Monthly Archives: February 2016

Feb 24 2016

Introducing the new Tommee Tippee Ultra Bottle

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Ultra

I lasted around 6 weeks breastfeeding my babies as I found it really hard going, both physically and mentally. I don’t regret moving on so quickly as it enabled me to better enjoy those first few weeks and it was the right decision for us as a family.

Yet, whether you choose to move on at 6 weeks, 6 months, or 18 months, there’s one decision almost every parent will eventually have to make - which baby bottle to plump for. And boy that’s not an easy decision. A trip to the baby aisle in Boots is nothing short of confusing, with dozens of bottles claiming to be best for baby. We know we need something breast-like so it’s easier for baby to latch onto, and colic-reduction technology is another must-have given it’s such a common complaint for babies when making the transition - but they all say that, right? …

… Meet the new Tommee Tippee Ultra Bottle - reported by 85% of mums as the best they’ve ever used with their baby

TTUltra

Yep, Tommee Tippee have been squirreled away with a group of top baby feeding experts to develop this revolutionary new bottle. No, they don’t mean healthcare professionals, but mums, dads and babies themselves. After all who knows bottle feeding better?

As always, Tommee Tippee don’t want to bore people with science, they simply aim to keep things simple for mum. I might be an ambassador but I’m not beholden to Tommee Tippee in any way. I tried dozens of brands with my babies - for curiosity’s sake rather than anything else - but found Tommee Tippee simply unbeatable. Their ergonomic design & flexible teats were readily accepted by both my children, and I loved how they were compatible with other brands in terms of sterilising and cleaning. In other words, TT didn’t try and cash in on the fact you had to buy their accessories if you chose their bottles - let’s face it, having a baby is expensive enough!

So what improvements have been made on their multiple award-winning bottles?

Well it certainly looks different. In fact, I’d go so far as to say they’re the sexiest bottles in the bottle aisle. Before you raise your eyebrows, take a look at this…

UltraCollage

But it’s not all about looks right? I mean I wouldn’t swap my Craig for Daniel Craig just because for the sake of a six pack. But here’s why you just might want to make that upgrade to Ultra:

Natural Latch

The extra wide neck teat on the Ultra bottle offers a more breast-like shape for baby to latch onto. The teat is made from a super-soft, high grade silicone which allows the teat to move in multiple directions like a breast replicating a natural feeding action. I’ll give it this, the Ultra certainly looks more like my breast - I’m in my 30s, and could only defy gravity for so long.

Secure Seal

A contour zone has been uniquely built into the Ultra teat, which forms a perfect match to baby’s open mouth. This zone allows baby to form a secure seal around the teat which helps reduce air ingestion and discomfort. It also helps prevent messy milk dribbles for a more comfortable feed.

Perfect Flow

The innovative angled teat on the Ultra bottle provides a more comfortable, upright feeding position for baby and the milk flows down the bottle in an even way right to the end of the feed.

Sounds like this baby bottle can do everything other than make itself right? Oh wait, isn’t this exactly what Tommee Tippee’s Perfect Prep machine does? Check back in early next month where I’ll be putting this through its paces. In fact, given Tommee Tippee are taking the stress out of caring for new babies, suddenly the thought of baby 3 doesn’t sound quite so bonkers…

Does this sound like your perfect fit?

The new Ultra bottles from Tommee Tippee are available in 150ml and 260ml sizes in packs of 1,2 and 3 in Boots priced from £8.99 for a single bottle to £19.99 for a pack of 3.
For more information, head to www.tommeetippee.co.uk or follow on social media:
Facebook: @tommeetippeeUK / Twitter: @tommeetippee_uk / Instagram: @tommeetippeeuk
Feb 24 2016

Why choose a vintage engagement ring?

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Engagement Image by Adrienne via Flickr

It’s notoriously hard for a man to choose an engagement ring. As much as we’ll inevitably coo over his pick, much like a wedding dress, we always have an image in our head that is rarely met in reality. There is in fact, a vast array of engagement ring shapes and cuts out there. Yet, most high street jewelers favour the “classic” solitaire rings so these are the ones most of us will end up sporting on our engagement fingers. My advice to men? Before choosing, familiarize yourself with the different types and styles available - after all, this is a ring you hope she’ll wear for the rest of her life.

The beauty of vintage rings

Depending on whose definition you choose to adhere, an antique ring is either older than 100 years or “just” older than 50 years old. Many jewellers use the term antique and vintage interchangeably, and if you want to be sure you’re choosing a ring of a specific era, just enquire from the online jewellery store in Australia or a local jeweler you trust.

Although they exist, you’re not likely to find a Georgian or Regency era engagement ring, as they’re very rare – in those days, people didn’t become engaged or betrothed in the tradition with which they are now. When searching for engagement rings, the oldest rings will be from the mid 1830s and go through the turn of the century Victorian era. The following twenty years refer to the Edwardian era and the beginning of the popularity of the metal platinum – these rings can be identified by a lacy or filigree pattern. The Art Deco period covers the next decade (1920 to 1930) – these rings are modern, streamlined and geometric. Often, colourful contrasting gemstones are placed next to brilliant diamonds.

Speaking of diamonds, while diamonds are the current standard for engagement rings, antique rings often feature softer stones (opals, pearls, emeralds), which have a higher likelihood of cracks. Rings that have survived through the ages will therefore likely have imperfections that make them truly unique.

Surprisingly, despite the fact that machinery and technology are far more advanced, an Edwardian ring has the kind of qualities found, for example, in authentic Craftsman homes – they’re beautifully designed and built, and cannot be replicated, unless you’re willing to spend way more money than the original.

If you are interested in an antique ring or a vintage ring and one of the finest quality but at a reasonable rate, you should definitely check out Kalmar Antiques - dealer of the finest antique engagement rings because, not only is their website beautiful, you have hundreds of one-of-a-kind choices – you’ll find a variety of engagement rings, with diamonds, with a single diamond, or with a combination of diamonds, with sapphires, rubies and emeralds. If you are doing a spot of research, this is an excellent place to start in terms of inspiration.

It’s an astonishingly comprehensive website, very accessibly laid out. Searches are easy on the site, and there are high res pictures that make it easier to imagine the rings on your partner’s finger. Make sure you search beyond your original parameters, check out different stones, settings and metals. If you want to know the history of a ring, ask. Reputable jewelers will not only know their stuff, it’s their passion and a subject they love to talk about. Your mission is to find the perfect engagement ring for your partner, not settle for something safe.

If you know that you want to find an antique or vintage engagement ring, there will be several avenues to explore, but do consider starting your search at Kalmar Antiques as it will certainly get you thinking beyond the box.

Feb 23 2016

Alternative uses for your shed

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shabby shed

They say that owning a shed is the secret to a happy marriage, which is just a touch sexist, though a 2013 survey by Cuprinol did find that one in five men flee to the shed to avoid arguments. Two years on and Atelier, manufacturer of ‘garden studios’ is heralding the arrival of the ‘she shed’ an outdoors room that can be used as an extra workspace or for relaxation. According to Atelier, 56% of women own their own ‘she shed’, which seems disproportionately high given the decreasing amount of outdoor space homes seem to have these days!

It’s perhaps because more of us are working with limited space that sheds are becoming more than places to store the bikes and lawn mower with further research by Alfresia published in September, revealing that one in five sheds is now used for non-traditional purposes. Is it time to take a second glance at your garden shed?

Alternative uses for your shed…

What could you use your shed for if it wasn’t loaded high with garden shears and skateboards?

Your own personal pub

Well, one oft-dreamed of option is the creation of your very own garden pub, though the convenience of being able to pull pints in your garden may cost more than you’d expect. In addition to a fairly decent sized shed you’ll need to factor in the purchase of beer taps and furniture, not to mention alcohol. If you do decide to take the plunge, the Micropub Association should be your first point of call for advice about your project.

Shed pubMy friend Aran’s awesome VW camper van / shed hybrid

Office space

If what you daydream about is having a quiet workspace to call your own, an upgraded shed could provide you with your own office. You will find a number of companies now specialise in building this kind of outbuilding, though you could start by upgrading your present shed. You’ll find it rather unpleasant to work in all year round without proper insulation and you’ll definitely want to wire it for electricity but you can factor in extra light by fitting bifold doors. These wooden outdoor variety from Creative Doors Direct are suitable for outdoor use. If you opt to heat with a log burning stove, ensure it’s properly fitted and vented by a professional. Unfortunately there have been a number of accidents in the last few years that have been attributed to ill-fitted heaters in luxury sheds, so always put safety first!

office shed

Chillout zone

Whether your priority is having a place to play the latest video games in peace or you want to recreate the tranquillity of your local spa in an area that’s kitted out with loungers and soft lighting, a shed can provide a room to ‘getaway to’. One of the main advantages of converting your shed space is that unless the building is over two metres high or thirty metres square you won’t need planning permission. That said, if you are planning on constructing something rather large you may want to warn your neighbours out of courtesy and consider carefully where you place it. It’s also worth noting that different rules apply if you intend to live in the shed.

Sheshed

Is your shed competition worthy?

Constructing super sheds has become a lot more common in recent years and there’s even an annual Shed of the Year competition that celebrates the creative efforts of UK shed lovers. The uses of the sheds entered in the competition are so varied different categories have emerged. This includes a group for eco sheds, pub sheds, workspace sheds and cabins and summerhouses. Think your shed might be worthy of an award? Check out last year’s winner, a pub shed in the Scottish Highlands here. You will find details on how to enter the 2016 Shed of the Year competition here. If you’ve not yet got started on styling your shed, there’s plenty of time to pimp yours up before the competition gets started.

Have you got a garden shed or are you too short on space to consider one? Those of you who do own sheds, if you were going to turf out the lawnmower and other tools from your shed, how would you put the space to better use? Would you like to be the landlord or lady of your own personal micropub or would you prefer a pamper space for quiet contemplation and relaxation?

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