Hunkemoller make 'Herstory' With Limited Edition Influencer Swimwear Collection

At the beginning of the year I was lucky enough to have the chance to review part of one of Hunkemoller's limited edition collections and now their back with another brilliant collaborative collection and lucky me, I got the chance to see one of pieces up close and personal.

Hunkemoller’s have just launched their first ever swimwear collection which has been inspired by ambassadors and the collection is now available online. 

European retailer Hunkemoller have continued to build strong links with a great group of social media influencers with a new Ambassador inspired collection. This fantastic mini collection features four different monochrome swimwear styles which are real eye-catchers. 

Hunkemoller Make 'Herstory' With Launch Limited Edition Influencer Swimwear Collection

Hunkemöller ambassadors Lisa (@lisaanckarman), Nora (@allaboutnori) and Lynn (@whoisthatblonde) look beautiful in their very own limited edition swimwear collection. Lisa, Lynn and Nora are understandably extremely proud of this limited edition collection. 

Life's a Beach

I often find myself moaning about where I live but there are moments that I spend with my family that I'll remember that I'm actually quite lucky to live by the sea, being able to visit the beach whenever we want. With Autumn definitely settling in I've been looking back at our Summer photos, reminising about days/evenings spent enjoying the sea air.

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding?

My lovely sister in law got married yesterday, hooray. But on the build up to the wedding I spent a lot of time wondering just what to wear. I mean it's tricky isn't it because of course it is meant to be Summer but we live in Britain so any sort of weather is possible.

Luckily my girls were all sorted for the big occasion because they were all bridesmaids so their outfits were all chosen and bought by their auntie, the colouring was all coral, orange, pinky so I wanted to almost blend in, I'm not one who likes to stand out in photos!

I changed my mind frequently on the outfit that I wanted to wear, in the end I wore something entirely different to what I'm posting now but I thought it was still too pretty not to share.

Petit Bateau Beach Dress Review

Now that Summer has actually arrived (it's been a bit hit and miss of late hasn't it!), it's high time to start dressing for the warmer weather. I'm a girl who loves to get her legs out, skirts and dresses are a must in my wardrobe and Petit Bateau have certainly got this covered with their gorgeous designer French clothing.

I was recently asked if I would like to review something from their Summer range and let me tell you it was a tough choice. With so many vibrant colours and wonderful striped looks to choose from, there is certainly a style to suit everyone.

How to Get Kids to #EnjoyMoreWater

As a parent I think I've always worried whether my children were drinking enough. It started when they were babies, the thought in the back of my mind of whether they'd had the correct amount of milk. Then as they progressed to solids, they seemed to concentrate more on the food rather than the drink. I was always told that they'd ask for water if they became thirsty.

Parks, Books and Getting Creative

I can't believe we are already half way through the Summer holidays, it has literally flown by so far and luckily we have been blessed with good weather for the majority of it. We have filled our days with so many activities and I wanted to share with you some of what we've been up to, perhaps give you some ideas of free things to do including park trips, reading lots of books and getting creative on those rainy days.


One of the things we've been doing a lot of is going to the park. This doesn't cost a penny and we're are very lucky to have quite a few parks local to us so we can go to a different one each time. Our favourite has to be Connaught park as it is only 5 minutes up the road from us and there is plenty of space to wonder around as well as an enclosed park to play in.

Homemade Fruity Ice Lollies

Summer is finally here, hooray!!! So of course the kids like nothing better than eating lots of ice cream to cool them down. I've already shared a couple of recipes which are healthier alternatives such as my frozen yogurt but when I spotted the below ice lolly moulds in Tiger a couple of weeks ago I felt the need to come up with some healthier calypo like recipes.

The Importance of Summer Holidays

The Summer holidays is a time that divide peoples opinions. Some think that they are too long and that both kids and parents become bored very quickly. Others, like myself look forward to them, we find them necessary. I find myself on count down for the Summer holidays as soon as my children go back to school in September.

There are a few reasons why I feel this long period away from school benefits both child and parent :

* Studying/learning from long periods of time can lead to boredom, kids not concentrating as hard. This last term for my girls was 8 weeks long, it seemed to really drag and now we are nearing the end my kids attitude towards school and work has really changed, they've gone from enthusiastic to can't be bothered. I think this shows that a break is needed, in a sense it gives them time to miss what they've been doing.

* A long break from school gives our minds time to refresh, to recuperate. I mean our body needs time to recover when it exercises so surely our brains should be given the same option. Learning is tough at times, especially when you struggle in a certain subject, so really the Summer holidays are just giving us time as a family at home to settle down and destress together.

Ready, Aim, Fire That Water Gun

We've been experiencing some pretty good weather these past couple of weeks. A heatwave that was promised for once appeared and the sun has been out more often than not. Now I'm not one to complain, I much prefer the sunshine to the wind and rain however it can be a tad too hot at times especially for the kids. But you can't miss an opportunity to get outdoors so what better way to fend off the heat than having an epic water gun fight in the garden.

Ben and Holly's Little Explorer Challenge

You may have noticed the shiny new badge that's made it's way into my sidebar. I am lucky enough to be one of Ben and Holly's official bloggers, I think I was actually more excited about this than the kids, it's ok for the parents to like the children's programmes right??

Well over the next few months I'll be sharing with you reviews of their live show, giveaways and so much more but to kick things off I want to tell you a little bit about Ben and Holly's Little Explorer challenge.

#Summerdaysout With Petits Filous

My kids are ruled by the stomachs, even when they are not at home they've come to expect food at certain times of the day. Snacks on the go are a must, especially on days out and now that Summer is slowly making an appearance time out of the house is becoming more frequent.

We were recently provided with vouchers to purchase some of the new Petits Filous pouches. Available in three different flavours : apricot, raspberry and strawberry, these yogurts are packed full of yummy goodness.

And what goodness is that I hear you ask?!!

Vitamin D and calcium to help build strong bones, no artificial colours or sweetneres, no added preservatives, gluten free and suitable for vegetarians, this is the snack that is perfect for any child (or parent).

So what's new? Well the yogurt is still the same (hooray) however the packaging has changed. Don't worry you can still buy their convinient pots but the new pouches have been designed to make outdoor snacking easier.

What stands out is that each pouch is resealable, no need to worry about yogurt escaping and covering any items you may have in your bag/changing bag, this has happened to me before and I'm sure many of you know that this isn't the easiest mess to clean up.

Another plus for parents is that a spoon isn't needed, the yogurt is consumed by squeezing the pouch and sucking it out of the spout at the top. This in turn means no washing up and fingers crossed less spillage. I can't tell you how many times yogurt has been dropped off the spoon onto clothes or the carpet.

Now I wouldn't be testing these pouches out properly if I didn't take the kids out with them, so just where have we been with our Petits Filous pouches??

Well even Summer days can be rainy days so my youngest daughter actually had her first try sat at our dining room table at home. Layla is coming up to three and needed a little help squeezing the last bit of the yogurt out of the pouch.

A real test was letting her have one whilst she was sat in her pushchair when we went for a walk. The yogurt definitely got the thumbs up from me in the instance, no pesky crumbs left over the seat and with the lid screwed back on it was no bother waiting to find a bin to throw away the empty pouch.

Our last stop, the library. It was nice not having to rush off, with the Petits Filous pouch with us I was able to sit and read Layla a book whilst she filled her tummy, no fuss and no mess.

I think my only real problem with these pouches is that because the contents need to ideally be kept refrigerated you should really have some sort of cool bag/ice pack with you to keep them cool, especially on really hot days.

Overall I can see these becoming a family favourite. Perfect not only for snacks but ideal to pack in a scrummy picnic/lunch. Tasty yet healthy, appealing to everyone, not just kids!!

xxxx

Joining Parragon's #summerwithgoldstars

Just because it is the Summer holidays doesn't mean that your kids have to stop learning.

Infact keeping their education going over the holidays can prove to be just as entertaining as playing with their toys and games.

This year Parragon launched their Summer With Gold Stars challenge in a bid to help parents keep their little ones engaged and learning over the long holiday period.

Parragon's Gold Stars range of workbooks are packed full of fun, clearly illustrated learning activities.

With Gracie starting school in September, we were sent the Ready For School Big WorkBook.

Keeping Hydrated With SodaStream

When someone mentions SodaStream, it takes me back to my childhood.

I think of staying at my Nan's house and drinking cream soda and ginger beer, I remember being amazed out the bubbles magically appearing in the water.

So when I was asked if I would like to review a SodaStream Play whilst giving people advice on how to keep our kids hydrated this Summer, I couldn't reply with YES quick enough.

Melting Away

Sadly the kids are now back at school but before they put on those uniforms and carried their new school bags, we managed to enjoy one last day in the sun on Wednesday.

I can't believe just how nice the weather has stayed, you wouldn't think it was September already.

So what to do with their last day of freedom, lots of pennies had already been spent, think the bank of mum and dad is now closed for a while, so we wanted to do something that was cheap as chips.

We decided to make the most of that lovely beach we live by and have an ice cream whilst enjoying the view.

The only problem we had was that the sun was so hot, the ice creams were melting rapidly, I think the girls ended up wearing more than they ate. All good fun, oh and an added bonus, Nannie paid for the ice creams!!!

So what did you do on the last day of the Summer holidays, do you miss them already??

xxxx

Schwartz Grill Mates and Perfect Shake Review

A little while ago I took part in the Britmums challenge testing Schwartz 2 in 1 range. Well I was recently contacted to see whether I would like to review Scwartz newest ranges, Grill Mates and Perfect Shake. I'm always on the look out for new ideas on what to make dinner so I was more than happy to oblige.

I couldn't believe just how many sachets and shakes I was sent in the post.

The Grill Mates feature delicious US flavour combinations which are ideal to bring your food to life, whether you decide to make a BBQ in the glorious Summer weather we have been having or even if you decide to just put cook your meat under the grill for a delicious family meal. 

The Perfect Shake range are made up of tantalising herbs and spices which can be used in many things such as marinades, sauces, or even sprinkling over things like chicken, beef and fish.

Both these ranges are great for making the most of the Summer season. 

Perfect Shake

I was sent the Perfect Shake range in the following flavourings : 

Season All : This is a great alternative to salt and pepper

Piri Piri : For anyone that loves Nandos, this is the one for you

Chargrilled Chicken : Great to marinade your chicken in whether you favour breast, drumsticks or thighs

Fish : Use on any fish from prawns to tuna, adds a little zing to your meal.

So far I have used the Chargrilled Chicken and the Fish Perfect Shakes. I sprinkled the Chargrilled Chicken one over one of caesar salads, it was lovely, not an overpowering taste but definitely added a little kick. I used the fish one when making Daddy Hazelden king prawns, this mixed with some chillis and lime made for a refreshing meal. 

Grill Mates

I was sent the Grill Mates in : Deep South Brown Sugar, Mojito Lime, Cajun and Smoky Texan. So far I have only put the Cajun to the test but the whole family was really impressed.

Simply mix the packet mix with 75ml water and 50ml oil

Put the chicken and the mixture into the bowl and marinade for 15 minutes or if you want stronger flavour you can leave it over night in the fridge.

Then simply pop into the oven for however long you need to cook it for and...

You have some delicious chicken to accompany whatever else you decide to make, in our case chips and peas :) The marinade made the chicken really moist and the flavour was wonderful, not too spicy, even Layla enjoyed eating it.

Both ranges are quick and easy to use and with prices starting from £1 you really can't go wrong. It makes any dinner or salad that little bit more exciting. I'm looking forward to trying out the Mojito Lime next mmmm.

Which flavours would you like to try?

xxxx

Disclaimer : These items were sent to me free of charge for reviewing purposes however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ultimate Summer Driving List

I've been tagged by the one that is Distressed Housewife to join in a musical meme of the Ultimate Summer Driving List. Not the easiest of tasks because I feel there are so many great tracks that I could add to this list but then you would be reading this post forever.

My music taste is very mixed, I like everything from pop, to rock, from dance to indie. Over the years my favourite artists have changed, just like the posters on my bedroom walls.

Everyone else seems to be sticking with 12 songs, I've decided to go with a mix of old and new, so without further ado, turn up the volume and enjoy!!

1) Paramore - Misery Business
I am a huge fan of paramore and this single is what made me love them in the first place.

2) Macklemore and Ryan Lewis - Can't hold us
This song has been a big favourite for many people this year, it can't fail at getting you up and dancing in my opinion.

3) Foo Fighters - Everlong
This is my all time favourite band and with so many songs it was hard picking just one. I have to admit I prefer the accoustic version.

4) McFly - Star girl
Now for any of my readers that listened to Chris Moyles on Radio 1 you will know why I heart this song. Every friday on the Chris Moyles show it was McFly day and this song had me dancing around like a loon every week.

5) Chase & Status - Lost and not found
I was truly gutted to miss seeing them in Ibiza this year, tune!!!!!

6) Oasis - Some might say
Now what's a tracklist without a bit of Oasis. Actually the song that I love the most of theirs is the masterplan but I thought it was a bit down beat so this was my second choice.

7) Eminem - The real slim shady

Yes I was one those people that was extremely obssessed with this man, I had his pictures all over my wall and I knew all of the lyrics :)

8) Rudimental - Not giving in

This track is on my running playlist, always manages to keep me going.

9) House of pain - Jump around

This song I would count as a classic, it does indeed make you get up and jump around!!

10) Kasabian - Underdog

Now I am picking this track for Daddy Hazelden as obviously he would be in the car with me. We have been to see this band twice and even the kids love this song.

11) Tinie Tempah - Passout
Not really sure why I picked this but when scrolling through my iTunes, it just seemed to call to me.

12) Maroon 5 - Moves like jagger

There was a time when this song seemed to be played on repeat but it just never gets old.

So there we have it, a little view into what my music collection is like, I think I may go and put this play list onto a CD now!!

I am now going to tag @OutnumberedMum, @loopyrach, @FamilyFever, @SThurley49, @SuperBusyMum and @chanson2010 to create their own Ultimate Summer Driving List.

xxxx