I was asked recently how often I vacuum. The answer is a lot….at least 3 times a day, maybe even up to 5. Now, that may seem excessive, but we have 2 young children and a rather chubby, fluffy, long haired cat. That means when I come down each morning I am met with a carpet of fluff. I have no idea what our cat does in our living room each night while we’re asleep, but it seems to entail shedding a large portion of his coat. Vacuum #1 is usually cleaning up that mess ready to start the day. Then during the day there is play. Lots and lots of messy play which usually entails at least 1 tidy up including a vacuum. If it includes play doh, kinetic sand or Darcie’s favourite activity (cutting out paper shapes), then you can usually add another couple of whizzes around.

So, when AO got in contact to test out the Hoover Velocity Evo then I absolutely jumped at the chance.

[Read more…]

Goodbye Halloween, hello Christmas!

Yes, I know we still have a little time to go but I always think that as soon as the pumpkins and fireworks are packed away, it’s all steam ahead with plans for the big day. It’s around about now that I take a closer look at the gifts I’ve already managed to pick up throughout the year and start planning to fill any gaps.

With that in mind, here are a few ideas for some of the grown ups in your life.

[Read more…]

I’m going to start this review a little differently. Think of the toys from your childhood that have made the cut and followed you all the way to where you are now as an adult. It may be that none have gone the distance. However, if there are any that did, then I am pretty confident that many of them will be soft toys. I think the reason is that soft toys are a little different to other toys. The cars, dolls, dinosaurs and crafts are all played with throughout our childhoods and no doubt loved. However, soft toys are that little bit more special.

They are the toys that are cuddled in bed each night. The toys which are clutched onto for comfort. They are the toys that are confided in and secrets whispered to under the covers. The toys which are unwaiveringly there for the children that love them, and live with them in their arms and their imaginations. With that in mind I want to introduce you to Wilberry from The Puppet Company.

[Read more…]

Anyone with a new baby will remember the days when your peaceful little babe (who previously loved sleep) suddenly will not settle. Or if they do, they are easily disturbed by any small sound. Then you come across the most amazing thing. White noise.

It could be you notice the fact that they settle when you dry your hair. Or perhaps you suddenly notice that they quieten when you vacuum. Before you know it, you’re downloading white noise apps on your phone and living in fear of your battery running out. To all of you currently spending more hours of the day than you care to count walking with an unsettled baby. Come meet Ash.

Ash and his friends Pearl, Fleur and Filbert are part of the myHummy family.

[Read more…]

It’s no big secret if you know me that I love photography. I fell in love with it as a teenager when I first discovered darkroom photograpy and has only grown over the years. It’s not unusual for me to add up to 1,000 new photos to my flickr account each month, enjoying capturing moments through my lens.

What I hate though, is that often those moments stay trapped in a virtual album, very rarely being seen by anyone but me. I’m always on the lookout for a new way to bring my prints to life and was very excited when Love Wood Prints got in contact to invite me to take a closer look at their products.

[Read more…]