently released. Really simple to do, you may wait a few weeks if the book is in real demand, but the library sends you a message when you book is ready to pick up.

3. Picked up cheap/free baby items. My younger brother and his girlfriend are expecting their first child in 5 weeks. I am so excited to have another niece/nephew to get some baby cuddles. I really wanted to sort them our a nice gift without spending a lot so have made it my mission to get baby items as cheaply as possible and will put it all in a large hamper. The stuff in the picture below cost me less than £3! Some items I got free by sending of for free samples, the large pampers I got for only £2 using a coupon, the munchkin products I actually won and the rest of the items are from Poundland/Home Bargains. I still need to get them a bit more and will buy the baby a outfit when we do know the sex but its good to know you can sort out a gift without spending loads.
https://www.pampers.co.uk/offers-pages/samples-on-demand- Get a pampers coupon here!


4. Bought Michael's 2017 winter coat in Next Clearance. I always buy Michael's winter clothes in the spring sales this time of year and this week I ordered him a parka coat at £17 reduced from £34. Now you could get a cheaper coat than this, the winter just gone Michael's coat was practically new from Ebay. However I do love Next for children's clothes, I find them great quality, long lasting and nice designs so when I saw this coat I really wanted it for Michael. I have also got jumpers, long sleeved tops, thick trousers in the next size up for Michael put away. It is great if you can buy children's clothes in advance at a reduced prize.
http://www.next.co.uk/clearance/

5.Sent off for two adult Thorpe Park Tickets. Every now and again myself and my partner Dan love to go out for the day just the two of us having some much needed couple time. One of the places we love to go together is to a theme park. Theme park tickets however can be expensive, so I use the Sun newspapers coupons whenever I can. You just collect 10 tokens from The Sun newspaper, send them off and you will be sent two tickets to Thorpe Park saving you a lot of money. I also use The Sun's £9.50 holidays and I am hoping they will again have tokens for Legoland again this year. Last year our entrance was free to Legoland for Michael's 3rd birthday. There are 2 for 1 vouchers, free child entrance, 50% off etc for attractions everywhere so before you go to any attraction, look for a voucher!

6.Arranged with a friend a free haircut. This one was sort of spur of the moment. One of my friends is currently retraining to be a hairdresser and wrote a Facebook status asking for anyone with long hair available for a straight cut for her to practice and put in her portfolio. I volunteered, not only will I be helping out a friend, I will also get my hair cut. Double win! Not everyone will have a friend who can do this, but having a look some hairdressers training collages are looking for volunteers so may be worth looking into. Or look into a mobile hairdresser. Not only can you get your hair cut in the comfort of your own home they are often cheaper than going into a salon.

7. Meal planned dinners and lunch. I do this every single week, and have really stuck to it this week since I am currently trying to eat healthy after Easter and a holiday. Knowing what we are eating means I stick to a strict shopping list, only buying what we need. I would strongly recommend this!

8. Used Youtube videos to work out. On the theme of eating healthily, I have also worked out three times this week. Now gym membership can be expensive and even if I did have one, childcare would mean I would find it difficult attending the gym as often as I would like. However there are a range of workout videos free on Youtube and I mean loads! There is a video for any type of workout you fancy. You can also do a workout in the comfort of your own home. If you do like workouts in a group setting, our local park has free exercise groups running every Saturday so may be worthwhile having a look to see if there is anything in your local area.

9. Added to my birthday/Christmas stash. I buy gifts for birthday and christmas in advance, especially for children's gifts when you know roughly what they like. This week I bought a barbie doll reduced to £2 for a cousin and took advantage of The Book People sale and bought Michael some Star Wars books heavily discounted. Now some gifts I do have to leave and buy full price. Michael's main Christmas present for example I will buy a couple of weeks beforehand because I have no idea what he will want to ask from Santa. However things like books, games, puzzles, sticker sets, clothes etc are perfect to buy reduced and put away for your own child, family children, or birthday parties your child is invited to. On the same note I always have birthday card in the house from the Card Factory where you can buy 7 different designs for £1.

10. Used mini mornings at Vue Cinema. As a family we love the cinema! Michael is really good at sitting at the cinema and sees it as a great treat. However the cinema can be expensive which is why we make use of our local cinema's mini mornings on a Saturday/Sunday and half term mornings. You can see a children's film for £2.50 each. It will be a older film, this week we saw Sing. However Michael really does not care and it is better than paying full price. Also if it is your child's first time going it does mean you lose less money if you do have to leave early. Our cinema also does a children's box for £2 where you get some popcorn, a small chocolate bar and a drink. However a lot of people also take in their own snacks as well further saving yourself money. Other cinema chains offer a similar thing. If you do want to see a new release, we have a  premier cinema not too far away from us where all tickets are £4. May be worth looking into to see if you have one near you.

So that's it for this week, doing things like this does save us a lot of money and does mean we do also have treats. Being frugal/saving money does not mean you always have to go without.

Let me know if you have done anything frugal this week or how you have saved money in the comments below.

H.

Valentine's Day Crafts for Toddlers

Now it is February Valentine's Day is almost here. Myself and my partner don't really make a fuss of the day, usually he is at work anyway. We buy each other cards, sometimes do a nice dinner indoors but that's about it. 

However now Michael is 2 he is getting really into his crafts. They are cheap, easy to do and they can fill in a rainy day afternoon. Here are some cute Valentine's Day crafts he has created. All that was needed was some pink and red paint, paper, paintbrushes, an empty toilet roll, scissors and a black marker. 

Used with Michael's foot, I think this little love bug is adorable! 

This is really cute and Michael gave it to his nana, so it is now on her fridge. Using both hands, you create hand prints to create a heart in the middle. 

With the painted heart, I just let Michael paint a piece of white paper with red and pink paint. Once dry I just cut out a large heart. 

Michael does have stamps, but for his heart stamp creation, I just used a empty toilet roll. All you have to do is create a heart shape using the side of the toilet roll by bending in one side. It creates a little stamp that is easy for little hands. 

There are loads of other Valentine's Day themed crafts online so have a look. These ones were the easiest and simplest I found for a 2 year old. Tomorrow we are also making heart shaped cookies! 

A couple of weeks before Easter, I will also be trying some Easter crafts so look out for the blog post. 

Have a nice Valentine's Day!

H. 

Toddler sale haul

I love love love sales, you can pick up some great bargains and pay a fraction of the price. This time of year is the best time to pick up things for next winter and Christmas. Yes I have bought things for next Christmas! I just put it all in a box and stick it away but it saves me a fair amount of money on things I would have ended up buying for Michael anyway. 

Mothercare

I was quite late to the Mothercare sale this year, a lot of the things I would have wanted for Michael they ran out of his size in my local store. However I did pick him up a pair of red pumps in a bigger size reduced from £10 to £3. They also had a range of other colours. I love these on Michael, they look great with jeans and shorts in the summer. Hoping they fit him when we go away in May. I also picked him up a pair of cute snowman socks for Christmas 2016. At 50p they were really cheap and he would have got a new pair of Christmas socks anyway.

Next

I really like Next clothes, I think they are a great quality and wear very well. However they can be expensive, therefore I do try to take advantage of their sales. This year I picked him up some really nice long sleeve t-shirts for next winter in the size 3-4 years. At £3 reduced from £7 and a double pack at £5 reduced from £14 they were a great price for good quality. Hopefully they will also do him good for two winters since Next is quite generous with their sizing.

In my post on a Christmas Eve box, you would have noticed I also give Michael new pjs on Christmas Eve. From Next I also picked him up a very cute pair of minion Christmas pjs that were £5 reduced from £16. He really likes the minion films and since he will be 3 in September, I think the size 3-4 years will fit him by the December. 

Asda

My local Asda reduced all their Christmas bits really quickly so all of the stuff I picked up from Asda are Christmas related. A snowman t-shirt reduced from £3 to £2, snowman socks reduced from £1.50 to 50p (I forgot I already picked him up a pair!) a Santa key that was 50p reduced from £2 and a letter writing set that was just 25p. I didn't bother doing many Santa things with Michael in 2015 because at 2 I just didn't think he was quite there with understanding it all but 2016 and at 3 years of age, I think he will understand and really enjoy the key and letter. 

Not for Michael I also bought Lego Darth Vader in Asda reduced to £10 from £25. That is the cheapest I have seen them and will be a really good birthday present for my partner in July. He loves Star Wars and Lego so two birds with one stone. Star Wars mania is everywhere! 

Primark

Last but not least was Primark and these bits I just picked up today. I am not the biggest fan of Primark for children's clothes but I had to go in there for vests and they had a lot reduced so I had a look. I am really pleased with what I bought and pleasantly surprised at the quality. Fleece pyjamas at £3 a pair, needed this week it's freezing! A tracksuit  onsie at £3 reduced from £7, a rain jacket at £5 reduced from £9 and a really cute rugby style long sleeved top at £2 reduced from £5. All bigger sizes, while I don't think they will last Michael two winters like the clothes from Next, they should last until next year.

I don't think I spent too much on the sales but I must admit that I do try and buy Michael's clothes in the sales and at a cheaper price. I have also been looking for a new coat for him next winter at a reduced price but have not yet found one I like. Perhaps when Next have their sale in the spring. All of the stuff I bought should still be available online/in store.

Let me know if you found any great bargains in the sales, or if you know of some nice coats for toddler boys let me know in the comments below.

H. 

Christmas Activities at Home with toddlers!

December is almost upon us which means it is nearly Christmas! Yay! It has also been really wet and freezing cold recently in London so while we still try and get out and about, we have been having more indoor days. Luckily I love this time of year for activities with Michael and have found some great Christmas themed ones I thought I would share if anyone is looking for some ideas.

1. Arts and Crafts

There are some really cute and easy ideas online of Christmas crafts. I bought Michael a big box of Christmas crafts from Argos for only £5 and he has been getting a lot of enjoyment out of it. One of our favourite ones is decorating Christmas cards. Not only is it enjoyable, family members I have found really like receiving a Christmas card from Michael. 

Michael does not like anything on his hands, but I have seen some great pictures online created using hand and foot prints. Check out this blog post for some great ideas http://funhandprintartblog.com/2011/12/my-top-10-favorite-christmas-crafts-made-with-hands-feet-from-around-the-web.html

Check out pound stores and hobby craft, they have lots of stickers, colouring books and craft activities for really good prices.

2. Baking

I must admit I am not huge on the kitchen, I hate cooking! However Michael really likes helping in the kitchen so I do often bake simple things with him. At this time of year I really like Christmas cookies. Super easy to do and Michael can really get involved with the baking and then decorating with icing pens and sprinkles. I bought our Christmas themed cookie cutters really cheaply as well from Home Bargains. 

Some other ideas are cupcakes and gingerbread houses. If like me you are not the strongest in the kitchen, you can buy the stuff needed all together in a box from most supermarkets.

Tempted to do this with Michael but I think it would just take too long and has too much detail so he would probably go off to toys after 5 minutes leaving me to do the rest! 

3. Christmas films.

This is the first year Michael can really sit and happily be entertained by short films. I absolutely adore Christmas films so have not been able to resist getting all cosy with blankets, hot chocolate and some snacks with Michael on these early nights. He can't hold his attention there for things like Elf and Miracle on 34th Street but has really loved watching Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas and The Snowman. 

I really love this time of year and have lots of Christmas activities planned with Michael. Let me know what you have planned with your kids this season.

H. 

Toddler's Christmas Eve Box

So on Friday it is 6 weeks until Christmas! 🎄⛄️ So excited! Michael is really starting to get it all now, he loves looking at Christmas trees and Santa in the shops. He will love it when we decorate during the first week of Christmas. Anyway last year I bought him some stuff for Christmas Eve and I have done the same this year. Some people do not like the Christmas Eve box, I however like the idea of a few little treats on Christmas Eve. It does not have to be a lot nor does it have to cost a lot. This is what Michael has in his Christmas Eve box:

• Christmas bear pjs-Primark £4.

•The Snowman DVD- charity store 50p

•Olaf socks-Debenhams-£1

• Olaf Pez- Primark £1

• Tube of biscuits-B&M 80p

• Elf Teddy- Card Factory £1

• Elf cup- Home Bargains £1.50

• An Amazing Snowman Frozen book- The Works- £2

• Santa stop here sign- Argos part of a big craft box £5

We had a lot of fun getting in new pjs, watching a Christmas DVD with treats and then a book last Christmas so Michael will really like this.

Hope it's given some ideas of what you can put in a Christmas Eve box. It could just be new pjs and a book. Others put more in and include slippers, dressing gown, hot chocolate, Christmas plate, activities, bath stuff etc so there are a lot of things guaranteed for some Christmas Eve fun!

H. 

What have we bought our 2 year old for Christmas

So if you have read any of the blog before this point you will know I started buying for Christmas months ago. I have now pretty much finished for my 2 year old son Michael. He has a fair bit but I tell myself that it is ok because everything was reduced. I got some great bargains this year for his gifts.

Anyway here is what Michael has, where it was bought and how much it was:

1. Paw patrol stamper set-The Entertainer-£3 reduced from £6.

2. Over 1000 stickers box-The Entertainer-50p reduced from £2.

3. Push Along Express train set-Sainsbury-£5 reduced from £10.

4. Car mat- Sainsbury-£2.50 reduced from £5.

5. Shopping basket with pretend food-Sainsbury-£2.50 reduced from £5.

6. Happy land construction set- Debenhams-£8 reduced from £16.

7. Little People princess pack-Boots- £10 reduced from £20.

8. Carry Along kitchen- Tesco-£5 reduced from £10.

9. Puzzle-Sainsbury-£1.50 reduced from £3.

10. Cinderella coach-Boots- £13 reduced from £27.

I feel there is more than I had intended to buy. It's a lot of smaller presents and no main present this year. In my defence it was Dan, my partner who bought the train set and puzzle today for him and altogether the cost was £51 which I think  is not bad. The train set and puzzle I have included in the cost was also bought using a free gift card. I don't feel it's worth it to spend loads on Michael. He has only just recently had his birthday and he is very lucky in that a lot of people buy for him. 

I do also want to get him the Minions DVD and Inside Out however when they are released. I have a voucher though for HMV so they won't cost me anything and we will all enjoy them. Michael also has a stocking and some bits for Christmas Eve and that is his lot. Hopefully he will love it all. We make one present from Santa and the rest from us and I am debating which one to make it this year. Last year he had a more expensive happy land set and the year before a little gold bracelet. This year they are all the same value so I don't know. Perhaps the train set?

If anyone is in need of toys try Sainsbury. They currently have a massive toy sale and they had loads available when I visited a store yesterday.

H. 

Halloween treats

So Halloween is almost upon us, and I decided to put together some bits for Michael (2years) to keep him happy and entertained next weekend. Some might think it's a little ott for Halloween but to be fair it was really cheap to do and he will love it all. 

I first bought Michael a trick or treat bucket and this was only 50p from B&M. He had a felt one from last year but sadly it broke so I wanted something more sturdy for this year. I then went into the 99p store and they had loads! There I bought the cupcake decorations, stickers, minion Dracula colouring set and the Halloween multipack haribo. Since Michael is young and we don't like him having loads of sweets, I have just put two packets of haribo in his bucket. 

Last week I also received a £10 Sainsbury gift card and they had loads of children's Halloween DVDs in for just £3 each. Michael has really liked Tom and Jerry recently so I went with that. It has 20 classic episodes and I thought that was a really great deal.

Primark also had some great Halloween clothes. I was not going to buy one because I do think they can sometimes be a waste of time. However his shirt was only £2 and he can wear it all year round.

Lastly just today I was in mothercare and they had reduced these Mickey Mouse Halloween surprise bag. It feels like it has a lot in it and was reduced to 50p.

I think Michael will have a lot of fun with all of this next weekend. We plan to visit a local event during the day and then head over to a relative's house for a little while in the evening for some Halloween fun.

I have showed this before on a blog post but here is Michael's costume this year.

I tried it on him last night and he kept trying to take it off so time will tell if he will keep it on next week. 

Hopefully the blog post gave some ideas if you want to buy some things to keep children entertained over the Halloween weekend or half term.

H. 

Getting Ready for Winter - Clothing

It is now September and the new school year for me signals the start of the colder weather. Sure enough the temperature is falling and the nights drawing in. I actually love autumn and winter! Cosy nights in watching Downton Abbey and Strictly. Lovely! It is at this time of year I start to prepare for the winter by heading to the stores and buying Michael what he needs for the upcoming months. Luckily he has a lot of long sleeved tops and decent trousers that fit him from last year so I did not really have to buy any more of them.

1. Jumpers I am in love with wool jumpers at the moment for Michael. So thick and warm and really well made. I like plain and traditional designs for Michael and think they look really smart. 

The blue jumper was £13 from Next and the green one only £7 from Asda. He also wore one on his birthday(see post) that was from H&M. They have a really good range of winter clothing this year.

2. Dressing Gown and slippers.  Must haves when getting up on cold mornings! Love soft dressing gowns, I have 3! The one Michael has was only £5 from Mothercare. His slippers were from the Disney Store and were a birthday present from my mum. 

3. Vests! These really don't have to be anything special. I got Michael some plain white vests in a pack of 3 for only £1.70 in Primark. They are only to wear under his shirts on the days it is bitterly cold.

4. Winter coat I actually bought Michael's winter coat last year in the sales. It was £25 reduced to £9. Winter coats can be expensive but Asda sell reasonably priced coats that are quite nice. Michael's coat is from Next and is fleece lined so should keep him nice and toasty. 

5. Gloves and hat. Again bought these just last week from Primark because you really do not need to pay a lot of gloves and a hat in my view. Just plain black will do. Although I am not sure Michael will wear his hat, he took off his summer cap all the time. If anyone has any tips for encouraging their child to keep on their hat let me know!

6. Wellies. It rains a lot! Must have if you are out a lot whatever the weather like we are. Got plain blue ones from Asda for just £5. They will do nicely. Even in the buggy with the raincover Michael needs waterproof shoes. Yet to find a buggy raincover that covers his bottom of the legs and feet! 

There are still some things I do need to buy Michael. He has long sleeved pjs but I will probably buy him some thicker ones as well. It gets really cold at our place. 

Also have to share, how cute is Michael's Halloween costume?! 

I know it's early since Halloween is a while away. However Home Bargains have some of their range in and this vampire costume was only £4.99 Bargain! so thought I would buy it and put it away for him. I love Halloween so of course Michael is dressed up every year! 

Now Michael is all set for Winter clothing wise I can get my winter stuff out and have a sort out. Every year I always seem to need more jumpers! We also dig out the extra blankets and hot water bottles later down the year. Am also in love with more autumn based candles. 

Let me know what you do to prepare for Winter.

H. 

Reasons my toddler is throwing a full on tantrum.

Michael's tantrums are legendary. In a way I am proud of him, when he does something he gives it 100%. I am talking the whole throw yourself on the floor, kick and punch, scream at the top of your lungs and give your mum the deepest look of disgust tantrum. Shaky logic and uncontrollable emotions join up so that he overreacts to the smallest things but in Michael's mind I am the worst mother in the world. 

So reasons my toddler threw a full on tantrum:

• I would not let him repeatedly press the bell on the bus.

• I would not let him climb on the bookcase.

• I moved him 2 inches to the left so I could get past him.

• He could not get his blanket off the bed, despite nothing on it and in his reach.

• I would not let him put his finger up the cat's bottom.

• I did not cut up his chicken right.

• He did not want his mixed veg mixed up.

• He didn't want to play with his bucket and spade at the playground, he wanted to play with an almost identical one belonging to another child.

• He was not allowed to go near the hot oven.

• He finished all of his breadsticks and we did not have any more.

• A man in a parrot costume came towards him.

• I stopped him from eating my face cream.

• I would not let him hang up the phone to his dad while I was half way through a conversation.

• He wanted a drink and was adamant his cup was empty, it wasn't.

• I wouldn't let him take home the dvd Saw. He liked the picture of the puppet Jigsaw on the case.

Clearly I am a awful parent! He does make me laugh and keeps me

on my toes.

Share some of the reasons your toddler has thrown a tantrum in the comments below. Would love to hear about them.

H. 

What's in Michael's bag?

We now longer use a changing bag since Michael is now a toddler and has less stuff. Instead he has a small backpack that goes on the buggy when we are out and about.

This is currently Michael's backpack. He has had a few including Mickey Mouse and Thomas the Tank Engine, they only cost £5 roughly each time.

The Star Wars one his dad picked for him since he loves the films. It has a front pocket and two cup holders which are handy. 

So what goes in it?

1. Nappies, wipes and nappy bags. 

Goes without saying really doesn't it? They are kind of a essential for a non toilet trained child.

2. Change of clothes.  The days I have forgotten to take a change of clothes out with me are the days Michael poops all over his or spills everything down him. So we now have a change of clothes that stays in his bag.

3. Snacks (and lunch if out all day). Michael eats a lot so we always take some snacks in his bag. So much easier than having to buy them while you are out, also sometimes you can't get the healthier snacks you want. Michael takes out yogurt, bananas, pot of grapes, fruit drops, purée pouch etc. All grab and go snacks, easy peasy!

4. Drink Bottle 

5. Toys and book Really handy if Michael is starting to get bored if we are visiting someone or if we are eating at a restaurant/cafe. We rotate the toys and book in the bag so he does not get bored. Things like sticker books and colouring book really work as well. Failing that he gets handed the iPhone!

6. Nappy Cream Michael gets really sore when he is teething so a decent nappy cream is essential for us. We have tried a few and I have found oilatum to be the best brand.

7. Teething powder The miracle cure to Michael's teething problems and crying! We use the Nelsons brand. They are expensive but so worth the money! 

8. Dummy Now Michael does have a dummy, we are working on decreasing the amount of time he has with the dummy now that he is nearing 2. Now it is just for going to sleep and so we take it out in case he needs a nap. 

9. Reins Some people don't like reins, for us they are essential. Michael is a bolter and would walk right into the road. Therefore reins are in the bag if he wants to walk but we are near cars. 

What do you have in your toddler's bag? 

H. 

Stressful day with naughty toddler

What a awful and stressful day today has been. We were all up early because Dan had a early shift. So I decide to take Michael swimming since I have not been able to do much with lately.

He has been so unbelievably naughty and has just been hard work today. He did not want to eat breakfast, or get dressed. Finally got him out the door and in the pool and the swim thankfully went good. Nap meant I could actually relax.

He woke from a nap to throw his lunch at the cat, hit me with a bubble wand, stood in the way while I was trying to clean the kitchen floor, took all the dvds off the shelf, terrorised the cat, tantrums galore because I gave him the wrong snack and turned over Mickey Mouse clubhouse etc. It has just been non-stop today, all while I try and get the place tidy and clean for guests tomorrow.

I have pleaded with Michael, tried to distract him, put him in time out, shouted at him 😳. Now he has fallen asleep, because you know being naughty does take it out on a toddler.

Anyone else have days like this?!

H. 

Favourite clothes stores for children

I love buying clothes...for my son. For me nothing seems to fit fantastically and I always question too much if I need that fabulous pink shirt. Then when I decide to actually buy that shirt, they have sold out. Sigh.

Anyway Michael has more clothes than he will probably wear in a lifetime but I love buying for him and like him looking smart. Here are some of my favourite clothes stores for toddlers.

1. Asda George

Now this is probably because Asda is the only large supermarket within a 10 minute walk but I do like the clothes Asda has to offer. They are affordable and fit well. 

I just bought these two shirts for Michael recently in the Asda sale. For £3 and £4 for decent quality t-shirts you can't go wrong. I also bought Daniel two Star Wars shirts for £4 each! Total bargain. 

2. Next

Love love Next clothes for toddlers, hate them for women's clothes but their children's clothes are the best quality I have found for high street stores. They look lovely and last for ages. I do however find them a little expensive for clothes, especially for a mucky toddler. So I tend to only shop there during sales or for special birthday/Christmas outfits.

I have already wrapped it but I recently bought this shirt:

We bought a similar one last year for Michael's first birthday and it looked really cute in the pictures. I wish they had kept the same design as last year but I do think Michael will look great wearing this for his second birthday in September. It was only £6.

3. Mothercare

I recently spent £40 on clothes in the mothercare sale and I got some great clothes. I don't always shop in mothercare because I find some of their clothes a bit plain and boring. However I have found some nice clothes in there and they are affordable. You just have to dodge the toys first before your toddler grabs one!

Just some of the clothes I picked up in the mothercare sale, they were priced between £1:50-£4. 

4. Primark 

Now I have to admit I am not a massive fan of Primark for children's clothes. I find their clothes come up small and do not wash as well as some of the other stores. However they are ok for some bits. I mainly buy Michael's vests, pants, socks and his more casual clothes like tracksuit bottoms and some cheap t-shirts just for running around at home and when we go messy play. That way I am not fussed if they get ruined.

5. Ebay/Charity Stores

Now some people will not put their child in second hand clothes and that is fine. I personally have no issue with them, once I have put them on a hot wash. When I was younger, we were often dressed in second hand clothes and it did not bother us at all! Michael has had some lovely Ralph Lauren shirts that have cost me £5 and he has a leather jacket that was £1:50! 

So you know, go with an open mind. You can find some great bargains. Also toys and books are pretty cheap in charity stores.

Toddler clothes don't have to cost the earth, shop around and shop in the sales! I already have a lot of Michael's clothes in the next size up where I pick them up cheap and put them away.

H. 

Indoor Activities for Toddlers

So here in London, we have had some miserable days(so much for summer!). I do try to take Michael out rain and shine, we do swimming, soft play, playgroups etc but when you don't drive, sometimes it is easier to stay indoors. Here are some of mine and Michael's favourite indoor activities:

1. Playdoh. I have written about playdoh before because I really do think it is great. You can make your own, and it keeps toddlers entertained for ages. You can also use household items to make shapes, we use cookie cutters and also Michael's stacking cups.

2. Baths. I used to think baths were there just to clean your child but if your child is ratty, chuck them in for a bath. Put lots of bubble bath and toys and they will happily play for a while. I tend to use that time to clean the bathroom or sit on the toilet reading or something. 

3. Indoor picnic. Michael really loves doing this for a treat when it is miserable outside. We put a blanket down, he grabs his teddies, and we just have some lunch on the floor. I tend to also buy some foods we don't usually have so it really is a nice little treat to break up the rainy day.

4. Baking. Michael has only really got into helping me cook. I am not very good at cooking, so we just have those simple packs where you add water and an egg. He really does like helping me do it though and then eating all those cakes. We then take some of the cakes round to Michael's nan(my mum)

5. Arts and Crafts. Again Michael is a little young for this so at the moment he is just doing some drawing and playing with stickers. However for older children I would keep some crafts sets there for those rainy days indoors. They are useful in keeping your kids busy.

I do try as well to catch up with some housework when we are in for the day so luckily Michael is happy to entertain himself with his toys or I get him involved with helping me.

What are some of your favourite indoor activities with your child? Let me know in the comments below.

H.