Yumbox Bento Style Lunchbox Free Shipping Code

The lovely people over at Yumbox have very kindly given me a discount code for free shipping until the end of August.

But firstly let me tell you a little more about the Yumbox and what it is,  if you want to read our review on using it then you can do so here.

Yumbox is lightweight and compact with an easy-open latch. It fits neatly into a standard size thermal lunch bags. It is ideal for toddlers, kids of all ages and adults, I have been using my daughters every week for work it is perfect for taking my lunch and snacks for the day. 

Yumbox’s pre-portioned illustrated trays guide you to packing healthy and hassle-free lunches.  The spill proof silicone lid allows you to pack hummus next to crackers with no worries. Yumbox's unique single lid seals all food wells individually. Food won’t touch or leak outside of the box. No baggies! No lost lids! No mess! It also keeps food really fresh and I have been able to pack apple the night before without the worry it will be brown the next day.

It really is great and so much more than just a lunch box, it is compact and so easy to take on picnics, trips to the beach and the removable tray allows it to be used easily at home.

Finally onto the code, to get free shipping until the 31st August 2014 you can use code JUMD35G, over on Yumbox's website there will also be another amazing offer over on Eats Amazing blog if you are thinking of ordering more than one.

NB: I was asked if i'd like to share this code on behalf of Yumbox and am happy to do so as a fan of the Yumbox.  Full terms and conditions can be found on the Yumbox UK website.  I have not been compensated in any way for posting this information.

The Real Mums All-Bran 5 Day Challenge

When I saw the brief for The Real Mums All-Bran 5 Day Challenge I knew I wanted to get involved, not only did they sound really tasty but the reason for taking the challenge sounded perfect for me.

Suffering with bloating most days and a sluggish tummy the challenge sounded like a great opportunity to change something simple in my diet to try and help with these problems. 

Here is short video of how I got on…

The three flavours are all unique in their own way and there is something for everyone, whether you are a chocolate fan, fruit fan or anything sweet really.

The chocolate I think were my favourite and that of my children who I reluctantly shared with, I loved the texture of the wheat, I do like shredded wheats anyway and these were very similar except with teeny tiny chocolate pieces in. I didn’t need a lot in the bowl to fill me up and it satisfied the often sweet taste I prefer in the morning, the chocolate wasn’t overpoweringly sweet and I really enjoyed the taste.

The red berry crunch all bran offered a fresh tasting fruit option for those who aren’t keen on chocolate, great for summer days where you just want a hit of freshness in the morning, I’m not normally a freeze dried fruit fan but these just hit the spot.

And finally the golden crunch, a great alternative to the above, sweet and tasty I didn’t need a lot to fill me up and again I managed most of the morning without snacking.

Not only did this cereal taste great it really did help, after day three my stomach felt a lot less heavy and bloated and was a lot  flatter, I really noticed a change in how my stomach was by the end of the day too, be gone the six month pregnant looking belly.

This simple act of changing my morning routine has helped with how my stomach feels throughout the day, making me feel fuller for longer and helping me to stop snacking.

A happy tummy also means a happier you, did you know that 90 to 95 per cent of the ‘happy’ hormone serotonin is made in the gut? A study* of 1,000 UK women found 52 per cent experience digestive complaints, such as bloating or gas, at least once a week. Eating fibre everyday is a simple remedy for happy tums.(*Source for all research findings included in this document: Kellogg’s All-Bran Save Our Stomachs European Research Study (2014) conducted by Edelman Berland. The full report is available upon request.)

So did I feel happier, yes I did, was it the cereal? Who  knows, was it just because I felt less like a sack of potatoes, probably.

I am looking forward to wearing my swimming costume on the beach which I didn't think would be possible! I have carried on with the cereal and am even thinking of taking some with me to France!

This post is an entry for the Real Mums of All-Bran Linky Challenge, sponsored by Kelloggs. I was sent the three boxes of cereal to try for the challenge. All thoughts, opinions and pictures are my own.

Papu Stories Bow Beanie Dress from The Dandy Kid Review

I was recently approached by the lovely Sarah at The Dandy Kid asking if my daughter would like to review one of their dresses. My daughter loves dresses and with the collection at The Dandy Kid being so fabulous, of course I said yes.

We were sent this beautiful, soft and timeless dress by Papu Stories. I absolutely adore black clothing on a child, my daughter has really blonde hair so I thought this would look stunning on her, teamed with some Sun Jellies of course.

My usually pink loving daughter loved this dress, the bow detailing is so different and I love that the dress has a little bit of stretch in it which is perfect for when she is running and dancing around.

It is safe to say my daughter loves this dress and with it being 95% GOTS certified organic cotton I know it is going to be soft against her skin as well as being great quality. As a rule these days I tend to buy fewer higher priced pieces that I know will last, this dress is £28 which I think is great value.

I can't find any fault with it, well maybe one...it doesn't come in my size!

Thank you Sarah at The Dandy Kid for sending us this to review, it is going to make for some even more awesome pictures on our holiday!

Black & White Photography Project Week 3

We visited our local park this week and there is a tropical house (I know a tropical house when it's nearly 30c we are mad). But it was actually quite cool as the doors were open and we got to see some lovely plants.

Linking up to the Black & White Photo Project on POD cast blog

Dancing Fit

Before children we used to go clubbing a lot, I think a mixture of eating healthier, super quick metabolism and dancing in clubs kept me fit.

Although I don't go clubbing anymore I do still enjoy dancing and can be often found in the kitchen bopping whilst cleaning.

Music to me is a way of setting yourself free and if I can get the children to join me then I do, who said fitness had to be all gym.

Plus music can be a great way to de-stress and for me always brings back memories and feelings from moments in my life. For example Chemical Brothers reminds me of being at Glastonbury and a fab weekend at a Radio One Big Weekend, I remember seeing myself on the big screens dancing! It was amazing.




My daughter loves to dance and can often be found twirling round the lounge with me,  I hope to get her in to dance classes later this year and I hope she can find a love for it.

Exercise doesn't always have to be about the gym, sometimes you can burn calories doing what comes natural, there is a beautiful quote in the film Hanna which has a soundtrack by Chemical Brothers funnily enough, it says "Music; a combination of sounds with a view to beauty of form and expression of emotion" I think this is the perfect way to describe it and why I love to dance so much.

Me clubbing about 7 years ago

Linking up to Active Family on The Olivers Madhouse

Dinosaur Messy Play in the Garden

My daughter loves getting messy in the garden so last week when it was just too nice to be inside I got out the Tuff Spot and filled it with mud, sand, shells, leaves and dinosaurs and she got to get messy and play.

She absolutely love doing this and spent at least two hours getting in there with the dinos!

Not sure about getting in but soon getting down with the dinos...

Lots of fun, it didn't stay looking this near and tidy, by the end of it there was just a mass of sandy mud which I think means it was lots of fun.

It is the perfect activity for getting them to explore and learn about different textures.

Linking up to Magic Moments with The Olivers Madhouse

Sunday Park Fun

Yesterday we had a party and with the rain we didn't really get chance to get outside much, so we decided to head to the park this morning.

It was really warm and we didn't have to go far to feel like we were somewhere tropical, I have posted about the tropical house at our local park before but today we all got to visit and my son and husband had a run and my and my daughter did some scooting.

This park was the one my son had his accident at a few months back and it's the first time i've been back, was quite emotional!

The flowers and plants are simply gorgeous in the house...

We liked looking at the different leaves and these fig ones looked like dinosaur footprints...

Smelling the pretty flowers and looking at the bananas...

The gorgeous tropical plants and fruit looked beautiful covered in water droplets...

More looking at the tropical flowers and the koi carp in the pond...

It was a wonderful few hours spent looking round here and then walking to the park to play and just what we needed to blow away the cobwebs, although it was very warm!

Linking up to Country Kids on Coombe Mill

Black & White Photography Project Week 2

Word of the Week

I think my word of the week this week is pride, for so many reasons. Firstly, my son got to go to the cinema for 100% attendance, he also took part in his French class end of year performance. He has picked it up so well and I am really excited to see him use it when we go to France in a few weeks time.

We  went to my daughters nursery to see where she would be going in September, she was extremely well behaved and the nursery nurses who currently look after her have nothing but the highest of praise for her. She has such confidence in fact so much so she went and stood with my son in his French performance and counted to 10 with them, in French!!!

My son has also been asking to do things round the house, making his breakfast and helping me tidy things away, my daughter insists on helping me set the dinner table and I couldn’t be more proud of the two lovely young children they have become!

I am really looking forward to what I expect to be a glowing report for my son, his teacher is constantly telling us what a lovely young man he is and how he is the perfect student and role model. He came home with yet another star of the week certificate last week and after a rough start in school life he has blossomed.

My heart is bursting with pride for my two wonderfully kind, caring and enthusiastic children, what more could a mother ask for. 

Linking up to Word of the Week with The Reading Residence

A Beautiful British Brand

I recently came across this brand on twitter and instantly fell in love the with simple yet bright and colourful nature of their products, Fieldlife is a new lifestyle label for boys and girls aged 2-8 which offers British made clothing designed for children to live their life in, whatever their field. 

The Spring/Summer 2014 range is inspired by a Day Trip to London and an exciting journey along the Thames riverbank with many adventures along the way.  Fieldlife aims to offer robust clothes that stand up to the rigours of childhood, from building dens and sandcastles, to climbing trees and making memories.  

The collection includes a range of versatile separates such as T’s, sweatshirts, skirts, shorts and trousers to swimwear and rash vests for the beach or messing about on boats. Designed in bold and bright colours, thoughtful details such as adjustable waistbands in trousers and a double name tape in the label are also included so that the clothes can be handed down and become the next child’s favourite. 

Inspired by her two young children, Kendra Marsh founded Fieldlife in 2013 with a view to combining her family and career, together with developing an idea to bring children's clothing manufacturing back to Britain.  Her mission is to create high quality clothes that not only look good but will stand up to all that children will throw at them and will become a child’s much loved piece of clothing.

I think it it is a fabulous range and could certainly see my children in them, whether it is playing in the park or a day out in the city this range fits in with everything and best of all it's 100% British.

Fieldlife is available to buy online from www.fieldlife.co.uk and from additional stockists Babyccino http://babyccinokids.com and From Britain With Love www.frombritainwithlove.com. 

Painting with Water

My daughter wanted to do some painting the other week but it was late and I didn't fancy getting all the paint and brushes out so instead I offered the chance to paint with water.

She had a little think but liked the sound of it so I got her a pot of water and some paint brushes and outside we went.

I showed her what to do and within a few seconds she'd understood what I was going on about and was painting on the wall outside.

The perfect mess free outdoor activity and great for summer.

Linking up to Magic Moments on The Olivers Madhouse

Black & White Photography Project Week 1

Trying something a little different this Sunday, the gorgeous Black & White Photography Project as seen on PODcastf blog. A fabulous idea as I love photos in black and white.

Garden Fun

We had a busy day at home today with some things we'd been putting off around the house, so to keep the children busy we got them both to make some treasure maps and bury something in the garden so me and my husband could find them.

It was lots of fun and proved we don't need to drive anywhere to have outdoor fun, our garden is a bit of a messy jungle at the moment whilst we attempt to renovate it so please excuse the mess.

First of all checking out the map...

Hmm, looking here and there, my sons map skills leave a little to be desired as there were about 3 xs marking the spot...

Dino spotting and also we love these big castor oil leaves, they look so prehistoric...

The previous owners of the house made these fab fern prints in concrete, we call them our fossils and the kids love looking at them...

Getting outside needn't be about being far away from home, you can have just as much fun and fresh air in the garden and we did and loved it.

Linking up to Country Kids on Coombe Mill

Fun with Fabric Pens

The weather has been great lately but with a little rain after school yesterday I decided to bring out an activity I had been saving for a while.

I bought these fabric pens from Ikea a few months back and I had put aside a couple of old white vests to use them on.

Really easy to use and bright colours I let them do what they like, my daughter needed a little help to complete hers but the as you can see she loves it.

This is a great way to spend an hour and the kids have something to wear and remember afterwards.

Linking up to Magic Moments on The Oliver's Madhouse

Peanut Butter and Choc Chip Cookie Bar

Now this recipe isn't mine but I needed to share it with you, i've baked it three times since Liana at My Sugarcoated Life posted the recipe last week and each time it has gone down a storm. Just ask Jaime at The Oliver's Madhouse.

If you like peanut butter, chocolate, cookies and cake this certainly hits every spot, it's moist, tasty and gives the best sugar fix known to man...well maybe thats a little OTT but its darn close.

Here is the cake in all it's glory and the recipe can be found here..

It is the perfect accompaniment to a cuppa and I have made it for my husband as his birthday treat to take to work.

Silent Sunday