this little house

RETAIL THERAPY FOR A MAMA OF TWO

I've shopped online for years, it used to be when I couldn't get an item in store I would then search in hope on the net. Now however, online shopping is my MAIN way of shopping. Yep, turns out toddlers ain't the biggest fans of retail therapy, throw a baby into the mix and forget about it ;)

So most of my shopping happens from the comfort of my own couch, coffee in hand, debit card in the other, oh and Archie attached to my boob. You know how it goes ;)

In actual fact, online shopping has spurred the bargain hunter in me once more (I was an avid thrifter in my pre-kids days) as it's now so easy to find the products you love at the best possible prices. Although, I am still an old fashioned shopper at heart and do get weary of purchasing from sites I'm not familiar with when it comes to the big purchases. Therefore, I like to stick with the well established companies, especially those that offer a price match, one such site is, Babydino.com. It has everything from pushchairs, to nursery furniture, toys, bedding, and the list goes on. All your baby needs under one roof and the knowledge that they will match the most competitive prices out there. As a customer I really like that. We are flooded nowadays with so many online shops and retailers it gets overwhelming. Give me a site where I feel like a valued customer and where I know I'm getting the best price possible and I'll keep coming back.

I mentioned above they sold prams too. Boy, oh boy, do I wish I knew about this site back when we pram shopped for Caleb. We didn't plan to have two babies so close together so didn't give any of the strollers that could be converted into a double a second glance, it seemed nonsensical to us. Who's laughing now :/

At Babydino, if you purchase your stroller with them and your circumstances change or you no longer need your pram anymore they offer a buy back service. How good is that?! You can read more about that here. I think this is a cracking idea and is something we absolutely would have used. Team that with the price match promise and I really think this is the go to site for your pushchair. They've got all the big brands not to mention the new Babyzen Yoyo pushchair. Have you heard of Babyzen?

Okay, I'm a little excited by this brand and keep talking to my mama friends about it. I've got my eye on it for when Caleb well and truly ditches the pram and it's just Archie to push around. It's a pushchair, that wait for it, can be folded down, has a strap and can be carried on your shoulder!!!

A pram bag, now that is the stuff of pram dreams right there.

I can just see it making city life and travelling near and far so much easier, it's also small enough to be stored in most overhead cabin compartments on flights. No waiting to get your stroller at baggage control. Can you tell I'm all for baby products that make life so much easier?! ;) Oh and it looks good to, yep, you know me, I like a nice looking stroller ;)

If you're purchasing this stroller for a newborn than Babyzen Yoyo 0+ is suitable from birth and includes a newborn nest for your little one to snuggle in. I find this particularly amazing that such a lightweight and compact pram can offer the comfort and support for a newborn, it really does make it the ultimate city pram. Once you're baby is 6 months plus you can purchase the seat base and colour pack separately to convert it into a pram to see your baby through to the toddler years. If you're baby is 6 months upwards already then the Babyzen Yoyo is the one you want and you can read more here about that particular model.

That's the wondrous thing about online, you get to hear about all the new products that are out or due to come out, and for me that's thanks to blogging and my babies no longer allowing me to shop on the high street ;)

If like myself you've always got your eyes peeled for the next big thing in baby products you can like Babydino's facebook page here to keep you updated.

I mean when there is a pram bag out there, what is next?! ;)

Thanks to a little distraction known as Caleb and Archie my online shopping never gets out of hand ;)

Thursday, 30 October 2014 Comments: 2

Well bliggity blog, that's our blog over a year and a half old now. What started as a way to keep my side of the family updated on Caleb has became so much more for me. It has become my creative outlet, my place to vent, to figure out this amazing and tricky journey that is motherhood, not to mention put me in touch with some amazing people. I don't think when I pressed publish on my very first post that I realised just what a good thing this would be for me.

So a year and a half in, our family is now a four, and my love of documenting our journey is still going strong. There was a moment back there just after Archie was born were I thought about bidding this little space farewell. I just didn't have the time nor the head space to sit down and write, so I didn't, and guess what? I missed it. Turns out a little brain exercise that does not include drool, spit up and nappies is rather good for my soul ;)

For now we're here to stay in the land of blog, I can't thank you enough for taking the time to read my ramblings ;). Alongside my usual baby brain ramblings I've got exciting plans for this little space of ours too. As this blog has grown, so have I, and although the direction of our blog will always, always be about us as a family and how we tackle life as a four, we will also be collaborating with some handpicked (by us) companies and brands. Rest assure we will not become a blog all about product reviews, but from time to time there will be posts that we think are a great fit for our family and lifestyle. Trust everything you read here will always be our honest opinion, whether that be good or bad.

With that said, I feel truly thankful I have this little corner of the internet, I swear it has saved my sanity on more than one occasion. Here's to lots more sanity saving in the future, and I hope you will all continue to join us on this crazy journey called, a life as a family of four ;)

Wednesday, 29 October 2014 Comments: 4

When the lovely people over at Chicco got in touch with me to see if we'd like to test their Urban stroller we jumped at the chance. Two years ago I knew zero about strollers and was completely baffled as to why so many were on the market. As a soon to be new parent I expected to walk into a pram shop and be greeted by, 'the one', you know, the pram that does pretty much everything short of bringing up your child ;)

Instead we walked into the shop and we were completely overwhelmed by the choice. So I turned to the internet and looked up reviews for several strollers. Reviews that were specifically written by mum's themselves, because for me there is no better tester of a pram than a mother. Now here I am two and half years on with two children (I'm still getting used to saying that!) and a chance to share my tuppence ;)

So first off, the Urban is a beauty. Chicco have well and truly upped their game when it comes to the aesthetic of this pram. It's sleek, stylish and has a stand out design. For some, the look of a stroller may not be important, but for me, it is. Call me superficial, but I've ditched a lot of my past life indulgences when it comes to having little ones. So please, oh please, at least let me have a nice looking stroller to push down the street. I have however learnt not to choose style over substance. Now I want both ;)

With that in mind we put the Urban to the test over the last couple of months.

Upon taking the stroller out the box I was pleasantly surprised to not have a thousand pieces come crashing out. The main body of the stroller was already together. It was just a simple case of popping on the wheels (literally) and attaching the seat.

The seat itself is particularly clever as not only can it face forward or towards you, it also teams up as a carrycot for those early baby months. With just a few minor adjustments (which are clips underneath the seat) and a padded insert, voila, it's a carrycot.

We personally didn't get much use out of it styled as a carrycot, with most babies you'll find out rather quickly whether they're a fan of a pram like that or not. In Archie's case, he is not. Neither was Caleb. It appears we make rather nosey babies who would much prefer to see what is going on in the world. For this very fact alone is what I loved most about this stroller as the seat is suitable from birth. So, if like myself you have babies who enjoy a little people or mama watching this stroller caters for that, plus you don't have the worry of storing a separate (rather unused) carrycot as you just convert it back into the seat. As the seat, the straps can be adjusted to their size and the foot rest can be positioned up the way to keep your little one safe and cosy. You can see this in the below pictured.

Another feature I like on this stroller is the extendable handle bar. This is a must if you're tall like myself, or small like Caleb ;). I've used many a stroller without this feature and I've really felt it in my back at the end of the day. It's also nice to not resemble a hunchback whilst pushing your pram ;)

Also, I love how because of the lightweight nature of the pram and it's swivel front wheels (can also be locked into position when needed) I could easily manoeuvre with one hand leaving my other hand free to keep a hold of that independent toddler of mine ;)

The hood on a stroller is key for me too, this one is great. It comes nice and far forward for when the sun is glaring in your poor babies face. The shopping bag underneath is a really good size too, which makes daily life soooo much easier. I fitted my change bag and a day's shopping underneath there no problem.

When I first unpacked the stroller I was struck by how firm the wheels were and instantly was not a fan. However, what I didn't realise until using the stroller was the great suspension it had therefore the firmness of the wheels wasn't a problem at all, more of an added bonus as punctures will never be an issue. Let me tell you, a pram with a puncture is NOT fun. Thanks to Edinburgh's cobbled streets the suspension was certainly given a thorough testing!

When you start to shop for a stroller, very quickly you'll hear the phrase, 'travel system', bandied about. Fancy huh?!

You ain't shopping for a mere pram anymore, you're shopping for a 'travel system', dont cha know ;).

Also what I like to refer to as our generation's lifesaver. With an adaptor added to the stroller you can clip a carseat onto it and away you go. I cannot recommend this feature enough if you are a driver or your partner is as it really does make life a thousand times easier, not to mention keeps a sleeping baby sleeping when you transfer them from the car to the stroller and vica versa. That alone is worth it's weight in gold!! We were sent the Chicco Autofix Fast babyseat with our stroller, which was lovely and padded and has a removeable insert to give extra cushioning to a tiny newborn, which I feel is essential for their comfort not to mention essential for our peace of mind and confidence when it comes to driving a newborn baby around ;).

While we're on the subject of cars, we found when collapsed the stroller fitting nicely into our boot, which I would say is medium sized. Always, always make sure before you purchase any stroller that you can get it into your boot. A no brainer you would think, but unfortunately I've been there, done that, AND got the t-shirt :/

Collapsing the stroller is straight forward to, just a push and a slide of clips and it's down. Same putting it back up. It's not rocket science, thank god, because some strollers out there you need a degree in Mechanics just to get the damn thing down.

Other features, are the rain cover. Can't go forgetting the rain cover, this being Scotland and all. It's easy to pop on and a great fit. I was caught in many a downpour and had no issues.

The brake, centre of the bar at your feet, and does the job nicely. You'd be surprised how many prams have shocking brakes and a toddler can easily move them when they're locked. Caleb tried with this stroller and failed. Much to my delight, and not his :)

Another lovely feature of this pram is the colour inserts, we chose emerald. There is various other colours to choose from and you can also buy them separately too if you fancy a change.

All in all the Chicco Urban gets a big thumbs up from us. Not only does it look the part but it also puts some of the £1000 travel systems on the market to shame, you're looking at under half that price here. Chicco are certainly making travel systems more affordable but not at the cost of style.

So the answer here is yes, it has style AND substance.

Oh, I should also tell you this pram was tested by both Grandmas and they too gave it the big thumbs up. Now that really is a seal of approval!

Below you'll find the Urban in action.

Thursday, 23 October 2014 Comments: 3

Oh yes, chickenpox came to town and decided to grace us with it's presence. Arguably, a really good thing, as now that's both boys had it, and had it young. I got it at thirteen years old, and let me tell you, it was not pretty and I still have vivid memories of just how uncomfortable it was.

The lifesaver in this story though is my mum. She was up for a visit and arrived expecting a fun filled week with her grandsons and instead was greeted by a gazillion spots. Mostly on Caleb, Archie sailed through with just four spots. It would appear Caleb took one (million spots) for the team ;). Turns out her visit couldn't have been better timed. Taking care of two poorly boys was made soooo much easier by having her there. She cheered them up no end and kept me sane throughout. Thank you, Grandma!!

So it's back to business as usual this week. Which means interacting with the general public, yay!!! Can you tell that cabin fever was a problem last week?! ;) Here is to a germ free household. Well as germ free as a household can be when you've got a toddler around!

I need to tell you about the sweetness behind this above photograph.

Caleb is all for giving cuddles to Archie, but he's a bit of a run and go hugger. This is just before they both got ill and Caleb requested his usual cuddle from Archie, that went on to last twenty minutes!! I just sat there in awe, it's truly a privlege to watch their love grow for one another.

It's one of those moments that you bank, you know, when motherhood is kicking your ass and you're having a bad day. Moments like this remind you that you're doing a good job.

Tuesday, 21 October 2014 Comments: 2

Gahhh can we just talk about this little pudding of mine for a minute?! How on earth is he nearly five months old?! I really need to stop calling him a newborn now, right?! Okay, I will. A little begrudgingly, I admit. That stage is officially gone. Cue the little personality stage though, which sure as hell takes the sting out of leaving newborness (totally a word!) behind ;)

Along with saying goodbye to the newborn stage, alas we do to all his newborn clothes too. If you're picturing me folding small onesies whilst crying into them, you'd be about right ;). Archie is such a lucky wee fella and was spoilt rotten by all our lovely family and friends, and let's not forget the big brother hand me downs, so dressing him was all taken care for us. Now though, as we enter this new stage we do so with a limited wardrobe, especially as my boy is one seriously lonnnnnng baby, it's time for mama to do the shopping. Clothes shopping, you say? Yet another reason why leaving the newborn stage ain't so bad ;)

As with my own wardrobe, I'm scaling back big time. I want all our wardrobes to fit in with our lifestyle, which for me needs to be quick, easy and fun. Quality over quantity, for sure. It's only taken me the grand old age of 33 to learn that very valuable fashion lesson. So I was really excited when I stumbled across this darling brand, Piupia. Claudia, a mama herself, is the designer and owner of this gorgeous brand. I'm really drawn to brands that have been started by mothers. I champion them for finding a career that not only fits around their family but is made better because of it. Her focus was to make beautiful and playful clothes, that are kinder to our environment and our babies sensitive skin. You can read more about Piupia's story here.

I just adore the mint green onesie, it feels super soft and boy, is a onesie a life saver when you're dressing two little ones. An easy wardrobe grab, and bam, the most delicious looking baby. Don't even get me started on the booties, they are sooooo making up for my saying goodbye to Archie's newborn baby vests. I don't know why but newborn vests just turn me into a quivering hormonal mess they are that darn cute, it would appear booties do too ;)

Piupia are giving all you lovely readers from now until 18th October 2014, 20% OFF their entire range!! I'm already swooning at the above bodysuits and leggings. They could not be more perfect for the winter mouths ahead. It's easy peasy, just click over to Piupia here, fill your cart and then enter THISLITTLEHOUSE20 at the check out.

Now I'm off to deal with my current dispute with the husband. He wants to know why I'm vacuum packing all the newborn clothes.

'We're not having anymore babies, you do realise that?!', he says.

We'll see, Michael. We'll see ;)

Wednesday, 15 October 2014 Comments: 4

Major milestones going on over here. Caleb had his first ever morning at playgroup.

Want to hear the surprising thing?

No tears. From anyone. That's right, not even me ;)

You see, I know he's been ready for this. He let go of my hand and didn't look back. I cannot tell you how proud that makes me of him. In all his two and half years, he's only ever been with me, or his family and friends. Watching him confidently interact with the staff and the other children made my heart soar. It made me realise we've been on a journey together, him and I, and it's led us to this point. I know it is early days, and there may be some set backs and tears, but I also know that together we can figure it out.

To mark the occassion I gave Caleb this personalised lunch bag and drinks bottle, kindly sent by the lovely people over at Stuck On You. I picked the colour, the font, and the design, knowing he would love it. His eyes lit up when he saw the rocket and his name, and me? Well, I will never forget the moment I watched my little boy confidently stride up the road to playgroup like a total boss with his briefcase ;).

Oh, Caleb.

Somebody pass this boy a china cup, because I am loving me that pinkie ♥

Forget the china, the boys a rocker.

As you can see Caleb was also a big fan of his drinks bottle, which for the record people, does NOT leak. Yes ladies, you can throw it in your bag without fear of drowning the contents inside. So been there, so done that, like a gazillion times :/

To celebrate Caleb's little milestone, Stuck On You are giving two lovely readers the chance to win a £25 voucher to spend on their site. They're the one stop shop for all things personalised. From labels, to gifts, stationary and clothing. They also do great value packs, that are perfect for your preschooler and older.

Entering is easy, you just need to enter via rafflecopter below. When the giveaway closes two winners will be randomly selected and contacted by email once their entry has been verified.

This is an international giveaway.

Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, 7 October 2014 Comments: 13

this little house

RETAIL THERAPY FOR A MAMA OF TWO

A BLOG BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF SORTS!

CHICCO URBAN TRAVEL SYSTEM REVIEW

A POX WAS UPON US :/

BYE BYE NEWBORN, HELLO CUTIE! PIUPIA CLOTHING REVIEW & DISCOUNT CODE

MILESTONES & A STUCK ON YOU GIVEAWAY

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