Ultra Chloraseptic

A few days ago a lovely little email from Ultra Chloraseptic saying that they'd like to send me a pre-Christmas treat. How was I to say no?

It arrived a couple of days later and I was so chuffed to find a little bundle of items that are perfect for combatting winter colds and sore throats; a gorgeous scarf,  a John Lewis penguin mug, Rowse honey and a lemon. It came at the perfect time too as I am a little under the weather. THANK YOU, ULTRA CHLORASEPTIC!

If you haven't heard of Ultra Chloraseptic,  they are a range of anaesthetic throat sprays to relieve the pain of sore throats. Just three quick sprays can numb sore throats in seconds. It goes straight to the site of the pain so it doesn't numb your whole mouth. 

Ultra Chloraseptic is available in three flavours; blackcurrant, cherry and menthol. 

Christmas Gift Ideas: Tech21

These days, the majority of people own smartphones and tablets. Tech21 have a wide range of accessories that are perfect for Christmas gifts.

They sell a range of Impactology cases for iPhone 5, 5s, 5c, 4 and 6, Apple Macbook, Samsung Galaxy S4 and S5, HTC M8 and iPad Air, iPad Mini, iPad and iPad 3rd and 4th gen. You can also purchase anti-glare screen protectors for iPhone models 5c, 5s and 4s.

Impactology is a promise that Tech21's products always deliver the most intelligent impact protection. The products are made with a selection of ingenious raw materials, providing optimum impact protection. I was given the opportunity to try out two items from their range - an iPad mini mesh case and an iPhone 5 Smokey case.

Both of the cases that I received are integrated with D30 Impact material which absorbs and dissipates shock from your device when dropped. Perfect for me having two children in the house! 

The iPad mini case is made from a thick rubber. It bends and may look flimsy but it's far from it. It fits perfectly and leave access for usage of all ports and as the case is compatible with Apple Smart Cover, one edge of the iPad isn't covered so that this can click in. 

The iPhone 5 case is made from a hard plastic with a rubber bumper. It feels secure in my hand and again, you get full usage of all of your ports. 
The cases for both items look and feel high quality and you can really put your trust in Tech21. 

You can find out more about Tech 21 at their website, Facebook and Twitter.

(Disclaimer: I received these items free of charge in exchange for an open and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Aldi Ski Range

The start of the ski season is upon and although I don't ski, it's always been something that Chris has been interested in trying.

This coming Thursday (December 4th) Aldi are launching their Specialbuys ski range so that you can fit affordable clothing that is fit for the slopes. It doesn't matter if you're a pro or a beginner - there's something for everyone!

For entry-level skiiers, you can purchase salopettes and jackets from £16.99, children's ski wear from £14.99 and a wide range of accessories such as socks and gloves. 

Aldi's Pro range contains pro jackets and salopettes which are £34.99 and £29.99, respectively, and pro lite shell jacket (£39.99) and trousers at £34.99. The pro range echo the quality of "big brand" names but don't have the price tag.

A first for Aldi this year is the kids Snowboard range which will be launched in January 2015. This range will include clothing for children as well as snowboard suits (£19.99), gloves (£4.99) and goggles (£7.99).

We received an infant snowsuit in size 3-6 months and I was super impressed by how padded it is - it definitely keeps E warm! The feet are cuffed but you can pull the bottoms over to keep her toes snuggly! 

It also has roll-over mittens. It is fantastic quality and there are two zips on the front which makes it easy to put her in and take her out of it. Size-wise it is brilliant. She is three months old and we will definitely be using this for months to come. The infant snowsuits retail at £9.99 and are available from 3-12 months old. As you can see, E received the pink one but you can also purchase blue, purple and navy.

The full Aldi Ski Range is as follows but it is only while stocks last so be quick!

• Thermal/fleece insoles - £1.29
• Children's ski socks - £1.99
• Adults fleece hat/scarf/gloves - £2.49
• Children's ski gloves - £2.99
• M/L fleece lined knitted hat - £2.99
• Multi-functional headband - £2.99
• Pocket hand warmers - £2.99
• Reversible ski accessories - £2.99
• Children's ski roll neck - £3.49
• M/L ski roll neck top - £3.99
• M/L ski socks 2 pack - £3.99
• Children's thermal set - £4.99
• M/L socks with silk - £4.99
• M/L ski tops - £4.99
• M/L technical ski gloves - £4.99
• Shoe grips - £4.99
• Ski & snowboard goggles - £7.99
• Boys snow boots - £8.99
• Girls snow boots - £8.99
• M/L ski & sports base layer - £8.99
• M/L winter sports compression base layer - £8.99
• Infants snowsuits - £9.99
• M/L ski pro gauntlets/mitts - £9.99
• Ladies plush fleece jacket - £12.99
• M/L stretch fleece top - £12.99
• Boys ski wear - £14.99
• Girls ski wear - £14.99
• M/L Nordic/Alpine knitwear - £14.99
• Ladies winter boots - £15.99
• M/L Merino thermal long johns - £15.99
• M/L Merino thermal top - £15.99
• Mens winter boots - £15.99
• Ladies salopettes - £16.99
• Mens salopettes - £16.99
• M/L softshell ski trousers - £17.99
• Ladies ski jacket - £19.99
• Mens ski jacket - £19.99
• Adult ski/snowboard helmet - £19.99
• M/L knitted sports jacket - £19.99
• M/L premium Merino base layer - £19.99
• M/L softshell ski jacket - £24.99
• M/L ski pro salopettes - £29.99
• M/L ski pro jacket - £34.99
• M/L ski pro lite shell trousers - £34.99
• M/L ski pro lite jacket - £39.99

(Disclaimer: We received an infant snowsuit free of charge in exchange for this post and an open, honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

E at 12 Weeks

12 weeks already and they have been the quickest 12 weeks of my life. 

There isn't really a lot to update on if I'm honest so I think from here on out I will switch E's updates to monthly just like C's are. 

E is still taking 7oz and is comfortably into 3-6 month clothing *cries* they look so big!

She has found her fists and is constantly chewing on them and she also seems to have found her voice. 

She still sleeps through the night which I am counting my blessings for. We didn't have too many weeks of having to get up for night feeds so mummy and daddy feel very refreshed! 

I'm so excited for her first Christmas and taking her to see Santa. I will be back with an update in a months time and hopefully I'll have plenty to share with you :)

Christmas Gift Guide Ideas: Nero 2015 Platinum - Review & Giveaway

Like probably many parents, I spend a lot of my time snapping photos and recording videos of my children. I love looking back at them and remembering how little they were.

Nero 2015 Platinum is a great little digital media suite for parents (or even teenagers - I know I took copious amounts of photographs with my friends as a teen!) Nero makes is easy to burn, rip, play, edit and share digital content anywhere and on ANY device which is perfect for me as I take photos on both my camera and iPhone. I never go anywhere without my smartphone and when I go to my parents house on a Saturday, I'm constantly showing them photos of what the kids have been up to that week. Using Nero means that I can share these with them with ease. You can also create high-quality DVDs and videos, something that I will definitely take advantage of over Christmas.

The features of Nero 2015 Platinum are:

• Stream videos to any iOS or Android device
• Nero AirBurn - Burn files straight from your Android & iOS device

• Browse & tag photos and videos with places
• New Nero launcher with instant access to the entire suite
• Change the video-disc format on-the-fly when authoring
• Hollywood-grade font styles and motion text effects for video
• Instant access to your Nero cloud
• Five new mobile apps to help you learn and master Nero 2015
• Stream to and TV or media player with auto-transcoding
• Even faster video converting and burning

I have found Nero surprisingly easy to use. The main screen has a wide selection of options to choose from. You can automatically import all media files from your PC and edit straight from the dashboard. You can also create your videos and burn CDs with ease. I am not the most tech savvy but even I found my way around it with no problems using the tutorial tab at the bottom. If you remember my post on Smartphone Mums last week, you'll see that Nero also have a BackItUp feature to save all of your precious memories. You are able to purchase photo products too such as photobooks, cards and calendars. There is no end! It is my new favourite program. You can even play Blu-Rays with it! 

App-wise you can download the following on both Android and iOS:

• Nero AirBurn
• Nero MediaHome Receiver App
• Nero MediaHome WiFi Sync App
• Nero Manual Apps (for tutorials and support) 

All of the above are free to download so you always have them at your fingertips. I would definitely recommend this software for anyone who takes a lot of photographs or videos or enjoys creating their own. I can't wait to organise all of my images of this coming Christmas! 

Nero 2015 Platinum retails at £89.99 but at the time of writing it is on offer at £79.99. You can find out more about Nero at their website. 

Nero have very kindly offered my readers the chance to win their own copy of Nero 2015 Platinum. All you need to do is fill in the Rafflecopter widget below. This competition will run from November 27th until December 11th and it is open to UK residents only. Good luck!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(Disclaimer: I received a copy of Nero 2015 Platinum free of charge in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Dentyl Active Mouthwash - Review

I'd like to think that I look after my teeth quite well. As I child, I had no problems except needing braces to straighten them. When I was a teenager, I was a bit more lax and needed two fillings (thanks to my polo mint addiction which I have now gotten over). After 'filling-gate', I put more effort into looking after them again as I hate visiting the dentist even for a simple check up. I do tend to stick to brushing my teeth with whitening toothpaste and using no other products.

Dentyl Active is a mouthwash that is alcohol free so it is suitable for children aged 6+ to use. It was developed by a leading dentist to provide fresh breath and eliminate oral bacteria as well as remove food debris to give your mouth a really deep clean. We received the Dentyl Active Mint mouthwash to give it a try.

Dentyl is really innovative as it has a unique two-phase solution. As you can see, there are two 'layers'. The blue layer at the top contains essential oils and an antibacterial agent called CPC (Cetylpyridinium Chloride) is contained in the bottom green layer so you have to shake it before you use it. The taste isn't an overpowering mint, which is great, and the fact that it is alcohol free means that it doesn't dry your mouth out. Dry mouth is actually a trigger for bad breath so it's great that it combats halitosis in that way too. It is said to reduce plaque levels by 25%.

One of my favourite things about this mouthwash is that when you rinse and spit, you can clearly see the food debris in the sink so you know that it is working. I can also definitely feel a different with my teeth and I'm a little annoyed that I didn't start using it sooner!

As well at the Mint flavour, Dentyl Active is also available in Clove and you can find a list of stockists here.

(Disclaimer: We received this item free of charge in exchange for an open and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Wallcreate Canvas Print - Review & Giveaway

Since giving birth to E, I have taken a lot of photographs of her. I had lots of pictures of C dotted around the house so I was so pleased when Wallcreate got in touch about their canvas prints.

Wallcreate have been printing canvases since 2001 and they are regarded as one of the popular canvas printing companies in the UK. You can choose from a variety of sizes (starting from as little as £8.97!).

We were very kindly given the opportunity to try a 30cm x 20cm canvas (worth £14.97) and I just knew I had to get a photograph of E on it. I opted for one that really meant something to me - one of the first photos of her smile.

The canvas arrived promptly and I was so pleased upon opening. The quality of the photograph was remarkable and the frame is very sturdy and thick and it comes with fittings. It feels heavy enough but not too heavy where I would be worried about hanging it. I hate canvases that look and feel cheap but this isn't the case with Wallcreate. With Christmas coming, I definitely think that they would make a fantastic present for family members and the prices are so affordable, especially for the degree of quality that you receive.

Wallcreate are offering my readers the opportunity to win a 40cm x 30cm canvas print of their own. All you need to do is fill in the Rafflecopter widget below. This competition will run for two weeks from 25rd November until the 9th December. UK entrants only. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(Disclaimer: We received this item free of charge in exchange for and open review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Win a Dollhouse Bundle with Big Game Hunters Ltd

Today, I'm bringing you probably one of my favourite competitions that I've ever hosted. Big Game Hunters Ltd are giving my readers the opportunity to win every little girls dream - a dollhouse bundle.

The prize consists of:

Butterbee Cottage Dolls House

Sweetbee Living Room, Dining Room & Master Bedroom Set

Budkins Family of 3

I'm sure you can all agree that this is an amazing prize! Entry will be a little different than my usual competitions. This isn't a Rafflecopter giveaway because we want to see your little ones creative sides!

To enter, we'd like you to enlist the help of your children. We would like them to draw their dream jungle-themed dollhouse. Once they have completed their picture please email it (a scan copy or photograph of it will be fine) to both myself and Hannah at Garden Games Ltd. Our email addresses are rebeccaphillips49@gmail.com & hannah@biggamehunters.co.uk
Please include 'Mum of a Premature Baby Competition' as your subject and include your name and your childs name and age in the body. We will then choose the most creative as the winner!

I'm well aware that people may be put off by effort competitions but this is an amazing prize and it's a great way to get your children involved and have fun!

The competition will close on December 8th and the winner will be notified shortly after. I will also announce the winner on Facebook and Twitter. The competition is open to UK residents only. By entering, you are agreeing to the pictures being used on the Big Game Hunters website.

I can't wait to see your designs!

E at 11 Weeks

I know I sound repetitive but seriously, can the weeks slow down a bit please?

This week we have bumped Erin up to 7oz which I know is crazy for how little she is but she takes it! I'm amazed. 

She is sitting upright on my knee by herself - her head control is amazing. I compare her C but I know I really shouldn't as he was premature and did things a little later. 

She has the sniffles and a bit of a cough (as we all do at the mo!) but she seems to be handling it okay. We just have to use a snot sucker with her - yuck!

E has fallen into her own little routine which I LOVE! She has her last feed at around 8.30/9pm then will sleep right through until about 9am. Yay!

Frozen *Giveaway* with World's Apart

Last month, you may remember I did a couple of reviews with the fabulous World's Apart.

Today, I'm collaborating with them again for a competition that you'll not want to miss!

Frozen is the highest-grossing animated film ever made and I'm sure every one of us knows all the songs! World's Apart are very kindly offering my readers the chance to win an amazing Frozen bundle worth almost £60.

You could win:

Frozen ReadyRoom Flip Out Mini Sofa suitable for children aged 18mths+ (RRP £24.99)

Frozen ReadyRoom Pop Up Storage suitable for children aged 18mths+ (RRP £14.99)

Frozen ReadyRoom Door Decor (RRP £19.99)

The competition will run for ONE WEEK only ending on November 28th. Every effort will be made for the winner to receive the prize before Christmas but it cannot be guaranteed. The prize will be supplied directly from World's Apart. All you need to do is fill in the Rafflecopter widget below. None of the entry options are mandatory but the more you do, the more chances you have to win! Good luck! UK entrants only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

C at 26 Months

Last month I didn't do a C update and that was because I didn't have anything to write! Nothing had changed. This month is pretty much the same except his speech is getting better and better. It's like someone flicked a switch. 

He's picking up more and more words. I've honestly lost count of how many he knows now and he's starting to put them together to make phrases so we can now have conversations with him. He's associating things brilliantly too.

My favourite thing that he's picked up is emotions. He knows when he is happy and sad and all we ever get is him walking up to Chris and saying, "Hi, daddy. I'm sad". 

Something Special has been fundamental to his learning, in my opinion. He adores Mr Tumble and always asks to watch him and has begun signing words to us too. 

Aside from his speech, he has been properly sick for the first time ever. He has a runny nose, chesty cough and has completely lost his appetite. His voice was very croaky too but he's gotten over that. I feel very sorry for him because he properly knows that he is feeling rubbish and just wants to sleep all day. 

And finally, after 26 months on the planet, I introduced him to Peppa Pig. And he loves it. He especially loves to oink. 

OINK OINK! 

Christmas Gift Guide Ideas for the Beauty Lover: Rokit Gel Professional Nail Kit

I'm not the biggest 'girlie girl' in the world, quite the opposite in fact, but I do love having my nails looking lovely.

Rokit have launched a brand new gel manicure kit that promises to give you salon quality nails in the comfort of your own home and I couldn't wait to put it to the test.

The kit includes:

• Rokit Professional LED Curing Lamp
• Two sided nail file/buffer
• x20 lint free cleaning pads
• 5ml Rokit One Stop Gel Polish
• 50ml Rokit Ready
• 50ml Rokit Remove

Firstly, you need to prep your nails by filing and shaping them then pushing back cuticles. Following this, you use a lint free cleansing pad to apply a small amount of Rokit ready which cleans yours nails in preparation for application.

Next, you apply one even thin coat of Rokit One Step Gel Polish then put your nails under the LED curing lamp for one minute. It switches on using the black button and you need to time it yourself. When the minute is up, apply a second coat and put your nails back under, this time for 2.5 mins. The lamp is set to turn off after 2.5 minutes which is great as no doubt I'd end up losing count! It is recommended to do four nails on one hand, four nails on the other then the two thumb nails which makes it very easy to use. I originally thought that it may be a pain and take ages but the kit eliminates drying time so I think it ends up being even quicker AND it looks better = win-win.

I absolutely love how it is left my nails looking and it will definitely be used a lot. The gel nails stay at a great quality for up to 14 days. Usually after painting my nails they're chipping after a few days!

Removal is easy too. Just pour some of the Rokit Remove into a bowl and rub off your nails using a lint free cleansing pad.

The Rokit Gel Professional Nail Kit retails at £99.99 but at the time of writing is on offer at £70.00 and is available at Debenhams.

(Disclaimer: I received this item free of charge in exchange for an open and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Christmas Gift Guide Ideas: Wilko

Like many stores, Wilko have brought out a huge range of products in time for Christmas that span over many of their departments.

Gifts for Him
I find men the hardest to buy for but Wilko really have everything covered from their quirky Urban gift collection, Classic Gentlemen gift collection, electrical grooming gifts, aftershave and toothbrushes.

Gifts for Men

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Eau De Toilette 75ml at wilko.com / Oral B Power Pro 3000 at wilko.com / Davidoff Coolwater Homme 40ml Gift Set at wilko.com / Babyliss For Men All Over Grooming Kit 8 in 1 at wilko.com / Classic Gent Mini Pool Table / Urban Phone Case Handle For Gaming / Urban Basket Ball Bath Set / Classic Gent Hip Flask

Gifts for Her

Even though there is so much choice out there for women's gifts, I find that sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed and this stresses me even more. Wilko have some lovely items in for women of all ages.

Gifts for Her 

Kiss Hair Colour Kit / Remmington Get the Look Gift Pack at wilko.com / Paul Smith Rose Eau De Parfum 50ml Spray at wilko.com / Barely Luxury Bath Collection / Kiss Cosmetic Case / Babyliss Nano 200 Mini Straight at wilko.com / Barely Manicure Set

Decorations & Home Decor
As well as the usual Christmas decorations, Wilko have a range of home decor that can really make your home feel more like Christmas. I'd have them all year round if I could.

Home 
Throw pillow / Wilko Pixie Metal Jingle Bell Wreath 10i at wilko.com / Wilko Deer Tealight Holder at wilko.com / Wilko Odyssey Bauble Mixed 50pk at wilko.com / Wilko Wild Wood Wooden Love Sign at wilko.com / Wilko Pixie Heart Card Holder Red at wilko.com / Wilko Santa Chalkboard Christmas Decoration MDF at wilko.com / Wilko W.Wood Bark Text Dec Asst at wilko.com

Toys

Wilko have an amazing range of toys and you won't believe your eyes at how affordable they are!

Toys

Wilko Play Baby Feeding Doll Set / Wilko Play Wooden Market Stall at wilko.com / Wilko Roadsters Transporter with 12 Vehicles 3+ Years at wilko.com / Wilko Play Pirate Dress Up at wilko.com / Wilko Heroes Over Under Dartgun at wilko.com / Wilko Play Activity Triangle at wilko.com / Wilko Play Wooden Clock Puzzle at wilko.com / Wilko Play Assorted Puzzle 3pk at wilko.com

C was lucky enough to have two of the above toys sent to him to try out.

Wilko Play Activity Triangle 

The activity triangle is perfect for young babies who are just learning about everything around them. It develops many fine motor skills by threading beads, twisting, turning, the balls make a 'rain' sound and there is even a little mirror. C seems to really enjoy it and I'm sure E will too in a few months. The triangle is suitable for children aged 9 months+ and retails at £5.00.

Wilko Wooden Market Stall

C loves role play so I knew the Market stall would be a huge hit. It's really easy to assemble (you just need a screwdriver) and once built it is very sturdy. It's the perfect height for a toddler. Included are lots of wooden play food, money, a set of scales and a money bag so your child really can play realistically. It is teaching C his " food words too! The Wooden Market Stall is suitable for children aged 3+ and retails at £35 but is now down to £25!

(Disclaimer: We received these items for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)