Pampers Active Fit Nappies #britainsdriestnappy

We recently trialled some Pampers Active Fit nappies as part of Britain's Driest Nappy trial.

#britainsdriestnappy 

What did we think?

Age of Child
28 months

Size of Active Fit nappies you were trying
Size 5

What was your overall impression of Pampers Active Fit?
I was surprised how thin they were, they are a lots less bulky than usual ones, Boots Baby. They are a bit over 'decorated' for my liking, they have gender neutral pictures on front and back. Some of tapes were fiddly and unstuck or stuck in wrong place. They smell horrible  when the get wet, it's like an overpowering almond aroma. 

How did Pampers Active Fit perform through the day and at night time?
Little Lady has been potty trained through day for a while now, since Easter, but as we have been through a lot of change recently, house move, separation, etc., we have been using nappies again. I found they held a reasonable amount, but obviously, she is changed more during day. To be honest, I didn't expect much from them at night, surely they were too thin, but they mostly stayed dry. We did have a couple of nights where we had leaks, but only in the morning, just before changing, so not #britainsdriestnappy for us. Once they were wet, they were bulging, pulling down, and looked really uncomfortable.
 

Would you use them again? If so, why? If not, why not?
They were less bulky so looked better under clothes, but too expensive compared to my usual brand (Boots Baby), I don't feel the benefit in daytime is great enough to justify the extra cost. Definitely wouldn't use for night times, not worth the hassle of extra washing.
 

If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Pampers Active Fit to other parents for dryness and fit?
After Huggies stopped making nappies to focus on Pull Ups, I tried a few different brands, including the existing Pamper's range, which I wasn't satisfied with, so I was interested to try these and see if they really had improved. They haven't really, better for daytime, still not great at night, so I would recommend others first, but maybe these for daytime.

As for us, we're off to Boots to stock up on own brand nappies.

Reasons to be Cheerful

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

My reasons to be cheerful this week include:

• I posted a rant about how Daddy reacted to first time childcare after last Thursday's visit to the potential child minder, and I received some lovely messages of support.
• Lots of help and support was received from the lovely ladies at Give Mums A Break.
• I decided to use the child minder, she is lovely, Kiki seemed happy with her too :) 
• Although I had a really bad panic attack before I went, I had a great weekend at Plus North, a fashion event for all this plus size, with my closest friend.
  
  
• We met some amazing people at Plus North and the After Party, especially the Topsy Curvy girls! 
  
• Simply Be were kind enough to send me an outfit to review whilst there too. The dress was gorgeous.
  
  
• I actually enjoyed shopping whilst there! Bought three pairs of shoes for £5 a pair, bargain! 
  
  
  
  
  I also bought a skirt from Topsy Curvy.
• My friend also bought me a baby Pink Diamanté Skull Scarf from there too  
  
  
• Whilst in Manchester, I accidentally fell in to Swarovski and spent some pennies... I bought this N The Skull Pendant and Slake Fuchsia Ruby Bracelet, which is actually long enough to wear as a choker too. Now if I can only find someone to buy me the Happy Duck - Punk Duck  and N the Skull Docking Station....
• We went to Afternoon Tea at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester – Piccadilly too, although wasn't worth it, met some lovely ladies there too.
• I actually went to a Parent & Baby group today, first one since my post natal groups, nearly 12 months ago.

 How was your week? Tell me....

Simply Be Fashion Review

After I won tickets to Plus North Fashion Event, I obviously needed something to wear, and Simply Be stepped up and offered me an outfit from their collection. 

Simply Be offer a range of on trend plus size ladies clothing, including some amazing designers and brands.

I was offered an outfit to review, which meant I had to look on the website and narrow down the choices. There were plenty of things I could have chosen! 

As I was looking quite a few of the items went out of stock in my size, I imagine that the Plus North event meant a rush on sales. I emailed them and gave a list of a few things I liked.

These were:

Anna Scholz Tie Belt Jacket £25.50

AX Paris Navy Floral Skater Dress £32.00

Butterfly Print Tea Dress £35.00 

Lovedrobe Stud Trim Maxi Dress £45.00 

Within 2 days I had received the AX Paris Navy Skater Dress and the Anna Scholz Tie belt jacket. 

• Luxurious stretch fabric. Anna Scholz has done it again! Coloured jackets are so on-trend right now, straight from the catwalk to you! Sophisticated boyfriend style jacket in fab textured stretch crepe. So soft and drapey, this jacket can be worn open or belted with the self-fabric belt and looks great with the sleeves pushed up for that 'Glam girl around town' look! We all want one! Get it before it's gone! With pockets and self-tie belt. Unlined.
• Length from 27in/69cm.

• This navy floral dress looks gorgeous dressed up or down. Has flattering pleats to the front and back to ensure your curves look fabulous. The multi-floral print means that you can team with different coloured accessories. Complete the look by adding pink lippy and a cute clutch. Has zip back fastening.
• Hand wash.
• Cotton.

I tried them on straight away. The colour of the jacket is gorgeous, it's also beautifully soft.

The dress fit me perfectly. I love skater dresses anyway. I'm not a busty girls (I'm between a B/ C cup) and with a shaped bra, there wasn't much room, so for larger boobed ladies, it may be a bit tight. 

Same with the waist, so may be worth going up a size.

I wore the dress all day on Saturday and it really is comfortable, no nipping, or digging in, although a bit blowy with the wind. Had a few Marilyn moments! LOL

The jacket is quite long, and roomy on the boobs. I also lost a button within hours of wearing it, but again very comfortable. I wore it with a white T and jeans on Sunday. I ended up tying the belt behind the jackets, I felt it was too bulky with it fastened.

Dress: AX Paris Navy Skater Dress from Simply Be

Jacket: Anna Scholz Tie belt jacket from Simply Be

Purple Patent Dr Marten Clemency boots

I adore the dress, so much so that I'm going to buy the coral in it.

Thank you to Simply Be for the outfit.

Find Simply Be:
@ Pinterest
@ Twitter
@ Simply Be Blog

Make Up Lesson

Those that know me in Real Life know I don't wear make up often. I might wear it for a night out or special occasion. I have been wearing my make up the same for twenty years!

I never really had anyone to show me how to do it properly, and the only time anyone ever did my make up for me was a trail at a department store, where I ended up looking like an eighties’ pop star!
Whilst looking around Beauty Culture’s website, I saw that they had a make up artist, Hayley, on site. I met her during my first appointment and she does make up lessons. I mean she will talk you through exactly how to apply it, using either your own products or hers.

As I was looking for something to do on my birthday, before afternoon Tea at The Queens Hotel, I thought it would be a great it for both my friend and me.

The lessons are two hours long. We both used Hayley’s products, me because I’m useless and forgot (and I don’t have much!) and my friend as she wanted a different look to go with the outfit she has planned for a wedding at the weekend.

Hayley also does Bridal make up, as well as photo shoots and television work, we were in safe hands.

Hayley explained everything step by step, show each of us the process using the other as a model! Everything was so easy to follow, well once we had been shown!

The make up we used was by Arbonne, it was lovely to use and all natural. I ended up placing an order.

After we had both did our make up, we had pictures taken. I was really impressed with the whole thing, all easy, very relaxed, and positive.

I wish I had the lesson years ago!

View Hayley's website here.

Pamper Package @ Beauty Culture

I needed some pampering and was looking at spas. I've never been to a spa and was feeling a bit self conscious of going on my own. 

Some of the prices are enough to make your eyes water more than a Brazilian Wax!

I looked on Wahanda to see if there were any offers on in my area, I saw a few close by. 

I found Beauty Culture and some of their offers looked good and reasonable priced.

After several texts to one of the therapists, I arranged two appointments. The first for the 3 hour pamper package and the second for a St. Tropez spray tan.

Beauty Culture is in a wedding and events showroom. From outside it looks rather dull, but inside is a haven of beauty! There are photos of weddings and events on the walls, beautiful table displays, and a party room with various decorations. 

 My first appointment was on Thursday. I arrived at 10:00 and met Janine, my therapist. I was shown around and given a drink. 

My treatment started with an UniversalContour Wrap, which claims to help you lose inches, a guaranteed 6 inches. 

I was  measured in various places, then wrapped in bandages, that had been soaking in warm clay, from heels to my neck. My therapist then helped me in to the most unflattering silver track / space suit thing! 

Janine was telling me lots of information throughout the process, for example the properties of the clay and what they were good for.

After I was in my sexy suit(!), it was through to the nail salon, for my nails done with Jessica GELeration. There was an array of colours to choose from, but I went for a classic French Manicure, although with a pink sparkle.

Janine even did me a matching French Manicure on my toe nails.

After my nails were set, it was back to the treatment room, where Janine explained the process for the Microdermabrasion facial. Basically, she sandblasted my face with crystals!

After the facial, it was time to unwrap me.  After all the bandages were removed and I was measured again and in total I had lost just over 20 inches! Bonus ☺

I was actually in the salon for four hours and came out feeling really relaxed and feeling good about myself. That doesn't happen often!

I definitely recommend Beauty Culture.

Chicco Bubble Gym Play Mat

Chicco Bubble Gym Play Mat

A few weeks ago I agreed to test the Chicco Bubble Gym Play mat through Mumsnet.

Chicco description:

A great new gym and play mat with colourful fun design and decoration. The large diameter mat is soft and well padded, and has a soft shaped pillow with cute hedgehog design! The perfect surface for baby to explore whilst developing coordination and muscles!

The gym toy bar arches have 7 multi-activity hanging toys providing babies with lots of fun and stimulation. Featuring a mirror, crinkles, squeaks and teethers!

The arches support an electronic activity panel with multi-coloured soft light effects, 25 minutes of musical melodies and fun sounds. Its also possible to safely and securely connect your Mp3 player and personalise the playlist for baby, to increase the fun or help them relax on the soft mat!!

When the box arrived I thought 'What the heck?!' It was huge! I mean 70cm squared is a large playmat, would I even have the room to lay it out? Thankfully the excessive packaging was just to ship to me, the actual toy box was pretty normal sized. Kiki immediately enjoyed the polystrene chips it was packed in with. 

My first impression of the Chicco Bubble Gym Play Mat and it's packaging:

It looked bright and fun, also I liked that the 'pillow' is separate and not inbuilt, meaning Kiki could use it when laid on her back or front, wherever she wanted. The packaging quite difficult to undo, silly cable ties. Some toys for the arches are attached with Velco, however the toys not on Velcro strips, i.e. red / green plastic rings, were very fiddly and difficult to hang. I imagine anyone with any dexterity problems would be very frustrated quickly.

What did Kiki think about Chicco Bubble Gym Play Mat?
She loved looking at the colours and grabbed quite happily for the toy hanging from the centre. She really didn't like the lights, I think they may have been too low, but enjoyed the music aspect of it.

We have been able to lie on the mat whilst listening to music / audiobooks. She was able to reach toys above her hands, whilst kicking others. 

She is trying to move towards her favourite toys, shuffling along. It encouraged her to reach for things out of her immediate environment.

Thoughts on the "Happy Moments" (A booklet of offers Chicco provide to customers)?
I have looked at the booklet but nothing really appealled to me, so I don't think I will use any of them.

Would I recommend Chicco Bubble Gym Play Mat to other parents?

I would recommend Chicco Bubble Gym Play Mat, after you get passed the faff of getting the gym out of the box and toys attached! I like that the toys can be swapped around and that the pillow is separate. It is great that the mat itself is easy to wipe if there any accidents. I really enjoyed the music element and was able to lie with my baby listening to music or audiobooks.

Is the Chicco Bubble Gym Play Mat is value for money?

I think it's reasonable for the money, but not sure whether people would prefer an inbuilt MP3 player, not always practical to attach phone, so may have to purchase separate player.

I was picked by MNHQ to review this product/ service, which I received for free. This review is in my own words and reflects my true opinion.

Review of Mam Mini Teethers

My baby likes the MAM style dummies have I have previously mentioned here, so when she started teething, I decided to try their teething products. 

My daughter is only 13 weeks so not fully teething at the moment, by this I mean no immediate teeth are going to come through the gum. However, I can see the buds in her gum and she is showing signs, i.e. excessive drooling, constantly biting things and me.

I looked at the water filled teethers available but they are huge and heavy. Unsurprisingly, she is unable to lift them.

The MAM Mini Teethers are perfect. They are designed with small babies in mind. 
The Bite and Relax teether is suitable from 2 months and comes complete with its own storage and steriliser box.

The teething ring is designed for babies from 1 month. Again it is lightweight and easy to handle. Although it doesn't come with a storage / steriliser case, it does have a clip to prevent it getting lost or going missing when out and about. My daughter definitely loves chomping on this. Both are BPA free.

MAM's UK website

MAM's Online Store

Review of Mam style dummies

OK I know dummies are bad, they affect breast feeding... blah blah blah...

Oh wait, they are now good, they can help prevent cot death.

Anyway, for whatever reason I chose to give my baby a dummy / soother / pacifier. I tried a few different ones, and she would only take one type, the MAM style ones. She preferred them, and now she is getting older she is able to handle these better too. They don't have the fiddly handle bits, but a chunky button style holder. MAM have soothers from 0+ with various colours and designs. They have either a silk teat or a natural latex teat, and are BPA free. MAM soothers also come in their own box to store and sterilise them. You can even order personalised ones online.

Ever had to feel around in your baby's moses basket / crib / cot to find your baby's dummy in the night? Well MAM have the solution to that, MAM Night, they glow in the dark! Great!

Although I bought the initial dummies on the high street, I have since used their website and was impressed with the service and delivery timescales.

MAM's UK website

MAM's Online Store

Red Hot World Buffet left me cold

Well actually, more disappointed and disgusted!

I have been to Red Hot World Buffet at the Leeds Light numerous times. I like the option of being able to try different things, as at best I'm indecisive, with the pregnancy even more so.

As an 'all you can eat' buffet style restaurant, it was never going to win a Michelin star. But it is fast, (normally) good food.

On Sunday, we called in for dinner, expecting the usual good for value priced food.

We were seated quite quickly, it wasn't particularly busy. We were asked to vacate the table within an hour and half, not a problem, I didn't predict we'll be there that long.

We were seated and left alone. Normally Red Hot World Buffet Staff will appear to take drinks orders within seconds, but we ended up having to call a Manager over as nobody seemed to be free. We eventually got drinks and started to get dinner.

Fifteen minutes later, I called over one of the four staff stood around the till to request a refill. Order placed. Ten minutes later, another request. Twenty minutes later, a third and final request for the same drink...

Finally ten minutes later it arrived. An apology would have been nice but by that point I REALLY needed a drink!

Shortly after, whilst still eating, the bill arrived. We finished eating, feeling a bit rushed and irritated, and paid.

As I'm sure every woman who has been pregnant or knows someone that has realises if you can make it an hour without rushing to the toilet you are doing amazing! So I called on the way out. The second I opened the outer door to the corridor of the toilets, I was met with an overwhelming stench of urine. Unfortunately this made me feel sick, immediately. By the time I had rushed to the ladies' I was sick, trying to clean it up made it worse but I did, because it's even worse to clean up after someone else.

After quite some time, and possibly the entire content of the meal including the long waited for drink, I cleaned myself up and went to find a member of staff.

I managed to attract a young lady's attention and explained that the toilets, including the corridor, really smelled unpleasant and had made me sick. Her response was 'I'll take a look' and walked away.

After walking upstairs, I tried to speak to the front of house staff, but again, no real interest.

As I said I have visited the place several times as I know what I'm getting and what to expect. But I was really disappointed with the service. I have visited when it has been really busy and really quiet, and the staff usually seem to do a good job in what must be a very unrewarding role.

I was angry at the dismissive attitude of the staff. I actually tweeted RedHot (@RedHotWldBuffet) and received no response.

HiPP Baby Club & Competition

A quick Google of baby clubs or pregnacy sites will bring up an ever increasing list of helpful websites, offers, discounts, etc. I'm an advocate of moneysavingexpert.com and used the site to see what people thought about the websites before I joined up.

I joined up with quite a few and have to say I have been disappointed with some. 

A new contender to these sites is the Baby Club. It is run by HiPP Organic. 

What does it offer I hear you cry! 

As a member, you can enjoy all this for FREE

• Personalised baby calendar
• Exclusive offers and competitions
• Regular baby development emails
• FREE 1st year record book
• Expert advice at every stage
• A-Z of pregnancy & baby health
• Chat to other mums and health experts in the HiPP Chat forum
• FREE HiPP Organic samples and money off coupons

For me, I have been rather relient on the internet for pregangcy information. As it's my first baby I have also enjoyed reading the weekly updates about baby's development by following your baby's growth on your very own personal development page. Some women (and fathers too) read everything they can possible digest. I haven't read any books as there is more than enough information in the weekly emails for me, but I do like being able to log on to the site and ask questions. And believe me there are a lot of random questions that have cropped up! You can ask a midwife, a health visitor, a nutritionist, HiPP's Customer Service manager directly or ask on the forums if it is less specific. A lot of the ladies on the forums are going through the same as you, have been, or are trying to negoitate another way around it. They are a great support and a laugh too.

There are lots of helpful hints and tips, what to buy lists, what to pack for hospital, what to eat and what to avoid information. The foods guide for pregnancy can be printed out to keep handy, especially when those cravings kick in. The recipes for pregnant mums is a nice touch.

The Getting ready for your arrival section is going to be very useful for me in the coming weeks, as it includes:

A free birth plan 

What really happens during labour?

Where to give birth

What to put in your hospital bag 

Postnatal support

There are lots of charts and tools for the new mum, and those a good few months in. HiPP offer a free HiPP Organic weaning starter pack (when baby reaches 17 weeks old) plus exclusive offers for joining. 

The HiPP Baby Club is open to those living in the UK and pregnant and/or have a child under 12 months of age. Once registered, Baby Club is available for you to use up to and including your child's 5th birthday.

You can join the HiPP Baby Club here.

And find out all about HiPP Organic here, including competitions, updates, etc.

In conjunction with HiPP I am pleased to offer a new competition. One winner will receive a goody bag of HiPP Organic Baby Food containing:

A selection of jars (3)

Creamy Porridge (1)

Fruit Pots (1 box of 4)

Fruit Pouches (2)