Christmas Stocking Ideas for Toddlers

When I was a little girl, one of my favourite things about Christmas wasn't the Christmas dinner or the proper presents wrapped nicely under the tree, it was my stocking. I say stocking, back then we had pillowcases and it was the most exciting part of Christmas day waking up to my 'stocking' at the bottom of my bed full of the silliest little things, but all things I adored and things I would use all year round.

Last Christmas Willow was only 11 months old, so her stocking was super simple; mini size plushes of Iggle Piggle and Upsy Daisy from In the Night Garden. This year? I've gone all out, filled her gorgeous monogrammed Christmas stocking to the brim and have given her the stocking of my childhood dreams.

Getting festive with The Handmade Christmas Co

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One of the things I love most about Christmas is decorating our home, making it as festive as possible, and having a tree that is full of special decorations and ornaments. Last year I made an order for The Handmade Christmas Co, for a beautiful personalised Santa sack for Willow. I was hugely impressed with the quality, so I was thrilled to be given the chance to work with The Handmade Christmas Co this year, sharing their stunning collection of personalised Christmas baubles and stockings.

Women's Christmas Gift Guide

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There is just one week left to order your Christmas presents and get them wrapped in time for the big day. Covering everything from diaries and pens to winter accessories and beautiful scents, my Women's Christmas Gift Guide is sure to help you get that Christmas shopping done in time.

FeelUnique 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

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FeelUnique 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar is an advent calendar all beauty fans will want to find under their tree on Christmas day, just in time for the 12 days of advent from December 25th through to January 5th. With a total value of £90, each door holds a hero beauty product and at just £24.50, it's a beauty steal you can't miss this Christmas!

Gift Ideas for Children Under 10

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With Christmas just 9 days away, it's time to get making those orders so you have all the presents delivered and ready to be wrapped in time for Christmas. If you're struggling for ideas for any little ones in your family, whether your own children, nieces or nephews or a family friend, my selection of gift ideas are sure to have that special something you're looking for.

Festive Drinks for Christmas + New Year

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The festive season is full of celebrations, with visits from friends and family, Christmas events and big celebrations through Christmas and New Year. Whether you're looking to gift something tasty or want to make sure your alcohol cupboard is stocked for the festivities, you're sure to find the perfect Christmas tipple with my top picks of the best festive drinks for Christmas and New Year.

Protecting Toddler Skin in Winter

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Now we're well into winter, it's even more important to take care of our little one's skin and with Willow already prone to dry skin, I like to make sure we're using products that are kind and gentle, whilst also providing that boost of hydration her skin needs in the colder months.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Toddlers

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Christmas is all about children for me, seeing their faces light up with wonder and seeing their excitement for Santa and all things Christmas; it makes it all the more magical. As a mama to an almost 2-year-old, a lot of my Christmas shopping has centred around the perfect gifts for toddlers, with everything from games and books to baby skincare, dolls and trains. With all gifts under £40, you're sure to find the perfect gift for your little one this Christmas.

Luxury Beauty Gifts Under £90

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Christmas is just a few weeks away but there's still time to pick the perfect Christmas present and if beauty buys are top of your list, then this is one gift guide you won't want to miss! Featuring my top picks of the luxury beauty gifts on offer this Christmas, you'll find the perfect present for your loved one for under £90.

Luxury Christmas Gifts with Temple Spa

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Whether it's body care, skincare or makeup you're looking to gift this festive season, Temple Spa have an incredible Christmas collection that is sure to delight any lucky giftees on Christmas morning. Each gorgeous set is beautifully packaged and presented, making Christmas gifting easy and joyful. With sets ranging in price from £18 to £150, there's a festive gift for all budgets.

A Unique Christmas Gift with 3D Wines

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When it comes to Christmas gifts I like to find something that's a little more personal and unique where I can, something that I know will bring a smile to faces come Christmas morning. If like me you enjoy a glass of wine, have a loved one who always likes to keep their wine rack stacked or have someone on your present list who likes to be the wine connoisseur in your social circle, then 3D Wines might just be the unique gift you're looking for.

Urban Decay Vice Metal Meets Matte Lipstick Palette Review

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The run up to Christmas can often be even more exciting than the big day itself and I absolutely adore making festive plans with friends and family to take advantage of all the Christmas celebrations. Meals with friends and family get-togethers, gift-swapping and work Christmas parties, many of us like to get a new outfit or get their hair done; I like to spend my time finding the perfect makeup to wear with whatever I pull out of my wardrobe.

Festive Christmas Stories for Toddlers

For Willow's very first Christmas in 2016, I introduced Christmas stories into her little library and started reading them to her in December, to give her an idea of Christmas and Santa. I really enjoyed reading the Christmas stories with her and I decided to do it again this year, adding some lovely new books to Willow's collection.

As Willow is so young, at just 22 months, fun and colourful Christmas stories are a great way to help her understand Christmas more and it's so lovely seeing her get more and more excited for 'Santa coming!'. If you have a toddler or any young bookworms, one of these might make a lovely new Christmas book to read together.

Men's Christmas Gift Guide

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I don't know about you, but I find men are always the hardest to buy for when it comes to Christmas gifts. I'm constantly trying to coax ideas out of my partner to see what he might like this year, or asking my younger brother what he's into nowadays. Guys can be tricky to buy for, but these fab festive picks might just be the perfect Christmas gift you've been looking for!

A Very Merry Christmas with Lush

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I always look forward to the Lush Christmas Collection, never failing to impress with fun, unique, standout beauty products including beautifully put together themed gift sets and not-to-be-missed limited edition products. Have a Lush fan on your Christmas to-buy-for list or a bit of a 'Lushie' yourself? I'm giving you the run-down on five Lush gift sets that are perfect for all ages, with a selection of scents and products, all with the most gloriously festive packaging you ever did see!

5 Easy Ways to Be More Charitable This Christmas

Christmas is known as the season for gift giving and festive cheer, celebrating with friends and loved ones, creating memories and indulging, oh it's a very indulgent season. It's also the perfect season to do something for someone else, and not just with Christmas gifts either. There are lots of little ways you can be more charitable this Christmas, little thoughtful acts that could bring a smile to someone's face, brighten up their day or even make their Christmas the most special yet. Here are some of my ideas for easy things you can do, to spread a little more festive cheer this year.

Festive Beauty Gifts Under £30

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When the run-up to the festive season comes around, beauty brands release Christmas collections galore, with gift sets and limited edition products covering all your beauty needs. I always get excited seeing Christmas products from my favourite beauty brands and think gift sets make such a lovely present for a beauty loving friend. There's also a few stand-out products which give the wow factor all on their own, not forgetting some festive beauty fun. With all products featured under £30, so you're bound to find the perfect gift whatever your budget!

Christmas Scents with Bomb Cosmetics

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I'm a sucker for a good candle and over the festive season, I love to light candles each evening, enveloping our home in delicious Christmas scents that make me feel cosy and content. Winter is by far my favourite season for candle scents, as I'm a big fan of the sweeter berries and deep warming scents, and they certainly help me get into the festive spirit! If you're looking for a budget-friendly Christmas candle which smells and looks incredible, then read on - because you're in for a treat!

Katinka's Tail Review

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Growing up with a father that passionately encouraged me to read, I am a self-confessed bookworm and there are few things in this world I treasure more than books. Even before we became parents and Willow came into our lives, I knew when I had children that my love of reading would be something I wanted to encourage my children to enjoy too, and since birth, we have read to Willow every single day. In fact, rarely a day passes where we don't sit down on the sofa or on our bed, and go through a mountain of books together.

Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner Review

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I do love a good Urban Decay collection and the new additions to the Heavy Metal range is right up my street. Featuring bold shades and pops of colour, and a lot of glitters, the Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner range is just what I've been looking for, to mix things up from my usual black or brown liner habit.

Be a savvy shopper this Black Friday

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I know it's an American tradition - but I love Black Friday! If you're new to Black Friday, it's an annual shopping event (which often runs through to Cyber Monday!) where brands, and we're talking high-street to high-end here, slash their prices by huge amounts. Every year the deals get better and better, with Black Friday is gaining more popularity in the UK.

I like to avoid the rush and shop the best deals online, from the comfort of my nice warm home! It's a fantastic way to get your Christmas shopping done, find the best deals and offers and even treat yourself to something you wouldn't usually splurge on.

November Birchbox UK Review

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As the gloomier weather and cold days set in, I need all the help I can get to brighten my mood, so when the November Birchbox popped through my door, I was delighted by the chic pink box, in collaboration with Vogue, which instantly brought a smile to my face. Featuring hand-picked products from the Vogue 100 Beauty Hall of Fame and a must-have Birchbox beauty tool, the November box has a lovely selection of products.

Christmas Planning Made Easy

I've patiently waited until November 1st to start sharing my exciting Christmas features with you all - I'm a complete Christmas fanatic who plans months ahead and all of our Christmas shopping is already done! Presents are ready to be wrapped, our tree will be up by the end of the month, festive plans are made, but what about all the little things you have to remember when getting ready for Christmas? Here are 15 small and easy tasks to tick off of your list before Christmas comes around, to guarantee a stress-free and fun Christmas Day spent with loved ones.

Willow's 21 Month Update

It's been three months since I updated you on how Willow is doing and as she turned 21 months on October 26th, I thought it'd be nice to share some recent updates on how our not-so-little-girl is doing.

Little Live Pets Cuddles My Dream Kitten Review

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Like most toddlers, Willow adores animals and seems to particularly love the usual childhood favourites; cats and dogs. We rent, rather than owning our own home, and so having a pet is a big no-no, no matter how much we'd love to have a little kitten or puppy that Willow can grow up with (maybe one day!). A lovely alternative, particularly for her age, is the Little Live Pets range, which includes everything from kittens and puppies to hedgehogs, turtles and little birds. Let me introduce, Suzy - the Little Live Pets Snuggles My Dream Kitten.

Giorgio Armani Eye & Brow Maestro Review

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When I was younger, eyes were always the thing I would concentrate on most, and now I'm nearing 30, doing my eye makeup is still my favourite part of my makeup routine. I like my brows to be quite bold, my shadow to stand out and a nice flick of liner. Imagine my delight at finding a product that can cover eyes, brows, liner and more, all in one handy pot. That's right, the Giorgio Armani Eye & Brow Maestro is a multi-use wonder and this is one product you will definitely want to add to your makeup collection.

Christian BRETON Hydrogel Eye Contour Masks Review

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I like to look after my skin and I have a skincare stash that has everything from toners and moisturisers right through to face masks and overnight treatments, but other than eye creams, I have never really had a product which is aimed at the delicate skin around my eyes. That's all changed recently, with the addition of Christian BRETON Hydrogel Eye Contour Masks, and I have to admit, I'm pretty smitten!

Giorgio Armani Beauty Ecstasy Shine Review

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As a self-confessed lipstick addict, you can imagine my excitement at the new Giorgio Armani Beauty Ecstasy Shine lipstick range, currently an exclusive to Selfridges and the official Giorgio Armani Beauty website. The range features 18 gorgeous shades and a stunning new finish that's sure to win the hearts of lipstick lovers, so if you like indulging in a new lipstick, this is a range you're going to want to try.

Personal style with Ecover

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I've always had a thing about cleaning products. Maybe it's because my mum used to make me do my fair share of the housework from a very young age, so something that can be boring or a chore to others is something I actually quite enjoy doing. Different days have different tasks and when you have a toddler, you take what time you can to get things done. Laundry? Like all mums, I feel like our washing pile is never-ending. With a family of three, there is always a full load ready and waiting to go and it's often my clothes that are left to last, with my partner and Willow being the priority - so you can imagine how glamorous I look spending my days in pyjamas or slacks!

Bobbi Bobbi Skin Foundation Cushion Compact Review

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It's no secret that Bobbi Brown is my favourite high-end beauty brand. I think the ethos of the brand is fantastic, championing natural beauty, the products have incredible formulas and for me, the base range is absolute perfection; Bobbi Brown is one of the few brands I can get an almost identical match to my skin tone.

Toddler Book Haul

As a self-confessed bookworm, it makes me so happy that Willow adores reading. Every day we all read together, whether it's me and Willow, M and Willow or all three of us together, mama and daddy taking turns to read stories, books are a huge part of our day. I buy Willow new books all the time and mainly online, with my favourite for great offers being The Works, who offer do an online exclusive offer of 10 Books for £10.

UNLIKELY DAD | Adoption Two Years On

Today I am delighted to share a post from a favourite blogger of mine, Tom, who writes over at UNLIKELY DAD. Tom shares his life as a gay adoptive dad and his blog is one everyone should have on their reading list - I always love checking out Tom's latest blog post and his Instagram feed is a lovely view into family life. Today Tom will be sharing his story of being a gay adoptive dad two years on from where his family become a three.

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Skincare Review

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If there is one brand who never fails to impress when it comes to skincare, it's Clarins. I've adored Clarins for as long as I remember, long before the days where bold makeup brands like Urban Decay and MAC caught my eye, it was Clarins that would catch my eye in department stores and their little sets at Christmas that'd I'd scrimp and save for. When a brand can stand the test of time and impress you from teens right through to adulthood, you know it's one worth sticking with, and the new Hydra-Essentiel skincare range is a perfect example of why Clarins is a brand everyone should have in their beauty routine.

Toddler Skincare Routine

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You might think a skincare routine for a 19-month-old is a bit extreme, but we've had a lovely little routine for Willow since she was just a couple of weeks old and it works wonders for us, especially for keeping her dry skin and mild eczema at bay. These are products we've used from birth, and a couple which has come into our routine more recently, from three brands we wholeheartedly trust to use with on our daughter's skin.

Sticky hoisin beef stir fry recipe

I've loved cooking from a very young age and food is something I really enjoy sharing here on the blog, with a whole section on scrumptious restaurant reviews - but something I want to share more often is family friendly recipes that are not only easy to make but Weight Watchers friendly meals too. I thought I'd kick things off with a stir fry, the very first dish I learnt to cook by myself 18 years ago in Year 7 Food Technology and still one of my absolute favourite meals today.

Stir fry is a favourite family dish in this house and also one of the first meals Willow had (check out this Instagram snap!) when we first started baby-led weaning. I really love oriental flavours and I'm also really big on packing meals with lots of vegetables, so this makes a great meal that's filling and tasty, not forgetting super quick to cook!

Wooden Toys for Toddlers

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I love wooden toys. If Willow needs a new toy (or I just want to treat her, which is most often the case), and I can find a wooden alternative to the usual plastic culprits, I'll pick wood every time. I find generally, wooden toys last longer than plastic toys - and for whatever reason, Willow seems to prefer playing with wooden toys too, they captivate her for longer. For us, wooden toys are the best toys for toddlers and today I wanted to share three of Willow's favourite wooden toys, which also happen to be aiding her development, skills and language.

The Bedside Reading List September 2017

September 1st and Autumn has officially arrived. Over the past few days, I've noticed frost on the grass in the mornings and a definite chill in the air, I'm so glad my favourite season has started. After finishing the three books I shared in my The Bedside Reading List July 2017 post, it's time to share the next lot of books I'll be working my way through over the next month.

Beauty Empties Review Summer 2017

Hands up if you're like me and have half-used products all over the place. I've been trying to work through my beauty stash, finishing up products before starting new ones and have ended up with quite a pile of empties over the past couple of months. Going way back to my early blogging days, I thought it'd be good to show you the products I've been using up and give some final thoughts on them and the all-important question of whether I'd repurchase them.

Orla Kiely Travel Grobag Review

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Before getting pregnant and starting that oh so exciting baby shopping, I had never heard of baby sleeping bags. Actually, when I first came across them whilst pregnant with Willow, I was a bit bemused by them but I did a little bit of research into them - and of course the alternatives - and found that for us, it made sense to give them a try. A safe way for our little one to sleep and hopefully an aid in promoting happy sleep, too.

Willow's 18 Month Update

I can't believe my little girl is already 18 months! How did that happen?! This update is a couple of weeks later than planned, as she actually turned 18 months on July 26th - but better late than never, right? I have so much to share with you all, as the changes and developments she's made since her 15 month update, well let's just say I am completely in awe of our feisty little Wills!

Summer makeover for Mr Kipling

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I have such a sweet tooth, I'm sure I'm at my happiest when I'm indulging in sweet treats and delightfully tempting cakes. Growing up, whatever the occasion, Mr Kipling was always there, offering perfect apple pies and scrumptious angel slices to satisfy your sweet cravings with a hot cup of tea. This summer, Mr Kipling has given the beloved range an #exceedinglygoodsummer makeover, including four new special edition flavours (that will definitely take your fancy!) and I've been lucky enough to try them all - I think I'm a little bit addicted!

My journey through postnatal depression

I've always found talking about mental health exceptionally easy, in fact, I often encourage others to speak out. I believe it's important to raise awareness, to smash through stigma associated with mental health and to be open with others; not only because we need mental health to be taken more seriously, but because for many, speaking out can have a truly positive effect for those who are struggling. I studied Psychology at University and my dissertation was based on mental health stigma and ways in which we can reduce this. Mental health is something I like to talk about, something I'm passionate about - so why has it taken me so long to openly discuss my journey with Postnatal Depression?

Cleansing oils for combination skin

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I’m always surprised when people tell me they find cleansing a chore because, for me, it’s my favourite part of my skincare routine. Morning or night, I relish those few minutes locked away in the bathroom cleansing my skin, taking the time to check over my skin, identifying any problem areas so I know which products to follow up with and making sure I really take care to massage my skin well as I cleanse, to ensure my skin is left clean, clear and happy.

Urban Decay Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette Review

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From the moment I saw the press release for the new Urban Decay Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette, it was love. The Naked range is one of my favourite eyeshadow ranges and I am the biggest fan of Urban Decay and their formulas, particularly for their eyeshadows, so I knew it would be a winning palette for me, but what had me excited the most was the shade selection.

HELLOhenry Storage Bags Review

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When I was pregnant, I spent a lot of time browsing Instagram. There are a few lovely mama communities over on Instagram, and from following other expectant mamas or mamas with little ones already, I came across quite a few cool brands, including HELLOhenry. I swooned over the gorgeous range of storage solutions, especially with the monochrome range which fits perfectly with the current trend for monochrome nurseries.

Disney My Interactive Friend Minnie Review

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Over the past few months, the way Willow plays and interacts with her toys has completely changed. She engages so much more with her toys, shows affection and kindness to any soft toys, knows how to properly play with her more educational toys and has shown a huge interest in her growing collection of Disney toys, especially Minnie Mouse, after inheriting my own Minnie Mouse collection from when I was a little girl. We were delighted to try out the Disney My Interactive Friend Minnie, which Willow has been playing with over the past few weeks, besotted from the moment it arrived.

Maximise your masks with Origins

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There are few things I love doing more when I have a spare few minutes than pampering with a face mask. Of course, I love having a proper facial, but you can pamper and treat your skin at home too, with face masks being a quick and fun way to treat your skin. Making sure I get the most out of my skincare is really important to me because I want my skincare products to be effective, and there are a few things I've tried over the years when it comes to face masks to ensure my skin gets the full benefits.

Parenting isn't as hard as I thought it would be

Growing up I gained quite a lot of 'experience' in looking after little ones, so I knew the basics of looking after babies, toddlers and children, thankfully helping me feel more prepared for becoming a Mother myself. Whenever we discussed having children with our friends or when we announced we were expecting, a lot of people would warn us about how hard parenting is, how your life changes forever and you'll forever be fighting against disobedient children and longing for your pre-baby days. For us, the opposite has been true - parenting isn't as hard as I thought it would be.

Konfidence Baby Swimwear Review + Giveaway

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Earlier this year I shared the exciting news that Willow had been selected as an Ambassador for Konfidence UK as one of their Swimologists. It's been such an exciting role for us because it finally spurred us on to get Willow swimming, something which she absolutely adores and has hugely aided her confidence in the water. Back in  March, I shared a feature about Willow's Splash Babies Loughborough swimming classes, but today I wanted to share our favourite Konfidence baby swimwear with you all because we couldn't be bigger fans!

Teapigs Pick n' Mix Sample Pack Review

We all know I love tea, but I'm also pretty picky about the tea I drink. I'm not the biggest fan of fruit or white teas, preferring a hearty cup of black tea (with milk and one sugar, please). Every now and then I get tempted to 'broaden my horizons' and so I decided to try out the Teapigs Pick N' Mix Sample Pack, to try a few different teas, in the hopes that I'd find one or two that I liked enough to purchase a full-size pack of.