Friday 30 January 2015

Farg Form bedding review

You probably know Farg Form even if you don't realize it.  They are known for their Moln (cloud) print desgined back in 1967 by  Gunila Axen.  It's a timeless classic popular with adults and children.  You can't really dislike it!

We have a fair few Moln print items in our house.  When I was pregnant with Felix I bought a Moln print changing mat and storage boxes.  We also have a baby blanket.  They look amazing in his room.

When we moved Felix into his stunning Cosatto cotbed a few months ago, I wanted to invest in some cot bedding.  We were using (and mostly still do use) grobags with Felix because he tosses and turns moving around his bed a lot at night.  However, he is going to be in this cotbed for a good 3-4 years and will need a few duvet sets.

This Modern Life were kind enough to gift us a Farg Form bedding set and, after a few months use, I'm here to sing it's praises!

Farg Form bedding This Modern Life


We were sent a Moln print in black and white.   I thought this would be a good colour choice because black and white go with everything.

The set came in a handy reusable plastic zip-able carry case which I'm finding very useful for storing other bedding sets in.  You recieve one cotbed duvet cover and one toddler size pillow case (smaller than a standard pillow - you can actually buy the correct size of pillow via This Modern Life as well.).

Farg Form bedding This Modern Life


The material is great quality, nice and thick.  I've found it washes very well and no colour has been lost.

I love how striking it looks in Felix's cot and I'm happy in the knowledge that it'll look good for a long time and stay in good condition for a long time!  Hurrah for Farg Form & hurrah for This Modern Life!

Thursday 29 January 2015

My little raindrop

Whatever happened to the clothing brand Brights and Stripes?  Did anyone else buy anything by them?  When I was pregnant with Ethan I found a few items from their collection in TKMaxx and, after falling in love with their prints, I managed to track down a few more items on ebay and again in TKMaxx.  Then, it all went quiet.  I never found anything of theirs again and I can't find out what happened to them when I search online...

A shame because I love the bits I bought by them.  I saved them all for baby no 2 who of course became Felix.  One by one, he is growing out of these items.  There was a beautiful rainbow print sleepsuit.  Trousers with a cute bird print.  A spotty sleepsuit.  One of my favorite items is a sleeping bag with carrots on it!! Felix is nearly too big for that now..

Something I think has a bit more wear in is a cute set with raindrops on.  I actually had this set in two sizes, 6-12 months and 12-18 months.  This is the 12-18 months.  Felix is 20 months now so I suppose the days are numbered really.  I love it though.


Do you love any brands that no longer exist?

Link up your kids fashion posts below! x

Friday 23 January 2015

Funky Kid Friday - Bobo Choses & Thread The Love

Oh wow.  We have had an exciting week here!  Lately I've been getting a bit hacked off with Brand Rep searches on Instagram.  If you aren't familiar, over the last few years it's become common for brands on IG to search for a handful of "models" who they send items to in exchange for photos that can be shared on IG.  Each year it seems to grow and grow and this January the brand rep hashtags have been crazy.

I've entered my boys into a few searches, brands I really love.  I don't enter too many.  Apart from anything else, I think it makes your feed look super boring if it's full of reposts and brand rep search pictures.

So.  Why have I been getting annoyed?  Well.. sour grapes really.  Each time I've entered the boys we've not been selected.  This in itself doesn't annoy me.  It's one of those things.  Some of these brands are huge and had thousands of entries.  No.  What annoys me is that those who do get picked seem to be the same 10 kids/accounts over and over again.  Some of these accounts are now repping for 7, 8 even 10 brands.  If I were a brand, I'd prefer it if the person I picked were only repping for 1-3 other brands.  Otherwise, your amount of exposure must get limited!!  I realize that one of the main reasons these same accounts get picked is down to their follower numbers.  More followers, more exposure.  I'm not silly, I know that.  But at the same time, it's nice to see the smaller accounts get a chance sometimes too.  After all, that's one of the ways you grow your followers - getting support from these brands!

Anyway, I was feeling quite miffed at entering and, bar a few exceptions, seeing the same faces getting the rep again and again.  I noticed a brand rep search one of my favorite feeds, Thread The Love.  Thread The Love is run by Amber, a mum who created her own business after cleverly teaching herself to crochet when on maternity leave.  This lady is seriously talented and I had earmarked some of my February clothing budget to go on a few items from her (mostly for me I hasten to add!!).   She had posted a pic announcing her own brand rep search and I thought, go on.  Just try one more.  I'd love to rep a UK brand anyway,

Well, every day, it was all I could think of.  Amber's search rules stated that we could only tag two pictures on our feed which made it a whole lot easier - some searches don't limit how many pics you can tag which means you're constantly wondering "could I take and tag a better picture today?".  I'd tagged two photos of Felix I was very proud of and I was feeling hopeful.  Originally Amber had said she'd pick her reps on Sunday so it was at the back of my mind all weekend.  Sunday came but Amber's daughter was poorly in the evening so understandably no announcement came... But on Monday night (I think it was Monday night?! My memory is fading...) it happened!! WE GOT PICKED!!!!!!!!!

Thread The Love
The Thread The Love 2015 Brand Reps

Honestly, I was so excited.  I danced and jumped around the living room and grinned to myself like a loon for at least the next 24 hours.  In fact, my friend Jo, who knew how much I'd wanted it did a happy dance herself when she found out.  Haha!!

Very exciting and happy news :-)  I have to say, of course, that you should go and check out Thread The Love as soon as possible.  It's not just for the kids, there's loads of lovely items for Mamas.  In fact, Amber has announced that you can get 15% off orders over £10 today using the code FRIYAY at checkout!

The other eexcitementthis week was our Bobo Choses order arriving.  I limited myself to two items and it was REALLY had.  I ordered a Mr Peep tee for Ethan and managed to find a store with the wave scarf in stock - Elias and Grace  so I was very happy.  Felix modeled both for me yesterday even though neither of the items are for him!! I'm planning on getting one or two pairs of the stripy socks next month..

Bobo Choses SS15 Mr Peep Waves Scarf


One other little bit of excitement this week was that I finally got round to "opening" an online shop to sell my boys clothes on.  Items they've grown out of or, sometimes, shamefully, items I've bought and not ended up using.  There are only a few items on there just now but I have loads to add.  There's a tab above you can use to reach it (shop) and I will be adding a button on the sidebar.  Prices are listed in dollars because I'm using Storeynvy but I accept payments through PayPal which of course, converts it all for you.  I've also mentioned the aprox price in pounds on each listing.  Go check it out!  

My Boys Threads Storenvy


OK, now it's over to you guys.  Link up your kids fashion posts below!  Happy Friday everyone! xx

Friday 16 January 2015

Funky Kid Friday - Bobo Choses Spring/Summer 2015

Bobo Choses are hands down one of our favourate brands.  I love how child focussed they are.  Created in 2008 by Laia Aguilar and Adriana Esperalba.  Their idea was to create a children's clothing brand that could "speak to children in their own language".

I think they have stuck really well with their original ethos.  Each of their new collections have new characters and a story behind them.  I adored their last collection inspired by a day out in L.A. so I have been waiting with baited breath for the SS15 collection!

Well, this week, the Spring Summer '15 collection was launched!  This collection is called "Guess who's coming for breakfast".  It's a bright and colourful collection with a new gang of charactors for us to fall in love with.  Mr Nail, Bob the Monster, Clever the Ghost and The Omlettes.  Funny and silly monsters!!

I'd be happy to put my boys in anything from the collection but the items I'm most lusting after are these:

Bobo Choses SS15

I'm totally in love with the scarf (top left) and to be honest, I think they boys would have to share that with me - that's if I ever manage to track one down though!  They are already out of stock on the Bobo Choses site.  I plan to get a pair of the socks, they'll look awesome in the summer with shorts and cutoffs.  I can totally see Ethan rocking the harem style short length "monster trousers" (bottom middle) with a Clever Ghost vest.

Are you planning any purchases from the new collection?

If you'd like to link up your little trend setters, please do so below.  Don't forget to link back to my blog and if possible, display my badge (see sidebar).  Please also comment here and visit others who join in!


Have a lovely Friday everyone! xx

Thursday 15 January 2015

Fun with the POP Art Pad app

My son loves a good app.  Like most of his generation, he's growing up very used to technology, ipads, tablets, smart phones etc.  He knows what an app is and he likes to discover new ones!!

I prefer ones that are creative and education and luckily, so does he.  More than any other games/apps he loves Minecraft.  After that, it's Cbeebies and any drawing/doodling apps.  This is where this one comes in.  With the POP Art App you can create drawings, edit photos and add all sorts of fun stickers and themes.

POP Art App
Pop Art App

Once your child has finished with their creation they can share it with friends/family via email and even submit it to the POP TV channel for a chance for it to be shown on there!

It's good fun and it's free - we'd recommend it!

3 Common Causes of Skin Blemishes and Their Treatment

It is inevitable that skin blemishes are going to invade your face at the most inconvenient time. This probably causes a lot of discomfort for any person. Think about going out on a first date with a new guy with a prominent blemish right in the middle of your forehead. Without a doubt, it is certainly a great distraction. Most skin blemishes are harmless and they disappear on their own. However, some like to stick around for weeks. Let's take a close look at 3 common causes of skin blemishes and their treatments.

Blackheads

Blackheads are those tiny little growths that pop up on the face. Their medical name is acne vulgaris. People with oily skin are prone to blackhead breakouts. In addition, those that use products on the face that contain oil might be adding to the blackhead situation. Some people like to try home remedies to get rid of the blackheads. For example, steaming the skin and exfoliating with homemade preparations. However, it is best to contact a skin specialist for professional removal.

Cyst
A cyst looks very similar to a blister. It is a sac-like blemish that sits on the skin and is filled with liquid. The most common cause for cyst is an oily buildup in the skin that leads to bacteria or inflammation. Often, some people try to treat the condition with over-the-counter topical products. However, those with a serious outbreak should consult with a skin specialist. Read more about common skin problems and treatments.

Pimples
Pimples occur on the face, neck, and body. Pimples are commonly due to the buildup of excess oil in the skin that leads to inflammation. There are several treatments that prove very effective at treating pimples. A popular home remedy is to steam the skin and follow with an oil-free moisturizer or use a product from Murad to treat the condition.

Tuesday 13 January 2015

90:10 Man - Men's Fashion

My dear hubby, Pete, is always moaning at me that I and the boys get sent items to review all the time but nothing ever comes through for him.  Well, I've told him that the answer to that is to get blogging himself.. haha!  He doesn't have the time, bless him.  I blog because I love having something to pour my creativity and passion into, beyond the children, bless them.  Pete has his job and that is consuming enough!

With the likelihood of Pete blogging being next to nil, the chances of him getting an item to review are also low.  So, when an email popped into my inbox a few weeks ago asking if my hubby would like to review an item of clothing from online men's retailer 90:10 man I got quite excited!

90:10 is the creative brainchild of Dan Glatman.  He came up with the idea after a night out at the pub.  I'll let him explain the brand in his words:

"90:10 is a new and exciting brand for men who consider themselves to be 90% Grown up and 10% not. Encapsulated within the brand's message is some recognition for a guy for getting his act together but at the same time reminding him that that this doesn't mean that he is now over the hill...far from it! 

We all have responsibilities but I don't accept that just because I am no longer a teenager or in my early 20's at college, I have lost the ability to have fun or have forgotten how to enjoy myself... This is what a guy is expressing about himself if he wears 90:10.. For the lion's share of the time, we all have to take life seriously but not all the time! 

My vision is to marry humorous and innovative branding to stylish and great quality clothing delivered to the customer at the right price in an environmentally responsible way.  People will interpret 90:10 in different ways and how it applies to them and that is all part of the fun..The intention is to start a positive and light hearted conversation with men by demonstrating that the brand cares about the same things that they care about.

90:10's routes are steeped in humour as it was born out of a merry conversation in a pub!"

A great explanation Dan, thank you!  I like the idea behind it.  I think a lot of us, not just men, can't quite believe that we are "grown up" and have to be responsible all the time.  That's our parents, isn't it?!

Pete was sent a hoody from the range.  Dan had told me in advance how soft the hoodys are and that his wife is always pinching his.  Well, I can see why.  It really is unbelievably soft.  Pete agrees and he wore it every day for a week before washing it.  

90:10 Man Hoody


The hoodys are quite slim fitting so it might be worth sizing up.  I think the slim fit looks good though.  Really compliments the figure!!

90:10 Man hoody
Pete performs his best catalog poses ;-)


I'll let you know what Pete thinks now:

"It's soft and comfortable to wear.  A nice snug fit.  I look good!"

Now a little something for you, lovely readers!  If you would like to try out 90:10 Man, now is a great time because Dan is very kindly offering 20% off purchases using the code BLOG at checkout.

Pete's hoody retails at £42.00 and comes in a variety of colours.  

Friday 9 January 2015

Funky Kid Friday - New Year!

Christmas and New Year have come and gone.. and here we are, the second Friday in January already! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas/New Year/Holiday!  We enjoyed a good amount of family time.  I like to have a break from the blog over the Christmas holidays.  For one thing, I don't have as much time to work on it.  I also think I benefit from a break from it though.

If I'm entirely honest, my blogging mojo isn't quite back, but it's Friday, Mum and Dad have Felix and I should really get something productive done!

I love having both boys at home with me during the holidays for many reasons.  It's hard work when they are both home but at least we don't have to rush out for school in the morning.  It's nice not to have the time constraints the school days bring.  I also like that Ethan can choose his own clothes in the morning.  Something he really enjoyed each day.

Here's a selection of the boys outfits over the last few weeks:





Want to share what your children have been wearing?  Link up below! Don't forget to comment here and visit anyone else who links up.  It's all about the love!

Next week I'm sure a more normal service will resume.  And hopefully as Spring gets closer Felix and I might stop catching a new cold each week!

Happy 2015 everyone! XX