Did you go to the Baby Show at London Olympia? What fun! What a show to attend for expectant, new, and ‘experienced’ parents of young children.
Guess what? There is a brand new show in town, the first of its kind – The Baby to Toddler Show; with Peppermint as it main retail partner. Even better, I have 2 PAIRS OF TICKET to give away … that is 4 FREE tickets for 2 people and their friend or family! Yes, you read it right; you can win free tickets to the 2016 Baby to Toddler Show at ExCeL, London. Continue reading →
I didn’t grow up with pets and I’m not keen on the responsibilities involved in owning one. However, I cultivate a love of the natural world in my toddler, and I encourage him to engage with animals when we have the opportunity, and within a safe environment.
So, when I was asked to review the Push Me, Pull Me Puppy, I was totally up for it.
This is the closest thing to a real dog my toddler would ever have in our home. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect too, as he started going to our childminder who has a dog
Push Me, Pull Me Puppy | First Impressions
I was very excited to receive this toy puppy, and we weren’t disappointed … my son was ecstatic!
We tore through the thick transparent wrapping around the box, and cut the cords holding its pieces firmly in place.
Everything else was already assembled, except the top half of the lead that we had to key in. The colours are bright, warm, and attractive for toddlers – and the puppy’s eyes are so cute and inviting.
Push Me, Pull Me Puppy | Key Features
Dog bone
Water bowl
Moving legs
Wagging tail
Movable ears
Doe-eyed puppy
Removable lead
Music on and off button
Moving head with the leash
Music plays when walking Puppy
Puppy barks and pants when its nose is pressed
Push Me, Pull Me Puppy | Our Experience
Design:
It is constructed to maximise toddler engagement, and it supports the ongoing development of their cognition and coordination. Its colours are attractive and inviting, it’s smooth to touch and stroke, and just really nice to look at. All these makes it a good stimulus for imaginative conversations and interactions, as well as a fab reference for discussions about caring for animals.
The curved hoop at the top of the leash helps my toddler to securely hold it when he walks the puppy. He continues to improve on how to manoeuvre it to turn the puppy’s head, and master how to control it to push or pull the puppy, depending on whether he is standing in front of the puppy or behind it.
He also sometimes ties his dad’s belt through the hoop to extend the lead – I wouldn’t have thought of that. 🙂
Size:
It’s not too small or too big; its size makes it realistic enough as a puppy that can be walked and indeed engaged with.
Durability:
I also like that the fact that it is not flimsy; I’ve accidentally dropped it on the floor a few times whilst tidying up, without any breakage. Its smooth plastic body makes for easy cleaning if needed; we haven’t had to clean ours yet despite lots of toddler handling.
Usage:
My toddler gave his Push Me, Pull Me Puppy a name on the day he received it – Dog Show. You see, we attended a dog show whilst on holiday in the Summer and we suspect this inspired his chosen name for his toy puppy.
He enjoys walking Dog Show at different points in the day, and he sometimes walks him really fast. This makes for louder noise than we would like, when on our tiled floor. However, I think (unlike his dad) that the noise is bearable, especially as we see his obvious enjoyment of the toy.
The puppy’s walking music – a short upbeat tune mixed with a puppy barking and panting – is repetitive, but not annoying. My toddler switches it on and off at the base of the puppy, as he wishes.
We discovered early on that pressing the puppy’s nose results in hearing the puppy panting or barking – good fun for any toddler.
I use the open box the toy came in as a kind of dog cage, to store it and its accessories when not in use.
I also like the fact that its ears and tail are made of a rubbery material, for a softer feel.
Engaging with this puppy toy is so easy and comes so naturally. My toddler talks to it, strokes it, and we have conversations about him and his ‘puppy’ with reference to his interaction with our childminder’s dog. We’ve found it to be both a fun and educational tool that promotes learning through play.
It has definitely given us lots of opportunities to encourage positive behaviour towards dogs specifically and animals in general.
This is one toy I wish my son had from when he was one; and one I see him enjoying for a while to come.
Push Me, Pull Me Puppy | Top 5 Likes
Portable
Fun and functional
Sturdy and long-lasting
Excellent introduction to pet ownership
Imaginative, interactive and educational
Push Me, Pull Me Puppy | Product Information
12m+
001 kg
60 x 8.66 x 9.45 inches
Push Me, Pull Me Puppy | Overall
Reviewing this toy has been enjoyable for us; it’s given us a ‘pet dog’ without the accompanying responsibilities – no dog hairs to deal with, no insurance or vet visits, no outdoor dog walking, no dog sitting plans if we’re away for long etc. Yet, it is a good introduction to pets for our toddler, and it has inspired so many lovely conversations and moments.
I sighed when I first realised it was another battery operated toy, but I’m pleased that the batteries last long. We’ve been using ours for over a month and the batteries are still going strong.
The Push Me, Pull Me Puppy is a toy that will be enjoyed for a very long time in our home; definitely good value for money.
It’s available on Amazon and other retailers for around £20 to £30; though currently on sale at Amazon for less.
Push Me, Pull Me Puppy | Giveaway
As usual on my blog, you can win this fabulous toy – thanks to Tomy – by accurately completing the options on the widget below.
All the best with your entries, and I hope you found my review helpful.
What do you like most about the Push Me, Pull Me Puppy and who would you like to one for?
Please comment and share If you’ve enjoyed this post; and follow my updates on social media.
Keeping my teeth healthy has been one of my body-care battles for as long as I can remember, despite knowing how vital this is for my dental hygiene. So, when I came across the opportunity to review The True Company’s Mirai toothbrush, I had to check it out. It’s an electric toothbrush like no other I’ve come across so far.
Mirai Toothbrush | First Impressions
I was / am impressed with its sleek packaging … it oozes luxury. The toothbrush is not too big or too small, and it feels nice to hold. You see, it’s made of silicone and doesn’t have the hard plastic feel of other toothbrushes.
The True Company posted this to me from America, free of charge for this review;
as usual, my opinion of the toothbrush honestly reflects my experience.
Mirai Toothbrush | Key Features
Gentle gum massage function
Elegant and functional design
Silicone bristles don’t retain bacteria
Once yearly toothbrush head replacement ($7.99 from The True Company’s customer service)
Built in 30 seconds pauses whilst brushing
All-in-one self-sanitising electric toothbrush
Non-porous silicone prevents bacteria build up
Mirai Toothbrush | My Experience
In the box
I opened the top quality looking and feeling box, to find the toothbrush in a transparent-ish good quality plastic sleeve, placed in a foam-like mould. Underneath this were the instruction manual, warranty card, and USB charger lead. I was pleased it didn’t have a USB plug; I’ve got enough of this around the house.
There is an authenticity card attached to the front of the box, with a serial and model number, as well as a statement to confirm the quality of the product … all very reassuring about its value.
Charging
As per the instruction manual, I charged it for some hours before my first use. The indicator light at the end of the brush blinks consecutively for a period of time when it needs charging. It also emits a prolonged glow when it is fully charged.
I sometimes used the unit for days after the recharge blinks stopped, without any problems.
The indicator light also comes on briefly when you press the vibration button, on and off.
Brushing
The bristles are not as thin as that of your typical manual and electric brushes, and their top are not pin pointed but rectangular; making them gentler on the teeth and gum.
As stated in the manual, I used it like my manual toothbrush, albeit with the vibration function. My teeth feels clean after each brushing session, and I think it’s more effective than my manual toothbrush.
I really like the fact that the vibrations pause for about a second, after every 30 seconds of brushing; making it easier to know how long you spend on each part of your teeth, and how long you brush for.
Mirai Toothbrush | Top 5 Likes
Chic and functional design
Adjustable vibration … for your desired intensity
Inbuilt rechargeable batteries and easy to charge
Gentle bristles … vital for sensitive gums like mine
Lightweight: not bulky like your typical electric brush … fab for travelling
Mirai Toothbrush | Product Cost
£195
Mirai Toothbrush | Overall
I’m pleased with The Tru Company’s Mirai electric toothbrush. It’s lovely to have a toothbrush whose brush head only needs to be changed once a year – better for my pocket and better for the environment. Its 2 years limited warranty is reassuring, especially considering its cost. The instruction manual is straight forward and easy to understand, though I wish the print was bigger to make it easier to read.
Least I forget, yah to the fact that toothpaste doesn’t stick to the bottom of the Mirai!
Nonetheless, I must confess that I wish it was cheaper; it’s the most expensive toothbrush I’ll probably ever own. I also wish the recharge reminder light didn’t blink so much. Even then, I can’t deny that it does a good job and I’m pleased to have it.
Nursing bras are one of my current motherhood staples, and not surprisingly …. or perhaps, silly as it might sound to some, they are one of the things with the potential to get me excited. So, you can imagine how pleased I was when Hotmilk Lingerie asked me to check out one of their nursing bras.
“Lush”, I thought … “most definitely, bring it on”. I enjoy checking things out, especially things that fit well with my life.
Even better, I’ve consistently heard good things about Hotmilk on the nursing outfits’ grapevine – ‘stylish’, ‘comfy’, ‘good support’, ‘popular’ ….
So, this is one review I couldn’t say ‘no’ to.
After exploring their nursing bra range, I decided to go for the Eclipse Black Nursing Bra.
They posted it to me free of charge for this review, and as usual, my opinion
of the bra is independent and honest.
Eclipse Nursing Bra | First Impressions
I liked the look of the bra on their website and I wasn’t disappointed when I received it … the silky feel, the lacy rims, the cute little bow and the beautiful diamanté hanging from it – what a gorgeous ornament, give it that extra oomph.
Can you keep a secret? Shhhh … don’t tell anyone. It’s the most stylish nursing bra I’ve ever owned.
It looks good and feels good, both to touch and wear.
Eclipse Nursing Bra | Key Features
Underwire-free soft cup for comfortable support
Wider straps on larger cups for added strength
100% cotton lined cups and straps for breathability
Stretchy at the top of the cup for pregnancy breast growth
6 hook and eye extension for pregnancy rib cage expansion
Full cup with an A-frame for support and coverage when nursing
One-handed drop down cups for quick and easy access for breastfeeding
Eclipse Nursing Bra | My Experience
Sizing:
I got myself into knots trying to decide my size. You see, I like products that I can use for a long time; it’s better for my pocket and the environment. Hence, I wanted a size that I could use for the rest of my pregnancy, my next breastfeeding journey (however long it is), and if possible, beyond. Ambitious, I know; but I’m quite a ‘use-for-as-long-as-possible’ kinda girl.
It’s worth noting that I was around 25/26 weeks pregnant when I got my sizing done for this review. It’s not uncommon to go through 2 to 3 bra fittings and cup sizes during pregnancy, thanks to all the changes it brings about in the body. This will of course vary from one person to another.
With all the bust size changes I’ve been through – due to almost 3 years of breastfeeding and months of pregnancies – my correct bra size is oftentimes a mystery to me.
Hotmilk’s customer service to the rescue ….
They have a bra size chart and guide on their website, with clear instructions. However, I wasn’t sure whether my size judgement was correct. So I did what anyone in my position would do, and contacted their customer service. Their response was prompt and helpful. I emailed my underbust and cup size measurements to them, and they told me my bra size for their brand … simples.
Fit:
I was quite surprised at how supportive it felt, given that it’s an underwire-free bra … it’s just as you see it in the picture on their site.
Unlike some of the nursing bras I use, the inner A-frame of the strap covers the top of the breast, and maintains the firm support of the bra when the cup is unclipped for breastfeeding. The hook and eye extension is also brilliant; giving ample room for adjustment during pregnancy and beyond, without compromising the firm support the bra gives.
The main part of the cup isn’t stretchy, but its top is; I reckon this and the adjustable straps will accommodate the size changes of the breastfeeding breasts.
Eclipse Black Nursing Bra | Top 5 Likes
It’s adjustable and gives excellent support to changing pregnant and breastfeeding breasts
It’s multi-functional; serving both as a maternity and nursing bra and I reckon you can continue to use it post-breastfeeding too.
It’s made of comfy fabric … you can see and feel that it’s good quality
It’s stylish and attractive … pleasing to look at and wear
It’s good value for money … its price reflects its quality.
And I really appreciate Hotmilk Lingerie’s customer service. It makes such a difference to buy from companies that respond quickly to one’s concerns, doesn’t it.
Eclipse Nursing Bra | Product Information
£39.95
Sizes 32 to 42
Black and Nude
Cups B to H, including DD, FF, and GG
Eclipse Nursing Bra | Care Information
Cold machine wash at gentle temperature
Line dry in the shade: no tumble drying
No ironing, bleaching, or dry-cleaning
Eclipse Nursing Bra | Overall
I’ve enjoyed reviewing this bra, and I’m glad it’s part of my wardrobe. I know there are cheaper nursing bras out there; I’ve got some myself … without doubt though, you get what you pay for. The quality of this bra means that it will most definitely last longer than some of my other ones.
You can buy the Eclipse from Hotmilk Lingerie, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and 30 days return and exchange process. And you can get 10% off on your first order if you join their mailing list. You can also buy it from Amazon, where it is currently on sale, and from other online and high street shops.
You can also get matching bikini briefs from Hotmilk Lingerie, maternity / nursing sleep bras, and other kinds of underwear.
This is one maternity / nursing bra I’m happy to recommend.
Eclipse Black Nursing Bra | Giveaway
Now, regular visitors to my blog know that I always try to accompany my reviews with giveaways. Well, this review is no exception, thanks to the generosity of Hotmilk Lingerie.
For your chance to win an Eclipse Nursing Bra for yourself or a loved one that could really do with it, accurately complete the following entry options on the widget below; terms and conditions apply.
All the best with your entries.
What are your nursing bra must-have features?
Please comment and share If you’ve found this review useful; and follow my updates on social media.
Holidays are not the easiest to research, plan, and organise; and family holidays have their challenges. Well, here comes the Family Travel Show – the only one of its kind in the UK – to give you a helping hand. The Show is back in London, Olympia from the 1st to 2nd October; and I have a pair of FREE TICKETS to give away. Continue reading →
It’s that time of the year again, when new and expectant parents have access to top baby retailers and leading brands under one roof.
O yes, The Baby Show with MadeForMums, is back in London, Olympia from the 21st to 23rd October; and I have a pair of FREE TICKETS to give away. Continue reading →
In honour of the breastfeeding awareness events happening this August, lovely Meg at Mothers Love Cookies is offering one my lovely readers the opportunity to win a box of 14 made to order Mothers Love Cookies.
Now, I must say that the yummy thoughts that come to my head when I think of Mothers Love Cookies isn’t based on milk supply, but rather on how tasty it is. And Meg’s personal touch makes me smile; her cookies are fabulous treats to munch on, and I’m stocking up on them – a box per week – for my next breastfeeding journey.
So, if you fancy sharing my experience of Mothers Love Cookies, then this giveaway is for you.
Meg has also kindly offered my readers a 20% discount with the code aNoviceMum, on her Etsy store for the month of August. She also has a free shipping code for the month of August on her Facebook page (linked on the giveaway app) – I’m not sure you can use both codes, but it’s worth checking out.
As you would expect from a very comfy nursing bra, it’s seemfree and its cup adjusts to your changing size. It’s also currently available in 6 colours!
So, if you’re nursing, or know someone who is, this giveaway is definitely for you.
All entry options are optional, and I hope you enjoy the linked breastfeeding awareness blog.
To win a Bravado Body Silk Seamless Yoga Nursing Bra,
complete the blog and social media entry options on the Rafflecopter widget below.
The terms and conditions of the competition are on the widget for your information.
Please note that every entry is checked by the widget and all the winner’s entries are manually confirmed.
Let me know if you have any questions.
All the very best with your entries.
Sharing is caring; the more, the merrier.
Sign up to my mailing list, and be the first to hear about new giveaways and posts.
In honour of the breastfeeding awareness events happening this August, Emma-Jane Maternity is offering one my lovely readers the opportunity to win an Emma-Jane Maternity’s Next Generation bra 365. It is seemfree … talk about comfy … and can be used as both a maternity and nursing bra. Even better, it has removal pads, and its cup adjusts to fit sizes B to F cups. It also comes in 3 colours – black, skin, and white.
So, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or know someone who is, this giveaway is definitely for you.
All entry options are optional, and I hope you enjoy the linked breastfeeding awareness blog.
To be in the running to win an
Emma-Jane Maternity Next Generation nursing / maternity bra,
complete the blog and social media entry options on the Rafflecopter widget below.
The terms and conditions of the competition are on the widget for your information.
Please note that every entry is validated by the widget and all the winner’s entries are manually confirmed.
Let me know if you have any questions.
All the very best with your entries.
Sharing is caring; the more, the merrier.
Sign up to my mailing list, and be the first to hear about new giveaways and posts.
O yes, you read that right; you can win a Baker Days letterbox cake for any occasion. I really enjoyed my Baker Days letterbox cake review; never a mini cuter personalised cake have I received before. It’s so exciting to give you the opportunity to win one for yourself or a loved one!
You see, Baker Days “are changing the way the world sends greetings to their loved ones”, with the letterbox cake. How? Well, you can send some mouth-watering tasty treat of a cute cake through the letterbox, not just cards. I’m talking about scrumptiously yummy cakes … Baker Days letterbox cakes. Packed safely in their cute little, vintage looking tin, Baker Days posts their letterbox cakes First Class; for delivery with the rest of your post through the letterbox … no waiting around for a parcel. Continue reading →
Eclipse Nursing Bra | Key Features
Fit: 
