Handmade Thursday - Busy week

It's been a chaotic week for us, in every sense of the word. Despite this though, we have enjoyed lots of  crafting/handmade goodness.

The kids (and myself) created papier-mache planets thanks to CubbyKit, and I made TWO gorgeous lasagne's. One for my Mum and Sister, so they didn't have to cook after a long day at the hospital and one for us. I'll post the recipe when I have more time - It's a semi cheats recipe, and totally delicious.

Papier-mache planets

My scrummy lasagne - if I do say so myself!

Don't forget last weeks competition with PiggyPips is still running, so make sure you enter! Any link-ups this week will still be valid, if you didn't join in last week (just make sure you complete the Rafflecopter widget)

So, what do you have to share?

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CubbyKit Review

My children are craft mad. I love this, and often find their creativity astounding,   not to mention, inspiring. When I discovered a company called CubbyKit were looking for children to review their product, I put Middle Miss's name forward without a seconds thought.

CubbyKit offers monthly or annual subscriptions to their service which provides you and your child with craft activities and materials each month, delivered to your door.

The kits come in 2 age ranges, 3-4 years and 5-6 years and are designed with those ages in mind. They cost £19.99 per month for monthly subscriptions or £199.99 for an annual subscription (the annual subscription provides you with 2 months free)

Each CubbyKit features a different theme, helping you to cover a wide range of topics using creative play - something I feel is very important for a child's development.

The concept is perfect for my children, and for us as a family, but like  other  families, we do struggle to find activities that we will all enjoy because of the age range of my children (Little One is only 3 and Grown boy is 12)

If I'm honest, I hadn't really considered Little One when thinking about this project. She has only just started being interested in crafty activities over the past 3 or 4 months, and I thought even the younger kit (3-4 years) would be too much for her. How wrong I was! With a lot of supervision, and surprisingly little support, Little One enjoyed every minute of our crafting, just as much as Middle Miss (if not more!)

We were sent a sample kit for 5-6 year olds, with the Outer Space theme. Included was everything we needed to make Papier-mache planets, plus some extra craft materials for other activities, mentioned here, and more on CubbyKits blog.

What was in our sample box:

• Red, white, blue and yellow paints
• A sponge dabber and a paint brush (nice chunky handles for little hands)
• Balloons
• Thin paper for papier-mache
• Papier-mache glue
• Coloured sugar paper
• Instruction booklet and ideas sheet
• Bag of extra bits & bobs (pipe cleaners, crayons and extra balloon)

All 4 of us (ranging from 3 years to 33 years) thoroughly enjoyed this activity, and before I go on, I must thank Cubbykit from making me feel triumphant in my papier-mache abilities - our first success ever! *punches air*


Anyway, back to the activity. Little One and Middle Miss mixed the 'glue' with support from me. All children, no matter what their ages LOVE to stir and mix. Little One was very proud of herself, not to have spilt any water! - A great start!

We then tore the thin paper into strips and blew up the balloons whilst we waited for the glue to thicken (I'm still rubblish at tying them!!) Then next bit was SO much fun.... messy, cold,  slimy.... and did I mention messy?! SO MUCH FUN! Little One was in her element and loved how the glue felt (like wallpaper paste) 

Even though this is aimed at 5-6 year olds, there was no reason why Little One couldn't enjoy it as much as an older child - she was well supervised, and it was simple enough for her to manage, yet being challenging enough that Middle Miss (at the grand old age of 10) didn't find it too easy or boring.

We then left them to dry - which took about 2 days in a warm room, but as there's not much time after school for crafts such as this, we left them until the following weekend before we painted them - all 3 kids loved this bit. They each chose a balloon to paint. Little One painted the Sun, Middle Miss painted the moon and Grown boy chose The Earth (because he was the eldest!!)

The finished planets ready for hanging (Minus the suns rays, which we still want to complete)

There are so many positives to mention about this kit - the educational value - even for younger children. For example, Little One was talking about colours and mixing colours, and 'big, small, smallest and biggest'. As well as learning about the planets, and the creative benefits - Letting them use their imaginations and experiencing textures, consistencies, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and vocabulary.

The whole is brilliant, because there is everything you need to complete exciting craft activities with these educational benefits. The kits are delivered to your door so you don't have to specifically shop for the 'ingredients' and Little One calls them. The added benefit to this is that you have what you need, rather than having to buy massive packs of everything.

We all love the idea, and would recommend it to family and friends.

I do think at £19.99 per month, it's quite expensive. I very much doubt I spend anywhere near that amount on craft materials every month, but I do think it's a great idea to order one  for a school holiday - possibly 2 or 3 for over the summer months.


Saying that, just the one activity kept all 3 children occupied over 2 weekends (for 30 minutes to an hour, each) so from that perspective, it is good value.

You can cancel your subscription at any time, but I would rather just order a box as and when I want one, rather than having to remember to cancel it, which involves emailing CubbyKit.

Overall, I this Cubbykits can be a brilliant and beneficial addition to any childs  play-time, and they would, in my opinion, make excellent gift ideas.

For more information, visit Cubbykit.com or catch up with them on Twitter or Facebook.


Thanks so much to Cubbykit, for giving us the opportunity to review this lovely kit.










Disclosure: We were sent a sample kit for review purposes. My opinions are based on our own personal experience with the product and service.

Flowercard review

I was lucky enough to be sent a beautiful Flowercard to review for Mothers Day.  You may know that My Dad is in hospital at the moment, so I gave it to my Mum in the hope it would brighten her day.

I don't know about you, but I think that flowers always manage to bring a bit of sunshine, and happiness to a room - no matter what the weather. Which is why I enjoy sending them to loved ones as well as receiving them myself.

The Flowercard arrived through the post with a warning on the packaging that there are flowers inside. They arrived in this pretty box - very feminine.

Even though I was expecting the flowers, I was taken aback when I opened them - although I was already aware of Flowercard.co.uk and the concept, I never imagined just how pretty they would be.

Who wouldn't be thrilled with these for Mothers Day, or any other special occasion for that matter!

A card and bouquet in one - genius!

I personally, would love to receive these, and highly recommend the quality and service. The only negative I have to mention was that one of the front flowers was a bit squashed. That was a little disappointing, but once they were taken out of the box and I had watered the oasis (with a pipette, included) they really did liven up, as you can see from the photo. I think that has more to do with the postal handling than the item, but perhaps the lid of the box could be a little sturdier to prevent damage such as this.

My Mum was thrilled with them, and I think they make a lovely alternative to a traditional type card. They are really special and the bonus with them is that you don't have to worry if the recipient has a vase to put the flowers in because you don't need one. Absolutely gorgeous!

Just for your information - they are now on day 5 since arrival, and they are still going strong. These are called purple tipped Lisianthus. I'd never seen them before, but I've fallen in love with them.

The cards start from £14.99 which I think is great value. This particular card is called Mother's Day Lilac and costs £19.99 

Thanks so much to Flowercard, for bringing some smiles during a stressful week.

Photo book Review : Pixum

I was thrilled to receive an email from Pixum asking me if I would like to review one of their Photo Books. I am photo mad and even more nuts for anything I can create myself, so I jumped at the chance.

Pixum is a leading, independent and multi-award winning online photo service. In addition to free use of online albums and photo-sharing, Pixum also offers affordable and professional lighting of digital photos on real photo paper and fun-products such as mugs, puzzles, t-shirts, cards, calendars, frames etc. 

I chose Pixum's large hardcover landscape photo book (£25) and myself and my Husband had fun creating it, at home, using Pixum's free photo book software which you simply download onto your home computer or laptop.

Image ©Pixum

We found the software fairly simple to use, but it is quite in-depth, so we had to play around with the layouts and photos until we were happy with our final creation. This isn't necessarily a bad thing (unless you are not at all tech savvy) because it allows you to edit and adjust your photo book as you wish - even down to the background patterns on the pages.

I did however, find trying to add clipart to the pages very frustrating. I was expecting to be able to drag the image after placement, but I couldn't.... and in the end, I gave up.

You can preview every page of your book before ordering and I have to say the finished result is even better than I was expecting.

The hardback cover is beautiful, and it would make a lovely gift for Mothers day, Birthdays, Fathers Day - even as a wedding gift. I'm really impressed with the finish of the pages - it compliments my treasured photos perfectly, and the printing is great quality.

Take a look at some of my photos:

Thank you to Pixum, for the beautiful photo book that I will treasure forever. I'd definitely consider using their services again in the future.

Disclosure: I was give a voucher to purchase  a Photo Book, but was under no obligation to advertise the service. These honest views are based on my own experience with the software, service and product.

HIPP Baby Club

Being a soon-to-be fourth time Mum means that I'm very familiar with most baby brands and HIPP Organic is one I have used with all my children.

It's funny though, with my other babies I signed up to all the baby clubs and felt like a first time Mum all over again. This time I hadn't - I'm not sure why myself, as I am a firm believer that nobody knows everything, no matter how much experience they have - all pregnancies, births and babies are unique.  I'm still finding things that are new to me, and know I will continue to do so.

When I was contacted by HIPP recently, I realised I'd forgotten all about these websites - somewhere I found a host of information with previous pregnancies. So I signed up again. 

The HIPP Baby Club is more than just somewhere to find out about weaning and baby food.  As soon as I signed up I was welcomed with information about my pregnancy stage, recommendations on subjects of interest, such as Photo printing and the HIPP Chat forums ( I 'met' one of my best and longest Mummy friends on a parents chat forum!) I was also introduced to the Members area - for breastfeeding advise, baby meal planner (which I used with my youngest child, previously) and competitions - I've always enjoyed HIPPs photo competitions - cuteness overload!

screenshot of the HIPP Organic website

I found navigating the site fairly simple, with most places of interest on a side bar. I noticed there is a Superdads section which really pleased me, as Dad's do often get forgotten on parenting websites. Their Youtube channel is dedicated to dads everywhere so have a look, Daddies!

There's also expert advice sections personalised for your stage - from pregnancy to 9 months+ and toddlers, which can be easily found using tabs at the top of the page.

Of course there is also a vast amount of information on HIPP Organic baby foods and drinks, explaining HIPP's organic journey and providing you with everything you need to know about HIPP baby products.

When I signed up to the baby club, I ticked a box to be sent occasional mailings through the post. I was delighted that within a few days I received a letter welcoming me to the club and explaining how I can use the website. Something I had missed when viewing the site myself was that I can download a free birth plan and hospital check-list. The latter, I always search for, because I can never remember just what I'm supposed to bring with me! I have always forgotten something! So, I think this is very useful - particularly for first-time Mums, or scatter brains, like moi!

Along with the letter, I received two booklets. 'Trust your natural instincts'  which is all about feeding your baby - getting started with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and tips for new Mums. And 'The first 365 days' which is a lovely personal record book with stickers to add when your baby reaches a milestone, such as 'meets brother or sister' and 'first smile'. This goes all the way up to baby's first birthday. I always keep all these little books!

So, in my opinion the HIPP Baby Club is definitely worth signing up for - I now get a weekly email telling me all about my pregnancy week - how my baby is developing, about me and my body that week and tips anout keeping healthy in the coming weeks.

Image taken from an actual email I received.

You can also receive free HIPP Organic samples and  money off coupons when you join.


Why not follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook too!










Disclosure: I have not received payment for this post but I was sent a selection of toddler foods for my time.

Handmade Thursday! Our 1st Birthday featuring PiggyPips!

Can you believe it?! Handmade Thursday is a whole year old this week!!! To me, that is just amazing, and I thank every single one of you that has joined in or supported my lovely little linky in some way. I really enjoy hosting it, and I LOVE seeing what everyone creates each week. The amount of creativity and love for handmade really does astound and inspire me and others, which is what it's all about.

We ♥ Handmade!

Image ©Piggypips

I discovered UK based, PiggyPips after putting out a plea for a sponsor for our 1st birthday giveaway, and I'm so thrilled I did!

I used to collect pigs when I was younger and I still have a fondness for them.

Formed over the Summer in 2011, Piggypips is a fresh, new baby and children's boutique which sells the cutest luxury prints and cards as well as handmade bookmarks and magnets.

Created to 'brighten the bedrooms and faces of children across the country', Piggypips hopes to one day take to world by storm (one piggy step at a time) - see what I did there? *ahem*

All of Piggypips collections are designed and run entirely by themselves, allowing them to put their customers first at all times.

Take a look at some of my favourites from the Piggypips website. I'm sure you'll agree they are far more special than anything you will find on the high street.

Image ©Piggypips

Sailor print 7x5 (unframed) - Just £5

Image ©Piggypips

Princess Birthday card - £2.50

Image ©Piggypips

Baby girl magnet set - £2

Image ©Piggypips

Miniature bookmarks - £1.60 each (discounts for multiple buys)

Aren't they all just gorgeous?!

Well, to celebrate Handmade Thursday Piggypips are offering you lovely lot 10% off any purchases using the code HANDMADETHURSDAY - valid from today until 8/4/2012. 

So get shopping!!

Not only that but Piggypips are generously offering one of you the chance to win a Piggypips bundle. You can choose the design from the pictures below, if you are the lucky winner!

The prize includes a Greetings Card, a Mini Bookmark, and a Magnet Set. in the following choices (click to enlarge)

Anyone within the UK can enter but if you link up to #handmadethursday and display my badge on your post - you can gain an extra entry (See Rafflecopter widget for details)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you are entering a post - link up here:

27 weeks - Bump update

It's been a while since I wrote an update on the bump so thought I'd pull my finger out. I also have the need to ramble on incessantly due to My Dad having his heart op today. I'm battling with my mind which insists on trying to worry about everything all at once. It's only just gone 9am and I've already had a panic attack and now have a blinding headache.

I need to calm the hell down.

The bump is growing nicely. I do have a uber cool photo of my shadow (where I resemble Mr. Greedy on profile) but I can't find what I've done with my old phone SD Card *rolls eyes* Anyway, when I remember what I've done with it I shall upload for your enjoyment (you will laugh - everyone else has)

No problems other than the usual niggles - headaches, pelvic pain, sickness and the one thorn in my side - UTIs. My body seems to love them in pregnancy - much to my dismay. I have drunk enough cranberry juice in recent days to sink a battleship.

I did get a bit of a fright last night when my Braxtons were a bit too ouchy, but I think it's because madam was transverse and that made them worse. All is calm today.

I see the midwife next week and get to make like a pin cushion for my 28 week bloods. Joy of joys. I hate that bit. Let the peeing in a tiny bottle commence. I should be a good shot by now - but all I can say is thank goodness for disposable cups.

The PGP/SPD doesn't seem to be quite so bad recently. Probably because I've been able to rest in past few weeks, thanks to my lovely hubby. We all went to the park the other day to let the kids run off steam, and even that was a bit much for my old hips, so I'm expecting it to flare up again once I'm walking more again.

Now I'm blubbing into my tea cup, over making a phone call. Oh I love hormones, they send me barmy!

I shall update you after my midwife appointment next week - hoping to hear the heartbeat!