Category: Reviews

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What’s in my Change Bag?

Hello all,

I’ve been meaning to write this post for MONTHS! But just haven’t got around to doing so. As I was packing Arjun’s bag for tomorrow I thought I’d do this post at the same time 🙂 

Arjun is now 15 months old. 

The change bag: I’m absolutely obsessed with this change bag. After searching low and high, four change bags later (including a skip hop one and an Armani one) and a few pennies shorter,  I finally came across this one. 

I first saw this change bag when my cousin had her baby boy, it immediately caught my attention as it seemed a lot bigger than the others I’d had. 

Bhavan was happy for me to have a snoop around her Costanzo Enrico change bag for me to see if it fit my bill, and it did! I ordered it there and then (with her permission of course! – she may not have wanted a bag twin!!) and was so pleasantly surprised at its bargain price of £29.99 for an 8 piece change bag and thanks to Amazon Prime my new purchase arrived the next day and I haven’t looked back since! Based on the price I wasn’t sure that the quality would be amazing but it hasn’t failed me yet (touch wood!). 
  

I use several of the additional pieces that come with the change bag including the nappy pouch organiser, baby mat, padded shoulder strap. It also comes with a baby bottle holder and a wet bag. 

The bag has two zipped side pockets, two front deep pockets which also include a Velcro flap, a large back zipped pocket, an internal large zipped pocket and two elasticated internal pockets. The number of pockets is perfect for what I need and I’m sometimes left with a spare pocket. 

You can purchase the change bag from here. 

I’m able to fit all of Arjun’s items, a change of clothes for him plus basic make up for me as well as my purse, phone and keys. 
Here’s what’s in my change bag … 


Nappy changing: I use the nappy pouch organiser to hold the baby change mat, Vaseline, metanium (in case he gets nappy rash while we’re out – especially while teething), nappy bags, 2 nappies. I usually keep a few spare nappies at the bottom of the change bag in addition. 

I keep this pouch in the main internal section of the bag. I keep the wipes in this section too but outside of the nappy pouch organiser for easier access in case I need to mop Arjun up after eating. 

    

Snacks: I usually take a selection of snacks which can include Organix baby crisps (in a little container to stop them from breaking), breadsticks, raisins (Arjun’s favourite), Ella’s Kitchen pouches. I usually keep disposable bibs too. 

I keep these in the back large zipper pocket of the change bag for quick access. 

  

  


Water: I keep Arjun’s sippy cup in one of the front Velcro pocket of the change bag so it’s easy to access. 

   

 



Medicine: I keep a basic first aid kit, Calpol, Nurofen, Ashtons and Parsons teething granules and Anbesol teething gel. I also carry a travel bottle of sunscreen during the summer. 

I keep this in a freezer bag in case of stickiness in an inside elasticated pocket. 

  


Toys: I rotate the toys that I take for Arjun every so often. I carry his toys in a little drawstring toy pouch that I sewed for him. I used different fabric textures and colours so that he could touch and feel as well as learn colours too. The drawstring makes it easy for him to access his toys himself. 

As well as toys I also carry toy rings and a toy tie in case I need to attach a toy to a high chair for example when out at a restaurant. 

I keep this pouch in the main internal section of the bag.

    

   

Milk: when out and about I find it easier to take ready made formula to save me the hassle of locating cows milk when out in public. I always pack two SMA cartons – one for his snack at 3pm and one just before bed at 7.30pm. 

I keep these cartons in one of the side zip pockets. 

   

 



Change of clothes: I saw a video on YouTube a little while ago about an efficient way of packing baby clothes and was reminded of it by my blogging buddy Suz over at Beau is Blue.  It goes like this…
   
    
    
   

The super cute clothes above are from our favourite baby clothes supplier Fred and Noah.
I keep his change of clothes in the main internal section of the bag. 

If I know I will be staying out past bedtime, I also pack a night suit which I put in the second side zipped pocket. 


   

 



My bits n bobs: I carry some make up and toiletries in a little pouch including hair brush and comb, eyeliner, blusher, contact lenses, lip balm, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, tissues and anti bac wipes. I also carry a few rubber bands for Arjun’s hair and some hair grips. I use this make up stash if I ever stay at my parents too. 

I keep this in the other elasticated pocket. 
I also carry a phone charger and some cash in the internal zipper pocket of the bag. 

  

   
 
The really important stuff: I keep my phone, purse and keys in a front Velcro pocket for easier access. 
  

  
And there you have it! I manage to cram quite a bit in to my bag. 
  
What change bag do you use? Do you include any other bits that I may find useful?x

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UDI Vegetarian Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Muffins, Bagels & Pizza Base Review

Hello all,

When I was contacted by Michelle at UDI’s to review some of their gluten free range, I wasn’t going to say no! Firstly, food is one of my biggest passions (in case you hadn’t noticed!) and secondly, I often opt for gluten free breads as I struggle to digest too much wheat without feeling awful afterwards.

I was super excited when I received my special delivery in the post which consisted of freshly baked gluten free chocolate chip bagels, freshly baked gluten free chocolate chip muffins and gluten free pizza base. When I opened the box, it smelt amazing!

You can purchase all these products from Tesco and all leading supermarket chains.

I’m always a little apprehensive about trying gluten free goods as I always assume they won’t taste as good as the real deal .. Here are my thoughts on the products I was sent.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Muffins


 

I love a bit of chocolate cake so was looking forward to trying these!

They looked delicious and fluffy in texture and as we split open the packet, they smelt divine!

They were surprisingly better tasting than a regular chocolate chip muffin. They were really moist although the texture wasn’t as fluffy as a regular muffin, it was a little more dense like with many gluten free products.

The double chocolate chips were a chocoholics dream as they made the cake taste even more rich and dreamy.

Overall, we really liked this product and would recommend it to those with a big sweet tooth!

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Bagel 


 

Arjun decided to join in with the review of these – the little monkey helped himself to a bagel before we knew it! He pretty much had one every other day till they were finished! He definitely loved them. Pre warning, the chocolate goes everywhere, so be armed with wipes if your little one likes to walk around with food in their hands whilst snacking!


  

These were dense in texture compared to a normal bagel and although they tasted different, they didn’t taste bad. I had my first one with a cuppa without toasting and it tasted similar to a fruit cake with chocolate chip – not too sweet, just right.
The second time, Preetam and I both had one which we toasted – I had mine with Nutella (obviously!) and he had his with peanut butter. They taste a lot nicer when toasted and topped. I didn’t feel lethargic and bloated after eating these like I do with regular bagels.


All in all, these were a hit in our home and we managed to get through two packets in 8 days between the three of us!
Gluten Free Pizza Base




As most of you will probably know, pizza is one of my most favourite foods so I was super excited to try this. I decided to save it for a rainy day when I was craving comfort food and that day was last Wednesday!


The process for this dough seemed pretty straight forward. Four easy steps! I could do this!

The instructions tell you to mix the dough using a mixer. I tried using a hand blender which was probably not the smartest idea I’ve come up with as it didn’t really work.
In the end I ended up using my hands. This seemed to work better as the heat from my hands helped mould and mix the dough.

The dough didn’t smell as appetising as regular pizza dough but I persevered anyway. It smelt a little like plasticine (it wasn’t an unpleasant smell).
As I followed the instructions, the dough didn’t come out as I’d have expected, I used a little more water to knead till it came out to a dough like consistency.

I tried to then roll out the dough on the work surface but failed as it began to break apart when I tried to transfer. I decided to roll out straight on to the pizza trays after lining with baking paper – this worked perfectly. I used my fingers to smooth out the sides.


I set the bases aside and placed a damp tissue over the top before keeping in a warm place for 40 minutes as per the instructions.


Once I’d put the toppings on (sundried tomato paste, red onion, pepper, sweet corn and mushroom topped with cheese and tomato) and placed in the oven I was a little apprehensive about how this was going to turn out to be honest!
As the pizza cooked, the house was filled with a delicious aroma. It smelt amazing!


I was so pleasantly surprised by how this turned out. It was one of the best pizzas I’ve made at home and although the texture of the dough felt dense, it was really light and easy to digest. It wasn’t soggy or moist, it cooked through really well.


If you like a crispy base, I’d recommend leaving the pizza in the oven for ten minutes once it’s cooked.

One box makes approximately 3 12″ pizzas. Preetam and I ended up eating a whole one to ourselves as it was so easy to digest!

This was definitely my favourite product out of the three I was asked to review and I would highly recommend it – especially for a bargain price of £3.00 (Tesco).

I’m so glad to have found a pizza base that doesn’t leave me feeling lethargic – I can now eat my favourite food without writing the whole evening off after!

I have teamed up with UDI to host a fab giveaway! Free food = win win!
Would you love to win this gluten free hamper full of delicious goodies?! It’s super quick and easy, you can find out more details here.
Disclosure: This product was received to review. All my opinions and beliefs about this product are honest and my own. This blog is solely written and edited by me. Harps x

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Wooden Motorbike Rocking Horse

Hello All,

 

A few people have asked for the details for the motorbike rocking horse that Arjun was playing with in some pictures that I posted on Instagram today.  His lovely Pua Ji and Fufar Ji gifted it to him for his first birthday and he loves it.  Given Arjun’s daddy is a superbike fanatic, this was a brilliant gift for his son as he’s likely to follow in daddy’s footsteps if Preetam has anything to do with it!

 

It’s very well made with fantastic craftsmanship and is very sturdy – even for our little muscleman!  Arjun has already mastered some of his beginner motorbike skills – he even knows how to lean and rocks/rides single handed! And when he comes off, he often plays with the different parts – it looks like he’s servicing his bike!

 

I’d highly recommend this for motorbike lovers and their babies!  You can purchase the rocker from here: Wooden rocking horse.

 

   
    
   
x

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Younique 3D Fibre Lash Mascara Review

Hello all, 



I’m super excited to be doing my first ever beauty review! I’ll be reviewing the Youniue 3D fibre lashes mascara. I’m a sucker for mineral make up and my base foundation and blusher is mineral already. So I jumped at the chance to review this product when contacted by Sandy. I’m all for natural products especially where it comes to them being used on my skin.

Excuse the selfies but apart from turning to Arjun to take pics of me, I had little to no choice!

What were my first impressions? When this little baby arrived, I was really impressed with the packaging. There’s a little case which sort of resembles a hard spectacles case with really nice engraved design which holds not one, but TWO applicators – the 3D fibre lashes and the fibre gel. The packaging is swanky, sleek and definitely aesthetically pleasing. Pretty impressive for a £23 mascara. I hoped the product would be just as good!



As you can see from the before pictures, I am definitely not gifted in the eyelash department. Not only do I have very few hairs, they’re also pretty light which means I often look like I have none!
Finding the right mascara for me is pretty tricky as I really can’t stand ones that make your lashes look like spider legs or become clumpy. I like my lashes to be separated but have length and a little volume.


Firstly, the brushes. I was a little daunted by the 3D fibre brush which has millions of tiny fibres attached to it (as the name suggests!). I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to apply it correctly.

The gel brush resembled that of my existing mascara (L’oreal) so I felt confident with that.


The instructions recommend that you apply a layer of gel, then a layer of fibre lashes, and then repeat the process depending on how little of much you’d like to build your lashes up.

Thankfully I read the instructions which clearly advise you to really get the gel off the brush before applying to stop clumping. I found it really easy to apply my first round of gel. The brush glided through my lashes easily and it did a good job at separating them. I used elegant soft strokes and not too many.

Once I’d done my first layer of gel, I got to the scary bit – applying the fibre lashes. It really isn’t bad at all! Again, I used soft strokes and was sure to remove any excess with my fingers (there wasn’t much). I noticed an immediate difference.

 

After 1 layer of gel and fibre lashes
I applied three layers of each in total although I’m guessing someone with “normal” lashes would only need two. I was pleasantly surprised that even I, Miss Accident Prone, managed to apply it without any major disasters or clumping!

 

After 2 layers of gel and fibre lashes

 

Before and after – 3 layers of gel and fibre lashes
I was really pleased with the results – my lashes looked a lot fuller and gave me the same effect as false lashes without the heavy feeling on my upper lid.

Before
After 3 layers of gel and fibre gel
I could probably achieve similar results with my normal day wear mascara but would definitely end up enduring clumping. My normal mascara feels dry against my lashes where as the Younique gel maintained just the right moisture. I also like the fact that it’s very easy to build up the heaviness. I was going for length and volume and I was able to achieve this with long soft strokes. To increase the heaviness, I’d just need to do a few more layers.

 

 

Before and after (with full make up)

The only down side is that this mascara takes a little longer to apply than my normal day wear mascara due to the layers procedure but I do believe that this is part of being able to achieve the look I was able to. I probably wouldn’t wear this mascara on a daily basis but will definitely be using it for parties, weddings and when I go out. Basically for more special occasions than going to work or moping around the house with Arjun and mopping up poo or vomit!

Also, one or two fibres did end up dropping just below my eye so be sure to clean up once applying.
I sometimes find other branded mascaras can cause irritation to my eyes. I wore this for a good 6/7 hours and felt no irritation which I’m guessing is down to the fact that it’s a natural product. My eyes also looked the same as when I applied the mascara 7 hours later. Excuse the lightening scar!

 

Seven hours later

All in all, I’d definitely recommend this product – I’m really pleased with the results I managed to easily achieve. I’m by no means a makeup Guru so if I can use it, anyone can! I’m looking forward to replacing my false lashes at parties and weddings for this mascara where I can. It’s great value for money.
If you’re interested in purchasing this, you can do by visiting Sandy’s page.


Thanks for reading x

Disclosure: This product was received to review. All my opinions and beliefs about this product are honest and my own. This blog is solely written and edited by me. Harps x

Modern Dad Pages
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Our Favourite Summer Outdoor Baby Buys

Given the gorgeous weather is making a come back, I thought I’d share our favourite outdoor toys.

Dinosaur Padding Pool Play Centre

Arjun’s first ever paddling pool which was gifted to him by my sisters. We used this for the first time last weekend and will definitely be using it at any given opportunity over the summer! Arjun LOVED it! It was perfect for him and his cousin sister Shaan. Although he can’t use the slide himself yet, he enjoyed throwing the balls through the hoop, peaking out from behind the waterfall flaps and watching the palm tree sprinkler from a distance. He enjoyed splashing about with Shaan. I especially love the vibrant colours used and it’s a great size for a few babies/toddlers. I’ve purchased a few of these for friend’s babies for birthday gifts.

If it’s too cold to fill the play centre with water, we often use the balls from Arjun’s ball pit to fill it and he has fun playing that way too.

You can purchase this dinosaur play centre from here:  Intex Dinosaur Paddling Pool Play Centre


      

http://youtu.be/UWrPOReAtqo


Extra Large Play Mat 

I can’t sing this mat’s praises enough. We use it for absolutely everything! It’s been amazing for our little picnics in the garden as it wipes clean. I’ve written a full review on it here and you can also find out where to purchase this huge multi purpose mat on my review.


  
JCB Dumper
Arjun first tried one of these at Willow’s Farm and absolutely loved it. Given daddy is also in the construction business, Arjun had to have one of these!

Although it’s for 2 years + and he can’t peddle himself, he loves being pushed along on it while he firmly grips the steering wheel. He also uses it as a walker and enjoys placing his toys in the tipper and tipping them out.

It’s been a great purchase for outdoors too. The robust build and rugged style chunky tyres makes it great for outdoor use.

You can purchase this super cute dumper from here:JCB Dumper Ride on Toy

 

 

What are your favourite outdoor buys?x

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Throwback to Last Year – Our Safari Nursery

As you may have gathered, I’m a sucker for themes and love going all out! So deciding on a nursery theme was my perfect opportunity to do just that!

We always knew we wanted a jungle theme as it’s unisex and we both love animals. It’s also educational.

I searched high and low on the Internet and sod’s law the only thing I absolutely LOVED was the Lamb’s and Ivy Safari Express themed set – and it was only stocked by Babies R Us in the US and geuss what?! They don’t deliver to the UK! That wasn’t going to hold me back though! Thankfully Preetam has friends that live in America and they were kind enough to arrange for the items to be couriered over to us.

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My 30th Birthday – Part 2 & 3

Hello all! 

Hope you’re well and had a great weekend!:) 
I know my birthday was weeks ago but I thought I’d share what I’ve been up to since we got back from the Maldives! 

I celebrated with my family and my in laws at Blue Zenzer which is an Indian Italian fusion restaurant located on a golf course. It was the perfect place for the occasion – the atmosphere makes you feel uber chilled out combined with the hustle and bustle of a slightly fancy restaurant in London!

I had a really nice day celebrating my nearest and dearest. We had lunch and Arjun was passed around the table lapping up the attention. This was the first time that we had all gone out for a meal since Arjun’s been born. It’s crazy that it’s taken so long! Now that I have a baby, I feel like I have a real measure of how quick time passes. 

   
 

The food was yummy – my favourite is the chilli cheese garlic bread and spicy mogo. Arjun enjoyed his pizza and a few chips. 

   
 

When it came to cutting my cake, Arjun decided to get stuck right in and pulled off all the chocolate sticks before I even realised what he was about to do! He then decided to chomp on one – his first taste of chocolate and totally out of my control! No surprises – he really liked it! 

   
          
 

After our lovely lunch and catching up, we decided to play golf. We headed to the driving range and everyone got involved. This is something I really love about my own family and my in laws – everyone is fun and up for anything! The boys took it pretty seriously whilst the mums and us girls had more fun laughing at each other. I was pretty impressed with the mummies – they were able to at least hit the ball unlike me(!). Arjun even got involved! He found it really funny every time someone was able to smack a ball. 

   
        
 

All in all, I had such a lovely day with the people that matter the most – family. 

  
Part 3 of my birthday was a surprise day out with my sisters and best friend, Amrit. I knew we were going out and was told to dress “nice” – whatever that means, but I didn’t know where we were going. Considering I mainly live in my trackies and hoody at home (Tom boy at heart), it was actually a nice change to get dressed up though my feet would tell you otherwise this morning! 

I got ready and was picked up and we drove in to central London. Our first stop was afternoon tea at The Dorchester. My initial reaction as I walked through the lobby was “wow”! The decor is absolutely stunning! The hotel reception and the afternoon tea area is adorned with huge marble pillars, breathtaking floral arrangements and gorgeous Victorian style mirrors – it’s all gorgeously grand and right up my street. I loved it. 

 

The Promenade
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/MobileViewPhoto-g186338-d1071328-i37674721-The_Promenade_at_The_Dorchester-London_England.html
 
The staff were exceptionally lovely and all so welcoming. 

Once seated and settled, I went for The Dorchester brand English breakfast tea (because I’m proper exciting!) which was delicious though Harv’s hot chocolate looked pretty tempting too! The sandwiches were really yummy – my favourite was the mango chutney and cheese one. Not something I’d normally go for either. They catered for vegetarians really well. The caramel and chocolate wafer cupcake was my favourite sweet thing followed by a hazelnut mousse type cake and the scones! The staff also brought out a chocolate cake to mark my birthday which was really yummy too. 

   
                         

All in all, I’d really recommend afternoon tea here, we had a lovely afternoon and it’s by far one of the best teas I’ve been to. We had a lovely relaxed afternoon whilst catching up. It was so pretty. 

After The Dorchester, we went to browse some make up and food (two of some of my favourite things!) at Harrods. I picked up some marmalade, Chanel eyeliner and chocolate! 

   
     
After Harrods we headed to part 2 of the day – we drove to Coco Nail Bar in Notting Hill. I loved the idea! It’s basically what it says on the tin – somewhere where you can get your nails done and have a drink too! A nail-bar!

  
I went for a paraffin wax manicure as I’d never had one before. The ladies at the bar were so accommodating to ensure we had a good time – they even suggested rearranging the seating so Amrit and I could face each other while talking haha. We all had a great time getting our nails done whilst sipping on mocktails. I went for the colour “cute as a button” by Essie. 

   
 
I’d highly recommend the paraffin manicure – it really helped restore moisture in my hands which were pretty dry as I suffer from eczema sometimes and have been since coming back from the Maldives – I think I need to emigrate, it’s too cold for my hands here!  

  
The Coco Nail Bar is a really nice place to go for some girl time. They can also arrange for hen parties. On a Tuesday morning they accommodate for mums with babies if given enough notice, they arrange for a nanny to come in while you get your nails done. 

After getting our nails done we decided to grab some dinner as we were really hungry by this point. We all fancied a burger so we went to GBK before returning home to be greeted by my little monkey. 

   
 

Arjun and I had cuddles in bed before I put him to sleep – It was the perfect end to a perfect day with my lovely sisters and bestie who have been by my side through my highs and my lows. I felt totally spoilt and so blessed. 

  

I’ve had a fabulous 30th celebrating with my nearest and dearest – I feel super blessed but now with June officially here, it’s time to get my skates on for Arjun’s big day!x

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My 30th Birthday Part 1 … The Maldives

Hello all!

Can’t believe we’ve been and we’re back and I’m 30 oh em gee! In case you haven’t already and wanted to, you can view my own take on 30 for 30 here.

I had the best birthday ever and it’s more than I ever could have imagined. I’m so grateful to Preetam and Arjun for making it super special and extending the celebrations out for a whole week!

Preetam was such an amazing father out there (like he is here but x a gazillion). He handled Arjun pretty much the whole week – I think I only changed 3 nappies the whole time we were out there! It was part of his way of ensuring I had a relaxing time. That thoughtfulness meant so much as when I’m at home, I’m constantly on the go so it was nice to switch off a little.
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Daddy’s Birthday – Gurdwara, Farm n Food!

Hello All,

Hope you’re keeping well!

Thursday marked Preetam’s 31st birthday! His first as a daddy so we had to make it special.  All he’d asked for was a family day and wasn’t too bothered about what we did as long as Arjun was happy. I could appreciate this as that’s exactly what I wanted for Mother’s Day – I wasn’t bothered about materialistic gifts – especially as we have the most precious gift ever now, I just wanted to spend quality time as a family as we don’t often get to. We decided to opt for something pretty chilled out and it turned out to be a really nice day.
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Hauck Sit n Relax High Chair Review

Hello All!

Below I’ve shared our review on the Hauck Sit n Relax high chair.

We purchased ours from Amazon for £99.99 at the time and it was delivered the next day thanks to Amazon Prime! Hauck Sit ‘n’ Relax Highchair (Bear)
Continue reading Hauck Sit n Relax High Chair Review