“Double, double toil and trouble
Fire burn, and caldron bubble

Some of the gals stirring delicious bat soup...

Fillet of a fenny snake,

In the caldron boil and bake

Eye of newt, and toe of frog
Wool of bat, and tongue of dog…..”

This abridged version of the ever so famous quotation from Shakespeare’s Macbeth has been adapted somewhat over the years. Doesn’t it really conjure up an image of a witch stirring up spells at her bubbling cauldron?

We are always amazed when annual feast days are already approaching – Halloween does arrive at the same time every year but yet exclamations of “Can you believe it’s almost Halloween?” can be heard everywhere.  There is far more fuss made around Halloween now than there was when I was a kid, but that is no bad thing. It’s really good fun for kids…and adults too!

Finding the right costume and Halloween trimmings can be difficult, especially if you only have your lunch break to figure it all out. Well fret no more, we have found some great websites so you can get everything from the comfort of your home, or from your desk at lunch time.

1. All Fancy Dress – as the name suggests – lots of fancy dress items, their costumes are excellent and they have some great accessories. Like this super punch bowl have featured on this page.

Funnfrolic – great range and their kids’ costumes are excellent. We especially love this cat princess costume.

Cat Princess from funnfrolic

Abfab – very impressive range with some great ideas or guys. Like a skeleton suit pictured  priced at £18.99
When I was a kid masks were startng to look very real. I think the range at escapade is pretty good. Especially Beelzebub to the left here. Wouldn’t like to bump into that on a dark night. (Look at beware hare mask, it’sstill freaking me out!)
On Line Joke Shop does a lot of party decorations starting from as little as £1.49.
For some Halloween game ideas check out kaboose. Nothing like a few fun games to get the family giggling together.
1stbabyshop – you have to check out their amazing baby costumes. We’ve

Lil Bat from 1stbabyshop.co.uk

featured a baby bat costume here but there are many more worth looking at.Some great Disney dresses for little girls too – not very “halloweeny” but very cute!

If you are looking for some inspiring Face Painting Ideas or some face paint kits have a look at this site before you get started. Some of these are great and look manageable.
Snazaroo have some great stencils and paints too for hassle free face painting.
Ok, now you have the costume sorted and some games lined up all you need issome tasty food. Why not stay in theme with some Kids recipes for Halloween. Choose from delicious Bloody Hamburger Fingers and Creepy eyes mashed potatoes to Blood and guts with eyeballs and Shortbread fingers with raspberryblood!

Have fun and be safe.

I always thought that “Insomnia” was a great song. Not at all like what I would usually listen to but I love it. I love the alliteration, I love the way it captures the feeling of insomnia and I love the dance music bit in the middle! I also love the line used above in the title…. Butwhere am I going with this, it’s not a tribute to the band “Faithless” and a song they first released 16 years ago,  rather a lead in to some words about darkness and sleep and their unsung importance to all of us .

Why do we go to bed at night and why do we turn off the light to sleep? There is a reason and as with many rituals we have, they originated in a time before medicine as we now know it. The obvious of course is why we sleep, our bodies need time to recharge, repair and regenerate.

Darkness sends a signal to our brains that we are going into rest mode. Complete darkness is recommended and thought to aid a more restful sleep. Even the tiniest light, like a light from a TV on standby is thought to adversely affect sleep. Artificial light is thought to increase

awareness and makes it more difficult for us to fall asleep.  Melatonin is a hormone which we release to help us sleep. The production of melatonin is controlled by light exposure and more is released in darkness.

Our total mood is altered if we haven’t had enough sleep as is our ability or inability to deal with things that life throws at us. We have all heard of the saying “Let me sleep on it “. A good night of restful sleep can give us clarity and help us to think more clearly. It’s true what they say – the darkest hour is just before dawn!

It also matters when you go to sleep – 8 hours sleep commencing between the hours of 21.00 & midnight is more beneficial than 8 hours commencing at 3 am!  The exact reasons for this are not known but it is thought to be connected to sunset and sunrise. If you actually think about it, you will find that you still wake feeling somewhat groggy if you go to sleep at 2 am and wake at 11 or 12 the next day.

Invest in some black out blinds or get an eye mask & try to get your children used to sleeping without a light on – or if you need to use a night light it is thought that a red light causes least interference. Dim the lights in your home in the hour or so approaching bed time, this sends a signal to your brain that it’s time to start relaxing body & mind.

Go to bed at roughly the same time every night when possible and try to get to sleep before midnight. If you can avoid it don’t watch TV in bed. Clear your mind – write down any major worries you may have before you go to bed this won’t solve them but does go some way in helping you clear your mind.

The most common complaints after giving birth or to give it its medical term “postpartum” are mood changes and exhaustion. You can overcome these by eating the right foods.

Breastfeeding or not, the experts state that eating the right foods rather than supplements is the best way to get the right nutrients. Remember that every individual is different – what’s good for the goose is not always good for the gander so if you have any conditions always consult a healthcare professional.

Keeping it simple

It will be much easier to maintain a healthy diet and regime if you don’t over complicate things. The foods that are of most benefit are fresh natural foods such as meat, fish, and vegetables.
We don’t pretend to be professionals in this field; we just want to give you some useful tips and perhaps take you some way down the road to getting your body and mind into tip top shape.

Eating for energy

The most effective way to keep your body energised is by eating smaller amounts more frequently. This is a good way to avoid those energy slumps. The human body was designed to graze, and as well as fending off fatigue, this will also help to keep the metabolism working.

A high fibre breakfast such as oatmeal, bran or any fibre cereal or bread is a good option in the morning, and as constipation is a common complaint after giving birth, a high fibre breakfast will also help to keep your movements regular. Be Warned: this is not a licence to munch your way through chocolate & crisps all day…that can only lead to tears – yours, not your babies.

Vitamin E is a good source of energy and helps build stamina. It is also an antioxidant. Foods containing Vitamin E are for eg. Nuts, seeds, olives and asparagus to name but a few. Nuts and seeds are excellent providers of many of the vitamins and nutrients that you need.

Vitamin B3 is considered good for keeping your metabolism going. Foods such as pork, chicken and fish like salmon or mackerel can help here.

We all know the foods that will deplete our energy levels yet for some reason for many of us, these are the ones we are most attracted to like caffeine, alcohol, and refined flour products – that’s bread and cakes!
Finally try to drink plenty of liquids – dehydration is a high factor in causing fatigue.

Eating for your mood

We’re not talking post natal depression here rather postpartum blues. Many studies have been done on the effects of diet on our mental state. We are not experts in this in any way but only attempt to offer some very loose guidelines. If you are suffering from depression or feeling more than just a little down, please talk to your doctor.

There are some core foods which have been identified as helping to ward off the blues.
Zinc is important in the defence of anxiety, and irritability and can be found in tuna and eggs amongst many other foods.

Vitamin C
Persons suffering from depression have often been found to be low In vitamin C.
Green vegetables – spinach & kale, citrus fruits, and raspberries are just the tip of the iceberg.

Omega 3 – for this choose fish like sardines & salmon.
Calcium is usually on the list of must haves for females and is naturally occurring in foods like dairy, seeds and some fish.

Those folic acid supplements that you probably swallowed religiously before and after conception can be dusted off and reintroduced to your diet now, or alternatively you can get munching on leafy green vegetables (especially kale), fruit, avocado to name but a few.

Keep iron levels high by eating meat fish and poultry.

Finally, congratulations. Good luck getting back in shape. Remember that for now the most important thing is looking after yourself and your precious little baby. Bee Happbeee you have a precious gift. Everything else is just icing!

Back boobs and muffin tops

Handbags have got to be one of the most satisfying purchases of all time – like shoes and jewelry handbags will always fit. When you are purchasing minimiser bras (to be swiveled and worn on your back in tandem with your cleavage boosting regular bra) to mask the back boobs that have developed, you need something cheer you up. That handbag will still look amazing when your muffin top is in danger of needing a separate seat on the plane.  Your fab shoes will fit when your favourite jeans are a distant memory and have been cut up into dusters.

Almost designer

I recently became the proud owner of what we will call an almost high end designer handbag – 0f the very expensive designer kind! Now is this handbag fake or is it real? Let’s face it, I have used it so surely it must be real – I mean I still have my wallet, my perfume, lip balm back up make up, hair clips, phone hand cream, hand sanitiser, spare stockings (ok,tights!)  and so on and on and on… and if the handbag were not real then surely I would have nowhere to carry all of these things!

The bag in question is actually made of the softest leather and looks without doubt the exact same as the bag it’s supposed to be – yes, I am confused too.

Recently I took the bag on a day out! We went to a very important business meeting where there was quite a large gathering of men and women, predominantly female. One of said females announced rather loudly that she absolutely loved my Pr*&a handbag.  Another female picked up on the word Pr**a and asked - very loudly for the whole room to hear “ PR**a ! “ “IS IT REAL? “ (There is a word for people who behave like that but let’s keep that for another blog). I replied with an incline of the head and a smile and said something like “Come have a look and decide for yourself”. Anyone who knows me well enough may suspect that  I could  actually love a handbag enough to spend what could amount to a substantial mortgage repayment on it if I thought I would get away with it. However there is a part of me that thinks there is something a little vulgar about spending that kind of money on a handbag – especially given the current economic climate and level of poverty and hardship out there. (Unless I had lots of gift vouchers…)

Price of a package holiday

There is also a part of me that feels guilty for owning something that is allegedly “fake” I mean it’s not particularly fair given that someone else has designed the bag and that there is a multibillion dollar corporation thrashing out these handbags to ladies on a daily basis (seriously ladies – how can you pay full price knowing you could go on a package holiday, buy the handbag and have change from the cost of the “real thing”)

Is my bag real?

So, back to my original question – is my bag real? When asked the question “OMG, love your bag, is it real? “ Should I just smile and say – “Well, you are looking at it” and “It is carrying all of my stuff about so I guess it must be a real bag” or should I say, “You won’t believe it I bought it for €buttons, isn’t it just perfect” . I guess the answer will change with the audience. ……. Let us know what you would do !

Yes, you’re reading it right! Grooming is a very important part of life for a new born baby! They’ve got ears, hair, a nose, fingers and toes, and just like us grownups all of these need looking after!

Fingers and Toes

Ok, let’s start with digits – what on earth can we say about babies’ digits – lots actually. These little extremities need looking after and this can be seriously daunting when a baby finger nail is sooo tiny that you can scarcely see it to trim it.

Such a nerve wrecking and heart wrenching task when the little mite is fresh out of the wrapper! Dangerous little weapons they are too – finger nails that is!  New born babies have a tendency to scratch & scrape unaware that they are hurting themselves..and Mum & Dad too!

Don’t be too hasty in cutting back newborns’ nails; rather cover them with soft natural mittens or socks. Once they have hardened up it is ok to cut them albeit it very carefully. Make sure to use a scissors or clippers specially designed for babies.

Finger nails grow a lot faster than toe nails and may even require attention two or three times a week. It may be wise to wait until baby is sleeping to avoid any wriggling or squirming!Tiny Tots Direct have a good selction of Baby grooming kits and value prices.

Blocked Nose

Cute and all as babies’ noses are, they do get little bogies, and someone has to clean them…that someone is you! Many wonder the best way to go about this delightful task, and there are as many methods as there are babies! However, it is recommended that you use an aspirator. Cotton buds are not recommended. 4little1 have the only aspirator which is available in UK on prescription – it is also paediatrician approved to use from birth.

Little Ears

They say you should never put anything smaller than your elbow in your babies’ ear! So how are you supposed to clean them I hear you ask! Simple answer to this one is that you don’t! You can clean outside the ear with a damp bud or cloth but never ever stick the bud into your babies’ ears. This will just push the wax in further and you may damage your babies’ ear. If the wax build up is such that you can’t see into babies’ ear then you should seek the help of a medical professional who will fix that for you.

Bath Time

Bathing baby can be a nerve wracking experience for new mothers and understandably so. Did you know that a baby can drown in less than an inch of water! This is stating the obvious but nonetheless..never ever leave a baby alone in even the tiniest bit of water!  If Matthew Mc Conaughey is bare chested & urgently ringing your front door, just scoop baby out of the bath and into a cosy towel.

Hair Care

Now to the crowning glory, some babies come into this world bald as an eagle, others arrive with a shock of hair that would put the biggest fro to shame. Baby hair varies every bit as much as adult. I was shocked to hear that people have been known to shave off a babies’ downy hair thinking that it promotes re growth of thick luscious locks – there is no proof of this. Please don’t do it! There is no need for overly frequent washing – just make sure to use a gentle mild shampoo with a balanced pH and avoid using too much pressure – especially on the soft part on top of the head.

Cradle Cap

If your baby has cradle cap, dont be too concerned, this is completely normal and will actually clear up on its own. However you may want to give it some attention as it can look a bit nasty. As with any scab, avoid picking it as it can cause babys’ head to bleed. Rub the area with baby oil or petroleum jelly – if you do this at night,the scab will loosen and you can gently wash it away in the morning.

Please remember that these are just guidelines and any concerns you have should be addressed to a healthcare professional.

Feel free to share any tips you might have with us via the comments facility.. there is never too much information !

If these sound like polar opposites to you, count yourself lucky!

To me they go hand in hand  and I don’t believe that I am  on my own in that!

Sometimes I find myself wondering if I actually feel the way I feel or am I feeling what my hormones want me to feel – or are we one and the same? If we are one and the same then I fear that I, along with many other women am a seriously raging schizophrenic. How can I trust myself when my opinions are changing not just daily but almost on an hourly basis, its like I wake up one person and go to bed a totally different one. Its not just feelings and emotions either!

Monday:  I want to be a glamour puss, stiletto heels red lippy & pencil skirts.

Tuesday: Perhaps I will be a little androgynous in my style, low slung trousers a pin striped shirt and a pair of brogues.

Wednesday: Feeling rather girlie today so it’s a tea dress and some cute little pumps.

Thursday : ok, slight change,  there could be some after work drinks so today’s outfit has to be easily transformable into a night time number..simple classic..black trousers & jacket, with a sexy little cami to be revealed later..

Friday : Casual day, simples! Or is it?? Why is it sooo much more difficult to lash a Friday casual together? This takes serious thought. How to look like I just grabbed what fell out of the wardrobe while looking uber cool at the same time? After all, this is my chance  to show the office a little glimpse of the weekend me!

Finally, come the weekend I am thinking that I really do love that boho chic look, in fact its made for me , I can so rock that!   Off I go, heading to the nearest Cath Kidston or Avoca to answer my true fashion calling!

Its Sunday, and there I am reaching for my ripped jeans and converse again!

So the cycle begins again and again and local charities can rub their hands together in glee, as in a couple of months I think I might just take to my  tweed blazer jodphur’d lady of the manor gear!

I would genuinely love to know if anyone else out there feels like this …on a regular basis? Yikes!  God help the world.

Tangerine tans are de rigeur, something akin to the flattering complexion of a giraffe. Ditch the bottle! What you need is lashings of Baby Oil & Tin foil – now that’s how you get a tan!  After a day on the foil, the soothing caress of Aloe Vera (Duckworth) will be second only to the gentle caress of Scrumpy Jack on ice as it careers down your throat faster than German tourists heading for the beach at sunrise.

Bikini Clad bottoms resembling a tissue lost on the Giants Causeway are replacing the surf board carrying rippling chested wet suit bunch that took possession of the beach for the past 10 months.

You need to get your beauty regime in order … yes; there are reports of never before experienced heat waves about to hit our shores. This is the noughties ladies, with careful planning; you CAN get the perfect TAN, and without a giant melanoma to boot! I’ve been there and its no fun, in fact 48,000 people die annually from Melanoma.

I have taken it upon myself to test out some fakers & related products to save you all the bother. So for all of you nay sayers who think that fake tan is for teenagers think again! I personally feel I look a whole lot healthier when my freckles have been enhanced by an even coat of bronze.

It doesn’t have to be deep orange or mahogany,  just enough to tone down those milk bottle pins and change them from that translucent freshly plucked turkey look to a respectable soft ‘hint of summer’ – tres classy !

Ok, lets apply a little logic here.. You know in your heart and soul that no matter how good the tan is there is NO substitute for a good old fashioned scrub down! Chuck those brillo pads into the bin, and check out this award winning

Salt Scrub from the Sanctuary range. Or , given the shortage of cash out there, you could try to make your own, have a look at this Salt Scrub recipe is it stretching it a bit to say  that these can double up as home made gifts too?

So, now that you’re well scrubbed and buffed, you need to lash on some good moisturising body lotion. No need to spend an arm and a leg on this (you’d have nothing left to bronze…) there are some really good moisturisers available, the likes of Elave  is good, it’s “hypo allergic and free from worrying chemicals”. Nivea is always a good option too and they have such a wide range. Cara Pharmacy have some & well priced too!

Your next decision is whether to opt for a gradually developing tanner or one that has you looking like Snookie from the Jersey Shore after one application! (Sorry Snooks, its just a little Guidette for this side of the Atlantic.)

Another good alternative is the multiple award winning TanOrganicsand as the name suggests genius, yes this product is Organic! The smell may be a little stronger than St Tropez but as they go its relatively mild. According to TanOrganics up to 60% of substance applied to our skin is absorbed and enters our bloodstream!  If you are a frequent self tanner this may be a strong sway factor in this products favour.  This tanner has a consistency like water and it colours immediately so a little extra caution with the bottle is necessary.  Note in this instance also that less is more –  I found this product a little dark for me but only because I was rather heavy handed. (I am of the “double the amount it say’s on the instructions ‘school) The bottle states that you should apply liberally – don’t! You can always apply more if you feel the need.

Sunshimmer by Rimmel has been on the market for as long as I can remember and it stillremains a favourite. The liquid version is very easy to apply with a mitt and the consistency and colour allow for corrective action where necessary. This has to be a top pick. It’s also very well priced.

I discovered Sally hansen Airbrush Legs several years ago on a trip to the US and was delighted when it became widely available a few years ago. It goes on easily with a light spray and does require some rubbing. Please be careful where you use it though as it coats everything around it. I would advise using this in the shower or bath – but not with the water running!

Regular moisturising between applications helps to prolong the effect, but don’t try to make it last all summer by constant topping up! This will just create an ugly layer of muck on your skin.  Have a good old scrub between applications. I use scrubbing mitts which you can get anywhere for a couple of quid! (Top tip – buy a spare pair and wear them for washing vegetables they work like a dream on new potatoes).

No go forth and bronze, and pour yourself into those hot pants. Slip on your flamin flip flops and flash your flippin pins all over town…

Finding something that little bit different need not be so difficult. The great World Wide Web is full of little gems if you just know where to look and what to look for!

That’s the key isn’t it….Knowing where to look! Well we are going to make life that bit easier for you….you don’t even need to get up off your seat! Here are50 gift Ideas you for baby and mum.

Cute

Posy Tots have a great collection of really unusual baby socks & tights by Jazzy Toes. Some of them look like little flip flops and others look like golf shoes, seriously cute! Check out  babyboos , they have sourced some stuff that I haven’t seen anywhere else.

Gift Baskets

There is a site called Susan Elizabeth that will make up gift baskets to order and deliver them for you too.

T-Shirts

Check out hairybaby their little baby t shirts or hats with matching bibs are definitely different. Eg. “Wine makes Mummy silly” or “Outlook Windy” yes the corny ones are still the best !

Personalise

Maybe personalised is the way to go..get a silver plated tractor money box or cutlery these guys will even name a star for you!

Blankets

Peekaru is a quirky blanket,  fashioned – and I use that term very lightly,  after the Snuggie – its like a cross between a snuggie and a Kangaroo – just have a quick peek..

Innovative

Madnmi are proof that useful gifts need not be boring. The creators of Breast Buddies have come up with several innovative gifts that are practical too. Bet this one has roused curiosity! Go have a look, they’ve got really cute bracelets for kids that they will personalise with Mums phone number , dummy clips that will make sure that soothers need never hit the floor again and breast of all they have a necklace designed to distract baby while feeding so no more broken jewellry or bald patches from ripped out hair!

Wigs

Wigs for Babies – I kid you not! These guys have a selection of wigs especially for babies – lets not get sensationalist, I think the point here is for mugshots and not necessarily because you’re not so keen on the poor little baba’s barnet !! Well worth a look & they have more than just wigs – you could buy the wig, take the mugshot and have it made into a place mat or even an elegant bone china mug! More tea vicar..

Bibs

Now something for the discerning baby! All babies need bibs and they need lots of them, so it may as well look the part! This site has some really Cute Bibs. There is one that looks like a big delicious ice cream. Just you try not to lick it..yum!

Music

Music makes memories! Get some chill out Sounds for Mum & Baby to help them both relax and unwind.

Swiming Gear

Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink..so swim in it ! Swimbabes have some great swimming gear for babies. They probably have the tiniest baby wet suit in the world! If you think the swimming pool is a bit too ambitious then check out their cool range of Bath Toys.

Interactive Toys

Brain Development is a bit of a buzz word, but it doesn’t have to mean boring toys. Lamaze have lots of beautiful colourful interactive toys like rattles and play mats.

Choice

Stork Gifts have almost gazillion different gifts for babies  – try make your mind up!

Sleepy

Cowboys & Pixies – if the name of the site isn’t enough to bring you to this one, then the lovely range of sleeping bags and baby wear will be. This site is full of uncomplicated and classy little numbers.

Unusual

Pressieport have unusual looking gifts from Babygrows to Baby Soaps . They have something for all the family – remember Mum has done all the hard work and she might appreciate some of their lovely Pampering Gifts.

Dinner Time

We all have to eat..babies too believe it or not ! Practical gifts often work best in times of recession and the guys at  Tiggle have a full range of related products and I don’t just mean cutlery – think bottles,  breast pumps,  bibs & munch munch more.

Zzzzz’s

It’s a well known fact that new Mums suffer from serious sleep deprivation. There is a nightlight to suit even the tiniest budget at the Baby Sleep Shop. When you are done here, head on over to Cowshed on line and pick up some lovely oils for Mum so that when baby is catching some zzzz’s, Mum can be making the most of it! They have a great range of relaxing candles called knackered cow – and then sure why not throw in a set of horny cow for yourself while you are there!

Cosy

Exhausted Mums need to be cosy.. Funzee’s are like onesies or babygros for grownups.Not sure what I think of these – make up your own mind, could be a cool gift – check out the male version – pretty hilarious!

Lasting

We really love this next one, why not give “A Gift to Grow” and have a tree planted in honour of the new baby! We are not surprised that these ladies won an innovation award. The trees come gift wrapped and  with planting instructions, please give the baby a hand with digging the hole though, fair is fair.

GAA

Gaga Baby have GAA babygrows for every county in Ireland this is a great one to send to friends abroad – and an easy one to post ! A definite Dad pleaser!

Rugby

If your preference is for the oval ball, then have a look at the smallsports selection of baby rugby jerseys and accessories. These would turn the biggest rugby guy to total mush.

Traditional

Traditional gifts can be great too and they have stood the test of time  – personalised gifts have some traditional gifts like scroll and box holders for birth & christening certificates, or for cute “my first curl” boxes The Keepsake Company have some seriously cute ones and they are a little different too.

Bathing

On the practical side, the tummy tub is a great invention to assist with easy bathing; these are available from bella baby .

Teddies

We never get fed up of the trusted teddy and Rachels Bears have the biggest selection of the cutest bears that I have ever seen!

Photo Albums

Daisy Park have nice baby albums for storing memories and photos, their prices are good and you will be sure to find something nice for Mum here too.

Charms

Charm bracelets are a handy gift for baby girls and whats more, you have covered your choice of gifts for several years to come..simply buy a different charm each year – check out Pickle and Pumpkin for charm bracelets and other cute children’s jewelry.

Premature

For premature babies Happy Tiny Babies have gorgeous handmade blankets & hooded towels that can be made to order – they have many other gifts for premature babies too.

Twins

Eazz wraps have lots of blankets to choose from and some specially crafted for twins, some especially for feeding, swaddling and more…

Creative

Little Giggles have some really creative gifts like edible bouquets, clothes bouquets and nappy cakes!

Yummy

Babypotz have come up with a great solution for parents who want to make and freeze their own baby food  – these are a great idea if you want to make life easier for the new Mum.

Personalised

A personalised baby blanket from the ever so arts & crafty people at Pippa Blue is a great gift and definitely something to be treasured and kept forever.

Tea Time

Garrendenny Lane have plenty of gifts for Mum, perhaps you could get a lovely teapot so that Mum can enjoy that well earned cup of tea all the more, or some beautiful soft furnishings so that relaxation may come that little bit easier!

Pampering

For pampering products that are free from parabens and other nasty chemicals, Boo Boo have developed cosmetics for Mum & Baby.

The Front Page

Create a news paper front page to celebrate the day that new baby came into the world with personalised headlines and article if you wish – the paper will be a replica of a daily paper of your choice! Plenty of scope to have some fun with this one. This could be a great gift for a baby shower too!

Style

Most new Mums will admit to feeling somewhat out of shape after giving birth, and shopping for clothes could be pretty stressful – very few women slide back into those skinny jeans for their exit from hospital! Wouldn’t it be great to have a stylist help Mum to regain her body confidence by showing her what clothes will show off her best assets? A gift voucher from Styletalks could be just the thing.

Cleaning

How great would it be to have someone come in and clean the house – get some of your mates to chip in if need be and you could present Mum with a gift certificate for home cleaning service for the first 6 months of having baby home.

Fitness

Getting some exercise can be tough for new Mums, but what if there was something that Mum & baby could attend! Buggyfit classes are a great way to exercise, get into the great outdoors and perhaps make some friends, and, baby gets to come along too.

Books

Its Your Story will create a book especially for baby, including pictures – not everything should stay on the shelf forever but this is one exception.

Photography

Help Mum & Dad to photograph baby in a way that no one else can by getting a gift of a professional photography session. Even if you don’t fancy this gift, the website is worth a look.

Soft Toys

Do you want to buy the soft toy that baby carries around forever? Jelly Worms soft toys are just gorgeous; Poilodos the Sheep is my favourite!

Cool Bibs

Bibs are bibs..Unless they are the coolest bandana bibs, the ultim ate accessory! Hip baby have a good selection of these and lots of other cool things to choose from.

Candles

Max Benjamin candles are a really lovely gift and perhaps something that we would rarely go out and buy for ourselves. They are made from 100% natural resources so are a gift to the environment too.

Clothes

It can be difficult to get funky looking baby clothes, Funky Monkey seem to have this covered, some of their babygros are really unusual.

Most women of all ages are in love with shoes & handbags. When I was a young girl, walking home from school was rather a stressful affair with constant bending down to polish up the black patent shoes that were forever gathering dust.

Once we ladies reach a certain age, we can be sure of one thing, shoes and handbags, they will never do us wrong! Shoes will not bulge at the seams and let you down at the last minute, they will never gape at the front leaving your underwear on show for all and sundry. We never get muffin top from our shoes nor do they give us boobs on our back! There is simply everything to love about a pair of shoes that will always fit!

For this reason, they are worth the spend and having a great pair of heels & flats  and of course a decent handbag, will enable you to distract from many fashion disasters.

Are you disappointed by that amazing skirt that over Christmas has become more O line than A line? Does your favourite blouse let you down by the tremendous strain on that button which is ALWAYS positioned just at the wrong place, why is that? Why can’t they place the button high enough so that leaving it open will not unleash the girls for all to see.

Will it be Jimmy Choo or Gina or are you more of an Ugg girl, or indeed is it all of the above? Whatever you’re personality or favourite, at the core we are all the same.

Teach your little girl the value of good shoes from an early age,  in fact lets not forget little boys -  I have known women to dismiss potential love interests because of their footwear, so let’s change the way little boys approach footwear too. Start by checking out the new range of soft soled leather shoes & fur lined boots available from

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Now that we are into November December, we can expect to see some grisly weather coming our way. There are stories being thrown about that this winter is set to be one of the coldest in history with night time temperatures to allegedly hit lows of -16. Not a typo I actually did say -16!! Who knows maybe Mr. Crosby’s dreams will come true and we will have a white Christmas.

This is all very well, but what about those little babies who have just left the warmth and security of their mother’s womb, only to arrive in the cold winter world of torrid rain and biting winds and if we are to believe the gossip never before experienced cold snaps!

We’ve been doing some research on how to keep baby warm and cosy through these times, without over heating the little treasures and without over protecting them. New babies may look extremely vulnerable and while they are, they are also quite hardy and resilient in some ways. It’s a survival thing!

It’s widely believed that its not cold weather that gives baby a cold, rather contact with people who have virus or infection. That doesn’t mean that you have to hibernate until spring, rather avoid tightly crowded places for the first 3 months or so until baby has had a chance to strengthen his or her immune system. It’s probably best to avoid unnecessary close contact with persons who have a runny nose or appear to be snuffling greatly!

It is best to keep baby’s vaccines up to date also.  Babies with underlying conditions or premature babies may need extra care, we recommend consulting with your health care practitioner in this case!

Keep baby well wrapped up, without over doing it. The ideal temperature for a baby is 36 – 37 degrees Celsius, that’s approx 99.5 Fahrenheit.

Getting your little baby a pair of soft soled leather shoes or fur lined bootees will not only keep their socks from falling off but will also protect their little feet from the cold. Check out … for a great range at reasonable prices. You wont even have to leave the house as they can be delivered free of charge to your door in a matter of days!