My January survival guide

These Atlantic storms that keep on battering Britain are bringing some terrible wintry weather our way.  It's grey, damp and chilly out there and the school run is proving to be a bit grim, especially when the threat of snow hangs over our heads.  I am consistently fearful that the heavens will open and dump their white stuff on the 3 miles of narrow, winding country roads I have to take to get Freddy to and from school.  It's a scary prospect, and I am forever grateful that I have winter tyres on my car. I am a bit of a worrier so I also keep a tealight and a box of matches in my glove compartment - apparently it can keep you warm if you get snowed in.  I also have a foil blanket and a supply of water (I've done that ever since watching Cujo!) so I am prepared for any unexpected blizzards.

With winter doing its worst to freeze us to the bone, one of the best things we can do is get out our woollies, wrap up warm and do our best to stay cosy in spite of the elements.  I love winter clothes. The bigger, the baggier the better! I have a big collection of oversized, chunky knit jumpers and I regularly 'borrow' something from Ian's collection of super cosy men's cardigans that are my defence against the winter months.  I like nothing more than to pull the woolly fabric around my body and feel like I am being enveloped in a big, warm hug.  My winter clothing colour scheme is a palette of greys, fawns, blacks and browns. (Not that much dissimilar to my summer wardrobe colour scheme if I'm very honest - I clearly have a very predictable attraction to dark and muted tones!)

Being thrifty, I am not one to leave the central heating on 24/7, in fact my older girls mock the fact that my house is sometimes a bit on the cool side.  They both live in flats that are always incredibly warm, anyone would think that they were cold blooded. Me, Ian and the two little ones are acclimatised to the temperature we maintain at home, but my big girls do moan about it. My mantra is 'if you're cold put on another woolly jumper and snuggle under a blanket'.  I think it's much nicer to get snuggly that way...and it doesn't cost any money!

Comfort food is a big part of coping with this season.  But the consequences of indulging in lots of stodgy, carb laden meals does not go well with the newly made annual resolution to eat healthier and lose weight.  To satisfy my desire for tucking into warming, comforting meals, whilst not breaking any resolutions, I make big, hearty stews with red lentils and root vegetables topped with wholemeal, seeded cobbler; homemade apple crumble sweetened with maple syrup and fortified with oats and smoky Quorn chilli packed with beans and veggies served with cauliflower rice.  They all taste seasonally delicious, while being totally nutritious.  Guilt free comfort.

In winter, it is good to get out and get some exercise, especially if the sun is making one of its rare appearances.  It is all too easy to stagnate at home and dream of hibernating, but to get some fresh air and blow away the cobwebs is really good for the soul.  All you need to do is wrap up warm, grab your wellies and head out for some family fun.  Going for a brisk walk out in the countryside is a great way to get the heart pumping.  Having a ramble in the woods or a play in the park is energetic, fun and free.  A great antidote to the excesses and lethargy of Christmas that gets the kids away from their new technological devices and gets me away from the left over Christmas chocolates.

We may complain about January and the wintry weather, but it definitely has its good points.  The new year gives us all the opportunity for a fresh start filled with optimism and determination. It's the month when all the good TV shows come back on, so I'm happily rewelcoming American Horror Story, Scandal, Broadchurch and the Undateables into my life. We get to buy next Christmas's presents, wrapping paper and decorations in the January sales, saving a load of cash and getting ourselves super prepared in advance. And, as previously mentioned, we get to legitimately enjoy wearing our snuggliest winter woollies and steal our husband's cosy cardies!


I have been compensated for writing this post but retain all editorial control.

The Importance of Tyre Safety in Winter

Back in October over 1000 Mumsnetters were surveyed on the subject of tyres and tyre safety for a survey commissioned by Michelin. The findings revealed that in the majority of cases, men take on the responsibility for buying and fitting tyres, but 97% of the mums surveyed agreed that all drivers should take responsibility for their vehicle and its safety. 

Ian is generally the one who takes the main responsibility for our car maintenance and tyre safety in our house, putting us in the 73% of households where the man assumes this role. Even though I let Ian do the 'dirty work', I do take an active role in decision making and take an interest in the car's safety. After all, as the main driver of the daily school run, I am responsible for my children's safety and I want to be sure we are as safe as we can be.

                                                   

Safety and longevity emerged as the most important criteria to Mumsnetters when choosing tyres, but car handling and fuel saving were important too. Only 19% referred to the importance of tyre labelling, even though tyre labels include important information such as the tyre's rating for wet braking stopping distances. This suggests that we are generally not very familiar with the labeling system even though it could improve our awareness and help us make better informed choices when it comes to buying tyres for our cars.

When it comes to the law, 38% of those surveyed didn’t know the legal tread depth and 67% were unaware of the penalty for having bald tyres. None of us want to fall fowl of the law and the penalty of 3 points and a fine per tyre is easily avoided by making sure our tyres are safe and meet legal requirements.

38% only checked their tyre pressures twice a year or less. I have to admit, we only check the tyre pressure if we think the tyre looks like its going a bit 'puddingy'! 

66% said that they would consider or be prepared to buy winter tyres in the future. Only 7% of Mumsnetters currently own winter tyres, which is above average when compared with the UK as a whole.  We swear by ours, so I was surprised that this figure was so low.

Ian is an absolute advocate of fitting winter tyres to our cars once the weather gets colder.  Winter tyres are not just designed for snow covered roads, they improve the car's performance on wet roads too, making braking distances shorter by 4m at 50mph. My school run is a three mile trek down a very windy, narrow country road.  If it's icy or wet, the journey can become quite treacherous, so anything that can help me to have better grip enabling me to stop safely is a bonus.  The safety of the kids is paramount, and for us, investing in winter tyres is worth every penny.

65% are prepared to pay extra for a quality tyre brand which confirms that the majority of Mumsnetters recognise its worth paying for the improved performance and safety associated with a recognised premium brand. Not all tyres are the same, and it's worth getting the best that you can afford.

When it comes to buying tyres, we use a local, independent tyre retailer, because they are always very helpful, honest and accommodating. I think having a good relationship with a reliable shop gives me the confidence in my ability to take the lead when it comes to dealing with tyre issues.

Here is an infographic of the main findings of this survey:

“Michelin Total Performance brings together an optimum mix of performance areas such as grip, long-life and fuel saving without a trade-off. Michelin tyres are the best match for the daily driving challenges that Mumsnetters face.”

            


This post is in collaboration with Mumsnet and Michelin to help spread awareness of tyre safety. I have not been compensated to write this post but have been entered into a prize draw. Find out what other Mumsnet Bloggers have to say about tyre safety here.

There's No Business Like Snow Business

It was a treacherous drive to school and nursery this morning, but thanks to the new Winter tyres that Ian bought 'just in case' I managed not to slip and slide.  I really recommend having them if you are, like me, a rubbish driver!  Every other year I have done 180 degree spins and end up facing the wrong way and crying!  I felt so much more confident, and even though I didn't get into anything over second gear, I managed to deliver the kids to school in one piece and untraumatised by their mother's driving skills.

The snow did not abate at all and by the time I had to pick up Freddy three hours later, there was a good three inches on my car.  I opened the door dropping a tonne of the stuff from the roof onto my car seat and had to endure a cold bottomed drive to nursery.  Freddy's nursery is off the main road, down a tiny side road with a 90 degree turn into the drive which is surrounded by high walls.  Scary stuff as the road was now impacted with icy snow.  I inched round the corner without hitting anything (I thank my new tyres again) and managed to collect him safely albeit with a wet bum.

We drove back home and I Googled school closures as the snow was getting heavier and I was worried about Ella and her one hour bus journey, only to discover that Kizzy's school had closed 15 minutes earlier.  Another trip out in the Arctic conditions to rescue her.  She was panicking thinking I wouldn't know to get her as I don't listen to the radio so didn't hear the announcement.  She had asked the school to phone me and they said they wouldn't and if necessary she'd have to walk home!!!  I'm just glad I had checked online.  It was blizzardous by now and I wouldn't have wanted her to walk home in her little school shoes on her own.

By now Ian was on his way back from Birmingham and had already witnessed two accidents on the M6.  I always worry about his commute when the weather is bad and was relieved to know that he was on his way home.  We also heard that the bus company was suspending its service from Shrewsbury and so Ella had to leave college early to catch the last bus home or risk being stranded! With everyone heading back to the safety of home I was able to at last relax and do the one positive thing that everyone loves to do in the snow...PLAY!

What's Hot, What's Not - January Edition

What's Hot

TV  The new year heralds the start of a lot of great new TV shows and the return of many favourites that disappeared over the festive period.  American Horror Story - Asylum is one of the best things I've seen on TV for a while.  I love the bravery of the producers to use the same cast from the first series, throwing them into different roles and settings.  Genius!  It's very scary with great special effects and incredibly creepy music.  Other favourites include Pram Face, Revenge, Glee, Dancing on Ice (don't judge me) and the imminent return of series 7 of Dexter!  I know I am a bit of a telly addict but I love sitting on my sofa with the kids being entertained.  I am so easily pleased :)

My Crock Pot Slow Cooker this has been a bit of an under used product in my kitchen until recently.  I don't know why it has taken me so long to appreciate the benefit of chucking in the ingredients in the morning and having a warming dinner ready to serve up in the evening.  I guess Freddy being at nursery has made this easier as prior to that I would have a demanding toddler trying to 'help' (or attempting to wield knives and throw vegetables).  Warming stews with dumplings are the perfect antidote to this cold weather.

JooMo It may only be a face wash but it has been quite life changing!  This is the first winter that my face hasn't flared up with an attack of red, inflamed and itchy dry skin.  I put that down to using JooMo which is made of all natural ingredients.  It's all I use now and it works.

Being A Grandma I get to have cuddles and feel all the love in the world, but I have none of the responsibility.  Holding newborn Ted I wondered how I ever coped with a baby.  It suddenly felt like an enormous task to have to look after an infant.  I knew at that moment that my own baby producing days are over.  Plus I know the joy of welcoming the next generation into our family and it's wonderful.

What's Not

This Weather It's cold...but not impressively so.  It is still wet and the waterlogged fields and high rivers are not subsiding giving rise to a lingering degree of worry and concern.  We are told it will snow but then it doesn't.  A few weeks ago it was unseasonably mild and many flowers started to make a tentative appearance. They have all died.  I guess this is typical UK weather with its non-distinct seasons, where our little island is at the mercy of the weather fronts that come in from around the planet.  But it is still suckish not knowing what will happen from one week to the next.

Bugs The kids have only been back at school for 5 minutes and both Ella and Kizzy have got poorly.  Ella was off yesterday and Kizzy was sent home today.  The post Christmas spread of germs is always a problem and is a reminder of how easily serious epidemics can occur.  I don't feel right, but I just have to get on with things whilst feeling slightly sick, slightly coldy and slightly dizzy.  Oh the joys!

Sponsored NSPCC Event I am all for helping out charitable causes when I can.  Yesterday Kizzy came home really excited about the assembly she had had at school that morning.  A woman from the NSPCC had come to their school to talk about the work of the charity.  It included some very emotive material which pulled at Kizzy's heart strings.  Her school is taking part in some sponsored sporting events on behalf of the charity.  I usually sponsor her for a few pounds as do her grandparents. However, the NSPCC encourage kids to get as many sponsors as they can by offering a reward system.  A green badge for up to three sponsors, escalating to a gold medal for those who fill the whole sheet with sponsors.  The kids were told to get their parents to take the form to work to ask colleagues to sponsor them to get as many names on the form as they could to get the gold medal.  When I said to Kizzy that this wasn't happening she was disappointed. Am I just mean or is this method of fundraising just fundamentally flawed?  How much of the much needed funds are spent producing badges and medals (which will probably wind up in the bin eventually anyway)?  Why should children be made to feel like they have let the charity down if they don't get a gold medal?  Why do the children contributing need a reward at all?  This is to raise much needed cash for underprivileged and at risk children. Knowing you have contributed in any way should be reward enough.  Do we live in a society where nobody will do anything unless they are personally rewarded?  I just think it is all wrong and don't understand that in an economical situation where every penny counts why this charity is wasting our donated cash unnecessarily and turning the fundraising into a competition which causes division and disappointment.  Shame.

How To Keep Your Feet Warm In Winter

The weather warning has been issued.  We are being promised snow, frost and temperatures of -14 degrees.    The chill in the air is definitely noticeable and so we are preparing ourselves for the return of Winter.  I have Winter tyres on my Galaxy  and I followed the advice given out when we were last gripped by Arctic conditions and keep tealights and matches in the glove box for warmth in case I find myself snowed in with a flat battery, somewhere in the frozen wilderness of Shropshire.  OK, I know I am one of those people who over-prepare (zombie apocolypse plan already devised) but I'd rather be safe than sorry if the bad weather kicks in!

Ella, who is at college, has to leave home at 7.15 am and doesn't get home until past 6 pm.  She also really feels the cold!  So I am worrying about keeping her cosy, especially when she has to walk between the bus stops, home and college buildings.  Just because she is sixteen years old, it doesn't mean that I don't still worry about her getting chilly.  My advice to the kids to wear layers, put on a hat and gloves and button up their coats resonates around the house like a mantra.  But even if Ella follows this advice, there is nothing worse than having cold feet during her long school day, so I'm hoping that by giving her the pair of Heat Holders thermal socks we were sent to review, she will have toasty toes inside her Converse trainers.

The Science Bit: Heat holders boast a 2.3 Tog warmth rating whereas regular cotton socks have a rating of just 0.4.  The heavy yarn is chosen for its thermal qualities and is woven using advanced knitting technology creating a cosy long pile for comfort and warmth.  An intense brushing process on the inside of the sock holds more warm air close to the skin.  The result is the warmest pair of socks on the market or they'll give you your money back!  

The Experience: The socks are indeed very thick and warm and feel cosy the moment they are put on.  They are extremely comfortable too.  They retain your warmth incredibly well preventing your toes from getting cold.  I think they would be ideal with wellies when trudging through the snow, but I really hope we are spared from testing this out!  As long as you put them onto warm feet, they will keep them very cosy indeed.

The thickness of the sock may pose a problem fitting your feet into your shoes.  Ella had to wear her biggest boots to accommodate them.

They are definitely more comfy and warmer than double bagging with cotton socks, or wearing tights under your socks.  They are also less embarrassing than being discovered doing one of those two things!

Ella is a size 4 which is the minimum size for the sock but they fitted very nicely. They are suitable for sizes up to an 8.  

The RRP of the ankle sock style Ladies' Heat Holders is £6 from SockShop.  They come in a choice of 15 different colours. There are other styles and products available for women, men and children including gloves, hats, long johns, leggings and vests.  So if you want to stay really warm and cosy this winter you can.

Find out more at heatholders.com

Foodie Friday - Stew with Dumplings

One thing that I love about winter is making stews.  Good old vegetable stews with a dumpling or cobbler topping are just the perfect comfort food on these freezing cold December evenings.  I've been using my slow cooker which has made my life so much easier!  I bung in swede, carrot, onion, leek, sweet potato, potato and parsnip along with veggie stock, rosemary and ground pepper.  About half an hour before the end of the cooking time, I throw in some Quorn pieces.  Then I finish it off for 20 minutes in the oven with dumplings or cobbler. Yum!!

Family Winter Walks

The beach is usually seen as a summer destination, but during the winter months the seaside can be a magical destination for a beautiful brisk walk that is incredibly invigorating.  The coast takes on a completely different complexion when the tourist industry shuts up shop.  The beachfront ice cream vendors and souvenir shops no longer infuse their brand of cheap and cheerful tackiness into the environment.  Things are stripped back to the rawness of nature.

The brisk chill in the air, the sound of the icy waves crashing onto the shore and the feel of the stones under your booted feet is a world away from the experience of holiday season. There are no crowds to contend with.  The only noises are the seagulls, the wind and the sounds of the sea.  It is so peaceful, devoid of human activity, and makes you feel at one with the environment.

Getting out with the kids on a winter, beachfront walk is simply wonderful.  They throw stones into the surf, they search for rocks that are interestingly shaped and breathe in the fresh air, watching their own exhaled breath hang in the air like mist.  The coldness prickles at your face and you can taste the salt on your lips.  

Wrapped up cosily against the chill air keeps us protected from the cold but we are still ready to find a cafe in town to buy some hot chocolate.

Seeing places and experiencing them in all weathers really makes you appreciate nature in all its different guises.  Winter adds its own brand of beauty and it's ours to enjoy.

Bognor Beach in December

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful! So Stay Warm!

Morphy Richards Washable King Size Fleece Heated Under Blanket Review

When I heard I was getting a heated blanket from Morphy Richards to review as part of the Innovators program, I was really not sure what to expect.  My preconceived idea on electric blankets is born from the 70's when old people had scratchy plug in blankets to protect them from the cold in their unheated houses.  However, after having used the Morphy Richards King Size Fleece Heated Under Blanket, my view has completely changed.  It's one of the best things I've ever reviewed!

The fleecy fitted blanket fits snugly onto the mattress.  There is no evidence of the ultra thin, energy efficient nano wires that are woven into the blanket to transmit the heat through it.  It just feels like a luxurious furry fleece.  My usual fitted sheet went over the underblanket with ease.

The underblanket is dual controlled with four heat settings to choose from.  I really feel the cold whereas Ian is less bothered by the chilly nights.  I hate getting into a cold bed and as I usually get in before Ian does, I have to endure freezing feet until the bedclothes warm up.  Not any more!!

The underblanket heats up the bed perfectly.  Having dual controls means I can turn my side up to the  maximum setting and Ian can set his at a lower temperature.  Getting in feels like climbing onto a giant hot water bottle.  Extra heat at the foot of the bed keeps your feet extra warm. It is wonderful!  (It has built in safety features and will shut off if it gets too hot.)

As you warm up, you can turn the temperature down using the controller and the blanket maintains a gentle warmth to keep you completely cosy all night long.  This luxury costs from just 2p per night so it is totally affordable.   This underblanket is definitely going to be my favourite winter item!

The underblanket is machine washable and tumble dryer safe and comes with a storage bag to keep it safely stowed away over the summer months.  It also comes with a 3 year guarantee.

The King Size Fleece Underblanket is £64.99 on the Morphy Richards website.  The single size costs £34.99 and the double size costs £44.99. Other styles are also available with prices staring at just £19.99.

I would highly recommend this item to anyone who like me does not like getting into a chilly bed!  In fact I am going to get one for Freddy's bed, to warm it up before he gets in, as he is terrible at kicking off his duvet, getting cold and ending up in bed with us every night.  This may be the solution!

It would be a great Christmas gift idea too.  Perfect for elderly relatives or kids alike to keep them super snuggly this winter!
 

Exciting New Honey From New Zealand

Flavoured Manuka Honey From New Zealand Honey Co.

When the cough and cold season descends, my family's favourite natural remedy is honey.  Whether it is eaten by the spoonful or put into a hot cup of juice, its healing properties and soothing consistency works wonders in making everyone feel better naturally.

We were recently asked to try some flavoured Manuka Honey from the New Zealand Honey Co.  The 100% pure honey is given an exciting addition of root ginger or lemon to create a whole new taste sensation.

The Manuka Honey with Lemon has a zesty zing and is packed with vitamin C.  This is a perfect addition to our store cupboard essential making it even better for you if you want a medicinal hot honey and lemon juice drink when the cold germs do their rounds once the kids are back at school!  The honey is smooth and fresh tasting, with the sweetness offset by the citrus kick.  It is perfect to add to smoothies, salad dressings and desserts.  Not only is it delicious it has the health benefits to put a spring in your step!  When used as a sweetener, honey boasts lower GI properties as well as a host of other health giving benefits as it is antibiotic, pre-biotic and an antioxidant, making it a much healthier option.

I love root ginger with its warming properties and depth of spicy flavour.  Combining it with pure honey creates a combination of distinct flavours that call out for experimentation.  Perfect to give you a boost when added to a hot juice drink or even spread on bread, the honey is rich, warming and intense.  It is an interesting ingredient for culinary usage, lending itself to oriental cookery, marinades and dressings to add real depth to a dish.  My husband declared the Manuka Honey with Root Ginger a real triumph and will definitely be warding off germs with its immune boosting powers!

I will definitely be using some of the flavoured honey to add a twist to some of my favourite baking recipes.  Making Honey Cake or biscuits using the flavoured honey will definitely add something extra special!  

For information and inspiration take a look at the website at www.newzealandhoneyco.com

The Manuka Flavoured Honey costs £9.99 RRP.  The New Zealand Honey Co products are available from Asda, Waitrose, Holland and Barrett and Morrisons.

Tissues at the Ready for Dolphin Tale

It is not often that a family film has each and every one of us completely enthralled, but Dolphin Tale most definitely did.  We all sat down together snuggled under blankets and watched the amazing, inspirational story of Winter, a young dolphin who overcame the odds and triumphed over adversity after losing her tail.

The film is a touching story based on the classic premise of 'lonely young boy meets injured animal and forms a life changing friendship'.  But what makes Dolphin Tale so special is that it is based on a true story and the real Winter plays herself in the film.  It makes it so emotional and draws you in from the onset.

The cast includes Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr, Kris Kristofferson and the wonderful Morgan Freeman.  Youngster Nathan Gamble plays Sawyer, the young boy who finds the dolphin tangled in the ropes on a metal crab trap.  He cuts the dolphin free whilst waiting for the rescuers from the Clearwater Marine Hospital to arrive.  From that point, Sawyer becomes involved in saving the life of the dolphin they name Winter.  They cannot save her terribly damaged tail, but Winter does not give up hope. It is Sawyer's idea that they make a prosthetic tail for Winter and with lots of dedication, perseverance and determination, they eventually come up with a fully functional prosthesis.  As well as battling to save Winter, they also have to battle to save the Marine Hospital which is broke and under threat of being sold off to hotel developers.

The film touches on the plight of servicemen who have had limbs amputated or have sustained injuries and have to adjust to the change in their lives.  Winter's story has parallels with those who are striving to overcome adversity.  Her bravery and tenacity has seen Winter become a symbol of inspiration for children and adults with disabilities across the world.  In fact, the research done in constructing a new tail for Winter has gone on to improve the lives of amputees as the doctors had to invent a special gel that is super soft and non-irritating for Winter's tail stump.  This is now used to make wearing prosthetic limbs much more comfortable for people.

The film ends with real life footage of Winter's rescue and rehabilitation.  It also includes scenes of Winter interacting with her visitors who obviously get such joy from meeting such an amazing animal.  Her story has touched the souls of millions of people.  Winter should have died from her injuries, but she never stopped fighting and never lost her spirit.

I admit that I cried like a baby while watching this film, especially knowing that the real Winter was the star of the show.  It was so emotional, beautiful and heart warming.  The special features on the Blu Ray were excellent and we watched them all, finding out more about Winter's story, behind the scenes information and more real life footage of this wonderful tale. We even went onto the website at seewinter.com to find out more about this incredible creature and catch a glimpse of her on webcam.

If you want a feel good movie that oozes with hope, inspiration and triumph over adversity, then this is the film for you.  Knowing that the animal stars are real rescue animals and that the film was made at the actual hospital where the budget went to improve the facilities, makes you feel even better about the whole project.

We received the Triple Play Blu-Ray, DVD and digital copy of Dolphin Tale for this review from Warner Bros.  It is released on Monday and available to pre-order now.

Yes We Had Snow!

It is definitely a pre-occupation of the British to obsess about the weather.  This weekend, we had a will it, won't it debate regarding the likelihood of snow.  Although I was dreading the s-word after last year's frozen nightmare, I must confess to that feeling of magic as the white flakes begun to tumble from the sky.

It settled quickly and Freddy grabbed his wellies and ran to the back door wanting to get out into the garden.  They have a sixth sense that makes them know how much fun is to be had, in spite of the sub zero temperatures.  Now Fred is potty trained, he didn't have the luxury of a padded nappy to insulate his nether regions so it was a real first for him to feel the freeze, but he didn't seem to mind too much!

Kizzy and Freddy enjoyed a day in the snow, and these photos show the fun they had.  They made a snowman, snowcastles using a bucket and had Daddy pull them round and around on their sledge.  Afterwards they came in for hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows.  A perfect winter's day!

I was glad to see most of the snow on the roads had all defrosted this morning, school runs and the M6 commute are not helped by the white stuff.  Hopefully this is a one off treat for the children that is not to be repeated any time soon.  We were lucky having a weekend Winter Wonderland to enjoy, but I remember all too well how terrifying and dangerous the big chills can be.

Keep Your Kids Well this Winter

During the cold winter months, our children’s immune systems need to stay strong to fight off the millions of bacteria and viruses they come into contact with at school.  


There are a number of products on the market that will help protect our children naturally.  Here are two child friendly products that will be useful, natural, kid friendly additions to the medicine cabinet this winter!

Comvita® Children’s Natural Lemon & Honey Lollipops combine the antiseptic power of bee propolis with the sweet soothing antibacterial nature of Manuka Honey UMF 10+ in a fun and enjoyable form. Lemon is added for flavour whilst zingy menthol and natural peppermint oil work hard to unblock a stuffy nose. (£4.99 for 10)

Please note: bee propolis can cause allergic reactions. If irritation or swelling of the mouth or throat occurs, discontinue use.

Available from Boots, Holland & Barrett and all good pharmacies and health food stores.  Always read the label carefully before use. For further information visit www.comvita.co.uk.

Sambucol for Kids plus Vitamin C is a great tasting high quality Black Elderberry extract to boost the immune system and fight off infectious viruses. Containing no artificial colours or flavours, the syrup is suitable for 1-12 years olds to help keep the little ones healthy during the winter. It’s also alcohol free, gluten free and non-drowsy. 

Available from Boots, Superdrug, Holland & Barrett and all good pharmacies and health stores. Visit www.Sambucol.com for further information or to buy online.

I've been sent a pack of each to try out with my children.  I love the idea that they are natural and help to boost the immune system and fight germs without resorting to using chemical based medicines which are full of artificial flavourings, colourings and sweeteners.  The natural flavours of both products are very palatable.  The lollipop idea is great.  Kids love lollies...they won't need much encouragement to eat one, and it is a bonus that is doing them good.  They have a mild menthol taste which Kizzy enjoyed.  They soothed her throat nicely!

I will be interested to see if my children manage to dodge the bug bullets this winter.  Taking the supplements will definitely not do any harm so it's definitely worth investing in a little bit of extra protection over the coming months!

Winter Worries

After all the mild weather we've been having, it was quite a shock waking up to a frosty, winter morning today.  The car windscreen needed scraping for the first time since last winter.  The gossamer spiders' webs looked beautiful, bejewelled with iciness. We could see our breathe hanging in the air.  There was at last a real sense that winter was looming.

I was glad that we had been shopping yesterday to buy scarves, hats, gloves and coats for the girls. Perfect timing!  All the recent news about the approaching cold fronts from Siberia, may actually prove to to true.  I just hope we are not thrown into the unbelievably, awful freezing conditions we had last winter.

Just in case, I've ordered snow socks for the front tyres of my car.  Last year I was resorted to tears more than once as my car slid across icy roads.  I hate feeling out of control!  So hopefully these will give me the bit of extra traction I need to keep my car going in the direction I want it to go.  I've also invested in my annual pair of fur lined boots to keep my feet cosy for the next few months.  I'm all prepared for what nature throws at us this year.

I'm trying to resist the urge to order 50kg rock salt.  There was a well timed leaflet pushed through the letterbox yesterday, clearly targeted at the worriers of the world like me!   I think my "be prepared" ethos may be getting out of hand.  I'll be ordering a snow plough next, if this obsession for coping with the winter continues to escalate.

Because I am so prepared, it probably means we will have a really mild winter.  It's usually the way.  If I stock up on Factor 50 sun cream, you can guarantee we won't have a good summer.  After buying new waterproofs for everyone for a weekend away, there wasn't a cloud in the sky.  It seems that whatever I prepare for, the opposite happens.  So, hopefully my investments for an Arctic winter will guarantee that it will be snow free. (With the concession of a glorious flurry for Christmas morning!) Time alone will tell!

In the meantime I will snuggle under my slanket (all you haters out there don't know what you are missing!), crack out my thermal vests and enjoy the latest Christmas offerings from Starbucks while I wait and see if my preparations have been made in vain!

Day 7 #NaBloPoMo

When Breastfeeding Goes Beyond the Call of Duty

Don't get me wrong.  I adore the fact that I am able to still feed my glorious little boy.  Nothing beats the fact that I am still able to provide him with vital nutrients direct from my body.  The closeness I experience still overwhelms me.

However, right now I'm feeling that this Attachment Parenting lark is a game for Masochists.  Surely, what I am experiencing is beyond the call of duty.  I truly deserve a medal for enduring this afront to my human rights. European Conventions should be held regarding this violation.

The torture to which I am referring to...breastfeeding in this weather.

Here I am in my snuggly jumper, all cosy and warm.  Along comes my sleepy boy looking for his comfort food of choice.  Pulling up the aforementioned jumper exposes flesh that really does not want to be exposed to the chill air.  Then, here comes the real sting in the tail...a pair of freezing cold little baby hands creep up under the ruched up jumper, searching out new areas of flesh to touch with their icy fingers. There is no escape, no position that can be adopted.  Until a temperature equilibrium is reached, whereby the heat from my body moves by means of conduction to warm his extremities, I feel like someone has slipped an ice cube down my top.  But unlike that childish one off prank, this is occurring several times daily.

Roll on the warmer weather, or weaning, or both!

Seasons : Winter's First Snow

I've just discovered The Gallery and have enjoyed looking at some wonderful photographs within some lovely blogs.  Fabulous pictures capture the weekly theme and are shared and enjoyed...and I'd love to be a part of it!

Winter:  There is nothing more magical than the first flurries of winter snow.  The children grab their hats, scarves and gloves and hurry out into the garden eager to make footprints in the unblemished blanket that covers the ground.  Snowball fights and snowman construction ensues.  The top picture shows my three girls sitting on their giant snowball that they'd rolled round and around gathering snow making it bigger and bigger!  Very quickly the novelty wears off though and freezing fingers and numb toes make the lure of the warm house very attractive.  We pull off wellies and peel off frosty, wet socks. Scarves and hats and gloves hang over radiators dripping onto the floor.  Hands are warmed on mugs of delicious hot chocolate.  We all snuggle up under our slankets, rosy cheeks aglow!