Davina for NEXT

If you are a regular reader of my blog you will know I'm one of the many woman Davina McCall has inspired to exercise with her hugely successful DVD's.  I have sworn by her pre and post pregnancy work out through both my pregnancies and now Thomas has safely arrived I'm back on a mission to get fit again.

Davina has been a busy bee and has now teamed up with NEXT, launching Davina For Next,  in Next Directory, online at next.co.uk and selected stores in time for Spring 2012. Not only does the range provide the ultimate workout and post work-out clothing, Davina has also designed some really innovative everyday shoes which feature dual density technology to reduce stress on joints. Harnessing Next’s F.I.T. technology, the line of stylish everyday shoes offer aspects of comfort, performance and muscle activation previously restricted to cumbersome and lets be honest not the most attractive sports footwear. 

Not anymore, cute, round-toe ballerinas in red and neon pink patent or animal print, which all provide a reduction in stress on load bearing joints thanks to NEXT’s dual density mid-sole technology. They really are gorgeous.

Other elegant city-smart flats are engineered to increase calf and hamstring activation by up to 12%. Canvas pumps, in metallic or pretty floral print, carry the promise of decreased heel impact and are a little quirky and unique or you could try out Davina’s ultra-feminine trainers, embellished with bands of shimmering candy-bright colour.  They exert 25% less pressure on the ball of the foot. Perfect for my post pregnancy body which requires a little extra care.

Davina says: 

“My approach was to concentrate on what I would wear. I’ve thought very carefully about the details that matter to me, like a place for an MP3 player, or reflective strips on the bottoms – essential when you’re jogging in the early morning or at dusk. And I’ve ensured the workout tops are extremely solid and secure so your boobs won’t be bobbing around while you’re working out!” 

Davina For Next promises to shake up what we wear before, during, and after workouts, with comfort and style assured. The range addresses active pursuits, from aerobics to running, power-lifting to pilates and are great modern shapes, fabulous colours and outstanding fabrics.

Have a look below at a snippet of the collection and see for yourselves.  There are some really gorgeous pieces I know you'll just love.

Davina For NEXT - slideshow with music

Over the next few months i'll be blogging on a weekly basis about my post baby weight loss which i'm achieving with the work i'm doing with Thinking Slimmer and my Davina DVD. Two of my favourite pieces from the Davina for NEXT range are the these technical trousers and pink racer top and I would be to have the chance to review them as part of my getting fit mission.

I'm not yet a Yummy Mummy but maybe if I did my workouts in them, I might soon be,

Wish me Luck!

Donna...x

Funny Friday

This week has been busy and my cheeky chap as always has made me giggle on more than one occasion.  My entry into Funny Friday this week had to be the following conversation I had after William after he closed and banged the kitchen door for possibly the tenth time that day.

"William George, can you please stop closing and banging the door, it's very dangerous as you could trap your fingers"

My tone may have been a little stronger than I realised as he responded with the following:

"Mummy we are not allowed to have tantrums in this house or you'll have to go on the naughty cushion!"

I burst out laughing, what a cheeky monkey I have

Donna .............x

The Gallery - My Awesome Photo

My entry for the gallery was an easy choice.  I always wanted to take an Anne Geddes type photo of William but he was never obliging enough.

Thomas on the other hand is very placid and falls asleep anywhere and everywhere, so whilst preparing to bath him on my kitchen table I took the opportunity to snap a quick photo.  Probably not the most technical shot as I'm a novice with the camera but I love it all the same.

So here it is, my very own sleeping beauty

For more fabulous entries click on the link below

 Donna....x

Funny Friday

Williams speech has now come on in leaps and bounds and I find myself laughing everyday at the funny things he comes out with.  

On a recent trip to see my nan he was cuddled on her lap when she reached for a handkerchief to wipe her nose.  William looked up at her reassuringly and blurted out,

"It's ok Nana B there's no bogies up there!"

William, Thomas and our Beloved Nana B

Not a word we even use so I have no idea why he said it but me laugh never the less.  They grow so quickly and even though this stage of his little life is full of tantrums there is also the very funny sweet and sweet side of him I wouldn't change for the world.

For more funny Friday entries click on the link below 

Donna....x

Everybody Needs a Shnuggle

Deciding what our new little bundles will sleep in is often a difficult decision and understandably so.  We want to love and protect them as best we can and ensure when they are not safely in our arms they safe in their beds.  

Some people opt to put their babies straight into cots whilst others chose to use moses baskets.  Cots come in all all shapes, sizes and designs but historically moses baskets are traditional looking and made of either palm or the more expensive wicker.  

That was until 2009 when husband and wife team invented Shnuggle - The Modern Moses basket, a safer, stronger and more hygienic Moses basket.   

We were asked if little Thomas would like to test and review one of the "Dotty Blue" designs below and let you know our thoughts.

The award winning Shnuggle basket has European design registration granted and patents pending. It is made to order and assembled by hand right here in the UK and  is made from a super-strong, hypoallergenic polymer, giving a safer place for your baby to sleep. Its unique properties actively repels dust mites, which are the number one cause of allergies in infants and it can be easily cleaned and sterilised which makes it super hygenic.

So what did we think?  If you are looking for a traditionally styled wicker basket, this is not for you.  If however you are looking for something a little more contemporary then its perfect, it is after all the modern moses basket.

On first impressions the basket looked sturdy and bigger than most others i've previously seen, a definite bonus if like me you have big babies.  The "Stay-up" hood feature designed to help cocoon your baby from noises and lights when they're resting, does exactly what it says and does not slip down, a common problem with other baskets. The team claim it is near silent in use and I can certainly vouch for this. Its a brilliant feature as when you place your relaxed, dozey baby down, they don't get startled back to the wide eyed state by the creaking or squeaking of the wicker.   

From a safety perspective the baskets comply with BS EN 1466 and to further ensure baby's well-being the base is fully ventilated for constant, regulated airflow to help prevent overheating.  The basket is also 100% free of Chemicals, BPA and Pthtalates.  All very reassuring. 

The proof is really in the pudding though.  What does Thomas think of his new bed?  Well not only does he love to sleep in it, 

Surprisingly he likes to chill out in it too.  

He happily lies awake looking around safely shnuggled in his basket.  The basket is lined in luxury cream fleece so I'm not surprised he loves it so much.  It comes with a matching mini swaddle blanket and due to its triangular shape is easy to tuck around him which he seems to really like. 

All in all I am very impressed.  I have nothing negative to say except it would be great if the base was available in white as well as cream, as it would better match my nursery.  

If you would like any further information you can check the Shnuggle website here or email the team at hello@shnuggle.co.uk

Donna.........x

Abuse Does't Just Happen to Children

I was recently approached by Amber Palely, a guest post and article writer bringing to us information on the prevalence of elder abuse in the U.K, to help raise awareness of elderly abuse and neglect. As a district nurse specialising mainly in care of the elderly it is very close to my heart and something I feel very passionately about.

The abuse of the elderly is something few of us can fathom. The elderly are many times vulnerable due to mental and physical ailments and need our care when they cannot care for themselves. For a caregiver of any kind to abuse or neglect an elderly person is monstrous. And according to a 2006 research study conducted by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), the Institute of Gerontology, and the Social Care Workforce Research Unit at King’s College London, elder abuse is more common than many of us know. 

According to the study, about 342,400 people (i.e. 4 percent) over the age of 66 “living in private households (including sheltered housing)” admitted to experiencing abuse or neglect by a caregiver, family member, friend, neighbour, or acquaintance in the past year. 

Accordingly, the abuse was broken down like so:

· 51% of mistreatment in the past year involved a spouse/partner

· 49% another family member

· 13% a care worker

· 5% a close friend.

The study defined the abuses experienced by the elderly in the following way:

· “Neglect – e.g. repeated failure of a designated caregiver to provide help with personal care and day to day activities.” Neglect was found to be the most common form of abuse during the study; 1.1 percent of respondents admitted to experiencing it;

· “Financial abuse – e.g. theft, fraud, misuse of power of attorney.” (.7 percent of respondents);

· “Psychological abuse – e.g. persistent insults and threats.” (.4 percent of respondents);

· “Physical abuse – e.g. physical violence, physical restraint, over-medication.” (.4 percent of respondents);

· “Sexual abuse – e.g. verbal harassment, touching in a sexual way or intercourse without consent.” (.2 percent of respondents).

The study also found that, “Women were more likely to say that they had experienced mistreatment than men: 3.8% of women and 1.1% of men.”

Thus it is plain to see that elder abuse is a problem and that something must be done to curve its frequency. Luckily, there are advocacy groups working towards this goal; hopefully, it will only be a matter of time before the problem subsides.

Shocking statistics don't  you think? So if you have five minutes spare today please read this and help spread the word.  Old age eventually comes to all, we must help prevent this in the future for our loved ones and ourselves.

Donna...x

Amber spends much of her professional life writing about http://www.nursinghomeabuse.net/abuse-types-symptoms-and-horror-stories 

CENTER PARCS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF MAKING FAMILY MEMORIES

Finding holidays suitable for adults and children can be a challenge especially if you're not ones for travelling abroad but still want to indulge in a little luxury whilst enjoying a family friendly break. Many of my friends have recommended Centre Parcs and the fact they like to go back every year says it all. A fun and relaxing holiday without the stress of having to fly, if sounds perfect to me so let me tell you a bit more as they now have some fantastic new features.

It all began in 1987, when Center Parcs revolutionised the UK holiday market by introducing family breaks throughout the year, offering an alternative to the seasonal getaway. The secret to Center Parcs’ 25 years of success has been high quality accommodation and variety of family activities to ensure the best experience is provided every time. Ensuring this commitment lives on today, in 2012 Center Parcs celebrates its 25th year with new, exciting developments:

· New features at each Subtropical Swimming Paradise are in the early planning phases to include new water rides, toddler play areas, warm water pools and private cabanas at all locations.

· Center Parcs’ uniquely designed luxury Treehouses have been completed at Longleat Forest.

· Spa Suite accommodation has been built for luxury spa breaks at Elveden Forest.

· New shops, restaurants and cafes including a children’s toy shop (Just For Kids), gift and home décor shop (The Store Room) and a new burger restaurant (Dexter’s Kitchen).

We're off for a visit next year with our new addition so i'll let you know how we get on.

In the meantime, why don't you pop over and have a look for yourselves at www.centerparcs.co.uk or give them a ring on 08448 266 266, they're always happy to help. You might even like to check out their official UK Facebook page www.facebook.com/CenterParcsUK I think they're worth a "Like"

Breaks in 2012 start from as little as £249 so they won't break the bank, Happy Holidays


Donna..x