Snow without children is like Christmas without presents!

Seeing the kids eyes widen and their little rosey cheeked faces light up at the site of snow is incredible to a parent. It usually makes me forget how much I detest the white fluffy stuff that makes me shake in my wellies and I think about sledging, snowball fights and building snowmen (and women) instead.

However, the weekend just gone the snow arrived and I was left feeling just as cold inside as it was out. The kids were at their dads house for the weekend and I felt disappointed that they weren't about for us to enjoy it together for the first time.

Being quite a big kid at heart I decided to put my coat on (hooded top, hat, wellies and gloves too) and head out in it anyway. I didn't want to waste the day stopping in being miserable so I thought I'd get stuck in and build the family in snow form... that even included the dog!

I ended up being outside for about 4 hours having snowball fights and chatting to passers by that thought my creations were surprisingly quite good with their pink hair (shredded paper). There's something about snow that brings people together and the idea that I was burning calories too did help! I ended up with myself, the mini mes, my partner and the poochie all standing proudly lined up outside my windows and door.

Upon the kids return at 5pm they were amazed and seeing their faces at this point rather than first thing made up for it completely. They giggled and smiled at their own replica and we then enjoyed making another in the back garden in the dark together and going for a wintery walk across the field.

5 days on they still remain (despite melting slightly) and next time when it snows and the kids aren't about I shall definately do similar... for the sake of them, the neighbours and my mission to lose weight!

Fake Bake Review

Fake Bake Fair

£22.50 - John Lewis
Product provided by - UkMums.tv

The miserable English weather at the moment can be quite depressing for many and I often find myself dreaming of white sandy beaches, the sea and sunshine. I can't currently jet away though for a natural tan so faking it is the next best thing!

I had never tried a self-tan product until now as I was always a little scared I'd wake up and look like a satsuma the following day - eek. The most I had attempted was tinted moisturiser which can be a bit annoying when you have to reapply it daily to keep the colour. Fake Bake is so easy to use that I feel converted and I shall probably use this quite regularly for a sun kissed glow during the winter and spring months.

The lotion is thick and very easy to apply. It doesn't drip as I had expected, it goes on just like a body cream and doesn't look or feel greasy at all. It could quite easily become part of your daily routine as its completely hassle free. It's absorbed quickly and I didn't have to stand about naked for ages or blow dry myself while it dried thankfully! It didn't even stain my bedding or clothes. Fake Bake arrives boxed and complete with a good quality pair of gloves to prevent messy hands during application. Your advised to exfoliate beforehand to remove any dry skin and I ensured my elbows, knees and ankles were well moisturised to prevent them from looking patchy.

Application is simple you just need to use a small amount and rub it on to your skin in circular movements. There is a seperate product with extra moisturisers for your face but I just used a tiny amount of this instead and it worked really well. It's not a time consuming task and after a few minutes it was complete. I asked my partner to do my back as it's a bit hard to reach but if you don't have anyone to assist you can use cling film, apparently!

I put my dressing gown on and noticed the product was already working. I went to bed shortly afterwards, the packaging advises you to use the lotion just before rest to help with absorption. When I woke up I was pleasantly surprised. I was left with a streak free, light tan and it really helped to boost my body confidence. It gave me a healthy looking, natural glow. I had a shower and the scent was gone but the lovely colour remained.

I'm not ready for anything darker at he moment but if you want a more visible tan you can apply the product daily until you reach the colour you require and then just top it up once each week. Alternatively there are other products in the Fake Bake range that will provide more noticeable results first time.

Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 Review

Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD

Amazon - £9.99
Product provided by - UkMums.tv

You know you won't have an easy ride with Jillian Michaels the coach from The Biggest Loser and this workout DVD is no exception. But the saying 'no pain, no gain' is so very true and if you put the hard work in you will get the results, and fast.

This DVD is split into 3 sections; level 1, 2 and 3 which increase in difficulty as you go through each stage. Dont be fooled and assume level 1 is therefore easy - it's far from that! It's wise to begin at level 1 regardless of your ability (you could be an athlete or 500lb) to get used to the moves and to prevent injury. Build up and when you feel ready move on to the other sections.


The first time I completed it I felt exhausted but my determination to lose weight and look good for the summer spurred me on aswell as the great sense of achievement you gain upon completing it (while you slump in the chair rosey cheeked and panting with a cool glass of water afterwards!). I'd tried The 30 Day Shred and Killer Buns and Thighs which I had enjoyed despite being tough and this DVD has an identical layout with the 3,2,1 system but with a variety of new moves.

Each 20 minute workout consists of 3x 3 minute strength sections, 3x 2 minute cardio sections and 3x 1 minute ab sections with a warm up and cool down. 20 minutes may not be a long time to exercise but you can definately feel it afterwards, especially the following day when you first begin. It's probably a lot more intense than what you may be used to when purchasing other cardio workouts to do at home which can drag on for an hour but its worth it. You do get the results you want if you stick with it as Jillian promises, however much you want to give up at times.

Jillian teams smaller muscle exercises with bigger muscle group exercises to ensure you are working hard and burning as many calories as possible in a short space of time. She is joined by two women Shelly and Basheera for the workout. If you are a beginner you can follow Shelly for slightly easier, modified moves but if you really want to push yourself you can follow Basheera. Their slim and toned bodies encouraged me to continue - they look how I want to!

You will need a drink to hand, mat and hand weights for the workout. If you dont have any for now then the carpet and bottles of water or tins can be used as alternatives. I would invest and try to make sure exercising becomes a part of your life style that you fit in regularly. Too many times I've moaned about my weight, spent a few days eating better and increasing exercise to just give up when I've not lost a stone in a week (as a lot of us have I'm sure) but I want to stay focused and you should too and I'm setting myself realistic goals.

I often become disheartened when I only lose a lb when I feel like I've worked hard but this DVD combined with eating healthier does work, I've only been doing it a few days and I feel stronger and fitter already. I'm looking forward to feeling super confidence come July when the sun is out and so are my legs! I can picture a little bikini with my name on. Not in a few weeks but in the near future and I can't wait.

Valentine's Day Made Easy with NEXT

It's often hard to decide what to buy your partner for the day of love and receiving the same bunch of flowers or box of chocolates (if anything) year in and out can be a little predictable and disappointing.









NEXT have cleverly created the Gift Selector and Outfit Finder to ensure you look hot this February 14th and to help you pick out the perfect pressie for your loved one!




If you head over to NEXT you can try out this easy to use app. With next day delivery for orders placed before 9pm there's still time to get a treat for your partner even if your one that likes to leave things right up until the last minute.

With a wonderful range of dresses and gorgeous lingerie to choose from you are certain to turn heads and leave jaws dropping.

The fantastic selection of gifts including stunning jewellery and beautiful fragrances will really ensure your other half feels special this year... If your lucky and leave the page open as a hint perhaps you will get a lovely present back too!

Preparing for Half Term

I purposely chose a job that was flexible with hours so I could be a working mum but also remain a full time parent, being able to take my kids to and from school daily was vital to me. When I returned to work after the Christmas break I tried to make sure the first thing I did was to book off February half term!

I like to be organised and plan ahead. I generally have little 'to do' lists and memos for all sorts so February half term is no different. Thinking of things to entertain the Mini Mes in advance prevents boredom and means we can make the most of the time we do have together come rain or shine - so I’ve already made an Amazon wishlist of bits and bobs I’ll be ordering shortly to keep us busy this February.


During the summer holiday the kids really enjoyed a circus workshop that we attended so I’ve added some some devil sticks, diablos, juggling balls and spinning plates to the list. We can use these indoors if it rains or outside if the spring sunshine ever arrives – they will be performing cheeky monkeys in no time!


I’ve added a few DVD’s to this list for rainy days. Chloe in particular likes role play games so when we aren’t at the cinema she likes to make her own tickets, dim the lights, hand out sweets and popcorn and have us all watch a movie snuggled up in duvets on the sofa. Happy days.

Both the kids (and myself hehe) like to be creative so I’ve added a few craft sets and animal related activies. These are usually educational but fun and learning through play is always great in my eyes.



Apart from buying a few new sets to enjoy we have the huge craft box full of feathers, glitter, sequins etc so we can get messy and make some nice pictures. We can also work on the scrap books.

We will do some baking as always. Chocolate marshmallow fudge, truffles, cupcakes and brownies being our favs at the moment (there goes the diet). I’ve got lots of cook books so it will be a case of letting the kids have a nosey and picking something yummy to make that hopefully won't be too bad for my waistline - Eeek!

I’m hoping we will get out and about as much as possible and the weather will be lovely for nature walks and trips around the reservoir with the puppy now hes had his jabs and been micro-chipped. He’s named Spartan (after our love for gladiator style movies and the TV series Spartacus) and he’s a 12 week old Border Collie.

We will probably spend a day at Gullivers in Milton Keynes, go bowling and out for a few meals. Pizza hut has such great deals and I have a weakness for a meat feast, on a regular basis!

I’ve still got a while to go yet as it's not for another 10 days but just the thought of it puts a spring in my step already.