When I first became a mum to a little girl, I didn’t realise that I would suffer wardrobe envy quite so soon. At the tender age of almost-four, Frog has a better collection of clothes than I do. Annoying.

Whenever we go into charity or vintage shops looking for the odd treasure, I often come out armed with something cute for her. She also gets given lots of clothes from generous family and friends (it’s SO unfair) and, of course, I sometimes treat her myself. I mean, how am I meant to resist when there are so many cool brands for kids around?! 

Yellow Mellon is one such brand. I discovered this site when I was approached to review an item of clothing from it for my daughter. I put my trust in the Yellow Mellon team to send me something nice, of their choice. My only brief: nothing covered in cartoon characters or too luridly pink.

This is what they sent me:

(The dress, obvs, not the child.)

The dress I was sent is a beautiful cotton one, in a ditzy summer print, reminiscent of dresses I used to wear as a kid myself. At £50 it’s not cheap, but that price pays for a beautiful amount of detailing in the bodice and a quality of fabric that makes this dress perfect for a special occasion.

Yellow Mellon don’t just do dresses. And they don’t just do clothes for girls.

Here are some other picks from the site:

There are cheaper items to pick from (I wouldn’t usually spend £50 on a dress for my nearly-four year old – she grows too quickly to justify those kinds of prices, unless it’s a really special occasion), which make it a good place to get the odd bit for a holiday.

Thanks to Yellow Mellon for sending me this beautiful dress for review. And thanks to my daughter for humouring her mum and letting me take photos of her wearing the dress while holding some flowers.

Lest you think she was the perfect model though, the “photo shoot” ended with her discarding the flowers in favour of snails, before chucking them at me.

The post A bit of retro pretty from Yellow Mellon appeared first on Mother's Always Right.

We love shoes in this house. Despite having bendy feet and needing special hospital-issue insoles because of her hypermobility, my three and three quarter year old is obsessed with shoes. She takes after her mum like that. So when the lovely people at Bobux got in touch to see if we’d be interested in reviewing a pair from their range it was an immediate “yes”.

I did have reservations though – would they fit properly? How would I know if they were suitable for my tot’s bendy ankles without trying them on first? Would they be sturdy enough to withstand all the dancing / jumping / running that my energetic child would be bound to do in them? 

I needn’t have worried. As soon as the boots arrived Frog was pulling them on her feet and skipping around in them, beaming at the new addition to her wardrobe.

They are sturdy enough to comfortably house her special insoles but flexible enough not to be too rigid on her bendy ankles. They fit her beautifully and the strong sole has shown its able to stand up to the paces its been put through over the past couple of weeks.

The “Urban Beat Boots” are from Bobux’s Confident Walker range and feature a handy zip on one side and a velcro buckle on the other. Frog can easily get them on and off herself, which make a nice change from having to do her laces for her.

And did I mention they’re ever so pretty?!

The red is lovely bright shade and goes with pretty much any outfit Frog is wearing, whether it’s clashing with a pair of bright pink trousers or adding a splash of colour to a more toned down outfit.

Here are three of my favourites…

If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that are a bit different to the ones you’d find on the high street, are great quality and sturdy enough to stand up to thorough stamping, then Bobux is a great brand to consider.

The boots featured here retail are currently on sale reduced from £42 to £33.60 – so hurry if you want to bag yourself a bargain!

**

Disclosure: I received the boots featured in this post for the purpose of this review. All opinions, words and pictures remain my own. 

The post One pair of boots – three ways appeared first on Mother's Always Right.

This is exactly the sight I was met with last Friday night when I went to bed. My three year old had woken from a nightmare and come to find me. Discovering an empty bed, she did a classic Goldilocks manoeuvre and dived straight in. I found her sprawled, starfish like across the entire width of the double bed, snoring. 

Now, in situations like these, we would formerly have had to wake her up and put her back to bed, creating a tantrum and at least two hours of wakefulness in the process. As Frog comes into our bed so rarely, it’s not a habit that needs any particular “approach”. Instead, on the odd occasion she does clamber in I just accept that it’s a night of cuddles and being kicked in the ribs for me, and a night on the sofa for the (self-proclaimed) Northern Love Machine.

Well not any more! Last Friday the NLM was more than happy to relinquish his spot in our less than huge bed, for a night on the luxurious airbed that is the AeroBed Comfort Classic Raised King.

With a handy pump that plugs in for minimum effort, this beauty turns into a bed in just 3 minutes.

It comes in a useful bag which is great for storage (no trying to squash it back into a tiny box) and is covered in a soft downy like material, so you don’t even need a sheet if you don’t want one.

The NLM slept like a log that night. In fact, he slept so well he struggled to get up the next morning…

You’ll notice a futon in the background of this picture. Apparently this AeroBed is 100 times more comfortable than the futon. In fact, it’s SO much better we’ve decided to scrap the futon as soon as we get a new sofa.

If you’ve got family coming over for Christmas this year and you don’t have enough beds to offer them, then an AeroBed would make a good investment. It’s easy to store, easy to inflate and very comfortable. The Comfort Raised King (pictured) doesn’t come small though, so it might not be the best option for a tiny box room. That said, there are other sizes available – just take your pick from the website.

***

The Comfort Classic Raised King AeroBed is available for £159.99. We were provided with the bed featured for the purpose of review. All opinions remain my own, naturally. It really is THAT comfy.

The post An answer to emergency bed problems: AeroBed appeared first on Mother's Always Right.

I’ve always been a bit of a sucker for kids’ clothes. Actually, I’ve always been a bit of a sucker for clothes, full stop. Right back to those heady days, aged 12, when I would save up for a new T’shirt from Tammy Girl, through to the late teens when a night out would mean an excuse to pop to Topshop for a new dress.

These days, I get as much pleasure in finding cool new stuff for my three year old to wear as I do in finding a new outfit for myself. Whether it’s a charity shop find (Boden dress with the price tag on recently – purchased for £3.25, get in!) or a more upmarket purchase, as long as the outfit is bold, fun and not covered in pink glitter, then we are happy. Frog is becoming increasingly picky about what she’ll agree to wear, so it looks like she may be developing her mother’s love of clothes.

Recently, Frog had a bit of a growth spurt. She’s now all arms and legs, so many of her former wardrobe staples have had to be put to one side. We have a few little pieces that have replaced them though, including this cute panda top from Le Marchand d’Etoiles.

Made from super soft cotton, this little long-sleeved T’shirt features possibly the coolest panda I’ve ever seen, complete with geek specs and a bow-tie. This is Frog’s favourite top at the moment and whenever it’s dirty and she can’t wear it, there are almost guaranteed tantrums. It cost 25,00 €, so it’s not a budget top, but the quality of the cotton is so good I think it’s worth the cash.

Next up is this incredibly cosy and stylish parka jacket from Tesco’s F&F range.

It’s by Regatta, and cost £30, which is a bargain considering it’s fully lined, with handy pockets, a (fake) fur trimmed hood and zip and velcro fastenings.

The coat goes equally well with Frog’s snazzy chelsea boots or her bright hi-tops but, most importantly, it’s comfortable and warm which, when you’re three, is all that matters really.

And finally, just as popular as the new coat and top, is the matching beanie and gloves, also from the F&F range. The hat was a bargain at £4 and the gloves (which also convert into mittens) were £3. With little pearls sewn into them and a chunky knit design, they are soft and beautiful. In fact, they’re SO soft and beautiful that Frog refuses to take them off, even when we’re inside.

The only thing that would make all of these clothes better is if they came in an adult version. Unfortunately, they’re a bit on the small side for me.

Linking up to Wednesday’s Wardrobe at Emma and 3.

***

Disclosure: The product samples featured in this post were all sent for the purpose of this review. All opinions remain my own, naturally. 

The post Frog gets new togs appeared first on Mother's Always Right.

In no particular order, they are:

This is my new Ella bag by Mia Tui. You wouldn’t know to look at it, but it’s actually a baby change bag. It has compartments for nappies, side pockets for baby wipes, an attachment to clip your keys to, pouches for bottles and a smaller handbag that slots inside, if you want to have a seperate bag for your own wallet and cards.

Even though my toddler’s no longer in nappies, I love it. I can cram all my stuff into it (filofax, wallet, keys, make-up, spare toddler pants, spare toddler leggings, baby wipes, emergency packet of raisins etc etc) without losing anything in a mysterious Bermuda Triangle handbag effect. It saves me time scrabbling around for lots bits of paper or pens and it looks pretty too.

Like loads of mums I know, I’m often ill. Not properly vomity sick, just a bit under the weather. Working the strange – and often long – hours that I do, and being around a toddler who spends half her day at nursery, means I’m prone to any cold going. I got sent these goodies recently by LanesHealth and just one whiff of any of them makes you feel instantly that little bit better.

This little collection of loveliness was an impulse buy when I was in Boots shopping for a friend’s present recently. I rarely spend money on frivolous purchases like these for myself, so it was nice to see they had a 3-for-2 deal.

Washing my hair with it makes me feel vaguely human after a couple of days when I’ve been too busy to shower (gross, I know) and almost makes up for the fact I don’t have perfectly shiny, clean, fresh locks every single day. It’s the little things, right?

Because sometimes, the only thing that helps is a double chocolate digestive. Fact.

I get up at 4am for my radio work. We do a show until 10am. This means I often don’t get to eat any breakfast until 6 hours after I wake up so, understandably, I’m a tad peckish. Granola is a great way to release that energy slowly and stop me reaching for one too many of the above biscuits later in the day. It’s also pretty tasty.

Lizi’s Granola is a new range I’ve only recently discovered. It’s very delicious, healthy and is the only stuff that comes close to the homemade granola my mum makes when we visit my parents in Devon.

This is the balance bike Frog has been borrowing from her little friend next door this week. It’s an absolutely brilliant concept, in that you don’t need pedals or stabilisers. The idea is for kids to get used to balancing themselves and scooting along, making the transition from toddler balance bike to normal big bike with pedals that little bit easier. Apparently you’re less likely to need stabilisers if you’ve used a balance bike.

It’s helped me out loads this week, as my nearly-three year old has enjoyed scuttling up and down the garden happily, leaving me free to crack on with the mountain of chores I need to do in any given half hour (hang the washing out, put tea on, answer an email, mop the floor, hoover broken biscuit, swill down wee from the patio etc etc). She loves it so much we’re considering getting her one of her own for her third birthday.

These are the things that have been helping make my life a bit easier this week. What are yours?

***

Disclaimer: I was sent the granola, cold products and Mia Tui bag to review on this blog. All opinions and words remain my own.

The post Products to help a busy working mum appeared first on Mother's Always Right.

This is possibly the best review I’ve ever done. Seriously.

The Zebra Beastie Egg is, officially, a kids Easter egg from Hotel Chocolat. I say “officially” because, officially, my own kid didn’t actually get to try it.

I know, I am a terrible mother.

The thing is, she has SO much chocolate lined up for Easter already. Plus, we had my in-laws to stay who very much needed a chocolate fix. And… well, there was no other chocolate in the house. Like I said, terrible mother.

In the name of research, I cracked open the (very pretty) packaging and scoffed a big piece delicately tasted a morsel which was rather delicious.

It came with some little mini eggs, all with different gooey centres. Mmmmm.

I’ve never tasted Hotel Chocolat chocolate before, always shunning it in favour of a cheaper option. The thing is, now I’ve tasted the good stuff, I’m not sure the cheaper option will ever really match up.

The chocolate was creamy, with a lovely crispness to the hollow big egg. The mini eggs oozed a heavenly filling of either praline or caramel, depending on which you chose.

I’d like to say we took our time over the review, licking a piece of chocolate here and sniffing an egg there, but that would be a lie. The whole lot was gone within 5 minutes. This total chocolate carnage left the four adults responsible feeling satisfied and guilty. Just the right side of guilt, mind you.

Although my toddler didn’t taste the egg, I know she’d love it. Why? Because she is her mother’s daughter. A chocolate FIEND.

***

Disclosure: I was sent this product for the purpose of this review. For more details, please see my Disclosure page.

The post The one in which I admit I ate my child’s chocolate appeared first on Mother's Always Right.

When my daughter was tiny – like, newborn tiny – car seats were easy. We’d put her in it, strap it into the car and within seconds she’d be asleep. No fuss. But at around the age of 18 months old she metamorphised into a car seat hating toddler. I think the Britax Versafix may have just changed her back again though.

You know that thing where you’re trying to strap your child into their car seat but they pull a number of different moves to make this completely impossible? My two and a half year old has that down to perfection. She can do the plank, the jellyfish and the rabid, scratching cat. Getting her into a car seat can be a real palava. 

But for some reason, she doesn’t hate the Britax Versafix. In fact, she actually rather likes it.

I suppose from her point of view, it’s comfortable, with big padded straps and a lovely soft padded cover. It’s got multi-recline positions too, so she can sit up and see the world or lounge right back and sleep if she wants to. And – to our huge relief – it has a three point seat belt that couldn’t be easier to do up. (We’ve not always got on with previous car seat belts in the past.)

The other thing I love about this particular Britax model is its versatility. It’s really easy to move from one car to the other, without ten hours of faffing about beforehand. There are multiple options when it comes to securing it in place, too. From the ISOFIX system to the top tether point, as well as the regular seat belt attachment option, it’s a really simple seat to fit into a car. This is important when you’re time poor like me.

We’ve now tested the Britax Versafix on two five hour car journeys, plus numerous nursery and shopping runs. There haven’t *touch wood* been any car seat related tantrums so far and – unlike our former car seat – Frog often falls fast asleep in it within minutes.

(This photo was taken five minutes after we got home, as I attempted to rouse my exhausted tot. Proof the car seat is INCREDIBLY comfortable.)

If you’re looking for an easy, VERY safe, flexible car seat that you can use between various cars, this has to be your choice. I’ve never come across a more user friendly car to date. The Britax Versafix has our full stamp of approval.

**

Disclosure: We were sent the Britax Versafix car seat for the purpose of this review. I am on the Britax Mumbassador panel. All views expressed here are my own. And, you know, I’m always honest.

The post Britax Versafix – an end to my car seat woes appeared first on Mother's Always Right.

I have no shame in admitting I often get clothes envy when I dress my toddler. Her huge collection of outfits – made up of hand-me-downs, second hand bargains, new presents from relatives and the odd Mum splurge – is a sight to behold. And now she has a new addition. A top from Little Punk London.

This is a top like nothing I’ve ever come across before.

The soft long sleeved top is made from 100% cotton, making it really cosy and comfortable. But the thing that really makes this t’shirt is the added extras. Namely, the animals.

The version we have features all of Frog’s favourites – a lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra and monkey – meaning this top has become an instant favourite. Each animal is embroidered with huge attention to detail and sticks on to the velcro-friendly strip across the front of the t’shirt.

My toddler loved picking and choosing which animals she would have on her top. Sometimes they all made the grade, but sometimes she banished one or two in a Simon Cowell like manner.

My only concern is that the top is white. White and my toddler do not always mix. So I think it might be a t’shirt that doesn’t get an outing to the nursery. Either that or I’ll have to buy the red or black version too.

***

Disclosure: We were sent the Little Punk London Stick and Animals Set for the purpose of this review. It’s available to buy online at Little Punk London for £25.99.

The post Little Punk London: Toddler wear like nothing else appeared first on Mother's Always Right.

When it comes to buggies, I have to admit to being a bit of a snob. It’s ridiculous really, because I’m not particularly materialistic in other areas of life. I don’t drive a snazzy car – and couldn’t care less. I don’t wear designer clothes – and again, couldn’t care less. And I get just as much satisfaction from a nicely upcycled piece of furniture, as a newly purchased piece.

But when it comes to buggies, I have a bit of a weak spot.

It all started when I was pregnant. Completely oblivious to the many different types of buggy / pram / travel system out there, I wandered into Mamas and Papas and was instantly intimidated. I didn’t know my Quinny from my Bugaboo, my Xplory from my Sola. I was a buggy novice who had no idea of the potential status symbol of the buggy.

So I happily purchased a Mamas and Papas travel system (I say “I” purchased it – it was actually a present from the husband’s generous parents) and didn’t give it much more thought.

And that travel system has done us proud. Most of the time.

But there have been times when I’ve yearned for something a bit simpler. I have a tiny car. The big buggy is too big to fit in the boot of my car, which is a pain. Although my two year old is walking, her hypermobility means she gets tired quite easily – and her toddler lump means she’s too heavy to lug around for long periods of time.

So a buggy is essential. But for those times when we’re out and about, I need an easy, fold away buggy. One that doesn’t require taking apart just to fit in my boot. Yet my inner buggy snobbery means I’m loathe to leave the posher travel system at home and wheel out the cheaper, smaller version for days out.

And that’s where this beauty comes in.

The Britax B-Agile is available exclusively at Mothercare. It’s designed to cover all your buggy needs, with a click and go device meaning you can put it up with one hand while holding your baby with the other. It’s lightweight, folding down to a really manageable size. And the four wheels combined into a three wheel, sleek black design means it looks pretty too.

We live in the countryside, so we need a buggy that can handle roads a bit off the beaten track, without bending or rolling away. So far, this buggy has performed just as well as the massive travel system we already own. And folding down to a fraction of the size, I can miraculously fit it into my teeny tiny car boot.

But it shouldn’t be seen as the second-best option. It’s far from the “extra” buggy to support a bigger travel system you might use every day.

I’ve been so impressed with the B-Agile that I’d happily recommend it to a family new to the buggy market. With a reclining back which goes all the way to flat, it could be used for newborns right up to four year olds. It’s durable, roomy but compact and very, very comfortable. I know this, because my toddler is very picky about where she falls asleep…

If you’re looking for an attractive buggy that’s easy to manouevre, is compact and light – yet chunky and durable – this is your man buggy. You don’t need to spend thousands on a massive travel system that can cook your tea for you while breastfeeding your child, you simply need to invest in this beauty.

And at £229.99, it means you’ll have more money left for all those other things babies need, like nappies. Or you could invest in posh crisps and wine. Whatever floats your boat really.

The clever inventors at Britax have done a great job with the B-Agile. Now they just need to bring us a buggy that can do four loads of washing at the same time as reading a toddler’s bedtime story. But for now, this one will do nicely.

***

Disclaimer: The Britax B-Agile was provided for the purpose of this review. All views remain my own. As ever.

The post We’ve got new wheels appeared first on Mother's Always Right.

Sorry folks.

They’ve done it again. The dual purpose plug in nightlight is another item I wish I’d known about this time 19 months ago.

Far from being your ordinary nightlight, this one is so intuitive it can actually tell if it’s dark already. That’s right – you don’t even need to switch it on. Imagine those milk feeds at 3am, with no need to maneouvre a baby in one hand and find a light switch with the other….

Automatic "darkness detectors". Genius.

The light plugs straight into a socket, so doesn’t cast a disruptive glare across the whole room. Instead, it sits quietly glowing in the corner. The light’s so relaxing I can almost see it being used in a high end spa meditation room, rather than a baby’s bedroom. It even stays cold, so no need to worry about tiny fingers touching a hot light. Genius.

And it has the option of not being covered, so other appliances can be plugged into the same socket. Like so:

Hoover friendly. Or whatever appliance takes your fancy.

The anti-wandering fingers version.

I have to say, I’m not surprised those clever inventors at Brother Max have pulled another cracker out of the bag. They’ve already showed off their talents in the baby gadget stakes with the likes of their room and bath thermometer. Oh, and don’t forget about their easy to use digital thermometer.

In fact, check out all the products on the website. They’ve found solutions to problems I didn’t even know were an issue – until I found the product to rectify it. And their bath toys look incredibly cute.

But, so far, the night light is definitely my favourite of all the products. I just wish they’d invented it earlier.

How selfish of them.

***

The Brother Max dual purpose nightlight costs £9.99 and is available to pre-order from Mother Care.

This is a review post.

The post Let there be light appeared first on Mother's Always Right.