20/07/201309/07/2017 by jo

Mozzie Bites – A Cheap Fix If You’re Allergic

I have some mozzie bites on my arm – I’ve just posted about the lovely skin on my legs, but I forgot about this time of year when those annoying buzzy critters like to come and chomp on me, leaving behind itchy red bumps where they’ve been. I hate mosquitos, I really do. I’ve tried almost everything to repel them and nothing works. Every year they get me.

Mozzie bites are the bane of my life in summer. I attract them and I have no idea why.

Imagine how it will be when we relocate to Australia! When I’ve been in the past I’ve had mozzie bites they swell to horrible sizes – I had to be put on antibiotics one year, with steroids the following one. I get cellulitis (which is nothing to do with cellulite, it’s to do with your arm or leg swelling up thanks to the bites) and I’ve tried everything you can possibly get over the counter.

One year Shaun’s mum bought me a cream called Stingose. I wasn’t convinced but she was aware how I reacted when I was bitten – and after a night out (with all the repellent I could get on me) and the mozzies having a good feast on me, and my skin reacting, I put some Stingose on the mozzie bites. Within a day the swelling had gone and instead I just had a bruised kind of look there. It is the stuff of miracles!

Except.

You can’t get it in the UK.

I was bitten on the shoulder four times at my knitting group. After a quick look online I found that Stingose is discontinued in the UK. I have no idea why. So I had a bit of a panic… someone must have heard of it or seen it in a chemist, so I asked around. Instead I had helpful people sending me google links (to places where it is out of stock) and helpful suggestions of other creams, but I need something I know works.

Then Shaun came up with the genius solution – a Styptic Pencil. It has exactly the same ingredients as Stingose – and it’s also a lot cheaper! So off I went to Boots and picked one up. Sure enough its main purpose is shaving cuts, but insect bites is listed there too.

If you’re like me and a sensitive soul then I’d recommend giving the Styptic Pencil a try – you just dab it in water and put it on the bite. Obviously I’m not a doctor so maybe do some research into it before you try. If you too are trying to find some Stingose in the UK and failing, then this is your best solution.

That and I’ve bought an Executioner which should arrive early next week. Damn critters. This is very un-vegetarian of me, I know – but I don’t eat mozzies.

20/07/2013 by jo

Check Your Car Insurance

Check your car insurance! Following on from the last post about Contents Insurance, we got our car renewal through earlier this week.

Check your car insurance – Shaun did and spotted an error – for some reason when we moved house they didn’t amend the postcode which says where the car would be kept. A quick call and our annual premium has been reduced by £12 a year – not the biggest amount, but considering it hadn’t been done since we moved it has given us a bit of extra money which is a good thing!

It’s one of those small things you wouldn’t think to check, but yet it makes a big difference. It’s something which should have been noticed when we moved, but wasn’t.

So yeah, don’t forget to read the small print. That and check when you change address that your insurance company has done it too.

20/07/201327/01/2014 by jo

I’m a Fitbug Mum

I’m a Fitbug Mum!

I’m a Fitbug mum and in my quest to stay active, the opportunity came up to try out a Fitbug Air. They currently only work with Apple products (though a Samsung Galaxy compatible version is due soon) so I’m using it with the iPad Mini at the moment and tracking my daily steps.

(yes, today so far at nearly midday I have done 59 steps)

As it tends to be with me, I’ve not read the instructions. I’ve registered (which was straightforward) and been wearing the Fitbug Air tracking my steps – missing just two days so far. Of all the pedometers I’ve used this one has stayed on the longest and not fallen off – it’s really securely fixed to the holder.

I know I need to be more active, but actually getting several ‘pink’ days (when you’ve done a good number of steps) is quite encouraging – all that running for the train is paying off! It logs your aerobic steps too which is good. I’m purposely only tracking steps to start with, as I intend to log my activities (it converts your total steps into calories) properly at my Porridge On Tuesday account.

What I’m liking the most about being a Fitbug Mum is being able to send the data on my Fitbug Air straight to my iPad using bluetooth – which means everything stays accurate.

At the moment I’m still trying to understand it (yes, I will read the instructions), but nonetheless I’m getting positive results right now. With it having such a good clip to keep it to your waistband I don’t need to hide it in my pocket either.

So yes, here we are – and I am definitely much more active now my back issues aren’t troubling me as much!

I have been sent a Fitbug Air for review, all opinions are mine.

18/07/201326/03/2018 by jo

Saaf Pure Organic Skincare Review

Saaf Pure Organic Skincare approached me asking if I’d like to review anything from their range.

I had a look at the Saaf Pure Organic Skincare website for something which would help the long-standing dry skin patch on my leg. While various lotions and potions helped it fade, it would still get itchy and I’d find the rash came back after one scratch.

Looking at my skin I could see it was badly dehydrated which could be fixed, but nothing was working to stop the itch.

After describing my problem Saaf Pure Organic Skincare suggested I try some Super Hydrating Body Balm alongside some Eraser Body Oil. My husband, ever the sceptic, didn’t believe anything could shift the rash and that I needed to go back to the doctor but I wanted to persevere. This was the first time I was going to try something which would work on the itchiness.

All Saaf Pure Organic Skincare products are vegetarian, vegan, cruelty free and Halal approved. They are also 95-97% organic. Their founder, Dr Mah, draws on her in-depth homeopathic and pharmacological experience to formulate botanicals into blends which help smooth lines, soothe blemishes, nourish dryness, nurture fragilities and restore natural balance. There’s also no added alcohol, fragrance or chemicals. Dr Mah’s twins put some in their mouths so she made sure all ingredients were all edible!

From cold pressed botanicals to steam distilled essential oils, the ingredients are chosen for their therapeutic effects and the blends are scientifically formulated by a team of experts. There’s a list of all the ingredients here. Saaf Pure Organic Skincare is also fully certified organic by the Soil Association

The Super Hydrating Body Balm – which is solid – makes my skin smell a-maz-ing; it smells like a spa. The body balm is good for dry or prematurely ageing skin and is scented with essential oils – they recommend using on elbows and knees and is suitable for all over. It’s worth it to smell THIS Good – and after two months I still have loads left.

I’ve used the Eraser Body Oil daily for the last two months. You don’t need a lot and it rubs in well, though I’ve found it’s best to apply after a bath or shower. I still have the best part of a bottle left – a little goes a long way with this oil.

The Saaf Pure Organic Skincare products are also safe to use if pregnant says their FAQ :

I’m pregnant, should I be worried about using essential oils?

All our skincare products are safe to use during pregnancy, as we use the finest quality essential oils in small amounts. Our Complexion Boosting Serum contains Juniper Berry essential oil, which some aromatherapists believe may be contra-indicated in pregnancy, however we use less than 0.2% and Dr Mah developed the serum to use herself during her own pregnancy, so it certainly has her seal of approval.

I’m amazed at how effective it has been making my rash go away. The skincare isn’t cheap; you can get a smaller kit on offer at the moment; but for me I’d happily pay to keep the rash away. It is the only product I’ve used which has worked on both sides of the problem.

I was sent full-sized versions of both products to test, thank you! I didn’t think anything would work and I’m so pleased with the results!

17/07/201327/01/2014 by jo

Bear Paws Healthy Snacks – Review

We’re huge fans of the Fruit Yo-Yo’s you can buy in most stores, from Bear Nibbles – we were offered the chance to review their new snacks Bear Paws so jumped at it!

Bear Paws come from Bear Nibbles, and like the other snacks in the range are really yummy.

Bear Paws are healthy and interesting too – bear paw shaped fruit moulds, which count as one of your five a day, as well as having no added sugar, no preservatives and they’re never from concentrate.

There’s an educational element to them as well, in each pack there’s five different kinds of paws which match to what’s on the back of the pack – H is at the stage where she’ll remember the names of the creatures and identify them by being able to work out the first letter and which animal it should be – it makes a fun guessing game (and she shared a pack with her friend at swimming today too, so it kept them both occupied!).

If you like Yo Yo’s, you’ll know what you’re getting – there’s just the three varieties (and plenty of characters!) – Dino Paws (strawberry and apple), Jungle Paws (apple and blackcurrant) and Safari Paws (orange and strawberry).

There’s a little token on the back of each pack too which you can save up and send off to get a sticker – we’ve already bought more as they’re fun and not sticky – ideal for hot train journeys when your child wants a snack.

I’ve just spotted Bear are doing a cereal too – I’m definitely going to look out for that (available in Waitrose – I’m going there tomorrow to find some!) – healthy alphabet shapes sound perfect for H.

Bear Paws snacks are available at most good supermarkets – I’ve found them at larger Sainsburys branches as well as via Ocado.

We were sent a pack of each to try with some cool goodies, all opinions are our own, especially H who allowed us to share just one paw from each pack, she liked them so much!

15/07/201327/01/2014 by jo

Schwartz 2 in 1 Range – Mediterranean Chicken Pasta and Cheesy Crumb

Schwartz 2 in 1 is a new range of spices you can add to dishes. They’re simple to use, there’s clear instructions and the Mediterranean Chicken Pasta and Cheesy Crumb is suitable for vegetarians, so I gave it a go.

Schwartz 2 in 1 is part of a BritMums challenge to use it in a dish you’d normally eat, but as we’ve been off our food for the last week we’re late. The Schwartz 2 in 1 range has some spice to cook with your food and a second sachet which you use as a topping – easy – even I can do this one.

I bought some Quorn fillets over the weekend with this in mind, and realised I needed more, so raided what was left in the freezer – which were two veggie burgers.

I chopped them up, and cooked them, adding some red pepper (the recipe suggests yellow but we had none). I also added a courgette and some carrot so it wasn’t too pasta and cheese-based and had more veg.

After that you’re meant to get the first sachet and mix it with some tomatoes and water – I used passata and didn’t read the instructions properly, adding it straight to my quorn and vegetable mixture – fortunately it wasn’t a disaster!

200g of pasta was being cooked, and once ready I added it to the mixture and transferred it to one of my favourite oven dishes.

After that it was a case of adding the other sachet of topping as well as some grated cheese (I used some Tickler Extra Mature – we discovered Tickler at the Devon County Show and I’ve been buying it since – and you don’t need as much as it’s really strong) , popped it under the grill for a few minutes and let it cool down.

Then we sat outside and stuffed our faces! (actually, we ate half, it’s really filling and very yummy). As a sidenote, Schwartz, if you read this, I’d never have bought this, assuming it wasn’t suitable for vegetarians – so I’m happy it is!

This post is a (very late so doesn’t qualify) entry for BritMums ‘What’s for Dinner Tonight?’ sponsored by Schwartz. Find out more about the new 2in1 mixes here. We were sent two different varieties to try, all opinions are our own.

14/07/201326/03/2018 by jo

Big Fish Little Fish Events – 2-4 Hour Party People

Big Fish Little Fish Events are a new monthly Sunday afternoon event in Brixton.

If you know your ‘Voodoo Ray’ from your Voodoo Queens then this may be for you – Big Fish Little Fish Events.

The tagline ‘2-4 hour party people’ made me chuckle – if you remember 1990 (or indeed if you don’t remember 1990 but have children now) then this will be your cup of tea.

We attended a special launch event to get a taster of what’s to come. Big Fish Little Fish is held at the Effra Social in Brixton and has a bbq and ice cream stall at the front with a cash bar and cakes from Rosie’s Deli Cafe in the main dance area – plus there’s healthy snacks for kids. H got a glowstick bracelet which she’s become surgically attached to (quite literally).

I spotted a buggy and scooter storage area too which is safe and covered.

Our first impressions – it was quite loud – we couldn’t really chat to each other much and H has never been a fan of loud places, but after a little nudge she was off, this may have something to do with me appealing to her competitive nature (‘I bet you can’t dance as well as me’).

Big Fish Little Fish’s DJ’s didn’t play at club-level volume though it was high – with my tinnitus ears it felt sensitive – but if you’re used to higher volume music you’ll be fine – just bear it in mind if your child is like H.

Mid-way through the event we had a cockney knees-up from Nanna of Underbling and Vow, before we were straight back into dancing – from ‘Hey Ya’ by Outkast to some Chic to some ‘Hanging on a String’ by Loose Ends (where I had a weird urge to dance on one leg – did they do that?) – so it’s not strictly rave but it has a good beat. H was in her element and loved dancing to these.

We sat outside towards the end and sampled the ice cream from Crystal Creams – the perfect weather and we were hot and needed to cool down.

Outside families discussed the festivals they were going to this year – albeit with their kids. It’s an afternoon social designed for us former festival goers who miss our old music while keeping it child-friendly. There were balloons all over the venue which H enjoyed.

We missed the very end, and reading Twitter it sounds like ‘The Sun Rising’ was the final Big Fish Little Fish song, sigh. I love that song too…

Big Fish Little Fish events will run monthly from September 21st from 2-4.30pm each event with a fancy dress theme. Tickets are a very reasonable price too – check the site for more info. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

We were given free entry to the launch event, all opinions are our own!

13/07/201326/03/2018 by jo

Higgidy Quiche – A Follow-Up Post

We promised a follow-up post when we managed to locate the new Higgidy limited edition quiche.

Higgidy have a new limited edition quiche – Balsamic Onion and Mature Cheddar in stores now. Today was a hot day, the kind of day you don’t want to bother doing the cooking so we headed to the large Sainsburys in Croydon and found it there as well as a good selection of the other Higgidy pies and quiches in their range.

I knew H might not be keen on the Balsamic Onion and Mature Cheddar as she really doesn’t like onion so I also picked up a Higgidy Spinach, Feta and Toasted Pine Nut Pie.

And as predicted she wasn’t keen but ate the pie without any bother. It’s definitely the onion, which I didn’t think was that strong (but it could also be a texture thing).

I really like the Spinach, Feta and Toasted Pine Nut pie as we’ve had it before. The Balsamic Onion and Mature Cheddar quiche was yummy and went well with our salad (spinach and watercress with balsamic vinegar and olive oil).

The large quiche is a limited edition but is still available in-store. I had a bit of trouble finding it but found the large branches of Sainsburys stock it – so bear that in mind if you’re looking for that one specifically.

Higgidy are running another competition – you can win some goodies from them (as long as you’re a new parent or a parent-to-be), all you have to do is pop your details on this page – the competition is open for one week after the royal baby arrives, so given today is (allegedly) the due day, you don’t have too long to try! Good luck!

We were sent vouchers to try the Higgidy pies and quiches, all opinions are our own.

12/07/201327/01/2014 by jo

Monsters University Soundtrack

Out now is the Monsters University soundtrack – here’s our review.

The Monsters University Soundtrack is out now. We saw the film a couple of weeks ago, and loved it. I reviewed it for the very lovely Sharon over at I Heart Motherhood where we had a fabulous time.

So, the soundtrack – think of it as more of a score than a soundtrack. While certain things didn’t bring back memories, one of the key bits of the film, the disco in the frat party, stood out and the music from Axwell & Sebastian Ingrosso of Swedish House Mafia is definitely our highlight of the songs here. It also has H jump up and dance every time (while pulling her best monster face).

The score is composed by Randy Newman and doesn’t disappoint, as ever. The last song is the only one with any vocals, everything else is instrumental – and Newman added a unique flair to his score, calling on renowned international drum corps The Blue Devils to contribute a definitively collegiate sound. The composer also used elements of concert band music to create the feeling of being in school. In fact, said Newman, “There’s a little bit of Brahms’ ‘Academic Festival Overture’ when Mike is riding the pig. I like to think Brahms would be extremely flattered by his inclusion in the score.”

Not all songs featured in the movie are on the soundtrack. Mastodon’s song ‘Island’ is one which jumps out, though you can buy it separately rather than as part of the soundtrack anyway. If you enjoyed Monsters University, then you’ll probably enjoy the Monsters University Soundtrack.

Check out the trailer which features a lot of the Swedish House Mafia song!

The Monsters University Soundtrack is available now as a download

We were sent a digital copy of the album for review. Please note the download link is an affiliate link.

11/07/201327/01/2014 by jo

Jump Up and Join In With Carrie and David Grant

Jump Up and Join In With Carrie and David Grant is a new series of books and an app – read on to find out more.

Jump Up and Join In with Carrie and David Grant are a series of books created to encourage children to learn various aspects of music – rhythm, quiet, loud and much more. – H and I were invited to Egmont’s offices to preview an app based on the first book ‘Lion’s Speedy Sauce’.

Jump Up and Join In

We received a copy of ‘Elephant’s Birthday Bells’ in our goody bag, a book we’re already familiar with – all the stories are based around music and rhythm with a CD at the back (so you can play and read along) as well as a song. We’ll follow this up with a review of the first two books but this event was to launch an accompanying app for the first book, ‘Jump Up and Join In – Lion’s Speedy Sauce’.

We got to meet Carrie and David – and they’re both really lovely (and yes, I didn’t mention David’s eighties pop career in Linx, I was very well-behaved) and I had a quick chat with Carrie about music.

What appeals to me about the Jump Up and Join In books and the app are how you can come at the book from various angles – children all learn differently and there’s many entry levels into the books – be it listening to the CD’s or looking at pictures or playing the app to name three, and Carrie and David recognise this, having experienced different kinds of learning with their children. We’ve missed Carrie and David’s Pop Shop due to H’s age, but I like what they’re doing. Shows like Zingzillas came after them – and we spoke of an appreciation of Yo Gabba Gabba and shows which come at music differently.

It doesn’t have to be high energy nursery rhymes all the time (not that there’s anything wrong with that, but y’know).

For me, the proof this is our kind of thing came with H singing the ‘Ella Elephant’ song a day after we listened to the Jump Up and Join In CD for the first time – so I’m looking forward to updates on the app to include the other books.

Next week we’ll follow this up with a review of the app, but on first glance I’m impressed. H liked having the story read to her, though wasn’t as keen to have her picture taken (I have no idea why she was shy!) – you can add yourself as a character to dance with Carrie and David. The activities involved playing the bongos to a rhythm, and happily David told us that you can’t get it wrong, even the worst score would get a bronze star so your child doesn’t feel like they’ve failed.

We’ll also be reviewing the book we received – and as David said, when children are learning and having fun they’ll learn so much more. I agree, and have sung scales with H for the first time ever – but more on that very soon. Right now I’d recommend you keep an eye out for the app which is released on Monday and is currently Apple only, though there was talk of more versions being available possibly.

Thank you to Egmont for the invite, and thank you to Carrie and David for being there to explain it all – you’ve gained two big fans here!

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