Wednesday Photo Inspiration 30/05/2012

I was going to post these pictures and thought I would incorporate them into Wednesday Photo Inspiration.

The flowers are absolutely gorgeous and the Thorntons chocolates yummy - I just had to try a few.They were given to me by a grateful client at work. Work was beginning to depress me and she really cheered me up and made my day!

Henry Van Dyke: “It is not the gift, but the thought that counts.”

Gone but never forgotten

There's no other love like the love for a brother.  There's no other love like the love from a brother.  

Terri Guillemets

Another year has passed since my brother's death. But it still seems like yesterday. We have learned to live our lives without him but the pain is still there - I doubt that will ever go....

It still feels like yesterday when the police knocked on our doors and just seeing their expressions struck dread and fear into our hearts.

It still feels like yesterday having to call dad back from work without revealing why until he stepped foot into the door.

It still feels like yesterday having to tell our other brother on the phone as he freaked out and wouldn't come home until we told him why we were asking him to come home.

It still feels like yesterday when people came round to supposedly offer their condolences when in fact it turned into a jolly reunion for them all.

It still feels like yesterday when we went to the mortuary to say goodbye to you and it led to nightmares for me. 

It still feels like yesterday I could not sleep alone in my room and our sister had to stay with me while our parents went abroad.

It still feels like yesterday that you were still a part of our lives.

Today you are still in our thoughts and will continue to remain in them for as long as we live.

Inna lillahi wa inna illayhi rajioon.

To Allah we belong and to Him is our return.

Silent Sunday 27-05-2012

Week 23 ~ Pregnancy Update

Dear Baby,

I am not sure why you are determined to make mummy's scans difficult. Either you are very shy or simply like playing games; I hope it is the first.

It is NOT funny hiding your face behind your hands when that is the one thing that the sonographer has brought me back to the hospital to check. Usually you are pretty active but all of a sudden, when it is time for the scan, you suddenly felt sleepy, and when you eventually showed your face you appeared to be yawning. I am sorry but are we boring you?

Even going for a walk and eating some chocolate (when I shouldn't) wouldn't make you move but luckily the sonographer managed to check what she needed to!

Oh and it is not nice hiding things so I couldn't find out if you are a girl or boy. We think we know what you are but can't be sure 100%.

And I love the way as soon as I left the hospital you started kicking like mad again and were clearly wide awake.

Please behave at your next scan!

Love Mum.

As you can see we had fun at the scan again. Due to the awkward position bubs was lying in we couldn't even get a decent picture. However they finally managed to check everything they needed and everything is ok Alhamdulillah; that is the main thing.

I had an appointment with the midwife aswell this week and heard bubs heartbeat for the first time. It never ceases to amaze me and that's when it hits me that I am not one but two.

My next appointment now is not until mid June so probably won't update until then!

Oh and forgot to tell you all I got my pushchair!! I normally wouldn't buy this early but the deal was too good to miss!

Friday Wisdom 25~5~2012

A simple religious quote today.

It is reported that Abû Bakr Al-Siddîq – Allâh be pleased with him – said,

One of the worst sins is a person taking his sin lightly.

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Wednesday Photo Inspiration 23/05/2012 - Flowers!

I keep buying plants every year for my garden and I just wanted to share some pictures of some of the flowers so far as I love them!! 

Will share more as and when they flower!

Each flower is a soul opening out to nature.
Gerard De Nerval

Join in with Dana for Wednesday Photo Inspiration.

When to take Maternity Leave

One of the questions on a working pregnant mum's mind is when to take maternity leave and it is something that I have been debating for the last few months.

Basically there are 2 options:

• I take it as soon as a I can to give me a bit of a rest and prepare for the baby's arrival - shopping and decorating.
• I take it as late as possible so that I have more time with baby before I return to work.

I can start my maternity leave at the beginning of July and I have to inform my employers in the next few weeks so I really need to make a definite decision.

With munchkin I worked until 4 weeks before my due date to give me a bit of a rest before she arrived; she arrived 2 weeks early.

However this time my job is more stressful, and because of the diabetes I have so many extra appointments which will add to the stress when I am rushing around everywhere.

Part of me wants to continue working. Going to work gives me a set routine, even with my meals which is important for the diabetes, and makes the time go quicker. The plus side of working late is you end up having more time with baby before returning to work - you get a years maternity leave.

However, I am at risk of being made redundant while on maternity leave so am unlikely to have a job to return to anyway. So in that sense it does't matter when I take maternity leave as I won't have to rush back when my leave ends.

Another plus side of taking it in July is that munchkin will be on her school holidays. It will be the perfect opportunity to spend time with her in the holidays and start to prepare her for the baby's arrival.

In addition to this it will be Ramadan and I would rather not be at work during Ramadan, my parents would have to look after her while fasting and I don't want to put that pressure on them even though she generally is no trouble.

Today was also a bad day at work. I had to deal with a client who seriously makes my blood pressure rise and this pretty much convinced me to take my maternity leave as soon as I can. Although this means my income will drop sooner rather than later, my health is more important. I don't want to be dealing with stroppy members of the public when I don't have to.

Roll on end of July.

Review: Flea Clear Spot on

I know this is not a usual topic I blog on but I have sometimes mentioned my sisters cat. I generally refer to him as the evil one as he doesn't like munchkin.

Look at the look of terror in his eyes when he realised she has come to visit him again:

When I was offered the chance to review some flea treatment, I offered it to my sister who agreed. Her cat's health is a top concern for her as he is pretty much part of her family. De-fleaing is important to her seeing as she is a complete clean freak and let's face it, no one wants fleas in the house.

We showed the box to Thomas (that's his name) and he appeared quite uninterested.

The treatment comes in a small tube which you have to apply on the shoulders and neck, pretty much the same as any other treatment. Quite simple really.

The treatment does come with good, clear instructions on how to use the product.

.

1 tube is effective for up to 5 weeks for cats over 1kg.

It is safe for use in households with both dogs and cats.

It is available in 1,2 and 3 tube packs

Disclaimer: I was sent the product for the purposes of review. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Please also note that cats can react differently to treatments.

Week 22 ~ Pregnancy Update

I had my second appointment with the diabetic clinic at the hospital on Thursday. I am grateful that they are looking after me but am getting so tired of all the extra appointments!

Basically they weigh me, take my blood pressure and check my urine. I then see a midwife for a quick chat about any concerns. Next is the pregnancy consultant for a quick chat and finally the diabetes consultant. I only spend less than 5 minutes with each of them but this time I was at the hospital for over an hour and a half just waiting to see them all.

I have lost weight again. They are not overly concerned about the weight loss yet but did say I should be putting it on now rather than losing it. So had a bit of a lecture about making sure I am not starving myself and to eat protein and vegetables.... when all I want is a big huge bar of Galaxy chocolate {sigh}.

They were very pleased with my blood testing results and the pregnancy consultant said she would give me a gold star if they handed gold stars out - ummm hello??! Is this pre-school?

The diabetic consultant was also pleased with my results and said they were the best they had seen so far all morning. However because my morning results can yo-yo a bit, he decided to increase my morning medication to 2 tablets instead of 1. I now have to keep an eye on that incase the dosage ends up too strong but today I actually managed to have full fat milk and keep my levels low.

I have to see them again in 4 weeks time but ring in with my results each week.

Next: Midwife on Tuesday and scan on Friday

And to carry on checking my blood sugar levels 3 times a day. Fun(!)

Sponsored Video: What's that?

I must admit when munchkin was younger I struggled with the whole cooking at home in bulk and freezing portions so I did a bit of research as to what was available in the shops. One of the brands I did try was Organix and munchkin did seem to like their jars.

Organix now offer the Organix Mighty Meals range, described as ' nutritious, wholesome meals, perfect for growing toddlers ready to move on from baby puree with lumps to more textured foods.'

There are a number of meals available, but if like me you would be looking for the vegetarian options because the meat isn't halal, then there are 2 meals suitable: Herby Salmon and Potato Bites, and Spinach Falafels.

What appeals to me personally about Organix is that they state that they use the 'finest, organic ingrediants', and they have a 'No Junk Promise'. This promise guarantees that their foods are safe, pure and nutritious and contain NO hidden nasties such as salt, starches and preservatives. I do not want my children to be eating just 'anything' but if they are eating ready made meals then I would prefer it to be organic and no unnecessary extras thrown in.

Take a look at this simply adorable advert from Organix.




If you like the Organix brand then you can enter a competition on facebook to win a hamper full of Organix food and the outfits featured in the video.

Disclaimer: This post has been sponsored by Organix but all thoughts are my own.

REVIEW: Bettercare Comfy Sleep Pregnancy Cushion

When pregnant, as you get bigger (fatter!!) one of the things that suffers is your sleep. I remember in my first pregnancy how uncomfortable I started to feel in my second trimester and I purchased a full length body pillow. Although it helped it did take up a lot of space on the bed.

So when I saw an opportunity to review the Bettercare Pregnancy Cushion I offered to review it as it was smaller and seemed ideal.

Image from Hello Baby website

The cushion is designed to give your bump support and help improve your sleep during pregnancy. 

Features: (as per the website)

• Soft and supportive cushion aids peaceful sleep in pregnancy.
• Ergonomically designed wedge shape takes weight off the tummy and relieves discomfort and backache in bed.
• Adaptable for a variety of other uses, including back support for home and car and also supports baby when sleeping to prevent rolling.
• Very useful to raise baby's head if baby is suffering from a cold, colic or ear infection.
• Removable machine washable cover with replacements available.

So how did I find it?

At the moment my bump is not huge even though I am over half way through my pregnancy, but I feel that it will support my bump as it gets bigger. It is soft and supportive, but if you are used to softer body pillows then you may find it a bit hard initially.

However, if you are one of the mums that prefers full body pillows then this cushion has many other uses. I am already beginning to experience back pain and the cushion is an ideal support, and I am considering taking it into work with me. I also love the fact that you can use it to raise baby's head during illness. 

You can find more information about the cushion here.
You can browse further products from Hello Baby here.

Disclaimer: I was sent the cushion for the purposes of a review. However all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Friday Wisdom ~ 18/05/2012

 “You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.”

James Allen

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16/05/2012 Wednesday Photo Inspiration

I took munchkin to a farm at the weekend. My favourite animals at any farm at the horses. I could stand and watch them all day.

A horse is the projection of peoples' dreams about themselves - strong, powerful, beautiful - and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence. 

 ~Pam Brown

Join Dana with Wednesday Photo Inspiration

REVIEW: Maternicare Pre & Post Natal Nourishing Cream

While pregnant you have to look after your skin. My skin gets very dry and itchy and at times can be unbearable. I generally am quite bad at looking after my skin but during pregnancy I have to make the effort or I end up looking like an animal that has fleas with the amount I end up itching.

There are various products currently in the market for dry skin but when I was offered the chance to review Maternicare I just had to try it as I am always on the look out for good products, particularly because my skin is also very sensitive.

So what is good about Maternicare and how does it help? Taken from their website:

 It's a blend of rich plant oils and essential vitamins developed especially to nourish and care for your skin as your bump grows, and then later support your body as it recovers. The gentle, hypoallergenic formula is packed full of pro-vitamin B5, almond, avocado and grape seed oils, as well as vitamin E and soothing calendula.

Massaging MaterniCare, into your breasts, tummy, thighs, hips and bottom 2-3 times a day will help keep your skin strong, smooth and supple through your entire pregnancy journey.

I was using another product before I was sent Maternicare to review. That product, although it helped relieve the itching I was experiencing, wasn't a cream I was overly fond of. It felt heavy when applied and I could still feel it on my skin even after rubbing it in - that made me feel really uncomfortable.

Part of me was nervous trying out Maternicare. I didn't want to use a cream that smelt strong or felt 'heavy' on the skin. However I needn't have worried. The cream has a fragrance that is light and not overbearing. It was easy to rub in and afterwards I did not feel like I had a layer of cream still stuck on my skin.

So does it work?

Well with regular use it has eased the itching. Will it prevent stretchmarks? I cannot comment on that at the moment because my tummy is yet to get huge but so far I have not noticed any new stretchmarks.

I enjoyed using the Maternicare and will likely purchase more and continue to use it throughout my pregnancy.

Would you like to be involved with Maternicare?


Maternicare is still a new product and they are looking for mums to help them with their media work. If you are pregnant or have recently given birth and are willing to be a case study for Maternicare then please contact Maternicare direct.

You can contact them via twitter: @mumtobeskincare

CLOSED: Book Reviews and Giveaway: Stuff Every Dad should Know and The Art of Roughhousing

Giveaway now closed:

Winners:

The Art of Roughhousing: Emma Cella (legs21)

Stuff Every Dad Should Know: @TweetwithHelen

Congratulations!!

When I was offered the chance to review two parenting books I almost said no. Why? Because I hate the way some books pretty much have the attitude that it is 'Their way or the highway'. You have to do exactly what they say and if you don't, you start to feel like a bad, incapable parent. To me each child is different and you should trust your own instincts as a parent, so I generally avoid parenting books as if they are the plague.

However I was pleasantly surprised to find that these books were different and I actually managed to read them through and enjoyed them.

Stuff Every Dad Should Know by Brett Cohen

Ok so I am not a dad, but even I managed to pick up some useful tips from the book. And the tips are written in a witty, humourous way which don't make you feel like you are being dictated to as some parent books do. I often found myself chuckling away to myself.

The book comes in sections to take you all the way through fatherhood:

• Baby Stuff
• Little Kid Stuff
• Big Kid Stuff
• Teen Stuff and Beyond

The book covers things from changing a diaper, to ridding a room of monsters, to the talk about birds and bees to meeting the child's in laws. I was also pleased to see a section entitled 'Five tips for caring for your wife or partner', mentioning the most important aspect - support.

You may not agree with everything that is written but it certainly makes entertaining reading with a mixture of serious and fun tips. 

The Art of Roughhousing by Anthony T. DeBenedet and Lawrence J. Cohen

My brother and hubby always used to throw munchkin around and every time they did I almost had a nervous breakdown. I was uncertain if they should be doing it incase they hurt her. So this book was ideal for me to read to get a better idea of roughhousing and put my mind at rest.

This book focuses on how rough play can 'nurture close connections, solve behaviour problems, boost confidence, and more.' It gives examples of some roughhousing games with simple illustrated pictures showing how they can be conducted safely. For example, Futaleufu Mattress Rafting - basically sitting on a mattress and going down the stairs!

There are dozens of examples in the book. They include the ages the games are suitable for, the difficulty level and the essential skill required.

The book is a must have for those who wish to conduct some 'roughhousing' with their child safely.

Giveaway!!!

I am lucky enough to be able to offer my readers a chance to win a copy of either book. All you have to do is leave a comment below stating which book you would prefer a copy of and why. Simple. 

For extra entries you can:

• Follow me on Twitter and tweet 'I want to win a parenting book with @muslimmummies. You can too, enter here http://bit.ly/L1BLXk'.
• Follow me on Google Friends Connect or Networked Blogs
• Follow me on Facebook

Giveaway will close Monday 21st May 2012 at 9pm (UK time)
Giveaway open only to UK and Northern Ireland

Winners will be chosen using Random.org

Winners have 48 hours to contact me, and then the giveaway will be redrawn.

Good Luck!

Disclaimer: I was offered a copy of each book for the purposes of a review. However all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Silent Sunday 13/05/2012

A lovely goody bag from Vivid Toys

I didn't realise that Vivid Toys were planning on giving the first 20 bloggers who followed them on twitter a goody bag. So when they asked for my details I was shocked.

I was pleasantly surprised when the goody bag arrived. Look at all the things they kindly sent us!

When munchkin arrived home from school she was over the moon and I had an excited little girl to deal with all evening! 

My favourite has to be the Fluffling Mini:

It's weird but cute and I was tempted to hang it in the car! It even comes with it's own little comb.

Munchkin loved the twistable crayons and set straight to drawing. I have a little artist in the making!

The teddies/dolls immediately found a place in her bedroom and she was excited by the moshi monsters and the glow bracelet.

Thank you again Vivid Toys, you made my munchkin's day!

If you would like more information about Vivid Toys then check out their website here.

Disclaimer: I was sent a Goody Bag by Vivid Toys. However I was not asked to do a review or write about any of their products.

Week 21 ~ Pregnancy Update

Alhamdulillah!

I can't believe I am already half way through the pregnancy. Only seems like yesterday that I saw this:

I had my 20 week scan on the 4th May but due to laptop issues I couldn't post my update. 

Bubs was totally not cooperating at the scan. Had it's back and bum showing rather than the front and it's face. Therefore it made it difficult for all the checks to be made. 

I was asked to do some star jumps to see if that would make bubs move. That was so embarrassing!  

But did bubs move??

NO! 

It seemed to be totally comfortable and determined to make the scan as difficult as it could, but it did slightly move so that some of the checks could be conducted. I managed to see the heart so clearly that I could see the 4 different chambers mashAllah.

But because they could not check the face I had to book another scan for 3 weeks. They also could not tell me if it was a boy or girl because s/he had it's legs curled up and hiding it's 'bits'.

It has been discovered that I have an anterior low lying placenta. Because the placenta is low (covering baby's exit), I need a further scan at 32 weeks to ensure it has moved. If it doesn't move, then I will have to have a c-section. I am not overly concerned with this because I had a low lying placenta with munchkin and it had moved by the end.

So now in the run up to September I have 6 extra scans! (4 because of the diabetes).

Well at least I can keep seeing bubs and seeing how s/he is developing!

The diabetes is pretty much still under control with the medication. BUT the sugar levels do seem to be creeping up again slowly. I have a feeling that they may end up increasing my medication - I really want to try to avoid having insulin injections. I still seem to be losing weight and that is beginning to worry me; but I am seeing the diabetes team again next week so will see what they say.

NEW Sudocrem sunscreen mousse - REVIEW

The majority of mums will know the brand sudocrem for their nappy nash cream. I used it on munchkin and will use it again for munchkin number 2.

Sudocrem have recently launched a new product the Sudocrem sunscreen mousse and I was sent one to review. 

In all honesty I never used to bother with sunscreen but since having munchkin I have realised how important kids sun protection is.

Unfortunately the sun has been a bit sparse in our region at the moment and when it has decided to show it's face, it has been playing hide and seek. However, this week we did have some sun so  we decided to quickly use the mousse before the rain came back in force.

I have had some bad experience with sun creme in the past, too runny, doesn't smell nice, leaves an oily feel and I thought this would probably be the same.

How wrong I was.

The mousse comes up all light and fluffy (not runny) and therefore is easy to apply. No drips anywhere! It rubs in very quickly and you are not left with an oily feel everywhere and it left my hands feeling smooth after applying it. As it rubs in quickly you are not spending ages applying it on a child who just wants to go out and play. It has SPF 50 which is ideal for young skin and has 4 star UVA protection. 

I also love the fact that is has not been tested on animals and the can is made from 90% recycled aluminium.

I will definitely use it again - when the sun decides to make an appearance and actually stick around!

As described by Sudocrem on their website: 

A revolutionary factor 50 sun protection mousse for babies & children

• Using Proderm Technology®, designed for young children and babies
• Hypoallergenic, paraben/preservative/perfume/additive free
• Four-star UVA protection
• Easy and quick to apply, even to impatient little ones
• Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
• More effective than many existing cosmetic sunscreens
• Absorbed into the skin to give long-lasting protection from UVA and UVB radiation
• Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• Also protects against irritation from salt, chlorine, sand and wind burn
• Rapidly absorbed and does not leave a greasy residue on the skin
• More resistant to water and towel-drying than conventional sunscreens
• Does not block the pores of the skin, allowing it to breath naturally

Disclaimer: I was sent a sunscreen mousse for the purposes of review. However all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lice - Every parents nightmare

Munchkin never got lice. That is until she started school!

The first time was within weeks of starting reception and she passed them on to me. Having long hair leads to a nightmare scenario of trying to get them out.

What made it worse was that I hadn't initially spotted them. Well I had no experience of lice did I??

I had taken her to the hairdresser to get her fringe cut. The hairdresser was quite happily parting her hair and then she paused and frowned. I noticed her looking closer. Even then I didn't realise. I mean why would I? My daughter couldn't get headlice. Not possible!

But yes it was the dreaded lice.

I was mortified. How embarrassing was that? To be told in front of others in the salon that they couldn't cut her hair because of the lice.

I ran straight out the salon to the chemist next door to find out about headlice treatment! 

The trick really with head lice is patience - you need to go through the hair to make sure you have got all the eggs and lice. And do a further treatment after a few weeks to catch any you have missed.

I don't like using chemicals too much so am always on the look out for tips, tricks and new inventions that don't use chemical such as the Lousebuster device which claims to be a revolutionary new way to kill lice.

I was advised of a few natural remedies by friends:

Tea tea oil conditioner is supposed to help keep them away

Wash the hair in vinegar

A solution of vinegar, lemon and olive oil

Salt apparently helps to take the eggs out

Now I haven't tried any of the tips mentioned but next time munchkin gets lice I will be willing to have a go as I hate the things. Even thinking about them is making my head feel itchy!!

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.