Cheesecake!

Evening everyone!

How are we all? Been busy?

I certainly have! Today was my mums birthday - I make all the family birthday cakes, and decided to switch it up a bit and do a cheesecake instead! White chocolate and strawberry, with lettering carved of strawberries, and a jelly crab - cancers starsign symbol!

What do you all think ?!

Follow the link to facebook here to see the pic!

www.facebook.com/mummysmakingmemories

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Night all!

Christmas in June?!

So we are almost halfway through the year. Summer should be getting into swing and holidays lined up.

Indeed that is the case in our household. Holidays definitely well planned and in motion. However, not as you may think. Not a summer holiday, but the CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES! 

I know, I know, its June. Not November. Even October is acceptable. But no. June.

I have always been a forward planner. Liked getting started before Halloween. No worries then about money, stock, forgetting people. 

This year we have one extra event though - our baby bears first birthday! Born on 01/01/2013 we have just a week between xmas and the celebrations. And even less money. So I decided we needed to plan ahead to get some bargains and make sure we can afford it all!

Nabbed the ipad and quickly opened a new note. Titling it Christmas 2013, I set about my lists. I have lists for who we need to buy for, what we have bought for who, ideas for other people for our baby bear, and who has already bought/reserved what for baby bear. Then right at the bottom, baby bears birthday.

Its kind of daunting to be honest. The list seems so long! But on a plus note, its because we have almost finished the shopping for our little boys Christmas! Seeing as he will only be 51 weeks at Christmas, we aren't going mad. We have a trike, a train set, a doodle plush and bath time basketball. We have £17 left to spend to hit budget, and then the stocking. Already have a little ball and stacking bath turtles for this. 

With both nans and grandads, 2 aunties, 2 uncles, 2 great nans ... He is going to have plenty!

And now thoughts are turning to everyone else! Eek! Now I have them listed, I want it bought and out of the way! It seems no matter when you start planning, you always fret!

So as I sit here mulling over whether to make mince pies and start blasting out a bit of Cliffs Mistletoe and Wine, it got me wondering, is it just me entering the festive euphoria? 

So here are my questions to you - 

* Have you started yet?!

* Am I wrong to be this far in this early?!

* And when is it acceptable to start playing Christmas music?!

Sleep? Yes please!

So its fathers day - little ones morning went as normal, been downstairs had a play etc etc, and we come to nap time.

Last night was horrible. 3 hours sleep for me as my little baby bear was tossing and turning. This morning I spot the issue - we are almost there with tooth number 1! Hallelujah! So that is why the bad sleep lately I realise. 11am came and baby bear was getting sleepy. The last few days his naps have got progressively worse with his wriggling etc. So I had stopped seeing it as a break for me.

Upon my usual facebook browse at 6am this morning however, I stumbled upon an app for the ipad - soundsleeper. Tried apps with noise before, but downloaded it anyway just to see what the who ha is about. Little one was fighting but falling asleep and I opened the app. There were several different noises available, of which I thought were quite well compiled - womb, car journey, ocean, rain, vaccum cleaner...

I selected the car journey, as little one tends to fall asleep in the car! All of a sudden the fight was over! Baby bear was sleeping. I went to close the app thinking it had done its job, nothing left to do. Then I find the button - "listen". Listen? Listen to what? 

I opened the help and find this app listens for when the little one stirs and automatically plays the noise again - soothing them back off! Well I will certainly try that I thought! 

Pushed the button after selecting "womb". And decided to chance getting some things done around the house. Usually the little one is such a light sleeper if I do anything he wakes up, and naps tend to be around 15 minutes lately because of it! 

Twice the noise activated. He was stirring, almost awake, and then back off. YES!!!

35 minutes after falling asleep, after I had got what I needed to do done, up gets my little baby bear. Happy, well rested, and ready to play with a chuffed mummy bear!  

All doubts out the window, this app works for us! Will certainly be using this afternoon. And tonight. And tomorrow. And the next day .....

Link below for anyone interested!

ITS FREE!!!

Sound sleeper app - itunes

Kiddicare review

I purchased a car seat from Kiddicare as my little boy outgrew his first - long baby! We installed it in the back seat of the car and went about business. After a few days I did not like him being in the back as the head is poorly supported and I wanted to keep an eye on him. The next day however, he managed to lift the buckle on the car seat and out fell a spring! I grabbed it quickly before he ate it - if he had been in the back it would have been in his mouth and choking him! Shocked and upset I contacted kiddicare regarding this. All they offered to do was refund, and after lots of emails a £20 gift card. Now due to this I could not go out, as the little one has to come everywhere. Im self employed and he comes to work with me - I lost £225 minimum of work. My partner doesn't drive and I have to take him - taxi fares cost £60. Then we had to buy a new seat £30. And I could not take my son to weighing, to see family, days out... Kiddicare had to collect the seat (the next week) and then I had to wait for a refund, which was a week to clear with my bank. I told them £20 was simply not enough to cover my losses but was told to get legal representation if I wanted to get more. What parent has money for this? They clearly do not care about customers health, safety or emotions. We have photographed and video taped this negligence and are contacting relevant safety authorities to prevent other families going through this. This company seem neglectful, do not value individual custom and I certainly will never be using them again. Avoid if you value your child's life!

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Aldi Mamia Nappies review

When little one arrived on New Years we were all stocked up with huggies little ones nappies, and pampers. 

After about 3 weeks I was sick to the back teeth of he amount of leaks! No matter what we did we just could not get on with them, so we switched to Aldis Mamia Nappies. Best thing we ever did! 

These nappies are so secure, we maybe have a leak once every few weeks - and usually as a result ofus doing it up a little looser! 

They have a lovely design with animals iver them making them interesting for the kids - my little one sits and pulls at it trying to get the animals off to play! 

The tabs are great - never break and give a really solid attachment. 

Absorbency wise - I could not ask for more! On the rare nights when little one will sleep through it will hold all moisture - up to 12 hours as the pack describes! 

Now everything I have mentionned is convenient, of course, thats what all parents want. But most importantly, is it comfortable for baby? YES! 

With other nappy bands little one would rub at it and fidget, especially when just wet. With these, its like they arent there! No bother to him at all! 

Now, the price... 

Pampers average - 10-15p per nappy 

Aldi mamia average - 8-11p per nappy 

So, these are comfortable, secure, minimal fuss AND cheaper! 

What more could we ask for mums and dads?! 

All in all, 10/10 for these nappies, highly recommended - thankyou Aldi!

Summary: Excellent nappies - would never use anything but!

Welcome!

Hello everyone! Thanks for joining my journey! 

This is where you will find me writing about my experiences as a first time mummy, reviewing products and services, having discussions with other parents and running some great competitions!

I would love to hear from you all so don't hesitate to join in!

Thanks and enjoy the ride!

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