On blogging and reviews

I have been reading blogs for a long time, always popping back each week to have a browse at a theme or meme.
I didn't always follow until I understood the ins and outs of the blogosphere! Still not quite there though! I'm kind of a learn as you go along kind of girl!

Being partly a blog on babies and children solely because I have babies and children I have spent many a snatched hour reading other parent blogs on parenting networks. I've done as advised and have been nosing to look for more shared themes and interests and whats struck me is the number of positively positive reviews for stuff that in little old me's humble opinion you just don't bloody need!!

Let me explain...

I live in a 2 bed flat...

I have 4 children...

and am short on funds....

not only do I not have the money to splurge on these so called 'essentials' I just don't have the bloody space either!

I've been hearing about nipple creams, nursing bras, odd shaped cushions...

people have gushed about baby baths, nappy bins and top and tail bowls...

I don't know about yours but my baby doesn't even have a tail?!

So as much as I love a well designed toy or  lovely well made children's clothes, or something beautiful handmade with love...

I would just like to ask...

What are the items you couldn't live without? What are the products you bought and really wish you hadn't bothered as they lay gathering dust in the corner?

Or maybe I just wish I had a nappy bin and a comfy place to rest my boobies so don't mind me ;)

c/o yesyesfancydress

Oscar AKA grumpy persian cat

I think it's time I dedicated a post to Oscar.  You are probably wondering who or what is Oscar so here he is....

Oscar has always been grumpy, during his lifetime (he's only 7) he's been forced to live with 4 children, 4 different dogs, and various other pets including rats, fish, rabbits and chickens.  He also, as I'm sure you've gathered, has really long hair.   Make that fur.  Sadly Oscar doesn't like being groomed at all which makes for quite a scene when the dreaded brush or clippers come out. 

The latest addition in Oscars life is Nelly who now at 9 months has become OBSESSED with him.  I'm not exagerrating, she is NUTS about him.  Sadly Oscar is not flattered by all this unwanted attention and doesn't appreciate her slobbery kisses or over enthusiatic pulls and pats which Nelly just can't contain.

Her worst reaction is a high pitched squeal in his ear when she manages to grab his passing rubs (you know the sort when your cat is hungry and dances and brushes against you meowing and purring).  He is utterly disgusted ad alarmed when she does this squeal in his ears.

Oh Oscar, I'm sorry.  I was always a dog person really...

but lately I'm really warming to you

especially when you come and do this when she has her nap ;)

Does anyone else have a pet that has to tolerate a busy household or an exuberant baby ?  I'd love to hear about how you have made the transition of new situations easier for your pet...

big peoples wishlist

1. zara.com

2. riverisland.com

3. muubaa.com

4. newlook.com

other peoples junk

Walking back from the school run, aptly named as usually includes us at least speed walking on the daily, I came across  a lovely space saving folding table which will work great in the boys room for homework and a little wooden unit that's a perfect height for Nelly. I'm tempted to make a little kitchen for her out of it so will research sweet wooden toy kitchens on the market for inspiration.

I just love finding stuff like this and giving it a new home.  I am a keeper of other peoples junk.  I've decided to do a top 5 of other peoples junk I've picked up that are my favourites.  In the mean time what have you found or bought for a bargain recently?

little peoples wishlist

               

1. next.co.uk

2. en.smallable.com

3. vertbaudet.co.uk

4. littlelife.co.uk

* I am in love with the tiger leggings and as soon as Nelly is toddling about I just have to get her the dinosaur daysack with detachable reins and I've read it even has a dino hood! ROAR!!!

dress for less

top; River Island £14.99

skirt (dress tied at waist); F&F £6 (sale a/w 2010)

shoes; car boot sale 50p 

bag; River Island (very very old and tatty no idea how much at time as was in a bag of stuff given to me so free!)

necklace; charity shop £2.50

total: £23.99 

borrowed puppy not part of outfit but I just had to include her in this post

30 minute project

So I got a little carried away with Rachel's crochet star tutorial and although they don't look in ANY way as nice or neat as hers (blush!) I still think they're cute! As I said in a previous post I am a complete beginner and have only just got started with crochet. The kids think they don't look at all like stars and in fact apparently look more like paint splodges but I'm cool with that ;)

And on that note...

c/o The Best of Design via facebook